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The sky was painted a beautiful palette of reds and oranges, hues mixing together as the sun set below the horizon. A sigh escaped Herta as she turned her gaze towards the descending star. She had been traveling for the last three months, following any rumors or stories that caught her interest. The woman was on a mission, she had sacrificed her life and credibility as a scholar, to pursue this goal. That being, a dragon. While they were common in the myths of the world, Herta had been hearing credible rumors of one that had been guarding the local villages. A woman she had spoken to even had scales that were clearly not of any recorded reptile.
Herta wasn’t one to follow rumors and stories, especially ones that demanded she trek through jungles and climb mountains.
However this was no ordinary chance, the existence of dragons was a known fact, but their presence was woefully underrecorded. The beautiful scholar had one plan, she was going to slay this dragon and study it. Then she would take its bones back to her university and prove to them all how superior she truly is! After years of humiliation and disrespect, she couldn't help the joy the idea brought her. She hated the many so-called scholarly men she was subjected to. Not only was her every mistake somehow a sign of her inferiority, but even when she did succeed it was snapped away from her. The latest and most outrageous of these offenses had been what started her journey.
Herta had discovered a direct correlation between time and the growth of magic. This proved that with the amount of magic in the world, the planet had to be at least ten times older than they originally believed. However, when she presented the idea to her “superiors” they mocked it and laughed. They had claimed the idea was absurd.
Herta could still remember the burning shame as she was told to study something useful. But a week later, the head's favorite pet scholar Veritas Ratio had presented the idea to their colleagues. At first Herta had assumed she misheard, her disbelief was quickly overtaken with rage as she realized she'd heard right. A rather violent outburst including setting fire to the homes of Ratio and his mentor was what had gotten her chased out of town.
Some would question how the small woman planned to perform this feat alone, but Herta came prepared. She had spent the last year studying everything she could on dragons.
She had even found a ritual that was meant to bind the beast.
Armed with all the materials necessary, the woman in purple was quite confident in her success. A part of her had considered trying to use the bound dragon for vengeance against those rotten bastards. But she had a feeling a dragon wasn't something you could control for long. Better to be safe by killing it fast, she figured. With another bitter chuckle she adjusted her bag and carried on.
Continuing her journey up the mountain went into the early night, with the moon rising upon reaching her goal.
Near the peak of the mountain, in a secluded batch of trees, the entrance to a cave loomed. Finding a large trunk to rest against, Herta caught her breath and decided to rest for a moment.
With the chance to collect herself, the woman chose to do a final check of her equipment. A bronze cup, two jade bracelets, several incense, salt, her camping equipment, one final ration, and a barely full waterskin. The young woman decided to rest her eyes for a moment. Sadly her dreams were anything but peaceful. Herta's mind seemed eager to replay the many ideas she had had taken from her. No matter how good, how bold the discovery. She was always met with mockery, always laughed at, always trampled over. Lunar eclipses, other planets, studies on magic, even something as simple as an easier way to do math.
All of her breakthroughs had been taken from her and given to others around her. Herta awoke with a start, feeling a few tears on her cheeks. Growling she wiped them away before she stood up and gathered her things.
A glance at the moon revealed it to be at the zenith of its travels.
Herta slowly made her way into the cave, stepping quietly so as to not alert her quarry.
The sound of water dripping echoed through the cave, lending a chilling air to the place. As the scholar rounded a turn she had to clamp her hands over her mouth. Directly in front of her was the dragon she sought, curled up and sleeping.
The beast was truly marvelous, it was easily the length of most villages she had seen in the region. Its body was covered in beautiful pearlescent white scales, a beam of moonlight that reflected off them revealed a blue tint.
The head was long and slender, somewhat reminding Herta of monitor lizards, with shiny and quite soft looking long umber and blue fur extending into a mane and then running down the creature’s spine, ending in a fluffy tip at the tail.
Two truly exquisite antlers extended from the back of the dragon’s head, colored similar to the scales but ending in fuchsia colored tips and with pearls wrapped around them.
Resting under the head Herta could see one of the dragon’s limbs. One finger was the size of her arm and the claw could easily gut her if she wasn’t careful.
For a moment Herta admired the beauty of the creature before her—then she caught herself drifting and decided to get ready.
First she placed the copper cup on the ground in front of the beast. She then set the two jade bracelets to either side of it.
Pouring some salt into the cup she then made a circle enclosing the cup with the bracelets overlapping with the circle. As she reached into her bag for the incense, Herta swore she caught a glimpse of a large turquoise eye staring at her. Terror overtook her heart. Gods. She thought for a second that her heart was going to explode, but a frantic double take revealed the beast was still slumbering.
