Page 12 of Courting the Dragon Prince (A Royal Arrangement #1)

Chapter Twelve

L uther’s cousin smiled at him.

She had looked very different the last time they’d spoken. But of course, she’d been wearing her battle uniform back then and had not been clothed in monks’ robes. She’d also had hair. She had not been shaved bald in the way of the monks.

“I remember hearing that you joined the monkhood.” Luther’s father still went on tirades about how Clara had abandoned her kingdom and bloodline to join.

“Yes.” Clara dropped her gaze. Her brows lowered. “After the war, I knew no rest. My past kept tormenting me.”

Luther’s throat tightened. The remains of the sweet treat in his mouth turned bitter. After all, Luther knew what it was like to live a past that wouldn’t stop tormenting you.

During the war, Clara had been tasked with leading a group that burned crops and farmland that supplied their enemies’ troops. No doubt some civilians had gotten caught up in that.

Luther had heard she’d been a very effective leader.

“The things I did … I couldn’t get the charred bodies from my mind.” Clara’s voice shook. “Those poor people. And the children—” She closed her eyes, bowing her head.

After a moment, she seemed to collect herself and looked at him. “Then I met one of the monks in Draconia. He worked in one of the orphanages. Many of the children had lost their parents during the war. He was seeking donations.” She smiled. “He told me about the Way of the Dove. I decided although I could not atone for the lives I had taken, I could strive to create a better world.”

“I see. That makes sense. I’m … ah, glad you found a path that suits you.” Luther could not imagine donning the robes himself. The material looked very itchy. Nor could he imagine taking vows of chastity, poverty, discipline, and whatever else the doves vowed. Also, he’d have to shave his head. Luther didn’t think a bald head would suit him.

But unlike Luther’s father, Luther could understand why his cousin had joined. He could see why she wanted to make the world a better place.

“Thank you, Luther, and if you wish to hear more about the Way of the Dove, I would be more than happy to—” But before she could finish her sentence, a herald blew his trumpet.

A hush fell over the crowd.

“It was good seeing you, Clara,” Luther said in a whisper, kind of glad their conversation had been brought to an end. He had a feeling his cousin might have been about to try to convince him to become a monk and follow the Way of the Dove.

“You too.” Clara smiled at him and took a step back.

A moment later, Warden Onyx came up next to Luther.

Luther shot him an annoyed look.

“Now that Prince Luther and Warden Onyx have arrived, let us proceed with the start of the couple’s quest,” Grand Monk Ferdinand announced.

It seemed Luther would not have time to enjoy the drinks or the plentiful spread laid out. That must be for all the guests. He grabbed another pastry and shoved it into his mouth.

“Prince Luther and Warden Onyx, please approach.” The grand monk smiled.

The two walked forward, Luther chewing and swallowing.

A wooden podium stood beside the grand monk. On it lay a folded map and a pair of shackles resting on a white cushion. Luther’s eyes narrowed at the shackles.

“Today, we are gathered to see Warden Onyx and Prince Luther set off on their couple’s quest. This quest has been planned by the noble families of Prince Luther and Warden Onyx,” the grand monk proclaimed to the silent crowd.

Luther glanced around. He spotted Senta and Gerard watching them. They whispered to each other. Luther would bet money that the two of them had been involved in organising this quest.

Senta laughed, and Gerard smiled. Luther paused. Gerard smiled so rarely these days, since the attack that had scarred his face and almost killed him.

The grand monk spoke, pulling Luther’s gaze away from his siblings.

“By completing the quest, these two will show they can stand together as a married couple and face whatever hardships arise in their future.” The grand monk picked up the shackles. Strange markings had been etched into the metal. Then he stepped forward. “Please lift your left arm, Warden Onyx.”

Warden Onyx immediately obeyed.

With a click, he snapped one shackle around Warden Onyx’s wrist.

The grand monk turned to Luther. “Prince Luther, please lift your right arm.”

With some hesitation, Luther did so.

The grand monk snapped the other shackle shut around Luther’s wrist. A chain connected the two shackles. The grand monk released the shackles and stepped back.

Luther gave a tug. The metal chain clinked.

I am bound to Warden Onyx.

The grand monk lifted the map. “The path marked on the map will lead you to the key, which will open the shackles.”

Key?

Luther’s ears pricked up at the word.

“And near the place where you will find the key, you will find an infestation of snails,” the grand monk said. “We have received reports at the monastery that the snails have been causing problems for the local farmers, our half-brethren there. It is our responsibility to protect them.”

Luther frowned. What the fuck did “half-brethren” mean?

“You are expected to assist our half-brethren by ridding them of this snail infestation.”

Snails? Really?

But Luther kept his thoughts to himself. No doubt it was to show that they, as noble royalty, could help the common people deal with quaint, ridiculous, and disgusting problems. He glanced towards his siblings. No doubt this was what amused them so much.

“Once the quest is completed, you will return to the White Monastery. You will complete this quest without any assistance except that which you can provide for each other.” He glanced between them. “Do you have any questions?”

Warden Onyx shook his head. “No, Grand Monk.”

Luther had some questions. Like, did they really have to do this? Or could he do this quest alone without the slab-faced warden?

But he kept his mouth shut, knowing those questions would not be appreciated.

Luther took a deep breath. He just had to get through this stupid quest with Warden Onyx.

“Here is the map and some basic supplies.” Grand Monk Ferdinand gave Warden Onyx the map. He handed a pack to Luther. Luther slung it over his shoulder.

“We wish you the best of luck and all success.” The grand monk stepped aside, gesturing with his thin arm to the path behind him that led deeper into the forest.

The herald played the trumpet. Applause broke out from those gathered.

Warden Onyx began to walk forward. Since they were chained together, Luther was forced to keep pace or be dragged along like some misbehaving child.

As they walked, the sounds of the crowd and blasting trumpet faded. Their boots crunched in the dirt and gravel as they moved through the trees.

As soon as they could no longer be seen by those beneath the pavilion, Luther spoke. “Step back. I’m going to shift and break these shackles. Then we can complete this bullshit quest in no time.” Luther stopped walking.

Warden Onyx tried to continue. The chain pulled taut, since Luther had stopped. He sneered at Luther. Warden Onyx opened his mouth as if about to say something.

But Luther just closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He reached for his powers, for the dragon within.

But … he couldn’t.

It was like a wall had been built between him and his ability to shift.

“What the fuck?” Luther’s eyes snapped open. He jerked at the shackles as panic flared inside him. “What is going on?”

“You don’t listen to anything, do you?” Warden Onyx asked. “These are special shackles created by the monks. They nullify magic powers whilst you wear them. That includes shifting.”

Luther closed his eyes, letting out a heavy breath. “So we have to do this task for real?”

“We do. Now come on.” Warden Onyx yanked on the chain, pulling Luther further into the forest.