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Once upon a time, there was a kingdom protected and blessed by a dragon.  And to keep the protection and blessings of the dragon, a sacrifice had to be given.  So, every year, a young maiden was chosen and sent up the mountain to the cave where the dragon lived and if she was found favorable, the land would be blessed and protected.  If she wasn’t, destruction tore through the land, causing the people of the kingdom to be very careful and cautious when picking a “sacrifice”.  The choosing of the “sacrifice” was quite a big deal in the kingdom and many people both hoped and feared that their daughter would be picked, but little did the elders of the kingdom know that their perfect little system would be ruined by a humble…doctor.

~*~*~*~*~*~

It was a beautiful day as Chen Yuzhi was walking through the forest, searching for herbs and other roots to make his medicines, when he heard a pained groan coming from nearby, causing him to look up in surprise.

         “What was that?” he wondered, slowly making his way towards the sound before he paused, his eyes widening in shock.  Lying before him in the clearing was a large, black dragon. 

         “Oh my god” he whispered, looking the dragon over before he noticed that there was a large tear in one of the dragon’s wings, causing his eyes to widen.

         “Oh no” he breathed before he slowly stepped out of the shadows and made his way over to the dragon, the dragon cracking open an eye to reveal a bright golden iris.

         “Stay back” it growled.  Chen Yuzhi looked at it with wide eyes, surprised that it was talking to him, before he shook his head.

         “You’re hurt.  I can help you” he assured.  The dragon huffed.

         “You?  How can you help me?” it demanded.  Chen Yuzhi smiled and reached into the sleeve of his robe, pulling out a small roll-case, which he then showed to the dragon.

         “I have a needle and thread in here…if you allow me, I can stitch the tear in your wing” he explained.  The dragon looked at him and the roll-case before it hummed.

         “If you insist” it murmured, causing Chen Yuzhi to smile before he slowly walked over to it, his eyes widening at the size of it.  He knew dragons were big from the stories but this…this was bigger than he could have ever imagined.  He then looked over at the dragon and cleared his throat.

         “Do you mind unfolding your wing?  Just enough so that I can reach the tear” he explained.  The dragon looked at him before it slowly stretched out its wing towards him, causing him to smile slightly as he walked over to it and gently touched it, his eyes widening in surprise.

         “It’s almost like leather…but softer” he breathed, in awe that he was actually touching a dragon’s wing, before he shook himself out of it and unrolled his roll-case.  He then took out his needle and thread, carefully threading the needle before he began to carefully stitch the tear shut, the dragon growling softly.

         “Sorry, sorry, I know it hurts.  I’ll be done in a moment, just be patient” he soothed as he continued to sew, making sure that it was neat and not bunching, before he quickly finished the stitch and gently stroked the dragon’s wing.

         “There.  All done” he declared, the dragon looking over at its wing before it stretched it out, causing Chen Yuzhi’s eyes to widen.

         “Careful!  Don’t stretch it out too much or you’ll tear the stitches!” he exclaimed, making the dragon look over at him before it it folded its wing back against its body and slowly stretched out its neck so that its face was close to his before it leaned forward and huffed a cloud of smoke in his face.

         “Ack!” Chen Yuzhi exclaimed, shutting his eyes and waving his hands, trying to get rid of the smoke.  Once he finally got rid of the smoke, he opened his eyes and looked around, his eyes wide in surprise; the dragon was gone.  He looked around again, trying to see if he could see the dragon, before he huffed.

         “Typical dragons.  They never say thank you” he grumbled before he hummed softly.

         “Well…at least I was able to help it” he mused before he turned and headed out of the clearing to continue searching for the necessary roots and herbs.

~*~*~*~*~*~

When he later returned to the kingdom, Chen Yuzhi noticed that everyone was in a frenzy, causing him to frown.

         ‘What’s going on?’ he wondered, just as the elders rushed over to him and looked at him with wide eyes.

         “You!  Come with us!” they ordered before they grabbed him and dragged him away, dragging him all the way up to the palace before throwing him inside, causing him to stumble and nearly fall had he not caught himself.  He then straightened himself up and looked over at the elders in confusion.

         “What’s going on?  Why am I here?” he demanded. 

         “It seems that the dragon has requested you to be its sacrifice” a voice called out, causing Chen Yuzhi’s eyes to widen as he turned to look at the voice, the king, in shock.

         “Excuse me?” he asked.  The king nodded.

         “The dragon itself came and told me that it wanted you to be its sacrifice” he repeated.  Chen Yuzhi blinked before he shook his head.

         “But I’m not…I’m not a maiden.  I’m just a humble doctor!  What have I done to get the dragon to want me?” he demanded.  The king shook his head.

         “We don’t know.  But we’re not going to deny the dragon what it wants, as it protects and blesses our land” he declared.  Chen Yuzhi blinked again before he huffed.

         “So that’s it?  I don’t get a say in this?” he asked.  All of the elders looked at him in shock before one of them stormed over to him.

         “You should be grateful the dragon chose you, you ungrateful brat!” they shouted before they backhanded him in the face, sending him to the ground with a cry.  As soon as he hit the ground, the sky suddenly began to rumble and the ground began to shake before a tall man dressed in all black robes suddenly appeared in a flash of smoke, his eyes glowing bright gold.

         “You dare hit my consort?” he roared, making Chen Yuzhi, the king, and the elders all look at him in shock before before Chen Yuzhi’s eyes widened; the dragon.  The dragon then looked over at him before he slowly walked over and knelt before him, looking him over.

         “Are you alright?” he asked, his voice much softer and gentler.  Chen Yuzhi looked at him with wide eyes before he nodded.

         “Y-Yes” he answered.  The dragon nodded before he reached out and took him by the hand, carefully helping him to his feet before he turned to look at the king and the elders.

         “You’re lucky I’m feeling gracious today…or else I might have just rained down fire on this land” he growled, causing the king and the elders to look at him with wide eyes as he looked over at Chen Yuzhi.

         “Come” he instructed.  Chen Yuzhi blinked before he nodded, allowing the dragon to guide him away from the others and out of the palace.  They then began to descend the stairs of the palace before Chen Yuzhi looked over at the dragon.

         “You wouldn’t…really have rained down fire upon the kingdom, would you?” he asked.  The dragon looked back at him and smirked.

         “I don’t know…maybe” he replied.  Chen Yuzhi’s eyes widened.

