The Misunderstood PrincessA Story by AmyPrincess Amelia is not a typical princess. She does not like frilly dresses or long hair. She meets a dragon who is also misunderstood. She makes a plan to prove that Fred is a good dragon.Once upon a time, in a land far, far away lived a princess. Amelia was not the typical princess. She did not like frilly dresses. She did not like to curl her hair. And she hated makeup. She was adventurous. Her father could not stop her from climbing trees, playing in the mud, or wandering through the forest. He told her stories of kids getting stuck in trees for days at a time; he told her stories of mud monsters; and he told her stories of dragons in the forest. This did not deter Amelia from her adventures. She was not a damsel in distress. She was a sailor trying to spot land in the trees; she was sculptor creating a masterpiece in the mud; and she was a knight slaying dragons in the forest. The villagers called her odd, but really she was just misunderstood. She borrowed her brother’s pants and shoes. She did not like her hair long so she took the scissors and cut it short. A typical princess she was not. Amelia was up in a tall tree one day when she spotted a cave. “Treasure!” Amelia exclaimed. She wandered in the general direction of the cave until she found the opening. She stepped inside unaware that it was a dragon’s lair. Amelia saw a glow coming from the back of the cave and decided to investigate. As she walked, she heard the sounds of classical music. She listened closely and followed the sound. She saw a vast opening and peaked around the corner. A dragon! Amelia did not know what to do. She did not believe her father’s tales of dragons in the forest. What if the tale was true? “Hello,” the dragon said. “Is someone here?” Amelia decided to be brave. “Yes,” she stepped around the corner. “I am Amelia.” The dragon looked at her. He did not look like he was going to hurt her, but Amelia was prepared to run away. “Welcome, Amelia!” the dragon said. “My name is Fred, and this is my home. May I bring you something to eat or drink?” Amelia was puzzled. The dragon was offering her food and drink. She breathed a sigh of relief. Perhaps Fred was also misunderstood. “You don’t want to eat me?” she asked. “Or capture me for ransom?” Fred sighed. “No, Amelia, I do not want to eat you or capture you for ransom,” Fred said. “That is the truth of my ancestors. I chose to not follow in their footsteps. Because of my choice, I am condemned to this cave.” “But, why?” Amelia asked. “Why don’t you explain yourself to the villagers? You could join us for cookouts and dances and parties!” “Amelia, I tried that once!” Fred exclaimed. “I was almost killed. The villagers do not want to believe a dragon can change.” Amelia understood how Fred was feeling. Her father did not understand that she did not like pretty dresses, long hair, and all other things expected of a princess. They sat in silence for a while. “I have an idea!” Amelia shouted. “What is that?” Fred inquired. “You will fly me into the village on your back,” she said. “The villagers will clearly see that I trust you and that they should trust you, too!” Fred thought about the idea, but was still worried. “Princess, what if they think I’ve captured you and try to kill me?” “They would never do that with me by your side,” Amelia responded. “I am their princess. They would be afraid they might kill me, too.” Princess! Fred thought. Maybe Amelia could help him after all. Fred thought her plan sounded reasonable. “Princess, hop on! We’re going for a ride.” They soared over the trees and into the clouds, diving only to avoid a flock of geese. What a thrill to be in the clouds riding on a dragon. I am now a dragon rider! Amelia thought. Amelia saw the villagers gathering below and pointing at the sky. They landed in the village to shouts of “Let the princess go!” and “Kill the dragon!” Fred jumped out of the way as spear hurtled toward him. “WAIT!” screamed a man. The king pushed through the crowd. Amelia had never seen her father so distraught. “Don’t throw your spears. You may hit my daughter.” “Dad!” Amelia hollered from atop Fred. “I’m okay. Fred is a good dragon. He offered me food and drink! He does not want to eat me. And he listens to classical music! Would a dragon who listens to classical music want to harm me?” “Amelia, he is tricking you,” the king said. “You are not safe.” Amelia bent down to whisper in Fred’s ear. She had another plan. Fred nodded. This would prove him to be good. “OK, Princess,” Fred said. “I will do that.” “Dad, you’re wrong about Fred,” Amelia said. “Watch this!” Fred lowered his head to the ground and opened his mouth. Amelia stepped inside. “Fred, please close your mouth!” she shouted. “Amelia! No!” Her father shouted. “It’s a trick! Somebody kill this evil dragon!” “No!” Amelia screamed. “Fred, open your mouth. Show them that you mean no harm!” Fred opened his mouth and Amelia walked out unscathed. The king ran over and hugged Amelia. “Oh, my dear daughter! You are all right.” Amelia nodded. “I knew I would be dad. Fred’s a good dragon. He’s just misunderstood.” The king walked over to Fred and reached out his hand. “My dear friend,” he said. “Forgive us for not opening our minds.” “My king, all is forgiven,” Fred said. “But really I must thank your daughter.” He turned to look at Amelia. “Princess, thank you!” Fred said. “Might I say that you don’t taste good?” Amelia laughed. “You’re welcome, Fred. Might I say that you have bad breath?” They laughed their first laugh of many to come and Fred became a friend of the village. © 2010 Amy
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