Page 60 of Courting the Dragon Prince

And Luther was pretty sure Onyx was right.

Luther felt exposed before all in the banquet hall like his skin had been flayed, and he sat here raw and bleeding on the floral padded chair.

Luther took a shaky breath. He stared at the table where his family sat.

How much longer did he have to sit with Onyx? How much longer until he could get up and leave?

People began to rise from their tables. Luther prepared to stand, but the people approached Luther and Onyx’s table, Luther’s father amongst them. Luther collapsed back in his chair.

“Congratulations to you both,” Luther’s father said. “Your wedding has been a success without any issues. I’m sure your marriage itself will be just as successful.”

“Thank you, Father,” Luther said.

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Onyx inclined his head.

A steady stream of individuals congratulated them. Luther smiled so hard he thought his teeth might shatter into a million pieces and his jaw might snap.

How long until he could escape?

Luther stifled a laugh. But then what? What did he expect would happen then?

He could leave his husband for a moment. But there would be no escaping him. Not really.

The well-wishers dwindled. Without looking at Onyx, Luther rose and began to circle the room, stopping to make mindless and pointless chatter to everyone and anyone. He put on all his charm, letting the shine of his smile, the brightness of his eyes, and his laughter cover the pain and emptiness beneath.

As he glided around the banquet hall, it barely felt like he was present at all. It was as if he watched himself from a great distance.

“You all right, Luther?” Gerard asked softly as he came up beside him. “You look … odd.”

“Of course.” Luther smiled. “I’m doing mydutyas Father instructed.” He laughed, a light trilling noise. “And I’m married to such a competent warrior. Who cares if he hates me?”

His brother frowned and opened his mouth.

But Luther glided on, making the rounds. He spotted Prince Elias Storm standing amongst several people.

“Would you like to see a trick?” the lightning prince asked those gathered around him. Then he spotted Luther, their eyes locking. “I hope this brightens your wedding feast, Prince Luther.”

And for a second, Luther felt some sort of … strange understanding pass between them. Like perhaps they were both used to putting on a show for others.

Then Prince Elias lifted his hands into the air. “May your marriage always be filled with love and … sparkles!” Flashes of light crackled, dancing on his palms before shooting upwards.

Gasps and claps followed.

“Thank you.” Prince Elias laughed. “Unfortunately, that is all my powers can achieve. I may have been born a rather pathetic lightning sorcerer. But it makes for a pretty party trick.”

Prince Elias flicked his white hair over his shoulders. He held up his hands once more, and bright sparks of lightning filled the air above him.

Luther smiled and clapped.

“Could you at least give it a rest during our wedding feast?” Onyx asked from behind him, his deep voice resonating down Luther’s spine.

Luther’s smile dropped, his whole body sagging as the illusion he had crafted collapsed in a split second. “Give what a rest, dear husband?”

“Staring at your lover,” Onyx bit out.

Gathering all his strength, he pulled a smile from the bottom of his bitter soul and turned to face Onyx.

“Why? It’s not like you want me.” Then Luther chuckled. “Or maybe you do now that you’re allowed to want me. Is that right? After all, since we are married and it is your duty to consummate the marriage, it’s no longer disgusting and beneath you to find me desirable. Correct?”