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Deep shades of various warm colors scattered the castle's drawing-room, bookcases lined the walls filled with knowledge from times past. Among these books and scrolls, you found yourself a moment's silence. Sitting comfortably in the plush reading chair, you looked to the book you were currently attempting to lose yourself in, "Moments and how to create them," a small philosophical book about the creation of memories and how some could stand out among others.
Holding the book open with one hand, you looked to your left hand at the newly acquired wedding band resting on your finger. With a sigh, you resigned yourself. It was a beautiful creation. A silver band twisted into spiraling patterns, holding a bright red ruby in its centermost point. It was challenging to look at your new ring without remembering the day it had been placed upon your finger. You remembered it well, the brightly lit room shining in your eyes, the looming presence of the priest. The stuffy heat radiating off of hundreds of guests you hardly if at all even knew. The only comfort had been in your spouse's comforting hold on your hand, the gentle squeeze that said: 'You are not alone. I am here with you.'
For you to have only met the king weeks before your ceremony, his presence had been incredibly comforting to you. The man seemed to radiate a type of peace. When he first found you in the hayfields you had been working in, you felt it then. When he asked for your hand in marriage to unite the kingdom you had been born into and his, you had felt it still.
You pondered these little moments as you stared at your ring.
The evening you had been so stressed from attempting to learn the way of royalty after coming from a family of farmers that you had locked yourself in your room without eating supper. He had knocked so softly on your door far after the hours of the candles being blown out. Iseth had come bearing gifts, sweets from the kitchen, small baked goods that you both shared while sitting on your bed discussing your worries.
The day you expressed how you missed the farm, he had canceled his day to take you to every stable in the kingdom that sold horses, offering it as a wedding gift of your choosing, saying how you could go anywhere in the kingdom with your beast so long as you had an escort to keep you safe. You had been so excited that you had held his face in your hands and Kissed his cheek. You remember just how warm his skin had grown over the action.
You had left the stables that day with a rather handsome gelding. Sweet and gentle yet a powerhouse built for war. At the thought of your dear companion, you placed your book on the end table next to you as you smoothly stood, walking to the window draped with deep red fabrics and opening them slightly to look among the outside world.
The view from the drawing-room had always been your favorite, especially as the moon rose; it showed the beautiful field of wildflowers and tall grass that your horse remained in; just beyond the field, the mountain peaks could be seen in all their beautiful blue and purple hue. You looked out of the third-story window, staring into the field at your dear companion you had named Blueblood or simply Blue, to match his beautiful blue and pale grey coat. The blue-roan shire horse was grazing happily in the field as you watched him with a fondness.
You had been so caught up in your fantasizing you hadn't noticed the joining presence in the room you now shared. loving arms wrapped around your waist as your husband settled behind you. Easily holding you to him with a content hum.
"Night will soon fall, beloved, should you truly concern yourself with these dusty old scrolls and books at this hour?" His deep voice chimed out as he nuzzled against you softly, the warmth from his body ebbing away the chill of the winter air.
You couldn't help the smile that grew on your face. You might have grown a soft spot for the king who seemed to be so completely enamored with yourself. "What if this is what I wish? To be surrounded by knowledge, would you truly intend to stop me?" Your words came out more playful than intended, yet the reasonable fear remained, you had yet to be denied anything though, after some months, you were afraid that the 'newness' of your marriage would fade from the king's mind, and he would tighten a nonexistent leash upon your person. Every morning however you were surprised to discover that Iseth was still just as enamored as before.
His hold upon you tightened just slightly as you felt a kiss being placed on the top of your head. "Of course not my dear. For you, anything, though if you wish to surround yourself with these old relics then at least allow me to have this room thoroughly cleaned for you so that the dust won't disturb your senses whilst you read to your heart's content." You could feel the smile upon his lips as he spoke with the side of his mouth still pressed to the top of your head.
There he went again, offering something to make you happy wherever he could. You had to admit, agreeing to this marriage had been a delight so far, you could certainly get used to it after years of having to work meticulously for a scrap of attention, it was nice to have affection, praise, anything you wished for was yours. You, of course, could never take advantage of such a gesture, often denying any excess of languid items or decadent treats. This however only leads to your husband offering more and more in an uncertain tug of war of gifts and offerings.
"Though it is growing to a later hour, and with our trip tomorrow it would be best if we both were to sleep early tonight, only if you agree of course," Iseth spoke softly, as though afraid to awaken the world outside.
With the promise of sleep, you could feel your eyes finally give way to the strain of reading for god knows how many hours. Blinking slowly and letting out a quiet yawn, you nodded in mute agreement to sleeping. Iseth cooed silently over your tired actions, taking your hand in his with a gentle grip he turned you to face him. Smile and all there stood Iseth, an imposing figure with a broad muscular frame hidden beneath his royal robes. Only made to appear bigger with his mane of a head of hair, and those honey-brown eyes that had softened considerably as he saw you yawn once again.
