Page 11 of Courting the Dragon Prince (A Royal Arrangement #1)

Chapter Eleven

“G ood morning,” Luther greeted Warden Onyx as he climbed into the carriage and sat opposite him. “Did you sleep well?”

The warden narrowed his eyes suspiciously at Luther. “I slept fine.”

Luther had been thinking over what Senta and Gerard had said about trying not to irritate his betrothed. And he’d thought about what his father said about doing what needed to be done.

So Luther had decided he’d make an effort and stop needling Warden Onyx. Instead, Luther would be charming and be on his best behaviour today and try to win his future spouse over.

“I’m glad to hear it.” Luther smiled his most dazzling smile.

Warden Onyx did not return it.

Luther licked his lip. He tried again. “It’s nice weather today.” He gestured out the window at the sun. “Perfect for a carriage ride.”

Warden Onyx grunted.

Luther pressed his lips together. A flare of annoyance reared inside him. Luther was playing nice. Why wasn’t Warden Onyx?

The driver up front gave a call. The carriage jerked and rolled forward. Hoof-beats clattered against the pavement.

Luther stared at the man opposite him. The warden wore his hair cut short. His broad shoulders and thick arms filled his dark leather coat, which although rather plain, had been well tailored to fit his muscular body.

After several minutes, the carriage paused as they reached a gate. The gate opened, and the carriage resumed its journey into the city within the outer monastery.

Luther straightened in his seat, trying once again to be polite in the face of Warden Onyx’s rudeness. “So where is this carriage taking us?” Luther asked, keeping his voice light.

Warden Onyx made a frustrated noise. “Do you not listen to anything?” he snapped. “The grand monk explained it all.”

A muscle in Luther’s cheek twitched.

How was he meant to respond to Warden Onyx being so nasty? Was Luther meant to just accept it? He was a prince of Draconia. Behaviour like Warden Onyx’s was not acceptable and should not be tolerated.

Clearly, Warden Onyx was set against him. And he had been since the moment they’d met, even before Luther had intentionally tried to be annoying.

Outside, the people and buildings passed them. He could hear the murmur of voices, hoof-beats, and the bustle of the city.

Luther’s hand curled into a fist on his lap.

He’d tried to be pleasant. He really had!

But obviously, the warden had no desire to play nice. So Luther wouldn’t either.

“No doubt I was too busy dealing with the damage of the dawn to pay attention to the ramblings of the dull grand monk,” Luther drawled.

Warden Onyx stared blankly at him. “Damage of the dawn?”

“I was hung-over,” Luther clarified and smiled.

“Of course you were,” Warden Onyx muttered.

And because Luther couldn’t help himself, he pulled out his hip flask and took a deep drink, the whisky burning his throat.

Warden Onyx scoffed in disgust.

“Oh. I’m sorry. I’m being rude,” Luther said innocently. “Would you like some?” Smiling, Luther offered the flask to the man, who just sneered at him before looking away.

Luther suppressed a chuckle. “So are you going to tell me what is happening today? Or are you going to keep the knowledge to yourself and leave me in such wretched suspense?” He pouted.

The earth elemental’s eyes burned into Luther’s. “They are setting up a couple’s quest for us to complete together. It is one of the courtship rituals. So we can become more acquainted with each other,” Onyx said. “The quest was devised by my uncle and several members of your family.”

“I see.” Luther vaguely remembered hearing something about that. “A couple’s quest. How very romantic.”

Warden Onyx didn’t respond.

Another gate opened, and then the carriage rattled along as they exited the monastery entirely. Soon, a verdant green forest flew past them in a blur.

Minutes passed. They rode along the bumpy path, jolting along with the carriage. Luther stared at his glowering betrothed, who stared fixedly out the window, obviously trying to ignore Luther.

Luther remembered the warden’s dark eyes flushed with anger, jealousy, and arousal. He had a sudden desire to make it happen again.

“Stop staring at me like that,” Warden Onyx bit out as his gaze snapped to Luther’s face.

“Like what?” Luther lifted a brow. He took a sip from his flask. Then he brushed his fingers slowly along his lower lip.

His betrothed bared his teeth and turned away. But not before his gaze fixed on Luther’s lower lip.

Luther smiled.

Warden Onyx desired Luther. He just didn’t want to desire Luther.

Luther chuckled, and the warden’s shoulders tensed.

After what felt like an age, the carriage finally drew to a stop. A servant dressed in livery opened the door.

“Thank you,” Luther said to the servant as he stepped out, welcoming the fresh forest air and a chance to escape his betrothed.

A large pavilion had been set up. Food and drink had been laid out on a long wooden table decorated with bouquets of green-and-orange flowers. A harpist played a sweet, melodic tune. Monks stood around, as well as several royals, nobles, and dignitaries.

It seemed like quite a few had turned up to witness this couple’s quest. Although, much less than their betrothal ball. His father and stepmother didn’t appear to be in attendance. But Senta and Gerard stood eating and drinking at one of the tables. Luther couldn’t spot the grand warden, but he did see Warden Flint.

Luther headed beneath the pavilion and towards a tiered stand holding a plethora of baked goods. His stomach gurgled. He hadn’t had time to eat that morning. He picked up a pastry and took a bite of the sweet, flaky delicacy stuffed with summer berries.

“Good morning, Luther,” a soft voice spoke.

Luther looked towards the woman dressed in beige robes with the dove sewn onto the front. Copper chains hung around her neck. The monk smiled at him, a very familiar smile.

Luther frowned. “Good morning.” Luther chewed, trying to place the face. Then it hit him. “Cousin Clara!”