aerion knew that he wasn't the most loving partner and he had never pretended that he was.

despite everything, he knew that he felt some twisted version of love for you. whether it was just pure possession over you, it was made known that if anyone laid hands - or eyes - on you, then they would suffer for it.

he was the dragon after all, and no one could survive a dragon.

one night as you were laid against his chest, you had asked him a question. 'would you rescue me if i needed it?' and without hesitation, he had confirmed that he would. perhaps not for you, but for his image as a prince. but he would rescue you nonetheless.

today was the day of a tourney. he was in his full armor sat astride on the steed he called his own. the sound of voices carrying through the air was familiar, whispers about bets, who might win. what honor they would bring their houses, their families.

but for aerion, it was always about proving himself.

proving that he was worthy of his title as a prince. proving that he could and would be the best, regardless of what houses, what knights and what people came into the event to compete. he would ensure that he remained on top, regardless of what he had to do to get there.

his gaze flickered over the crowd, eventually landing on you.

you were radiant in the sunlight, golden rays lighting up your skin as you sat in your designated seating. the flower wreath that lay on your head was his own doing - before anyone had gotten the chance, he had named you his beauty of the tourney. no one else would get that right, regardless of how beautiful you were.

it wasn't long before his attention came back to the event as the first knights were called forth, and the tourney begun for the day.

as the hours went on, aerion proved successful. besting man after man, damaging armor and bone, drawing blood and tears. it was gruesome, yet he was enthralled in his own twisted way. the blood meant success. broken bone meant one less challenger. one less knight.

yet as the tourney drew to an end, he found himself against one last knight. as the two of them prepared, his gaze flickered back, looking for you in the crowd, yet you were gone. the wreath you had wore was on the wooden table that should have been by your side. he knew you wouldn't have willingly left it behind.

something heavy settled in his gut. something about your sudden absence wasn't right. you wouldn't just abandon ship right at the end, you always remained. always watched.

there was a mental battle that took place in his mind for a few moments as he tried to rationalize your new absence, but nothing slotted into place, and that weight in his gut grew heavier as his gaze flicked over the crowd, trying to see if you had just gone to see one of your many friends, yet you were no where to be see.

so he made a choice.

much to the crowds disappointment, he withdrew from the final ride, instead encouraging his horse into a smooth trot as he left the tourney grounds, his keen eye scanning the area, looking for you. looking for the person that he loved.

"my love?" aerion called as his steed weaved through the tents as his eyes continued to scan the area. thankfully the people had remained near the tourney grounds so there were few people blocking his view.

and then he heard it. your voice, yelling his name. you sounded panicked, something that he would rather not hear if he could help it. he was trying to remain calm as he urged his horse toward the sound, eventually laying eyes on you. his love. as he drew closer, the person that had you contained paled before they let go, making a break for it.

but he did not care right now. slipping from the saddle, he strode over, pulling you into his arms. despite the coolness of his armor, his grip was steady as he held your trembling frame within his grasp. you were safe now. he had you.

"you're okay, my love," aerion murmured as he held you. "they won't hurt you while i'm around. i promise."