"Come along, beloved, allow me to escort you to your quarters, I believe that your bed is calling to you." Iseth slowly began to guide you out of the drawing-room and down the familiar winding path of hallways towards your separate room. He had insisted on you having your own room until you decided to share your space with him. A more than generous offer in your mind, the king certainly wasn't what you had thought he would be in the beginning, thankfully.
As Iseth lead you along the hallways you had time to ponder this thought, in doing so you didn't realize how quickly you had reached your room, the door opened by Iseth as he looked to you with a warm smile. He took your hands in his gently pressing a kiss to each one slowly, with a reverence in his actions. "May only the kindest of dreams visit you this eve beloved." He spoke softly, slowly releasing your hands and watching as you walked into your room with a heated face and flustered expression, Iseth only began to leave as you closed your door for the night.
You could hear his boots stepping lightly farther and farther away. You leaned against the door, covering your mouth with your hands. That had been a different type of goodnight than the usual 'sleep well.' The king really had been expressing far more affection as of late and you were still at times uncertain as to how you were supposed to handle such a thing.
Walking slowly to your lavish bed and climbing in, you allowed your thoughts to truly swirl with your complicated feelings towards the king. As you lay underneath the covers you pondered on these emotions. What wasn't there to love about your husband? He was sweet, caring, he always listened to you, tried to do anything to see you smile. Most importantly he respected you as your own person, allowing you to control the dynamic between you both to your comfort level. No human on this earth was that perfect, or could treat you like such a treasure, just what was with the supposedly beloved king of the Reighn kingdom? You fell asleep with that final thought on your mind.
As the sun rose over the mountains, light filtered into your bedroom rousing you from your slumber. You lay in bed staring at the ceiling for god only knows how long until you heard a knock on your door.
"Majesty it's time to rise, your carriage will be ready to leave shortly. The King is already ready and waiting for you in the courtyard." Chimed out the voice of the pale skin and furred faun maid.
"Just a moment Ali, let me get dressed." you trudged out of bed slowly, dragging along whilst getting ready and carrying the conversation.
"Do I need to pack anything for your Majesty?"
"No, thank you."
"Is the Majesty hungry?"
"No, Thank You."
"Does the Majesty require assistance?"
"No. Thank You."
This went on all the while you were dressing for the cold trip ahead. Rushing out the door however you almost ran over the poor maid who began stumbling apologies out to you.
"It's fine really, dear, it was my fault. I'll be off now to meet my husband, have a good day!" Your voice carried loud through the halls as you took off, now awake and alert enough to realize you had left everyone waiting on you.
The grand courtyard held one single carriage with two draft horses tied to it, both dark bays to match the darker colors of the carriage. Talking to the driver about the trip was your husband, once he saw you however you held his undivided attention. Iseth turned to you with arms out and a bright smile "Ah, My dearest darling, a fine morning isn't it? All the finer with you here now." Iseth swiftly approached in a few steps he was in front of you, taking your hands in his once again to press a kiss to the back of them both.
Once again you were left a flustered mess as he smiled and shifted so that he could hold both of your hands in one of his, capable of doing so easily. He used his free hand to gesture to the carriage, standing tall with two guards on horse posted at its side. "Come now, let us be off." Iseth guided you towards the carriage as one of the many butlers finished filling the end with your luggage.
As you climbed into the actual carriage, followed by Iseth, you wondered just why you were headed to the Bracheous kingdom. Once you were both settled in the horses were goaded into a brisk walk. The lurching of the carriage caused you to shuffle into Iseth who was seated next to you, thankfully he caught you with no difficulty and held you to his side easily. For stability, of course.
"Easy, beloved. lead into me I'll keep you upright for the ride, it's quite a ways and I know you enjoy your mornings in peace." Iseth leaned over into a comfortable lounging position to allow you to almost lay against him. "Rest now, we will have much to do once we arrive at our destination, people to meet, discussions of commotion in the area to be had-"
"-Commotion, what commotion? Shouldn't this be something I know of as well?" You interrupted with surprise, never had he kept anything from you before.
Iseth only smiled and held you closer, allowing you to lay against his warm, broad frame. "Rest now," he insisted softly, brushing your hair out of your face with a gentle touch. "I will answer every question you have and more once we arrive at our destination."
With drowsiness creeping back into your vision, you couldn't help but lean into Iseth's embrace, relaxing against your husband with a sight. "Still, you, sir, are going to tell me everything I wish to know." mumbling softly, you nuzzled into his form and allowed yourself to rest as the world slowly faded away.
"For you, anything."
You remained in peaceful slumber for the last hours of the early morn as the trip rode smoothly. The only issue was the sudden alarming jolt that threw you awake, in a brief moment the carriage was being thrown off the trail, you could only intake so much at once, the horses crying out in fear, the divers shouting, the cry of the guards, and Iseth who had landed underneath you with a growl as the carriage toppled over. He was still holding tightly to you, keeping you from slamming into the metal frame of the door.
