Okay, this was late because of its chapter length and wording. I might have to fix it in the future. The next repost may be within 2-3 days depending.

It's a new year! Hope you're going to keep up with your resolutions!

Disclaimer: I do not own pics.

Repost: 1/2/14

---

 

 

 

Can’t Best The Dragon King

A bouncing fire prince threw up his arms in joyous relief and exclaimed wildly, “YES! One more stop, and then we finally get to go back home!” Overfilled with infectious glee, Chanyeol glomped on his skinnier, less jouncing brother. “I’ve never been SO happy to leave that frozen wasteland of an ice cube!” Just thinking about his older brother’s subzero territory provoked Chanyeol to scrunch up his baby-face in disgruntlement.

Trapped helplessly in Chanyeol’s gangly, growing arms, Baekhyun giggled. “You and Xiuminnie are fire and ice.”

Seated next to the crowned prince on the train, a little panda beseechingly tugged on Yifan’s shirt hem, staring up at his taller brother with probing eyes. “Fannie happy it’s hiz turn?”

The dragon’s modeled expression dissolved when the tips of his lips twitched upward, his inner excitement reflected undoubtedly in his piercing hazel-brown eyes. “Yes...” he conceded. “Just a little.” He shrugged like it was no big deal.

“Ahem—liar,” coughed Xiumin, then ducked his head under Yifan’s peeved glare.

You watched the hyperactive princes interact, wayward energy fueling them with restlessness for it was confirmed that they were officially returning home later today. Although they yearned to return home, they acknowledged that their future king deserved his alone time with you. So, in order to distract themselves and not whine, the fidgety youngsters horsed around in the train, making their servants and guards fret after them exasperatedly.

As you glimpsed out the window, you wondered where Yifan’s residence was located. It was prior knowledge that you knew that the northern portion of EXO was quite...eerie. Half of the region was comprised of dry prairies while the other half consisted of flat, craggy ground. As the train journeyed deeper into the heart of the northern mainland, you discovered a thick veil of fog suspended higher up in elevation, blotting out the peaks of rugged rock formations and completely concealing the sky from above. In the western direction, Xiumin’s twin mountains were vaguely visible by the indication of their snowy-white tips.

“Northern EXO is something I’ve never encountered before,” you observed, fascinated by the barren land that seemed to stretch out for eternity.

The train station was practically deserted; it looked like a part of an abandoned ghost town with its blurry lighting and shady corridors. The place was awfully unpopulated because very few Exotics lived in the area, but occasionally dropped by for hiking and exploration purposes. The paths here were either fashioned with coarse dirt or beaten stone, which you found fitting, because no human soul dared to inhibit here, but rather, used the paths to pass through.

The second they had hopped off the train and planted their feet onto the hard station platform, the older EXO princes were on high alert. Not only was Yifan’s domain ominous, but it harbored hidden dangers.

“It’z tho scary,” Sehun whimpered, burying his frightened face in Luhan’s stomach, clutching at the older one with all his might. The young wind prince didn’t like how the floating layer of thick, white mist was swept out to obscure the sky like a stitched-up quilt on a bed.

Contrary to the princes’ display of confliction, you were blatantly intrigued by the brutal terrain, filled with the urge of wanting to explore the hushed, dreary expanse. It was quieter than Tao’s valley, lacking the sounds of scampering animals and desolate with the comforting feel of tranquility. Instead, all you heard was the whispering wind and a mystical hum caused by an echoing vibration in the ground.

A question bothered you along the way to Yifan’s residence, so you asked it aloud, “Where does this mist originate from? There’s so much of it.” You stretched out your arm as if you could snatch the ghostly vapor between your dainty fingertips.

Although the dirt road was narrow and winding, everyone had gathered together in a close-knit group to avoid going astray during the walk. When you had articulated your question, Suho had glanced back at you over his shoulder. He was tightly holding hands with his little brothers Kyungsoo and Kai. (That’s Suho, you thought, staring at him fondly. Such a worrywart.)

“Our scientists determined that the frosty air emanating from Xiumin’s mountains and the heat radiating from Chanyeol’s volcano meet halfway—which is here—to fuse together to create a steam that lingers here,” explained the water prince. “There’s an occasional nightly draft that clears up the sky to where you can see the stars.”

“But when it’s morning, the mist comes back,” Chen summed up simply, matching his pace with yours as you studied the fog.

“Apparently Yifan loves to fly up there the most,” Luhan muttered under his breath disapprovingly. “How can he see where he’s going? Doesn’t he crash into those pillars?”

