Chapter 30
CHAPTER THIRTY
T he happy couple had chosen to hold their engagement party in a high-end bar where Hyax had been several times, although not yet with Gwil.
Flitter had been one of the best places to get laid before he’d fallen for Gwil.
The clientele were rich, beautiful and well-connected, and he could see why Metra had wanted him here in terms of being seen together and playing nice.
“Thank you for this evening,” Metra said, handing him a glass of ambrosia. “I didn’t expect you to accept.”
“You can thank Gwil. He said he didn’t think it would hurt. And after we exchanged words at Cassie’s show, I think a bit of polite social interaction wouldn’t go amiss. Formal receptions are a given, but an occasional event like this is acceptable as long as it doesn’t become a regular thing.”
Metra smiled. He was an attractive man, and he’d matured a lot since they’d been together. He’d always be a cheating shitbag, but Gwil had been right that Hyax’s anger was a gift Metra wasn’t worthy of. “I also wanted to talk to you about something.”
“I did wonder when the ulterior motive would show up,” Hyax drawled.
“Believe it or not, this is for your benefit as much as mine.”
Metra guided him away from the busy part of the bar to a quiet table.
Hyax had the horrible feeling the way they were sitting would make it look as if they were trying to build their relationship and have a romantic moment.
“I do hope you aren’t going to perpetuate any rumours of us getting closer. ”
Metra scoffed. “No, I’m no more interested in you than you are in me. We both had obligations, and we’ve done our duty, so we should discuss disentangling.”
Hyax took a long drink of his ambrosia. Metra had been the one who had said they should be circumspect and not rush to divorce, that there were protocols and expectations from a royal marriage.
“If I had my way, we’d be already divorced, but you’ve wanted to cling on, and now you’re singing a different tune. Why?”
“You’re so suspicious.”
“Cut the bullshit.”
“I want to be able to marry again, this time for love.” He held his head a little higher. “Sitial’s wife has petitioned for divorce and is pregnant with another fae’s child.”
Sitial had been the one Metra had cheated with when they’d dated, despite denying he had done so for a long time, and Hyax didn’t care if they wanted a happy ever after.
But Hyax wouldn’t risk his own happiness to spite Metra.
“I don’t actually care what you do or why, but this must mean your family’s contract is done, correct? ”
“Yes, or near enough. I want to end our marriage, but we both need a reason, beyond not wanting to be married.”
Gwil’s proposal now seemed like the perfect opportunity.
“I might have a palatable excuse, or at least a way to get it. But I will need to discuss the possibility with my mother. It will include the involvement of a third party. Not that you would object to an external influence, given why we ended up in this mess to begin with.”
“I am choosing not to rise to the bait,” Metra said. “I shouldn’t expect you not to have a dig if it’s offered.”
“Was that you agreeing for me to make some enquiries?”
Metra nodded. “Do I want to know who?”
“I’m sure you can guess. My Prince’s Beloved is somewhat of a rising star in his society; some might say he has some very important backers. One who wants to see him happy.”
Metra held up his hands. “I’ve heard enough. I want to maintain plausible deniability if I’m asked. Just let me know if you are able to bring our marriage to the correct conclusion without a load of political sniping.”
“I will, but note that if I can’t find a way to make the dissolution of our marriage look like there is no friction between us, then you should realise my people won’t care if I force a divorce.
It might take longer; you could put in barriers, and the discourse might not look so good, but I don’t give a fuck. I will get my freedom.”
“Believe me, I want my own. We’ve at least reached a point where we can have a semi-civil conversation, which I will take as a win, and we should be grateful that whatever happens, we won’t need to co-parent.”
Hyax laughed. “Fucking hell. No chance.”
There was an increase in background noise and it looked like people were gathering around the happy couple. “I’ll stay for the toasts, but then I’m going to leave,” Hyax said as they made their way over.
“Thanks for coming. I look forward to hearing if your conversations will work to our best interests.”
He stayed as promised, then slipped away after offering his personal congratulations to the happy couple.
He returned to the palace rather than home, as he wanted to speak to his mother before he mentioned the possibility of the Tasharick hosting the Calanti.
If they could work Gwil’s idea in as well, it would be a win-win situation.
His mother used various rooms around the palace depending on who she was entertaining and how many. She had private rooms where only family members were allowed and an official office, but he’d checked all the places he’d expected her to be and there was no sign.
None of the servants knew where she was, and he had to hunt down her secretary, who hadn’t wanted to divulge where she was or who she was with.
Hyax wondered if she was adding a new lover to her harem, although she had never been super secretive about her lovers, so unless it was someone really unexpected, he didn’t think that was the answer either.
There was one other place, an observation deck at the top of the north turret. The room was lovely, and his mother had used it when she was nursing, but rarely these days and not at this time of year because the view was limited due to the weather.
He climbed the stairs and heard voices as he approached. One was his mother’s, and he was surprised when he recognised the other as being King James. He muttered a spell to hide his presence and tried to remain as quiet as possible.
“Stop hiding, Hyax. We know you’re there,” Talia called and heard James chuckle.
He stepped into the circular stone room. Neither James nor Talia were dressed in their finery, which would have been more usual for a state visit, and looked to be sharing a bottle of wine.
Hyax bowed to James. “Apologies for interrupting, Your Majesty. I was looking for my mother, and believe it or not, you and your tribe was the topic I wanted to discuss.”
He was not invited to sit, but they didn’t appear to be upset at his arrival. “That does sound intriguing,” James said, amused. “Although no doubt you’re rather taken aback that I’m sitting here with your mother, so I have to admit I like the fact you didn’t skip a beat.”
“I did say, of all my children, Hyax was the one most suited to diplomacy,” Talia said, the pride evident in her tone. “His burgeoning friendship with your Simon is an excellent example.”
“I am not friends with Simon for purely political motivation. We are well-suited and can appreciate our similar problems.” Hyax thought it better not to let James think otherwise.
“You both have vampire spouses, and we are a particular breed; you should speak to my wife.” James laughed. “Although I like to think my fae side tempers things a bit.”
James had been supportive of his relationship with Gwil, and using the branch of magic that having a vampire as a partner would facilitate. “I’m sure we both appreciate our unique positions. We realise that there may be some concerns about our friendship.”
Perhaps that was why James was here, but somehow he didn’t think so, given the reception he’d received so far.
“I’d say that even a year ago, that would’ve been the case, but things are changing. I believe you are aware of the court session Simon attended. Since then, I have been meeting with the leaders of the other tribes, your mother several times.”
“Oh.” Not what he was expecting.
Talia rolled her eyes. “You are a prince of the realm, Hyax. I’m sure you're capable of a more effusive response.”
His mother had a point. “I was just taking a moment to appreciate the new relationship that is developing. Simon and I had talked about a future where our tribes were reunited, but did not realise that future would be upon us so soon. For which I am happy.”
“We have been separated from our natural allies for too long,” James said. “From my discussions, we are on the brink of a new dawn. One that would not only be beneficial for my tribe but all seven.”
Talia nodded. “It is indeed an important juncture.”
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 off his 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.