You groaned from all of the sudden commotions, looking towards Iseth’s pained expression with worry and frantically grabbing his face in your hands, "I'm so sorry, are you alright? Please be alright-" You were cut off by Iseth gently placing a hand on your cheek.
"Easy, darling," As he opened his glowing golden eyes your own widened in surprise as you released him and pulled away slightly. Looking him over you noticed more than one difference, His eyes were more predatorial, scales lined his cheeks, his ears had sharpened, and even horns had taken position atop his head. Iseth's head whipped around towards the side window looking towards the sky, face contorting into an aggressive snarl directed outside the carriage, all fangs far too sharp for anything... Human.
The smallest of whimpers that you let out must not have been as quiet as you had hoped as he looked back to you in alarm, Iseth pulled you close once more, claw-tipped hands lovingly grazed across your arms and sides. "Beloved? Are you hurt?" Iseth's tone betrayed his fear in that moment before steadying once more. His eyes seemed to dull as he realized what had you so startled. It was almost enough to make you regret the fear that had settled into your bones but when under the eyes of a predator you didn't have much choice.
Dull eyes turned to a blood-boiling rage and in a moments notice, Iseth was changing and growing around you, clawed hands grew into massive talons that held you in them as he grew too big for the carriage that soon gave way, bursting open as the fully grown deep red and golden dragon emerged with you in his claws. The creature let out a mighty roar and column of fire into the air as a warning. Broad, massive wings propelled outwards, catching the wind with a few mighty thrusts the dragon was hovering over the area, glaring down the discovered perpetrators of the attack. With you still in his claws, held gently and close to his chest, the dragon let out another ear-piercing roar that shook you to the core.
The noise you made something between a cry of surprise and a panicked gasp was enough to silence the beast that now looked to you with kind eyes. Every living creature human and otherwise watched the dragon closely. Awaiting its next move.
The red dragon easily landed on its hind legs, ever so gently placing you down before looming over and past you towards the group of humans dressed in dark clothing. The mighty beast kept a paw between you and them as it growled out the words in a voice deep enough to chill your bones. "Why have you come for one who has done nothing to your people, for the King of the Reighn kingdom?" the dragon's tail lashed about displaying emotional turmoil while his wings were held up and out, making the already massive dragon seem so much bigger.
the small group of darkly dressed humans pushed their apparent leader forward whilst cowering behind him. "W-we thought that you were the rouge dragon the kingdoms had been discussing, we thought if we could strike when you were vulnerable we would stand a chance. We mean no harm to you, my king, kindly." The human hit his knees, hands together like a prayer and head bowed as he begged for his very life.
"Leave now, lest I flay the flesh from your bones and use your remains as my next meal." Firey eyes held a promise to those words, you didn't know if you could run from this creature with how massive it was it would have you back in its clutches as soon as you began to move away.
The human group didn't seem to share your problem as they were allowed to run away, crying out in fear as they left, soon joined by the two guards and driver who had apparently not sighed up for this shit.
This left you alone. With a dragon.
Said dragon pulled away from you, sitting down and looking to you with a worry-filled expression. It must have seen something truly pitiful as you saw with your own eyes the dragon once again began to change, growing smaller and smaller until what stood before you was your husband, hand held out to lift you off of the ground where you sat in confusion and mild fear that was ebbing away.
"Please..." Was all he said, in the most heart-aching voice you had ever heard, he sounded weak, broken. It was still your husband, you rationalized before reaching a hand out slowly.
Iseth's smile was one of relief as he gently took your hand in his, easily bringing you up into his arms once more, hoping to soothe your shivering.
"A dragon," you began, "A revenant of death in the sky, I'm married to a dragon..." breathlessly your words were almost inaudibly.
"One who loves you very much, yes. And I am married to a human." Iseth's hold on you was loose enough that you could break away if you wanted and you both knew it.
You just didn't know if you wanted to. This was your husband, your Iseth. The same fool who would do anything to see you smile, he had always been a dragon, you were only just now learning of it so was there truly any difference. Your fear said yes. Your heart, however, still said it was safest with him, as always. "Iseth." You slowly spoke, gathering his entirety from attention to devotion with just a breath of his name on your lips, as always.
"Beloved?"
"No more secrets like this alright? Something like this," taking an arm to gesture to him, you continued "is something we won't lie about to each other, or hide from each other. I am your spouse you need to trust me more."
Iseth ducked his head down like a scolded puppy. "I was afraid of your reaction, you didn't see how terrified of me you appeared to be in those moments." He looked downright pitiful, this massive draconic creature in disguise, cowering under your words was enough to soften your own heart.