“I heard Fannie lo-o-ovez to tease the dragons,” Chanyeol chirped up blithely, unaffected by the dour atmosphere. You visibly perked up at his words, eyes widening with immense interest.

Dragons? Your distracted gaze dropped to your shoes as you continued to march forward mechanically. The final part of my treasure hunt...

“That’s why people are afraid to come here,” Kyungsoo spoke up in a small, tentative voice. “Because of those scary dragons.” He shuddered fearfully while Kai rolled his eyes, unimpressed.

Cleverly situated past a clutter of boulders and stone formations, Yifan’s residence was established on a raised portion of a bedrock neighbored by a massive outcropping of rock that acted as a defensive wall. His large home appeared strong and sturdy like a fortress, but it had a modernized touch to both its interior and exterior structure. Two distinct characteristics of the flight prince’s dwelling was the modified watch tower with an outstretched runway dominating one side, and a greenhouse with mirrors redirecting the patch of sunlight from above onto its plants on the other side. In a hasty, impatient manner, Kai teleported himself and Kyungsoo to the very top of the watch tower; the two of them scanning the area’s perimeter as if on border patrol.

Though surrounded by a forest of tall, scary spires of rock and stone, everyone felt safe and less paranoid inside the house. All of you unwinded, taking a brief break from a long, exhausting day.

Luhan nudged Yifan with his elbow, and the taller prince leaned over to hear the deer prince whisper, “You’re taking her out to fly, aren’t you?”

At the assumption that sounded more like an accusation, Yifan smirked his infamous smirk. “From what I heard, she likes flying.”

Luhan leveled a scolding glare at the unperturbed flight prince. “You better not fly at supersonic speed!” he chided in a raised tone, hands on his hips. “Or take her to see the dragons! It’s dangerous!”

“I won’t,” Yifan submitted with a sigh, dropping his arrogant attitude. “Besides, you don’t have to worry about the dragons; they scarcely show themselves. They prefer to stay hidden most of the day anyways.”

“But what happens if you encounter one?” Luhan prodded anxiously, his voice hushed. “They don’t exactly like people. They have tempers and—” The two princes shot you terse glances, noting how you were buddied up with Chen and Sehun, curiously investigating the rooms and halls. “I don’t think they like outsiders—even if she’s a harmless visitor,” continued Luhan. “Aris has magic; they’ll sense it.”

Yifan scratched his head troublesomely, perplexed by the what ifs. “I’ll be extremely careful,” he promised gravely. “Although, it’d be best if none of the guards accompany us. They’ll just weigh us down.”

Luhan nodded seriously. “Protect her with your life, Yifan.” He made a displeased sound. “But knowing Aris, she isn’t afraid of danger at all.”

Skipping over to the two older princes, you smiled sweetly and asked, “So when are we departing, Prince Yifan?”

Yifan unrolled his folded shirt sleeves and buttoned up his opened collar. He cleared his throat to get rid of the stoic inflection in his voice. “We can leave right now, Princess. None of the guards will be accompanying us because we’re going to be flying.”

Your chocolate eyes lit up at the mention of flying. “Really? YES!”

The flight prince had to admit, your bravery was admirable (and incredibly endearing). It was no wonder he was in love with you; it was impossible not to. A cool, yet adoring smile etched his lips as he extended out a hand to you. “Come with me, Princess. We’ll be taking off from the tower.”

You unhesitantly accepted his hand, gripping it tight.

“Ooh!” Seeing the crowned prince leading you over to the tower, the other princes clamored after you two. A parade of stamping footsteps echoed in the hollow, enclosed air as eleven pairs of feet sprinted up the spiraling staircase to the tippy-top of the watch tower. Kai and Kyungsoo greeted everyone from where they were standing by the windowless walls.

Kai saluted Yifan. “Coast is clear. Nothin’ blockin’ the sky. You are clear for take-off.”

The flight prince only scoffed. Turning to you, he coaxed you to ride on his back, and you complied hesitantly, your small arms wrapped rigidly around his neck and your legs buckled around his skinny waist. After checking he had a secured hold on you, Yifan stood at the end of the outwardly extended platform that served as his runway/landing area.

“Bye-bye! Come back saaaaafely!” sang Baekhyun. The light and fire duo waved crazily.

“Close your mouth so bugs won’t fly in!” Xiumin joked with a wink.

