Chapter 2

"Your parents were very pleased with the last set of tests." Albdin was a bore of a man, but Simon conceded he was an excellent tutor in the art of dimorphic magic and had challenged him in ways his other teachers hadn't. "I was thinking we should move onto something a little more complex now you're a bit older."

"In some cultures, I would have been considered an adult several years earlier. I'm twenty-five, not six."

Albdin chuckled his long white beard shaking with amusement. "I'm sure those poor creatures that live only for a blink of an eye have to push everything to happen earlier, but we fae have no need for that."

"I am of age now, and I have been wondering about something Thylla told me."

"You should not believe anything that comes out of her mouth. To lie is her default, you are better off putting her false words to one side."

Thylla was one of the older students, the daughter of a senior scholar and liked to think she knew everything. He might have brushed her off if he'd not gone looking and found what she'd alluded to. If he thought Albdin would be open to speak to him he might have pushed but it seemed that his gut feeling was correct and he would stick to his plan and find out what he needed himself.

"Of course." His tutor was only doing his job but that would not help with his questions and instead he needed to buy himself some space.

"Anyway, I have a new text that has come my way, we can work on it together as I believe it will help us see your true potential," Albdin said. "So I suggest this evening you take the time to clear your mind and be prepared to work hard tomorrow."

Simon was grateful to get the opportunity to explore new avenues, but he did wonder how Albdin discovered some of his finds as they were often books Simon knew weren't part of the tribe's library catalogue.

"I will spend the evening contemplating the Kimbel writings, there's an undertone to one of the stanzas that warrants further perusal and will help me relax, and put Thylla's stories from my mind."

"I didn't think you'd taken to poetry, Simon. Kimbel is an excellent choice, and I'm sure your mother will be delighted."

His mother would be far from delighted if she knew his real plans for the night. "I think solitude will be imperative to ensure I study it properly."

"Then I will not keep you." He smiled in what was meant to be encouraging but came across as pained. "And I see Yerial is here to escort you back to the palace."

He was going to have to find a way to get rid of Yerial, there was no way, despite him being as much a friend as a keeper, he'd agree to Simon's need to slake his curiosity.

"I saw Sacha earlier… she's off duty tonight," he said as they fell into step. He needed to be subtle and not alert Yerial into thinking Simon wanted to distract him for a few hours. "Apparently some of them are getting together later. You should go, make your move before someone else does."

Yerial side-eyed him. "I'm on duty. As well you know."

"I'll cover for you. Look, once I'm back in the palace, I'm not going anywhere, am I? Once you've delivered me to my room I'm planning on embarking on a deep meditation for a project I'm working on, so you'd be good to go to see Sacha."

Yerial was clearly tempted but he was also a professional. "We'll see."

"You don't want her falling for someone else because you waited and missed your chance."

"I'm sure His Highness has only my best intentions at heart, but my love life is not as important as the safety of the heir to the throne."

This was not working and since his studies with Albdin were in his tutor's university offices not far from the palace, it took less than ten minutes to reach his suite, he didn't have much time to think before they arrived.

"I'm going to shower and change into my nightwear. For my meditation practise."

Yerial took up position next to his door. "You know where I am if you need me."

"Or you could go and I could send you a spark if I need you. You'll be here in moments—the place they are meeting is barely a stone's throw away."

Yerial looked to be fighting his internal demons. He didn't need to be here, and while he was technically on duty, he didn't have to stand outside Simon's door, just be available if called. When he was younger, before he'd proved his magical ability, it had been a different story, but these days he was mostly capable of defending himself, and Yerial had given him plenty of basic training in addition.

"I suppose if you are retiring for the night then you should be fine until the late shift takes over."

Maybe it was working after all. "Exactly."

"I could take a longer break, pop my head in to see Sacha and then come straight back."

That would be enough time, Simon just needed a clear window. He didn't intend to stay long in the human realm. He'd already tracked the person he wanted to find, and once he'd seen them Simon would return, curiosity abated. "I'll be in a meditative trance for at least an hour or two. I've been told it's the best way to reflect on the Kimbel texts."

Yerial scoffed. "Rather you than me. All right, call me if you need anything. I'll be in the duty guard's office."

