Dragonborn Boyfriend: Sanguis Rex

    Everybody is supposed to have a ‘once upon a time’ aren’t they? Back when things seem far off and strange from the fate they’re supposed to have. A time in their lives when everything is so far out of reach, they can’t imagine what’s going to happen to them next. Back when I lived with my mother, I had never assumed I would ever leave the wood I grew up in. 

    Gnoll slavers took me when I was playing alone. My mother had gone for the day, and I was sitting at home, and I decided I was too bored to stay in the safety of our nest. I went out to collect acorns for the squirrels, and I got in the way of a raid. The slavers had attacked a nearby village, and back in those days, lord Demir was just starting his reign. He was chasing out the slavers and the Gnolls from kingdoms he wished to take over. 

    I was taken and locked into a box. Little did I know what fate had in store. Demir’s men attacked the slavers, cutting them off at the pass. They collected all of us who had been captured, and for a moment I thought I would be free. The soldiers took us to Demir’s camp where we were fed and given hope.

    Then we were taken to a strange man. He wore all black robes that were slit down to his belly, showing off the bright red scales beneath. His hands were taloned and pitch black. He looked like a dragon, not like the Kobolds or the Lizardfolk, but a dragon. He was primal and sharp, and if I hadn’t been so afraid, I might have considered him beautiful.

    “Will these do?” One of Demir’s soldiers replied. 

    The man walked along with us, looking at each and every one of us over. “I suppose they will do,” he sighed. He then stops in front of me and tilts his head. He kneels down and slips a talon under my chin. “Well,” he whispers in awe. “Look at you.”

    “The trade, sir?” The soldier asked again.

    “Eager to run away aren’t you?” The strange man scoffed. He stood up and removed something from his robes. “This is what Demir wants.” He tossed the bag at the soldier. “His words will flourish, and his lands will grow,” he scoffs. “But tell him there is always a price, even when he’s paid.”

    The soldier picked up the bag and seemed to struggle with the weight of it. I watched as the bag falls open and some blood red jewel inside it glows. The strange man removed my chains and took my hand. 

    “Tell your lord that if he wishes to keep his kingdom intact, he will have to remain loyal to what I’ve given him,” the man says. “Don’t forget where his power started.” He squeezes my hand and leads me away.

    “No!” I started to cry.

    He stopped just before is black carriage and kneeled down to me. “What’s your name, little one?” He asked. “Tell me who you are.”

    I was sobbing and crying, terrified that I was never going to see home again. 

    He stroked my hair and cooked softly. He then saw that my tears formed small stones. Picking up my tears a smile spread across his face. “You’re a special girl,” he said. “You’re going to accomplish amazing things someday.” He smiled at me. “My name is Sanguis Rex,” he replied. “And I am going to make sure you grow up to accomplish miracles.”

    My tears fell from my eyes and onto the ground, forming gemstones. “I want my Mommy,” I whimpered.

    His expression is sympathetic. “The Gnolls killed everyone in the wood,” he whispered. “I am so sorry...I-” he shakes his head.

    “No,” more tears spilled, and Sanguis picked them up.

    “Come now,” he picked me up and let me cry onto his shoulder. “We’re going to your new home now.”

    We traveled far, going through the Cobra Strait and beyond it. We traveled through the mountains and came to a valley where there was a small village. I was terrified at first, seeing all the Gnolls that were there. There were also more people like Sanguis; dragons but not exactly dragons. 

    Sanguis took me through a door that went into the mountainside where a whole castle had been carved into the dark rock. I was passed along, given to one of the Not Dragons who was to take care of me and train me to work for Sanguis. Her name was Arynhylde and had dark blue scales where Sanguis was red.

    Arynhylde was strict and frightening, she trained the other girls who were to serve Sanguis with an iron fist and me. Despite this, she cared for us, and if anyone hurt us or even tried to touch us, they were punished in a cruel fashion. A lot of hands went missing the year we got out new uniforms that were all red.

