Dragon's Blood

Chapter I.

Jimin couldn't recall the last time he had a proper night's rest. It felt like years, which was most likely true. Since that faithful day that changed his entire future. A sigh escaped between the set of full lips as the silver haired male sat back in the oversized wooden chair. Hearing the floor creak under its weight as he raised a black gloved hand to massage his temples slowly. The requests and complaints of his people seemed endless and sometimes his darker nature was tempted to just burn his kingdom to the ground and be done with it. But as King, he had an obligation to fulfill and as annoying as it could be, he wouldn't shame the legacy of his father by doing such a thing. Slowly opening his eyes to reveal the inhuman colored hues, a deep shade of red that swirled with speckles of purple and pink around his pupil. The eyes of a monster. Proof that he was no longer a man but a beast that simply dwelled among them. Pushing the heavy chair back with ease despite his small stature, Jimin moved to stand as he stretched his arms above his head. How many hours had he been sitting there? Looking to the window, he noticed the sun had long since set. Letting his arms drop, he turned and walked around the desk as he headed for a heavy looking wooden door that seemed to be placed in the back of his study. Perhaps some fresh air would do him good.

Jimin easily pushed the door open enough for him to slip through, revealing a staircase made of the same stone as the castle walls around him. Jimin slowly made his way up the steps, each step brought him closer to the rooftop of his castle and the fresh, cool air. The second door was just as easily pushed open as the first and when he stepped outside the burst of cold air that hit him, felt like Heaven. Jimin closed his eyes as he tilted his head back a little, embracing the coolness against his skin. It was always refreshing to be out of the stuffiness of that study. Jimin had no idea how his father used to do that day in and day out, even though it had been years for him now too. Jimin slightly opened his eyes as the silver looks shifted against his porcelain face. Taking a few steps forward, the moonlight seemed to shift just at that moment to reveal something that would be absolutely frightening to the normal man but to Jimin, was a welcomed sight. The shadows pushed back to reveal three massive beasts. Jimin stopped before the sleeping beasts and a small smile crossed his lips as they seemed to stir at his presence. Nostrils flaring as they took in the natural scent of who they considered to be their mother.

The largest of the beasts was the first to lift his head, scales as black as the night around him. Claws a dark silver with cracks of red to the tip. Massive, scaled wings with feathers attached fluttered on the beast back as it slowly shuffled closer to Jimin. Blowing his hair and clothing back with a heavy snort and intake of air. Putting his snout close, the dragon let out a low purr of acknowledgement. Jimin raised his arms to gently touch the sides of the dragon's snout as his face touched against the top of it. Earning another low purr and gentle nuzzle.

"I'm sorry Abeloth, did I wake you?" Jimin asked, his voice soft and gentle.

Abeloth nuzzled against him again, letting out a soft snort before licking at the skin of his face and hands. Jimin accepted the affection as the low and jealous growls of his siblings on each side of him could be heard. Jimin pulled back, looking right and then left at the two smaller dragons. Abeloth's kin, his younger brother, Danym, a dark grey colored dragon with traces of purple and their younger sister, Rytys, a dark golden colored dragon with traces of white. The siblings came from the same nest but couldn't look more different from one another. Perhaps it was because Danym and Rytys were meant for the heirs that came after Jimin but somehow, fell into his care. Either way, they were Jimin's family, and he cared for them all the same.

"Don't be jealous you two." Jimin said as he chuckled as Danym and Rytys came closer, giving Jimin the same show of affection that Abeloth did.

Jimin could already feel the tension leaving him as he enjoyed his time with the three dragons. The symbol of his family. Those born with the blood of dragons. Not only did they carry the blessing within them but also the ability to bond with the creatures that used to terrorize their ancestors before being tamed. Jimin glanced out at the view of his kingdom. The Kingdom of Dragon's Blood. Jimin frowned as he turned fully and walked towards the edge as he set his hands against the stone railing and took in the view that sometimes reminded him of more pain than anything. A constant reminder that it was his responsibility alone to protect the legacy of his family. Closing his eyes, Jimin's jaw tightened as he curled his hands into tight fists against the stone. A legacy he never wanted to accept to begin with but was forced on him due to the foolish actions of another. Feeling the gathered presence of his dragons behind him, he slowly opened his eyes and looked to the view of his kingdom once more.