Chapter 13

No expense had been spared, the finest champagne and rarest bottled blood vintages had been sourced as well as a live feeding banquet, although given the mix of guests, the larder was in a side room so as not to trigger the sensibilities of the non-vampires amongst them. Robin was having trouble concentrating on the polite conversations he'd been forced to endure when he had Simon so close and he was now allowed to touch. He wasn't going to be able to contain himself for long.

The Duke of Marchent had just excused himself with a playful punch to Robin's arm, he was the duke of his House, and a good friend. "I'd say I'd catch up with you later but you've better plans," he said as he left them to speak to James.

Simon sipped his champagne to hide his smirk and Robin leant in close. "I'm not going to be able to survive this for much longer. I'm desperate to get my hands under your kilt."

"I want more than your hands."

Before Robin could reply Simon was called over by his mother to meet someone, and he left with a flirty wink. Robin watched him be introduced to a beautiful male fae who Robin didn't recognise. He felt an overwhelming need to plant himself at Simon's side to remind the pretty fairy that Simon was taken but was stopped as Sebastian appeared. "Ah, Robin, congratulations on your nuptials. I bet you can't wait to sequester the young MacLove somewhere and do unspeakable things to his virginal person."

"I… well…"

Sebastian laughed, and Robin was unsure how to handle the situation. "I'm surprised you've left his side."

"His mother called him to speak to that gentleman."

Sebastian glanced over to Simon. "Ah, that's understandable. But I'm sure they won't keep him long."

Obviously Sebastian knew more than he did. "It is?"

"That is Prince Hyax, he's the fourteenth in line to the throne of the Tasharick tribe. Seems like the members of the other tribes are playing nice…"

The name was familiar, but not one of the LA crowd, possibly the London scene. "Not sure sending the fourteenth in line to the throne is that impressive," Robin said, thinking it was a little disingenuous.

"To be fair at least eight of those are children of his older siblings. I'm surprised you don't know him."

"I know the name, but I guess he's not someone who wants to pander to my ego to get a part in a movie."

Sebastian smiled. "I doubt he'd have much interest in the human endeavours. But on a serious note, with Hyax, and several other fae representatives here, your Simon may be on the verge of getting the chance to reunite his people with the six other fae tribes. Now that would be a legacy to make claim to."

"It's not something we've talked about." There were more things they hadn't discussed than they had. "But I don't think he'd have an objection."

"He might not, but some fae might, which is why it is telling who is here. I would mention that Prince Hyax has a vampire as a betrothed."

"Really? I bet that's not been universally accepted."

Sebastian glanced about. "He's around somewhere. I've not met him, he's not what you call high in the pecking order."

He was about to ask who but Sebastian was called away by Liam, and Simon headed back in his direction. "Did you know there were members of the other fae tribes invited?" he asked, an excited quality to his tone.

"Not specifically, there were several names of the guests that were fae but I didn't recognise them for a particular reason. But there are a lot of important people here… I wouldn't have singled someone out."

Simon smirked. "Are you pouting? Jealous that I was talking to a pretty prince?"

Robin pulled him close. "Yes, I was, because you're my pretty prince and I want you to myself."

"Excuse me, gentlemen."

Robin reluctantly let go of Simon. He was surprised to see Henry Osbourne, the Duke of Pembroke from the House of Langley. He was a tall man, taller than Robin, and had a willowy build that hid his vampiric strength, although he always looked under the weather, his cheeks pale and sunken even after he'd fed. "Henry, I didn't think you were able to attend."

"I thought that this should take precedence."

Robin didn't know him well. The House of Langley were a mixed bunch and there was something about the ability to turn into a bat that gave Robin the heebie-jeebies. Robin had a vague recollection that Henry was meant to be overseas, France maybe. The feedback had been a bit vague but it had been a definite decline. "We're of course glad to have you with us."

Simon held out his hand. "My pleasure to meet you."

Henry took hold of Simon's hand and didn't let go, his nostrils flaring. "The Dark Viscount of MacLove, it is my pleasure. You are someone very special."

Robin's hackles rose as the old scrote brought Simon's hand to his mouth to kiss, lingering as if to taste. Vampires were not known for their morals but most knew not to overstep during a wedding. Many marriages were arranged but there was a pretence for a few hours at least when the newlyweds didn't run off and fuck someone else. Mostly, and he had been to one where the reception had been an orgy, but that was neither here nor there and was not the case for them. Simon looked equally as uncomfortable and tugged his hand away.

"I'm sure my sire will be eager to talk to you," Robin said, spotting Claude draining a glass of blood. "We have time before dinner is served and Simon intends to change."

"It is important that you see to your husband's needs."

While he didn't know Henry well, he'd not thought him an A-grade creep and if this continued the House of Langley might be needing a new duke as Robin would stake the fucker himself. He felt Simon's magic crackle. Henry's eyes widened as if he sensed it too.

"Come on, Robin, let me show you the castle before dinner."

Robin slipped his hand into Simon's. He wanted to bare his fangs and send Henry scuttling but now was not the time. Instead, he let Simon lead him through the nearest exit onto a terrace outside. He wasn't used to how dark it could get, the artificial hue of the streetlights of LA and London meant nowhere got truly dark.

"Was it me or was the Dark Duke of Pembroke rather odd?" Simon asked. "I think he licked me when he kissed my hand."

"Rather improper, I will need to make it clear that you are not allowed to play with others."

Simon stepped closer and Robin placed his hands on his hips. "It is I who will make fair warning. You best not think your past conquests will survive attempting to revive an old passion."

"No one can hold a flame to you, I can't think of anyone who would be able to tempt me away."

"And that is before you have been allowed to properly put your hands upon me. We've about an hour, how would you like to spend that time showing me the reason why I married you, and make me yours?"

If Robin had been allowed he'd have put Simon on his back there and then, but it would not be the most sensible way to show Simon of his devotion. "Take me to your bed, Simon, and I promise to ruin you for any other man."

"Those are big words, I hope you live up to them."