You shook your head with a sigh. "Of course, I would react like that, I had made this big assumption that you were human, I had never been told otherwise and it was what you apparently wanted to be thought of as." Placing a hand on Iseth’s chest, over his heart, you could feel it racing underneath your fingertips. "However," You continued, "If you had told me, had then shown me, I would have been nervous yes but prepared for something of this..." Looking the shifter up and down you decided to change your choice of words. "Of... your... Magnitude."
Iseth sagged slightly into you, relaxing further and further with your words ringing in his ears. "You're right, of course, you're right. My sincerest apologies, beloved one."
"Really, it's alright, dear." You let Iseth hold onto you for as long as he needed to calm down once again, slowly his draconic features faded away bit by bit, a physical showcase of his emotions soothing themselves down. Now might be the best time to mention. "You know, the carriage is now ruined."
"Mhm."
"Our only mode of transportation is gone."
"Mhm."
"It sure would be nice if there was a quicker way than walking to the Bracheous kingdom... Wouldn't it be?" You looked to Iseth, who was lost in thought apparently. "Iseth?"
"Hmm?"
"We," You gestured between the two of you quickly. "Need to get there but don't have any way other than walking... or?" You hinted less and less subtly as the conversation lulled.
Poor poor Iseth, however, looked lost, as though he hadn't dreamed in a million years. He never had been the smartest. Iseth cocked his head to the side and looked to you for an explanation.
As bluntly as possible, you spoke, "Flying dear, wouldn't flying be faster if not safer than traveling by foot through these woods filled with hunters and bandits?"
Iseth stared at you with wide eyes; you could see his eyes once again beginning to change in their excitement. You would have sworn if he had a tail at the moment, it would have been wagging at an extremely fast pace, "Are you certain?"
Your words sparked a fire in his very core as you spoke, "Will you keep me safe?"
the dragon shifter straightened his posture, puffing out his broad chest and finally releasing you from his hold. "Of course, I would," This creature this powerful monstrous being's next actions surprised you the most. He kneeled in the dirt in front of you. Head bowed, exposing the back of his neck for you should you wish to do anything to him. The ultimate display of loyalty, of devotion, of trust. To have such a creature kneeling before you sent a chill up your spine. You had the feeling that a dragon bowing, especially to a human, wasn't something that had happened in a long long time, and wouldn't happen again any time soon. "I would move mountains and earth for you should you ask it of me. I would lay this very world to desolation should it make you smile. I will forever and beyond, keep you safe and close to my heart."
You stood frozen upon hearing his declaration. The trees surrounding you also seemed to freeze, mother nature herself was holding her breath, aware of the significance of the moment. Slowly, you took a step closer to the massive man, knelt before you. you watched the rise and fall of his form, breathing deeply. Reaching a free hand out, you placed it lightly upon the back of his neck, feeling him tense before relaxing once again. You kept your hand there for a moment, applying no pressure, just an understanding between the both of you, that you would never take advantage of those displays of vulnerability he might show. It also spoke clearly in silence that he was just as much yours as he claimed you to be his.
After another moment you removed your hand and instead knelt in the dirt in front of Iseth, pressing your forehead to his as he looked to you in confusion. Your husband wasn't one to complain, however, and simply enjoyed the act with now closed eyes and a weight taken off his heart.
As quietly as possible, your voice rang out in the even quieter forest. "I do trust you, I know you'll keep me safe, keep me happy. I believe you." You pulled back with a smile seeing Iseth’s warm expression in turn. "For now, let's make our way to the Bracheous kingdom. We can discuss this there."
Iseth nodded silently, slowly standing while pulling you up as well. He took a few steps back before looking back to you once more for assurance.
When you nodded in conformation, he smiled. Allowing the shift to take over completely, Iseth once again in this scene began to shift and change into the great beast that claimed the skies. The massive red and golden dragon stood before you, staring at you, waiting for you to run.
When you walked closer with a kind expression, however, it caught Iseth off guard apparently, seeing as he stumbled backward slightly before stilling and lowering his head to allow you to greet him properly in this manner.
You walked towards him without fear. This was your husband, not some rogue monster. Your husband looked more nervous than you, which was... odd but expected given the circumstances. Once in front of the face of this great beast, you gently placed a hand out and on the end of his maw. "Hello, dearest," you cooed soothingly.
Iseth closed his eyes and leaned into your touch, his entire body shivering and settling as he let out a low rumbling purr that sounded far too deep and low to be called such, but what else were you supposed to say? Iseth was a giant cat, apparently. He only slowly pulled away to shift positions slightly, sitting up on his hind legs, Iseth loomed over you in the most comforting ways as he gently reached out to cradle you in his claws, close to his chest. He ducked his head down to nuzzle against you for a moment before rising in height and opening his wings once again. His deep voice chimed out as softly as possible given his current stature. "Hold onto me, and I will never allow you to fall."
You could only smile up at him, "I know."
Two words it only took two words for you to have the creature's heart racing and settling into a comfortably lulling rhythm. With that, Iseth took off in the direction of the Bracheous kingdom.
