Page 47 of Courting the Dragon Prince (A Royal Arrangement #1)

Chapter Forty-Seven

L uther flapped his wings, flying over the plains of Draconia. In the distance, the Castle of the Dragons came into view.

“Got to admit,” Onyx yelled out. “Your castle is pretty impressive, Luther.”

Luther smiled.

The castle perched on a cliff overlooking the plains. Its walls were comprised of red brick. Towers pierced the cloudy night sky. Luther flew over the castle walls. A few candles burned in the windows below. Luther landed in one of the many large courtyards.

Several servants rushed forward to assist Onyx with dismounting and the removal of the harness. Once that was done, Luther shifted into his human form.

Three servants came forward, bowed, and presented him with robes.

“Are these options?” Onyx looked over the robes being held towards Luther. “Are you getting options for which robe you want to wear?”

“Of course.” Luther flashed him a grin as he selected a black silk robe with a green dragon sewn into the back. “One must have options depending on the weather. And my mood.”

Onyx gave an incredulous laugh.

Another servant placed slippers in front of Luther’s feet. “Thank you.”

Onyx shook his head. “Will they wipe your arse for you as well?”

“Only on request.” With a swirl of his robe, Luther turned and strode towards the entrance.

Two servants opened the double doors for them. As they stepped inside, another servant held out a tray holding two glasses of wine.

Luther paused, grabbed one, and gestured for Onyx to do the same. Wide-eyed, Onyx took a glass.

“Would you like me to take your bags?” another servant asked Onyx.

Onyx carried two packs on his back. One for Luther and one for Onyx.

“I am capable of carrying our packs myself, thank you.” Onyx clutched the straps. He shot Luther a look of disbelief and walked down the vaulted corridor.

Smiling, Luther rushed to keep up.

“How did they even know we’d be coming at this time?” Onyx glanced back at the servants. “It’s the middle of the night.”

Luther scoffed. “Our servants are the best. They are always prepared in case of a surprise arrival.”

Onyx made a noise of disbelief. He glanced at each of the elaborate tapestries they passed. “You dragons really go all out, don’t you?” He glanced up at the painting of dragons flying through clouds on the ceiling. “Fuck me.”

Poor Onyx. And this was just a side entrance. What would he say when he saw the grand entrance or the grand hall or the grand ballroom? Or any of the grand rooms for that matter.

“Well, don’t expect this at Limestone Castle.” Onyx took a sip of wine. “We aren’t as spoiled as you dragons.”

“Are you saying I won’t have four servants to wash me as I bathe in the tub?” Luther asked in shock.

“What?” Onyx frowned and came to a stop. “Do you … do you actually have four servants wash you?”

“Of course! I have two hands, two feet, four limbs, a chest, an arse, a dick, and two balls. That’s a lot of me to wash on my own.” Luther pressed a hand to his heart. “Do you truly expect me to wash my body myself? I am a dragon prince of Draconia!”

Onyx stared at him in horror. Then he burst out laughing. “You almost had me for a second.” He resumed walking.

Luther smirked. “I promise I can wash my dick and balls all by myself. After all, I am a grown man.” He left out the part where he usually had a servant in attendance when he bathed. Although, they didn’t actually wash him. They just handed him oils, soaps, clothes, and his robe as he needed it.

Luther glanced slyly at Onyx. “I do think I might need someone to help me undress though.”

“What? You need help getting out of a robe and slippers?” Onyx asked dryly.

“Well, this sash can be so confusing.” Luther tugged at said sash. “And I am so very used to being a spoiled, pampered prince.” Luther pouted.

Onyx chuckled.

Luther bumped him with his hip. “But if you are available, I really would appreciate your help when I’m in the bath. I’d be ever so grateful to have you rub my naked body clean with your big, strong, capable hands.”

Onyx swallowed, Adam’s apple bobbing. “I’ll see what I can do.”

They entered a large room. “Welcome to the portrait hall.” Luther waved a hand. “Here are the portraits of my dead ancestors.”

Onyx stepped forward and walked towards the two closest paintings. He read the plaque beneath them: “Dragon Queen Eloise Drachen.” Onyx looked between the paintings side by side. “Is this her in her two forms?”

Luther nodded. “Her in her dragon form.” He pointed at the green dragon poised on the castle wall. “Her as a human.” He pointed at the second painting, where she sat on the throne.

“Are you in here?” Onyx asked, looking around.

“No. My painting is in the grand hall on the other side of the castle.” Luther finished his wine and set it down on a side table. “All the portraits of the living members of the royal family go there.”

Onyx walked to the middle of the room. He turned on the spot slowly, taking it all in as he drank his wine.

“Well? What do you want to see next? My older sister Liesel and all my half-siblings will probably be asleep. So you’ll have to wait until tomorrow to meet them, assuming they are in residence.” Luther came towards him. “Would you like to see my bedroom? My bed is very comfy.”

Onyx reached out and wrapped his arm around Luther’s waist, tugging him against Onyx’s body. He kissed Luther softly, tasting of wine and Onyx.

“I would very much like to see your bed,” Onyx murmured against his lips. “But first, I’d like to see your hoard.”

“My hoard?” Luther asked, pulling back in surprise.

“Of course. I’m curious.” Onyx stroked Luther’s arm. “I’ve never seen a dragon’s hoard before.” He cocked a brow and studied Luther’s face. “But only if you don’t mind.”

“I’ve never shown anyone my hoard before.” Luther frowned.

“Oh. Don’t worry about it, then.” Onyx smiled and shook his head. “Like I said, I was just curious.”

Luther bit his lip. His relationship with Onyx was still so tentative. They’d continued to not fight the past few days. They’d continued to fuck. A lot. And Luther felt himself growing more and more affectionate towards the earth elemental.

But showing someone his hoard was a whole other level.

“Luther, don’t worry about it.” Onyx squeezed his bicep.

“No. It’s fine. You want to see a dragon’s hoard! So I’ll show you a dragon’s hoard.” Luther took the glass from Onyx and set it down. Then he grabbed Onyx’s hand and tugged him along.

“Really? Are you sure?” Onyx asked.

Luther glanced back and smiled as he led them down a passageway out of the portrait hall. “It’s no big deal,” Luther said as he started to sweat.

What if Onyx hated his hoard? What if he laughed? What if he mocked it?

“Well, I must confess I’m looking forward to your pile of gold and riches,” Onyx said as Luther pulled him down a flight of stairs.

Shit.

Because of course Onyx would expect his hoard to be comprised of gold and jewels. Luther swallowed. Still, he’d started this. He wasn’t about to chicken out.

“You’ll have to wait and see,” Luther said in a sing-song voice as he led Onyx deeper into the bowels of the castle. The air grew cooler as they climbed down another flight of stairs. Then Luther led Onyx down a side corridor.

He paused, glancing side to side, ensuring no one was around. He turned back and faced the wall. He placed his hand against the cool, hard stone.

“Open,” Luther whispered.

The brick wall groaned as it swung slowly open, revealing a narrow tunnel beyond.