The Princess and the Dragon
Once there lived a wealthy, widowed king who had one daughter named Ellia, known for her great beauty and never short of admirers. The king recognised this and decided that to find her a suitable husband, he would have her locked up in a tower within a castle guarded by a fiery dragon. He declared that whichever brave and eligible young man succeeded in rescuing her should have her for his wife.
Princess Ellia, however, was not at all happy with this, for she was a free spirit, and she resented being treated as if she were merely a prize to be won. If she wished to marry someone, she wished that it should be of her own choosing, not her father’s, and she certainly did not wish to put them to a test of rescuing her. No, she wished to connect with them emotionally; she would see if they were kind, compassionate, wise, and loyal, and then decide if she would marry them. She protested as such to her father, but her pleas only fell on deaf ears, for her father stubbornly refused to listen to her, insisting that it was his duty as her father to find her a suitable husband, and that it was her duty as a princess to marry a suitable husband who would make a promising heir to the throne.
So, the plan was arranged. The poor princess was forced to grin and bear it. But it was hard to smile when she felt nothing but despair and oppression. Having already lived the life of a caged bird due to her father’s control, now she was confined to this castle, for whoever knew how long. Even if and when her supposed knight in shining armour were to come and rescue her, she would likely still have little more freedom than she had now the way she saw it, for she would be forced to marry someone she didn’t even know, and might not even like, let alone love.
Now it was one day when Ellia was lamenting at her plight, when the dragon who was guarding the castle heard the princess’s laments coming from the tower window and could not help but feel curious and went to see just what the matter was. Knocking on the princess’s door, we entered and asked the princess why she wept so.
“Oh dragon, if you must know, I weep because my father has locked me here against my will,” she said. “I do not wish to marry whichever knight rescues me from this tower. Yet I have no choice.”
“But why so? Who do you wish to marry instead?”
“If you must know, I wish to marry not someone of my father’s choosing, but rather someone of my own choosing, who I find to be kind, compassionate, wise, and loyal. Someone who I bond with and respects me and whatever my heart may desire. Ah, but what is the use of lamenting such a thing, for it is clear that I shall never have such a thing and therefore must learn to resign myself to such a miserable, oppressive fate.”
“I am sorry to hear that”, said the dragon. “Perhaps it will not be so bad as you think.”
But Ellia only appeared resentful, replying:
“And what would you know? For you are just a dragon, you exist only to scare and kill people, surely you cannot feel or know anything of such matters?”
“Ah, but that is where you, like many people, are wrong, for there is more to me than meets the eye. People see me as just a fiery, fire breathing dragon, whose only purpose is to serve as an obstacle to brave knights who come to rescue damsels in distress as yourself, and eventually to be slain. The truth is, I do not really relish in slaughtering so many young, brave knights, but as my duty, I have no choice, especially if I wish to survive myself. Fortunately for me, I have not been defeated yet, but once your knight in shining armour does rescue you, whether you wish for it or not, you will at least see no more of me.”
It was then that Ellia couldn’t help but notice the forlorn expression in the dragon’s eyes, prompting her to feel a sudden pang of regret and sympathy for the dragon. She did not quite know the story behind that forlorn expression, for he was indeed quite a mystery to her, and also realised that he was indeed the only company she would have in this miserable place. Just as the dragon went to leave, she called out to him:
“Wait, don’t go. Perhaps-well perhaps we could talk for some time? For I do get rather lonely in here, and perhaps it would help pass the time and make things a bit easier for me to have someone to talk to?”
The dragon turned around, surprised, but rather pleasantly so if he was honest, for indeed he was not used to people expressing any sort of desire to be in his society, for usually they saw him as nothing but something that must be slain. Smiling for the first time, the dragon accepted her offer and stayed.
As the days turned into weeks, Ellia and the dragon found themselves speaking longer each evening.
What had once begun as simple conversation to ease her loneliness slowly became something she began to look forward to with quiet anticipation.