         “But…all of these innocent people—” he started when the dragon hummed.

         “Whom I find insignificant, seeing as I am a dragon.  However—” he started before he reached out and gently caressed Chen Yuzhi’s cheek.

         “If you find them significant, then I shall not harm them” he promised.  Chen Yuzhi stared at him in shock before he smiled.

         “Thank you” he thanked.  The dragon hummed again as he tilted his head.

         “What’s your name?” he asked.  The dragon looked at him with wide gold eyes before he laughed.

         “Oh, little one.  I have no name like humans do.  I’ve never found a need for one” he stated.  Chen Yuzhi frowned.

         “But I can’t just…keep calling you “it” or “the dragon”…I have to call you something” he stated.  The dragon tilted his head.

         “You wish to give me a name?” he asked.  Chen Yuzhi looked at him with wide eyes before he nodded.

         “If…I can” he replied.  The dragon smiled.

         “I would gladly cherish any name my consort wishes to give me” he declared, causing Chen Yuzhi to blush before he cleared his throat and looked at him.

         “How about…Jiang…Yuelou?” he suggested.  The dragon smiled, showing sharp teeth.

         “Jiang Yuelou…a fitting name.  Thank you” he thanked.  Chen Yuzhi smiled as Jiang Yuelou tilted his head.

         “May I get to know the name of my consort?” he asked.  Chen Yuzhi looked at him with wide eyes before he cleared his throat.

         “Oh…it’s Chen Yuzhi” he answered.  Jiang Yuelou smiled.

         “How pretty” he complimented.  Chen Yuzhi blushed, just as a young woman holding a rather ill looking baby ran over to them.

         “Dr. Chen!  Dr. Chen, my daughter—” she started when Chen Yuzhi nodded.

         “Of course, of course” he soothed before he looked over at Jiang Yuelou.

         “Excuse me” he bid before he looked back at the woman and motioned for her to follow him as they rushed through the street to a nearby building.  Jiang Yuelou hummed before he followed after them, his black robes gliding behind him as he walked over to the building and stepped inside, watching as Chen Yuzhi knelt before the young woman and her baby.

         “May I?” he asked.  The young woman looked at him and nodded, passing her daughter over to him, whom he carefully took and cradled in his arms.  He then looked her over, his brows furrowed, before his face softened and he smiled.

         “She’ll be alright, it’s just a low fever.  Come back in an hour and she’ll be much better” he assured.  The young woman’s eyes widened before she nodded.

         “Okay.  Thank you, Dr. Chen” she thanked before she pushed herself to her feet and turned, heading out of the clinic as Jiang Yuelou stepped into the clinic and walked over to Chen Yuzhi as he pushed himself to his feet, the baby still cradled in his arms.

         “Wouldn’t it have been better for her to stay here?” he inquired, making Chen Yuzhi jump and look over at him with wide eyes before he huffed.

         “I wanted her to leave so that she wouldn’t see what I’m about to do” he explained.  Jiang Yuelou frowned.

         “And what, little one, is that?” he asked.  Chen Yuzhi looked at him before he smiled and pressed two fingers to the baby’s forehead, his eyes glowing white before he pulled his fingers away, the redness in the baby’s cheeks immediately fading as she opened her eyes and looked at the two men, letting out a soft coo.  Chen Yuzhi smiled and gently stroked her cheek as Jiang Yuelou looked at him in surprise.

         “I thought you were human” he stated.  Chen Yuzhi chuckled.

         “I am” he replied.  Jiang Yuelou gave him a look.

         “Normal humans cannot heal a person with the touch of their fingers, nor can their eyes glow.  What are you?” he demanded.  Chen Yuzhi looked over at him and smiled.

         “A…god, I suppose” he replied.  Jiang Yuelou raised an eyebrow.

         “A god?” he repeated.  Chen Yuzhi hummed.

         “Of healing” he explained.  Jiang Yuelou tsked.

         “I’ve been protecting this land for years and I never knew there was a god of healing here” he argued, causing Chen Yuzhi to chuckle.

         “That’s because I like to keep a low profile.  And besides, no one knows anyways.  For the most part, I act like a human doctor and treat illnesses the way a human doctor would.  But for things like this…it’s just easier to use my powers” he explained.  Jiang Yuelou hummed.

         “So I married a god then” he stated.  Chen Yuzhi glanced at him before he looked away.

         “I’m sorry I deceived you” he apologized, only for Jiang Yuelou to laugh softly and shake his head.

         “Oh little one, I’m not mad.  In fact, I’m rather relieved” he explained, causing Chen Yuzhi to look over at him in confusion.

         “What?” he asked.  Jiang Yuelou smiled.

         “I was afraid that since you were human, I would have to watch you grow old and die as I continued to live on but…since you are a god…I feel I don’t have to worry about that” he declared.  Chen Yuzhi huffed.

         “Unless someone kills me” he stated.  Jiang Yuelou scoffed.

         “Like I would let someone beneath me kill my consort” he stated before he reached out and grasped Chen Yuzhi’s face in his hand, turning his head so that he was looking him in the eyes.

         “No one shall hurt you” he declared.  Chen Yuzhi’s eyes widened and he blushed deeply, causing Jiang Yuelou to chuckle as he released his face.

         “You’re quite cute when you blush, you know that?” he teased.  Chen Yuzhi blushed again before he huffed and looked away.

         “Stop that.  I am not” he mumbled.  Jiang Yuelou chuckled again.

         “Oh, but I think you are” he stated.  Chen Yuzhi hummed before he looked over at him.

         “You keep calling me your consort…I was told that I was going to be a sacrifice for the dragon…is that not true?” he asked.  Jiang Yuelou shook his head.

         “Dragons never eat humans.  We never have” he stated.  Chen Yuzhi’s eyes widened.

         “Then the women we’ve sent every year—” he started.

         “I sent them away” Jiang Yuelou declared.  Chen Yuzhi looked at him in shock.

         “Ah?!” he exclaimed.  Jiang Yuelou nodded.

         “I sent them away.  Every single one of them told me they didn’t wish to become a consort, but they knew that if they returned to the kingdom, they would be shunned or shamed or even killed because the elders and the king would think that they were not “good enough” for the dragon and that they would cause harm to befall the kingdom.  So I sent them away to another country or to another land where they could live out their lives happily and free.  I never hurt any of them and they were never in any danger” he explained.  Chen Yuzhi stared at him with wide eyes before he smiled slightly.

