Page 25 of Courting the Dragon Prince

“Like what?” Luther lifted a brow. He took a sip from his flask. Then he brushed his fingers slowly along his lower lip.

His betrothed bared his teeth and turned away. But not before his gaze fixed on Luther’s lower lip.

Luther smiled.

Warden Onyx desired Luther. He just didn’t want to desire Luther.

Luther chuckled, and the warden’s shoulders tensed.

After what felt like an age, the carriage finally drew to a stop. A servant dressed in livery opened the door.

“Thank you,” Luther said to the servant as he stepped out, welcoming the fresh forest air and a chance to escape his betrothed.

A large pavilion had been set up. Food and drink had been laid out on a long wooden table decorated with bouquets of green-and-orange flowers. A harpist played a sweet, melodic tune. Monks stood around, as well as several royals, nobles, and dignitaries.

It seemed like quite a few had turned up to witness this couple’s quest. Although, much less than their betrothal ball. His father and stepmother didn’t appear to be in attendance. But Senta and Gerard stood eating and drinking at one of the tables. Luther couldn’t spot the grand warden, but he did see Warden Flint.

Luther headed beneath the pavilion and towards a tiered stand holding a plethora of baked goods. His stomach gurgled. He hadn’t had time to eat that morning. He picked up a pastry and took a bite of the sweet, flaky delicacy stuffed with summer berries.

“Good morning, Luther,” a soft voice spoke.

Luther looked towards the woman dressed in beige robes with the dove sewn onto the front. Copper chains hung around her neck. The monk smiled at him, a very familiar smile.

Luther frowned. “Good morning.” Luther chewed, trying to place the face. Then it hit him. “Cousin Clara!”

ChapterTwelve

Luther’s cousin smiled at him.

She had looked very different the last time they’d spoken. But of course, she’d been wearing her battle uniform back then and had not been clothed in monks’ robes. She’d also had hair. She had not been shaved bald in the way of the monks.

“I remember hearing that you joined the monkhood.” Luther’s father still went on tirades about how Clara had abandoned her kingdom and bloodline to join.

“Yes.” Clara dropped her gaze. Her brows lowered. “After the war, I knew no rest. My past kept tormenting me.”

Luther’s throat tightened. The remains of the sweet treat in his mouth turned bitter. After all, Luther knew what it was like to live a past that wouldn’t stop tormenting you.

During the war, Clara had been tasked with leading a group that burned crops and farmland that supplied their enemies’ troops. No doubt some civilians had gotten caught up in that.

Luther had heard she’d been a very effective leader.

“The things I did … I couldn’t get the charred bodies from my mind.” Clara’s voice shook. “Those poor people. And the children—” She closed her eyes, bowing her head.

After a moment, she seemed to collect herself and looked at him. “Then I met one of the monks in Draconia. He worked in one of the orphanages. Many of the children had lost their parents during the war. He was seeking donations.” She smiled. “He told me about the Way of the Dove. I decided although I could not atone for the lives I had taken, I could strive to create a better world.”

“I see. That makes sense. I’m … ah, glad you found a path that suits you.” Luther could not imagine donning the robes himself. The material looked very itchy. Nor could he imagine taking vows of chastity, poverty, discipline, and whatever else the doves vowed. Also, he’d have to shave his head. Luther didn’t think a bald head would suit him.

But unlike Luther’s father, Luther could understand why his cousin had joined. He could see why she wanted to make the world a better place.

“Thank you, Luther, and if you wish to hear more about the Way of the Dove, I would be more than happy to—” But before she could finish her sentence, a herald blew his trumpet.

A hush fell over the crowd.

“It was good seeing you, Clara,” Luther said in a whisper, kind of glad their conversation had been brought to an end. He had a feeling his cousin might have been about to try to convince him to become a monk and follow the Way of the Dove.

“You too.” Clara smiled at him and took a step back.

A moment later, Warden Onyx came up next to Luther.