The 38th Lily

Your classic princess locked in a castle, trapped, needing to be rescued- except she's the one who put herself there.

***

"Honey, look," Felicie sighed, putting a hand on his arm. "I know my parents sent you to, ah," she searched for the right word, "save me."

He turned to look at her. Adventure glittered in his dark eyes and flushed his cheeks. "I've come to rescue you and take your hand in marriage." Maybe adventure wasn't the only thing that flushed his face.

"I don't even know your name," was all Felicie said.

"Sebastien Heloise, at your service, Your Royal Highness." He bowed in an inelegant jerk and moved to take her hand. She tucked both hands behind her back, not wanting his lips to touch her.

"Right," Felicie nodded at him slowly, skeptical. "See, that's not going to happen."

Sebastien cursed. "The dragon has withheld you here for far too long." He grabbed her shoulders and Felicie held back her cringe. "I know escape seems impossible, but don't fret, Princess."

Fretting wasn't where her thoughts were, but frustration.

Before Felicie could voice her true thoughts, Sebastien gasped and tugged her behind him. "The beast!"

Felicie whirled. "No! Get back!" she shouted.

Zephyr froze at the top of the steps, watching them.

"It's alright, I'll protect you. Just stay behind me," Sebastien said, wrongfully thinking her call had been directed at himself. He drew his sword.