         “You’re quite benevolent” he mused.  Jiang Yuelou chuckled and raised an eyebrow.

         “Am I?  I’ve been called many things in my lifetime, but I don’t think I’ve ever been called benevolent” he stated.  Chen Yuzhi smiled softly.

         “Well…maybe they don’t know the real you” he mused, causing Jiang Yuelou’s eyes to widen before he chuckled softly and hummed.

         “Maybe” he agreed before he looked at him.

         “What are we going to do for the remainder of the time?” he asked.  Chen Yuzhi hummed.

         “Well, I’m going to stay here and wait for the mother to come back.  You can…go and do whatever you like” he stated.  Jiang Yuelou hummed.

         “Alright” he agreed.  He then turned to leave when Chen Yuzhi looked at him.

         “Jiang Yuelou” he called out, making Jiang Yuelou pause and look back at him, raising an eyebrow.

         “Hmm?” he replied.  Chen Yuzhi pointed to his eyes.

         “Your eyes.  I would change them.  You might scare people” he explained.  Jiang Yuelou blinked before he laughed, his eyes quickly shifting from gold to a soft, warm brown.

         “Better?” he asked.  Chen Yuzhi hummed.

         “Yes” he replied.  Jiang Yuelou chuckled before he turned and headed out of the clinic, Chen Yuzhi watching him leave before he looked down at the baby in his arms, smiling softly.

~*~*~*~*~*~

A little while later, after the woman had come to pick up her baby (and had thanked him profusely), Chen Yuzhi exited his clinic and began to walk through the kingdom, searching for Jiang Yuelou.

         ‘I wonder where he went’ he thought to himself, looking around.

         “Looking for me?” a voice purred, causing him to gasp and look over to see Jiang Yuelou standing beside him, a teasing smile on his lips.

         “You!  Don’t scare me like that!” he exclaimed.  Jiang Yuelou chuckled.

         “I apologize.  Now, should we head home?” he asked.  Chen Yuzhi raised an eyebrow.

         “Home?” he repeated.  Jiang Yuelou nodded.

         “To my cave.  You are my consort…you should come home with me” he explained.  Chen Yuzhi frowned.

         “But…my patients…I can’t just leave them” he argued.  Jiang Yuelou hummed.

         “Well, you could always walk down the mountain…” he started when Chen Yuzhi shook his head.

         “That’s too far of a walk” he stated.  Jiang Yuelou huffed and crossed his arms.

         “What do you suggest then?” he asked.  Chen Yuzhi looked at him before he smiled and took his hand, guiding him through the kingdom and through the gate that led to the kingdom before guiding him to a small cottage just outside of the kingdom gates.

         “What’s this?” he asked, looking at the cottage in surprise.  Chen Yuzhi smiled.

         “My home” he declared.  Jiang Yuelou raised an eyebrow.

         “Your home?” he repeated.  Chen Yuzhi nodded before he gave his hand a tug.

         “Come” he urged as he guided him over to and inside the house, Jiang Yuelou looking around with wide eyes as Chen Yuzhi looked at him.

         “Well?  What do you think?” he asked.  Jiang Yuelou looked at him and nodded.

         “It’s cozy” he replied.  Chen Yuzhi smiled.

         “And this way it’s close to the kingdom so that I can go and visit my patients and it’s far enough away that if you wanted to go out and stretch your wings, you could” he explained.  Jiang Yuelou chuckled.

         “How considerate you are, my husband” he murmured.  Chen Yuzhi blushed before he looked at him.

         “You said that you had never taken a consort before.  Am I—” he started when Jiang Yuelou nodded.

         “You are my first and only consort” he declared, causing Chen Yuzhi’s eyes to widen as he stepped forward and cupped his neck in his hand, gently caressing the side of it with his thumb.

         “You seem surprised” he murmured.  Chen Yuzhi blinked before he shook his head.

         “No, I just…I don’t know why I thought you would have taken more, even though you said you never took one…” he started when Jiang Yuelou chuckled softly.

         “Well, dragons are known to hoard things…but not this one.  This one only wants one thing and it’s you” he declared.  Chen Yuzhi looked at him with wide eyes before he blushed deeply, causing Jiang Yuelou to smile.

         “I take it no one’s ever said something like that to you before?” he asked.  Chen Yuzhi shook his head.

         “No” he replied.  Jiang Yuelou hummed.

         “Well, be prepared to hear it more often” he declared, causing Chen Yuzhi to blush again before he cleared his throat.

         “I’m going to head to the market to get food for dinner…just stay at home and make yourself comfortable” he instructed.  Jiang Yuelou nodded and lowered his hand from his neck, watching as he slipped past him and out of the house, heading back to the kingdom.  Once he was gone, Jiang Yuelou looked around the house and hummed; he supposed he could make this place work.

~*~*~*~*~*~

A little while later, Chen Yuzhi returned with a basket full of food, making Jiang Yuelou look over at him.

         “You’re back early” he stated, causing Chen Yuzhi to blink before he laughed.

         “Well of course.  I knew exactly what I wanted so it didn’t take long at all” he explained.  Jiang Yuelou hummed as he looked over at him.

         “Is the house to your liking?” he asked.  Jiang Yuelou smiled.

         “It’s comfortable.  And it smells like you.  So yes, I like it” he replied.  Chen Yuzhi blinked before he smiled.

         “Well good” he agreed before he began to prepare his dinner, Jiang Yuelou watching him for a moment before he pushed himself to his feet and walked over to him, standing beside him.

         “What are you making?” he inquired.  Chen Yuzhi smiled.

         “Soup.  Would you like some?” he asked.  Jiang Yuelou shook his head.

         “No.  I haven’t eaten human food in I don’t know how many years…I fear it will make me ill” he explained, causing Chen Yuzhi’s eyes to widen before he quickly lowered his gaze.

         “Oh…I’m sorry” he apologized.  Jiang Yuelou looked at him and smiled softly.

         “Don’t apologize.  I appreciate your offer” he assured, just as Chen Yuzhi frowned and looked at him.

         “But…what do you eat then?” he asked.  Jiang Yuelou shook his head.

         “I don’t need to eat.  Nor do I need to sleep” he replied.  Chen Yuzhi looked at him in surprise.

         “Really?  I didn’t know that” he stated.  Jiang Yuelou hummed.

