Page 43 of Courting the Dragon Prince

“Well …” All Onyx’s words had flown from his mind.

Why couldn’t he keep his temper around Luther? Why did Luther overreact to every single damn thing?

Onyx growled and turned away from him. A couple of the villagers stared at them, but most seemed too involved in drinking, laughing, and dancing to pay them much mind.

Thankfully, neither Onyx nor Luther had shouted as they’d fought.

All the fight drained out of Onyx in an instant. He sighed. “I’m tired. I’m going to speak to Mistress Fisher about getting a room. For myself,” he clarified, in case that wasn’t clear. “I really need a wash.”

After their quest today, Onyx wanted to clean away the dirt, the mud, and any bits of snail gut that clung to him.

Luther sniffed. “I suppose you must feel desperate to wash my repulsive touch from earlier from your body.”

Onyx’s brows furrowed. “That’s not what I?—”

“Well, we completed the couple’s quest,” Luther said, interrupting him. Again. “We’re done.”

Onyx pressed his lips together, determined not to snap at the infuriating prince.

Luther chugged the rest of his ale. He put the mug on the bar. “I’m going to shift and fly back to the White Monastery.” He gestured to Mistress Fisher. He reached into a pocket, pulled out a coin-purse, counted out several coins, and handed them to Mistress Fisher.

“That’s far too much, my lord.” Mistress Fisher tried to give him back half the coins.

But Luther smiled, all charm and grace once again. Any annoyance he’d had for Onyx was gone completely from his face.

How did he do that? How did his expressions change so fast?

“No, please. You’ve been such an incredible and welcoming hostess tonight,” Luther gushed. He leaned across the bar, patting her hand. “I’ve enjoyed myself immensely tonight in your fine establishment.”

She blushed and pocketed the coins. “Thank you, my lord.”

Luther, still smiling, turned away from her and strode towards the door. Not sparing a single glance at Onyx. Onyx clenched his fists, following Luther.

Luther paused just before he exited. “Good night, all. I must part and bid you a fond farewell.” Luther waved and smiled at everyone.

Those in the inn yelled their thanks and well wishes. Many followed Luther out the door.

“You’re just going to fly off?” Onyx asked on Luther’s heels. “How am I going to get back?”

Luther turned and stared at him, green eyes blank. “I don’t know, Onyx. You always know best. Surely you can work that out on your own.”

Onyx opened his mouth. But Luther had already walked away from him. Then he stopped a bit of a distance away. He undressed, shoving his clothes into the pack.

The villagers whispered whilst Onyx watched Luther reveal his toned, gorgeous body, knowing he’d turned down the opportunity to spend the night fucking Luther.

Luther stood tall. The air around him began to ripple. The scent of smoke drifted on the air.

For the second time that day, Onyx watched in awe as Luther shifted into a magnificent green dragon. Onyx hated to admit that it truly was a sight to behold.

Luther rotated his body until he faced the villagers. He lowered his head, as if bowing to them. He picked up the pack in his taloned foot. He spread his giant wings wide. He flapped, launching himself into the air.

The villagers gasped and cried out.

But Onyx just stood, watching his betrothed grow smaller and smaller, wondering how it had all gone so wrong so very quickly.

He’d hoped to build something where they could work together without bickering constantly. That was why he’d turned down Luther’s offer.

But it seemed he’d achieved the complete opposite outcome.