“You better bring my—I mean—our fiancé back in one piece,” threatened Luhan, pretending that he didn’t slip-up.

Yifan nodded in acknowledgement while you blushed at the blunt and unambiguous warning. In quick, measured strides, Yifan dashed forward and rocketed into the open sky. Your heart skipped a beat at the sudden, soaring movement.

“AAAAAH!” you helplessly screamed, too thrilled to even silence yourself. Your silky midnight hair was blown back from your pale, angelic face. Your eyes watered at the intense, batting wind. Air streams flicked and tickled your exposed neck.

Since he was flying in a horizontal direction, Yifan had no need to hold onto you when you were basically lying on top of his broad back. Feeling uncomfortable, you unhooked your shaking legs from your fiancé’s waist, letting them sail limply behind you. The only factor that kept you from plunging to your tragic death was the choke-hold you had secured around Yifan’s neck with your stiff, noodle-like arms.

“THIS IS AMAZING!” you shouted in his ear, the wind vacuuming up your voice.

Yifan laughed, loud and free. “I know, right? I LOVE THIS!”

Yifan soared higher and higher until the two of you disappeared into the shroud of heavy mist, liquid vapor seeping into your clothes. Then, with a whoosh, you were freed from the cloudy whiteness, and you released a stuttering gasp. You could see everything at this spectacular vantage point! Wispy, waggling clouds floated above you. The blazing sun and the lustrous Two Moons were just beyond the horizon. The sky resembled a sandwich: the bed of mist underneath you, a clear chunk of nothing in between, and then the hazy, azure sky overhead. You admired the streams of pink and orange in the early evening sky; it almost resembled the sky of your own planet. This breathtaking scene that could only come from nature.

From the corner of his peripherals, your fiancé caught you marveling at the gorgeous view, and his lips curved upward softly. He loved that glorious shine in your eyes as you appreciated the world, and he was secretly glad that he could bring the world to you. Therefore, that lovable shine would always be within arm’s reach.

Yifan dove back down, and you tightened your hold on him as he sliced through the clingy fog. Now underneath the film but hovering above the land, the flight prince zoomed past the tops of rock pillars randomly spaced about in the barren terrain, expertly maneuvering around them like a zigzagging bird. Then he slowed down and agilely landed on a flat top of a pillar. You slid off his back, and he caught you reflexively when your legs wobbled. Head spinning, you clutched at your fiancé’s sleeve.

“Ugh,” you groaned, pressing a palm against your forehead. “Whoa. Now that’s a ride.”

Yifan sported a sheepish grin that you found very cute.

Noticing where you were located, you eased away from your fiancé and peered over the pillar’s edge. A hurtling height greeted you and you gulped. With a nervous laugh, you backed up fearfully. “Scary.”

The flight prince chuckled lightly. “Don’t worry. If you fall, I’ll catch you.”

“I trust you with my life,” was your honest reply, beaming at him wholeheartedly over your shoulder. Yifan suddenly felt his heart being microwaved into putty, and he averted his gaze to hide his dazed expression from you.

“At the house, Chen told me that dragons roam around here,” you said, your soft voice billowing away in the lazy wind. Twirling around in a full circle, you surveyed your surroundings. The vast, empty space here was definitely suitable for large, winged beasts.

Yifan nodded cautiously. “It’s true, Princess, but they rarely show themselves to people. They like their space and privacy, and they tend to be very territorial.” He harrumphed at the irony that he found amusing. “Their territory is my territory.”

You eyed him intently, wearing a sly, playful smile. “So who’s the dominant dragon? You or them?”

His usual contemptuous attitude flared with prominence as he scoffed, chin held high. “Tch. Me, of course. They quiver with fear at the sight of me.”

You tilted your head to the side inquisitively. “Have you ever encountered a dragon before?”

Your fiancé pressed his lips into a thin line. Revealing such information like that so freely without consequence wasn’t a good influence. But he couldn’t refuse you, so answered with a curt nod. “Yes... I bump into them from time to time,” he said haltingly, “but we generally avoid each other. Most of the dragons hang around the rocky, mountainous areas. That, or near the eastern fringe where it’s sunnier. They love the heat radiating from Chanyeol’s volcano.” He shook his head disapprovingly. “Don’t ever cross paths with a dragon. They’re feisty and moody. Adult dragons are as big as phoenixes with their wings spread out.”

You were disappointed that Yifan withheld juicy details and was incessant in telling you to steer clear of the beasts. Deep down, you knew he was worried for your safety and wellbeing, but you yearned to learn more, too fascinated with the topic.

