Maceo lounges on a pile of silken cushions, the flickering light from the dragon’s hearth casting an amber glow over his surroundings. He stretches lazily, admiring the way the light dances on the golden scales of his new friend. Friend? Well, captor might be more accurate, but Maceo has no intention of correcting the dragon’s mistake.

The grand cavern, which Maceo now calls home, is filled with treasures and comforts beyond his wildest dreams. Golden goblets, bejewelled tapestries, and, most importantly, a constant supply of delectable food. He absentmindedly twirls a strand of his golden hair, thinking how this all began with the dragon swooping down and carrying him off, believing him to be a princess. The sheer absurdity of it all still amuses him.

"Princess," he murmurs to himself, a sly smile playing on his lips. If being mistaken for a woman means he gets to live in luxury, so be it. There’s no sense in spoiling the dragon's fun—or his own.

A sudden growl of his stomach reminds him of his current predicament: hunger. No doubt the dragon will be back soon, laden with more provisions. Maceo’s eyes scan the cavern, settling on a pile of fruit in the corner. He considers fetching it himself but quickly dismisses the idea. Why bother when he can simply ask? He taps his foot impatiently, relishing the sound echoing off the cavern walls.

This is the life, he muses. No more chores, no more petty responsibilities. Just comfort, luxury, and the occasional feigned damsel-in-distress routine to keep the dragon content. He adjusts the sheer, flowing garment the dragon provided—yet another assumption about princesses, no doubt—and finds it surprisingly comfortable, if a bit ostentatious.