The Dragon Queen: Runaway Bride

“I’d rather die than marry that man,” I said, my voice shaking with anger. My chest felt tight, and my throat burned from trying not to cry.

King Valcom, my father, slammed his hand on the arm of his throne. “It is your duty as the princess of this kingdom! You must marry King Roland!”

“But I don’t love him, Father. He is cruel and vicious. He treats his people like animals. Have you not heard what he does? He burned a whole village just because they would not bow to him!”

“Enough, Pandora!” Father’s voice boomed through the throne room. “This marriage will give us a strong ally against Aether. It will help us win the war. As the princess of Adengard, you have no choice.”

Tears I had been holding back finally spilled down my cheeks. “You are willing to give your only daughter to a monster… just for allies? I never asked to be a princess. I never wanted this life. I’ve been trapped in this castle forever, with no freedom, no adventures. Nothing!”

I dropped to my knees. My big gown spread around me like a heavy cloud as I covered my face and sobbed.

Mother, Queen Liora, had been quiet the whole time. Now she rushed over and gently held my shoulders, helping me stand. She waved to the guards to take me back to my room.

They walked me away while I kept crying. Behind me, Father left the throne room without another word. The grand hall with its shining chandeliers and red curtains felt colder than ever.

Once inside my room, I locked the door and fell onto my bed. My heart felt broken. A few moments later, a soft knock came.

“Your Highness, please open the door,” a gentle voice said.

It was Maria, my maid and best friend.

I wiped my eyes and opened the door. The moment I saw her kind face, fresh tears came. I fell into her arms. She quickly closed the door, led me to the bed, and sat beside me.

“It’s okay, Pan,” she whispered, using my special nickname. “I’m sure your mother can talk to him. Maybe he will change his mind.”

“How, Maria? You know Father never listens.” My voice cracked. “He never changes.”

“I’m so sorry, Pan. I wish I could do something.” She held my hands tightly.

“Just the other day, I heard he burned a whole village,” I said, anger rising again. “A whole village, Maria!”

She looked at me sadly and lowered her head.

“You knew?” I asked, pulling her face up gently. “And you didn’t tell me?”

“I didn’t want to worry you,” she stammered. “I didn’t know you would have to marry him.”

“I’m not marrying that monster!” I cried. “Can’t Father see how bad he is?”

Maria sighed softly. “Having him as an ally might be better than having him as an enemy…”

Even my best friend? The words stung. Something inside me snapped.

I wiped my tears and stood up straight. “No. I won’t let this happen. I never wanted to be a princess. I just want to be normal.”

“Please don’t say that, Pan. Many people would love to be in your place,” Maria said, standing too.

“But they are free,” I whispered. “I’m done being trapped behind these walls.”

I grabbed a vase and threw it across the room. It shattered loudly.

Maria rushed over and checked my hands. “Pan, be careful! Don’t hurt yourself.”

I shook her off and pulled her back to the bed. “I’m leaving this place,” I whispered.

Her eyes widened. “Leaving? How?”

“Shhh. I’m going to escape.”

“That’s impossible! You’re the princess!” she gasped.

I held her hands and looked into her eyes. “Maria, you’ve been my friend since we were little. I need your help. Please.”

She took a deep breath. “Okay… I’ll help. But there are guards everywhere. Are you sure?”

“I’m sure. I have a plan.”

“Pan… I still worry this is dangerous,” she murmured.

I walked to the window. Warm sunlight touched my face. “Are you with me or not?”

Sweat shone on her forehead. She hugged me tight. “I’m with you. What are best friends for?”

That night, I moved fast. I put on Maria’s simple maid dress with its faded blue embroidery and her little hat. I slipped into the hallway. The guards didn’t even look twice.

“Yes,” I whispered happily as I passed them.

We had switched clothes earlier. She was wearing my fancy gown now, pretending to be me in my bed.

I hurried through the main hall toward the stairs that led to the palace garden. Then a voice stopped me.

“Maria, is that you?”

My heart jumped. It was Mother.

I kept my head down. “Yes, Your Highness,” I said, trying to sound like Maria. “Sorry, I didn’t hear you.”

She stepped closer. “Are you alright? You look unwell.”

“I’m fine, Your Majesty,” I said quickly, stepping back. The hat hid most of my face. “I just came from the princess’s room. Please… it’s not proper for you to touch a maid.”

Mother paused, then nodded. “Of course. Is Pandora awake? I want to speak with her.”

“No!” I blurted, then corrected myself. “I mean… no, Your Majesty. She is sleeping.”

“Very well. You may go.”

I bowed and hurried to the garden. I stopped for a moment, looking at the flowers I loved so much. This was my only peaceful place. I picked a lily and kept walking toward the palace gates and the secret passage only the royal family knew.

Just as I reached it, a familiar voice called out.

“Pandora.”

I froze.

“I’m sorry…”

It was Maria. Tears ran down her face. She fell to her knees, still holding my gown.

Before I could say anything, armed guards surrounded us. One grabbed my arm hard and lifted me off the ground.

“Let me go!” I screamed, hitting his armor. He didn’t move.

He carried me back toward the throne room. My chest burned with hurt and anger. Did Maria betray me?

When we entered, Father sat on his throne, his face like stone. Mother stood beside him, her hands shaking.

“How dare you, Pandora?” Father thundered. “You tried to run away from your duty. You will pay for this.”