         “I’m surprised you eat and sleep…you’re a god.  You don’t need to do that, right?” he asked.  Chen Yuzhi laughed.

         “Just because I’m a god doesn’t mean I don’t need to eat and sleep.  I’m not like you.  I’m still “mortal” in that sense.  Just like how I still can be killed.  The only thing “godly” about me is my powers and my immortality.  Other than that…I’m human” he explained.  Jiang Yuelou hummed.

         “Then I suppose I should change that” he mused, causing Chen Yuzhi to frown.

         “Change what?” he asked.

         “Make it so you’re more like me.  Where you won’t need to eat or sleep” Jiang Yuelou explained.  Chen Yuzhi blinked before he smiled and shook his head.

         “That’s not necessary.  I rather like being like this.  Being…”human” if you will” he stated.  Jiang Yuelou looked at him before he nodded.

         “Alright.  If you insist” he agreed. 

~*~*~*~*~*~

After he finished making his soup, Chen Yuzhi carefully make himself a bowl before he walked over to the dining room table and sat down, Jiang Yuelou walking over to join him.  They sat in silence for a while, Jiang Yuelou watching Chen Yuzhi eat, before Chen Yuzhi looked at him.

         “How’s your wing?” he asked.  Jiang Yuelou nodded.

         “Better” he replied.  Chen Yuzhi hummed.

         “I’ll take a look at it in the morning, just to make sure” he declared.  Jiang Yuelou chuckled.

         “Alright” he agreed. 

~*~*~*~*~*~

After Chen Yuzhi finished eating, he quickly cleaned his dish and put the rest of the soup away before he walked over to his bed and sat down on the edge of it, looking at Jiang Yuelou.

         “Aren’t you coming?” he asked.  Jiang Yuelou raised an eyebrow before he slowly walked over to the bed and stood before him.

         “You…know I don’t need sleep, right?” he asked.  Chen Yuzhi nodded.

         “I know” he replied.  Jiang Yuelou frowned.

         “So then why—” he started when Chen Yuzhi huffed.

         “Because I want to share the bed with you” he explained.  Jiang Yuelou blinked in surprise before he smiled softly.

         “Whatever my husband wants” he agreed.  Chen Yuzhi smiled and nodded before he slipped off the bed and crawled under the covers, pressing up against the wall as Jiang Yuelou slipped under the covers and hummed.

         “Well?” Chen Yuzhi asked.  Jiang Yuelou chuckled.

         “It’s warm.  I haven’t felt warmth like this before” he admitted.  Chen Yuzhi raised an eyebrow in surprise.

         “Really?” he asked.  Jiang Yuelou hummed.

         “I don’t stay in my human form all that often and when I’m in my cave well…it’s just me” he explained.  Chen Yuzhi looked at him for a moment before he scooted over and tucked himself against him.

         “Well…you’ll never have to be alone again” he promised, causing Jiang Yuelou’s eyes to widen before he smiled and carefully draped an arm over him, pulling him close.

         “No…I won’t” he agreed.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The next day, after Jiang Yuelou and Chen Yuzhi got up and got dressed, Chen Yuzhi looked at Jiang Yuelou.

         “Let take a look at your wing” he stated.  Jiang Yuelou nodded before he and Chen Yuzhi headed outside, walking to a nearby clearing before Jiang Yuelou shifted to his dragon form, Chen Yuzhi’s eyes widening at the sight.

         “I’m never going to get over this” he breathed, causing Jiang Yuelou to chuckle.

         “Quite a sight to behold, hmm?” he asked.  Chen Yuzhi nodded as he walked over to him and held out his hand.

         “Your wing” he requested.  Jiang Yuelou smiled and stretched out his wing, Chen Yuzhi gently running a finger over the stitches.

         “Hmm” he hummed before he reached into his sleeve and pulled out his roll-case, pulling out a pair of scissors.  He then carefully snipped the stitches, making sure to remove the thread from the skin before he placed his hand over the tear, his eyes flashing white before he pulled his hand away to reveal perfectly healed skin.

         “There.  Much better” he declared, making Jiang Yuelou look at his wing before he looked at him and stretched out his neck, gently nudging him with his nose.

         “Thank you” he thanked.  Chen Yuzhi laughed and gently stroked his nose, humming softly.

         “You’re welcome” he replied.  Jiang Yuelou then gave him another gentle nudge before he shifted back into his human formed and hummed.

         “Aren’t you going to be late for work?” he asked, making Chen Yuzhi gasp.

         “Oh!  Yes, thank you!” he thanked before he stepped forward and pressed a soft kiss to Jiang Yuelou’s cheek.  He then turned and rushed off towards the kingdom, Jiang Yuelou staring after him with wide eyes before he slowly reached up and gently touched his cheek.  He had never been kissed before…he was experiencing a lot of “firsts” with his husband…wasn’t he?

~*~*~*~*~*~

Meanwhile, in the kingdom, Chen Yuzhi was heading towards his clinic when someone suddenly shoved right past a young girl, causing her to fall to the ground with a cry.  At her cry, Chen Yuzhi’s eyes widened and he quickly rushed over to her, kneeling beside her.

         “Are you alright?” he asked.  The young girl looked at him and nodded.

         “Yes” she replied.  Chen Yuzhi nodded and carefully helped her to her feet, dusting her off before he looked over to see a lady dressed in all purple walking past, her servants and guards around her.

         “Hey!” he shouted, making the woman in purple turn towards him and raise an eyebrow.

         “What?” she replied.  Chen Yuzhi huffed and motioned to the young girl.

         “You should apologize to her for shoving her and causing her to fall” he stated.  The woman scoffed.

         “Apologize?  The girl was in my way.  She should know better” she sneered.  Chen Yuzhi growled.

         “She wasn’t in your way at all; you deliberately shoved her!” he shouted, just as one of the woman’s guards walked over to him and slapped him, sending him to the ground.

         “Such insolence!  How dare you speak to my lady that way!  Do you even know who she is?!” he demanded.  Chen Yuzhi winced and clutched at his cheek as he looked at the woman.

         “No, I don’t.  But I don’t care who she is; all I see is a spoiled brat” he hissed.  The guard’s eyes widened and he raised his hand again.

         “You—” he started when the ground suddenly rumbled and Jiang Yuelou appeared before Chen Yuzhi, his eyes glowing bright gold.