Simon waved him off. He'd known Yerial for ages, he'd been his personal guard since he was ten, but he wouldn't be able to understand what Simon needed to do and it would be better if Yerial were elsewhere for a few hours. He hurried into his bedroom and changed out of his robes, not his preferred choice of clothing but some of the teachers at the university had arcane ways. He wasn't sure he owned anything suitable for what he had planned and selected a suit jacket and trousers, something that wasn't formal enough for a state occasion but not casual dress either. He didn't follow human fashions, but once he got there, he could always transfigure his clothes into more fitting pieces if he stuck out too much.

Ever since he'd learnt of the contract, and read the name of the man who'd signed it, he'd been researching who this Robin Flint was. A vampire, not the strangest option given his own genetics, but he didn't seem to be that important and Simon would have thought he'd have been higher up the vampire pecking order since Simon was a prince. He consulted his notes, if he was right the time difference would be perfect and he'd be able to observe from a distance.

Rotating two fingers, he opened a portal, puffed out his cheeks and stepped through. The noise was deafening, some sort of music like nothing he'd ever heard, and he couldn't say he liked it much. He'd emerged into a dark recess—lucky as he hadn't known what to expect—and peered out from his hiding place. The flashes of coloured lights didn't make it easy for him to see and he wondered where he should start to find his future husband.

Before he could step out he was yanked backwards. "I knew you were up to something, no one of your age voluntarily reads Kimbrel."

Yerial pressed him up against what he thought was a wall, he had excellent vision but there wasn't much to see here.

"I have to find someone. Go home, I promise I'll be quick and I'll be careful."

Yerial tutted. "Who do you need to find here? You're in a nightclub in LA, far from the fae realm and where you're supposed to be."

"You know it?"

"Yeah, I know it. This is Atlas, it's one of the biggest clubs going in the paranormal community in this realm. Why are you sneaking out to go to it? You'll be some delicious sweet treat. Oh, god, is that what you're doing?"

"No!"

"I'm taking you home."

He pushed Yerial away, or tried to, but he was one of the most competent bodyguards in his platoon and Simon wasn't going to be able to physically defeat him. "Please, no. I'm not here to get laid, I know I'm supposed to wait, but I've found out who I'm waiting for."

Yerial hustled him further into the corner of the place they were standing. "What do you mean?"

"I found a contract, it's hardly unheard of to marry off royalty for alliances. and since once I'm older I need to embrace the other half of my birthright, the person I'm destined to marry is a vampire, a member of the House of Hewel."

Yerial's intake of breath was worrying. "I thought it was just a rumour."

"What was?"

"That you'll take after your father, you have his colouring but you act like a fae, only like a fae."

Yerial didn't see him practise magic often, and wouldn't have realised there was a difference in the way he worked to those who were pure fae. "I will. And to unlock it properly I'll need to drink from my bonded. So tonight I've come to see who he is. Not interfere, just have a look."

"Oh."

"Please let me do this. I need to know and then I'll go back to my studies and continue as before until the contract is invoked."

Yerial stepped away. "If I yank you back you'll only come another time. Better I'm here to protect you, but we need to be careful and we leave when I say, because we cannot be caught here."

He threw his arms around Yerial who returned the hug with an awkward pat to his back. "Thank you."

"I mean it, though. You need to be careful. No mucking about. Now who are we trying to find? I can probably do a scan and single out the vampires."

"His name is Robin Flint."

"Are you sure?"

He'd read the name countless times over the last few months, and while Simon had been able to find a few things about Robin, that he was the future Dark Viscount Whetford and the history of the House of Hewel, Simon hadn't been able to find out much about him as a person.

"Yes. Do you know him?"

"Everyone here will know him, Simon. He owns the place. I'm not sure his reputation is the sort that lines up well for marriage."

Simon had known that he was being kept virginal, but there was no need for Robin to be. "If he's well-practised then he will be able to see to my pleasure."

Yerial cleared his throat. "I think it goes beyond well-practised. He's supposed to be one of the most influential men in Hollywood, can make a break an acting career and turn someone into a star overnight or ruin them faster. He's not what you'd call lacking for company."

Simon was aware of the humans' obsession with watching the things they called movies and assumed it was because their lives were mundane without magic and these films brought them as close as they could get.

