Chapter 32

With Simon home, and them waiting for the potion to be ready, Robin had too much time on his hands and not enough energy. He sat in a chair in Crofton Hall's library listening to Ashley's update on what they'd found out about Dr Ralph Mettle.

"Because we had to do an emergency extraction we weren't able to implement the original plan of myself and Hyax going in and containing the lich," Ashley said, and Robin knew he'd explained his countless times but Sebastian and Solivatus hadn't been present before. "That resulted in Mettle leaving the facility. When he did so he decommissioned a number of wards, most likely due to the energy expense they took to maintain, and myself and a number of other members from the Warlock Ruling Council were able to access the property. He was gone, and we're trying to pick up various traces using tracking spells but they will take time."

Sebastian clicked his tongue. "So we have no idea where he is at the moment?"

"Correct, but that should change once we get Simon's cuffs off. Alex believes he'll be able to use some of the residual magic in the cuff to pinpoint Mettle's location."

"Then it is just a matter of time." Sebastian seemed happier that there appeared to be a resolution on the cards. "I believe death by fire is the traditional execution for a lich."

"It's not the killing that's the issue but their ability to regenerate," Hyax said. "I'm studying a number of ancient texts that I've recently got access to, and if I'm not mistaken, then the power Simon will wield once he transitions would be sufficient to destroy a lich's phylactery."

Robin sat up. "I don't want him put at risk."

"I think it would be beneficial for him to have an opportunity to offload a significant amount of power. He'll transform and initially he'll be erratic and this would level him off."

Robin still didn't like the idea. "It's dangerous."

"With the greatest of respect, so is your husband." Hyax stared at him. "This also gives him the chance for vengeance, which is a major driving force for most fae."

Sebastian chuckled. "It's not exactly unheard of for vampires either."

"He's not fully recovered," Robin insisted, annoyed he wasn't being listened to.

"He's physically fine," Ashley said. "Personally, I don't think it's your decision to make. You might be his husband but he outranks you in both realms, so we should ask him want he wants to do."

Robin didn't need reminding of his social standing compared to Simon's and it wasn't as if he were a nobody either, though as much as it irked, Ashley was right.

"I will talk to him, but if he agrees to this, I will not allow him to go alone."

"No chance there," Sebastian said. "The House of Hewel will hunt together, it is not just Simon but retribution for Catlin."

"Simon is a Calanti, his people will want retribution too," Hyax said. "This needs to be a magic-led operation. Or we will be in danger of losing him again."

Solivatus turned to Ashley. "What about the Warlock Ruling Committee, would they oversee? Jack and yourself have already been involved."

Ashley nodded. "The WRC have already met, we will provide all necessary support. There were more than fifty residents at the facility, and also past residents who were treated with unsanctioned magic, this falls under our jurisdiction."

Robin waited for Sebastian to argue and was surprised when he didn't. "I have no desire to mop up this bollocks. I just want to make sure the bastard pays for his crimes."

"How is Catlin?" Robin asked. He'd not seen her, and presumed she had a similarly awful experience as himself with the portals, although he was pretty much recovered.

"Ben's been talking to her, while she's near enough her old self, her memories haven't returned, and Jack has a theory about that," Sebastian said. "He thinks that even though he was able to remove her cuff without the complications we have for Simon, there may be a residual link to the lich. The expectation is once Mettle is eradicated she'll be her old self and we can get to the bottom of how she got there in the first place."

He knew Sebastian was relieved to have her back, but he wouldn't be happy that they still didn't know how she had come to be replaced by an aswang.

Alex materialised. "Apologies, sirs. But I was informed you'd wish to know when the potion was ready. I'm about to set up the bath." He checked his watch. "I'll need to add Simon's blood to the potion, but all should be in place in about twenty minutes."

"Excellent," cried Sebastian, and Robin could only agree.

"I'll let Simon know." Robin stood.

"Since the bath is being set up in his warded rooms he is already aware." Alex smiled, he looked pleased with himself. "I thought you'd like to keep him company while he bathes. And I've also left ample supply of the cream to apply once the potion is washed off."

Robin had been waiting impatiently for them to make progress. "I'll be straight there."

"I'll be checking in regularly to monitor his progress and contain the cuffs once the release mechanism works." Alex dematerialised with a polite nod.

