Rhea couldn't wait to surprise Sole. Stella kept good on her promise and managed to get two tickets. Rhea showed the tickets to Sole and then he embraced her. Sole was rarely this affectionate so Rhea was on cloud nine. The play was for tonight. They started getting ready for the play.
The theater they arrived at was gigantic. It was opening night which made Sole even happier. Sole was dressed in a sharp suit. Rhea wore a stunning dress. Once they found their seats, Sole couldn't believe he was here. He was elated. The play was based off of an until now unpublished work. No one knew what to expect. Sole had an idea because he had a rough draft of the play. He had read it so many times it was falling apart.
"I've got to use the restroom." Rhea said as she left her seat. On her way to the bathroom Rhea spotted a door that was for actors only. She was curious so she peeked her head in.
"Food poisoning? We'll call in their back ups. You're kidding me. It's opening night and both of my leads and their backups are unable to come. If I don't think of something quick, our debut will be ruined." The man, who Rhea assumed was in charge, seemed ready to pull his hair out. Rhea was about to deliver the news to Sole when she tripped. "Stupid heels…" she thought to herself as she fell. The man in charge smiled a mischievous grin as he saw Rhea. She looked like she could fit in the costume. "Thank you God! Pretty girl! You got anyone else who looks like they could fit that costume?" The man gestured to what looked like a suit of armor for a person with a slim build. Rhea could only think of one person.
***
"Our story began with a knight who failed just about everything he tried." The narrator said. Sole was wearing armor that had definitely seen better days. "He was seen more as the village fool than a knight." Several actors came on stage and laughed at Sole. "The knight ventured to a tavern. He found a quest that had been posted months ago. The quest spoke of having to defeat mankind's greatest threat, a fearsome dragon. He gathered supplies then set out on his quest. The knight wasn't afraid. He had faith he could defeat the beast and save the princess. This would be his opportunity to become a legend."
Sole overcame many obstacles. He navigated through disorienting woods, slayed several beasts, and had to face off against bandits. He was growing tired, but his heart was still set on his task.
"The knight arrives at the castle, housing the dreadful dragon and the beautiful princess. Several skeletons of former knights littered the ground before the castle. The knight sees better equipment and decides to relieve the former knights of a capable shield and a high caliber sword. He bangs them together to summon the dragon." the narrator spoke.
The dragon revealed itself to Sole. The dragon was even bigger than he thought possible. It could easily wrap its wings around the castle. With each powerful step he felt the earth quiver. The teeth would have no trouble piercing his shield and armor. Sole was definitely anxious but he charged before he could consider retreat.
After a battle for the ages, Sole gained the upper hand and was ready to land a fatal blow. Out of respect Sole gazed into the eyes of his formidable enemy. He saw a flicker of intelligence in the beast's eyes. It knew what was coming. Sole let out a powerful shout and thrust his sword into the rock next to the dragon. Sole couldn't kill the dragon, during their fight they forged a bond out of mutual respect. Sole left the dragon knowing it was too tired to attack him. He went to search for the princess.
"I've checked every stone in this castle and I see not a single sign of the princess. I truly am a failure." Sole looked to be in anguish.
"You are not a failure." A lovely female voice said, sounding far away. Sole looked to see who had spoken. Rhea appeared wearing an outfit that made Sole’s heart stir. "In fact I'd bestow upon you the title of hero." She hugged Sole and he almost broke down. He had not received any praise for quite some time.
"Who are you?" Sole asked, sounding on the verge of tears.
"I'm the princess you sought to rescue and the dragon you fought." Rhea explained.
On the journey back home Sole and Rhea exchanged information. The royal family seeking power tried to create a dragon. Taking one proved difficult so they experimented on their own daughter to make her into a weapon for the kingdom. Her parents couldn't control her power so they banished her. To make sure no one asked about the princess they claimed she was kidnapped and hired knights to kill her. The knights must have been the ones Sole had seen earlier. Sole wanted to be shocked but the king and queen were controlling to the point that people revolted. The king and queen had been slain and now the kingdom was out of control because it didn't have a leader. The royal bloodline ended at Rhea. She would have to step up and become queen.
Rhea led the kingdom into prosperity along with her right hand man, Sole. Sole, seeing how incredible Rhea was, began to fall in love with her. He wished to marry her but his wishes fell on deaf ears. Sole was only a lowly knight. Rhea had bestowed titles on him but they didn’t change how Sole viewed himself. Sole also feared the backlash Rhea would encounter if she became romantically involved with her trusted advisor. Rhea, although a great leader, knew the public's opinion of her could change in a heartbeat. Sole knew them being together was just impossible. Sole was pained that his feelings would never grow into more but being by her side as a friend would just have to be enough.
"Kill the demon queen!" Shouted a villager as he and several others attempted to raid the castle. The villagers had learned of Rhea's ability to become a dragon. They felt they had become tainted by serving under her. The only way to purify themselves was to kill her. Everyone thought of Rhea as a monster except for Sole. Rhea was glad he remained loyal. Rhea was lost and was afraid of a rebellion. If she died, the kingdom would fall to ruin. Crime would be rampant. Rhea couldn't stop crying. Sole gripped her shoulders and gave her a kiss. Rhea calmed and Sole gave her an item. After the kiss he marched out. Sole told Rhea he would take care of her problem and he marched out.
Sole must have accomplished his goal because the villagers had stopped banging on the castle walls. Rhea went to congratulate Sole outside. She stumbled upon his corpse outside the castle gate. He had been impaled by several swords. Rhea broke down and collapsed. She dropped the item Sole had given her. The item was a small box housing a note. The note read "I know things seem hopeless but if we are together I feel we can accomplish anything. I'm sorry I'm too afraid to ask you in person so the note will have to do. My queen, and cherished friend, will you marry me? I want to always be by your side and make you happy." Sole had signed it as "your hero". Rhea felt hatred consume her being. The villagers had set fire to Sole's corpse. She turned into a dragon. They burned the only man she ever loved and now she would burn everything they love.
Comments (0)
See all