Page 76 of Courting the Dragon Prince

They paused at a door that Luther assumed was Onyx’s. Onyx opened it.

A stupid sense of excitement sparked along Luther’s spine. Would it be easier to sleep in a room with Onyx? Would Onyx actually stay whilst Luther slept? Or would he leave Luther to attempt to sleep on his own?

It was all a bit odd and uncertain. And despite them being married, their relationship wasn’t really at a point where they were comfortable enough to nap in each other’s presence.

He followed Onyx into the room, glancing around. “Not bad.” Although, Luther noted Onyx’s room was rather plain compared to his.

Whilst it was spacious and the furnishings all appeared well made, the room lacked any pizzazz or opulence. The rugs, bed linen, and curtains all had been made from earthy-toned fabrics. No bright patterns or shiny threads of gold or silver had been woven through.

Only a couple of paintings of mountains decorated the walls. There were no grand tapestries or massive oil paintings of dragons in battle.

“I know it isn’t like your room,” Onyx said as if reading Luther’s mind. “We earth elementals pride ourselves on being practical rather than enjoying pretty fripperies.”

Luther laughed. “I wonder what my father would say to hear you describe dragons as enjoying pretty fripperies.”

Onyx smiled. “Probably best not to tell him.”

“It will be our secret,” Luther said.

“It’s interesting to me that the rooms are decorated specifically to the tastes of the different guests.” Onyx put down his pack, glancing around his room.

“I suppose it makes sense, since the monks host a lot of guests from the different kingdoms,” Luther mused as he walked past the table, chairs, and dresser.

Simple swirls had been carved into the wood. But nothing too extravagant. No phoenixes, nymphs, dragons, or griffin carvings here.

Luther spotted a massive slab of flat grey stone beneath one of the windows. He could practically lie out on it. Although, he couldn’t imagine the cold, hard stone would be comfortable.

“What’s that for?” Luther asked.

“Meditating,” Onyx answered.

Luther didn’t have much experience with that. “You meditate often?”

Onyx nodded. “Every day. We earth elementals meditate sitting on the stone. We feel the energy of it and let it flow through us. It’s important to do that regularly to maintain our ability to channel.”

Luther nodded, remembering the mountain temples. Apparently, the earth elementals had a special connection to the mountains and temples where they trained. During the war, the dragons had targeted them, knowing that if they destroyed them, it would weaken the earth elementals’ powers.

Luther had been on many missions where that had been the goal. He thought it best not to mention that to Onyx right now. Although, Onyx no doubt knew.

In fact, Luther had been leading his division to attack an earth elemental temple when everything had all gone so very wrong. His hand twitched at the memory.

“Feel free to wash before you rest,” Onyx said, interrupting Luther’s dark musings.

Luther let out a breath that he hadn’t realised he’d been holding.

Onyx gestured to a stand with a small basin of water. “But I can also call the servants to have a bath drawn.” Onyx glanced between the basin and the empty tub. He frowned as if uncertain. Which was out of character for Onyx. He always seemed to be a man of decisive action.

But honestly, Luther was too tired to think about that at the moment.

“I’ll just use the basin.” Luther tugged off his dirty clothes, dropping them on the floor. He walked towards the basin before picking up the cloth and dipping it in the water.

He rubbed the cool, wet cloth over his body, wiping away the grime and sweat of the night. He groaned as he slid the cloth over his face, neck, arms, back, and legs and behind his knees until every inch of him felt clean.

His neck prickled with awareness. He turned to find Onyx watching him.

Onyx’s lip quirked. “Sorry.”

“Don’t apologise.” Luther placed the cloth into the now dirty water. “You can watch me all you like.” He winked. “But that’s all you’re getting for now. I really am tired.”