Page 46 of Courting the Dragon Prince (A Royal Arrangement #1)
Chapter Forty-Six
“Y ou seem to be getting along well with your new husband,” Warden Flint said to Onyx.
Onyx had come across his uncle beside the unfurled map in the library.
It was a different library from the one he’d fucked Luther in the night before. This one was part of the section of the monastery provided for the Grey Mountains royal family. But still the sight and smell of the books brought the image of Luther riding his cock to mind.
Onyx cleared his throat, trying not to think of that so he could converse with his uncle without developing an erection.
“I know you did not wish to be married to him.” Warden Flint held a teacup and saucer. “But you have appeared … rather cosy together of late.” He lifted the porcelain cup to his lips and sipped as he studied Onyx.
Was that a comment about all the sex Luther and Onyx had been having? Did his uncle know somehow? They were not quiet. And Luther had been spending time recently in Onyx’s room. In fact, this very moment, Luther slept in Onyx’s bed. Onyx had chosen not to wake him when he rose for the day. He knew Luther often didn’t sleep well.
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.
“Uncle, I am grateful for all your help, but shouldn’t I become more involved in these negotiations?” Onyx took a deep breath. “I know Tourmaline was trained to be grand warden. But that responsibility will now fall to me. I must be prepared to run the kingdom one day.”
Warden Flint stared at him for several long seconds. “You are correct, Onyx. Forgive me.”
Onyx opened his mouth to protest and tell his uncle there was nothing to forgive. After all, his uncle had done so much. He didn’t know what he’d have done if his uncle hadn’t stepped in when he had.
“After your sister’s death and your mother’s … deterioration, I have tried to pick up the pieces and ensure that the Kingdom of the Grey Mountains is on the correct path,” Warden Flint said. “But you are right, as the heir, you should be the one guiding the kingdom. Or at least learning the skills necessary to do so one day.
“Why don’t you take this trip with your husband and truly work on solidifying the relationship? When you return, I will train you and teach you as best I can. How does that sound?”
Onyx let out a breath, his shoulders relaxing. He was relieved not to have to argue with his uncle about this. Part of Onyx thought that maybe he should start training now rather than take a trip. But another part of him yearned to spend a little time away from the monastery with Luther.
And shouldn’t he be doing that? After all, his uncle had a point: Solidifying their marriage would strengthen the relationship between Draconia and the Grey Mountains.
“That sounds like a good idea, Uncle,” Onyx said. “Thank you for everything you’ve done for the Grey Mountains, my mother, and myself.”
His uncle inclined his head. “We all must do what is required for the glory of the Grey Mountains. I can promise you that there is no cost I would not pay for our kingdom’s future.” Warden Flint stared into Onyx’s eyes. “I hope that is the same for you, Nephew.”
“Of course.” Onyx nodded. “I would do anything, give anything for our kingdom.”
“I’m glad to hear that.” Warden Flint smiled. “Now go pack. And make sure you keep me updated on your travel plans.” Then his uncle turned his gaze back to the map.