Page 7 of Searching for the Prince
“I get it, but we’re stronger together, and throwing shit around won’t help.” Gwil would do a lot of things for Hyax, but he had to have some boundaries, he was too old to let himself get pushed about by a jealous boyfriend. “He might try and wind you up, he’s a master at finding someone’s weakness and exploiting it—don’t let him get to you.”
By the time they’d finished dressing and emerged outside, there was a car waiting. London’s evening traffic was as bad as ever, and Gwil thought it would have been a lot quicker if they’d taken the Tube. Flume’s residence was in Camden—they’d visited before as part of the case they’d worked to find the Stone of Ljin. Hyax was clearly agitated, and their conversation had dwindled to nothing, Gwil coaxing out the odd monosyllabicgrunt but he thought it best not to poke the dragon too much. They arrived at Flume’s house, his goblin secretary there to meet them.
“Your Highness, Mr Hilt, if you would follow me. Mr Flume and his guest are waiting for you.”
Flume’s house was more modern than expected given his age and position in vampire society. Gwil’s guard was up, even as a returning visitor—senior vampires didn’t tend to be good hosts to those they considered little better than dinner if they didn’t want something.
They were shown into a parlour. “I’ll inform Mr Flume you’re here.”
Gwil swallowed as Solivatus entered. From the first moment Gwil had met him in a laudanum den in the 1840s, Solivatus had given off a raw sexual energy that had resulted in Gwil making a reckless decision that had changed him forever. The term silver fox didn’t do Solivatus justice. As long as Gwil had known him, he’d had grey hair worn tied back in a low ponytail, but now he had a neatly trimmed beard and moustache. He looked as if he had a new collection of tattoos too as Gwil didn’t recognise the ones poking out from under his cuffs and open collar.
For most vampires there was a connection between them and their sire that was unbreakable, it wasn’t always sexual, but in his case, it was alongside a huge dose of reverence.
He got to his feet. “Solivatus,” he said with a nod.
“Gwil, modern clothing suits you—you are looking very well, indeed. Please sit.” Solivatus turned to Hyax, his smile no longer reaching his eyes. “Your Highness, thank you for coming. I hear congratulations are in order.”
Gwil sat and Hyax tensed beside him, and he wondered if Hyax was thinking the same and somehow Solivatus had heard word of Metra. “If I thought you were offering them sincerely, I would accept,” Hyax said, not giving anything away.
Solivatus smirked. “I am nothing if not concerned for Gwil’s happiness. I just hope that you are one of the rare faes who can fight the habit of a lifetime and not be a complete prick towards your vampiric intended.”
So for now the cat was still in the bag, but Gwil was relieved by the diversion and slightly taken aback by the sniping between his sire and his boyfriend. Solivatus didn’t give a flying fuck about anyone, and Hyax usually wasn’t a posturing arsehole, so it was strange for them to be bitching at each other over him.
Flume arrived, perfect timing for a much-needed diversion.
“Ah, gentleman. Thank you for coming.” Flume poured three glasses of blood. “Don’t worry, Your Highness, I’ve ambrosia in the other decanter.”
“I don’t know, a bit of blood might put some colour in his cheeks,” Solivatus drawled. “Mind you, Gwil’s a fine lad, I’m sure he can pep you up.”
Flume cleared his throat and handed out the drinks. “Thank you both for coming so swiftly. I have a delicate matter to discuss and I’m sure Solivatus will behave himself, at least for a little while.”
Gwil thought Hyax was one comment away from walking out, and he wouldn’t give a fuck about something the vampires might think delicate, although he might like to wipe the smirk off Solivatus’s face.
“To be frank, Mr Flume, unless there is some great political catastrophe about to explode then I don’t see why I’d care,” Hyax said.
“Funny you should describe the situation in such a manner. This isn’t solely vampire business, and I’m approaching you on behalf of King James, or as we call him the Dark Earl of MacLove.”
“Are you telling me this is related to the Calanti?” Hyax asked, his disbelief evident.
“And the Houses of Hewel and Cartwright. You attended the wedding of Prince Simon and Robin Flint. I know Prince Simon approached you about restoring civilities between your tribes, so I hope you will hear us out.”
Solivatus leant forward. “I apologise for my previous uncouth remarks, now is neither the place nor the time for posturing. I asked you here because I thought you and Gwil might be in the position to help where others wouldn’t.”
This must be serious as Gwil had never heard of Solivatus apologising before.
“Help with what?” Hyax appeared to be willing to listen, but Gwil could tell by his expression he would be ready to fire a bolt of pointy magic at Solivatus for the merest infraction.
“Prince Simon has been kidnapped,” Flume said. “There’s seemingly no trace of him, and we were hoping you’d be able to help find him.”
Gwil watched Hyax for his reaction. The kidnapping of a man of Prince Simon’s standing would be big news, and he’d not even heard a whisper about it. Vampires could close ranks like no other, but this was also fae business and they were gossipy bastards at the best of times, but throw in the Calanti and tongues would wag so hard they’d fall out.
Hyax scowled. “How would we be able to locate him since I assume you’ve not been able to and we’d be several options down the list?”
Flume kept his composure, Gwil was impressed. “His parents seem to think you might have a way due to your vampire boyfriend, and that you’d be more willing to help than some fae.”
“Right, so you’re saying King James and Queen Hylei asked for me?” Hyax sounded incredulous.
“Yes, and I have something called a spark that Queen Hylei said to give to you if you were to entertain the notion.” Flumewas as diplomatic as they came, or he was a great actor—Gwil couldn’t call it. “But I can share some details up front.”
