Prince Richard extended a hand cautiously, his eyes fixed on the dragon. He had heard tales of the ancient bond between dragons and their chosen human companions, a bond that transcended mere friendship. Intrigued, he reached out, his fingers grazing the dragon's scales.
To his surprise, the dragon responded with a deep, rumbling groan, a sound that conveyed both contentment and recognition of Prince Richard's touch. The dragon regarded him with intelligent eyes, its gaze seeming to penetrate his very soul.
Adela watched the exchange, her eyes filled with a mixture of wonder and amusement. She had witnessed the bond between herself and the dragon grow steadily since their first encounter. It was a bond forged through trust and understanding, one that transcended the boundaries of human and beast.