         “If you dare lay a hand on him again, I will eviscerate you” he snarled.  The guard’s eyes widened and he took a step back in fear as Jiang Yuelou turned and knelt before Chen Yuzhi, reaching out to gently grab his face in his hand.

         “Are you alright?” he asked.  Chen Yuzhi nodded.

         “I’m fine” he assured.  Jiang Yuelou nodded before he reached out and gently grasped his arm, helping him to his feet, and once they were standing, Jiang Yuelou turned and glared at the woman in purple.

         “If you touch him again, I will show you no mercy” he warned.  The woman looked at him and humphed before she continued walking, her servants and guards following after her.  Once she was gone, Jiang Yuelou looked over at Chen Yuzhi and frowned.

         “Are you sure you’re alright?” he asked.  Chen Yuzhi nodded.

         “I’m fine” he repeated before he looked over at the young girl, who was looking at him with wide eyes.

         “Are you alright?  You’re not hurt?” he asked.  The young girl shook her head.

         “N-No.  I’m okay” she assured.  Chen Yuzhi nodded.

         “Okay.  Go on now” he instructed.  The young girl nodded and rushed off, Jiang Yuelou and Chen Yuzhi watching her leave before Jiang Yuelou suddenly grabbed Chen Yuzhi by the wrist and dragged him through the kingdom until they reached the clinic, Jiang Yuelou shoving Chen Yuzhi inside before he shut the doors behind them.

         “Jiang Yuelou, what are you—” Chen Yuzhi started when Jiang Yuelou suddenly crowded him, causing him to look at him with wide eyes as he reached up and gently cupped his face in his hands.

         “Let me see” he murmured before he turned Chen Yuzhi’s head to the side, his cheek bright red from the slap.  At the sight of the red skin, he growled softly before he gently ran his thumb over it, the redness immediately fading. 

         “There” he murmured before he turned Chen Yuzhi’s head and looked him in the eyes.

         “Does it hurt?” he asked.  Chen Yuzhi shook his head.

         “No.  I’m fine, like I said.  I was just…startled, that’s all” he replied.  Jiang Yuelou hummed and gently caressed his cheek again before he leaned forward and rested his forehead against his.

         “I need to keep a closer eye on you so that you don’t get hurt again” he murmured.  Chen Yuzhi chuckled softly.

         “That’s not necessary…” he started, causing Jiang Yuelou to huff as he pulled away.

         “Twice!  Twice you’ve been slapped!  And you think it’s not necessary for me to keep an eye on you?!” he exclaimed.  Chen Yuzhi sighed softly.

         “I’m perfectly fine…you really don’t need to keep an eye on me” he assured.  Jiang Yuelou growled softly before he leaned forward and rested his forehead against his again.

         “I just don’t like seeing you hurt” he murmured, causing Chen Yuzhi to blush slightly; he never had someone care so deeply for him before…it was nice.  He then gently nudged Jiang Yuelou’s head with his, a small smile on his face.

         “I know.  But I’m fine.  Really” he promised.  Jiang Yuelou was quiet for a moment before he sighed and pulled away, looking at him.

         “Alright, if you say so.  But I’m staying with you the rest of the day…I’m not letting anything else hurt you” he declared.  Chen Yuzhi blinked before he huffed.

         “I can’t stop you, can I?” he asked.  Jiang Yuelou smirked.

         “No, my darling, you can’t” he replied.  Chen Yuzhi sighed softly.

         “Fine” he acquiesced, causing Jiang Yuelou to smile and Chen Yuzhi couldn’t help but smile as he shook his head.  Such a protective dragon.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Meanwhile, the woman in purple and her entourage continued towards the palace before she stepped inside and walked over to the king, bowing.

         “Your Majesty” she greeted, causing the king to look at her in surprise.

         “Princess Moqing.  What are you doing here?” he asked.  The woman in purple, Princess Zhao Moqing, smiled.

         “I am here to offer myself up as a sacrifice to the dragon” she explained.  The king looked at her before he smiled awkwardly.

         “Ah…it seems you don’t know…” he murmured, causing Zhao Moqing to frown.

         “What don’t I know?” she demanded.  The king cleared his throat.

         “The dragon has already taken a consort” he stated.  Zhao Moqing’s eyes widened.

         “What?!” she exclaimed.  The king nodded.

         “The dragon has already chosen a consort, so I’m afraid you’ve traveled all this way for nothing” he stated.  Zhao Moqing stared at him before she huffed.

         “And just who is this person that the dragon has chosen?” she demanded.  The king hummed.

         “A doctor by the name of Chen Yuzhi” he replied.  Zhao Moqing was quiet before she turned and looked at her guards and servants.

         “Find me this Chen Yuzhi.  Now!” she barked.  The guards and servants nodded and quickly turned, rushing out of the palace as the king looked at her.

         “Since you’ve come all this way…why don’t you stay a few days?” he suggested.  Zhao Moqing looked over at him and smiled.

         “Thank you, that’s very kind” she replied.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Back in the kingdom, Chen Yuzhi was seeing patients while Jiang Yuelou sat off to the side, watching everyone that came through the door with a hawk-like gaze, making sure that no one would try and hurt his husband.  After he had seen all of his patients, Chen Yuzhi yawned, causing Jiang Yuelou to raise an eyebrow.

         “Shall we go home?” he suggested.  Chen Yuzhi looked over at him and nodded.

         “Mm” he replied.  Jiang Yuelou nodded and stood to his feet, watching as Chen Yuzhi cleaned up before they headed over to the entrance of the clinic, just as one of Zhao Moqing’s guards stepped in front of them and looked at Chen Yuzhi.

         “Are you Chen Yuzhi?” he asked.  Chen Yuzhi frowned.

         “Yes?  Can I help you?” he replied.  The guard huffed.

         “You’re coming with me” he declared before he reached out to grab him, only for Jiang Yuelou to suddenly grab his arm and squeeze, causing him to cry out in pain as every bone in his arm shattered.

         “Jiang Yuelou!” Chen Yuzhi exclaimed, horrified, before he grabbed him and shoved him away as he reached out and covered the guard’s arms with his hands, his eyes glowing white as he used his powers to heal the broken bones.  Once the guard’s arm was healed, Chen Yuzhi removed his hands from his arm and looked at him.