Terror wasn't a common visitor to the young scholar, but she was well acquainted now.
Focus Herta, you're getting paranoid.
Taking a few deep breaths she allowed her heart to calm a bit. With a final exhale she began placing pairs of incense on either side of the bracelets. The ritual said to not light the incense which Herta was grateful for. The last thing she needed was the monster waking up from smelling the ritual.
Satisfied that the preparations were complete, Herta took a deep breath, running through the ritual again. Shaking out her hands Herta began to softly chant under her breath, focusing on the dragon. As she continued the ritual, the bracelets began to faintly glow.
Herta's memory was flawless when she put her mind to it. She had ensured the entire ritual was engraved into her memory like a brand. The bracelets would glow, then they'd magically engulf the wrists…ankles?
Whatever they were they would be cuffed and the dragon would be ensnared to her! Then it would be a simple matter to have the creature reveal a lethal weakness.
A smirk spread across her face at the idea. The echo of a final loud clap completed the ritual, Herta opened her eyes to see the jade bracelets glowing before vanishing. Then the feeling of those cold bracelets around her wrists.
“What the– EEK!” A yelp escaped the scholar as she was yanked into the air by her arms.
Now a good fall above the ground, the terror she had been feeling moments prior was back with a vicious force. Now she was really starting to truly panic; beginning to hyperventilate as she desperately thrashed like a caged animal.
This was only escalated by looking up and seeing that turquoise eye from before. The dragon had been awake this entire time!
Was this really how the greatest mind in history ended!?
Before terror could truly grip her, a different voice entered her mind. It was a soothing feminine one, somehow calming Herta a little bit.
“Name.” The voice said simply. It bore no emotion. Cold, piercing apathy that chilled her to the bone, and made her stomach drop even further.
“W-what?!” The confusion that filled her voice was only rivaled by the rasp of terror.
“It is incredibly rude to perform a ritual on someone without an introduction.” The tone of the voice made it seem as though such a thing was obvious. Herta also didn't know dragons were capable of unimpressed expressions. “Name.”
“H-Herta! The Herta to be precise, the greatest scholar to ever grace the world!” Herta was aware her bravado was greatly diminished when dangling in the air by her arms. Even when cowering, her ego was all she could turn to for stability. To her surprise the dragon waited patiently as she spoke.
“Interesting. I've never met a human scholar,” Herta yelped while she was shifted in the air as the creature inspected her. “I am Ruan Mei, one of the ancient pearl dragons. Now tell me Herta, greatest scholar, why were you trying to bind me?”
“Oh…that?” An anxious laugh escaped the dangling scholar. “I wanted to study you! But I assumed you’d hardly sit still for such a thing..”
“I see, and the talk of presenting my skull to your peers?” That large turquoise eye fully focused on her, the pupil dilating as it did.
The terror that had been piercing her through every second truly overtook Herta in that moment.
This was going to be where Madam Herta met her end!
“Before you consider lying, I will remind you I am currently speaking within your mind.”
A defeated sigh escaped Herta as she stopped fighting in the impenetrable grip of the magnificent dragon.
If she was going to be killed, she may as well die with dignity and pride!
“Alright, fine! I’ve been having trouble getting my efforts recognized! No matter the finding, my discoveries were all stolen by so-called senior scholars! I think they just don’t want to admit a beautiful young woman is their better. If I could get a dragon skull nobody would ever doubt me as a scholar!”
Hot burning shame, enough to rival the cold pit in her stomach, slowly crept into her brain. It took a few seconds before Herta could feel tears running down her cheeks—whether they were rooted in frustration, fear, or both—she wasn’t sure. However, when she looked back into the dragon’s eye she didn’t see bloodlust, nor hatred, but something softer.
The beast seemed to study her again, circling her a few times before fixing her with that beautiful blue gaze.
The dragon’s voice didn’t carry anything as warm as sympathy, but there was clearly something in her tone as she spoke in Herta’s mind again.
“Fascinating and disappointing. To think that human scholars would be so petty, knowledge is not meant to be fought over like scraps,” another yelp escaped Herta as she was quickly pulled towards the dragon and lowered into one of the creature’s extended hands.
She was grateful when the bracelets lowered and her arms were allowed to rest. “So you sought to slay the guardian of these lands in the name of recognition? Or were you perhaps hoping this would fail and you’d be slain?”
“No! …Maybe..I don’t know!” The contradictory thoughts swam in her brain. Stinging. Festering. Now Herta knew for certain she was crying, sobs escaped her as she continued to struggle with all the emotions whirling in her head.
