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The guards pause and exchange a glance with the king.

A humorous laugh escapes him. “Fine.” His gaze travels over my enormous frame. “Arrest the doctor’s giant accomplice too.”

Micah shakes his head. “Please! There is nothing to fear.”

His voice is calm, even as the king’s guards stand ready to arrest us.

“The king has spent years spreading propaganda about dragons to further his own agenda.”

The crowd falls silent.

“But none of it is true.” He glances down at Maple. “The dragons are not monsters. They are not mindless beasts.” His fingers gently stroke the scales between Maple’s horns. “They’re intelligent, social creatures. They understand boundaries. They form families.”

The king scoffs. “Do not listen to him! That creature is dangerous!”

Micah ignores him. Instead, he slowly lowers Maple to the ground.

She lands on her tiny feet. For a heartbeat, she simply stands there. Then she spots something in the crowd.

A little girl.

The child stares at Maple with wide eyes, clutching her mother’s skirt.

Maple tilts her head and takes a cautious step forward.

The girl’s mother pulls her closer.

“It’s all right,” Micah says softly. “She won’t hurt you.”

Maple takes another step.

The girl slowly releases her mother’s skirt and crouches down. Maple approaches her and sniffs her outstretched hand.

The crowd holds its breath.

Maple’s long, forked tongue slips out. She gives the child’s palm a gentle lick.

The girl bursts into laughter.

Maple’s tail begins wagging. The child reaches beneath her chin and scratches softly. Maple immediately closes her eyes, leaning into the affection. A soft, contented purr rumbles from her chest.

Whispers scatter throughout the crowd as they watch, stunned by the display of such gentleness.

My eyes turn toward the king. For the first time, he looks uncertain. His jaw is set tight, his brow furrowed as he stares at Maple.

Micah rises to his feet and sweeps his gaze across the crowd.

“This is what the king wants you to fear.” He gestures toward Maple. “Dragons are innocent creatures who have done nothing but show us kindness.”

The king rolls his eyes. “This is ridiculous!” He turns toward the guards. “Arrest them!”

The guards hesitate. They glance at one another, then at Maple, who is still happily accepting scratches beneath her chin.

“I said arrest him!” the king snaps.

Still, neither guard moves.

The king’s face reddens. “This is all a fib! A performance designed to deceive you. Dragons are dangerous creatures, and this one is no different.”