         “Go, before my husband breaks more than just your arm” he ordered.  The guard’s eyes widened and he nodded, turning and running off as Chen Yuzhi sighed and looked over at Jiang Yuelou.

         “Was that really necessary?” he demanded.  Jiang Yuelou hummed.

         “Yes” he replied.  Chen Yuzhi shook his head.

         “But did you have to break his arm?!” he exclaimed.  Jiang Yuelou huffed.

         “If I didn’t, he would have taken you away” he argued.  Chen Yuzhi rolled his eyes.

         “I could have handled him” he stated.  Jiang Yuelou shook his head.

         “I won’t let anyone take you away from me” he declared, causing Chen Yuzhi to sigh before he looked at him.

         “While I appreciate you being protective, I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself.  I am not a possession, I am not an object, I am my own person.  Understand?” he growled.  Jiang Yuelou looked back at him before he reached up and gently cupped his face in his hand.

         “I know…I am just afraid.  You’re…the first person I actually want to protect and I’m afraid that someone will steal you away from me” he admitted, causing Chen Yuzhi to look at him in surprise before he reached up and covered his hand with his, leaning into his touch.

         “Don’t worry.  I won’t go anywhere” he promised before he looked at him and smiled.

         “Shall we go home?” he asked.  Jiang Yuelou nodded as he lowered his hand from his face.

         “Yes” he answered, Chen Yuzhi nodding in reply before he headed out of the clinic, Jiang Yuelou following behind.  He then closed up the clinic before he looked over at Jiang Yuelou and held out his hand.

         “Let’s go home” he declared.  Jiang Yuelou’s eyes widened before he smiled and took his hand, both men heading home for the evening.

~*~*~*~*~*~

While they were heading home, the guard whose arm Jiang Yuelou crushed ran back to the palace and ran to Zhao Moqing’s room, knocking on the door.

         “Enter” a voice called out.  The guard then opened the door and stepped inside, Zhao Moqing raising an eyebrow at him.

         “Well?  Did you find him?” she asked.  The guard nodded.

         “Yes, princess.  But there was a man with him…with inhuman strength.  He shattered my arm when I tried to take Chen Yuzhi” he explained.  Zhao Moqing frowned before her eyes widened.

         “That must be the dragon.  The dragon was with him?” she breathed.  The guard nodded.

         “And seemed very protective of him” he replied.  Zhao Moqing hummed before she looked at him.

         “When the dragon isn’t around, kidnap this doctor.  I want to know what the dragon sees in him” she declared.  The guard frowned.

         “You…want me to kidnap the dragon’s consort?” he asked.  Zhao Moqing raised an eyebrow at him.

         “Are you questioning my orders?” she replied.  The guard quickly shook his head.

         “No princess” he assured.  Zhao Moqing nodded.

         “Good.  Now go.  And let me know when you have him.  We will return home then” she declared.  The guard nodded.

         “Yes princess” he replied before he turned and headed out of the room as Zhao Moqing hummed to herself.  As soon as she had Chen Yuzhi in his clutches…she would destroy him.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Back in Chen Yuzhi’s house, Chen Yuzhi ate and bathed before he climbed into bed, Jiang Yuelou climbing in after him before he reached out and pulled him close, causing Chen Yuzhi to let out a small squeak in surprise.

         “Jiang Yuelou?  What are you doing?” he asked.

         “Holding you.  Do you not like it?” Jiang Yuelou replied.  Chen Yuzhi blinked before he shook his head.

         “No, no, it’s fine, it’s just…is what happened back at the clinic still bothering you?” he asked softly.  Jiang Yuelou nodded.

         “Yes” he murmured.  Chen Yuzhi chuckled softly before he placed a hand on his chest and began to rub it soothingly.

         “You have nothing to worry about.  No one is going to take me away from you” he promised.  Jiang Yuelou hummed before he pulled him closer.

         “They better not” he growled softly.

~*~*~*~*~*~

After what happened with Zhao Moqing’s guard, Jiang Yuelou refused to leave Chen Yuzhi’s side or let Chen Yuzhi out of his sight, as he didn’t want someone to try and take his husband.  Chen Yuzhi, of course, found this to be completely unnecessary, but…he didn’t try to stop Jiang Yuelou because really…he wasn’t hurting anybody.  He was just sort of…there in the background, just looming and lurking like a shadow…a very dangerous shadow.  However, because of Jiang Yuelou’s efforts, this made it difficult for Zhao Moqing’s guards and servants to get a hold of Chen Yuzhi, much to Zhao Moqing’s irritation.

         “Can’t you idiots capture one simple doctor?!” she shrieked.  The guards bowed low.

         “Forgive us, princess, but the dragon will not let the doctor out of his sight.  It’s almost impossible for us to get close to him” one of the guards explained.  Zhao Moqing groaned before she sighed.

         “Well…keep watching him.  The dragon will let him out of his sight at some point and when that happens, grab him” she ordered.  The guards saluted.

         “Yes princess” they agreed before they turned and head out to continue stalking Chen Yuzhi while Zhao Moqing let out an irritated huff; this was much more difficult than she thought.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Over the next couple of days, Jiang Yuelou continued his vigilance until one morning Chen Yuzhi looked at him.

         “I have a house call this morning, so please don’t follow me” he requested.  Jiang Yuelou frowned.

         “But—” he started when Chen Yuzhi smiled and shook his head.

         “I’ll be alright.  It’s just a house call.  I’ll be done before you know it, so just wait here for me, alright?” he asked.  Jiang Yuelou made a face before he sighed.

         “Alright” he agreed.  Chen Yuzhi smiled and took a step forward, pressing a kiss to his cheek before he turned and headed out of the house, Jiang Yuelou watching him leave before he huffed softly; he would be good.  He wouldn’t follow after him.  He would trust his husband to come back to him, like he said, after his house call.  He would not be the scary, possessive dragon…he would be good. 

~*~*~*~*~*~

Meanwhile, Chen Yuzhi headed into the kingdom and began to make his way through the streets to his house call when Zhao Moqing’s guards, who were lying in wait, suddenly attacked him and knocked him unconscious before they carried back to the palace where Zhao Moqing was waiting.

         “Princess!  We have him!” one of the guards exclaimed.  Zhao Moqing hummed.

         “Come then.  Let’s go home” she declared.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Back at home, Jiang Yuelou was pacing the floor, trying to be patient, but he could tell something was wrong.  Something was off.  So…he decided to investigate.  He then quickly left the house and headed to the kingdom, walking around before he walked over to one of the stall owners.

