Page 78 of Bleeding for the Prince
Hyax couldn’t believe his luck. “If you don’t mind my suggestion, perhaps the Tasharick could help herald in this new age by being the first of the tribes to host yourself and Queen Hylei.”
“It seems that you and your mother are of a similar mind,” James drawled. “And I have to say, I would be happy to accept.”
Hyax had to concentrate hard not to let his wings vibrate from excitement. “How marvellous.”
“Given your friendship with Simon, your mother suggested you be part of the immediate delegation, rather than any of your siblings, which I think is reasonable, even though you’re not next in line.”
While Hyax didn’t think for a moment his mother had discussed her thoughts about changing her succession plan with James, there was something about the way he said it that made Hyax think James might be insinuating that he’d consider Hyax a worthy candidate.
“I, of course, would be honoured. If Simon’s husband is attending, I will also ensure my Prince’s Beloved would make himself available.”
“Not your husband?” James asked, and it was a loaded question.
“No.”
“Good to hear. I’d consider it an insult if Mr Hilt wasn’t there.” James made a point of partially unsheathing and licking one of his fangs.
Talia cleared her throat. “If you would excuse us, Hyax. We have more things to discuss that aren’t for your pointy ears.”
He bowed. This was not the time to argue to be included as a door had been opened already, and any back-chat would piss offhis mother and she would slam the door in his face. “I wish you both a pleasant evening.”
Hyax left via a portal, his mind racing. He had to speak to Gwil to let him know, but also to Simon. Things were changing, and they were in the right place to make the most of the situation. But the tribes reuniting was just one of the puzzle pieces. For all his adult life, he’d been a spare prince. While loved and respected, he was not destined to be king. He’d never coveted the throne, although he had his doubts about his oldest brother’s competence and had hoped to manoeuvre himself into an advisory role, at a future point many years from now. But this would be different, and he hadn’t had the chance to fully appreciate what it would mean and how his life would change. He had a choice: to embrace a future where he could lead his tribe, starting now with an enhanced relationship with the Calanti, or he could stay in the shadows and let another be king. There was only one answer. It wouldn’t be tomorrow, but in the future, King Hyax of the Tasharick tribe would be the leader his people deserved.
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
Whoever had come up with the expression like herding cats had never tried to liaise with a vampire-fae, an elf and a detective from the Metropolitan Police. Hyax would admit his lack of patience wouldn’t win him any awards, but he was frazzled and annoyed, and had given Gwil strict instructions to keep Goya as far away as possible, or he wouldn’t be responsible for his actions. It had taken several hours for the arrangements to be agreed, and he suspected he’d also got them done in that time because of the imminent dragon threat.
They were back in the cavern. Gwil and Goya were taking the long way, and Hyax had collected Simon and Chris from Crofton Hall and brought them directly via a portal. His reticence to portal was dismissed by Chris, who’d rightly told him they were about to use a fuck-ton of magic to move it, and a little tingle wasn’t going to be an issue. Arriving ahead of Goya and Gwil meant they had time to set up, including placing a few light orbs so they could see but not be overly bright, and agree on the plan before Goya could interfere. Even taking Gwil’s bias into account, he had to agree they could’ve done without the additional scrutiny. Gwil had the potion with him because hewouldn’t take the risk of potential changes the residual magic might cause.
Chris stood in front of the dragon, his hands on his hips. “He’s a big fucker, isn’t he? Any idea how he ended up here?”
“How do you know it’s a he?” Simon asked.
Chris pointed to a series of ridges on the dragon’s forehead. “Those are a giveaway. That and the smell.”
Hyax sniffed. There was an undercurrent of damp, but nothing he’d had associated with being male or dragon. “I don’t get what you mean.”
“There’s a sweetness, like the type you get from boiled sugar sweets.”
“Oh, yes.” Simon’s brow crumpled. “And that’s the smell a male dragon emits?”
“Yeah, the females are more floral. They tend to leave a scent behind. It’s more prominent after they’ve eaten or orgasmed.” Chris held up several purple balls. “But these will mask the smell. My lavender snoozies, special dragon edition—they shouldn’t have any effect on you.”
Chris placed his dragon sleep aides around their scaly friend. Simon seemed pissed off and Hyax thought this might have more to do with Simon’s other dragon problem rather than this one. They needed to concentrate, and he couldn’t risk Simon getting distracted.
“Right, so once Gwil arrives with the potion, I’ll cast the spell for the portal. Chris will add in the directional aspect, and Simon will feed in his magic. I’ll need to focus on the portal itself, so you two will also levitate the dragon into the portal. I’ll follow behind and return once it’s in the dragon realm.”
Chris nodded. “Don’t hang around on the other side.”
“I don’t think I’m in any danger of being stuck there,” Hyax said, not sure of the reason for the concern.
“No, but you might get eaten.”
He hadn’t factored in being a dragon’s lunch. “I don’t think he’s going to wake up.”
“He might not, but there will be the other dragons who might think you a tasty snack.” He smiled encouragingly. “I’d bet you’d taste good to a dragon. Your wings would add a different texture.”
Simon tutted. “You’re not helping, Chris.”