    The other girls and I were trained to be not just servants in the castle, but to be assistants, dictionaries, and connoisseurs of the world. Some of us had specialized training in music, others math, some were taught poetry and literature, and then another group learned about alcohol and food. I was taught music and learned of the various fashions within it. I could play the harp, lyre, flute, and on a good day the horn. 

    Aside from our usual duties of serving Sanguis and his men, if our group were called upon, we would provide that service. As musicians, my group would often be called to help ease people to sleep, play during banquets, or even serenade a single person. We were kept constantly busy and moving in the castle. 

    One day, I alone was called for. I was told to take my harp and go to Lord Sanguis’ chambers alone. I was terrified.

    I had not been in Lord Sanguis’ presence since I had been a little girl. I mean, aside from my duties, but I was usually surrounded by my group and other people. This would be my first time alone with him since I was brought to the mountains.

    I stood before his doors and gently rapped my knuckles on the frame. The doors open on their own and I gasped in fear.

    “Come in,” his languishing voice called from the depths of his room. “Please. Come in.”

    I step inside, and the doors close. I start to tremble as I walk into the dark room only lit by his fireplace. I see Sanguis laying in his bed, and I stop at the foot. 

    “You called me, Lord Sanguis?” I ask.

    He moans softly. “I am cursed to not sleep,” he sighs. “I thought, perhaps, your harp would lull me into a deep slumber. If not, I’m afraid I am going to lose my mind.”

    I pull up a stool and sit down, I start strumming my harp. I watch Sangus in the shadows, his body is lovely, so I make myself look away. He’s strong of form but as the elegant figure of a dancer. 

    Sanguis sighs in frustration and sits up in bed. “Have you ever been so cursed?”

    “Am I allowed to speak?” I ask timidly.

    “Freely, of course,” Sanguis rests his cheek on his shoulder. “I was hoping for conversation if I couldn’t rest.”

    “I share quarters with a bunch of girls,” I reply. “Some of us cry often, others talk a lot. The girl I share my bed with kicks in her sleep and tosses and turns violently. I know what it is like to not find sleep when you want it most.”

    Sanguis chuckles. “Do you still cry gemstones?”

    I hesitate for a moment, never thinking Sanguis would remember me. “I...I do.” I swallow back the lump in my throat and force my fingers to continue playing. “I used to get picked on and made to cry so the girls could make jewelry. Lady Arynhylde put a stop to that. She collected all the gems I ever cried.”

    “I have them all too,” he purrs in the shadows.

    I miss a note as my heart skips a beat. “Why would you keep such things?”

    Sanguis chuckles and rises from the bed. His robe is sheer and hangs open. He looks luxurious and sensual as he walks into the glow of the fire. His long tail drags behind him, and as he stops by the fireplace, it curls around my ankle.

    “They are beautiful,” he murmurs. “And they rare.” Sanguis glances to me, his dark eyes looking over my body. “Much like you.”

    I stiffen my jaw and keep playing.

    “You’ve served here diligently all these years.” He then laughs. “And Lady Arynhylde tells me that she has had to lob off many a hand because of you.”

    “Your men don’t understand what no means,” I glare at him. “I am grateful for Lady Arynhylde’s lessons. Not many hands these days thanks to her.”

    Sanguis laughs and walks over to me, watching my fingers as I pluck the harp. “I gave her permission to carry out such punishments. I don’t want men in my command who cannot listen to orders.”

    I give him a nod. “That’s very smart.”

    Sanguis comes up beside me. “May I touch you?”

    I freeze up, and some of my notes go sour. “Why would you want to do that?” I ask.

    “Because you are beautiful and the way your hair falls on your neck is enticing.” Sanguis whispers.

    I turn and look at him. “I would rather you didn’t.”

    Sanguis chuckles. “Then I won’t.” He steps back and returns to his bed, laying back down. He sighs and closes his eyes. “You really are a gifted player. But I still see other things in your future.”

    “Miracles, you mean?”

    Sanguis chuckles darkly. “The day I saw you, being handed over to me, I knew you’d provide something great. You have something inside you that I can’t quite explain.”

    “They’re called organs, Lord Sanguis. You have them too.”

    Sangus snorts and starts cackling. He holds his ribs and sits up. “A mouth like that can make a man fall deeply in love.”

