Found: YA Girl and Dragon, Journey to Protect Him

I think this book takes place in Ancient Asia, and the girl's name is one syllable, maybe Ling? The dragon can transform into an old man, and I think she refers to him as Long Danzi at one point, but that might not be his real name. This book does have at least two sequels, and in one of them they meet a royal boy. The boy is about to become emperor, and he has to go to some temple, have sacrifices made by a priest, and then kill the priest so that there aren't any witnesses. The girl and the dragon are traveling somewhere to protect him from the previous emperor, who wants to kill the dragon. I think the author has a W in her(?) name. Any help is appreciated!

Dragon Keeper.

Wow, that was quick! That's the one, thanks so much!

That sounds similar to a book I am looking for. Is there a scene where the dragon egg is weakened and almost killed by multi-colored cloth being wrapped around it?