Chapter 1

Robin had been told several times that he must be so proud to have been chosen to represent his House. But as he sat next to Sebastian Hewel waiting for the arrival of his future spouse, he didn't feel like he had been granted a great honour, instead he seethed. His sire had inferred that being selected above all other candidates to be at the centre of the union of the Houses of Hewel and Cartwright would give him a great advantage, but he saw precious few positives now the agreement was going ahead.

The Dark Earl of MacLove was seated next to his wife, his long dark hair a stark contrast to her ash blonde, a beautiful couple, and no doubt their offspring would be equally so, but that did not mean Robin wanted to marry them.

"I believe this is your first visit to the castle," MacLove said, his Scottish accent soft and lilting with an inflexion Robin couldn't place and probably wasn't of this realm. "Obviously, after the wedding, you'll be a frequent visitor."

Sebastian chuckled. "That is some time off yet, James. We need to let young Simon grow up a little."

Liam Cartwright snorted, he was an ox of a man, very different to Sebastian but they both wore the same aura that only came with sires of their standing, and Liam being here was another nod to the importance of this marriage between the two Houses. "On that matter, myself and James have been talking. We consider that there needs to be a suitable amount of time to allow Simon to grow into his wings."

Hylei, the Countess of MacLove, waved her hand and produced a scroll. "It will do no one any good if we force an early marriage. So, we would request that a ceremony would not be held before Simon's seventy-fifth birthday. And even then he'll be young by fae standards."

Robin saw a sliver of hope in his predicament, many things could happen in seven and a half decades.

Sebastian nodded. "I wouldn't have an issue with that, what are your thoughts on the matter, Claude?"

Robin's sire had been involved in much of the brokering of the contract but had let Sebastian take the lead during this meeting, partly out of respect, but also because Sebastian had been clear he wanted nothing to go wrong and Robin was a baby himself as far as vampires were concerned. Robin's own opinion hadn't been sought beyond a simple yes or no to confirm his willingness to proceed. Claude's non-too-subtle hint that a negative response might lead him to select someone else to succeed him as Dark Viscount Whetford in the future, had been enough to make Robin toe the line. So much for the great advantage he'd been promised.

"A marriage several decades in the future would not be an issue. I think it would also be good for Robin, he's only twenty years into his fangs himself."

James smiled fondly at him. "No doubt still adapting. Not an issue I had myself but from hearing the woes of my fellow Vampire Council members, I do know it can take time."

This was the first time Robin had heard anything substantiating the rumour that James had been born part vampire. There was still the open question of whether he was also of fae origin, if it were true then that would be the reason Sebastian had wanted to marry Robin off to MacLove's son. A vampire-fae married into the House of Hewel would be a real jewel in the crown.

"I would appreciate the extra time," Robin said. "My current endeavours in Los Angeles are beginning to reap rewards. By the time we are married, I am sure I'll be an even better prospect to be the husband of the future Dark Earl of MacLove."

"And as a future Prince Consort of the Calanti Tribe," Hylei added.

Robin knew the MacLoves were a powerful family in more than one realm but hadn't realised James was king of his fae tribe as well as being a dark earl, he'd thought him a fae duke or something, and even now he wasn't sure if it was through marriage or his own line.

"Simon is the prince?"

Sebastian cleared his throat. "You must excuse Robin, he isn't aware of the delicate sensibilities of not knowing everyone's business."

"I…"

Claude came to his rescue. "James's position in his realm is not relevant to ours and as such it is not openly discussed, so Robin would not have known. Now he does, I assure you he will keep that information to himself."

"While discretion will be important for his work in LA, the legal agreements will see that extends also to this part of his private matters," James said with a dark chuckle.

"Absolutely," Sebastian said. "As you know, the Invigilators have provided one of their best to assist."

Robin's gaze flicked to the warlock standing to one side, Jack Webb was pale with long black hair. He hadn't spoken to him but knew Claude had been taking his advice when it came to the wording of the contract. Jack's involvement was something else Robin wasn't meant to speak to anyone about.

"I apologise if I was rude. I didn't realise the extent of the honour I had been afforded and I cherish the opportunity of learning more about Simon's people."

The actual hierarchy and intersection of the realms were complicated but Robin knew at some point he'd need to understand the politics not just between the vampires and the fae, but between the different fae tribes. Given the position of his future husband, the fae angle may be even more important than he'd considered.

Sebastian seemed much happier. "I sense we are in agreement."

"Nearly," James said. "There is one more step."

Sebastian's expression flickered for a moment, Robin realised Sebastian was not aware of this additional requirement, whatever it may be, but Sebastian schooled his features and if Robin hadn't seen the momentary lapse he'd have never guessed.

Liam must have also spotted the agitation. "Nothing untoward, Sebastian. You know how the fae are."

James clapped his hands and a nurse appeared carrying a bundle. "Robin should hold his future husband. Fae magic will not let this continue if they are incompatible."

Sebastian raised an eyebrow. "I thought you had other means to confirm their compatibility."

Robin wondered what he meant by that.

"I don't doubt it, but it is somewhat of a family tradition," James said, smiling at his wife.

Sebastian still didn't look convinced. "The babe is three days old, wouldn't that be too early to say?"

"I'm sure Mr Webb would confirm, as a fellow magic user, that there are some things we know from birth," Hylei said.

"Her Majesty is correct," Jack said. "Especially with fae magic."

Hylei turned to James, and with a fond smile, placed her hand on his cheek. "I held James as a bairn, and I knew we would be able to travel the same path together when we were older."

Robin hadn't held a baby since he'd been turned and didn't recall doing so beforehand, so as the bundle was placed into his arms, he was more concerned with dropping him than any great lasting bond being formed. The baby, Simon, had light blue eyes and a shock of dark hair, both he recalled might change once he was a little older since children had a tendency to grow out of their early features. He steeled himself for the cry, but it didn't come. Robin watched in fascination as Simon yawned, trying to see if vampires who were born and not sired came with fangs. He couldn't see any.

