The Princess and the Dragon – A Tale of Love, Loyalty, and Magic

Deep within the weathered stone walls of Blackbriar Castle, high atop misty cliffs, lived Princess Celeste—not locked away, but by choice. Alongside her resided Livyathan, the formidable and majestic dragon who had called the crumbling castle home for centuries.

Celeste wasn’t your typical princess awaiting rescue. In fact, she was tired of rescuers. As yet another knight in clanking armor pounded at the fortified gates, Livyathan soared through the gaping hole in the castle wall, shifting mid-air into human form and landing gracefully on the cracked tiles of the Great Hall.

“Another one?” Celeste asked, exasperated.

“Yep,” Livyathan sighed.

“Is he at least handsome?”

“Couldn’t tell. He’s wrapped in steel from head to toe.”

Celeste rolled her eyes and lazily stretched across a stone slab. Before she could protest further, the sound of the knight battering the castle doors echoed ominously.

“Decide quickly, or he’ll force his way in.”

Celeste sighed. “Drive him off. I’m not marrying someone I can’t even see.”

With that, Livyathan transformed back into her dragon form, her great ebony wings unfurling like sails. She launched into the air, circled the towering spires, and landed behind the knight with a thunderous crash. A single, earth-shaking roar sent the so-called hero quaking in his iron boots.

“Release the princess!” he demanded, though his voice trembled with fear.

Livyathan sneered. “You? Worthy? Only the truest of heroes can claim Princess Celeste.”

“I am a true hero!” the knight proclaimed.

Livyathan let out a precise burst of flame, singeing a perfect, coward-shaped outline into the stone wall. That was enough. The knight screamed, mounted his horse, and fled, armor clanking with every panicked gallop.

Back inside, Celeste lounged in the castle’s grand library, flipping through a spellbook. “These notes aren’t yours,” she mused. “I know you don’t do magic beyond shapeshifting.”

“You’re not the first human to live here,” Livyathan replied. “A wizard once took residence here, decided a dragon made good company.”

Celeste raised an eyebrow. “Any other princesses?”

Livyathan chuckled. “Two before you. One was my sister. The other—a spoiled royal who was thrilled to leave when a prince finally carried her off.”

“And your sister? Was she a dragon?”

“No. She married King Thomas Brightwind of Ascary.”

“Never heard of it.”

“Neither has anyone else. The kingdom dissolved centuries ago.”

As silence settled, Celeste’s voice grew wistful. “Do you think we’ll ever find someone who actually loves me for me? Not just because I’m a princess?”

Livyathan took her hand gently. “One day. Until then, you have me.”

Celeste smiled, yawning. “We’ll find someone for you too.”

“I already have,” Livyathan whispered after Celeste left the room, though she was long out of earshot.

An Unexpected Visitor

Days passed, until one morning, the whinnying of a lone horse stirred them. Another suitor? Livyathan sighed and flew around the castle to scout. Yet, there was no knight at the gates. Instead, she saw a young man with fiery red hair and a freckled face climbing Celeste’s tower.

Intrigued, Livyathan returned and relayed the sight to Celeste, who agreed to meet this unusual visitor.

Soon, the red-haired youth clambered through the window, dusting himself off.

“Who are you?” Celeste asked, arms crossed.

“Name’s Travis. Who’re you?”

“Princess Celeste.”

“Really? Huh. Didn’t know anyone lived here. I was just exploring.”

“Wait, you’re not here to marry me?”

“Uh, no? I don’t swing that way, ma’am.”

Celeste laughed, delighted. “I like this one, Livy. Can he stay for dinner?”

Livyathan shifted to human form. “Fine. I’ll try not to scare him.”

Travis proved to be a charming guest. He and Celeste bonded over stories and laughter, while Livyathan watched with quiet approval. That night, they prepared a guest room, and Celeste reassured Livyathan, “Don’t worry, I’m not falling for Travis. He’s sweet, but I’d rather stay here with you.”

Livyathan’s heart warmed.

Betrayal of a True Prince

Travis stayed for a week before promising to return with friends. But soon after his departure, yet another prince appeared—this time, one armed and dangerous.

Livyathan confronted him in dragon form, but the prince was quick and cunning. He struck her with his sword, driving it deep into her side. Wounded, she tried to retreat, but the prince twisted the blade further.

From above, Celeste screamed. She burst from the castle and cradled Livyathan’s massive head.

“What have you done?!” she cried, tears streaming. “Livyathan has never hurt anyone!”

The prince, horrified, stepped back. “The beast attacked me!”

“Monster! Leave now—I would never marry someone who harms those I love!”

Shaken, the prince fled, leaving Celeste to tend to Livyathan.

Back inside, Livyathan gasped, “On three… pull the sword.”

Celeste nodded, trembling. “One, two, three.” She yanked the sword free as Livyathan reverted to her human form—and collapsed unconscious.

The Real Treasure

When Livyathan awoke, she was bandaged and warm. Celeste sat beside her, holding her hand.

“You’re awake!” she exclaimed.

“Because you’re here,” Livyathan whispered.

Celeste smiled and leaned in. “While you were out, I made a decision. I don’t want a prince. I have everything I need here—with you.”

Then, with a playful wink, she added, “Besides, why would I want a prince when I already have my own princess?”

Livyathan chuckled weakly, her heart swelling with joy. “And I shall guard you, my princess, until the end of my days.”

Together, they remained in Blackbriar Castle—two souls content in each other’s company, with the occasional visit from their oddball friend Travis. And whenever travelers spoke of the castle on the cliffs, they whispered of the princess, her dragon, and the love story that no knight ever expected.

Moral of the Story

True love and companionship come in the most unexpected forms. Sometimes, the greatest treasure isn’t the one locked in a tower—it’s the bond forged in trust, loyalty, and genuine affection.