Had she really come here in hopes of the dragon killing her?
She couldn’t deny the idea didn’t sound awful. She was so exhausted, drained from working hard, studying, and pushing the bounds of knowledge; only for her seniors to steal the credit and cast her aside.
She knew she was fooling herself that she had any chance of returning there. They had exiled her and would likely kill her if they saw her again. Then that idiot Ratio would take the skull and be remembered forever. She truly had nothing now. Resignation overtook her, the exhaustion she had been feeling deep within her bones making itself starkly present with almost frightening intensity.
Her head and shoulders bowed in bitter, defeated abdication.
“If you’re going to kill me please just do it already.”
“I was planning to, but you’ve piqued my curiosity.” Herta looked at the dragon in confusion.
“What? Are you going to keep me as a pet?” Bitter amusement entered the scholar’s voice as she glared at the monster before her.
Going from someone people expected to just look pretty, to being a dragon’s pet sounded like a lateral move really.
However as these thoughts crossed her mind she saw the gaze of her captor soften.
“If that is what you wish. However, I had a different idea in mind,” The dragon gently set Herta on the ground before the whole serpentine body of the creature began to glow and shrink. As this happened Ruan Mei continued to explain herself. “You’re actually quite terrible at guarding your thoughts and memories. I’ve seen much of your life.”
“So you WERE spying on my brain!” Herta pointed accusingly as the glow began to take the shape of a human.
Then in a flash, the most beautiful woman Herta had ever seen was standing before her. Even Herta’s beloved reflection didn’t stun her like the beauty of this dragon woman.
She appeared to be slightly taller than Herta, her hair, while brown like Herta’s, was much darker with streaks of blue through it. Cascading down in silky strands, it lended an air of ethereal grace to her.
The scholar also realized the hair matched the mane and fur the dragon had possessed. Her face was soft and elegant, resembling more a sculptor's work than that of nature.
This feeling of artistic beauty was only enhanced by the lack of overt emotion of her face, lending a mask-like quality to it. The only sign of any feelings was the slight softness behind the other woman’s eyes.
Her, admittedly divine figure was wrapped in an elegant pearlescent white dress with wave embroidering around the skirt. Her horns were still present but the pearls had moved, instead they had become a necklace.
Truthfully the only sign the woman wasn’t human besides the horns were her eyes. Not only were they a color Herta had never seen in human eyes, the hues of blue and green dancing to create something truly mesmerizing, flecks of gold were dotted throughout.
It reminded Herta of a peaceful pond with autumn leaves dancing on the surface. The slitted pupils Herta would expect to be off putting but they suited Ruan Mei so perfectly that all she could think about was how she wanted to keep staring. The young scholar couldn’t deny, she was awestruck.
“Yes I was, but that thing you call spying is why you are alive.” Hearing the woman’s true voice only made Herta more mesmerized. The most skilled musicians performing a concert under the direct lead of the Goddess of Music wouldn't compare. “I saw within your mind, you would not have been able to kill me even if I hadn’t changed your ritual.”
“I absolutely could– What do you mean changed my ritual!? Is that why I’m like this!?” Herta aggressively shook her wrists in anger.
“Indeed, that ritual was already flawed as it’s for yellow dragons. I am a pearl dragon.” It was then that the dragon offered her hand to Herta. After looking at it cautiously, she accepted and was helped up. “I simply overwhelmed your power and changed it to bind you. You are lucky I did, if the ritual had backfired you would currently lack arms.”
“O-oh.” It felt like the final humiliation. Not only had she wasted so much of her time and life studying that ritual, but it was the wrong ritual and she was on the edge of dying in the dumbest way possible. Maybe it would have been a mercy.
Her battered pride was writhing in agony—already at the lowest point imaginable.
It couldn’t get worse than that.
“Rest assured I am not attempting to belittle you.” Herta glared at the dragon for reading her thoughts again. “You intrigued me. I’ve never met a human who could competently recreate any draconic rituals. The fact you were able to properly perform any type spell is a sign of your talent.”
“I don’t need your pity!” Herta snapped as she yanked her hand away from the dragon.
“It is not pity I offer, but respect. You intrigue me.” Ruan Mei closed the gap again, this time cradling Herta’s cheek. “A human that can not only perform a binding ritual, but is bold enough to face a dragon directly. Though I will not deny, your beauty is also captivating.”
The young scholar could feel her cheeks heating up and her brain was beginning to stall. This beautiful ancient dragon was so close to her.
Not only that but she was praising her!?
Admiring her beauty?
