And strangely Luther had even wanted Onyx to stay. Like some pathetic puppy yearning for a little attention and comfort.
But of course, Onyx didn’t want to stay with him. Why would he? They hated each other.
In fact, it made no sense as to why Luther wanted Onyx to stay. He’d been ridiculous.
The emptiness of the room bore down on him. As the seconds ticked by, the silence grew more and more oppressive. He swallowed as he stared at the canopy above him.
It felt like at any moment, the memories would seep out from the weave of the canopy fabric and descend on him, wrapping around him and enveloping him so he couldn’t escape. The warm air of the room pressed down on him, growing heavier and heavier until his breathing came short and sharp.
Luther scrambled upright, legs hanging over the edge of the bed as he took shallow, uneven breaths.
There’d be no sleeping anytime soon. Not when he was in a mood like this. He rose and cleaned himself up, washing the remnants of the night’s activities from his body. He tugged on fresh clothes.
Where would he go? A late-night fly? A dance in the city?
It didn’t matter. Nothing mattered. He just needed to get out of here and keep moving.
ChapterTwenty-Nine
Absently, Onyx put on his belt. But his mind wandered.
He remembered the smoky smell of Luther’s skin, the sight of his arse turning red as Onyx had spanked him, the feel of sinking his cock into Luther’s tight hole, and the sounds of pleasure falling from the prince’s lips as Onyx had fucked him.
A knock sounded on Onyx’s door. Onyx cleared his throat. “Come in,” Onyx called out as he straightened his belt.
Warden Flint opened the door. “Onyx.” He glanced around the room, perhaps expecting to see Luther somewhere. His gaze returned to Onyx. “Did your night go well?”
“It did,” Onyx answered.
“And is the marriage consummated?”
“It is.” Onyx was unsurprised by his uncle’s direct question. His mother’s brother was a man of determination and focus. His mother had been like that once.
“Good.” Warden Flint inclined his head. “After you left last night, I invited the king and queen consort of Draconia to take tea with us late this morning. I thought it a good idea, as it will assist us in developing a closer relationship with Draconia.”
Onyx nodded. He couldn’t argue with his uncle’s logic.
Although, he did think it a little odd. What if he and Luther wanted to remain in bed the morning after their wedding? But of course, his uncle would focus on diplomatic relations above Onyx and Luther wanting to spend the morning fucking.
“Your husband of course was included in the invitation. I assume he is in his room.” Warden Flint raised his eyebrow ever so slightly.
“I believe so. I left him there last night before returning to my own.” Onyx paused. “Will Mother be attending?”
Warden Flint nodded. “She will. She is more alert than usual this morning. She is in her room, freshening up with the assistance of a servant. Tea will be in half an hour.”
And half an hour later, Onyx assisted his mother from her room to the tearoom, where she so often spent her days. Onyx wondered if his uncle should have suggested a different room to meet.
“Here you are, Mother, sit here.” Onyx helped her to her place.
She smiled at him. “Thank you, Onyx.” Her eyes held more alertness than they had in a long time. Her hair had even been tied up into a bun rather than hanging loosely around her shoulders. There’d been a time when she always wore her hair like this.
According to the servants, she’d had a few cups of lysithea tea the night before but nothing so far today.
Onyx took a seat beside her as his uncle entered the tearoom.
“Do you wish for the tea to be brought in now, Your Highnesses?” a servant asked.
“We will wait until our guests arrive.” His uncle took a seat and crossed his legs.