One evening, the sky outside the tower window glowed with the soft colours of dusk—lavender clouds drifting across fading gold. A cool breeze slipped through the narrow window, carrying with it the faint scent of pine and damp earth.
Ellia leaned against the stone wall, gazing outward.
“It must be beautiful out there tonight,” she said softly.
The dragon followed her gaze.
“It is,” he replied. “The forests are touched with twilight. The rivers shimmer like silver ribbons.”
Ellia smiled faintly.
“I wish I could see it.”
There was a pause.
Then, unexpectedly, the dragon stepped closer to the window.
“Would you like me to describe it?” he asked gently.
She turned toward him, surprised.
“You would do that?”
“Of course,” he said. “You should not be denied the beauty of the world, even if you cannot yet walk within it.”
Ellia felt something stir quietly within her chest.
Something warm.
Something unfamiliar.
She settled beside him, listening as he spoke.
“The trees sway gently in the evening wind,” he continued. “And the birds have begun their final songs before nightfall. The sky glows like fading embers... and the stars are beginning to appear.”
His voice was calm and steady—soft in a way she had never expected from a creature so fierce in appearance.
Ellia closed her eyes.
As he spoke, she imagined it all—the rustling leaves, the glowing sky, the hush of evening settling over the land.
For the first time since her imprisonment, she did not feel trapped.
She felt free.
And strangely... safe.
She opened her eyes and turned to look at him.
The fading light cast a warm glow across his scales, softening the sharp lines of his fearsome form.
She studied him quietly.
Not as a monster.
Not as a guard.
But as something else entirely.
A companion.
A friend.
Perhaps... something more.
“You are very kind,” she said at last.
The dragon blinked, visibly surprised.
“Kind?” he repeated.
“Yes,” she said gently. “Kinder than anyone I have known in a very long time.”
For a moment, he said nothing.
Then he lowered his head slightly, as though uncertain how to respond.
“No one has ever called me kind before,” he admitted softly.
Ellia felt her heart tighten at those words.
She hesitated, then slowly reached forward.
Her hand trembled slightly.
But she did not pull it back.
Carefully—almost cautiously—she placed her hand against his scales.
They were warm beneath her touch.
Not rough and terrifying as she had once imagined—but solid, steady, alive.
The dragon froze.
Not in anger.
In surprise.
The princess held her breath.
Yet he did not pull away.
Instead, he remained still, allowing her hand to rest there.
A quiet stillness filled the tower.
Neither spoke.
Neither moved.
And in that silent moment, something changed between them.
Not loudly.
Not dramatically.
But deeply.
Ellia felt her heartbeat quicken—not from fear, but from something gentler... something warmer.
Something she did not yet dare to name.
And though neither of them spoke the words aloud, both felt it:
The first fragile spark of love had begun.
She also found herself to laugh—truly laugh—for the first time since her imprisonment.
“It sounds like a most beautiful world out there.” sighed Ellia, gazing out of the window in longing.
“Well why don’t you come and see it for yourself? It seems I have described it in as much detail as I possibly can, but if we were to explore the world together, you shall be able to see the wonders for yourself?”
Ellia smiled, and said to the dragon, “That would be most wonderful, and I should thank you ever so kindly.”
So the princess rode on the dragon and off they went exploring. As Ellia rode on the dragon, she beheld all sorts of magnificent sights that she had never got to see before due to the sheltered life she had been forced to live at the palace. Together they explored natural wonders of the world, marveling upon the spectacular waterfalls, beautiful bays with emerald waters and limestone islets, sapphire seas, mermaid coves and lagoons that sparkled a magnificent turquoise colour, glaciers that sparkled like a million diamonds, majestic hills and mountains that boasted a verdant verdure, and dramatic cliffs surrounded by magnificent greenery. Ellia could not quite believe all the wondrous sights she beheld, for it was as if had entered an entirely new world altogether. She sighed, mesmerized by all the beauty but also disappointed when she remembered that all this joy would soon have to end, for she would have to eventually return to reality and marry whichever chivalrous knight in shining armour should rescue her.
