Page 146 of Courting the Dragon Prince

The king rounded on him. “You are marrying someone from Necros. End of story!”

Konrad lowered his gaze. A muscle ticked in his jaw.

“Now I must write to Liesel and inform her of what has occurred here.” Then the king strode from the room.

The queen consort jumped to her feet. She gave a swift smile to everyone. “I have something I must ask the king.” Then she followed him out, leaving the siblings and Onyx together.

Luther looked at Senta and Gerard. “Well, congratulations, you two.” Luther fixed his gaze on Gerard. “And I’m sorry. It’s not a bad thing if you are opposites.” Luther placed his hand on Onyx’s and smiled at him. “I can attest that even if you are very different from your betrothed, you can find happiness together. Even love.”

Onyx smiled back. Luther squeezed Onyx’s hand.

Senta burst out laughing. “What fucking bullshit is this?”

Gerard raised an eyebrow. “Luther, weren’t you just complaining about your marriage not that long ago?”

“He definitely was,” Senta said, still laughing. “I believe you called him an arrogant arsehole.”

“I’m pretty sure the wordprickwas also tossed out.” Gerard lifted his goblet to his lips, a hint of amusement sparkling in his eyes.

Onyx chuckled. “If you think that is bad, you should have heard what he called me to my face. I believe ‘boulder-brained gravel licker’ was one of the many nicknames Luther so lovingly bestowed upon me early in our marriage.”

Senta threw back her head and roared with laughter. Gerard smiled.

“Fucking flames, Luther.” Konrad chuckled, seeming to have gotten over his most recent scolding. “You really know about the art of courting.”

“Hey!” Luther protested. “A lot can happen in a short time.”

“Obviously. You two do seem suddenly very fond of each other.” Senta smiled, glancing between them. “I didn’t expect it, but I’m pleased for you both. I hope Gerard and I find something similar in our own arranged marriages.”

“We should toast to that.” Luther raised his goblet. “To finding happiness and love in our arranged marriages.”

Senta, Gerard, and Onyx repeated his toast and lifted their goblets. Konrad sighed. He didn’t repeat the words, but he lifted his goblet and clinked with the others.

“Although, honestly, I’ll just settle for being friendly and respectful towards my spouse,” Senta said.

“Me too.” Gerard agreed. “I think I’ll be extremely lucky if I get anything more than that.”

Luther stared at his siblings. He hoped they found happiness in their marriages. After all, if he and Onyx could end up loving each other, then surely his siblings and their partners could too.

“Anyway, I’m glad you two are in love,” Konrad said. “And I’m glad you two survived Warden Flint’s plot.”

“We definitely need to toast to that!” Senta raised her goblet again. “To Onyx’s and Luther’s survival.”

They all raised their goblets and toasted once again.

“May Onyx and Luther have many joyous years together,” Gerard added softly.

Luther leaned against Onyx.

When Luther’s betrothal had been announced, he’d been miserable and angry. Luther had fought so hard against Onyx. But Luther now truly believed that his marriage to Onyx was the best thing to have ever happened to him.

ChapterSixty-Seven

Onyx knocked on Jade’s door.

After several moments, it opened. Jade stood in the doorway, clothes dishevelled and her expression neutral. The skin beneath her eyes was puffy and splotchy.

“Yes, Cousin. Is there something I can do for you?” she asked, voice hoarse and strained.