The Monstrous Dragon

The dead forest was consumed by a thick blanket of ash. Princess Josephine shook at its stillness. Only the clopping horse and the squeaky tottering of the tumbleweed wagon could be heard in the dusk. The air, which smelled of dew and smoke, nearly suffocated her.

“Are you certain you must go alone?” Conrad, the knight captain, asked.

Josephine thought for a moment. “I-I must. This is the best way.” She pursed her lips.

“It’s quite wrong to leave a princess to her death.”

Her face contorted as she hissed. “Watch your tongue! I shall not die. Might I remind you that I too was trained as a dragon slayer? I shall slash that dragon’s throat the first chance I get!”

“My apologies. I simply worry the dragon might scar Your Highness.”

“I know of your concerns, and I am forever grateful for your loyalty, but the dragon will kill us both if you’re found; Therefore…”

“I’ll always desire you, Princess, even when you’re damaged. So long your face isn’t ruined.” The sudden silence was filled in by the rumbling of thunder.

“Right,” she tittered. “Let’s…stick to the plan. Once the dragon captures me, he will desire to… play with me for some time before he ki- before he finishes me. So I shall kill him in his sleep. But perhaps, if I cannot kill him…” She clenched her crystal earrings. “I do hope you reach me in a timely manner.”

“Yes Princess. I shall do as you command. As long as you have the crystal, I shall come to your rescue.”

After rubbing her earrings, disappointed that it didn’t bring the comfort she was seeking, Josephine spoke again. “I'm aware that even with my training, I am nowhere near that of an actual dragon slayer, so I can only scheme and take the cowardly way.”

“You are not a coward, Princess. You are very brave to even desire to confront such a beast. It is commonly said amongst dragon slayers that ‘everyone will freeze when they see a royal dragon for the first time.’ That is why I shant blame you too much if you request me to turn the carriage around.”

“No, I refuse to even entertain such a thought. I must go forward. I must do this for my people and for every other princess. Once I kill that royal dragon, we’ll attack the others. Their kind must be extinguished!”

Her resolve thrilled him. “Your Highness, I pray for your victory.”

The cave’s mouth was even more uninviting than the forest. The floor slushed at the horse’s steps and water dripped from spikes protruding through the ceiling. The princess trembled, partially from the chill, partially from the bones.

The carriage stopped. Conrad removed the harness before going down the side of the wagon. “We’ve arrived, Princess. This is as far as I can go.” He handed her the keys. “Stay alive and well, I beg.”

She held them tightly. “Do not worry about me. I shall make it out unharmed,” she said as she shielded her body from Conrad’s smile. After he rode back, she sat in the corner of the cage and wrapped herself in a blanket, waiting patiently for her captor.

. . . 

Josephine had trained for the moment when she would have the dragon’s blood on her hands. So lying in wait was nothing. Lying in wait on the tough wagon floor in an ice cave, however, was another thing. Her flesh was scraping away, soon to become one of the many bones not too far from her. She had sat there for at least two hours, and yet not a sound could be heard but howling wind and some fluttering bats. She arose. Maybe I should explore for a bit, she thought.

She lit her lamp and, with much hesitation, exited the cell and ventured deeper into the black cave. When she was far from her base, there came an earthquake followed by draconic roars: her cue to head back. The earthquakes got stronger. And then came the screeching. It blended her insides and bleed out her ears. The cave brightened briefly, leaving behind a thick fog, forcing her into a fit of coughs. An angry breath pushed her into a rock mound. She screamed as one cut into her sides.

Suddenly, a green mountain appeared. It hovered above her by its long bony fingers covered in flesh. They swished around, blowing hurricanes with each movement. A mossy tree, of at least a thousand years, twisted atop the mountain. Two yellow orbs, that could only be described as demons, glowed brightly in the darkness. The dragon's head was more teeth than flesh and it was crowned with two mighty spears. It sniffed the air, turning its head as if it were looking for something, as if it were looking for her.

What was I thinking? What made me believe I could even scratch it? Now that he blew her away in dissatisfaction, she could only attempt to hide her pathetic self for fear she might be eaten. She crawled further between the stones. 

Josephine bounced as the creature landed. She couldn’t help but notice its talons were half her size. Most dragons that lived around humans were only slightly bigger than horses when turned, but this was a royal dragon. The beast inhaled deeply before making low, guttural noises. The thought ‘everyone will freeze when they see a royal dragon for the first time,’ came to mind as she stiffened. Come on! Prepare for battle! Make haste! She urged herself. Hands grabbed her heart and a salty wetness dripped down her cheek. 

The dragon shifted into its human form, allowing her move at last. While gasping for air, she pulled a dagger out from her leg holster. “St-stay away, you beast.”

Even as a human, he towered over her. Slit pupils moved in the sickly glow of his golden eyes. She gagged. 

“Stay back!”

He looked her up and down. “Thank goodness,” he smiled menacingly. “I feared you might’ve died. I was careless with my flying.” She could barely hear his words, only her wretched breath. She tightened her grip on the dagger which slipped from her sweaty palms. “You are in very bad condition. Please, allow me to treat you.”