“They don’t hurt people, do they?” you asked, persistently pursuing the subject.

“They will when they have the chance,” he answered gravely. Again, he shook his head, and folded his arms across his chest. “One tried to charge at me before, that stupid beast.” A small, prideful grin laced his lips. “But I think it was because I flew faster than him.”

You giggled behind your hand. “Silly dragon. He should learn not to mess with you.”

The grin grew wider. “You bet.”

Deciding to undertake another flight run, Yifan hoisted you onto his back again and launched into the air. This time, he flew at a more leisure pace suited for sightseeing. You nuzzled your cheek in the curve of your fiancé’s neck and sighed happily (making Yifan blush to the roots of his hairs).

Twenty minutes later, you felt his muscles tense.

“Oh no,” he muttered under his breath, expression becoming grim.

Naturally, you fretted at his rigidness. It was not a good sign. “What’s wrong?”

“I sense some dragons nearby,” he replied in a hushed whisper.

You adopted his way of speech, whispering close to his ear. “How can you tell?”

“I just can,” he said, and narrowed his eyes. His tone was urgent and imperious.  “We need to hide. They won’t like seeing you. You’re an outsider, a foreigner. They’ll be offended. Hold on, Princess. We’re changing course.” Clutching to him tighter and burying your frightened face in his nape, Yifan quickened his speed. Somehow, as if your sixth sense was piqued, you felt an impending aura of hostility and danger trailing after you. Warmth permeated the surrounding area by the heat of large, moving bodies and was filled with the harsh noise of gruff breathing. You imagined broad wings slicing through the air as they flapped, and scary, monstrous faces snarling in anger. And although you were afraid, you trembled more in anticipation.

I need to see one... At least once...

Yifan groaned loudly, breaking you out of your reverie. “Oh, great. Two adult dragons.”

The mentioned dragons appeared in terrifying pageantry. With one enormous flap of their leathery wings, the mist cloaking the area was buffeted away. You gaped in astonishment. The dragons were huge and fierce-looking, indubitably strong and cunning with their muscular frames despite their flexible necks and limber forearms. The most prominent characteristic they had were their ruby-gem eyes that were alert and intimidating, accentuated by their stern, sharp facial features of their snouts and cheekbones. Smoke billowed out from their flared nostrils and their curved black claws looked razor-sharp. Their tails were whip-like with an arrow-tip, and their beautiful, strong wings were dexterous. One dragon, obviously the male, was larger and more ferocious than his companion, the female, who was more slender and graceful.

“Um, Prince Yifan...are they breathing fire?”

“Yes,” he hissed. “Darnit. This is not a good time. They look angry.”

Yifan shot faster than a bullet, and you squinted your dried eyes at the face-beating air currents. Roaring in irritation, the male and female dragon chased after the two of you. Their thunderous roars rattled your small body, goosebumps forming a prickled path down your arms. The dragon pair were on Yifan’s heels, trying to staunchly match his pace.

Dammit, thought the flight prince in aggravation as he tried to shake the legendary beasts off his tail. Can’t they give me a break? Why are they chasing after us? We didn’t offend them, did we?

“Hold on, Aris!” he shouted. “I’m going to fly down and drop you off, so I can go confront them!”

“WHAT?” you shrieked. “NO! DON’T YOU DARE—”

But you were powerless to convince him otherwise as he plummeted downward, slid you off his back, and deposited you none too gently onto the dusty ground as you grunted out an ‘oof!’ in protest. He veered back up, heading straight towards the snarling male dragon. Compared to the majestic beast, your fiancé looked puny and insignificant.

Rising to your feet, you quickly ducked into the safety of the uneven mountainside and hid from view. Just then, the female dragon swooped down to survey the area, snorting and growling. You waited with a bated breath as she prowled the nearby area, sniffing the ground and beating her wings, which sent swirls of dust and dirt up into the dry air.

Why are the dragons so edgy? you thought apprehensively as you curled up behind a boulder in an attempt to conceal yourself. Are they protecting their territory? But they know Yifan governs the area. So then why would they act so defensiv—

Then it hit you.

Oh.