"Off you go," Sebastian said. "Speaking to James, he believes that once the cuffs are off, Simon's fangs will come and he can feed."

"I thought he'd be here?"

"He has a kingdom to run, and knows Simon is in the best hands. But he has been receiving constant updates and has suggested that Simon transitions back in the fae realm so James can be available to support, given Simon's recent memory loss."

After his last trip through a portal Robin wasn't so keen unless there were safeguards, but he couldn't deny that James made sense, and he was the only other vampire-fae he knew of. "I will need to make sure I don't turn into vampire beef jerky again when we travel through the portal."

"Simon can do that once his magic returns," Hyax said. "He's going to show me how to do so in order to protect Gwil in the future."

Sebastian cocked his head to one side. "You are actually taken with him. I thought it might be an act of rebellion against your mother."

Hyax bristled. "We are betrothed, that's not something I would have entered into for the sake of pettiness."

Sebastian snorted. "I can tell you, some marriages are built on foundations much shakier than that."

Robin decided not to be drawn into this debate. "I best go to Simon."

Sebastian waved him away with an instruction to enjoy applying the after-bath cream and to be diligent. It was a bit like being given sex advice from an elderly uncle and he put the idea from his mind as he raced to Simon's room.

He wasn't expecting to find a larger than average roll-topped bath in front of the four-poster bed. Seeing Simon wrapped in a delightful red silk dressing gown was another more pleasant surprise.

Simon was staring into the bath, and Robin came to stand next to him and held his hand. A thick purple liquid filled the tub, it gave off a smell that certainly wouldn't be chosen as a new Chanel fragrance. "You ready?" he asked Simon.

"I need to bleed into it, but not sure if that's before or after I get in."

Alex appeared with a stack of fluffy towels and a penknife. "Hop in when you're ready, and I'll open a vein."

He felt Simon tense, and he suspected he wasn't keen on letting an elf near him with a sharp blade. "I can do that myself."

Alex didn't appear bothered by the rebuff. "As both the brewer and the one who donated the elf blood, I need to do it. Don't worry, I've extensive experience of blood-letting."

Robin suspected that might be part of Simon's reservation.

"Fine."

Alex turned around and Simon dropped his dressing gown. Robin was hard at the sight and he was convinced he was recovered enough to worship Simon properly, but he would have to be patient. They had no idea how long Simon would need to soak in the potion.

"Fuck! This stuff is disgusting," Simon said as he slid into the bath.

"Well, it is an elf potion—we're not known for being pleasant," Alex said, holding the knife. "Now, if you could hold out your wrist. I'll be as quick as I can."

Simon complied and Alex made a small excision under the cuff. Simon's blood dripped into the potion. A few seconds later the liquid changed from purple to red.

"Excellent, that worked. Submerge the cuffs," Alex said. Robin felt a whisper of magic. "I've set a monitoring charm so I'll be back when that picks up something. Karl will bring you both lunch."

He should have realised that Alex wouldn't have wanted to hang around wasting time when he would have other things to do.

Left alone with Simon, Robin grabbed a chair and dragged it over. "Is that as gross as it looks?"

"I'd want to kill Mettle for making me have to do this alone."

Simon slid back into the concoction with a squelching noise that made Robin shudder. "I'd offer to scrub your back but I'm not convinced the loofah would survive."

"Not helping, Robin."

They slipped into easy conversation, a chance for mindless chatter sharing stories from their past. He learnt about Simon's favourite subjects, his friends growing up and how he'd come to terms with the idea of their arranged marriage when he was being kept chaste. "I knew it was what was expected of me, and ultimately what will be best for my people. If I want the power my father has, I had to make sacrifices, and in the long run it turned out for the best."

"I can't say I was so magnanimous."

"But why would you be? Your side of the bargain would give you a place as my consort, but not the rest. I've told you I don't begrudge you the years you spent enjoying what was offered."

He reached out and played with a hank of Simon's hair. "I never expected us to be so perfect for each other. And these last few weeks have been the worse of my existence. Even all the years I was pining after the man I thought was called Yerial, getting to have you as my husband and then losing you was excruciating."

"Once these cuffs are off, I'm going to make sure you'll never have to worry about that again. I'm going to hunt down the lich and kill him."

Another hour passed, Karl having come and gone with a light meal. A series of bubbles began to rise to the surface, bursting with fat belches.

"That's a good sign, right?" Robin asked.