Herta had never had the undivided attention of anyone of worth, now what was basically a god was giving her full focus to Herta. All she could manage was stuttering her confusion. “I—that—!W-what?”
“I find myself captivated by you,” Ruan Mei moved her hand from Herta’s cheek to under her chin, tilting her head slightly. “You’re clearly smarter than most humans. With a beauty that matches. I’ve never met such a unique human.”
“So a research subject? Are you planning to dissect me?” Herta tried her best to glare at Ruan Mei but she knew it likely had little bite when she was blushing and bound by a spell.
“Hm, you are quite eager to die.” Ruan Mei frowned at her. “No, I have no intentions of harming you. I will only give you an offer.” She took several steps back before extending a hand towards Herta. “You have two options. Either leave this cave and never return again, I will enchant your tongue that you may never speak of me truthfully. Or, leave that sad human life behind and join me.”
“Join you?” Herta stared at the other woman in confusion. “In what?”
“Life.” Ruan Mei replied simply. “I wish to take you as my mate.”
“Wait what? You just met me! I was here to kill you!”
“Indeed. However, when you have lived as long as I, you learn to trust certain instincts.” Ruan Mei offered Herta a soft smile. “Something tells me this is the right decision. It is not as though you have a life to return to.”
“That reminder wasn’t necessary.” Herta growled before sighing. She thought for a second before taking the dragon’s hand. “Fine, not like I have a future here anyway. Besides, worst case you just-”
“I have no intention of killing you.” Ruan Mei cut her off firmly. “As my mate you are under my protection now.” The dragon pulled Herta towards her with surprising strength. A blush enveloped the scholar’s face as she found herself in the arms of the other woman. “Dragons mate for life.”
“I-I see.” Was all Herta could muster. She had never been this close to a woman as beautiful as Ruan Mei, let alone while being told she was going to be protected by them. Fresh tears began running down her cheeks, though this time born from happiness and relief instead of fear. Ruan Mei seemed to pick up on this, her gaze softening as she wiped the tears away. To her embarrassment Herta couldn't resist leaning into the touch. “So now what?”
“I had been planning to sleep here and travel home on daybreak.” As Herta mentally prepared to sleep on the cold ground, Mei seemed to change her mind. “But I imagine you'd like to sleep on a true bed.” Herta wasn't sure if she was imagining the warmth in her tone.
“That…sounds nice. I haven't had any proper sleep in months.” As if remembering it alerted her body, Herta yawned.
“Rest. I'll take you to our home.” Ruan Mei said as she pulled Herta closer and stroked her hair. Despite her efforts to fight it Herta could feel herself dozing off. Whether it was fatigue, relief, or Ruan Mei's presence she couldn't say. The last thing she remembered was the feeling of fingers running through her hair.
—
When Herta woke again she was quick to assume it had all been a dream. However, the incredibly lush surface she was laying on, along with the feeling of arms wrapped around her quickly destroyed that notion. As she opened her eyes Herta's heart began to thunder, her face was currently buried in the dragon’s prominent breasts. She tried to pull back but the arms holding her were like bars of steel. There wasn't even the slightest give. With a defeated sigh Herta returned her face to its previous location. She couldn't deny it was very comfortable. Her squirming seemed to disturb her captor as the woman began to shift before those stunning pools of turquoise met her gaze.
“Good morning Herta the Scholar.” There was a sleepiness in the dragon's voice that was incredibly endearing.
“Good morning Ruan Mei the Pearl Dragon,” Herta said, imitating the woman who was holding her. Her efforts were rewarded with an amused exhale from Ruan Mei. “So, what does a dragon do all day?”
“That depends on the day. Often I have found myself bored and so I assist local villages.” Ruan Mei's gaze then fully focused on Herta. The young scholar felt hot under that look despite the cool color of her eyes. “But since I have a new beautiful mate, I intend to give you the proper steps of dragon courtship.”
“Proper steps?”
“Indeed. There are several measures to show you that I am a good choice.” At first Herta assumed she was joking, but a look at her face made the sincerity clear. She looked more serious than Herta had seen her yet.
“Alright, this seems important to you.” Herta sighed. “How many steps are there?” A sparkle that was full of joy entered Ruan Mei's eyes. Herta couldn't help but giggle. The sound of her amusement seemed to please the dragon as she pulled Herta closer.
“I will feed you heartily, then I shall take you to see my many treasures, a tour of the home will follow. This will show you my wealth and power, thus proving my merit as a partner.” Pausing for a moment, the softness in Ruan Mei's eyes shifted. It was still warm, but it felt predatory. As if a part of Ruan Mei desired to eat her whole. “After dinner I will claim you properly as my mate.”
