Page 105 of Courting the Dragon Prince
So right now, Luther lay naked and sprawled beneath the sheets of Onyx’s bed. Perhaps when Onyx returned, he’d blink sleepily awake and welcome Onyx to bed with open arms. And legs.
Not an appropriate thought for right now!
“Yes. Initially, we struggled to find common ground.” Onyx straightened and hoped to the mountain spirits he wasn’t blushing. “But recently, we have been getting along much better.”
Warden Flint placed the cup and saucer on the table beside the map. “I did have my concerns at first. I am aware that his temperament can be … challenging at times.”
“I will be honest, I initially found that to be the case,” Onyx confessed. “But like I said, we are getting along better now.”
Warden Flint nodded. “That is good. The marriage itself obviously has contributed to sealing the treaty. But by further developing a relationship with Prince Luther, you ensure your marriage acts as an example to the other couples.” He paused. “And it will act as an example to all members of the different kingdoms. You show that unity is possible despite our violent and turbulent past.”
“I am glad I can assist the kingdom as we strive for peace. But I was wondering …” Onyx trailed off.
His uncle raised his brows. “What were you wondering?”
“I know some in the Grey Mountains were against the treaty originally,” Onyx said. “Are they still against it?”
His uncle stared down at the map of the six kingdoms, taking a minute before responding. “Since the beginning of negotiations, there have been those who wanted the war to continue for a variety of reasons. For vengeance, glory, power, or to change the way the kingdoms function.”
Warden Flint met his gaze. “But that does not mean they will oppose their ruler’s will. I have kept in close contact with all the nobles who initially opposed the treaty within our kingdom. And I have also kept a close eye on them.”
Onyx frowned. Did his uncle have spies? Had his mother? Should Onyx have spies? In fact, should Onyx also be in contact with the nobles of their kingdom?
There was still so much about ruling that was beyond him. In fact, his mother had used to have her own personal soldiers. Whatever had happened to them? Then he remembered that his uncle had taken them over when his mother became incapacitated.
“I can tell you that there are Grey Mountains nobles who still have reservations regarding the peace treaty.” His uncle squared his shoulders. “But they will not act on their own and stand against their sovereign. Our nobles are loyal to the Obsidian royal family and to the Kingdom of the Grey Mountains. I am certain of that.”
Warden Flint clapped Onyx on the shoulder. “You do not need to worry, Onyx. I am keeping a close eye on all developments and working tirelessly to convince the nobles of the path that will lead the Grey Mountains to glory.”
“Thank you.” Onyx let out a breath. “That puts my mind at ease, Uncle. I am very grateful that you are here to assist Mother leading the kingdom at this time.”
His uncle squeezed Onyx’s shoulder before releasing it. “It is my duty and my honour to step in when my sister is … unable to fulfil her responsibilities.”
“Actually, Uncle, I was wondering if I could assist. You know, in the meetings.” After all, it was Onyx’s duty and he had so much he needed to learn. “I could?—”
“No,” his uncle interrupted. “There is no need. They are all rather mundane and boring. Your cousin, Jade, and I will be better to deal with them.”
Onyx’s throat tightened. Did his uncle not think Onyx competent enough to deal with the meetings?
“You just focus on your marriage,” Warden Flint said. “Also, I wish to keep on top of any potential issues that arise.”
“I see.” But as the heir, shouldn’t Onyx be the one to be on top of any potential issues?
“Keep working on strengthening your relationship with Prince Luther. That is what the kingdom requires of you at present.” Warden Flint paused. “I have an idea. You and Prince Luther should take a trip.”
“A trip?”
His uncle chuckled. “You could visit the dragon’s lair in Draconia and then go on to visit the Grey Mountains. It will give you a chance to get to know each other away from all these dull ceremonies, assemblies, and negotiations.”
“Shouldn’t I stay here so that I can keep abreast of what is going on?” Onyx asked.
His uncle shook his head. “No need. Jade and I will send you letters with updates.”
Onyx couldn’t help but feel that Warden Flint wanted him out of the way of the important work. But really, shouldn’t Onyx be trying to learn from his uncle rather than just letting him and his cousin do everything?
Originally, his mother had been approached by their allies from Botanial, Voltaria, and Zephyrias regarding negotiations for a peace treaty with Draconia. She’d gone along. But at some point, when the negotiations were well under way, the grand warden had become too incapacitated to actually deal with them, even with the assistance of her advisers.
Thankfully, his uncle had returned from the battlefield and taken over.
