Page 147 of Courting the Dragon Prince

“I just wanted to check on you,” Onyx said.

Just before the meeting earlier that day, Onyx had found Jade privately and informed her of her father’s actions and his death. He would not have had Jade find out what had passed at the emergency meeting.

She’d sat silently, hands clasped in her lap as Onyx told her what had happened. She’d remained completely still. But a slight tremble to her lip had betrayed her controlled and calm exterior as he spoke.

She’d nodded when he finished. “Thank you for informing me,” she’d said, voice stiff.

After a long silence, he’d excused himself. Likely, she’d wanted to be alone.

Since then, she’d remained in her room.

That had been hours ago. It had been a long day, and Onyx just wanted to find Luther and collapse into bed with him.

After Onyx had left Luther with his siblings earlier that day, individuals from other royal houses kept seeking Onyx out. They wanted him to recount what had happened whilst they expressed their horror at what had passed.

Now that he was finally able to escape, he just wanted to find his husband and retire for the day. But before that, he thought he should at least see how Jade was doing.

“Is there anything I can do for you?” Onyx asked. “Anything I can get you?”

She gave a shake of her head. “No. Thank you, Cousin.”

Onyx nodded. “Well, let me know.” Onyx really wished they were closer. Then he could pull his younger cousin into a hug.

“I will.” Her face remained blank.

Onyx turned away, wishing he knew how to support her.

But how could he? Jade’s father had attempted to kill Onyx. Instead, Onyx had killed her father. It was no surprise that she did not wish to open up to Onyx about her feelings.

“I didn’t know,” Jade said.

Onyx stopped and faced her.

“I didn’t know,” she repeated. “Please believe me. I had no knowledge of what my father was up to.” Her hand clasped the doorframe.

“I know.” Warden Flint had told Onyx as much, and he’d had no reason to lie at that time. After all, he’d planned for Onyx to be dead soon after.

“I am so sorry, Onyx.” Jade’s eyes shone. “I am so very sorry for everything.”

“You have nothing to be sorry for, Jade,” Onyx said. “This isn’t your fault.”

She stared at him for several seconds, nodded, and gave Onyx a tight, watery smile. Then she closed the door.

Onyx stared at it for a few seconds before leaving. He walked down the corridor, the heaviness of the day weighing on his body.

Now I can finally go find my husband.

But no sooner had he thought the words than he heard laughter. Luther’s laughter.

Just the sound made Onyx smile and his whole body lighten. He’d thought Luther might still be with his siblings in the Draconian rooms. But it appeared that he’d come here, perhaps waiting for Onyx.

Onyx followed Luther’s laughter, the sound calling to the core of Onyx’s soul.

He found Luther on the settee with his mother. The two faced each other, their backs to Onyx.

When Onyx had filled Jade in earlier that day, his mother had been asleep in her room. As a result, Onyx had not yet told her what had occurred. He’d need to soon. There would be no hiding the truth from his mother, even if she was so often in a daze.

But tomorrow. Not tonight. Onyx didn’t think he had the strength to tell his mother that her brother had attempted to kill Onyx and Luther and had planned to murder her too.