“O-oh!” The way she so casually said it shocked Herta.
What didn't help was the way that predatory look was making her squirm.
Though she certainly wasn't against the idea, Ruan Mei was undoubtedly attractive.
“I shall begin preparing food.” Ruan Mei released her, Herta had never missed the touch of a person so much. However this longing was quickly distracted by the sight of the dragon climbing out of bed. The night before it had not only been dark, but Ruan Mei had been dressed like an empress. Now, the lighting was more than adequate and the view was mesmerizing.
Dragons were often seen as synonymous with gods, and her body was certainly divine. Herta had heard of an hourglass figure but she'd never seen someone who so perfectly fit it. Her build was lean and muscular, it reminded Herta of the dragon body; slender but powerful with clear muscle definition. Realizing she was staring, Herta's brain seemed to catch up finally and she covered her eyes.
“Why are you naked!?” Herta shrieked, though her will wasn't as strong as she wished. A tiny crack in her fingers seemed to subconsciously open. She could see Ruan Mei's very confused expression.
“Why would I not be?” The dragon tilted her head in confusion. “clothing is primarily for the sensibilities of humans or for status. When I sleep I find them uncomfortable.” That was when Herta realized she was also naked! She yelped and hid under the blanket, hot shame burning her face like a brand.
Ruan Mei replied to the question she had been about to ask, “I said I find clothing uncomfortable when I sleep. That includes yours. Especially since they were incredibly ragged and dirty.”
Herta couldn't deny the logic in any of what she said even if she wasn't happy. Plus she had already agreed to be this dragon's basically wife. She sighed before peeking out from behind the covers.
“As I was saying, I shall begin preparing the food. I presumed you'd like to take a bath.” Ruan Mei gestured to a door to Herta's right. “You will find everything you need there.”
With those final words Ruan Mei left the room. Once she was sure the dragon had left Herta crawled out of the bed. This was her chance to finally get a look at the place and she was stunned. The university she left was one of the most prestigious in the land. Ornate decals and statues. But this home was a true palace it seemed! Everything was white and gold with blue wave decals. She chose to head towards the door a Ruan Mei had pointed to. As she reached for it she noticed something, she wasn't completely naked—
Because those damn jade bracelets were still on her wrists! That dragon had some explaining to do!
With the aggression of a woman still processing the last day of her life, and how drastically things had changed, she opened the door and entered the bathroom.
She could certainly tell this was the home of a dragon.
What she had called a ‘bathtub’ was more akin to a full-sized pool to Herta. It was already filled and the air was thick with steam. Approaching the massive bathtub Herta realized there were seats along the rim that were human sized. On the opposite wall there were two golden dragon heads, their mouths open in a roar.
She guessed that was where water came from.
Dipping her foot in revealed it was a perfect temperature, a contented sign unconsciously falling from her lips.
She waded into the water and swam towards one of the human sized seats. Another content sigh, finally at peace, escaped her as she finally got comfortable. Herta couldn't remember the last time she'd had a proper bath.
She was going to enjoy this greatly.
—
As she left the bath, Herta realized with a jolt of realization that she still didn't have any clothes. However it was clear the dragon had thought ahead of her. Because there, on the bed, laid a beautiful dress.
A gentle gasp escaped Herta as she admired it. She ran her fingers along the silky purple dress, it was styled very similarly to the dress Ruan Mei wore. Along the skirt it was embroidered with a starry night sky design.
Incredible, it even feels styled to me.
When she left the bedroom in search of the dragon, she had a happy bounce in her step. The dress was not only very comfortable, it was a perfect fit for her.
Herta blatantly chose to ignore whatever implications were there. This dress complimented her beauty, resting on her body elegantly, truly making her feel like the wife of a goddess. Compared to her mood the day prior, Herta was positively elated.
An incessant, nagging part of her mind still mildly convinced herself that this somehow was all a dream. That the reality she had suddenly been thrown into felt too sweet. Safe. Her instincts said it was too good to be true.
But for once, her reasoning won over what her heart could not. Because it was far too real of a reality for it to all be a sweet dream.
Finding Ruan Mei didn't prove too difficult.
Herta quickly caught the faint smell of pastries. Following her nose had led her to a dining room that fit the grand palace this dragon called home. Ruan Mei was in the room setting a plate of steamed buns onto the long table. She looked towards the intrusion and gave Herta a soft smile.
“Welcome, I have prepared the feast.” A level of pride was clearly audible in the woman's usually cool voice.
She had clearly been thorough, the massive dining table had countless dishes along it. Herta did notice an emphasis on desserts but she chose to not comment on that. Clearly Ruan Mei sought to impress. Smiling at the dragon, Herta sat down next to her and leaned against the other woman.
