Promised to a Dragon

Nineteen years ago, a powerful witch aided a king in battle, and in return, she asked that his newly born daughter be promised in marriage to a dragon when she came of age. As the young princess Rhiannon grew up, however, her parents regretted that promise, so they decided to wed her to a great dragon slayer instead: the head of their guard, Sir Brodrick. They hoped that Sir Brodrick would do away with the dragon and protect Rhiannon from a terrible fate. But Sir Brodrick is cruel, possessive, and overbearing, so on the night of her 19th birthday, Rhiannon decides she'd rather try her luck with the dragon than be married off to a man she hates and fears. During her escape from the capital city, she meets a kindly wandering bard, Taliesin, who helps her hide from her pursuers and offers to protect her on her way to the dragon's lair. This bard is more than a simple musician, however–it turns out he is none other than her dragon fiancé in human form! As the two become closer over their journey, Taliesin introduces Rhiannon to a world of magic and wonder, and their feelings grow as they learn more about each other. But misunderstandings and self-doubt plague their relationship, and the vengeful Sir Brodrick is on their tail, prepared to slay the dragon and take back his fiancée... A runner-up in the first-ever J-Novel Club Original LN Contest!