“No! I shall,” her breath was even more ragged. “I shall kill you!”

He chuckled. “It seems you’re too hurt to kill me. So allow me to dress your wounds, and you may kill me later.”

Her weapon dropped. “Help me,” she begged with a cracked voice.

“Of course.”

He transformed again into a beast and enclosed her in his hands, making a soft prison for her to rest in. His wings spread across the cave, and he let out a roar before leaping into the skies.

 . . .

Josephine awoke to her body wrapped in damp towels and a soft bed under her. She was shocked to see she wasn’t muddy. Her sides throbbed as she touched the bandage covering her gash. She jolted at a man’s figure.

“You’re that dragon!” She wheezed.

He shushed her. “You’re still very weak, you shouldn’t raise your voice.” She couldn’t help but laugh. The dragon she set out to kill was now taking care of her? He set a basin of water on a side table and reached out with his clawed hands.

Josephine shrank back. “What’re you trying to do?”

“Change your bandages.”

“Then, what’ll you do after?” He stared blankly. “Do you intend to use me to birth your heir, or will you eat me instead?”

He flinched and curled his lips, revealing a pair of fangs. “Why should I do any of those to the woman I shall marry? Dragons don’t even eat humans.”

“Marry!?” She squeaked.

“It’s tradition for a princess to go into the cave in hopes of marrying a royal dragon. But considering you wish to kill me, it seems that wasn’t your intention? Should I bring you back?”

“No! I do intend to marry you.” She was shocked at the proposal.

“For now, just concern yourself with your recovery.” He cut her bandages with his claws and removed them. He took a rag out of his pocket and dipped it into the water. “And about our heir, that's something we can worry about later. We haven’t even had our wedding. Pray, don’t feel pressured.”

“Wedding?” He didn’t respond immediately, but focused on cleaning her cut.

“Yes. How can I think of heirs before the wedding?”

“I…didn’t know dragons had weddings.” He smiled as he rewrapped her wound. She observed how weirdly his hands moved, like he was being mindful of his claws. She pushed him away when he came closer. “Don’t worry,” he said dejectedly. “I shall care for you most diligently.”

. . . 

When her eyes adjusted to light that peeked through the cracks above, she noticed his cave was unlike that of the one in the miserable forest. It was grassy and soft to the touch. In the distance was a gentle stream. She noticed things about him as well. The dragon wore a calm, serious expression. His long, green hair was always tied with a ribbon. He was stubborn and didn’t allow her to skip meals. He also loved to sit at the edge of her bed to read.

She almost looked forward to seeing him. Almost. She tapped her leg. He’s late. Not that I care! I’m just hungry. She thought about when he had first offered her food. She was convinced he had wanted to fatten her up to eat her:

“Eat you?” he had said with a powerful laugh. “You’re right, I’ve been planning to eat you.”

Her heart had dropped. “I knew it!”

“But since you refuse to eat, I should just eat you now before you lose any more blood.”

“Wait no,” she’d said tearfully. “I’ll eat! Please wait ‘till I’m healed. I promise I’ll get fat by then. Right now I’m so bony and weak. Wouldn’t you rather eat a pig than a mouse?”

UGH! She attacked the bed. I still can’t forget his cheeky grin. It brings me to shame. She huffed and crossed her arms. Where is he, anyways? I’m getting lonely-

“You’re up I see!” Her hands curled and her hair flew out of her head.

“When did you get here?”

“Just now.”

“You didn’t see me act strange, right?”

“Strange? Not at all.” She sighed. “Nothing strange about a princess having a tantrum.”

“I-I-I was not having a tantrum! And I wouldn’t have done that if I knew you were here!” He laughed before handing her bowls of fruit and grilled meat. He didn’t burn the meat this time, she smiled. He's trying so hard, and I don’t even know who he is. “What’s your name?”

He covered his reddened face. “Oh…So you’re finally curious about your fiancee’s name?”

“Don’t make me sound so heartless.”

He grinned. “My mother named me Basil because my hair reminds her of it.”

Josephine giggled. “I’m Josephine. Pleasure to meet you, Basil.”

“Pleasure.” He extended his hand and she rubbed it.

“Careful, my nails may hurt you.”

“You won’t hurt me,” she put his hand to her cheek.

Basil shuffled. “May I call you Jossie?”

“I’d like that.”

“Jossie,” his voice was breathy. “You’re so lovely, and you always make me laugh. At first, I only intended to marry you to keep tradition, but now I…”

“Yes?”

He pulled his hand back. “Nevermind.” His face became a tomato and his eyes rolled around his head. “You need more rest-Dammit.” She laughed as he stumbled.

…

Josephine often questioned if it was sane to be curious about Basil. Surely, he is an evil dragon hiding behind a cloak of goodness. “You're not supposed to be this gentle,” she said as he ran his claws through her hair.

“Why?”

“Because you’re a monster.” Her heart sank at her words.

“I’m… a monster?”

“Well, you can’t deny that throughout history dragons have slain many people and captured princesses for their pleasure. You even captured me, didn’t you?” She gave him a pathetic smile.