“Feed me!” Herta demanded. She heard a soft chuckle from Ruan Mei before a small cake was brought to her mouth. Taking a bite the young scholar realized she'd never been this content. That realization made the cake taste even sweeter and more decadent. With a happy sigh, Herta nuzzled the dragon.
She could get used to this.
—
It had been a long but fulfilling day. Ruan Mei had definitely taken this dragon courtship stuff seriously. Herta hadn't needed a full day of convincing, but it was cute and clearly mattered to the dragon. Ruan Mei had shown her the countless treasures she'd collected over time.
Her collection ranged from famous relics of history and mythology; but also things she'd never heard of, such as a suit of armor that allowed the wearer the powers of a dragon. Ruan Mei assured her they'd have plenty of time to study them all in the future.
Herta had also received a tour of the palace, which she had determined was the most accurate word.
This massive place felt like it was larger than even the grandest monuments of humanity, and then some!
It had several beautiful gardens, a dragon sized pond with shark sized koi fish, as well as several small environments Ruan Mei had created to replicate nature. Mini worlds, where life thrived in abundance.
These areas even had animals, all of which seemed to be very fond of the dragon.
Everything—ranging from rabbits to tigers—would approach her seeking affection. When one of the tigers had started seeing Herta as a potential meal, the dragon had growled at it while standing in the way.
The tiger had backed off and from there many of the animals began to approach Herta with curiosity.
She had enjoyed listening to Ruan Mei list the names and natural habitats of all the creatures. She found it endearing seeing the dragon so passionate. While overall emotionless, she displayed her passion in other unique ways.
The way she tended to each and every animal—the way she cared so deeply for even the smallest of critters, to the biggest of beasts.
The next part of this increasingly rather intricate mating ritual, was to show Herta that she was not only wealthy in both money and items, but also knowledge.
She had also taken the chance to prove her physical strength, therefore despite Herta’s protests she found herself being bridal carried to their destination.
She had hid her face in the dragon’s neck while they walked, even if there was nobody to see her it was still embarrassing.
Once they arrived Ruan Mei had the decency to set her down finally. The library was yet another jaw dropping addition to the home. The university Herta had left was considered one of the most prestigious in the land, with a library the size of a large home itself.
Ruan Mei’s library made it look like a single pamphlet of information. Mere crumbs in a pool of idiocy and shameless greed. As she walked around the area, staring with awe and stars in her eyes, Herta realized this library was at least the size of a small village, she also noticed much of it was arranged quite spaciously.
Ruan Mei explained that was because she liked to be able to be in her dragon form while reading.
After showing Herta all the things and resources Ruan Mei possessed, she had been served another extravagant feast. Once they had finished eating, the two women had returned to the bedroom as the moon was already cresting towards its zenith. Herta stretched as she stepped into the room while Mei closed the door. That was when the feeling of cold jade on her wrists finally registered again. Herta stared at her wrists before whirling around to face Ruan Mei.
“I’ve been wondering,” Herta started sweetly before glaring. “Why am I still bound!?” presenting her wrists accusingly to add emphasis. Ruan Mei simply stared at them before looking her in the eye again.
“My apologies, I assure you I will replace them with something more befitting of your beauty.” A gentle bow was all Herta got from the dragon.
“That’s not the issue!” Herta shook her wrists aggressively.
“Ah!” Ruan Mei seemed to finally understand what her complaint was, Herta could practically see the ideas clicking together. “There are two reasons I have not released you from the spell. The first is that as long as you wear jewelry I enchant properly, you will live as long as I do. I would be very displeased if my mate perished after I finally found her.”
Herta couldn’t deny that was a good reason. Even if it made her blush AGAIN. Herta could count the number of times she blushed before this on one hand! Now the dragon had doubled the number in a single day! “The first? What’s the second?”
“The second,” Ruan Mei paused and Herta saw that predatory glint enter her eyes again. Those mesmerizing eyes seemed to faintly glow as the dragon gave her a… smirk?
She hadn’t seen that expression yet.
Then, Herta’s wrists were yanked behind her until the bracelets clacked together. “Is this.” Herta blushed as her hands were bound and her chest was pushed towards Ruan Mei.
“For a dragon you really can be a pervert,” Herta grumbled, though her expression and heart were betraying her. Ruan Mei seemed pleased and scooped Herta up before dropping her on the bed.
“I will now claim you as my mate.” Ruan Mei stated simply. This only made Herta’s face even more crimson as she stumbled over her words before just nodding at the dragon.