    I chuckle to myself. “I have no intention of falling in love with anybody,” I tell him. “Let alone having anyone fall in love with me.”

    Sanguis purrs. “I love a challenge.”

    I am called to Sanguis room each of the following nights, playing for him and talking with him. I grow used to the dark comfort of his chambers and the way he hides himself in the shadows. Each night we discuss many different subjects, and at some point, he will ask to touch me. I always say no.

    As fall fades into winter and the halls begin to grow cold, and the Not Dragons start to seclude themselves away in warmer rooms or even hibernate, Lord Sanguis takes me as his personal attendant.

    I run his errands for him, so he doesn’t have to go into the cold hallways or outside. I fetch his meals for him. I make him tea and hot drinks to keep him warm. 

    “You are invaluable to me,” he says one day as I return with letter for him. “I’m afraid Lady Arynhylde will not be getting you back come spring.”

    I had glanced through his letters, seeing there was one from Lord Demir amongst them. I still had no clue what connections to the two men had. But I knew from overhearing conversations with Reginald and Edragon that Sanguis was ready to cut the ties between them.

    I had known Edragon since I came into Lord Sanguis’ castle. We were around the same age, and he often snuck in the lessons Arynhylde gave the girls. Lord Sanguis had taken him in and was raising him since his father had been assassinated by Queen Mythri.

    Reginald was another story and being around him made me feel afraid and anxious. I liked nothing more than being as far away from Reginald as possible. Death followed him like a dark cloud. 

    Sanguis set his letters aside, and he looked up at me. “You don’t seem upset to learn that?”

    “Oh,” I snap from my thoughts. “I am here in this castle to serve after all.”

    Sanguis stands up and steps before me. He holds his hand to touch my hair but stops. “Forgive me, I forgot to ask if I could-”

    “You may,” The words fall from my lips.

    Sanguis touches my hair and runs his claws through it. He brushes his knuckles on my cheek and the side of my neck. “You’re warmer than I imagined,” he growls.

    I willed my heart to stop throbbing so, but it had a mind of its own.

    “You’re a gorgeous girl, I’m sorry,” Sanguis whispers. “You don’t deserve some old lizard falling in love with you.”

    I gasp softly and look up into his eyes. “Lord Sanguis?”

    He slips his fingers under my chin. “Please, don’t say my name. Whenever you do, it’s knives in my body.” He then smirks. “I have all this power, and yet all I want is you.”

    “You shouldn’t-” my voice catches in my throat. I place my palms on his chest and touch the silky scales there. 

    “Don’t cry,” he whispers. He catches my tears as they form gems on his fingertips. “As lovely as it is, don’t cry.”

    “You could have anyone,” I whisper. “You’re so powerful and amazing...you could have-”

    Sanguis kisses me. His lips are hard, and his sharp teeth behind them are like a threat. I press close, leaning into his kiss and wanting more.

    He pulls back and catches more of my tears. “I want you,” he whispers. “And only you.”

    I fall into his arms, kissing him and pressing my body against his. His sharp hands run down my body and hold me. I am pushed into his bed, and he tears away his robe. I have seen him almost naked many times, but seeing him unclothed is a powerful sight.

    I reach out for him, and he joins me in the bed. He kisses my neck and chest, removing my clothes and sighing in anguish.

    “You’re so warm and soft,” he nuzzles to my breasts and drags his sharp claws down my sides.

    I whimper, and he kisses my cheek. “Don’t be afraid,” he whispers. “I will draw blood from this body. Never will you shed a drop for me.”

    “It’s not that it’s-” My face burns red hot. “I am bleeding.”

    His eyes widen. “Did I hurt-”

    I shake my head. “No,” I chuckle in embarrassment. “I am bleeding as a woman does.” I turn my head to the pillow to not look at him.

    Sanguis chuckles. “And you think that would turn me away?” He kisses my neck and bites gently. “I will stop if you so desire.”

    “No,” I whisper. “I want to go on.”

    Sanguis grins wickedly. He then takes my hand and has me touch him. His shaft is long and hard with strange bumps down the belly. He growls, rutting to my skin. He then uses my thigh, rubbing himself there as his hands roam my body.

