The Dragon Thief

The Final Ward

Lucia, the last princess, has been one of the longer stays. Most only stay for a year or two, but has been with me for more than three, much to her dismay. And mine.

  She's always talking about how these conditions are in no way befitting a princess, and how weak the knights are who try to fight our captor. She's positive that whoever comes to save her will be the one to end the beast.

  And he very well may be, if my poison is working at all.

She's awake when Master dismisses me, sitting on one of the chairs in a cavern separate from Master's.

  When I come in, she says, "It's about time you made it back, Bambi. I've been waiting here for ages, simply dying of thirst."

   "My apologies, Princess."

"And how many times must I teach you to address me properly?"

"My apologies, your royal highness." I reply, curtsying. (Which is another thing I still don't get- what's the point of crossing your legs and crouching every time you meet somebody?) "I will get you some water now."

"Be quick about it or your Master might just rip your head off."

"Yes, my lady." I curtsy again and step out, rolling my eyes.

   Ugh. I wish I could tell her off- she's as much of a servant to the Master as I am. But Lucia doesn't respond very well to comments from a 'servant'.

And according to the Master, that's exactly what I am here to be. When he first started taking princesses, he discovered that princesses are very attached to their endless supply of food and servants. He quickly tired of their whining, and set off to capture a less... material prisoner. He found me in a village, freezing on the streets.

   He's never tried to pass his choosing me a true act of kindness, though. He's been very honest about the fact that when he saw me, he saw a child who wouldn't be missed. And so he took me, and I've been here since.

  With a sigh, I inform my master exactly why I am exiting the cavern and, with permission, take the water bucket and walk to the creek.

As I fill the bucket, though, I notice that the presence has returned. But this time it has company. "Are you sure you cannot assist me in this grand task, pale-eyes?"

   "I told you not to call me that. And yes, I am sure. I only promised to accompany you, not to help."

"Very well, then. Wish me luck, my friend."

"Good luck." His tone implies that his 'friend' will need it.

And I need to return to the cavern. Swiftly, I fill the bucket, and slip back into the cavern.

   Master must already know of our visitors, as he is feigning sleep.

Lucia, on the other hand, simply raises an eyebrow when she sees me rush in. "If only you'd had this kind of haste when-"

  "There's no time for that. A man is here, and I believe he's here to take you away."

Her cold eyes melt and she sinks a little. "Really? You're not lying, right?"

   "No, of course not."

She shoots up and dives for a brush- one of the few things the princesses were willing to share- and swishes it through her hair. "Do I look alright?"

   "Yes, of course."

She settles back into the chair and asks, "Do you... do you think he'll...?"

"I'm sure it'll be fine. This one will be smart enough to save you."

Despite the fact that I'd already reassured her of this a few times today, she accepts my words and fixates her eyes on the entrance, determined that this time she will be saved. She's endlessly hopeful- I'll give her that much.

  She gives me a quick, nervous smile before returning her gaze.

I give her what could be my last curtsy, then step into my private chamber.

I drink some water and listen as the man takes his princess away.

  And that's the end of that. Master said that he wouldn't be taking any more princesses after the last one was saved this time. And now I don't have to worry about her getting hurt if the Master figures me out.

  Of course, I disregarded that last thought when I began my plan a few months ago, but there's no point in feeling guilty about that now.