Page 52 of Bleeding for the Prince
“They were in Croatia?”
Robin chuckled. “I know you think I can be a bit of a muppet, but I don’t forget places we’ve been together because being with you makes anywhere extra special.”
Their starters arrived, which avoided an awkward moment as Robin and Simon were staring at each other as if they were the only ones in the room. Hyax wasn’t used to people being so demonstrative. It wasn’t the fae way, and from what he’d seen of vampire society, it wasn’t normal practice for them either.
The food was amazing, but then the bar had been set high by the martinis. They all had something different. Hyax’s soup was one of the best he’d had, and Gwil was making appreciative noises over some sort of pâté.
A series of buzzes came from Robin. He reached into his jacket to retrieve his phone and checked the display. He scowled. “Sorry, I need to deal with this.”
“Who is it?” Simon asked.
“Not who you’re thinking. It’s a director I’ve been working with. He needs me to call someone. I’ll be five minutes. Promise.”
Robin headed toward the hallway, and Simon tutted. “He’s always working.”
“I imagine the draw is the power and influence. He doesn’t need the money,” Hyax said. He worked with Gwil because he enjoyed the challenge and hadn’t been bothered by the financial aspects.
“I can’t expect him to stop completely, but we have discussed him cutting back a little. Robin has been pulling strings in Hollywood for nearly a century, and while he has trusted people in place, he still feels the need to be the puppet master.”
“Do you have your own hobbies or work? I suppose with your future throne and earldom, you might not have time,” Gwil added quickly, and Hyax recognised that Gwil was worried he had overstepped.
“My father’s in no danger of ceding his throne for a good while, and I’ve been concentrating on honing my skills, certain elements of which manifested after my wedding. But I wouldn’t say that was a hobby, I probably should do something, it would stop me overthinking things.”
“You said your father had been asking you to represent your tribe in recent situations. I would hope there would be more opportunities in that direction, and perhaps it is something we could discuss together to the benefit of both our tribes.”
Simon looked thoughtful. “Yes, I’d welcome ways to capitalise on the recent thawing of positions. I’d like for us not to be ostracised for another thousand years.”
While he’d told Gwil about his mother’s thoughts about a change of succession, he hadn’t mentioned the fine details of the conversation he’d had with Simon about a recent fae trial. Gwil knew enough and wouldn’t have a problem with not being told everything, as he was aware that not everything could be shared. There were some things he dealt with as a prince of his tribe, even a potential king, that even his Beloved would have to accept weren’t open for discussion, but if Simon was willing to have a conversation, Hyax wouldn’t shut it down.
“I mentioned there are small steps that can be easily taken, like us being seen in social situations together, and from there, we can build.”
Simon reached across and stole Robin’s glass of blood. The act was deliberate, and felt like he was making a point. “Yes, that’s one way, but you have other allegiances that make fostering a friendship easier.”
Hyax knew he had to be careful not to overlook Simon’s vampire side. He picked up Gwil’s hand and brushed his lips against his knuckles. “We both have a vampire as a partner; the connection is not lost on me.”
Robin retook his seat, back quicker than Hyax had expected. Robin cleared his throat. “This might be an impertinent question, but I am still learning the ways of fae culture. You referred to Gwil as your Beloved, yet you are married to another fae.”
Robin was just stating the truth, but vampires were not straight-talking creatures. “Yes, that is not a secret.”
“Vampires have a spouse; we may take lovers, but they do not have the same standing as a wife or husband. Yet from what I hear, Gwil is considered, if not more important, then at least on par with Prince Metra, is that correct?”
Hyax was surprised at the level of Robin’s understanding. He’d only realised Gwil might not be considered Metra’s superior by non-fae. “That’s right. Gwil holds the title of Prince’s Beloved. When we marry, that won’t change. It is an ancient rank, and means Gwil is trusted above a husband, and would have duties to reflect that. Marriages are often used for political alliances, and those aren’t always as peaceful as they could be.”
“Vampires don’t have that concept. We have political marriages, but a lover wouldn’t have such gravitas—fascinating.”
Vampires might not, but he would be surprised if there wasn’t a similar premise enshrined in Calanti law. “But it is a fae one. Yours and Simon’s marriage was arranged, and you are fortunate to have found a love match. If you had not, Simon may have exercised his right to a harem or left open the opportunity to have a special one equivalent to the Prince’s Beloved of my tribe.”
Robin’s expression darkened, but then Hyax didn’t think it would hurt to remind him of his husband’s options. Simon was annoyed about the time Robin was dedicating to one of his clients in particular, so Robin would do well to remember Simon had other options.
“I have heard some royal faes have a harem,” Robin said, glancing towards Simon. “My in-laws don’t, and my understanding is that those who have them use their concubines for sexual relief, not worth more consideration or importance.”
Simon tutted. “We didn’t need to explore that option. As long as there is no doubt in our union, we should not need to discuss it. Hyax is correct that under Calanti law, if my spouse had not been deemed adequate, I could take another to perform duties beyond those of the harem. But I did not need to do so, we are a committed and happy couple, if that were to change, fae law gives me a way to make sure I have future support.”
Hyax watched as Robin digested what he had heard. Robin was not stupid; he knew that there were unspoken words in play, and Hyax found it hard to believe Robin would trade what he had with Simon with any client or other offering.
“Then there will be no need,” Robin said. “As I have said, to anyone who would listen, you are my all, you complete me, and I would not let another take my place at your side.”
Hyax glanced in Gwil’s direction, wondering what he was making of one of the world’s more influential vampires squirming over his husband having better options. His expression was unreadable.
