#sgaeyl

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There were many things in his life that Xaden Riorson could predict. Having to bear the responsibility of hundreds of children, bonding a powerful dragon, becoming his generation’s shadow wielder. 

But he didn’t quite predict you. 

It started off with morning duty to the Scribe Quadrant during his first year. He took on the duty begrudgingly, but it was better than breakfast duty. While you were always kind and respectful towards everyone who entered the quadrant for tomes, that is not what lured Xaden in. 

It was the way you did not look at him with fear, like every other cadet. Instead, you looked at him with admiration. 

For a moment, Xaden had wondered if perhaps you were from Tyrrendor or in a nearby province, but it seemed you did not understand the language when he greeted you in Tyrrish one morning. 

As for yourself, you could not lie to yourself that Xaden Riorson is a handsome man. Despite his broody and cold exterior, you could tell there were true and genuine qualities apart of him. As you got to know him more, he proved you right.

He was kind to those that earned it.

He had a good sense of humor—sometimes dark, but you didn’t mind. 

While he didn’t wear his heart on his sleeve, he still demonstrated in his own way that he did have a heart. 

The way he always spoke highly of the marked ones, especially Garrick and Bodhi, never failed to make your heart melt. 

He always found ways to show his gratitude for your kindness. As such, he began organizing the tomes alphabetically, to save you the trouble. 

It did not take long for Xaden Riorson to catch your heart, but he refused to tell you that you had his from the moment he met you. In his opinion, he had not met anyone like you, man or woman, and he swore he would protect you with his life. 

The other thing he didn’t predict? 

The way Sgaeyl instantly took a liking to you, far before you two became a couple, and would even threaten Xaden if he ever fucked up. 

Even though his dragon is supposed to be on his side. 

At first, Xaden was nervous to introduce you to his dragon, because if Sgaeyl did not approve or tried to attack you, his heart would be split in two. So would his mind. Would he have to protect you or allow his dragon to do what she pleases? 

He didn’t have to make that decision. 

When you met Sgaeyl, you were nervous to say the least. You weren’t dreading the interaction, in fact you were looking forward to it. While your boyfriend didn’t speak much about his dragon, they always seemed like a perfect pair. If you love your boyfriend, why couldn’t you also love his dragon.

You didn’t show an ounce of fear as Sgaeyl’s golden eyes looked down at you. Her blue scales were a beautiful sapphire color, reflecting in the hot sun. Her golden eyes were prettier than golden nuggets themselves, and you were sure she knew it too. 

Xaden held his breath as the interaction unfolded. You, tilting your head in bravery and respect. Sgaeyl, looking down at you as she decides how she feels. Xaden didn’t breathe until Sgaeyl bowed her head, allowing you to place a ginger hand on her snout to caress it. 

He could feel the content and approval through his bond with the blue dragon, until she finally spoke up, “it would be a shame to have to kill my rider if she ever got hurt.”

Xaden’s gaze snapped towards his dragon, “you would seriously choose her over me?”

“Of course,” Sgaeyl replied, as if it was the most obvious answer in the world. “She is clearly outstanding if she melted your heart.”

Xaden internally rolled his eyes, purposefully being dramatic with it so his dragon could feel it. She huffs in response down the bond, fed up with his antics. All the while, she is perfectly happy with you itching and petting her snout, while your eyes glitter in amazement and happiness. 

Xaden did not think his dragon was being true to her words. That she would choose you over Xaden. It was not until you two had gotten into a petty argument, in which Xaden was brooding and refusing to cross the threshold to the Scribe quadrant, that he realized the truthfulness in her words.

He approached his dragon, ready to mount her. He wanted to fly to release his energy, not wanting to take his rage out on anyone—especially not you. Except, when he went to climb, his dragon aggressively shook him off of her.

“What the fuck?” Xaden seethes down the bond, his anger getting the better of him.

Golden eyes pin him down as they narrow, “have you apologized to your human?”