    He spreads my thighs, opening them as he sits up. He looks down at the blood already staining his sheets. A sharp smile crosses his lips, and he licks them. “What a beautiful sight.”

    “I’m sorry,” I whisper.

    He reaches down and rubs his knuckle to my folds. “Do you know what I am?”

    I whimper as he nudges my clit. I sigh and pant as he pushes against it harder and turns me weak.

    “Lord?” I whisper.

    Sanguis shakes his head. “Do you know my powers?” He asks. 

    “I have heard you use a magic that’s forbidden,” I mewl. “But everyone here is afraid to talk about you.”

    Sanguis dips down, kissing my neck and chest. He kisses down to my belly. “Its blood, my love.” I lose my breath when I feel his tongue at my folds. “I am a blood mage.”

    I grunt and whine as his tongue swirls around my folds. He snarls and slurps and presses his tongue inside me. His hands knead into my thighs, and his sharp claws prick my skin but never break it.

    He pulls back suddenly, his eyes glowing bright red and his breathing is deep and hard. He licks his lips and rises up.

    “I can’t hold on,” he rubs his cock to my slit. “Tell me ‘no’ now, or I will never stop having you.”

    I hitch my leg around his waist and urge him forward. I know this is wrong, but I want him more than anything. Sanguis leans over me, bracing his hands on either side of my head. I feel him inside me, pushing past my entrance and easing into the deepest parts of me. I moan as I stretch to take him. Sanguis snarls and grits his sharp teeth. 

    There is no turning back now, I belong to Sanguis, blood, and bone.

    I swept up in his love, taken by him and stirred up. In all the excitement and passion, I drink in his body. The way he moves and sounds, the way his hips roll so that his cock grinds deep within me. He moves with such precision and grace, I feel like a wild animal underneath him. I cry out loudly, and my body writhes. I claw at his arms and back and beg him to give me more and more. I want all of him, and I will give myself freely.

    His power flows through me, and I melt to it. I gasp and grunt, grinning like a fool as the heat courses through my veins. I watch as Sanguis snarls and jerks, his body tenses and his eyes start to leave trails in the air. He gives me everything, leaving it inside me where I feel it pool and ooze from me.

    “You’re mine now,” he whispers as I start to fall asleep. “No one else will ever have you.”

    I wake in the morning to the chill in the air. I whine softly, reaching out for Sanguis but not finding him there. I sit up and hear voices coming from Sanguis’ chambers next door. He often held private meetings there since it was warmer than anywhere else in the castle.

    “-without Demir’s patronage how are we to finish?” Edragon snaps.

    “We have what we need,” Reginald laughs. “We have everything we need! Just because the fucking horse no longer wants Sanguis influence doesn’t mean we still don’t have everything.”

    “Not having Demir as a patron anymore is a problem,” Sanguis snarls. “But no matter. His downfall with be swift anyways. His own greed will see to that.”

    I ease up to the door to listen closer.

    “Everything is in order anyway. You both have been doing your part. How have the trials been going? Are the weapons coming along?” Sanguis asks.

    Reginald laughs. “They’re beautiful, my lord. Everything you asked for and more. I promise you that.”

    Edragon scoffs. “It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen,” he sounds uneasy. “It’s gruesome.”

    “Perfect,” Reginald laughs.

    “You can go then,” Sanguis growls.

    I quickly return to bed, hearing the men leave. As I pretend to be asleep, I heard Sanguis come into the room. He comes to bed and kisses my neck.

    “Curiosity can get you in trouble, my love.”

    I whimper softly. “How did you know?”

    “I could smell you,” he bites my neck and groans. “I was getting erect, so I had to finish the meeting early.” He lays in bed beside me. 

    “What’s going on?” I ask. “What weapons are they talking about?”

    “Nothing for you to worry about,” Sanguis purrs. “Not for now at least.” He puts his hand over my belly.

    During the coldest days, Sanguis remains asleep, and I am left to my own devices. One such day as it snows outside, I wander around in places I had never been allowed before. Using the key Sanguis gave me I am able to explore to my heart’s content.

