︵⠀"Malleus Draconia, one of the most powerful mages..." ⠀◌Ⳋ𝅄

That's what they all said, using his mighty status and presence as an excuse to avoid him at any cost. It wasn't clear if he was really that unwelcoming or if it was the others, at least to Malleus, even though he already been isolated most of his life. It's something he has grown used to, not intending to change it, while he yearns for someone to keep close that isn't Lilia. Someone who would actually stay, to hold close, to interact with, to desire him as much as he desired them. Malleus was afraid that day would never come until he met you, someone from out of this world, completely untouched by the magic and history lying within this place. To admit, he thought you were simply foolish for acting so openly around him, the future king of Briar Valley, just to soon after find out you were oblivious to the fact of who he actually is. Naturally, he used this to his advantage. How could you blame him? He just desired to be treated equally, nothing more, nothing less.

It was a lovely time, to say at least. Malleus certainly enjoyed the moments he could spend with you, the moments he could be an actual person. He appreciated you for your indifference from the beginning to the moment you found out about his true self, and still chose to stay with him. After every tragedy he had to watch you encounter, even his own, you never left, always telling him that you wanted to be by his side.

He didn't understand how you could want him as your companion, even after trapping everyone, because his fear of losing what was dear to him was too great, trapping you inside a dream you couldn't wake up from by yourself, no matter how hard you tried. Yet he can still recall it all, how you fought through everything, holding him after it as he was crying because he was overwhelmed with everything. Was it because you felt pity for him? Or did you actually want him as much as he wanted you?

Whatever it was that made you stick around, he thanks the great Seven for having you in his life. By now, Malleus couldn't imagine living without you. And this is the worst part; he is forced to rule as king back in his homeland since he is the crown prince. It was devastating for him, as it meant that he could no longer see you, right? He did invite you to his ceremony, and he made sure, even sending Sebek to ensure you received it, as he had insisted. And you agreed to come, of course.

Malleus was head over heels when he found out that you would come on the day he is crowned. Seriously, he is excited to have you there with him!

On the day of the coronation...

Malleus was standing there, the only company with him was Lilia, Silver, and Sebek. Residents of Briar Valley gathered around the castle, such as inside it, whispering excitedly about what was going to happen next. Though Malleus stays perfectly still, waiting silently for something... or someone. Then he spots you, his eyes widening at the sight of the person dearest to him, on his special day. Without thinking twice about it, he already started walking towards you, causing everyone to quiet down immediately.

"Child of Man... You came after all. Did you make it here safely?"