As they flew across the open sky, Ellia
gazed down at the rolling valleys below, watching the rivers wind like silver threads through the land. The wind brushed gently against her face, carrying with it the crisp scent of distant forests and cool mountain air.
She should have felt nothing but joy.
After all, this was everything she had ever dreamed of—freedom, adventure, the endless beauty of the world stretching out before her.
And yet...
A strange heaviness settled in her chest.
Her smile faded.
Her thoughts drifted back to the castle.
Back to her fate.
Back to the inevitable moment when some brave knight would arrive to rescue her.
At first, the thought only saddened her.
But then—
A far more terrible thought took hold.
Her breath caught sharply.
For someone to rescue her...
The dragon would have to be defeated. Slain. The word struck her like a blade.
Her hands tightened instinctively against the dragon’s back. She stared ahead, but the beauty of the world blurred before her eyes. A cold dread spread through her chest. She tried to steady her breathing. She tried to push the thought away. But it would not leave.
Instead, it grew stronger—louder—more impossible to ignore. If the knight came...He would fight the dragon. If he fought the dragon...The dragon might die. Her dragon.The thought pierced deeper than she expected. Much deeper.So deep that it frightened her. Why did the idea hurt so much? Why did the mere thought of losing him feel unbearable? Her throat tightened. Her eyes burned. And suddenly—She understood.Not slowly. Not gently. But all at once. Like lightning splitting the sky.
She loved him.
The truth struck her with such force that she gasped aloud.
Loved him.
Not as a companion.
Not merely as a friend.
But truly.
Deeply.
Irrevocably.
She loved him.
Her heart pounded wildly in her chest.
How had she not seen it before?
How had she mistaken this feeling for mere fondness?
Every laugh they had shared...
Every quiet conversation...
Every moment she had waited eagerly for his return...
All of it had been leading to this truth.
Tears welled suddenly in her eyes, blurring her vision.
She lowered her head slightly, pressing her cheek against the warm surface of his scales.
The steady rhythm of his breathing comforted her—but now it also terrified her.
Because it meant something precious could be lost.
Something irreplaceable.
Something she now knew she could not live without.
Her voice trembled as she finally spoke.
“Oh... my dear dragon...”
He turned his head slightly, sensing the shift in her tone.
“Yes, Princess?” he asked gently.
She swallowed hard, struggling to steady her voice.
“I have been thinking...” she said softly.
Her hands trembled as she tightened her hold around him.
“I fear that when my knight in shining armour does come to rescue me... you will lose your life.”
The words left her lips slowly, painfully.
“And I...” she faltered. Her voice broke. “I cannot bear the thought of losing you.”
She closed her eyes tightly, tears slipping free at last.
“No... it shall not happen,” she whispered desperately.“You must fly away—far away—so that you will be safe.”
Though she had not yet spoken the words aloud—
Though she did not yet dare to say them—
Her heart already knew the truth.
She loved him.
And the thought of losing him had revealed it.
The dragon smiled, his feelings growing stronger upon seeing the thoughtfulness and compassion of the princess, something he had not been accustomed to.
“Ah my dear princess, you are most thoughtful, and that is one of the many things I admire about you. I suppose I should do that if I wish to keep my life, but what about you? For even though I shall be free, you shall not be, for you shall still be resigned to the fate of marrying a stranger, being simply a prize they have won.”
Sighing, Ellia replied, “I know, but at least I shall still be alive.” Besides, I might get used to it and it might not be so bad after all.”
The dragon smiled at her. He admired her resilience, but was also greatly concerned for her, for he did not think it was right that she should have to resign herself to a life that was not of her choosing. She seemed like such a wise and independent spirit, and upon seeing how much she reveled in her freedom, he hated to see her return to her oppressive life. But what else could be done? If the truth was told, the dragon secretly wished that she could come with him. In his heart, he longed for them to be together.
