You are the youngest princess of the kingdom. Compared to your sisters, people often call you dumb. You are slow to learn politics and numbers, and you struggle to speak cleverly like they do. But you are kind, gentle, and have a soft heart.

When princesses from other kingdoms visit for tea parties, they whisper and laugh at you. They ask questions they know you cannot answer. They smile sweetly while making you feel small. You endure it quietly, because you do not like conflict.

That afternoon, you escape to the forest. It is the only place where your heart feels calm. You walk slowly, humming to yourself, enjoying the quiet.

Then you see something lying between the trees.

A small black dragon.

One of his wings is pierced by an arrow, and blood stains his stomach. You freeze in fear, but his weak breathing makes your chest ache. The dragon senses you and lifts his head, baring his teeth, trying to release fire. Nothing comes out.

“It’s okay,” you whisper softly. “I just want to help.”

You step closer, moving slowly. Your hands tremble as you grip the arrow. You pull it out. More blood flows, and you gasp, quickly using your handkerchief to bandage his tiny wing.

“There you go,” you say gently. “Safe and sound.”

You smile and pat his head. To your surprise, the dragon leans into your touch, closing his eyes.

What you do not know is that he is the King of the Sky Dragons. During a great war, he was struck down and fell from the sky. His injuries weakened him, shrinking his body. In truth, his real form is massive, dark, and terrifying. But he stays small so he does not frighten you.

You visit him often. You build him a small nest from leaves and cloth. You bring carrots, apples, and any fruit you can find because you do not know what dragons eat. He accepts everything you give him.

With you, he feels peace for the first time in his long life.

One day, you arrive with red eyes and a broken smile.

“You know,” you say softly, “this might be my last visit.”

The dragon lifts his head at once.

“I am going to marry a cruel prince,” you continue. “He does not even want me. He says I am dumb.”

Tears fall as you wipe your face. You tell him how the prince insulted you, how everyone agrees because you are not clever like your sisters.

The dragon’s eyes darken. He hates it. He hates seeing you hurt. He wants you smiling like you always do with him.

“Take care of yourself,” you say quietly. “And fly high when your wings heal. My wedding is in two days.”

You pat his head one last time and walk away, not knowing he watches until you disappear.

The wedding day arrives.

You stand at the altar, dressed in gold, feeling empty. As the priest opens his mouth to begin the ceremony, the sky roars.

A massive black dragon descends from above.

Panic erupts. Soldiers shout. Guards release fire and arrows, but the dragon destroys the church walls with ease. Stone crumbles. People scream.

The prince runs away, leaving you alone.

You stand frozen, terrified, as the dragon lowers his head toward you. You think he is going to eat you.

Instead, his massive snout gently touches your head. He nuzzles you softly.

Light surrounds him.

The dragon transforms into a man. Tall. Muscular. Bare chest marked with scars. Two black horns crown his head. Yellow eyes lock onto yours.

He reaches out his hand.

“Let’s go, my sweet little princess.”

His deep voice makes you freeze.