100 Theme Challenge #65

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65. Princess

A princess is deemed to be rescued by a prince one day or another, isn't she? She's not supposed to kill the dragon by herself, to spit in the face of her enemies and kick them in the shin and escape on her own from her kidnappers, right? I'd say this is a load of bullshit, a princess also has the ability to hold a sword and kick people's ass as much as she wants, and she shouldn't wait for anyone to deliver her from the great evil being. That's what I think anyway, because… well.

First things first, I never was the most traditional princess. I didn't even like to wear dresses, but I had to for my mother's heart sake. She was really fragile, and she kept saying I would be the death of her if I didn't follow the royal protocols. I didn't like to play dolls when I was young, and after my father found me brawling with the boys of my age, he decided it's be best to focus my energy on something I'd like - sword fighting. And so I began really young to hold a sword. I liked its weight in my hand, how I felt invincible as soon as I unsheathe it.

When I was 16, men began to court me in hopes to become King one day. None of their sweet words conquered my heart, and I told them I'd marry the one who would be able to defeat me in a fight. Of course, none of them ever won over me, and the talk of my ruthlessness spread around, until none came. My parents were old, I was an only child who was destined for the thrones, and I began to think that had been a really bad idea. I could be Queen on my own, but was this really what I wanted? Maybe if I did something heroic I'd be back in the center of attention. People would sing my praises once again, and men would throw themselves at my feet. It took a few weeks before news came that a dragon had a lair near a village and lurked around it to capture a bunch of men. How ironic. Dragons weren't even supposed to be real, but what the heck, a princess warrior wasn't either, so I didn't have anything to lose.

My mother almost had a heart attack, and my father had a crinkle on the forehead I knew he did when he was worried, but they understood why I was doing this. I got on my beautiful horse and began my journey to the mountains. As I approached to my destination, skeletons were more and more scattered along the road. It wasn't that hard to find the entrance. As I left my horse safely attached, I patted him on the neck, but I didn't know who I was trying to comfort most. Maybe this hadn't been that good of an idea. I straightened my shoulders and walked in. My hand was so tightly curved around the helm of my sword I'd soon have a cramp, and my heart was beating so fast I thought it'd escape my ribcage.  It was cold and smelled bad, but I forced my feet to continue walking.

I suddenly heard a roar, so loud the walls shook, and I idly thought that if a dog barked, it wouldn't bite. Honestly though, when I saw the dragon, I couldn't help but admire it. It was beautiful. Its scales had different shades of red, darkening until they were smoke-like at its tail. I was so sorry to have to kill such a magnificent beast.

It was just as I thought, all bark but no teeth. It was able to kidnap so many people because they didn't defend themselves, because once I escaped his strong breath of fire, I was able to stick my sword in a nick between two scales in its neck. It thrashed around with a glorious scream, and it finally fell down before me, dead. I seriously was considering taking some its scales for a new armor, chest still panting, when I heard someone clear his throat close by. There was a lone man, attached to a chain.

"Oh, I thought you were all dead," I said as I approached. "Just tell me, how was it able to wrap that thing around your neck?"

"Just don't ask," he grumbled. He looked frustrated enough to be in that position, so I didn't probe more. "Are you here to free me?"

"No, I came to kill the dragon, but I guess I can help you out of this as well..." I agreed and used my sword to break the chains. It was still hanging from his neck, but at least he was free from the rock wall.

"Thank you. You know..." he looked at me from under his lashes, and I gulped. "Your fight was really impressive."

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