The feeling of being so far from the earth was terrifying at first yes, but with Iseth holding you so close you had some semblance of stability, thankfully. Through the flight neither of you spoke, only enjoying the breeze and clear skies as you went on, on the occasion you would hear the odd rumbling purr from Iseth who happened to look to you once more as though he couldn't believe that you were here, in his paws, so comfortably relaxing in his hold. This would lead to more than one occasion of him stopping mid-flight to hover in place and nuzzle against you once more. Other than that the trip was uneventful.
By the time you arrived at the Bracheous kingdom, the sun was setting. What was originally a four days journey through the infested forest became a one-way trip that took less than a single day. The kingdom it seemed was full of inhuman and supernatural creatures as its main inhabitant. Though the sight of a massive dragon had the majority of its citizens running for their homes as you and Iseth approached. Said dragon settled in the sky over the courtyard of the kingdom's castle. Slowly he landed on his hind legs, gently placing you onto the cobblestone path below you before settling into a relaxed sitting position to greet the ensemble of monsters that were coming to greet you both.
You stood tall, as any respectable royal might, you had to, after all, you weren't a farmer anymore. You were royal and in this moment, you must act like one. Even in the face of such massive creatures that towered over you, none anywhere as big as your beloved, however.
It was a centaur that greeted you first, a massive draft centaur covered in armor from human to horse body, with a coat of coal and hair to match. He stopped a few short yards away, standing just out of reach of your husband's shadow. Looking up to the dragon, to you, before bowing deeply in respect. "Good King Iseth, as well as his majesty," The centaur began with a nervous flick of his tail. Then again under the towering gaze, your husband was presenting to his fellow monsters, you would be nervous too. "I on behalf of our queen, welcome you to the Bracheous kingdom. Forgive our queen, she lay bedridden at the moment but welcomes you all the same. I am Captain Argent of the royal guard."
The ever formal Argent. He was a muscular centaur with scars peeking out from underneath his silver armor and a cropped tail. At this moment the rest of the brigade of monsters caught up with their captain, a dark brown minotaur, a swift looking crow kenku that almost seemed out of place, two gnolls that had to be related if going by their features was any giveaway, as well as a handful of orcs and a bright orange and black striped rakshasi. All muscular, powerful, or agile creatures seemed to form a rather powerful team of elite guards in the kingdom. Though they all seemed wary of your husband they did bow deeply in respect to you and him.
Iseth nodded his head in turn, speaking at a lower tone as to not appear to be shouting at the newcomers in the story. "We accept your welcome, I apologize for the commotion I might have caused, our carriage was attacked on the way over. Those hunting the very same enemy we gather to find ourselves."
It was the dark minotaur that spoke up with a heavy southerners twang. "That is a tragedy, are you both alright?" He stepped forward easily, hooves clopping against the cobblestone, spear strapped to his back shining in the sunset's light.
"We are both quite alright, though your concern is appreciated. We have been flying all day, however, and require rest. Might we begin our hunt tomorrow morn?" The dragon's tail twitched slightly, his wings drooping from the exhaustion of flying all day after not warming up for such a trip.
Captain Argent stood back as the minotaur took charge of the moment. Respect for his fellow soldier practically oozing outward.
"Of course," The minotaur began. "Though, I am uncertain if we have any rooms big enough for you, sire. We could always set up a space for you in the castle's inner courtyard, away from prying eyes and comfortable?" He questioned nervously. Ah. They didn't know of your husband's fancy trick, only that he was a dragon king. Apparently, knowledge of; and the appearance of dragons were rare even among monster-kind.
You took a step towards the group before you, "That won't be necessary; a simple room would do, though the offer is very much appreciated." You smiled politely towards the minotaur in particular.
Said creature looked confused, "How...?"
"He won't fit." chimed in one of the Gnolls, the taller of the two. Though his bluntness only earned a smack from the second, shorter Gnoll standing beside him.
You had to bite back a laugh while turning to Iseth. "Come now, enough of the imposing figure, It's time for us both to rest, yes?" Looking up to the massive creature you reached a hand out for him to take.
Never the one to turn away your affections, Iseth nodded and easily slipped into his smaller, more manageable form of a human...? Iseth reached out to take your hand in his clawed ones, golden eyes lovingly gazing back at you. Though this was different, he had his horns and scales along his face and hands yes but also a pair of wings, and, a tail slicing through the air behind him. It must be an in-between form he has. You shook off the surprise and nodded approvingly. Turning back to the soldiers behind you who stood Stockstill with shellshocked expressions.
One of the orcs leaned over to smack the largest Gnoll, who barked out a surprised shout, whipping around to look at the orc in question. "What the hell was that for, Guarg?" he snarled.
"You were wrong, Ozz." the orc spoke calmly, gesturing to your now human-sized partner, "He'll fit now."
Iseth snorted in amusement as the centaur gained your attention once more, distracting from the group's growing squabble.
