I'm Afraid You've Got Dragons BY Peter S. Beagle

From the beloved author of The Last Unicorn comes a whimsical yet powerful tale set in the backwater kingdom of Bellemontagne, where dragons of all sizes—from tiny pests to colossal beasts—roam freely. The protagonist, Gaius Aurelius Constantine Heliogabalus Thrax, better known as Robert, reluctantly inherits his father's role as a dragon catcher and exterminator. This job, which involves capturing and sometimes killing dragons, is the last thing Robert wants to do. Not only does he have a soft spot for these mythical creatures, feeling a unique kinship with them, but he also harbors a dream far removed from his grim reality: becoming a valet to a prince, a role he sees as a gateway to a more refined and genteel life.

However, Robert's aspirations seem impossibly distant, especially as he is continually thrust into the dangerous and unglamorous task of dealing with dragons. As he struggles with his duties, Robert is surrounded by a colorful cast of characters, each similarly trapped in their predestined roles. There's a princess yearning for adventure beyond her royal confines, a knight with a hidden fear of dragons, and a scholar obsessed with unlocking the mysteries of these ancient creatures.

As their paths intertwine, this unlikely group begins to challenge the roles society has assigned them, seeking to forge their own destinies. In a story filled with charm, humor, and a touch of magic, they must confront their fears and embrace their true selves, discovering that sometimes, the key to changing one's fate lies in banding together and daring to dream.