    As I go down a silent hallway, Edragon comes out of a room. He looks angry, well, he always looks angry, but now he looks disturbed. He looks up at me and his ears slick back.

    “What are you doing here?” he growls.

    “I’m uhm-” I try to think of an excuse quick.

    “Did Sanguis send for you?” He saves me from having to think of something.

    I quickly nod. “Yes,” I murmur.

    Edragon stands before me and looks me over. “Seems strange,” he grumbles to himself then he waves for me to follow him.

    I feel ill at ease with this, but I go along with it to escape any wrath that may be thrown my way. Edragon keeps a few paces ahead of me before opening a door and letting me go inside first. It’s a stairwell that leads down, down, down. It starts to get hot, and the heat makes me feel weak and a little sick.

    “Every fucking time,” Edragon chuckles from behind.

    “Where are we going?” I ask.

    Edragon scoffs. “Didn’t he tell you?”

    We step onto a path that looks over the flow of the lava. Edragon urges me forward and we then stop and look over as a group of slaves is brought onto a platform below us. Sanguis’ soldiers chain them up along a poll that keeps their hands in the air.

    “What’s going on?” I gasp as I put my hand around my mouth.

    Edragon eyes me with suspicion. “They’re testing the weapons today.” He leans over to me as I try to hide my shocked expression. “You may want to look away.” He says.

    I shake my head, not wanting to give anything away. “No. I should see this, Sanguis asked me to.”

    “I’m telling you, it even turns my stomach.” He puts his hand on my shoulder and squeezes. “You should look away now.”

    Below us, the soldiers are bringing out a strange contraption. It looks like a canon, but it can be held by a single soldier. There’s a handle at the top and a brace at the bottom where it can be held by the stomach or thigh. A soldier drops what looks like my gem tears into the canon then takes a knife and cuts the back of his hand which he then smears around the mouth.

    “Edragon?” I whisper urgently.

    “Ready,” the soldiers stand aside and I can hear the slave begging and crying. “Aim.” The poor man hanging from chains is sobbing. “Fire.”

    A blast shoots from the canon, striking the slave. I hear screaming and agony, and my body grows weak. I smell flesh and bone, and I start to swoon.

    Edragon puts his arm around me and holds me aloft. Below, I hear screaming and the slave is still chained up, but all that remains is his skeleton with bits of his flesh. The skeleton screams and cries in anguish, thrashing about. What muscle remains rips and he rips his bones away until he is free, his arms still hanging from the chains and clawing at the air.

    “Stop him,” the soldiers say as the other slaves start to scream in horror and panic.

    I throw myself against Edragon and start to cry.

    Edragon sighs, his body molding to mine and he strokes my hair. “I told you,” he says softly.

    I cling to him. “What horror is this?” My tears scatter and fall on the ground and on Edragon’s shoes. “What is this for?”

    Edragon sighs and remains silent.

    “Why would Sanguis want this?” I continue to sob.

    “What’s going on here?” Sanguis says.

    Edragon turns, still holding me in his arms. “I caught her sneaking around down here,” he says and pushes me out towards Sanguis. “She saw the testing, unfortunately.”

    Sanguis glares long and hard at Edragon, and he walks forward. He collects me and pulls me into his arms. 

    “Why did you sneak away?” he asks darkly.

    I tremble as he holds me, but I don’t touch him. “I just...I was wanting-”

    “I didn’t want you seeing this,” Sanguis whispers to me. “I am so sorry.” He lifts his head, and he returns to glaring harshly at Edragon. “See to the rest of this.” He puts his arm around me and starts to lead me away. “And clean up these tears.”

    Edragon growls low. “Yes, sir.”

    We go back upstairs, and Sanguis places me in our room. He sighs as he sits before me, watching me as I shiver and shake. 

    “I told you my magic was blood,” he replies.

    “I had no idea-” I whimper. 

    “Of course you wouldn’t,” Sanguis holds his palm out, collecting my tears. “You are an innocent and trusting soul. How could you know of the darkness in the world? Let alone of the darkness, you share your bed with.”