"Point me in the right direction and I'll see for myself. You don't have to stay, I promise I'll be back within a couple of hours."

"No chance. Your mother would pull off my wings and insert iron nails into my cuticles if I were to leave you here on your own."

Simon knew Yerial wasn't going anywhere and while he had planned this adventure to be a solo event, he was quite glad to have Yerial with him.

"She won't know."

"She'll find out if you get into trouble."

Simon huffed, they were going in circles. "Come on let's go. I can watch from afar and then we can go home."

Yerial peered out from their hiding place. "We don't exactly look the part," Yerial grumbled. "It's been years since I've come to a club in this realm, and the clientele were not dressed like that."

Yerial had a point. The dance floor was full of men wearing trousers close-fitting to the knee then flared out, some had no shirts but their chests were adorned with strings of beads, others wore shirts with strange patterns with the first few buttons unfastened. The women were also most unfaelike, with short shiny shirts and boots with thick soles and high heels. At least his and Yerial's long hair wouldn't be out of place.

With a wave of his fingers, he transfigured their clothes into something more suitable. "I am not wearing this," growled Yerial, his purple flared trousers suited his build although his shirt was a touch on the tight side. His blond hair caught the light and gave him an almost angelic aura. Simon sniggered at the thought and provided him with a tan leather jacket.

"Better?"

"Yes, but you're a bit underdressed for your status."

"I have no status here." He wore black trousers, a slim-fitted waistcoat, and a red shirt with a ridiculous collar. "I told you I wanted to be in the background and go unnoticed. Now let's go and find Mr Flint."

At home, in public, he was dressed as the prince, next in line, with all the elegance and splendour that entailed, and while he loved to dress up, here was not the place.

The fae had venues similar to nightclubs, but the lights and music were magical and nowhere near as garish or loud. Yerial kept close, and he scoured the mezzanine floor as he skirted the dancers. "I bet that's the VIP area. If he's here tonight then he'll be up there somewhere. It might be better if you stay in one place, I'll scout on ahead and then fetch you when I find him."

Simon wasn't averse to the idea, he was happy to watch the dancers and spot the different species. Yerial instructed him to stand against a pillar then he disappeared. He thought about getting a drink but he wasn't sure of currency or if they had something he'd like. There were several fae in the crowd, swaying with the music but they weren't from his tribe, and given the Calanti weren't on friendly terms with other fae tribes he wouldn't be recognised.

A prickle to the back of his neck made him glance around but there was no one there. It happened again, it was pleasant, enticing almost and it must be coming from somewhere nearby. He looked up at the mezzanine and saw a man leaning against the barrier, staring at him, Simon couldn't tear his gaze away. Simon's night vision was excellent and he was able to see him clearly—he had an attractive face, high cheekbones and a strong jaw line, with dark blond hair which fell to his shoulders. Every fibre of his being wanted to speak to him, but Simon knew he wasn't meant to be here, and could get into trouble if he was caught. But he couldn't stop himself.

He opened a portal and stepped into the space next to the stranger who seemed startled as he arrived. They stood staring at each other, Simon not knowing what to do. Then the stranger took his hand and Simon let him lead him away from the noise to a quiet corner of another bar area.

"Do I know you?" the stranger asked as he pulled Simon to sit next to him on a small sofa.

Simon shook his head. "No, but I had to speak to you."

"What's your name?"

For a moment he panicked, not wanting to risk being discovered. "Yerial."

"You're fae, aren't you?"

"Yes, I'm a member of one of the royal households." He rushed out the lie and he knew if Yerial found out he'd be livid. "What about you?"

"My name's Robin."

Could this be his Robin and the bond that the contract had mentioned had drawn them together? "Like the bird?"

"Yes. I don't really remember her, but my birth mother named me after her favourite bird."

"Birth mother?"

He smiled and the tips of his fangs were just visible. "Yes, Robin Flint, future Dark Viscount Whetford of the House of Hewel."

This was him, and Simon was torn on whether he should say something. He wasn't supposed to have made contact, but here he was sitting close to the man who in half a century would complete his destiny. Somehow it didn't seem fair to burden Robin with the knowledge.

"I have not ventured much from my own realm, but from how you speak I assume that makes you important."

Robin laughed. "Some might say so."