The dragons were protecting something within their territory, and you had a good guess to what it might be. Sadly, it was what you came for. Guilt consumed you once again, but you had a mission to complete. Fueled with determination, you began to trudge through the cramp mountainside, squeezing past eroded rock walls and hopping over bumpy planes. For sure the female dragon was searching tirelessly for you while you were clueless to what was happening with Yifan and the male dragon. Though it seemed impossible, you believed Yifan could stall the furious beast with his brute strength and tenacious persistence. Occasionally, there was a sweeping fwoosh of winds and the blare of fire as it pained the sky a ripe reddish-orange. Hearing those sounds ensured that if they continued, Yifan was capable enough to drag out the battle.

Deep within the flat, craggy mountain, you were hopelessly lost, completely unknowledgeable of the terrain. So, as a last minute back-up plane, you knelt down and braced your palm against the crusty ground. Doing so, you sent flares of your magic into the earth, and somehow, as if the Tree of Life was listening, replied with a surge of energy of her own. Clear, vivid images flashed in your mind, blurring your vision. A magnetic feeling sprouted inside you and tugged at your chest.

You inhaled, lashes fluttering. “That’s it.”

You sprang back up onto your feet and ran, not wasting your precious time with indecisiveness. The only time when you were sidetracked from your mission was when you were forced to duck beside a ridge, having spotted three figures in the sky battling it out. You had to wait until they relocated somewhere else before it was safe enough to be out in the open.

A swell of uneasiness was lodged in the pit of your stomach as you watched Yifan be outnumbered and outsized in his fight. He had to continuously switch between his offensive and defensive tactics. At first he would tease the dragons and evade their attacks tactfully, but when he saw the chance, he body slammed into the beasts, causing them to reel back at his immense inner strength. His rough actions only provoked the dragons more. They blew columns of raging fire at the prince, lashing out at him with their glinting claws and snapping tails.

“Hold on a little longer, Yifan,” you panted, out of breath. “Just give me ten more minutes.” You bolted off again.

For what seemed like forever, you finally found the secluded cave entrance that was hinted in the visions you had received. It was hidden low in elevation within the declining mountainside. The mouth of cave was dark and unwelcoming, like a bottomless pit that lured you to a gruesome death. To be able to wedge themselves through the gap, dragons would have to fold their wings, duck their heads, and crouch down low. Not caring for what dangers lurked in the cave, you ambled inside the shadowy hole. The tunnel seemed to grow wider with every stride and it also began to incline downward until it straightened out. You treaded forward with careful, calculated steps in the pitch-black darkness, one hand pressed against the gritty cave wall to guarantee your direction. It was warm and stuffy down here, just like how it was back in the phoenix’s nest. Deciding that you were in dire need of light, you conjured up a glowing blue orb to see your surroundings better. You explored the deeper parts of the cave, shadows flung here and there because of your light source.

There.

You might as well been transported back in time to when you had confronted the mother phoenix. Guilt and indecision weighed like a heavy stone being carried on your shoulders. Remorse belittled at your consciousness. You hesitated.

Tucked in a circular bed of dry plants and softened dirt were four dragon eggs. Hands shaking, you reached out for the nearest one. The dragon egg had striking similarities to a phoenix egg: they were the same size, radiated with warmth, and their surfaces were smooth. But this one had a harder shell to it, and its color was a splotchy black and white hue.

“Sorry,” you apologized sincerely to the other eggs as if you could hear their distress of being separated from their sibling. Cradling the one you had in your arms protectively, you turned around and scaled the tunnel back up to the entrance.

“RAAAAAWR!”

You jumped at the vicious noise that echoed into the cave entrance. Your body went numb when a pair of intimidating eyes narrowed themselves down at you.

“Uh-oh,” you uttered and gulped. The mother dragon glared balefully at you, temper peaked and nostrils flared. “Um...I can explain this, but you probably don’t understand me.”

A menacing hiss was the response, drool dripping from the dragon’s curled back lips as she bared two glistening rows of sharp, pointed teeth at you. She crept forward like the dominating predator she was, neck stretched out, wings flattened, spine horizontally bent, and tail flickering.

How can I reason with a creature that doesn’t speak? you deadpanned, caught in a tight situation.

The mother dragon roared again, vibrating the frame of the cave. This caused you to unceremoniously fall back onto your rear end, petrified for your life. You could fight, but that meant hurting the beast which you absolutely refused to do (especially when you were the bad guy here). The predator lunged forward and you instinctively clamped your eyes shut.

No.

A tremendous shockwave of energy coursed throughout the cave and the earth. The energy demanded for no harm to be done and no blood to be shed. It stunned the female dragon, the beast frozen like a statue mere meters from your feet. She was forced to lay down on the ground like a heeling animal, whining and growling as she did.

