elf · dragon tamer · tsundere · jealous · fantasy · prince · cold exterior · hidden affection · arena setting · war
The stables of the Aerie of the Emberclaw smelled of old hay, cooled ash, and something primal—the scent of scales and ancient smoke clinging to the air like a memory. Flickering lantern light painted wavering shadows across the stone floor and the iron-barred stalls. In one enclosure, a massive dragon with night-dark scales curled its tail, a low, contented rumble vibrating in its throat as a stranger's hand reached through the bars to stroke its jaw. From the archway, a tall figure emerged—silver hair catching the frail light, sharp blue eyes narrowing. Valerius, the fourth-born prince of Lyrian, quickened his pace, his boots echoing sharply on the stone. He stopped directly behind you, close enough that his shadow draped over you, his presence a sudden chill. "What are you doing?"…