Page 145 of Courting the Dragon Prince

“What?” Luther sat bolt upright. “When did this happen?”

Senta smiled. “The betrothal was announced not long after you left.”

“Oh. What’s she like?” Luther asked.

Senta laughed. “She seems kind, practical, and level-headed.”

Luther nodded, feeling a little dazed that he hadn’t known. At least Senta didn’t sound like she hated Juniper on sight. That was a better start than he and Onyx had had.

“But I’m not the only one engaged.” Senta gestured to Gerard.

“You too?” Luther whipped around to stare at Gerard. “Who are you marrying?”

“Prince Elias Storm,” Gerard said, voice flat. He took a sip of wine, his expression not revealing anything. “It was decided two days ago.”

“The lightning prince. Really?” Luther thought of all the problems the prince had caused between him and Onyx. Of course, that hadn’t been Prince Elias’s fault. That had been Luther’s.

Luther tried to picture his severe, battle-scarred brother, the renowned dragon warrior, with the magnetic, stunning prince.

“You two are very different.” Which Luther knew was to be expected. After all, it was an arranged marriage, and Gerard had not selected his future spouse. Still, Luther couldn’t picture the two of them together.

“Yes. We are complete opposites. He is a very charming and a very beautiful man.” Gerard adjusted his eye patch, his fingers almost brushing the scars on his cheek. “I am not.”

“That’s not what I meant,” Luther rushed out. “I mean, he is charming and …”Flirtatiouswould probably be the incorrect thing to say.

After all, he didn’t want Gerard jealous and worrying about the same things Onyx had. Perhaps Luther should make a point of clarifying with Gerard later that Luther hadnotslept with Prince Elias. Just in case Gerard had heard the rumours.

“He seems really nice. I’ve only spoken to him a few times,” Luther said. “He doesn’t appear judgemental or cruel.”

Gerard’s lips tightened, the scars on his cheek pulling. “I am glad my future husband will not be judgemental or cruel towards me.”

Senta shot Luther a glare.

“I didn’t mean it like that.” Although, Luther kind of had.

Before the war, his brother had been known as a very handsome man. Reserved, quiet, brooding, and very attractive.

But since the lightning attack that destroyed one eye, scarred his skin, and almost taken his life, the comments had changed. Now the chatter focused more on what a shame it was that the dragon warrior’s face had been so horribly ruined.

Luther knew his brother had heard the comments. Luther knew they had wounded Gerard, although his brother never said anything. And since fighting in the war, Gerard had become withdrawn and reserved, even more so than before.

Anytime Luther heard any cruel comments, he’d tear the individual apart. One time, he’d even reduced a man and woman to tears. Served them right for speaking of their dragon warrior like that. After all, he’d obtained those scars fighting for Draconia!

Luther hoped Prince Elias would not be the type to make those sorts of comments. He hoped Prince Elias appreciated Gerard.

“What I meant to say was …” Why couldn’t Luther think of the right response? He blamed the exhaustion of the past few days. He glanced at Onyx, looking for some assistance.

Onyx’s eyes widened slightly. “I … ah,” Onyx stuttered, “agree with Luther. You two do seem very different. But not necessarily in a bad way. For example, Prince Elias didn’t fight in the war and has very little understanding of battle.”

“Yes.” King Alaric sniffed as he stared out the window. “Despite coming from a bloodline of mighty sorcerers, all that boy can do is pathetic little sparkles.” His lip curled.

Luther thought that maybe it was for the best that Prince Elias had not fought in the war. At least Prince Elias and Gerard would never have crossed paths on the battlefield. They would not have to deal with the issues he and Onyx had.

“But despite his shortcomings, it is a good match.” The king took a step forward and put down his goblet on the table. “And I am pleased that both Gerard and Senta have embraced their duty to Draconia and accepted the marriages that have been arranged for them without complaint or fuss.”

King Alaric didn’t look at Luther or Konrad. But Luther knew that was a criticism of both of them. Konrad constantly fought with his father about marrying a necromancer. And Luther, although he had accepted his marriage to Onyx, had behaved rather poorly initially.

“Well, if Gerard doesn’t want to marry Prince Elias, I will,” Konrad offered.