You were breathing hard. The Tree of Life! The voice echoing in your head was hers!

Let her take the egg.

The mother dragon made objecting whimpers and sniffled disdainfully.

Your child is needed for a greater importance. He has a role to fulfill.

A low, subdued growl responded to that.

Aris knows what she’s doing. No harm will befall your child.

Releasing a collective huff, the scaled beast raised her head and stared at you with those harrowing red orbs. You knew what she was trying to convey: I’d rather keep my child and devour you, but I will let him go as long as you protect him.

Trembling as you rose to your feet, you bent over in an extremely grateful bow, gingerly hugging the egg to your chest as you did so. “Of course. I won’t disappoint you. Thank you for understanding.”

The black-scaled dragon eased out of the cave’s entrance and you warily emerged from the shadows with stiff footsteps. Bold, red eyes were still fixated on you judgmentally.

“Now I have to go find Yifan,” you sighed. You stuffed the dragon egg into your bag, wrapping it in a thin quilt that you had thought to bring resourcefully.

As if aware of your dilemma, the female dragon extended her sinuous neck and lowered her head in front of you. Your jaw slackened and she huffed impatiently.

“Alright, alright, no need to bare your fangs at me,” you placated. Tentatively, you swung your leg over her neck, situating yourself between her nape and shoulders. Her hide was partly scaly, partly course underneath your fingers. The dragon unfurled her wings and fluidly rose into the air.

“I hope your husband didn’t kill my fiancé.”

...

“Aris?!” Yifan mindlessly blurted out, astonished to see you approaching him in the air, riding on the slender back of the female dragon.

You waved at him in acute relief. “Prince Yifan! You’re alive! Thank goodness!”

Question marks dangled above their heads as Yifan and the male dragon stared at their beloveds in disbelief. Everyone remained hovering midair skeptically as the problem began to be straightened out. The dragons exchanged rumbles and snorts as they communicated, their snouts touching. The female dragon was telling her mate to cease the fight and the reasons behind it. Meanwhile, Yifan was baffled by everything.

“What’s happening? Why aren’t they angry anymore?” he asked in puzzlement, drifting over to you.

“It was...a misunderstanding,” you said, patting the female dragon’s neck. “The dragons just wanted to see who I was. And we’re also too close to their nest. They want us to leave.”

Yifan cocked a dubious brow. “How do you know?”

You lied, “It’s called magic, silly. Now, can we finally go home? I’m exhausted.”

Your fiancé plucked you off the dragon’s back and cradled you lovingly to his chest, hardly suspicious as to why your now plump bag was resting on your stomach. He was just too relieved that no major damage had been inflicted on you. The flight prince inclined his head at the observing beasts. “Goodbye, now. Sorry for the mishap.” Yifan departed, the sound of his flight like a boom of a rocket.

The male dragon nudged his mate with his nose. Why did you let our child go?

The female dragon exhaled resignedly. No one can refuse Majesty’s words.

That girl...she must be the one everyone is talking about.

Yes. Her eyes betray her intelligence. She is truly the Savior.

...

On the way back to his residence, Yifan flew slowly so that he could sincerely apologize to you (he might as well poured out his heart).

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” he repeated profusely. “I am so sorry. I should’ve been more attentive and alert. I was irresponsible, putting your safety on the line when I knew—”

You placed your fingers to his rapidly-moving lips and shushed him gently. “Shh, I’m fine, my prince. I was frightened, but not anymore. It’s in the past now. Forget it.” You rested your drooping head against his broad shoulder, feeling tuckered out.

His hazel-brown eyes softened. “I’m glad.”

“What about you?” you asked softly, directing the attention to him. “Your clothes are charred and ripped, but other than that...”

“Not one scratch,” he confirmed with a slight, self-satisfied grin. “No dragon can best me.”

Your tired, blank expression was changed when a tiny, knowing smile laced your lips. “Of course not,” you agreed passionately. “No one can best my Yifan. Because he’s the Dragon King.”

The flight prince thought it was outrageously stupid that you had him smitten like a lovestruck fool, but oddly, he didn’t mind at the least. He was genuinely touched by your words. Because it was you.

He smiled handsomely. “That’s right. I like the sound of that.”

He especially liked the sound of you saying ‘my Yifan’.

You yawned loudly and nestled your slack face against the slope of his neck. Your fiancé carried you tenderly, enjoying your presence all to himself.

That’s right, I’m yours. I’ll be your everything if you asked for it, my Aris.

...