Page 8 of Courting the Dragon Prince

Onyx took a deep breath, trying to slow his racing heartbeat. He might not be ready to be grand warden, but at least he had his uncle and cousin assisting him. “Yes. I can do that.”

Warden Flint squared his shoulders. “And it is important to remember that not all want peace. There are those who oppose this treaty.”

No doubt Warden Flint was thinking of what had occurred at the wedding ceremony between Prince Ash Rosewood of Botanial and Lord Barrett Morton of Draconia, the first marriage to contribute to sealing the treaty.

Prince Ash’s aunt had attempted to murder Lord Morton and the king and queen consort of Draconia. She’d lost her children and husband during the war and wanted vengeance.

Thankfully, her plan had been thwarted and the wedding had gone ahead. Now they were one step closer to a treaty. Hopefully, there would be no other issues with the seven other marriages or with signing the treaty itself.

“We all must dedicate ourselves to the needs of the kingdom. We must all do our duty. For the glory of the Grey Mountains,” Warden Flint said.

“I will, Uncle,” Onyx promised. “For the glory of the Grey Mountains.” He repeated their kingdom’s motto.

“Good lad.” Warden Flint studied Onyx’s face. “Did you spend any more time with Prince Luther last night?”

Onyx kept his face neutral. “Not really.”

“I’ve spoken to him a few times.” Jade smiled. “He seems nice enough. He is an excellent dancer. And he is very charming and handsome.” She blushed slightly.

Fuck.Had Prince Luther been flirting with his cousin?

“I am sure he is when he isn’t vomiting off the terrace,” Onyx snapped before he could stop himself.

Jade’s smile dropped.

“I understand he can be … challenging at times,” his uncle said. “But you are doing well in a difficult situation, Onyx. Since your sister’s death, you have risen to every challenge set before you. I am sure you will rise to this one.”

“Thank you, Uncle.” Onyx stood to his full height. “And you can count on me.”

“I know I can.” His uncle smiled.

His pulse settled at his uncle’s words. If his uncle believed in him, perhaps he could do this; perhaps he could be a good grand warden and ruler of the Grey Mountains one day.

Warden Flint dropped his gaze to the map. “Your mother is in the tearoom.” His lips tightened.

“She’s awake already?” Onyx glanced towards the doorway. “That’s good.”

His uncle’s gaze remained on the map. He did not speak for several long moments. “I believe she’s been in there since yesterday evening,” he said, tone clipped and disapproving.

Onyx’s chest tightened. “I’ll go see her now.”

Jade gave him a sympathetic smile. His uncle kept staring at the map.

Dread growing inside him with every step, Onyx walked towards the doorway to the tearoom.

ChapterFour

Onyx’s mother, Grand Warden Amber Obsidian, ruler of the Kingdom of the Grey Mountains, lay slumped on the settee. She stared blankly at the pastel-green-painted walls.

Several chairs had been placed around the brightly lit tearoom. Light-coloured curtains hung before the windows. The furniture had been upholstered in pale greens. But any brightness in the room was swallowed by a darkness that swirled around his mother.

His mother remained still as Onyx watched her, her breathing heavy and unnaturally deep. Her wispy greying hair hung lank around her shoulders.

Onyx had walked in on a similar tableau so many times in the last few years. Still, every time he did, it made his soul sink like a stone dropped into still, dark water.

“Mother.” Onyx forced his face into a painful smile as he came towards her.

After several long seconds, his mother turned her head slowly towards her son. She blinked her dark eyes open. She frowned, her gaze finally settling on Onyx.