Page 78 of Courting the Dragon Prince

“I’ll be back,” Luther said unnecessarily before ducking out of the room as if he might run off through the monastery with only Onyx’s robe on.

Moments later, bladder now emptied and feeling a lot more comfortable, Luther returned. Onyx now sat in the chair he’d been in earlier when Luther fell asleep. Luther dropped into the chair opposite Onyx.

Onyx studied his face. “You do look more rested.”

“I slept better than I have in a long time.” Luther stretched his arms above his head. “Thanks for letting me use your bed.” He wanted to thank Onyx for watching over him whilst he slept, but that sounded a little creepy.

“You must have needed the sleep. You didn’t even wake when I ordered food and drink.” Onyx gestured to the food before him. “Speaking of which, help yourself.”

Slices of thick dark bread, cheese, and meat, as well as a bowl of fruit and cream sat on the table.

“Thanks.” Luther leaned forward, letting the robe hang open. The fabric slid off his shoulder with the movement.

Onyx’s gaze followed the action. Luther knew Onyx had seen a lot more of his body. He’d literally just seen Luther stride across the room completely naked. But Luther strongly believed in the power of a little seductive teasing.

He grabbed some bread and topped it with slices of meat and cheese. He scarfed it down, hungry after his rest. He grabbed more. He’d go back to the seduction once he’d eaten and drunk a little.

“Were you bored whilst I slept?”

“I had my uncle’s summaries of the meetings he has been attending to read over.” Onyx looked at the papers on the table.

“So you were bored out of your mind.” Luther smiled and then bit into another thick slice of bread with a perfectly sharp and creamy cheese.

Onyx frowned. “It is important that I keep informed on meetings and negotiations. As the future grand warden, it is my duty.”

Luther bit back a sigh, preparing himself for another lecture from Onyx on duty. And they were having such a pleasant evening too.

But surprisingly, the frown disappeared from Onyx’s face, and his lips tipped up into a smile. “But I must admit it is all quite dry and dull.” Onyx leaned forward and filled two cups with wine. “I’d much rather be taking a nap.”

Luther laughed and picked up a glass of wine. “Is that why you were meditating?”

“Well, I’d finished reading through my uncle’s notes. So I decided to meditate.” Onyx made a face. “Although, it is harder here. Not so many mountains close by. And my mind is not as calm and clear as it once was.” Onyx stared into his wine for several moments as if lost in thought.

Then Onyx turned his gaze to the papers. “Honestly, a lot of what I read in my uncle’s notes is well over my head.” He sighed. “My sister was the one who had been trained to do this sort of thing.”

“What sort of thing?” Luther took a sip of his wine.

“Everything. Reading reports, negotiating, diplomacy, knowing the details of running a kingdom. We trained together to awaken our earth elemental powers at the temple. But she had special tutors who would take her for lessons each day. They would train her in the skills she needed to be the grand warden and ruler of the Grey Mountains one day.” Onyx paused. “It was meant to be her. Not me.”

“I’m sorry you lost her,” Luther said softly, knowing how inadequate the words were. “And I don’t know what I’d do if I ended up heir one day. Thankfully, in Draconia, we have the heir to the throne and then the spare. Both receive the same training. Then we have the dragon warrior, and then the spare for that. Once again, they both receive the same training to be grand dragon warrior one day.”

“It’s a good system. If we had something similar, I’d actually be prepared to be grand warden.” Onyx lifted his cup to his lips. “My whole life, I’ve been trained to be a fighter. Not a ruler.” Onyx’s head bent forward as if the heaviness of the responsibility weighed down on him.

“You take obligation and responsibility seriously. You are dedicated to your kingdom,” Luther said. “I think those traits will make you strive to be a good grand warden when the time comes.”

Onyx met Luther’s gaze. Luther saw a vulnerability there he hadn’t expected.

How had they come to this point? A few hours ago, he’d been prepared to defend himself against Onyx’s fists. Now here they sat, Luther reassuring Onyx.

“I mean, not that I know anything about ruling or leading,” Luther rushed out. “I don’t have any knowledge or expertise regarding what makes a good ruler. But that’s what I think. I think you’ll make a good grand warden one day.”

“Thank you,” Onyx said.

Luther huffed. “I know for a fact you’d do a far better job than I’d do. If I ended up ruler, I’d probably destroy Draconia and our family’s legacy in a week. At least I’m the fifth child, so no chance I’ll be the king or grand dragon warrior one day and bring ruin down upon us all.” Luther laughed.

Onyx didn’t. He frowned. He opened his mouth as if to speak, but honestly, Luther didn’t want to go on about his failures and shortcomings.

“You know,” Luther began, “now that I’ve slept, I suddenly feel up for some other activity.” Luther leaned back in the chair. The robe slid further down, revealing more of his bare torso. “But I don’t know what.”