Xaden rolls his eyes at her, “no, I will speak to her tomorrow. Now, let’s fly.”

“No.” Sgaeyl stomps her front feet in response, “you are going to apologize to her.”

“You don’t even know what we argued about,” Xaden deadpanned, raising a dark brow at his dragon.

“What I do and do not know doesn’t matter. Until you apologize to her, do not even think about mounting me.” 

“Wouldn’t you rather I approach her with a calm mind than a frustrated one?” Xaden attempts convincing his dragon, but she refuses to budge. He internally groans, understanding instantly that Sgaeyl had taken your side. 

It almost makes his envious of the way Sgaeyl instantly became bonded and attached to you. She is his dragon for gods sake, shouldn’t it be the other way around? Shouldn’t she be taking his side in every argument. 

Apparently not. 

The envy dissipates as quickly as it forms, understanding quickly how maternal his dragon truly is. While he has always bathed in that love from her, he would have to learn to share with you. But because it was you, he didn’t mind.

Later that night, he snuck into the Scribe Quadrant, shocking you at his appearance. You were happy to see him, even happier to hear him apologize for the argument you two had. You had even apologized yourself, and the silly argument faded into nothing the moment he showed up. 

“You know,” Xaden mutters between you to, “Sgaeyl threatened me today.”

You turn towards him on your bed, “what do you mean she threatened you?” 

He lets out a sound between a scoff and a chuckle, “she told me I am not allowed to ride her until we worked through our differences.”

You giggle, taken aback by her actions, “she took my side?”

Your boyfriend places a gentle kiss on the crown of your head, “she once told me she would choose you over me.” 

You didn’t respond at that, but his words caused warmth to bloom in your chest. Knowing his dragon not only liked you—but is protective of you in the same way she’s protective of Xaden, was everything to you. While you believed there wouldn't be a moment where you needed her protection, you could tell. 

There were times you had caught a familiar blue dragon soaring over the archway between Scribe and Rider as you crossed to deliver some tomes. You pretended you didn’t notice, but Sgaeyl did not rest until you were safely back in your quadrant, quickly flying back to the Vale. 

When it was time for you to join Xaden and the other cadets in Aretia, it was Sgaeyl who came for you. Originally, you had planned with your boyfriend to meet him a few villages outside of Basgiath. Imagine your surprise when a large, blue dragon landed on the bridge, silently threatening every scribe until you came out. 

Thankfully, Xaden had been with her, so you didn’t have to worry about attempting to ride her alone. Sgaeyl was sure you could figure it out, and she swelled with pride when you successfully mounted her without Xaden’s help. Even you boyfriend was proud. 

Since then, you had been on Sgaeyl’s back many times—with Xaden, of course. While Sgaeyl was not against you riding her alone, there was something unnerving about riding a dragon as a scribe. Alone, nonetheless. 

“Xaden?” Your voice fills the night sky, earning a hum from your boyfriend next to you. You two were laying on the grass outside of Riorson House, the busy fortress finally quiet under the beautiful stars. Sgaeyl slept not to far from you two, her tail resting possessively over yours and Xaden’s legs. “Is it…common for dragons to be affectionate towards their riders significant others?”

Xaden paused at your question. He knew the answer too well, he’s asked himself the same question ever since he properly introduced you to Sgaeyl during your first year. Nearly four years later, and she loves you as her own. 

It’s unsettling. 

“I do not think so,” Xaden finally says, his hand flexing against your waist. “But Sgaeyl is maternal, especially with me and Andarna. I’m grateful she feels the same way towards you.” 

“Me too,” you confess, keeping your voice low as to not disturb the creature you’ve become so fond of. “She’s important to you, and now, she’s become important to me.” 

Xaden smiles, lovingly watching the two most important females in his life. This is the future he wants, when all this war and bloodshed is over. To be able to rest in solitude with his dragon and the love of his life, completely content and happy with himself and his life.