"I've no idea."

Alex entered the room carrying a silver goblet. "If I'm not mistaken we're nearly there. I can add the final ingredient and I would expect the cuffs to release."

"What is it?"

"Pulverized sheep's entrails."

"What?"

Alex smirked. "Not really—it's first press ambrosia. Its sweetness is there to counteract the pungent nature of some of the other components, but I don't think you'll want specifics."

Simon rolled his eyes but kept the cuffs submerged as instructed and Alex poured the honey-coloured liquid into the mix. A flurry of bubbles flew to the surface and Simon appeared to be in the middle of a sticky jacuzzi.

"Is this the reaction you were expecting?" Simon asked, an edge of panic in his voice.

"Yes, it's textbook. I couldn't be happier, the potion is driving out the spells weaved into the cuffs and the energy is being carried away in the bubbles and safely released to the surface."

Alex sounded very proud of himself, and Robin couldn't blame him. His own knowledge of the science of potion-making was limited, but Ben had told him this was an elaborate and time-consuming beast only a handful of individuals would be able to brew.

The potion was starting to turn black. "Can I get out now?"

"Let's see the cuffs," Alex said.

Simon held out his arm. Alex peered at the metal, wiping away the potion to get a better look. "Yes, I think you're good. Shower off the potion and then I can apply the counterspell."

Simon grabbed a towel as he got out of the bath, and with a series of squelchy footsteps went to take a shower. Alex banished the potion and Robin went to watch Simon on the pretext of making sure he was all right as he wasn't about to pass up the opportunity for an ogle, but before he could enter the bathroom, Alex called him back.

"Mr Flint."

"Yes?"

"If I could have a word, about when the cuffs are removed.

The bath was now gone and the room returned to its pristine state. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing, it's just that it's not predictable. His Highness's magic might return immediately, rushing back in, or it could be slower. I think you need to be prepared either way."

"I'm here to support him," he said. "Is there something in particular I should be mindful of?"

"I've seen the side effects of magic being limited, he may lash out, or be so overcome that he tries to push you away, so try not to react."

Robin knew little about Alex's past, he was an elf with a military background and knowledge beyond the average of his kind. He wasn't sure he trusted him but Ben did and he'd helped without expecting anything in return. "I'll do my best."

Simon emerged. He didn't seem very happy and was wrapped in a couple of towels but Robin could see that the potion clung in several places. "I can't get it all off."

"The lotion will help, as will restoring your magic." Alex beckoned him over. "I'll remove the cuffs and put them in containment. In theory, that should make you safe from the lich tracking you, but I would recommend staying in this room until your magic has returned to some degree."

"I want to deal with Mettle, but I'll not go looking until I'm ready to do so."

Alex took hold of Simon's cuffs, cradling one in each hand, a red crackle engulfed the gold and as Alex muttered something Robin didn't understand. A crack appeared with a satisfying splitting noise.

Simon rubbed his wrists. "That is amazing. Thank you."

"How do you feel?"

"Something's happening, but it's a bit sluggish, it might take a bit of gentle prodding."

"I'll go deal with these, and I'm sure Mr Flint will be happy to apply the lotion."

Left alone, Robin picked up the jar of the pink-tinged cream. "I am looking forward to rubbing you all over."

Simon smirked. "Perhaps I only need you to do the bits I can't reach."

"I insist… otherwise I would be shirking my duties."

"Are you up to all your marital duties? I don't want to put you under pressure, I know you're healing too. And I haven't had the chance to thank you properly for your heroics."

"If I were a better man I would say I didn't need rewarding, but I'm not and I want to fuck you so badly my fangs are aching at the thought."

Simon dropped his towel. "Then come and collect your reward."

The potion had left smears across Simon's body but they in no way distracted from the sight. Robin was already hard and he popped the lid off the jar. "Stand over by the bed, I suggest you splay your legs and lean against one of the corner posts."

They were still getting to know each other's needs, and Robin didn't think Simon was naturally submissive but he did as he was told, throwing a come-hither smile over his shoulder as he slunk away and got into position. Simon's hair began to change colour, the red brought on by whatever Mettle had done, ceding to the natural black.

He came to stand behind him and ran a finger down his spine. "Your hair's changing."

"I can feel my magic starting to wake, I didn't realise how empty I felt, but I think you'll have to fill me in another way."

