Page 113 of Courting the Dragon Prince

“Honestly, I assumed the castle would be leaking and rat-infested and stink of mould.” Luther wrinkled his nose. “Although, I suppose that still could be true. We haven’t actually entered the castle yet.”

“I did not make it sound that bad!” Onyx said.

Luther smiled. “Will I be expected to hunt, kill, skin, and cook my own food? It’s not a problem if I must. I’m very good at hunting, especially in my dragon form. In fact, I can skip the skinning and just eat it whole and charred.”

“You’re ridiculous.” Onyx chuckled, shaking his head.

Luther’s chest glowed with warmth. Whilst he’d previously enjoyed making Onyx glare and glower, he much preferred to make Onyx laugh and smile. Although, honestly, Onyx was very handsome either way.

“I think your castle is quite lovely-looking actually,” Luther said. “You greatly undersold it.”

Onyx stared into Luther’s eyes. “So you don’t think you’ll mind living here too much?”

Luther pursed his lips. “Well, I’ll need to see the inside first before I make any promises. I need to ensure that it isn’t leaking, rat-infested, and stinking of mould.” He smiled. “And I’ll need to find a spot to hide my precious hoard. But I think I could imagine being happy here.”

The wordsif I’m by your sidetingled on the tip of Luther’s tongue. Because he wanted to be by Onyx’s side, as his consort, his partner, and his lover.

But his feelings had developed so quickly for Onyx. He didn’t quite know if they could be trusted. Or if they would last. Honestly, Luther had never felt this strongly for someone before.

It scared him.

He kept worrying that he would let Onyx down, like he’d let down so many. He worried Onyx would grow bored of Luther’s frivolity and lack of duty. After all, that was why Onyx had hated Luther originally.

At the moment, Onyx seemed to like him and enjoy being with him. But Luther was still the same person he’d been when they met. Maybe right now, Onyx was just cockblind. So befuddled by lust and desire for Luther that he’d forgotten all Luther’s many, many flaws.

What would happen when the heat in the bedroom cooled and Onyx stopped finding Luther so attractive and amusing?

A sense of dread settled in Luther’s bones as they grew closer to the city walls.

A trumpet blew. The drawbridge lowered, and a retinue on horseback rode out, flying the Grey Mountains flag, a white outline of mountains on a dark-grey background.

Luther pushed away his gloomy thoughts and smiled at Onyx. “Oh, look. Your people have been eagerly awaiting your return.” Luther gave an exaggerated frown. “But I’m confused. Weren’t you the one going on and on about how odd it was that my servants were prepared for our arrival?”

“That’s different, and you know it,” Onyx said. “I wrote ahead and told them we’d be coming. That’s why they are prepared. Your servants just wait around in case you turn up. Also, it is the middle of the day.” He gestured to the blue skies above.

“I don’t think it’s that different,” Luther said, voice light.

Onyx gave him a hard look. Luther laughed.

Fuck, I adore this big block of an earth elemental.

“Your Highnesses,” a woman on horseback called out as the retinue came to a stop before them.

The retinue bowed to Onyx and Luther.

“Warden Onyx, we are pleased at your safe return,” the woman said. “Prince Luther, we welcome you to Limestone Castle and hope that you will be comfortable here. I am Lady Opal Larimar. I have been entrusted with the care of the castle whilst the royal family are away at the White Monastery.”

“Thank you, Lady Larimar,” Onyx said in greeting.

“Yes. Thank you.” Luther inclined his head.

Lady Larimar dressed in a coral-coloured wool dress, more practical and simpler than the dresses noblewomen wore in Draconia. Her grey hair had been pulled back into a tight bun.

The retinue that followed her was comprised of what appeared to be several nobles and quite a few armed guards. Were the guards here for Luther?

His back straightened as he looked over them. But did they really think that a handful of guards could stop Luther if he wanted to attack? Then again, some of these might be trained earth elementals. Luther didn’t really know how to tell.

Lady Larimar gestured to two horses, saddled and ready to ride. Bells, along with orange-and-gold ribbons, had been attached to the saddles and woven into the manes and tails of the horses. “We thought you might wish to ride through the city. After all, it is the first time you will be seen in the Grey Mountains since you’ve been married.”