Page 90 of Courting the Dragon Prince
But Onyx could see through the cracks now.
And he’d assumed that when he saw Luther drunk, exhausted, or dishevelled, it was because Luther was just gallivanting and fooling around, shirking duties, not taking anything seriously, including the treaty. But maybe that wasn’t the truth.
Because Luther had nightmares. So bad he didn’t sleep well. So bad he was ashamed of them.
Onyx didn’t understand Luther. Not really.
“I’m sorry,” Onyx said. “I shouldn’t have made assumptions.”
Luther lifted his head and laughed, a cheery, carefree sound, so discordant with what Onyx had observed a moment before.
But Onyx could see through the illusion Luther was trying to craft.
“It’s fine, Onyx.” Luther’s gaze lifted, but he looked at the wall behind Onyx, not meeting Onyx’s eyes. “Don’t worry about it. After all, it’s an easy enough mistake.” He grinned. “I am always rushing around to meet up with my next conquest.” He spoke fast, words hurrying into one another.
How had Onyx missed this? Missed the fact that this persona Luther presented was a complete façade.
Maybe because Luther was a brilliant liar.
“It’s not fine.” Onyx walked towards Luther. “I shouldn’t have accused you at the very least. And I’m glad you slept well here.”
Luther flashed another smile in Onyx’s direction, but once again, his gaze did not meet Onyx’s. “Well, I’m off to fly, then.” He gave a cheery wave. He turned towards the door, raising his hand to the handle.
“Do you want company?” Onyx blurted out, not wanting to leave things like this between them. “Sorry. Stupid question. You are going to fly, and I can’t.”
Luther didn’t say anything. He faced the door, back to Onyx. After several heartbeats, his hand dropped. Slowly, he turned back to Onyx, the smile gone, his expression filled with uncertainty.
“I mean,” Luther hesitated. “You could ride on my back. If you wanted.”
“Really?” Onyx asked.
“You probably just want to go back to sleep though.” Luther gestured to the bed. “After all, it is the middle of the night.”
“Luther, are you serious?” Onyx asked in disbelief.
Luther frowned. “What do you mean?”
Onyx took a step towards him. “You offered to let me fly with you, to ride on your back whilst you are a dragon, and you’d think for a second that I’d prefer to sleep? Of course I want to ride a fucking dragon!”
“I don’t know. Maybe you’re scared of heights?” Luther smiled, and this felt like a true smile. Not like the feigned smiles of a few moments before.
Onyx huffed. “I’m an earth elemental from the Grey Mountains. I can handle heights.”
Luther chuckled and shrugged. “Well, skies are much higher than mountains.”
“I’ll be fine,” Onyx said firmly. “But Luther, would you really let me ride you?” To Onyx, it felt … personal, like the sort of thing you’d only allow those you deeply trusted.
“As I recall, I’ve let you ride me several times now.” Luther’s smile turned wicked, and he wiggled his eyebrows.
Onyx laughed. “You know what I mean.”
“Just promise you won’t vomit on my back mid-flight,” Luther said.
“I promise.”
ChapterForty-One
Luther stretched his long neck forward. He opened his wings wide. He flapped.