    “Does it have to be that way?” I sob.

    Sanguis sighs. “There are things in this world, my love, that we do not like but have to follow.” He tilts my chin up, so I look at him. “This is one of those things.” 

    “But why-” I swallow back the lump in my throat. “But why were you using my tears?” I whisper.

    Sanguis sighs. “I told you that you held power,” he says. “My love,” he makes me look at him again. “Do you hate me?”

    “No,” I gasp. “Sanguis, I’m just so shocked!”

    “I did not want you knowing of the horrors we have been working with,” he says. “But if we don’t, then there are darker powers in the world at hand.”

    “Lord Demir?” I whisper.

    A dark smile crosses his lips. “Yes,” Sanguis nods. “Lord Demir for one.” He then pulls me into his arms and holds me on his lap. “Ages ago, when Demir was a young man, he sought out my services to help him gain his desires. I gave him a gift that would draw power and influence to him. He changed the world with it, but then he lost his way. He forgot it was my magic that gave him everything he holds.” He kisses my temple and cheek.

    “So now I am going to take it all back.”

    I look up at him, kissing him softly. “Does this mean war?” I ask.

    “War is like death, my love.” He picks me up and carries me into bed. “You can’t do anything to stop it, but you can certainly help move it on faster.” He kisses me as he lays me down. I reach for him, holding onto him as his body covers mine.

    “Will you have to leave me?” I whimper.

    “Eventually.” He kisses me as he opens my clothes. “Let’s not talk of war now.”

    I look into his eyes. “Please,” I whisper and cup my hand around his neck. “I want a baby. Before war finds us, I want a family.”

    Sanguis smiles warmly. “That is all I want with you as well, my love.” He kisses me. “I will give you everything you want.”

    We make love that evening, and soon I am heavy with Sanguis’ child. I am able to push the horrors I saw that afternoon from my mind as stupid as I was. Months into my pregnancy, troops arrive in the valley with delegates who have come to talk with Sanguis.

    “Is this the end?” I whisper.

    “Shh,” Sanguis rubs my belly. “It is only the start.” He smiles at me. “I’m sure they’ve come to give me a slap on the wrist.”

    I look at him knowingly. “They want you to stop, or they’re going to attack.”

    Sanguis grins at me. “I will have a listen with them. But I am afraid war has been brought to our doorstep.” He kneels down and kisses my pregnant belly. “I was hoping for this little one to be here before then. But then again, I am always eager to start.” He stands back up and kisses my forehead. 

    “I’ll be back.” Sanguis murmurs.

    I grab hold of his wrist. “Wait-” my voice breaks. “Sanguis,” I plea to him. “What have you done?”

    Sanguis looks at me and smiles gently. “You’ll see soon.”

    I sit there, stunned and terrified. I hold my hands around my belly, and the door opens. I look up as Edragon comes in.

    “Why aren't uo with him?” I gasp as I get to my feet.

    Edragon sighs and shakes his head. “He wanted to be alone.” He closes the door behind himself. “Charlee,” he says to me. “You need to know what to expect.”

    I swallow and nod. “I do.”

    “And if you want to run when I am finished, I will take you.” He reaches out and takes my hand. “Sanguis has been working in the shadows of the empire for so long. Are you sure you want to hear all of this?”

    “Is it the pirates?” I whisper. “The bandits in the Rakshasa desert?” I squat down into a chair and huff. “The dark arts he practices?”

    Edragon remains silent. 

    “I just needed to know for sure,” I whisper. “Your silence confirms it.”

    “How did you find out?” Edragon asks.

    I look down and put my arms around my belly. “Ever since that day in the mountains I have stolen what I could. I love Sanguis with all my heart,” my tears start to roll down my cheeks. “Even now.”

    Edragon looks at me with sympathy. “So, you don’t want to run?”

    “I can’t now,” I say. “Our child comes first. Everything that Sanguis and I do now is for them.”

    “War is coming,” Edragon snarls.

    “War has always been here,” I sigh. “It never left us, Edragon.” I look at him. “What will you do?”

    “I have no choice,” he murmurs.

    “Neither do I.”