“I didn’t capture you. I thought it was your desire to marry a dragon. You said it was your intention.”  

“Please, did you truly believe that? I said that so you wouldn’t kill me. You’re a bloodthirsty dragon, after all.” He removed his hands from her hair.

“You’re mad at me for being a dragon?”

“Of course I am! You’re murderers.”

“Josephine,” she was taken aback by his sharpness. “Did you know that humans kill one another? Some also kill dragons, ignoring the peace treaty. But it makes no sense for me to hate you for something you have no part of.”

“But dragons started it,” she shouted desperately. “So you are to blame!” 

She was frightened when fumes blew out of his nose. His eyes blared as he glowered. “I’ve done nothing wrong! I refuse to be ashamed for what I am. Do not link me with monsters like them.”

“So you admit they’re monsters.”

“Of course they are. But slaying humans and capturing princesses are now against dragon law. Any dragon who does such things, before or now, is a disgrace. I’m not like them!”

“Not like them? You can transform, your hair is a strange color, and your eyes are disgusting! If not a monster, then what are you?!”

“Here you are calling me a monster,” he said between tears, “yet you don’t even know the meaning of the word. A monster is any being, dragon or human or whatever, that hurts an innocent person!” She gasped. “So do not dare call me a monster when all I’ve done is taken care of you!” He stomped away.

His words bit into her heart. Did she ignore the wicked deeds of mankind and only looked at dragons? Was she wrong for hating them? Why did she want to kill him in the first place? She couldn’t believe he said everything so clearly: Anyone could be a monster. 

. . . 

The saturated rag flooded her skin. Basil also wiped Jossie a bit more aggressively than usual. But he was careful not to hurt her, even as smoke puffed out of his nose. His eyes were as sunken as hers.

He sighed. “Do you need anything before I leave?” 

She played with her fingers and rubbed her arms. “Um.” The words couldn’t come out.

“Since, there’s nothing…”

“Wait, no! I um. I apologize.”

“For what?” He turned from her.

“For treating you like a horrible monster. And even threatening to kill you.” He grumbled. “Please forgive me. I don’t mean the things I said. I think your dragon form is amazing. And your hair and eyes,” she whispered, “are very beautiful.”

He hugged her tightly. “It’s alright, Jossie. I still…I love you. Very much.”

Her eyes grew. He loves me? Tears she damned up for years sprayed from her eyes. She clung to him. “I’m so sorry!”

“It’s alright.” He rubbed her head. “It’s alright.”

. . . 

Basil insisted on celebrating Jossie’s near recovery by going on a long hunt. We’ll have a good dinner. Then I’ll tell him that I… she giggled.

She cocked her head at the sound of a dragon’s roar. It didn’t sound like his typical roars. It came again and she found herself running to him. Something… isn’t right! 

Outside the cave, a green dragon was attempting to fly, but a massive dragon snare kept him down. A group of knights took turns slicing into him.

“No!” Jossie screamed. She groaned from her pained waist. “Stop!”

Conrad dismounted his horse before taking her in his arms. “Your Highness! I’m glad you’re safe.”

“What’re you doing? Let Basil go!”

“Basil? Is that its name?”

“He’s done nothing wrong!” She hit his chest.

“Oh, right! You no longer have to pretend to be his bride. I’m here to save you.”

The dragon eyed her with an expression she couldn’t identify, but it made her sick. “This was before I knew you!” She turned back to Conrad. “How did you even find me?”

“Princess,” he pulled out a crystal. The crystal he held glowed in unison with the ones in her ears. “Remember, as long as you have the crystal, I shall rescue you.”

The dragon made a mournful cry. She didn’t know what to say. “No, I didn’t mean for this to happen! I swear!”

Conrad unsheathed his sword. “Stay back princess. It’s time for this to come to an end.”

She grabbed Conrad’s arm. “Conrad, please. If you continue like this, you’ll become a monster!”

He frowned. “It seems that the princess was tricked by the dragon. Knights, hold her back!”

“That’s a lie, I wasn’t tricked!” A knight grabbed her tightly. “Ouch! Let go of me,” she tried pulling free.

“Keep her away!” He commanded before heading toward Basil. She whimpered as they dragged her away.

“Conrad! You only hate him because he’s a dragon, but he’s a kind dragon.” Basil snapped the tree that held the snare in half. “He even took care of me. See? I’m fine, Conrad.” Basil screeched as he pulled his limbs, forcing the stump out of the ground. “Conrad! Why won’t you listen to me!” The captain rushed forward. “No!” Just in time, Basil loosened the stump and flew away with it dangling from his leg.

In the distance, the stump and snare that anchored him made him fall out of the sky. “Basil,” she called out. “I’m sorry! I really wanted to be your bride! I love you!”

“Knights!” The voice was distorted and unrecognizable, but she knew it came from Conrad. “When we return to the palace, immediately put the princess in the dungeon. She has been brainwashed,” said the ferocious beast. It loomed over her with blood-filled eyes.

And it terrified her.