Page 27 of Searching for the Prince
“Just don’t go falling for the lies of pretty men. Metra isn’t next in line for his mother’s throne, so he needs her blessing to have any political clout, sending Sitial smacks of an attempt to try and manipulate Hyax. Keep your eyes open and look after him.”
She opened a portal and was gone.
“Fucking fae,” he muttered and began the trudge back home.
CHAPTER TEN
Hyax had hoped to be at home to hear what Copperpipe had to say but his mother had turned up in person and had threatened to drag him through a portal by his hair if he didn’t come with her directly. Which was why he was now sitting opposite Metra and Queen Vaness rather than curled around Gwil in post-orgasmic bliss.
Despite wanting to pitch an absolute toddler tantrum, he knew better than not to be on his best behaviour and not let Metra rile him. Otherwise, his mother would take over all negotiations and cite his childish actions as just reason.
To be fair, Metra was being civil and respectful, which annoyed him even more. He’d always been attractive, with black hair and a square jaw, and eyes that did legitimately sparkle like sapphires at times. “I do understand that an arranged marriage wasn’t your preferred choice, Hyax,” Metra said. “But I’m hoping we can find some common ground.”
Talia nodded. “On paper, you are both well-suited. Similar backgrounds and pedigrees, interests and social circles—with some exceptions. I see no reason why you shouldn’t grow to be fond of each other.”
Hyax counted to ten before he answered. “If I wasn’t already in love with someone, then I might have agreed. The situation is more delicate than two single princes being wed at the behest of their families.”
“You are insisting on keeping your vampire… friend?” Vaness asked, looking as if someone had waved golem shit under her nose. She was a beautiful woman, Metra having inherited her features, but her scrunched face made her look harsh and sour.
“Yes. If this marriage is going forward, I have some specific stipulations relating to him and under fae law, I have every right to insist.” Political marriages had rules and customs passed down the ages, he would be relying on them. “I will want Gwilym Hilt registered as the Prince’s Beloved.”
“That is a grand title,” Vaness said.
Hyax was about to launch into a prepared speech when his mother beat him to it. “Hyax is well within his rights to assign the title as he desires. Gwil might not be suitable as a husband, but I have no concern with Hyax’s judgement regarding Gwil as a special partner.”
Hyax was lost for words. Of all the ways he could see this conversation going, none of his scenarios had his mother defending Gwil.
“He’s a vampire, and not an important one either. If he had been someone of note I could understand the fascination, but surely this is a fad that will pass,” Vaness said, she wasn’t sneering or being demonstrative and sounded as if she was just stating facts.
“I will not be drawn on this topic,” Talia said. “Suffice to say, Hyax is exerting his right for a harem, the same right Metra would be allowed.”
Vaness glanced at her son. “I think Metra was hoping to explore an option of a more than cordial relationship with Hyax.Perhaps, Hyax would consider a temporary separation from his Gwil fellow to get to know Metra better.”
“No.” Hyax wasn’t going to agree to anything that meant giving up Gwil.
“You could consider the proposal,” Vaness pressed.
“I will do my duty, marry a man I have no care for, but I will not give up my beloved.”
They had no way to force the issue. He’d play by the rules, malicious compliance would become his favourite sport if needed.
Talia cleared her throat. “As I have previously communicated, Prince Hyax is willing to wed Prince Metra, but this is not a love match, and my son has told us all plainly that he has someone he will not be parted from. That is the starting point, so let us begin by setting a date.”
His mother was not used to being argued with and for once Hyax was glad of her tenacity.
“The sooner the better,” Metra said. “We need to allow time for preparation but with our combined effort we’d need only weeks, days even, if planned correctly.”
Hyax didn’t know why Metra would push for a quick resolution, apart from him being a controlling prick, and he wasn’t going to be bullied.
“I need more time. I have agreed to assist the Vampire Council with a missing persons case. Solivatus, Gwil’s sire, requested our help. Once we are done, then we can set a date.”
Vaness scoffed. “You helping a non-fae means nothing, I see no reason to delay.”
“It pertains to the son of the Dark Duke of MacLove.”
“King James of the Calanti?” Vaness asked.
“I cannot give details, but I am doing nothing that would not be beneficial to my tribe, or indeed the Elementa. If I were toback out now there would be serious repercussions on several fronts.”