         “Did Chen Yuzhi come this way?” he asked.  The stall owner looked at him in surprise before he nodded.

         “Oh yes, he did” he replied.

         “Did you see where he went?” Jiang Yuelou demanded.  The stall owner hummed.

         “Well, wherever he was going, he didn’t get very far before these guards grabbed him and took him away” he stated.  Jiang Yuelou’s eyes widened before he growled.

         “What?” he growled.  The stall owner nodded, causing him to let out a low growl before he dipped his head.

         “Thank you” he thanked before he turned and ran out of the kingdom, taking a deep breath before he shifted into his dragon form and shot into the air, his eyes glowing bright gold.  He would find whoever took Chen Yuzhi…and he would destroy them.

~*~*~*~*~*~

When Chen Yuzhi finally woke up, he found himself chained to a wall in a dungeon, causing him to frown.

         ‘Where am I?’ he wondered to himself.

         “Oh good…you’re awake” a voice called out, making him look up to see Zhao Moqing walking towards him, a dark look in her eyes.

         “What did you do to get the dragon to like you?” she demanded once she was standing before him.  Chen Yuzhi frowned.

         “What?  Nothing.  I’ve done nothing” he stated.  Zhao Moqing growled.

         “Liar.  You’ve done something.  You’ve must have bewitched it!” she exclaimed.  Chen Yuzhi huffed.

         “I am a god of healing, not a witch.  I didn’t do anything” he argued, only for Zhao Moqing to slap him, snapping his head to the side.

         “Shut up!” she shrieked before she wrapped her hands around his throat and began to squeeze, Chen Yuzhi’s eyes widening at the strength of her grasp.

         “I…am supposed to be the dragon’s sacrifice!  I am supposed to be the dragon’s consort!  ME!  Not you!” she screamed as she tightened her hands around Chen Yuzhi’s throat, Chen Yuzhi beginning to gasp for air.

         “You are just some doctor!  You are not a beautiful princess, like ME!  You do not deserve to be the dragon’s consort!” she shrieked.  Chen Yuzhi winced before he looked at her.

         “And…you think…you do?” he croaked.  Zhao Moqing huffed.

         “Of course I do!  I’m everything the dragon could want!” she declared when she suddenly noticed something glowing on Chen Yuzhi’s neck, causing her eyes to widen before she screamed and slammed his head against the dungeon wall, causing him to gasp as stars danced behind his eyes.

         “You’ve been marked?!  That mark should have been MINE!” she screamed.  She then tightened her hands around his neck again, squeezing even hard, causing Chen Yuzhi to gasp and struggle, just as the whole dungeon began to shake, making Zhao Moqing look up in confusion.

         “What’s going on?” she demanded.  Chen Yuzhi glanced up as well before he chuckled weakly.

         “He’s here” he declared, making Zhao Moqing glare at him.

         “Shut up” she growled, slamming his head into the dungeon wall again, watching as his eyes fluttered and he slumped, unconscious, before she released his neck and turned, heading out of the cell.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Upstairs, in the throne room of the palace, Jiang Yuelou appeared in a flash of smoke, his eyes glowing bright as he looked around.

         “Where is he?” he growled.  Just then, Zhao Moqing stepped into the throne room and walked over to him.

         “You’re the dragon, right?” she asked, making Jiang Yuelou look over at her before he snarled and suddenly appeared before her, wrapping a hand around her throat as her eyes widened in shock.

         “Where is he?” he growled.  Zhao Moqing’s eyes widened and she shook her head.

         “Where is who?” she replied.  Jiang Yuelou snarled and tightened his hand around her neck. 

         “Do not play dumb with me.  Where.  Is.  My.  Consort?” he roared.   Zhao Moqing, however, didn’t answer and instead just gasped and scrabbled at his hand, causing him to growl again before he released her throat and watched as she crumpled to the ground.

         “If you won’t tell me, I’ll just go find him myself” he declared before he walked past her and began to walk around the palace, leaving Zhao Moqing coughing and sputtering on the floor.  After she had stopped coughing, she looked up at Jiang Yuelou and huffed softly before she pushed herself to her feet and ran over to him, throwing her arms around him.

         “Why are you looking for him when you have a perfectly good bride right here?” she asked, causing Jiang Yuelou to snarl before power suddenly exploded from his body, sending her flying away with a scream.  As she hit the ground with a cry, Jiang Yuelou turned and looked back at her with glowing gold eyes.

         “Because you are not my consort.  And you never will be” he declared before he turned and continued on his way out of the throne room, leaving Zhao Moqing on the floor once again.

~*~*~*~*~*~

After he left the throne room, Jiang Yuelou continued through the palace before he growled in irritation.

         “Where could he be?” he wondered, just as a servant walked past, making him reach out and lightly grab them by the arm.

         “Where’s the dungeon?” he demanded.  The servant looked at him with wide eyes as he growled.

         “Take me there.  Now” he ordered.  The servant blinked before they nodded, quickly showing him the way to the dungeon and once they arrived, Jiang Yuelou waved them away before he ran through the dungeon, checking each cell until he finally came upon the one Chen Yuzhi was held in.  The minute he saw Chen Yuzhi, chained to the wall and unconscious, Jiang Yuelou let out a low growl before he stepped forward and grabbed the cell door, ripping it off its hinges, before he stepped inside and rushed over to Chen Yuzhi, gently cupping his face in his hands.

         “Chen Yuzhi?  Husband?  Little one?” he murmured.  Chen Yuzhi, however, didn’t respond, causing him to growl before he noticed redness around his neck, making him frown as he gently tipped Chen Yuzhi’s head up so he could see, his eyes widening at the sight of the handprints.  He then let out another growl before he stepped forward and wrapped an arm around Chen Yuzhi, pulling him forward so he was leaning against him as he reached up and yanked the chains that were holding him up out of the wall.  As soon as the chains were ripped out, Chen Yuzhi slumped against him, nearly hitting the floor had Jiang Yuelou not caught him.