"Forgive them, they might not be the most respectful but this team has seen the kingdom through some difficult times, more than once." He spoke easily, you could hear the admiration he had for the team that was a moment away from breaking out a fistfight over a size difference.
You were the first to respond, however, "It's quite alright, captain. Talent is talent, that doesn't mean they must be the pride of more political moments as well, they are themselves, and that is far braver in my opinion."
The captain beamed at you with bright eyes. You had a feeling that keeping his team's political image clean was a difficult feat, one he might not be given such ease with very often. "Banyr,"
The minotaur separated himself from the growing fight between his team members, standing tall next to the centaur, almost matching his height. "Yes, captain?"
"Escort these two to one of our finest guest rooms, they've had a long journey and are early still, the least we can give them is a night's rest." The centaur stomped his hoof twice, glaring at his brigade that froze in place upon the silent command.
"Of course, captain," Banyr spoke confidently as his captain turned to manage his troops. The minotaur turned to you both with a warm smile. "Please, if you'll follow me to your room for the time being." He began walking towards the heart of the castle with a long stride.
"Of course, thank you, Banyr." Your husband started before following along. Matching strode perfectly with his long legs.
You, however, had a bit of a time half jogging to keep up before Iseth noticed and decided to swipe you up into his arms, cradling you to his chest as he followed the dark brown minotaur further down the hallways of the castle, allowing your face to burn as he smiled over your reaction.
Banyr stopped in front of a set of two doors side by side, dark oakwood blending perfectly with the darker stone walls of the inner castle. "This will be your room for the ni- ?" Banyr turned to look properly at the pair of singular footsteps that had been following him only to see you in your predicament. Bless him though he only expressed concern over your position. "Majesty, are you alright?"
Before you could come up with a reason other than 'yes, you both are just freakishly tall compared to me and I couldn't keep up!' Iseth chimed in, "Of course, of course, they are only tired from a long day's journey and I couldn't help but want to make the eve a little easier. I am certain you could understand this?"
Iseth's tone held a challenging notion that apparently went completely over Banyr's head as the minotaur instead smiled longingly. "Of course I understand," he turned to unlock and open the doors for you both. "Why, I only wish I had someone to care for the way you do is all. I wasn't thinking, my apologies." he shook his head, shaking away any fanciful thoughts might have been thinking of.
Iseth could only smile over such soft words, he had experienced something similar when he first met you, after all. "You'll find them one day, my friend. Fret not." Iseth's tone was far softer than you had heard recently, it caught you off guard for a moment as he finally set you back on your feet.
"Thank you, your highness, well. I must be off, I've guard duty to set up for tonight before I retire for the eve. Sleep well, both of you."
"Goodnight, Banyr," you spoke softly, watching him smile, nod, and leave you and your husband to your own devices once more.
Iseth lead you into the bedroom and closed the door behind him. Looking around he seemed to be gauging the room's size. When he caught you staring at him quizzically he confessed his thoughts. "The room might be big enough for me to shift and allow you to take the bed while I remain on guard tonight." His wings fluttered nervously, leaving you to wonder just what had him worried until you realized. You had never shared a bed before.
You shook off the nerves and thought over his words before replying. "That is absolutely ridiculous, you would be crushed in here or you would break something."
"No, no, I can just curl up around the bed where you can lay and we will be alright, Besides, this is a new kingdom neither of us have been to before, it would be the safest for you." Iseth seemed convinced in his terrible plan, so of course, you had to do something.
Knowing he would never say no to you, you stepped closer to him until you had to look up to meet his golden eyes. "Iseth," you cooed affectionately, placing a hand on his cheek, feeling the heat rise in them as you spoke.
Iseth shifted nervously, his tail thrashing about behind him, wings snapped shut to his back in an attempt to appear smaller than before. Stumbling over his words as he spoke, "Y-yes, beloved one?"
You grinned like a Cheshire cat cornering its prey, you had him now. "Wouldn't I be safer-" You leaned into his form, feeling as he automatically wrapped his arms around your smaller frame. "-In your arms?" You purred out the words so softly and sweetly.
Iseth didn't stand a chance, his wings flared out and he stumbled slightly, smoke scarcely wafting from his gaping maw as he stared at you with wide, adoring eyes. "Yes!" the dragon king let out a noise between a mouse's squeak and a dragon's shout in response. Unable to properly express just how he felt about this arrangement.
You bit back a laugh once more and grabbed his hand, leading him to the massive bed. Understanding that Iseth might not move of his own accord, you pulled him along, shoving him towards the bed. His legs caught along the edge which sent him tumbling down onto the plush mattress. Throwing off your own overcoat and boots you climbed into bed next to Iseth who had done the same, tossing the items to the corner of the room in a pile.
Iseth seemed nervous, however, understandably so, he was as tense as a board laying flat on his back. It took you reaching out to him to soothe his nerves, allowing him to fully relax, your husband let out a sigh and turned to lay on his side, making room for you under the covers before pulling you close and covering both of you with the heavy duvet.