"He's not got his incisors yet," Hylei said as if reading his mind. "He'll exhibit his fae tendencies for a good while yet."

Simon already had points to his ears, and there was a sensation he couldn't quite discern but it made Robin tingle. A wave of calm, a gentleness but with an edge of power fizzled through him and was then gone. The boy was a fae, a royal one, which would come with extra gifts, but he had no idea how soon they would manifest or if there would be more than a residual hum. Not all fae were created equal, much the same as vampires but the variables were different. "He already has his magic?"

"You can feel something tangible even now?" James said, sitting forwards.

"Just a general feeling. Not anything more than an undercurrent."

Hylei and James exchanged a smile. "I think we can safely say that the Dark Earldom of MacLove is happy to bond our first-born child to the future Dark Viscount Whetford," James said.

"Specifically, Robin Flint," Sebastian said. "Rather than any future Viscount Whetford. And that's not to say Robin will be viscount at the time they marry, Claude is not planning to step down for a good while yet."

The fae were canny creatures, the MacLoves maybe more than most, but then so was Sebastian, and Jack Webb had the reputation of being the best in his legal field. Hylei tapped a finger to the contract and Robin's name appeared on the parchment. "He would have to be named, as the connection is to an individual not to a title," Hylei said with a smile.

" Connection ?" Robin asked. There'd been much talk of bonds and connections, but not the reality of what it would boil down to. "What do you mean by that?"

"When we said we were happy to bond our first child to you, that wasn't figurative," James said. "The wee bairn's magic will get stronger as he grows and you'll be linked in more ways than a mere wedding ring."

Robin had a feeling he'd missed something in the negotiations, and he looked to Sebastian, who was smiling.

Jack stepped forwards to check the contract, he pursed his lips. "Only if Simon doesn't take a lover before their marriage, otherwise the bond won't form, and I'm sure it's not your intention to keep him virginal."

"On the contrary, he will remain pure in order for his fae magic to develop to its highest magnitude," James said.

"You didn't mention this before," Jack said. "We should adapt the wording in several places with your intent."

"It can only be this way if you want the Houses of Hewel and Cartright truly joined." James turned to Sebastian. "Once the marriage is consummated, Simon's fangs will follow within a few days, and he will be able to feed from Robin and his vampire side will come in. The bond will drive that."

"I don't think we were fully cognisant of that aspect, but it does make sense," Sebastian said.

James glanced over to his Head of House with concern.

"Sebastian, we will understand if the House of Hewel would prefer to withdraw from the negotiations," Liam said. "The bond will not cause harm, but I appreciate it might not be as you thought."

Sebastian shook his head. "I trust you, Liam. It is an honour to join my House to yours. The bond is what it is, but it is not my area of expertise. Perhaps you can reassure me, Mr Webb."

"These types of bonds are common in various magical communities," Jack said. "The trigger of the prince's vampire side is not surprising, and I don't see a downside for Mr Flint to participate."

Robin didn't understand, but he wouldn't voice a negative opinion and embarrass his Head of House, but he would be permitted to ask reasonable questions. Claude didn't seem worried either and he knew his sire would not see him harmed or put at a disadvantage over this sort of thing.

Robin looked down at the boy in his arms. "I thought he was born a vampire."

"He was, but it will not manifest outwardly until later," Hylei said. "His fae side will dominate at first then he'll achieve a balance between the two."

Simon yawned, blinked twice, and went to sleep.

"I'm not sure I understand."

"Don't worry, lad," James said. "You'll get the chance to get to know each other when you're older. I wouldn't dwell on it for now. It doesn't affect you, apart from being the husband of a highly powerful creature."

"And once the marriage is consummated, what will Robin's commitments be?" Sebastian asked. "None of our discussions have included that."

"Because it is not our decision to make," James said. "Beyond the coupling and Simon using Robin's blood to finalise his transition into his vampire nature, there is nothing that they must do together. They can decide that between themselves. Any offspring must be legitimate, hence the marriage angle and to continue the line, but many royal fae have harems and I am aware that it is not uncommon for vampires to take extramarital partners."

Sebastian appeared happy enough. "Then for now I suggest we leave those elements for negotiation prior to their nuptials but have some wording in there to ensure it happens."

Robin was more comfortable with that, especially if all he had to do was shag a pretty fae prince and let him feed. "What about the bond?" he asked.

"That's to make sure he can manifest his vampire side, the blood of his bonded is the final trigger. There are ways to sever these things so if it becomes an inconvenience or an interference, he'll be able to deal with it," James replied. "But equally you might find, as I did with my dear Hylei, that it is a blessing."

Sebastian nodded. "Many things could change in the future, but I insist the contract is updated to include what will happen post-consummation so an actual discussion will occur, and they don't wander blindly into something they hadn't expected."

Hylei pushed the contract towards Sebastian, a shimmer of her magic passing across its surface. "Done. Now, are you ready to formalise the agreement?"

Sebastian picked up the parchment and spent several minutes reading it, then handed it to Jack. "What do you think?"

Jack read the contract. "Acceptable."

Sebastian smiled, his youthful appearance hiding centuries of experience. "The House of Hewel is honoured to have the opportunity to join with the House of Cartwright."

Robin opened his mouth to suggest that a longer period might not be of harm or if there was any failsafe in place or a way to break the contract if he needed to, but he saw Claude's stare and snapped his mouth shut. There was no point fighting this. His fate was sealed. For now, he would enjoy everything on offer to him, he would live his afterlife to the full, and deal with the inconvenience of a husband when he had to, and not a moment before.