Damsel

The story begins with the first king of Aurea making a desperate attempt to defeat a fierce dragon that has been terrorizing his realm for years. This ill-fated attack results in the king witnessing the slaughter of his men, leaving him helpless against the dragon's wrath.

Centuries later, we are introduced to Elodie, the young daughter of Lord Bayford. She is faced with a life-altering proposal from Queen Isabelle, who seeks to unite their families through a marriage with her son, Prince Henry, to strengthen their kingdom.

Elodie reluctantly accepts the marriage proposal at her father's urging, understanding its significance for their impoverished people. Lord Bayford expresses grave concerns about the harsh winters their home faces, and the urgent need for support as survival hangs in the balance.

Elodie, along with her younger sister Floria, embarks on a journey to Aurea. As they arrive, they are struck by the opulence and beauty of the kingdom, a stark contrast to their own struggling homeland.

While settling into her new surroundings, Elodie catches sight of a mysterious flickering flame on a distant mountain, piquing her curiosity. Despite initial reservations, she begins to forge a connection with Prince Henry, as they both long for adventure beyond their royal duties.

In a private discussion with Queen Isabelle, Lord Bayford is offered a massive sum of gold, which presents a tempting solution to their crises. However, he leaves the meeting visibly troubled, hinting at internal conflict regarding the marriage alliance.

The next day, Elodie and Henry participate in a ceremonial wedding followed by an ancient ritual celebrated in the mountains. During this ritual, Queen Isabelle recounts a tragic tale of the first king and the dreadful deal made with the dragon, foreshadowing future events.

As part of the ritual, Elodie’s hands are bound and she is thrown into the dragon’s lair, which is mistakenly considered a rite of passage. Awakening amidst the chaos, she realizes she is to be sacrificed, awakening the dragon with her cries.

After escaping the initial onslaught of the dragon's flames, Elodie discovers an enchanted cave lit by glowing slugs. Within its depths, she finds a chilling inscription detailing past victims and a map leading to the escape route.

A rescue party soon arrives, led by her father, who reveals his betrayal—sacrificing Elodie for gold in the name of their people. Unfortunately, this act leads to his demise as the dragon avenges the betrayal with swift retribution.

Amidst the chaos, Elodie seizes the chance to escape, riding away from the dragon's pursuit on horseback. However, her sister Floria is kidnapped by Queen Isabelle to serve as the next sacrifice, deepening Elodie's resolve.

Elodie returns to the mountain to confront the dragon and plead for her sister's freedom. She seeks a way to negotiate their release, attempting to communicate that they had been wronged by the Aureans.

In a clever twist, Elodie tricks the dragon into unintentionally harming itself, effectively proving her worth. This act of bravery leads to the dragon beginning to trust her, creating an unexpected alliance.

Elodie interrupts another arranged marriage ceremony, revealing the deceitful actions of the royal household. She warns the bride and her family of the impending danger posed by the dragon, urging them to flee before tragedy strikes.

Elodie, Floria, and Lady Bayford sail home, transformed by their journey and struggles. Their return is marked not only by supplies but also by their newfound ally, the dragon, signaling a bright new chapter ahead.