You fell easily into his hold as he cradled you to his chest, fitting together like puzzle pieces you both allowed the tension of the day to fade away and fall from your shoulders. Sleep would come easily as breathing tonight, with the furnace of a creature holding you so lovingly in his grasp, how could you not fall into a steadfast slumber. Blissfully unaware of just how late Iseth stayed up, watching over you with worry in his mind of the days to come.
You were awoken by Iseth's hand being placed on the side of your face, his thumb slowly, lazily stroking over your cheek. "Beloved... Beloved it's time for us to greet the others with who we are to join the hunt with. We are after the same rogue I was mistaken for. It's time for us to go now." His voice was more rumbly than usual due to the still early hours of the morn at present.
You were slow to rise, happier to lean into Iseth and attempt to drag him to bed once more, your personal heater was trying to leave and this was not ok.
With a soft chuckle, Iseth effortlessly pulled you to your feet, allowing you to fall into him in those moments, with an adoring look in his eyes. Your morning was a blur that only had a focus on his smile, you think he helped you to dress before readying himself and guiding you out the door. Once you were walking through the twisting hallways did you really wake up.
The war room was your destination, A brightly lit room already crowded with the captain, His team as well as various soldiers you had yet to meet. It was Banyr that first greeted you, looking far too awake for your sleep-riddled mind to appreciate fully. Shaking off the drowsiness, you greeted him in turn, "Good morning Banyr, did you rest well?"
"I was to ask you the same thing," Banyr took a spot next to your side as Iseth settled on your other side. Leaving you feeling rather small for having such large creatures surround you.
You chatted idly with Banyr about the night, sleeping well, oh yes the room was lovely thank you, all the while the war room was finally settling down. Banyr gestured to the table and those surrounding it. A silent note to listen in if you wanted to learn anything useful, which yes, yes you did.
"Gentlecreatures, please, settle. There is much to discuss this morning and we've only so much time to go on." Captain Argent spoke clearly with authority only he could possess in this room. "Now, we are all gathered here across the few kingdoms that span the reach of this threat this, rogue. This dragon." Captain Argent spat out the words as though they were only the vilest he had tasted recently.
You took note of just how many of these creatures looked to your husband who stood taller, refusing to meet their eyes, never looking away from the centaur who held the room.
Argent continued, choosing his words with caution that you could sense from across the room. "This rogue dragon has been destroying anything it wishes, it has been pillaging recklessly, harming, killing innocents that get in its way, and threatening the safety of our shared peoples. We will put an end to this." His passionate speech ended as he looked to Iseth. "This is why we called a true dragonblood to this table, to guide us on our hunt." The room's attention was passed quickly to said dragon who had apparently been waiting for this moment to speak.
Underneath the table, Iseth held tightly to your hand, squeezing once. Twice. Three times, before letting go and speaking with a clear and piercing voice, "This dragon's behavior is appalling in terms of a true dragonblooded. We are not murderers nor destroyers of land unless provoked, to do so with such reckless abandon calls for immediate extermination to be done by our hands." Iseth's tone was reminiscent of a bear growling, deep and reverberating, a clear threat to any and all who heard such without trying to hide such a fact, a side to your gentle husband you had yet to see.
Surprisingly enough it was one of the few human soldiers in the room that looked to you with confusion, He stood tall, looking you up and down.
Unconsciously you leaned into your husband's side to attempt to hide from the human's meticulous gaze. Iseth however, noticed immediately, stopping his outburst of emotion over this rogue's actions and turning to the source of your discomfort. "Soldier," Iseth barked out. Drawing the human's attention in an instant. "Am I boring you? Is this not important enough to demand your utmost focus, soldier?" The dragon growled deeply while glaring down at the human.
Said human jumped to his own defense. "O-of course not your majesty! I was simply confused by what your... What such a defenseless human is doing among this meeting." Sadly, you felt more and more eyes on you, more curious gazes as to your purpose there. It wasn't the most comfortable feeling in the world but you stood tall, refusing to back down yet. Still, the soldier continued. "We are the hunters, won't they be harmed during the hunt? Shouldn't we stop such a thing from happening not to encourage it?"
Captain Argent was the one to slap his hand over the soldier's mouth only as Iseth's temper began to boil, glowing eyes glaring down the now fearful soldier, smoke pouring from Iseths maw until he closed his eyes, stood straight once more and took a breath. "My spouse is of great intelligence and greater skill in understanding the unexplainable. They are around me day in and out and have firsthand experience with Dragons. They are the most valuable asset to our gathering here and it would do you well to treat them as such." Iseth snapped his fangs and his tone as he finished speaking. He was absolutely talking you up and you knew it, but did anyone else realize?
As multiple sets of eyes bowed their heads in a silent apology, you guessed that no. They wholeheartedly believed the bluff your husband had played. You hadn't known he was a dragon until just yesterday morn yet he was making such bold claims.