         “I’ve got you.  I’ve got you, little one, I’ve got you” he whispered as he slowly lowered to the ground, Chen Yuzhi still in his arms before he carefully placed him on the ground, looking him over before he reached out and grabbed the cuffs that were around his wrist, ripping them off to reveal red and raw skin.  At the sight of the red skin, Jiang Yuelou felt his body begin to tremble with unspent rage, but he couldn’t let his rage cloud his judgment because right now, his main priority was to get Chen Yuzhi the hell out of the prison and home safely.  Once he had ripped off the cuffs, he carefully scooped Chen Yuzhi into his arms and stood to his feet, gently nuzzling his head.

         “Come.  Let’s go home” he whispered before they disappeared in a flash of smoke. 

~*~*~*~*~*~

When they arrived home, Jiang Yuelou carried Chen Yuzhi over to the bed and carefully placed him down before he took a step back, his eyes glowing gold.

         “I’ll be home soon, my love.  I have…a princess to destroy” he declared before he disappeared in a flash of smoke, leaving Chen Yuzhi to rest.

~*~*~*~*~*~

When Chen Yuzhi woke up a little while later, he found himself in his home, in his bed, causing him to frown.  Was he dead?  Was he dreaming?  How…

         “You’re awake” a gentle voice greeted, making him look over to see Jiang Yuelou sitting beside the bed, his brown eyes soft.

         “Yuelou” he whispered.  Jiang Yuelou smiled and reached out, gently cupping his cheek in his hand.

         “Hello, little one.  How do you feel?” he asked.  Chen Yuzhi winced.

         “Sore” he answered.  Jiang Yuelou nodded.

         “I know.  Don’t worry, you won’t for long” he assured before he leaned forward and pressed a gentle kiss to Chen Yuzhi’s forehead, Chen Yuzhi letting out a soft sigh as what felt like a balm washed over his body, soothing him of every ache and pain.  Jiang Yuelou then pulled away and tilted his head.

         “How do you feel now?  Better?” he asked.  Chen Yuzhi nodded.

         “Mm” he replied before he yawned, causing Jiang Yuelou to smile softly.

         “You’re tired.  You should rest” he suggested.  He then stood up and made to leave when Chen Yuzhi reached out and grabbed his wrist.

         “Where are you going?” he asked weakly.  Jiang Yuelou looked back at him and smiled.

         “To let you rest” he answered.  Chen Yuzhi shook his head.

         “Don’t go.  Stay.  Please” he whispered.  Jiang Yuelou’s eyes widened before he smiled softly and turned, quickly crawling under the covers before he pulled Chen Yuzhi close.

         “Alright.  Alright, I won’t leave” he agreed.  Chen Yuzhi hummed and snuggled against him, causing Jiang Yuelou to smile as he rested his chin on his head.  He liked having his husband in his arms.

~*~*~*~*~*~

The next morning, as Jiang Yuelou and Chen Yuzhi laid in bed, Chen Yuzhi looked at Jiang Yuelou.

         “Jiang Yuelou” he started.

         “Hmm?” Jiang Yuelou replied. 

         “That princess…said I was marked.  What did she mean by that?” Chen Yuzhi asked.  Jiang Yuelou smiled softly.

         “Ah” he murmured as he reached up and gently stroked the side of Chen Yuzhi’s neck.

         “The mark of a dragon.  Dragons only mark their intended mates” he explained.  Chen Yuzhi’s eyes widened.

         “So—” he started when Jiang Yuelou nodded.

         “So not only are you my consort, you are my intended mate” he declared.  Chen Yuzhi blinked in shock.

         “I am?” he whispered.  Jiang Yuelou nodded again.

         “Mm” he confirmed.  Chen Yuzhi then tilted his head.

         “Did you know?” he asked.  Jiang Yuelou shook his head.

         “Not at first.  I had an inkling when we first met in the forest, but I knew when I started to talk to you as we were leaving the palace.  Then I knew that you were the one for me” he explained.  Chen Yuzhi nodded slowly as Jiang Yuelou tilted his head.

         “Why the question?” he asked.  Chen Yuzhi looked at him before he shook his head.

         “Oh, it’s just that the princess seemed very angry about it…” he started before he looked at him.

         “Speaking of the princess…did you do something to her?” he asked.  Jiang Yuelou didn’t answer, causing him to sigh.

         “I’ll take that as a yes” he murmured.  Jiang Yuelou growled softly.

         “I swore to you that no one would ever hurt you.  And she hurt you.  I could not let her get away with this slight” he growled.  Chen Yuzhi hummed before he looked at him.

         “Tell me you didn’t harm any innocents at least” he pleaded.  Jiang Yuelou shook his head.

         “All innocent lives were spared.  She was the only one I did not” he declared.  Chen Yuzhi hummed.

         “Alright then” he murmured, causing Jiang Yuelou to raise an eyebrow in surprise.

         “You’re not mad that I got rid of her?” he asked.  Chen Yuzhi looked at him and raised an eyebrow.

         “Would you have listened to me if I told you to spare her?” he replied.  Jiang Yuelou made a face, causing Chen Yuzhi to smile slightly.

         “That’s what I thought.  Besides, I know I shouldn’t get in the way or stop a dragon who’s been slighted” he stated, causing Jiang Yuelou to laugh softly and pull him close.

         “You know us well, my dear” he purred.  Chen Yuzhi chuffed.

         “No, I know you well” he corrected.  Jiang Yuelou hummed.

         “That you do” he agreed.  They then laid there a little while longer before Chen Yuzhi sat up.

         “I need to get up and get ready for work” he declared.  However, before he could get up, Jiang Yuelou wrapped an arm around his waist and pulled him back down, holding him close.

         “No” he mumbled.  Chen Yuzhi huffed.

         “Yuelou!  I need to go to work!” he exclaimed. 

         “You can rest for one day.  They will understand” Jiang Yuelou murmured.

         “But—” Chen Yuzhi started.

         “Rest” Jiang Yuelou ordered.  Chen Yuzhi was quiet before he sighed and snuggled against him.

         “Fine.  You win” he grumbled.  Jiang Yuelou chuckled and pressed a kiss to his hair.

         “I always do, my darling” he purred.

~*~*~*~*~*~

The next day, after resting, Chen Yuzhi went back to work, Jiang Yuelou of course following after him.  And because he always followed after Chen Yuzhi, the kingdom slowly got used to his presence and always acknowledged him as “Dr. Chen’s husband”, not realizing that he was actually the dragon that protected their land.  But that was okay.  As long as he and Chen Yuzhi lived, they would protect, heal, and care for their kingdom.  And so, the kingdom would always be at peace.