Never a Damsel

The Princess grew bored of her exquisite gowns and courtly chatter. She ran away into the deep dark forest. It was cold and damp, but she thought of the stifling warmth and cushions of the castle and shuddered even more violently. She ran and howled and stomped until sweat dripped. She didn't trim her fingernails; they grew into talons. She didn't comb or plait her hair. Eventually, it stood out from her scalp in spikes. When the criers reported dragon sightings, a state funeral was held for the delicate princess. Hearing the dirge play, the dragon curled herself more tightly within her cozy cave. She licked her chops and stoked her inner flame; soon the brave knights would come.