Page 111 of Courting the Dragon Prince

“I’m not sure.” Onyx frowned. “Perhaps. Last time we spoke, he did mention some of the nobles still had reservations about it.” Unease settled in his belly. “But he seemed to think he had that under control and that they would support the wishes of the sovereign.”

“Hmmm.” Luther chewed. “Well, whatever it is, at least he is aware of it and is dealing with it.”

Onyx nodded. He stared at his uncle’s words as if somehow doing so might provide more insight. “I guess we won’t know until I see him in three days’ time. Although, it must be important if my uncle is taking time out from the assembly.”

Onyx turned to the next page and read. “It seems like they have been having trouble deciding on a name for the peace treaty.”

Luther popped a raspberry into his mouth. “Really, how hard could that be?”

“Apparently very,” Onyx said. “Seems your father and his advisers wanted it to be called the Peace Treaty Between Draconia and the Five Allied Kingdoms.”

“That’s not clunky at all,” Luther said. “It just rolls off your tongue.”

Onyx chuckled. “Your father said that since the allied kingdoms often referred to the war as the dragon war, it makes sense to focus on Draconia in the title of the peace treaty.”

Luther smiled. “I’m assuming the others are not in agreement?”

Onyx shook his head. “My uncle, and others, think the treaty should not put too much focus on a single kingdom. Apparently, the Queen of Botanial suggested the Lavender Treaty, since lavender represents peace.”

“Ahh, nature mages. Always bringing it back to flowers.” Luther laughed.

Onyx smiled. “My uncle suggested the Peace Accord of the Grey Mountains, Voltaria and Zephyrias, Botanial, Necros, and Draconia. But it seems there was a lot of controversy regarding the ordering of the kingdoms.”

Amusement danced in Luther’s bright-green eyes. “How long do you think they spent discussing that?”

Onyx glanced at Luther. “According to my uncle, they spent an entire afternoon debating the ordering. But thankfully it seems they eventually just settled on the Peace Accord of the Six Kingdoms. And it seems like it only took them two days in total to come up with the name.”

Luther huffed as he picked up a small glass that contained the herbed schnapps. “Well, it’s good to know that the meetings are covering the important topics that will influence the future of our kingdoms and their subjects.”

Onyx placed the papers to the side. “I’ll read the rest after breakfast.”

Luther eyed the pile. “Is it really so important for you to read through all of those papers? A lot of it sounds a little frivolous.”

“I know. But I think it is important that I keep on top of the issues, since I’ll be the grand warden one day.” Onyx bit into one of the small fried fish, crunching through the charred skin and bone.

“That makes sense. Although, I don’t envy you.”

Onyx swallowed. “I have to admit I feel a bit guilty for not being at the meetings in person. But I’m also relieved, as it sounds a little boring.”

“A little boring?” Luther laughed. “Look, I don’t know much about governing a kingdom, but I’ve heard my father tell Konrad and Liesel that as a ruler, you shouldn’t get lost in the monotonous, mundane work.”

Luther pointed his fork at Onyx. “That work is for trusted advisers. Instead, a ruler should focus on the important things that can’t be delegated to others.”

Onyx studied him. “Huh. That’s actually good advice.”

Luther waggled his eyebrows. “I overhear things now and then.”

But Onyx thought Luther did more than that. Since Luther had shown him his hoard, Onyx had been thinking a lot about Luther’s story regarding stealing the keys, about sneaking into lessons, about wanting a role in the family and his desire to be important.

Onyx knew now that he had misjudged Luther from the start. Sure, Luther had not always made the best impression. But Onyx wondered, if given the opportunity and responsibility, Luther might actually rise to the challenge and thrive. Perhaps he would make a good consort, someone to help Onyx rule, a trusted adviser, someone to give Onyx advice and support.

“Why don’t you ask your uncle to send you a summary of the meetings, just the important details? You don’t need to know all the dull conversations taking place,” Luther suggested.

“That’s not a bad idea. I’ll give it some thought,” Onyx said, taken aback to realise Luther was already giving him advice and support.

Onyx himself still had a long way to go to being a competent ruler. He had so many doubts and fears about not being able to fulfil his role as grand warden. But perhaps he and Luther could learn about their future roles together. Maybe if he built this relationship with Luther, he’d find a good partner for the challenges and responsibilities ahead.

A little of the guilt he felt for leaving the White Monastery and the assembly dissolved. For now, Onyx thought he was where he was meant to be, with Luther, working on building a strong marriage.