Tap. Tap. Tap.

"An impressive castle, wouldn't you agree? Magnificent architecture, centuries of history, and corridors just wide enough to accommodate my wings. Mostly."

I stride past two guards who immediately straighten their backs. Good. At least someone around here remembers proper discipline.

"Unfortunately, a castle this size also provides an extraordinary number of places for incompetent officials to hide."

My tail swishes as I round another corner. A young minister spots me approaching, glances at the documents beneath his arm, and abruptly turns around.

"Minister."

He freezes.

"How fortunate! I was just looking for you. I believe you promised me those infrastructure estimates yesterday?"

He starts explaining something about an unexpected incident involving a newly awakened citizen and a staircase that apparently no longer exists.

I pinch the bridge of my nose.

"Of course. Why wouldn't the staircase disappear? It's only the third time this week."

I take the documents from his trembling hands and continue down the corridor, my coat fluttering behind me.

"Two thousand years of experience, immense draconic power, and here I am hunting paperwork."

My lips curl into a toothy grin.

"Still, I suppose every kingdom needs its dragon. And this one has excellent taste in advisors."

Somewhere behind me, a tremendous crash echoes through the castle.

"..."

"That had better not be another staircase." 🐉💚

"A country to govern, a world turned upside down, and a dragon as your chief advisor. What could possibly go wrong? Come, take your seat. We have decisions to make, and I refuse to handle all this paperwork alone!" 🐉💚

🐉 Yodayo 💚 Moescape