Princess Elizabeth: A Fantasmical Adventure

The Box

After returning to the castle with Drake and Theodore, Elizabeth told them to wait for her at the castle door. Elizabeth checks on her father, who is asleep in his bed. She closes the door to her father's room, before joining Theodore and Drake at the castle door. The two were very quiet and didn't greet the princess as she approached them.

"Stay the night here in the castle, and my father shall talk with you when he awakens," Elizabeth informs Drake, before turning to Theodore. "I would also appreciate it if you'd show him the living quarters for the knights."

Theodore expressed a hint of surprise, as if he expected her to say something different. Drake smiles at Elizabeth, before kissing her hand. Theodore clears his throat, and Drake stands straight up.

"Follow me, Derek," Theodore instructed.

"My name is Drake," he corrected Theodore.

"Get along you two, it's been a long night," Elizabeth intervened. "I'm sure we could all use some sleep."

"Of course, Princess," Theodore replies.

"Good night, my lady," Drake says as he bows.

Theodore rolls his eyes while grabbing Drake by the collar and pulling him along. Elizabeth giggles to herself as she retreats up the stairs to her bedroom. After changing her clothes and lying down on her bed, she touched her lips, faintly remembering how his lips felt on hers. They were surprisingly soft, just like his muscular skin. It was easy to see why Ruby was so attracted to him, as was Elizabeth.

At the same time, she worried her nightmare about the fire could still become reality. Even though Drake looked human, she was unsure if he could still become a dragon. Or if he possessed the same abilities as the dragon he once was. Only time will tell. Her ball was a week away. During that time she hoped Drake could prove himself worthy to live in the kingdom.

She closes her eyes, drifting into a deep slumber. For a while, she peacefully slept, until rudely awakened by shouting in the courtyard. Elizabeth rushed to her window, to find Theodore and Drake sword-fighting outside. As if he sensed her gaze, Drake looked up at her window, flashing her a smile.

Theodore takes his chance and slices a hole in Drake's shirt slightly scraping his skin with the tip of the blade. Drake's white shirt turns red when he touches his wound, before raising his blade at Theodore. Elizabeth rushes down the stairs, still wearing her nightgown, attempting to separate the feuding men. The King was already standing in the courtyard watching them duel, where Elizabeth now stands between them.

"What are you thinking?" Elizabeth asked before shaking her head. "Never mind that you need your wound bandaged."

After witnessing Theodore and Drake's sword-fighting in the courtyard, he insisted Drake join his army. The King offers to walk Drake to the castle's infirmary, to discuss his options. Once they are out of sight, the angry princess turns around to face Theodore.

"What's wrong with you, Theo?" Elizabeth asked. "He is just being friendly. You should try it too."

"He started it!" Theodore said defensively. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be so loud."

"Give him a week, please. For me?" Elizabeth asked. "I'll save a special dance for you at my ball."

"Only because you asked," he replied honestly.

The next few days were wonderful. Though Drake continued to woo her and show off in her presence. Before she knew it, the day had come. It was her birthday. She woke up with breakfast served in bed but was more intrigued by the box sitting on her dresser. Placed next to it was a letter with clear instructions not to open the box. If she did, it would lose its ability to bring her good luck.

Believing it was just another attempt by Drake to win her heart, Elizabeth didn't bother with it. She continued with her morning routine, starting with a bath, before donning her ball gown. Her ladies-in-waiting helped her with the rest. While staring at the box in the mirror's reflection, her curiosity becomes overwhelming. Once she's ready, Elizabeth grabs the mysterious box and ventures out to the courtyard. She sat under the tree, admiring the box while tracing the symbols with her fingers. Elizabeth was tempted, after all, it was her birthday. Why give her a gift she can't open?

While shaking the box, she heard something move around inside. She smiles as she opens the box, only to regret her discovery. After dropping the box, she screamed. Theodore hears her scream and drops everything to run to her side. She hides her face behind her hands.

"What happened?" Theodore asked. "Did he do this?"

"I don't know," Elizabeth responded.

"One way to find out," Theodore said as he stormed off.

Elizabeth looks back at the open box with the severed rabbit's foot, before following Theodore. What was supposed to be a symbol of good luck turned out to be wickedly vile. Elizabeth didn't want to believe he was capable of doing such a thing, but she also didn't know him that well. By the time she caught up with Theodore, he had already confronted Drake, and the two were quarreling in the castle's maze hedges.

Just as she feared, her nightmare had become reality. She turned around the corner, immediately dodging a stream of fire, setting the hedges ablaze. Drake's eyes meet hers, and he rushes past Theodore, knocking him down to get to her.

"I promise you, it wasn't me," Drake said with sincere eyes.

He fled the maze before leaving the castle grounds. Theodore attempted to put out the flames, as Elizabeth's mind raced with many thoughts and questions. Feeling like her luck had run out. Not only did she worry about Drake using his fire powers to retaliate, but she also couldn't help but wonder, if he didn't put the box in her room, who did and why?