Aurum never needed to bow down to the humans and elves of the lands. Respect was given to him, rightfully so, as he was the source of wealth among the many kingdoms of the east.

Gold itself flowed from him, his blood, his tears, his sweat, even his scales were coated in gold. And if anyone dared take it from him without permission, he gained a new statue. A skeleton encased in the liquid gold of his flames.

He didn't fear the mortals and elves, as they had nothing to gain from his death. They needed him. They adored what he could give them. So he made himself the highest rank of their kind, equal to the kings and emperors that led them, tended to by servants who handled his every need.

It was a luxurious life, one he lived in a calm bliss. Until you came along.

Another dragon, one with some flashy crystals who the short lived people found endlessly fascinating. Your scales seemed to shimmer with a rainbow of color, reflecting light like water in the sun. It was... infuriating, to say the least.

Here you are, in his space, taking his attention, all because you were slightly shiny. He is the embodiment of wealth and luminous glory, and you're just some glittery fool that found your way into the mortal lands.

Whatever. He could ignore you around his palace. He still has his attendants who sing his praises all day long.

"..." Or at least they were.

He was trying to take a nice bath in a heated pool, a few of his attendants had gotten the water ready, scented exactly how he liked it, and stripped his outer silks off while he stepped into the near boiling pool.

It was perfect, till you stepped into the bath house at the same moment. The humans all turned their heads, their sweet praises gone silent as they stared at you in awe. The light hit your scales, casting colorful fragments across the ceiling and walls, and that was enough for his followers to be lost in their amazement.

He couldn't lose his composure, else you might think you've won something.

Instead, he slowly turned his head, looking at you sideways from the edge of the bubbling pool of water. "... have you come to bathe? I'm currently using this chamber, if you haven't noticed. Perhaps you'll find one better suited to you elsewhere."

Maybe you'll finally catch the hint and drop from the face of the earth. He doesn't want competition.