"After I've made sure the potion won't cause you further trouble."

Robin scooped a handful of lotion out of the jar, it smelt of spices and incense and he thought it would be marvellous to smear across Simon's skin. He started with Simon's arms, the cream removing the lingering traces of the potion and leaving Simon's skin delectable to smell and touch. He reached out and covered his chest and belly, pressing a kiss to Simon's neck and stroking him with soft circular motions. Simon moaned and gasped as Robin coated his cock and balls, but he didn't linger, even though Simon begged him for more.

"I promise I won't leave you wanting, but I will make sure you're good and ready."

He sank to his knees, rubbing his hand up and down Simon's legs, only letting his fingers graze his balls, teasing and playful. It had seemed so long since he'd been able to make love to Simon, what with his disappearance and Robin's own recovery, it had been several weeks and he was desperate.

The lotion would be oily enough to use as lube. Robin wanted to be thorough, and he wouldn't risk hurting Simon in his haste to claim his prize. He got back to his feet, Simon still leaning against the bedpost. Robin came to stand behind him before ensuring his fingers were well-coated with lotion, then slipped them between the crease of Simon's buttocks.

Simon moved his legs wider and pushed back. "I need you. Fuck me, please."

"Soon."

He teased Simon's hole, receiving a whimper in return and then pressed a finger inside, the lotion making for an excellent lubricant. Simon moaned and his head fell back, his hair cascading in waves and Robin wanted to claim him. He'd never been a possessive lover and had enjoyed sharing his fucks when it was nothing more than fun, but this was different and he would never let another soul near Simon.

Robin worked Simon open, reaching around and stroking his cock as he slid his finger in and out, Simon making delightful noises. Robin thought he was going to need to record them fucking as he wanted to be able to see and hear those noises if they ever had to be apart again for any reason.

Simon was begging for Robin to fuck him, and he was more than happy to oblige. He stripped, getting naked in no time. The sight of Simon, legs apart, waiting to be taken and begging was a better vision than any of his favourite paintings. He used some of the lotion to coat his cock and stood behind Simon, conscious that Simon was still new to lovemaking and they hadn't tried this position before. Simon was a little shorter than Robin and the perfect height for this.

He positioned his cock at Simon's entrance, and snaked a hand around Simon's waist as he slowly pushed inside, ignoring every instinct to thrust deep and fast. He inched deeper, Simon tight yet welcoming, and the perfect mix of heat and friction. He'd fucked a lot of people, a few more than once, but nothing felt like this. Their connection added a new layer that he would never willingly give up.

Simon panted and Robin gave him a moment to adjust, rubbing his belly as he did so. "If you want to stop?—"

"Fuck, no! You won't break me, Robin. It's so good."

He took that as the invitation to begin to move, shallow thrusts at first, but then deep long strokes, Simon pushing back to meet him. He was a fast learner and may not have had the experience before, even so, they were in perfect sync.

He sped up, enjoying Simon falling apart as Robin fucked him, his moans and cries as he reached his peak without Robin having to touch his cock was delicious.

Robin chased his own orgasm as Simon's walls tightened around his cock. He wouldn't need much more and he shouted out Simon's name as he came, emptying himself into his willing body, as his head spun with delight.

It took a moment for the world to right itself and he withdrew. Simon's legs gave way and Robin scooped him into his arms.

"Saving me again, Mr Flint?"

"I appear to have left my shining armour elsewhere but I can still carry you to safety."

He laid Simon on the bed and settled beside him. Simon stroked his face. "Bits and pieces of the last few weeks are beginning to come back, did you have a different face?"

"Yes, and I was pretending to be the mistreated boyfriend of Gwil. But it was necessary to get you home, we hadn't planned for the exit to be so rushed."

"There were lots of things we hadn't planned for, and now we can move forwards with our future—together." Simon kissed him and then pulled back.

"What's wrong?" Robin asked, concerned.

Simon opened his mouth. "I can feel them, my fangs…"

Robin peered into Simon's mouth, sure enough, the pointy white incisors were descending. "Baby teeth," he laughed. "A few hours and I reckon you'll be able to feed."

Simon cuddled closer. And as Robin held him, he felt complete. A residual worry that the bond might still wane once Simon fed resurfaced and he squeezed him a little tighter. The last few weeks had been unbearable—a constant hollowness—and he never wanted to feel like that again.