Page 98 of Courting the Dragon Prince

Luther paused. “And I never really knew my mother. She died when I was young. So I don’t know if it bothered her.”

“Right. Of course.” Onyx frowned. “Sorry.”

“Perhaps it doesn’t appear so shocking to me because I grew up with it. It all just seemed normal. And no one seemed scandalised by it.” Luther gave him a half-smile. “I grew up knowing I had illegitimate half-siblings all over the place. I met them from time to time. Of all of them, Lord Barrett Morton is probably the one I’m closest to.”

Luther lifted his wine glass in Lord Barrett Morton’s direction. Prince Ash tugged his husband towards the crowded dancefloor. Lord Morton followed his husband with a gentle smile.

“He’s a good fighter. A decent fellow. We served well together in the same battalion,” Luther said. “We shared a few laughs and drank a lot of wine during the war. We even danced in some taverns. But we didn’t fuck. Like I said, I’m not interested in incest.” He laughed.

“Oh.” All other words and thoughts seemed to have deserted Onyx.

Luther studied him. “I suppose to an honourable earth elemental from the Grey Mountains who values fidelity, our family must seem rather … repulsive.”

“It’s different,” Onyx admitted, not sure what to make of all he’d learnt.

He wondered if it was the king of Draconia who’d suggested that they pledge to be true to each other in the marriage contract, knowing it meant his children could sow their oats and spread the dragon bloodline outside the marriage.

But where did that leave Onyx and Luther?

Onyx would not take another to bed. It did not matter to him how the marriage contract he’d signed could be interpreted.

But what were Luther’s intentions? Did he believe it was his duty to … breed and create more dragons?

It all seemed so very wrong. They had much to discuss. They’d come from two very different worlds and sets of expectations. But Onyx didn’t want to go into that tonight.

For now, Luther had no lover but Onyx. Onyx was more than grateful for that.

Onyx met Luther’s gaze. “You’ve really not fucked anyone here?”

Luther smiled. He reached out and ran a finger along Onyx’s collar. “Not that I remember.”

Onyx huffed a laugh. “And all this time, you’ve been intentionally misleading me, trying to make me jealous.”

Luther’s green eyes sparkled.

Onyx stepped in close, staring down at Luther. He captured Luther’s hand in his and squeezed. Hard.

“That’s very wicked of you, Prince Luther,” Onyx growled.

Luther’s breath hitched.

Onyx lifted his other hand, sliding it possessively around the back of Luther’s neck. “I think maybe you should be punished for such disrespectful behaviour.” He tightened his grip.

Luther whimpered.

Onyx smiled. “Do you think you deserve to be punished, princeling?”

Luther trembled.

“I asked you a question, and I expect an answer,” Onyx said. “Do you think you deserve to be punished?”

Luther’s mouth fell open. He nodded. “Yes,” he whispered.

Onyx smirked.

ChapterForty-Four

Ashiver started at the base of Luther’s spine, travelling upwards. The hairs on his arms stood.