Chapter 19 #2
Robin poured Gwil a glass of blood. Hyax noticed a carafe between them, but also a similar one for him filled with ambrosia. “Is this your first visit?” Robin asked.
“Yeah,” Gwil replied. “It’s going to take some getting used to.”
“Believe it or not, I know what you mean,” Robin said. “I only recently qualified for membership because of Simon, and even then, I think they bent the rules a little.”
Hyax thought Robin’s comment was a nice gesture to help put Gwil at ease. “I suspect my relationship with Hyax may have been a contributing factor for me.”
Simon nodded. “But it doesn’t really matter how you qualified because you did, and it is unlikely they will revoke membership because then they would have to admit they made a mistake. Remember, an institution like this does not make mistakes.”
“I’d rather not risk it. My sister is angling for me to invite her; it’s one of the few places I get to have one-up over her.”
“Lady Lindon has a very exacting character,” Robin said.
Hyax snorted and almost choked on his ambrosia. “That’s a polite way of saying she’s a sociopath.”
“She’s a vampire, Hyax,” Simon said. “Most of them are, to varying degrees. Myself included.”
“The fae aren’t that much better.” Gwil raised his eyebrows in challenge. “You lot invented the iron enema.”
Gwil wasn’t wrong.
“Let’s just say we are all unique in our own way. But you can’t deny your sister’s scary. I know not to do wrong by you or she’ll pull off my wings.”
“I would hope you didn’t need to be threatened by my sister to be a good boyfriend,” Gwil said, pointedly.
“Of course I don’t. But that doesn’t mean she’s not an added deterrent.”
“If you’re not careful, I’ll be feeding this information back to her, and I’m sure she’ll wish to discuss with you your feelings on the matter.”
A waiter arrived in time to save Hyax from digging himself into deeper trouble. Penelope was, if all went to plan, his future sister-in-law and cordial relations would be the best for all involved.
“Good evening, gentlemen. We have a three-course menu on offer today, or if you prefer, you can just select the number of courses you wish.”
For some reason, Hyax hadn’t expected the menu to be so limited and thought a place like the Jyndarin society would offer something more expansive.
Perhaps it was particular to them because three of the people at the table were vampires and technically didn’t need to eat, so they could skimp on the food.
He cast his eye over the offerings and realised that while there wasn’t a variety of choices, he would be delighted to have everything that was on offer.
“If everyone is happy, I would like to take the full menu,” Robin said. “Can I check if you serve the steak medium rare?”
Hyax read his menu card again. There wasn’t a steak on offer, and instead he had lemon sole, which was more to his liking.
“Sir can have his steak served however he wishes.”
Simon tapped his menu. “Could I get extra of the apricot and beetroot jus?”
He hadn’t realised before, but the reason the menu seemed limited was because it had been tailored to the guest. He looked over to Gwil, and sure enough, he ordered a duck breast with potato dauphinoise. Hyax ordered the fish, asking for it to be filleted, and the waiter glided away.
“I wasn’t expecting a fully customised menu,” Hyax said. “I didn’t even notice the magic powering it.”
“I don’t know how they do it,” Simon admitted. “I had the same reaction you have and can only assume it’s some sort of sentient paper. Quite remarkable.”
“I hope your shots are up to date,” Hyax said to Gwil. “The potatoes are going to be loaded with garlic. Just as you like them.”
“Yeah, had a booster the other week, you know I’m a sucker for a kebab and they’re not the same without lashings of garlic sauce.”
Hyax had been fascinated by the various ways the vampires had gone about circumventing things that should make their afterlives difficult. Bottled blood that didn’t coagulate, injections that prevented issues with garlic, and if they could solve the daylight, they’d be unstoppable.
“Let me guess, you’ve got some sort of spicy lamb thing,” Robin said fondly to Simon.
“Slow-cooked shank in Moroccan spices. You’re the one who took me to Marrakesh, the food and the locals tasted amazing.”
After his conversation with Simon in Dionysus, it seemed Robin was doing his best to play doting husband, and their interactions were lovely to watch. Hyax slid his hand onto Gwil’s thigh, feeling that he should up his game. “Perhaps we should go somewhere once we’re done with this current case.”
“We’ve never had a holiday together. Even a weekend away would be pretty cool.”
Robin topped up Gwil’s glass. “There are some beautiful caves in Croatia that I can recommend. Quite stunning.”
Simon frowned. “Which ones are they?”
“Modric Caves, near Rovanjska. Remember?”
“I’ve never been there. I think you may have mistaken me for someone else.”
For a horrible minute, Hyax thought Robin had got his lovers confused. “No, remember we portalled into a cavern system and walked down into the low levels where we had special permission to see an area tourists weren’t allowed. We found your ruby there.”
“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 paté.
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.
“Gwil and I are similarly well-suited,” Hyax said. “As marked by him being the Prince’s Beloved.”
“Maybe I should push to have Simon give me a special fae title?” Robin said, smirking.
“Maybe as a first wedding anniversary present. To make sure you’ve earned it,” Simon said, his tone teasing. “But did I hear correctly, it was a matter of when Gwil becomes your husband, not if ?”
“Planning on bumping off your current husband?” Robin asked. “I’m sure it could be arranged.”
All of the vampires who had mentioned his potential split from Metra had jumped to the conclusion that Hyax would remove him permanently.
“I’d rather use the standard legal process. Less likely to cause trouble between the tribes as these things tend to come back to the perpetrator.”
“Divorce can take a while and be messy. Some of my clients learned the hard way by marrying people who were as narcissistic as they were.”
Hyax thought he could get used to having dinner as a couple.
He had a mix of friends who would be willing, and it would be a nice way to bring Gwil further into the fold.
Gwil relaxed as the meal went on, and by the end of dessert, when all three of the vampires had a chocolate fondant where the ooze was blood, he was happy and cracking jokes.
Simon was first to make their excuses. “It has been a pleasure, but I have plans with my father tomorrow that will need me fully rested.”
“Thank you for the company,” Hyax said. “I’m going to explore the library. I might be in touch about a riddle I’m trying to solve.”
“Consider my interest piqued. You know how to reach me.”
Robin and Simon left, and Hyax finished the last of his ambrosia. “I’d say that was a pleasant encounter.”
Gwil nodded. “It was good. I did wonder what Robin made of Simon bestowing him a fae title. I wouldn’t have thought he’d have cared, being the future Dark Viscount Whetford.”
“I imagine it boils down to how much he wants to keep Simon happy. His fae side is an important part of him. They had a vampire wedding and a fae bonding.”
“We should hit the library,” Gwil said, pushing away from the table. “Otherwise, I’m going to be tempted to have another of those martinis.”
“How about we have another round as a reward once we’re finished?”
Gwil smirked. “I thought we had other plans.”
Hyax growled under his breath. Gwil was so going to be on his back later.