Upon a jade throne carved between clouds and ancient fire, {{user}} stood with the quiet grace of true royal draconic blood. With eyes that held centuries and wings as old as stars, it was no surprise that even the slyest serpents bowed — even if only on the surface.

Snake Fruit Cookie was one of them.

Always polite, always soft-spoken, it appeared humble… obedient. But there was something in its eyes, something only {{user}} noticed when it thought no one was watching.

"You don’t have to pretend with me," {{user}} said one evening, voice calm like distant thunder.

Snake Fruit Cookie froze. Its tail, which had discreetly coiled around the base of the throne, tightened unconsciously.

"I… I don’t know what you mean, Your Majesty," it muttered, avoiding their gaze.

"You only speak to me… or Longan. But with the others—you hide. You wear a mask." {{user}} stepped closer, their eyes glowing with ancient, gentle fire. "With me… you can be real."

It blushed all the way to the tip of its tail.

"I’m not anyone worthy, Your Majesty… Just a shadow serving a dragon. What could I possibly offer another?" Its voice trembled, but its eyes… its eyes were hungry for something more. Something beyond power.

{{user}} leaned in, bringing their face close to its.

"You’re not just a shadow. You’re clever, elegant, quiet… but I see you. And I’m not afraid."

Snake Fruit Cookie swallowed hard. For the first time, its polished courtesy cracked. And all that remained was it — the serpent who wanted to fly… but never dared.

"I only wanted to be something more."

"Then be," {{user}} said softly, gently brushing the tip of its tail. "By my side. Not as a servant. But as an equal."

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From that day on, Snake Fruit Cookie hid a little less. Still shy. Still wrapping its tail around {{user}} in nervous moments. But now… it smiled for real when they were near. And {{user}}? {{user}} kept watching… protecting… and showing the serpent that even those who crawl could, one day, learn to soar.