As the conversation continued between the captain and Iseth, your thoughts raced, just why had you been brought along, what could you offer in exchange, what could you do. Certainly, they would be better off without you dragging them down certainly... They wouldn't notice you if you went missing from this little meeting. As the room focused once again on captain Argent, you were able to slip away unnoticed, not even by your beloved husband.
You raced out of the castle, able to leave without anyone noticing your absence, silently walking through the town out to the woods you had been traveling over. You were uncertain of just how long you were walking before it started raining, the clouds overhead as dark as your mood, and the trees that surrounded you. There was nothing nearby anymore, what had you done? You had allowed your emotions to get the best of you again, and here you were lost in the woods in an unfamiliar land, unknowing of just what could be lurking.
You let out a sigh, sitting on a fallen tree nearby, accepting the fact that you were going to be soaked by the time you found anything so you might as well take a moment in the rain to gather your barrings.
In doing so you took a closer look at the clearing you had made it to. Surrounded by tall birch trees, ground latent with moss-covered stones and fallen trees... far too many to just be old dead trees falling no, something of a great force must have toppled these over. Looking over the direction of the trees you had to conquer. they had fallen in the same direction as though something of massive size had made its way through here.
You stood slowly, following the direction of the trees and finding multiple sets of ginormous footprints belonging to something reptilian in nature. Kneeling in the mud to get a better look before they were wiped away by the rain, you analyzed the prints with a frustrated groan. "How am I supposed to be the smart one if everything I find is swept away by this damnable rain?" you questioned to no one in particular, maybe the forest good folk who might take pity.
As a deep reverberating growl sounded from behind you, however. You realized just who your audience was, and it wasn't your loving husband this time.
You whipped around, sitting face to face with the massive dark blue scaled dragon that was glaring down towards you. It opened its massive maw and let out a terribly loud roar in your face, the heat emanating from it near blistering as you shouted a curse or two in turn. Just as the massive dragon was stepping closer, maw open to take a bite out of you for lunch, it was slammed to the side by a far bigger red and golden dragon that had you seeing stars in relief.
Iseth had the blue dragon pinned and with a mighty roar lofted it in the air and flung it far off. You watched with wide eyes as the blue dragon was thrown over the treeline. Iseth hovered over you, cooing softly, a silent question as to whether you were harmed or not.
Just as you began to shake your head and say that you were fine, the blue dragon appeared once more and latched onto Iseths back.
The two dragons were in an all-out war with each other, biting, clawing throwing a flame or two among the immense amount of roars and growls that were present. The blue dragon held the advantage however, Iseth was worried about protecting you, the blue rogue held no such concerns and was allowed to fight as wild as could be.
All it took was the blue dragon thrashing about and reaching out for you to capture Iseth’s attention completely, leaving him vulnerable to the rogue's attack from the side. With a thundering crash, Iseth fell to the ground and the rogue dragon had him pinned to the forest floor.
In an instant, the blue dragon bit into Iseth's neck with a fury of a feral beast, hearing your husband, your love, roaring in pain hurt far more than a writer could ever scribe. You took out the Knife you held on your person, a foot-long dagger, silver with rubies encrusted into its hilt. Though it was a decorative piece it was as sharp as your bravery at that moment and your feared of only losing the one thing you had grown to care so greatly for. Without a plan or a singular thought, you ran towards the blue dragon, launching yourself at its massive head with reckless abandon.
The beast launched backward, keeping a paw on Iseth's neck still pinning him down while flailing about madly, trying to shake you off but you refused, clinging to the creature, dagger held in your teeth until you could take a moment. As the blue dragon tilted its head up, freezing to draw breath and breath a column of flame that would no doubt be too much for you to handle, You took the moment to grab your dagger and with a shout drive it through the eye of the beast directly to its brain.
Mid breath, the dragon froze, slowly wobbling before, as any giant, toppling downwards in sudden lifelessness. And you were in a freefall, flailing with a scream ripped from your lips, torn away by the winds around you.
Your sudden departure from the sky was halted by a red and golden claw-tipped paw that caught you mid-air. Iseth had risen once out from under the rogues grasp, He stood tall, slightly wobbly, but strong enough to remain in place as he held you with such an awestruck expression.
His deep voice chimed out somewhat broken from the injuries sustained to his neck, "You, you killed the beast... to save me?" This was a creature of power, born from the fire and smoke, and molded for destruction who chose to be kind. To fall back into the allowance of desolation and be bested only then to have such a small, beloved creature be his saving grace? The dragon truly was in awe of you. Moreso than usual of course. He leaned down to your form in his claws and nuzzled gently to your side, listening closely as you spoke.
With a ragged breath and shaky hands, you clung to the maw of your husband, drooping against him now that the adrenaline had left your body. Your voice was just as broken as his own as you spoke those sacred words, "For you? Anything."