Simon could see why Robin attracted so many people, why Yerial had warned that he was not lacking company. He had read vampires had the ability to use something called their thrall and maybe this was why he couldn't move away and not because of a bond that would not manifest in full for half a century.

"Maybe you just think you are special."

"I am not the one who has cast a magic spell to enthral a stranger." Robin lifted his hand to cup Simon's jaw and ran his thumb across his cheekbone. "I think it is you who is special."

"Oh, come now, you can tell me if you are using your thrall."

Robin shook his head. "No, nothing. I saw you and I couldn't stop staring. Then you vanished and reappeared. I've never had such a pull to someone before, this is not normal."

Simon had never done anything with anyone before, so his comparison would be worthless. "You attract many people if you are the same Robin Flint who owns the club."

"Ah, so you did know me?"

"Only of you. I've never been in this realm before tonight."

"Then why tonight?"

He nuzzled his cheek against Robin's hand, the contact making it difficult for him to think. "I followed someone here but lost track of them. I was on a research mission for one of the royal family."

It wasn't a lie, he was researching Robin, and he was a member of the royal family, and he had lost track of what he should be doing. "Smart and beautiful, how did I get so blessed to have your company?"

"I'm sure you say that to all the boys."

"But seldom do I mean it."

Robin would not be his for many years to come, he could not and would not be jealous of the people who had kept him company or would do so before they were married. Or even after as because as far as he could tell Robin would have no need to be only Simon's and why would he want to be? At least the attraction made him less worried about what his future might hold, that they would be able to consummate their wedding vows and he could feel Robin's strength, his blood would be perfect.

Robin flagged down a member of staff and ordered Simon a glass of ambrosia and himself a brandy. They fell into an easy conversation, sitting close and telling stories. Robin of his life in Los Angeles and the movies and their stars, and Simon speaking about the fae home world and as much of his life as he could without giving too much away.

From the corner of his eye, he saw Yerial glaring at him, shaking his head. He beckoned Simon to come, and he knew his time here was at an end.

"I have to go."

Robin grabbed his hand. "The night is young, come with me to my apartment, we can get to know each other better."

That could not happen tonight, and not for a long time. "I can't. I'm not meant to be here, and I will be punished if I don't return soon."

Robin leaned in and kissed him. He'd never been kissed before. His body thrummed with desire, he returned the kiss with equal passion and if he had not brought himself in check he would have been in danger of climbing into Robin's lap.

He pulled away and stood, Robin on his feet, grabbing his hand. "You can't go, not after a kiss like that."

"I can't stay."

"Please, Yerial. Don't leave. We are so well-suited, in all my years I have never felt so content with someone, yet at the same time desperate for their touch."

"I'm sorry." Robin using another's name made him pause, he wanted to tell him, but it would be better if he didn't. "I'm sure we will see each other one day. You have all this to keep you entertained until you do."

Robin tugged his hand again. "Please, promise me you will return."

"One day."

He brushed his lips against Robin's and stepped away. He couldn't look back—he wasn't that strong—and opened a portal.

In his own rooms, he came face-to-face with his mother. She stood with her arms crossed. "Simon."

"I—"

"You've met him, haven't you?"

There would be no hiding this. "Yes, but I didn't reveal who I was."

Hylei smiled and stroked his hair. "Let me give you some advice. Put him from your thoughts, spend the time mastering your gifts and worry about the future when it arrives."

She wasn't angry, and that surprised him. "You don't mind that I went?"

"No, once I realised that you had discovered the contract I have been observing you discreetly, and you are a brilliant and inquisitive man, I would be more shocked if you hadn't."

"You've known all along?" He should have realised he wouldn't have been able to keep this hidden from Queen Hylei. But she'd given him the gift of being allowed to explore and he was grateful.

"I would have told you beforehand if you hadn't discovered it yourself." She smiled proudly. "Your vampire ancestry is not a secret, although not widely broadcast, but to unlock its power and for it to be interlinked with your fae side, requires more than luck and we have ensured that with the contract we made with the House of Hewel."

He trusted his parents, and having met Robin he was convinced everything would work out. He would finish his studies, maybe even get Yerial to continue his combat training and when the time came, he would be ready. Robin Flint wouldn't know what hit him.