Page 26 of Courting the Dragon Prince
Luther shot him an annoyed look.
“Now that Prince Luther and Warden Onyx have arrived, let us proceed with the start of the couple’s quest,” Grand Monk Ferdinand announced.
It seemed Luther would not have time to enjoy the drinks or the plentiful spread laid out. That must be for all the guests. He grabbed another pastry and shoved it into his mouth.
“Prince Luther and Warden Onyx, please approach.” The grand monk smiled.
The two walked forward, Luther chewing and swallowing.
A wooden podium stood beside the grand monk. On it lay a folded map and a pair of shackles resting on a white cushion. Luther’s eyes narrowed at the shackles.
“Today, we are gathered to see Warden Onyx and Prince Luther set off on their couple’s quest. This quest has been planned by the noble families of Prince Luther and Warden Onyx,” the grand monk proclaimed to the silent crowd.
Luther glanced around. He spotted Senta and Gerard watching them. They whispered to each other. Luther would bet money that the two of them had been involved in organising this quest.
Senta laughed, and Gerard smiled. Luther paused. Gerard smiled so rarely these days, since the attack that had scarred his face and almost killed him.
The grand monk spoke, pulling Luther’s gaze away from his siblings.
“By completing the quest, these two will show they can stand together as a married couple and face whatever hardships arise in their future.” The grand monk picked up the shackles. Strange markings had been etched into the metal. Then he stepped forward. “Please lift your left arm, Warden Onyx.”
Warden Onyx immediately obeyed.
With a click, he snapped one shackle around Warden Onyx’s wrist.
The grand monk turned to Luther. “Prince Luther, please lift your right arm.”
With some hesitation, Luther did so.
The grand monk snapped the other shackle shut around Luther’s wrist. A chain connected the two shackles. The grand monk released the shackles and stepped back.
Luther gave a tug. The metal chain clinked.
I am bound to Warden Onyx.
The grand monk lifted the map. “The path marked on the map will lead you to the key, which will open the shackles.”
Key?
Luther’s ears pricked up at the word.
“And near the place where you will find the key, you will find an infestation of snails,” the grand monk said. “We have received reports at the monastery that the snails have been causing problems for the local farmers, our half-brethren there. It is our responsibility to protect them.”
Luther frowned. What the fuck did “half-brethren” mean?
“You are expected to assist our half-brethren by ridding them of this snail infestation.”
Snails? Really?
But Luther kept his thoughts to himself. No doubt it was to show that they, as noble royalty, could help the common people deal with quaint, ridiculous, and disgusting problems. He glanced towards his siblings. No doubtthiswas what amused them so much.
“Once the quest is completed, you will return to the White Monastery. You will complete this quest without any assistance except that which you can provide for each other.” He glanced between them. “Do you have any questions?”
Warden Onyx shook his head. “No, Grand Monk.”
Luther had some questions. Like, did they really have to do this? Or could he do this quest alone without the slab-faced warden?
But he kept his mouth shut, knowing those questions would not be appreciated.
