Page 96 of Courting the Dragon Prince

Onyx’s fingers tightened around the stems of the goblets. He stared at Prince Elias and Luther whispering. They smiled and laughed, the very picture of lovers. Prince Elias placed a hand on Luther’s shoulder.

Onyx ground his teeth together. It was all too easy for Onyx to picture the two of them reclining in bed together, naked and sated after fucking.

Onyx’s body vibrated with anger. And hurt.

He wished it were just anger. He wished the only thing he felt towards the sight of Luther and his lover was anger at being disrespected publicly by his spouse.

But no. Hurt pulsed bitterly in Onyx’s chest. Hurt at being so easily forgotten by Luther. Hurt at being so easily replaced by Prince Elias in the two minutes it had taken for Onyx to get Luther another drink.

Onyx had not lost sight of the fact that this was an arranged marriage. Their union was only about sealing a peace treaty. And he’d known their vows and the wordsbeing truemeant different things to them.

But they’d flown together. Luther had shown Onyx a world he’d never known. They’d spoken, opened up to each other, and shared snippets of wounds that they hid from the world.

That had meant something to Onyx. Did it mean nothing to Luther?

Did he let anyone ride on his back as he flew through the sky? Did he share his secrets with just anyone? Had Onyx imagined something between them that did not exist?

Onyx had not expected love with Luther. Although, maybe in the past couple of days, he’d felt a flare of hope once or twice.

But Onyx had thought they’d settled on an understanding of sorts, a softening towards each other, the beginnings of a friendship, a partnership.

Had Onyx expected Luther to give up his other lovers now that the two of them had gotten closer?

His stomach sank. Because he had. Onyx had hoped Luther would be satisfied with just him. After all, the sex had been incredible. At least, Onyx thought so. Had it not been good enough to satisfy Luther?

I’m a fool. A sentimental fool.

Luther lifted his gaze. He spotted Onyx. He froze. The laughter died on his lips. He stepped away from Prince Elias.

Onyx should have fled when he saw the two of them all cosied up together. But he hadn’t because he’d been too busy staring at them, feeling wounded.

Luther smiled at Onyx, lifted his hand, and beckoned Onyx to approach.

Onyx swallowed. Did he really wish to join Luther and his lover and watch them flirt? He glanced at Prince Elias. Onyx did not fight the disdain that must be showing on his face.

After several seconds, he walked towards them. What else could he do?

Onyx wove through the crowds. Luther and Prince Elias spoke and kept casting glances his way.

What were they saying about him?

Prince Elias laughed.

Onyx’s shoulders tightened. Was he mocking Onyx? Were they both mocking him?

After all, Onyx lacked the grace and charm to match these two effervescent individuals. Still, he forced his feet onwards. But he didn’t even try to hide the glower he shot at Prince Elias as he reached them.

“Prince Elias.” Onyx inclined his head, letting his voice go deathly cold. He handed Luther his drink.

“Thank you.” Luther took a sip. He stared at Onyx. But no mirth danced in his eyes. He seemed almost wary.

“Warden Onyx, how nice to see you,” Prince Elias said, smiling sweetly.

Onyx grunted, wanting to punch him in his beautiful teeth.

The lightning prince’s smile widened, the man completely unfazed by Onyx’s rudeness. “Well, it was lovely running into you both. But I must dash off. I must speak to a friend I see over there.” Then he glided off without another word, not waiting for either Onyx or Luther to respond.

Onyx stared after Prince Elias, watching his hips sway as he made his way through the people, many of whom threw admiring glances his way.