Page 93 of Courting the Dragon Prince
Luther landed in the courtyard. Onyx undid the straps and climbed off his back. Then Luther waited as Onyx removed the harness. A servant came forward with his—or more accurately, Onyx’s—robe, which Luther had borrowed. Onyx gave the servant the harness to put away and took the robe.
Luther closed his eyes, focusing on an image of his human body. He let the shift take him. His tail retracted, limbs and torso shortened, and scales turned to skin. After a few seconds, he crouched in his human form in the monastery courtyard.
Onyx stepped forward, holding out the robe as Luther straightened.
Luther put on the robe. “Thanks.”
“No.” Onyx shook his head. “Thank you. I haven’t enjoyed myself like that in … I don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed myself like that.”
A surge of pride warmed Luther’s chest. “I’m glad. I enjoyed it too. More than I have in a very long time.” Luther noticed the bags beneath Onyx’s eyes. “Are you tired?”
“I am.” Onyx nodded. “Although, I can’t complain. You were the one who did all the work. I just sat there whilst you flew us over the island.”
Luther shrugged. “I recall you threw a few rocks.”
Onyx laughed, then turned and began to walk to the doors leading back into the monastery. “Remember when you called me a mountain climber and I asked how that was an insult?”
“I do.” Luther fell into step beside Onyx. That had seemed an age ago. However, it was just a few days ago.
“You told me I’d understand the insult if I could fly over mountains.” Onyx grinned at him. “I definitely understand now. Next time I have to hike or climb mountains, I’ll be wishing I could be soaring over them instead.” Onyx stared up at the sky.
Luther chuckled.
“I’m going to go back to bed for a bit.” Onyx glanced at Luther. “Want to join me?”
“For a nap. Or for other activities.” Luther wiggled his eyebrows.
“Nap first. I’m wrecked. Then maybe other activities.” Onyx smiled, dark eyes twinkling.
At that moment, Luther found it hard to believe there’d been a time when he’d never seen Onyx smile or laugh.
They walked silently through the corridors. Several warrior monks guarded the monastery. Servants bowed as Luther and Onyx passed. Monks inclined their heads in greeting. No one but the servants and monks seemed to be up and about this early.
When Luther and Onyx entered Onyx’s room, they undressed and got into bed. Luther pulled the blankets over them, hoping the nightmares would leave him alone for a few hours.
Onyx reached out, gripped Luther’s wrist, and tugged. With a sigh, Luther buried his face in Onyx’s broad chest.
Onyx wrapped his arms around Luther. “I just wanted to say sorry again for before.”
“It’s fine, Onyx.”
“It’s not.” Onyx paused. “If you have nightmares and need to get up and leave, I won’t jump to conclusions again. I promise. And if you want to go for another fly and want company, today or another time, feel free to wake me.” Onyx squeezed him.
Luther’s throat tightened as he felt less alone than he had in a long time. “You don’t have to do that.”
Onyx chortled. “You make it sound like I’m doing you a favour. Trust me, I’m not. I get to ride a dragon! I’d be a fool to miss out on that!”
ChapterForty-Two
“Fire and flames.” Luther raised his goblet of wine to his lips. “The necromancers turn my blood to ice.”
He and Onyx stood on the upper floor of the ballroom, gazing down at those below. Music swirled, mixing with the laughter and chatter of the crowd. Couples twirled as they moved around the dancefloor, Luther’s cousin Princess Dorothye and the Shadow Lady Nocturna amongst them.
It was their betrothal that was being celebrated tonight. Theirs would be the first of the two marriages that would take place between nobles from Draconia and Necros.
Luther’s older brother, Konrad, would be the other dragon marrying a necromancer. But who would Konrad be forced to marry?
Leaning out over the balustrade, Luther gazed down at those present from Necros. Konrad would no doubt marry one of them.