That seemed to be all Mei needed as she practically pounced Herta.
A yelp was all that escaped her before she found herself passionately kissing Ruan Mei. The surprise quickly melted away, replaced with joy at the thought that someone was this enamored with her let alone a powerful dragon like her!
As they continued to kiss Herta could feel Ruan Mei eagerly trying to remove the dress. Shifting to make it easier on the dragon, it took very little time for Herta to be as naked as she was that morning. Herta then, with equal fervor, helped Mei out of her clothes. They then continued their passionate kissing, flopping back onto the mattress with a gentle thunk. However as the kiss deepened Herta felt like her brain was starting to melt.
Ruan Mei’s tongue eagerly pushed into Herta’s mouth as the dragon seemed eager to swab every tiny corner of her mouth. Her body was starting to feel too warm for comfort and Herta began to squirm as she softly moaned into the kiss. She could feel the slick between her legs growing. When Ruan Mei pulled back they were both panting and the hunger in the dragon’s eyes had only become more intense.
“I’ve never been intimate with another, let alone a human,” For a moment the hunger seemed to shift to something different, more protective. “If at any point I am hurting you please inform me.”
“O-okay.” Was all a panting Herta could manage.
Her brain had definitely become a liquid in her skull, all she could think about was how achingly beautiful Ruan Mei was.
Clearly pleased by the state she had left the scholar in, the hunger returned with greater intensity in Ruan Mei’s eyes. There was a pause and then Mei seemed to get an idea. For Herta all she got was the dragon climbing off her before she was pulled into the air. “M-Mei?”
“I was struck with an idea.” Was the only explanation given before Mei kneeled in front of her. The dragon then took her legs and rested them on her shoulders. This left Herta with the strange feeling of mostly being dangled in the air while her legs had grounding.
Then a soft moan escaped Herta as she felt Ruan Mei's tongue give her an experimental lick between her legs. Herta had never been touched this way and found the sensation overwhelming in the best possible way. Her muscles tensed as she tried to push her hips into Ruan Mei's face more. If Herta found it hard to think during the kissing, now it was downright impossible. All she could really manage was clamping her legs around Mei's head to try and keep her there.
For Ruan Mei's part she seemed to take the hint and went from gentle experimental laps with her tongue, to carefully pushing it into Herta. When this elicited a louder moan from Herta, something seemed to snap in Mei's self control and she began to devour Herta ravenously.
“W-wait..Mei!” Herta felt weird, her body was getting hotter and the tension in her was growing as Mei's efforts only became more aggressive. The young scholar's entire body tensed as her mind went completely blank. A loud cry of pleasure escaped her as her orgasm ravaged her body in the best way possible. When she felt the magic holding her wrists fade, a part of her worried about falling. However two hands firmly gripping her rear had balanced her. This dragon really was strong.
It was only when her back hit the mattress again that Herta's brain registered that she had been set down. Opening her eyes she was stunned by the view of Ruan Mei above her, it wasn’t the most elegant she had seen the dragon, far from it.
This version of her was messy, her hair frazzled, her eyes filled with hunger as she loomed over her with a predatory beauty only she could ever master.
The moonlight was bleeding through the windows and gave the entire scene an ethereal air to it. Herta was overwhelmed with emotions, why had a creature this beautiful and powerful chosen her? Knowing what she did with this dragon she would just get some round about answers.
The only thing she could think to do was return the affections. So she sat up and looked into Mei’s eyes.
“My turn.” Herta stated simply, staring at Mei with a fiery passion. The dragon was clearly taken aback at first but then smiled at her. Ruan Mei moved to the head of bed and rested her head on the pillows. Locking eyes with Herta she offered a small seductive smile that made Herta shudder. She looked like a painting come to life, lounged on the lush bed, the moonlight catching on the streaks of blue in her hair, making them appear as though they were glowing. Shaking her head Herta chose to focus on her mission.
Herta wasn’t too knowledgeable about sexual intimacy, every book had been about sex with men which made her feel nauseous just at the idea. It was rare for Herta to be at a loss of what to do, she determined she should just imitate what Mei had done to her. Parting Mei’s legs like she was opening a precious book, Herta lowered her head and like Mei had, gave an experimental lick.
While not nearly as strong of a reaction as when she had done it to Herta, Ruan Mei’s legs did tense and a soft gasp escaped her lips. This lit a fire in her gut and her impatience overtook her, causing her to jump straight to the part that had felt best when Mei did it. She wanted to hear this dragon moan! Using aggressive motions Herta tested everywhere her tongue could reach, seeing what caused a strong response and what only got a soft gasp. Once she had determined the best spots to target, Herta began a focused assault with her tongue.