But on the outside, he stayed silent, for he knew that a beautiful princess would not wish to marry a beastly dragon like him. As much as it pained him, he knew there was little he could do. The dragon responded with a sigh and a nod, and together they flew back to the castle.
It was just as they got back to the castle that they noticed an army of people, who all seemed very angry and worst of all armed, for the young men who had come to rescue the princess had noticed her absence and reported it back to the kingdom. Naturally, the word had spread round the kingdom of the missing princess, and how the dragon had also just happened to disappear with her. They could only assume that the dragon had made off with the princess and slaughtered her, so here they all were after the dragon.
When they spotted the dragon carrying the princess, panic spread through the crowd.
No one stopped to think. They assumed the worst, and arrows flew.
Ellia jumped off the dragon’s back and called out to them:
“No—wait!” She shouted. “Please don’t hurt him. He is my friend!”
But of course, her pleas fell on deaf ears, for the riot of the army was too loud and full of fury to listen to any pleas that princess may have, and so Ellia jumped off the dragon and stood in front of him, defending him from all the sharp blows that were dealt his way. But noticing the princess standing in the way, the men demanded she move out the way, so she didn’t get hurt, and although she continued to plea with them not to hurt the dragon. But they only continued to ignore her, either simply not listening or thinking she had fallen victim to Stockholm Syndrome, and pushed her out the way, their masculine strength overpowering her.
The dragon tried to defend himself with his fiery breath, but it was little to no use, for it seemed that not only was he overpowered by a whole army of men, but he also found himself growing weaker, for it seemed that love had made him that way, and the pain of losing that love. Suddenly, amidst the chaos, a sword pierced him. The dragon screamed in agony. Then he collapsed to the ground.
Grief overwhelmed her.
She ran to the dragon’s fallen body.
He was weakening by the second, and she dropped to her knees beside him.
Then she wept.
Ellia’s tears fell freely, warm, and trembling as they touched the dragon’s wounded scales. Each tear slid into the cracks between them, glistening faintly in the fading light.
She pressed her trembling hands against his body. His scales, once warm with life, now felt cold beneath her touch.
“No... please...” she whispered hoarsely. “Do not leave me.”
Her tears fell faster now, soaking into his scales—until suddenly, something strange began to happen.
A faint shimmer appeared where her tears had landed.
At first, it was no more than a soft glimmer, like moonlight dancing upon water. But then it grew brighter.
A soft humming filled the air.
Low. Gentle. Almost musical.
Ellia froze.
The humming deepened into a resonant vibration that seemed to rise from the dragon’s very body. The air around them began to stir, swirling as though caught in an invisible wind.
Then—
A burst of golden light.
A cloud of sparkling dust materialized around the dragon, rising upward in twisting spirals. The particles shimmered like crushed diamonds, casting flickering reflections across the ground.
The princess gasped and shielded her eyes.
The light was dazzling—warm and radiant—and yet strangely comforting, like standing in the glow of the rising sun.
The dragon’s body began to glow.
His scales shimmered, then softened. Their rough, hardened texture seemed to ripple, as though melting into liquid light.
The crowd of men stood there gawping in shocked silence, as swords slipped from trembling hands. No one dared speak.
Ellia watched, breath caught in her throat.
The dragon’s great form began to shift.
Shrink.
Change.
The sound of crackling scales filled the air, followed by the soft whisper of something reshaping itself—bones realigning, wings folding inward; claws fading into slender fingers.
The glowing dust swirled faster and faster, until it formed a blinding sphere of golden light around him.
The princess squeezed her eyes shut.
Then—
Silence.
The humming stopped.
The wind stilled.
The dust slowly drifted downward like falling snow.
Ellia lowered her hands.
And opened her eyes.
Before her, there was no dragon.
Where the wounded creature had lain only moments before, now stood a young man.
The princess stared.
Her breath caught sharply in her chest.
For a long moment, she could not move. Could not speak. Could scarcely think.
