The next prince was not long in coming. Slightly dented and covered with road dust, he briskly jogged towards my castle. This was far from my first savior. With a trained eye, I immediately appreciated his equipment, the strength and endurance of a thoroughbred horse. It made me feel inside - what if this is the last one? But experience suggested that time will tell... It was heard: - Hey, hey! - and, picked up by the echo, it spread throughout the empty castle. - Is anyone alive? I waited the time required by etiquette and responded, as always, according to the script: - O Prince Charming! How long have I been waiting for you! I must say that this time the Prince turned out to be quite noble. Having learned that the Dragon guards me only at night, he agreed to wait in the castle. No hint of escape. And no obscene offers. He didn’t even offer intimacy until the Dragon saw. (Yeah, that happened!) I was busy working around the castle while the Prince was soaking in the bathroom. I liked him. He had a special smile. And sparkles in gray eyes. And the smell. This, you know, is the smell of a Real Prince. But what do the real ones smell like? How should I know...But it was nice to cook dinner for him. And generally take care of him. If only the Dragon hadn’t arrived! We had dinner in the large hall. The soft glow of the candles played on the Prince’s still damp hair. I wanted to straighten them and comb them. They are probably very soft to the touch. He talked about his adventures and exploits. How the time came to get married and his parents offered him princess after princess. But they were all stupid and cutesy. And then he himself went in search of the princess. And one day he heard about me. Oh yes, getting married through heroism is the act of a True Prince! Always give them heroic deeds. After dinner, the Prince volunteered to wash the dishes. And I went to prepare his room. If only the Dragon hadn't arrived! Oh please! Don't come! Well, anything can happen - you got lost or lightning struck there. At least find another princess! Just don't come! Please! We lived in relative peace for a couple of days. The prince chopped wood for the winter and patched up the leaking roof. My heart sank with joy, watching my betrothed work (Oh, it seems I’m rushing things!). We spent the evenings in front of the fireplace, chatting happily, playing chess and telling each other about everything. It was easy with him. He was not surprised how I, the Princess, lived alone in a castle with a Dragon. He was gentle and attentive. He straightened the blanket, wrapping me up warmer and was not offended when I won the next game. When we went to bed, the Prince lingered a little near the room and after the traditional “good night” timidly kissed my cheek. I lay in bed, trembling with sweet anticipation. Did you really wait? Is this really it? I can live like everyone else. And don't wait for anyone else! But then the treacherous full moon peeked out from behind the clouds... The dragon flew into the Prince’s room and flapped its wings indignantly. But the Prince was not at a loss. He jumped up and, holding his underwear with one hand, swung the other with the sword towards the Dragon. (Is he sleeping with him, or what??) The fight was not long. Apparently, the Prince really wanted to win. Or the Dragon didn't want to. But overall it all turned out pretty stupid. After another maneuver, the Dragon hooked the canopy above the bed with its tail. The massive structure creaked and covered the Dragon's head. While he was struggling, trying to get out, the Prince again did not lose his head and, as soon as a green muzzle appeared from behind the fabric, he pressed the sword to his scaly neck. The dragon blinked his eyes in surprise and... turned into me. The Prince definitely did not expect such an ending. But, to his credit, he did not run away, squealing in panic. And he didn't even cut off my head. The prince slowly removed the sword from my neck. Out of habit, I wanted to put it in its sheath, but it was lying on the chair. And, turning his back to me, he silently collected his things, pulled up his underwear and left without even looking in my direction. I was unraveling from the canopy to the sound of hooves on the paving stones in the castle courtyard. I don’t know how many hours I sobbed right there, in his bed . Only one phrase was pounding in my head - an old spell: “It’s not the True Prince who will fight the Dragon for the sake of the Princess. But the one who...