Pride filled her as Ruan Mei began to softly moan and her fingers wove through Herta’s hair. Now the only thing Herta could think of was hearing the dragon cry out in pleasure. The enthusiastic scholar didn’t slow down, relishing every sound and squirm Mei made. A slow lazy lick at her clit was what ended up pushing her over the edge.
Mei cried out, clamping her thighs around Herta's head and clenching her fingers in the scholar’s hair. Herta eagerly lapped up every drop that escaped her.
When Ruan Mei finally released her, Herta sat up to see the results of her work. This was one of the most mesmerizing scenes she’d ever seen. Ruan Mei, laying on the bed panting, her skin glistening with sweat and her eyes filled with lust and love. Herta wished she could immortalize this view. However these musings were cut short as the dragon recovered and Herta felt herself being yanked by her wrists.
“Eek!” Herta found herself in a rather compromising position. Her wrists had been yanked towards the bed and then between her legs, forcing her to practically bow, though at an angle that caused her back half to prop itself up. “What the hell!?”
Herta tried to glare at the dragon but her bravado vanished when she locked eyes with her.
Ruan Mei was looking at her with a level of desire she hadn’t known was possible. It made her feel like something to be devoured and cherished simultaneously.
“Um…Mei?”
“I apologize Herta, you are simply too beautiful.” Ruan Mei said as she came up behind Herta and began to rub her rear. “I wish to mate with you properly.”
“Wait what!?” That was when Herta realized something was poking at her from behind. It didn’t take a genius for things to click. “What!? How did you-” Herta was cut off when Ruan Mei slapped her well presented ass.
“Apologies, it was simply too tempting,” A soft chuckle came from the dragon. “To answer your question, I am a dragon. This already isn’t a natural human body, so…alterations are quite simple.”
That was really the final bit of explanation Herta got before Ruan Mei began to slowly push into her. A long and needy moan escaped her as she was filled with the dragon. She had never felt this kind of sensation and she thought she could get used to it. When Mei began to slowly move back and forth it completely fried Herta’s brain. Once she was sure Herta wasn’t hurt, Mei seemed to finally let herself go.
A loud moan was pulled from her throat as Ruan Mei sped up her movements. The most Herta could do in this position was clench the sheets as the dragon kept going. When Herta started hearing moans from the dragon she felt incredibly proud to be the cause of it, knowing she could break this aloof god’s composure was a power she found addictive.
As she felt herself nearing another release it dawned on Herta, this was all real.
She was currently having sex with a dragon who had asked to basically marry her. The young scholar had never felt this loved, wanted, and cared for. When she orgasmed she could tell tears of pleasure and happiness were running down her cheeks.
As she was riding her pleasure she heard Ruan Mei panting and suddenly a sharp bolt of pain as teeth sank into her shoulder. Herta moaned loudly at the new added sensation before she felt Ruan Mei orgasm as well.
The moans that came from the dragon were like an orchestra to Herta.
Once they had both ridden out the pleasure Ruan Mei finally pulled out of Herta and the feeling of her wrists being trapped vanished. Herta took the chance to stretch and let her legs sprawl out.
However her freedom was short lived as she felt herself pulled towards the head of the bead. Though this time she didn’t find herself in some lewd position, but instead in Mei’s arms. When she was still recovering the dragon had climbed under the blankets it seemed.
“I would ask if you enjoyed yourself, but it was quite clear.” Ruan Mei said teasingly, causing Herta to blush.
“Shut up!” Herta chose to pout and bury her face in Mei’s chest again. This earned her another warm chuckle. “But yes…that was nice.”
“I am glad,” Ruan Mei began to play with her hair which added to feelings of safety and relaxation Herta was experiencing. “I know humans have their own cultural norms, but I am quite certain, I love you Herta. I love your charm, your wit, your fire, your curiosity, everything about you is beyond any of my treasures.”
For a long moment Herta didn’t reply. She had never been showered in compliments, nobody had ever said they liked those traits of hers. If anything they were treated like defects she needed to fix. To be told they were actually not only wanted but loved filled her with a joy she hadn’t experienced in her life.
“You keep making me happy cry you jerk!” Herta lazily headbutted Ruan Mei’s chest in mock outrage.
“That seems a good problem to have.”
“Ugh, whatever.” Herta laughed before hugging the dragon . “I love you too Ruan Mei.”
With that they fell into a comfortable silence until sleep came to them. This was the start of a new and joyous life for both of them. The last thing Herta felt was Ruan Mei playing with her hair and she fell asleep with a smile on her face.