Her mind struggled to understand what her eyes were seeing.
The young man stood tall yet weary, his clothing fine and noble, though dusted faintly with the last traces of magic. He swayed slightly, as though the magic had drained the last of his strength. His dark hair fell loosely across his brow, and his eyes—those eyes—
She recognised them.
They were the same eyes that had watched her with quiet kindness from behind fierce dragon scales.
Her heart began to pound.
Slowly—very slowly—she rose to her feet.
Her hands trembled at her sides.
“It... it cannot be...” she whispered.
Her voice shook.
She took a hesitant step forward.
Then another.
Her gaze never left his face.
“Dragon...?”
The young man smiled gently.
Though his form had changed, his expression remained the same—kind, warm, familiar.
“Oh, my dear princess,” he said softly.
His voice—though now human—carried the same gentle tone she had come to cherish.
Ellia gasped softly.
“It is you...” she whispered.
Tears welled once more in her eyes, though now they trembled with wonder rather than grief.
For a moment, she simply stood there, staring at him, as though afraid that moving might cause the vision to vanish.
Then suddenly—
She rushed forward.
Without hesitation, she threw her arms around him.
He staggered slightly from the force of her embrace but quickly wrapped his arms around her in return.
She clung to him tightly, as though she was afraid to let go.
“You are alive,” she sobbed.“You are alive...”
Her voice broke with emotion.
“I thought I had lost you.”
He held her gently, one hand resting against her back, the other brushing softly against her hair.
“And I thought I had lost you too,” he murmured.
They remained like that for several long moments—holding one another, neither wishing to let go.
Ellia finally drew back slightly, though her hands still gripped his sleeves.
She looked up into his face, searching it, studying every detail as though committing it to memory.
“You... were the dragon,” she whispered.
He nodded.
“Yes,” he said softly.
“And you... loved me.”
Her voice trembled as she spoke the words.
He smiled warmly.
“And you loved me.”
A faint blush coloured her cheeks.
For a moment, neither spoke.
They simply gazed at one another.
And then—
Slowly—gently—
He reached for her hand.
She did not pull away.
The young man began to speak, as he said to her:
“I feel I owe you an explanation, my dear. You are doubtless surprised, and I do not blame you. Why, for although you knew me as a dragon, I am a prince, or rather king as I am rightfully so now, by the name of Jasper. I was simply cursed to be a dragon by a wicked wizard who killed my father and turned me into a dragon that would guard the castle, robbing me off my throne and kingdom. While he is long dead, this did not lift the curse, for the only thing that could lift the curse was to find somebody who would love me for who I was on the inside, which was not in the least a concern to the wizard for he thought it was nigh impossible that somebody would fall in love with a beastly, fearsome dragon as myself. But fortunately, he was proved wrong, and so was I, for while I fell in love with you during the time we got to know each other, I doubted that you loved me in such a way as well. But now it appears you do, and thus the curse has been lifted, and I hope I am correct in assuming that you will also finally get the freedom you have longed for. Why, I wish for nothing more than to marry you, but only if you wish for the same, that is to marry me too?”
Princess Ellia kissed the prince and said, “Yes, I most certainly do.”
Princess Ellia and Prince Jasper—once known simply as the Dragon—embraced one another with great joy, and before long they were lovingly wed. Ellia was happier than she had ever been, for she had not only married someone she truly loved but had also gained the freedom and autonomy she had long desired.
Together, they ruled the kingdom with compassion, empathy, and wisdom, always guided by the deep bond they had formed during their most trying days. Though they admired one another’s outward beauty, it was the beauty within—the kindness, loyalty, and love they shared—that they treasured most of all.
Ellia soon became known throughout the kingdom as a wise and strong-minded queen, no longer the oppressed princess she had once been. In time, they were blessed with children whom they loved and nurtured with the same tenderness that had brought them together.
And so, with hearts united and spirits free, they lived in love and harmony for all their days. 
