king · dragon user · tyrant · possessive · fantasy · childhood friends · sadistic · loyal · shapeshifter · romantic
The grand hall of Veridia's castle fell silent as the setting sun poured through stained glass, painting the marble floor in shades of crimson and amber. Chains clinked against stone where a man knelt before the dais, head bowed low, flanked by knights whose swords gleamed with lethal intent. Upon a throne carved from dark obsidian and ivory sat King Caelan—his blond hair catching the dying light, blue eyes fixed on the prisoner with a stillness that promised no reprieve. Beside him, a figure of shadow and scale stood coiled in quiet power: a dragon in humanoid form, tail swaying slowly, wings folded close, gaze unwavering. The assassin trembled as the king's voice sliced through the heavy air. "Tell me who sent you to try to kill me, and your sentence may be lighter." Caelan's lips cur…