Free Fiction: A Damsel's Distress
August 21, 2009This week's #fridayflash story is a character study for a secondary character in the fantasy novel I'll be writing for NaNoWriMo.
A Damsel's Distress
by Violet Hilton
Once upon a time I found myself stuck in a dreadful dungeon. Yes, me, Princess Gwyndolen of Engoth, in a dank, disgusting, dirty dungeon! It wouldn't have been so awful if it hadn't smelled so rotten. I didn't even mind the rats since they left me alone.
What was a princess doing in a dungeon? I had been kidnapped, of course!
Again.
You see, I have a small problem. Fate seems to think I make the most interesting damsel in distress. Naturally, I am inclined to agree, but... where was I?
Oh, yes!
I was sitting in said dungeon, awaiting my gallant rescuer. And, oh, did I have the perfect man in mind! I had nothing else to do, save attempt to teach manners to filthy rats, so I recalled the dashing man I desired to see above all others.
A handsome man, with a perfect chin, wide smile and brilliant green eyes that squint when he laughs. My ladies think me silly for coveting his red hair, but I find it more beautiful than my own boring brown locks. How I long to run my fingers through those striking curls! My true love is tall and broad shouldered and have I yet mentioned his perfect, kissable lips?
I had all but conjured the man with my own mind when I heard a noise outside my dimly lit cell. The clinking sound of a man in armor! I grinned and clapped my hands together. This would be the time my true love would rescue me, and wearing his best armor of black and gold!
"Your Highness," the man greeted me with a bow once in front of my cell. His armor was silver and spattered in blood.
Due to immense shock and disappointment my manners abandoned me.
"Oh, it's you," I said.
"Yes, it's me! Who else would rescue you, but your fiancé?" Prince Donovan looked flustered in the poor light from the torches in the corridor. I hate that dimple of agitation between his eyes. "I just killed an extremely large werewolf, who nearly bit my head off, and all you can say is 'oh, it's you?'"
"I wondered where your helmet had gone," I said and crossed my arms over my chest while he opened the cell door. Every ounce of me hoped he did not expect me to fling myself into his arms and shower him with illicit kisses.
I've known Prince Donovan my entire life and he is boring. He fences, he jousts, he hunts, he dances, he rescues me, but can the man do much else? I'd rather a husband who is passionate about life and his endeavors and me. I'm in love with a man who acts upon the world instead of waiting for the world to force him to act or attend parties.
I have also never been fond of cleft chins such as the prince's, if you must know.
"Thank you for rescuing me, Donnie," I said after a moment. It takes time to force oneself to act with relative propriety after being so distressed.
"Come on, Gwynnie, I'll take you home." The prince extended his hand and I took it.
Another of Prince Donovan's daring rescues of Princess Gwyndolen. It's all terribly romantic, according to my ladies. All they see is a charming prince. They haven't yet figured out why he isn't the man of my dreams.
Meanwhile?
I'm still waiting for my true love, my true prince, to rescue me and bring me my happily ever after.
Tags: flash fiction, fantasy, free fiction.
9 comments
Jeff Posey
Fri, 21 Aug 2009
Love the wry humor. Oh how our shining prince who saves us isn't as good as the shining prince we WANT to save us. Excellent commentary on human nature. And a fun read to boot.
Laura Eno
Fri, 21 Aug 2009
Ha! What Jeff said. It's amazing how we can't see what's right in front of us. I wonder what kind of jerk her 'dream' prince would end up being. Fun read!
dragonwrites
Fri, 21 Aug 2009
That was terrifically funny, adorable and charming. I'd love to read more - where is this princess' story going? :D
tl.schofield
Fri, 21 Aug 2009
Well done - it's comforting to think that even traditional fantasy characters can fall victim to the same "grass is always greener" mentality that normal people do.
Heather D
Sat, 22 Aug 2009
Enjoyed it. :) You ain't a half-bad writer, you know. Rather quaint turn on an old tale! I need to start doing the free fiction thing. Might be good for my writing muscles!
J. M. Strother
Sun, 23 Aug 2009
Nice one, Violet. A fun read right through. ~jon
2mara
Mon, 24 Aug 2009
Too Cute! We are never happy with what we have. I, too, am fond of redheads ;-) Great story, ~2
danpowell
Tue, 25 Aug 2009
Great example of a fairly unsympathetic character. Donovan's version of the tale would be interesting to read.
Violet
Tue, 25 Aug 2009
Thanks guys, I'm glad you liked Gwynnie's little story. :)
And, Dan, Donovan is one of the main characters in the novel I'm planning for November. He sees their situation in a bit of a different light!