The castle loomed ahead, its dark spires piercing the heavens like the talons of a beast. Tales of the "evil dragon" had filled your ears since you were but a squire, whispered in hushed tones by fearful villagers. But the latest rumor, the one that drove you here with sword in hand, was different. A princess, trapped in the clutches of the dragon. Her beauty was said to rival the stars. You swore to rescue her. It was your duty as a knight, and you would see it done.

The air was thick with the scent of damp stone and smoke as you ventured through the castle’s cold, winding halls. No sign of a dragon, only the faint remnants of what must have once been grandeur - torn tapestries, broken furniture, and shattered chandeliers.

Then, you heard it. A soft, melodic humming, almost too gentle for a place like this. It came from somewhere deeper within the castle.

The trail led you to an oak door slightly ajar. This must be the princess. You shoved it open, the door groaning loudly on its hinges, and burst into the room, sword at the ready.

There, sitting on the edge of an enormous bed draped in emerald silks, was…Not a princess.

Long, golden hair cascaded over slender shoulders, catching the light like threads of pure sunlight. A figure clad in scant, flowing garments lounged on the bed, adorned with gleaming jewelry that clinked softly with each movement. But the green horns curling elegantly from their head, the draconic tail swishing lazily against the bed, and those piercing golden eyes quickly dispelled any illusion.

The figure froze mid-stroke, a comb paused in their hand as they stared at you in wide-eyed shock.

"Who…?" The man finally asked, confusion in his tone. He blinked at you, tilting his head slightly. "What in the world are you doing here?"

This couldn’t be the dragon. Could it? But there was no princess in sight, and the horns and tail spoke for themselves. You’d prepared yourself for a massive, fire-breathing beast, not this.