Page 67 of Searching for the Prince
“He dialled into my mirror. Don’t ask me to explain how, just he’s got new gifts and he used them to let me know what happened with the lich and to offer his support.”
He liked the idea of having someone with him who was on his side. Not that he knew Simon, he was the Viscount of MacLove and therefore Gwil was nowhere near his equal. “He’d do that for me?”
“Yes. For both of us. We’re part of the reason he’s home, and he won’t forget that. Having him there will make waves, even without him being with you, because of his tribe, but adding you into the equation will cause an even bigger stir.”
Gwil laughed, realising the game Hyax was playing. “You want me and Simon to upstage your wedding.”
“Why not? It’s not like I care. I haven’t mentioned Simon’s attendance to my parents yet as all the tribes would have been sent an invite out of respect. They won’t be expecting the Calanti to accept but they can’t rescind his invitation. I just need to let them know he’ll be sitting with you.”
“Perhaps, since you’re embracing a new wave of honesty, you might want to tell her about you and Metra dating way back. Given all the other shit flying around, it’s barely worth a second whisper.”
Hyax nodded. “I had wanted to find a different way to sidestep the consummation, and if I’d had more time, I’m sure I would have found something, but I can’t see another option.”
“What do think your mum will say?”
“I’m not sure. The sneaking around and with an enemy of the tribe is far more akin to treason than anything I’ve done with you.”
Gwil had put Hyax and Metra’s fling in a category alongside Romeo and Juliet, but with less poison and daggers, but in reality, it would have caused a far bigger fallout at the time.
“Even with us marrying, I’m not sure it wouldn’t be an issue if it became public knowledge now.” He bit his lip. “I did think I could leverage it as a way to get out of the wedding but the clusterfuck it’d cause would be too dramatic.”
“What? Too dramatic even for you?”
Hyax shoved him and laughed. “Cheeky shit.”
He lunged forward and kissed Hyax, pouring his love and desire into his kiss. “Let’s go to bed. We can figure everything else out later.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
Hyax reread the vows for a third time, making sure there was nothing hidden in the language that might be construed as romantic or a declaration of love. The words about loyalty weren’t directed to each other, but to their tribes, and the continued building of a relationship was about their people, not what they would experience.
“Hyax, if you keep reading that you’ll burn a hole through the page.” He was in his mother’s private office, going over several items and ensuring he was happy. She handed him another piece of paper. “Finalised guest list. When were you going to tell me?”
He looked down the list of names and saw Prince Simon with a note about Gwil and seating arrangements. “It’s only natural, given the service I performed, that Simon would wish to attend as a show of thanks and solidarity.”
“Right, and that he will be seated with the Prince’s Beloved?” She raised an eyebrow. “He is recently married himself. I would have thought he’d have brought his husband.”
“Robin’s a busy man. And Simon’s representing a fae tribe, not the vampires, which could be perceived to be Robin’s position.”
“If he is sitting with Gwil, then Prince Simon is broadcasting his allegiance loud and clear.”
Hyax smirked. “I suppose he is.”
“I see as well that you’ve vetoed having a collar bearer. That’s usually a specific role.”
“I’ve already stipulated I won’t exchange collars. We can do the ribbons and a bangle, and that’s coming off the minute the reception is over. I will not be marked as his or have him marked as mine.”
“Hyax,” Talia said, his voice softer than he’d expected. “You do need to make some compromises.”
“I’ve compromised enough by marrying Metra. I’ll be there in my finery, say the words and attend the reception, but that’s all I’m willing to do.”
“I know we are concerned about the origins of the request for this marriage, but Metra seems a reasonable young man. You might grow fond of him over time.” She sat and placed her hand on his arm. “We also need to discuss your wedding night. I know it is an uncomfortable topic, and I’m sure you’ve spoken to Gwil, but there is a consummation element.”
He had intended to tell her and now was as good a time as any. “I’m not going to fuck Metra and before you say anything, he’s not going to fuck me.”
“Hyax—”
“No, Mother, there’s something I need to admit to, and I don’t think you’ll be too happy about it. But it’s why I know I’ll never grow fond of Metra, I doubt we’ll ever even be friends.”
