Page 23 of Bleeding for the Prince
“I’m not sure your mother would approve.”
“That’s never been a reason for me not to do something.”
Hyax didn’t know how much Simon had been exposed to the human world. He’d probably had his fun in the fae realm before marrying Robin, but it was a very different experience. Robin would have introduced him to the places he frequented, although Hyax didn’t recall seeing Simon in the clubs he preferred, but then Simon’s husband was a vampire, and that was a different scene.
“Do you have something in mind?”
“Drinks, dinner, maybe some dancing. There’s a new place in Kensington that I’ve been meaning to try.”
“Wouldn’t Gwil object to me taking your time?”
“No, why would he?” He couldn’t gauge the meaning behind the question, but didn’t think it was about Gwil.
“I just find that vampires can be a little hypocritical.”
“I think this is a conversation we should have over a fine first-press ambrosia.”
Simon smiled. He was an attractive man, and Hyax had so many questions to ask about him and Robin. “I can be ready in twenty minutes. How dressy should I go?”
“Not full-on fae court, but to impress. Let’s meet at Dionysus. They will be delighted to have our patronage.”
He hadn’t planned to go out, but the idea of spending time with Simon appealed; what he’d seen he liked, and Hyax thought they could be friends, not just allies. He shot off a text to Gwil to let him know his plans and received a reply about not getting too wankered or he’d make him clean Midnight’s litter tray.
Dionysus had only opened a few weeks ago, and its popularity had spread by word of mouth. Cikla had mentioned the place and had said they should go, but he knew his old friend was back in the fae realm for her younger brother’s birthday. He selected one of his new suits and a sheer shirt, and then took a photo and sent it to Gwil.
Hyax: Thought you’d appreciate my outfit. Don’t worry, others might look, but no one else gets to touch.
Gwil: They better fucking not, or I will drain the fuckers dry.
Boyfriend riled, and correct response received, Hyax opened a portal feeling smug. He arrived at the reception of Dionysus, a dark and minimalist area Hyax had thought would be as opulentas its name suggested, but instead it fell a little short of his expectations.
“Good evening, sir. How can I help you?” The host was a glamorous witch wearing a figure-hugging red velvet dress and she was holding a tablet.
“I’m not a member yet, but I’m sure we can resolve that.”
Her tablet vibrated. “Your Highness, welcome to Dionysus. You are, of course, more than welcome and would be automatically granted elite membership.”
Whatever tech she was using must’ve had a role in identifying and verifying guests, he thought it might be on the illegal side, but he’d let it go for now. “A friend will be joining me, I trust you can find myself and Prince Simon a suitable place for us to sit undisturbed.”
“Our VIP area has privacy booths and a dedicated server. Please follow me.”
A pair of double doors swung open to give Hyax his first glimpse. The bar was low-lit, which, along with the soft music, gave the place a vibe of a human jazz club without the dingy corners, and had a colour scheme of deep reds and purples with gold tones. He could see why his fellow fae were so enamoured. He was shown to a corner booth, where he could watch the world go by but wouldn’t be bothered. There was a dance floor on the other side of the bar. A few couples were swaying entwined together, and he suspected the influence was more chemical than romance in several cases.
His host left with his drink order, and he noticed glances in his direction as he was recognised. A carafe of ambrosia and two glasses arrived, and he was scrolling on his phone and sipping from his drink when Simon appeared. He was dressed in a black suit and a blood-red shirt that fitted so perfectly the tailor should be proud. His long black hair was worn loose but kept in place by a couple of well-placed braids. He was beautiful, and theappreciative looks told Hyax he wasn’t the only one to think the same.
He slid next to him in the booth. “This place has a very different feel to it than the places I usually go.”
“I guess those are vampire clubs. Tonight, you’re embracing your fae side.”
Simon took a sip of his ambrosia. “I would do well to remember to do that more often.”
“You are in a difficult position, with your tribe and your vampire affiliations; it’s understandable that your allegiances are different.”
“I can easily make excuses if I want, but after recent developments, I think there might be a changing of the tide, and the Calanti should look to move closer to our fae brethren.”
Hyax wasn’t sure what Simon was alluding to, but his mother had made a similar comment, and Simon seemed open to talk. “Care to share?”
“Have you spoken recently to your sister, Qual?”
