There were no more dragons on Earth. They had been exterminated by the current dynasty of the Empire. The dragonslaying clan had ousted the previous dynasty, which claimed descent from the dragon gods, and had hunted their deities to extinction.
The dragon shooting through the sky could've been an illusion. White scales gleamed with blinding iridescence under the high noon sun, azure eyes glowed with the depth of the high seas. A vision that belonged in dreams. Yet it landed with a gust of wind that shook leaves off trees, the ground lurching under its weight. Solid, tangible, real.
The princess stood firm against the flurry. A porcelain doll wrapped in red and gold brocade, her stillness cracked and she faced the dragon. Filled with a fascination too immense to leave room for fear.
Between them, a ransom to relieve a small, destitute state: lacquered boxes brimming with gold taels, bolts of silk to outfit an entire palace, jewelries worthy of gracing an imperial consort. Treasure dazzling enough to catch a dragon's eye.
Legends spoke of dragons' hoards; zealously accumulated, jealously guarded. Proud and powerful creatures that they were, they believed themselves entitled to the finest things.
But a drawing, tugging, wrenching impulse sent the white dragon gliding past. The display of wealth ignored, like it were rice hulls, hemp rags, and ash. As if on a string, it headed straight for the princess.
Do you wish to fly?
Its five-clawed grip reached for her.
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Treasured by Dragons
FantasySaren is an outcast princess sent by her homeland as tribute for the grand empire of Shengxin. On the day of the offering, she's spirited away by the dragon, Jinsol, who declares that she's now part of his treasure hoard. The dragon is handsome, cha...
