Chapter 38

The first time he had visited the fae realm, a baby had been placed in his arms and from there on in he had been promised to the prince. Robin only had a vague recollection, it had been more than seven and half decades ago, but he remembered the blue of his intended's eyes, and now here he was married to him, and had been for several months. Those months had been some of the happiest he could remember, and the fake glitz and glamour of Hollywood was nothing more than grey smoke and dull mirrors in comparison.

Thanks to the portals, most of their private time was spent at Hartlands Hall, and Robin had been as charmed by it as Simon. It solved a potential future complication, as Fairbanks would one day be his when he became the Dark Viscount Whetford, Simon would also have the right to MacLove Castle when he became the Dark Earl, and perhaps the joint property would be a better option. But that was not a concern for the time being, and today was about celebrating Simon's fae heritage.

He'd visited the fae realm several times, and Simon had enjoyed showing him the world he'd grown up in, but he hadn't been prepared for the sight of where their blessing would be held. Hylei had taken charge of all the arrangements, Simon advising it was best to let her and they would be in safe hands. Now on the cusp of sunset, he'd been collected by Yerial, and a clutch of royal attendants had dressed him in a silver robe with flower garlands before being escorted through another portal into a forest clearing with a waterfall.

Unlike the wedding at MacLove Castle, there were less than fifty guests, with a handful of them being vampires—Liam, Sebastian, Ben and Catlin. The others were fae, apart from Ashley and Jack, and he saw Hyax at the back where he was standing a little away from the others. Robin remembered the ongoing feud between the fae tribes, perhaps this was the beginning of the thaw. There was no sign of Gwil, but then by vampire standards he wasn't somebody, even if he was banging a fae prince and he had heard Hyax's mother had moved to ensure her son would be partnered with someone more to her liking. But Robin wouldn't forget Gwil, and it was not a bad thing to be able to call on Robin Flint for a favour.

Simon had yet to arrive, and guided by a row of golden lights he made his way down to the edge of the waterfall. He had a feeling there was a bit more to this than Simon had let on, and he had been vague, refusing to say so he wouldn't ruin the surprise. Robin had been quite blunt that there'd been enough surprises thanks to his involvement with Simon, but that just made the smug bastard double down.

Glowing orbs illuminated the surroundings and if he'd been here Robin would have teased Simon about luring him into a fairy grotto. The thought vanished as the waterfall parted and Simon appeared. He was beautiful dressed in a matching robe to Robin's and his wings glowed silver. His long hair cascaded over his shoulders and he had a flower garland in place. He glided across the water and landed in front of Robin.

Queen Hylei came to stand next to them. He knew this was not as formal as the wedding, and that Simon's mother would lead the ceremony. What that had entailed was another closely guarded secret. "Blessings be, Robin and Simon," she said. "Tonight through fire and water we will bless your union, before witnesses and more importantly between yourselves."

A ring of fire danced across the surface of the water and Simon reached out and threaded their fingers together. "Don't look so nervous. This is meant to be fun."

"Indeed," Hylei said. "Pretty ribbons, a few nice words and some feasting in the midsummer. Be grateful it is not so cold here as in Scotland."

"I can put aside my dislike of surprises for once."

Simon tugged gently on his hand and Robin realised what he intended and they waded into the water, Robin braced himself for the chill, but it was warm and Simon rolled his eyes. Robin then saw the water light up as they walked through it and he had to remind himself his spouse was magic, on many levels.

Hylei had followed and once they were in place the ring of fire moved to encircle them, the small flames dancing to a soft lilting music.

Robin found it a little odd that the guests weren't acknowledged as Hylei began the ceremony.

"The fae have various levels of betrothal, but the deepest and most sacred is that of those of individuals who bond themselves to each other. It is a rare situation, and even rarer when one of them is not a fae. But is no less welcome."

Simon squeezed his hand, and Robin thought it wasn't possible to love him more than he did. They'd been together a few months, but it was as if he had known him forever and he would be empty if he were to ever let him go.

Hylei conjured up a yellow and silver ribbon. "Hold out your hands."

He let Simon guide him as Hylei tied the yellow ribbon around their wrist and weaved the silver one through their fingers. "The ribbons represent your bond, interwoven and entwined. Do you give thanks for the blessing you have received, Prince Simon?"

"With all my heart, mind and body," Simon replied.

"And what of you, Robin Flint?"

He gathered there were no particular words and he should respond with something instinctive. "I have never been so thankful nor have I been so fortunate. I am blessed beyond words."

Hylei smiled. "Under the moonlight there is nowhere to hide. Embrace your destiny to belong together as the greatest gift. Through your bond you are anchored to each other, and there is no reason to hide. You are as one. Blessings be."

The fae in the crowd muttered ‘blessings be' and Hylei clapped her hands together. "Let it be sealed with a kiss and we shall feast."

She waded away, leaving them alone.

Robin leant in and kissed Simon, a gentle exploration of lips and tongue that spoke to their adoration and devotion. Simon was his Eternal, bonded, husband… or simply his.