For as long as I could remember I have lived in the tallest tower in a castle atop the mountain. The castle overlooked the Kingdom far below at the water’s edge; I knew this Kingdom to be Ginore, the Kingdom from which I was born, and the Kingdom that would not allow me to become its Queen. The reason for this you see is because I have been cursed. 

When I was not yet 5 years of age a witch cursed me in my sleep to never love anyone. For my beauty was far above any other, yet I was not yet a grown woman. My father told me all this and took me to this tower where he tasked a Dragon to watch over me. 

It has been 7 years since then. Every day is the same thing, eat, sleep, occupy myself with sewing and books and watching the Kingdom. Once a month my father takes the long journey up the mountain to visit, bringing food and gifts to show he still cared. Today was one of those days. The Dragon who watches me gets word from my father more often than I do and he relays to me through the wind the words that my father had said. Earlier that morning I had received such a message, announcing that my father was to visit this afternoon.

Excited, for I never have company I tidied up my small chamber, making the bed that sit in the middle of the room, and placed the books in their rightful places on the shelf. I smoothed the fabric of the dress I wore and pulled my hair back from my face before taking my spot on the window sill, waiting for the arrival of my father.

Finally he came into view and waved up at me a huge smile across his face; a basket hanging from his arm. He made the ascent to the top of the tower slowly, but once he arrived in my chamber he set down the basket and pulled me into his embrace. He has good news, I can tell. He beams at me, hope twinkling in his eyes and he hands me the gifts he has brought.

We settle down for a talk as we always do, but it is a little different this time, my father kept checking his pockets and giving me smiles, hardly paying attention to my monthly report before he finally stops me and pulls a jeweled flask out of his pocket. 

He hands it to me and explains its purpose. It was a cure. When he spoke the words to me I could hardly believe it, my eyes widening, my heart beating. I unstopped the bottle and a flowery aroma filled the room. Excited, my father told me that he came across this potion while he was overseas in the Kingdom of Diour, the Kingdom well known for its magical maladies and potions. He explained how he came to King Hort of Diour and Hort, having heard the rumors of my curse immediately set to work finding a cure, and in this bottle, it was contained.

Slowly, I drank the potion and watched as my father’s bright smile turned into a frown. He hung his head and pats my hand, telling me that if it had worked, my eyes would have glowed gold in and instant and the glimmer which seemed to radiate from me would have dispersed. I shook my head and took my father’s hand, telling him there will be many more chances to find a cure, and that, we will find it someday.

I watched from my sill as my father leaves the tower, waving up at me, a small smile on his face. He disappeared behind the ramparts and before I turned away, into the chambers of my room I glimpsed the Dragon's wings as he flew over to greet my father. I sighed, I knew that contact with anyone, even magical creatures was forbidden, but if I could just talk to someone, even the Dragon that kept me prisoner would make my days better.

Tonight was the first night that I sang, instead of cried. It was a solemn tune, but it gave me hope, that maybe, my father would find a cure.

© 2015 Amber Steinbeigle. All Rights Reserved