Damsel

In an alternate version of classic fairy tales, where gender roles are flipped and magical creatures are feared rather than celebrated, a young woman's life takes a dramatic turn when she becomes the unwilling bride of a charming prince. Anguline, a talented and fierce warrior from a small village on the outskirts of a mystical kingdom, has captured the heart of Prince Florian, the charming and ambitious ruler of a neighboring kingdom. The prince's arrival in Anguline's village is swift, and their courtship is whisked away in a whirlwind of romance, magic, and politics. Despite her reserved nature, Anguline finds herself swept up in Prince Florian's charming and ambitious plans, which promise a brighter future for both their kingdoms. The young warrior's people, known for their skill in battle and their fierce loyalty, are eager to see their daughter secure a strong alliance with the neighboring kingdom. As Anguline prepares to begin her life as a princess, she is faced with the reality of her new role and the expectations that come with it. The princess is forced to renounce her cherished sword, a symbol of her strength and identity, and instead, don the garb of a 'damsel in distress'. The arrival of the dragon, a fire-breathing monster said to terrorize villages and burn entire towns to the ground, seals Anguline's fate as a sacrifice. In a cruel twist of fate, the young princess discovers that she is the chosen one, destined to be offered up to the beast in a gruesome display of power and sacrifice. Panicked and desperate, Anguline turns to her few trusted friends, including Prince Florian's loyal advisor, Wicked Richard, who has a hidden agenda. Wicked Richard serves as a confidant, providing Anguline with a way to rebel against her fate and the society that has forced her into a life she hates. As tensions rise between the kingdoms and the imminent arrival of the dragon draws near, Anguline realizes that she cannot hide forever. Wearing a disguise and armed with nothing but stealth and cunning, the young warrior escapes the palace, determined to make a name for herself and free herself from the shackles of societal expectations. In the midst of the chaos, a growing inner conflict emerges within Anguline. She grapples with the idea of surrendering to the expectations thrust upon her by society or forging a new path that honors her true self. Through her choices and actions, the damsel becomes a powerful symbol of female liberation and the fierce struggle for equality. The fate of Anguline and the brave people who stand by her side hangs in the balance as they confront the menace threatening their kingdom. In preparation for the coming battle, Wicked Richard provides Anguline with an opportunity to refine her skills and find her strength as a fighter. With Prince Florian trapped in a web of guilt and obligation, Anguline forges an unlikely alliance with Wicked Richard to create a plan to face the dragon head-on. Together, they devise a counterattack and prepare the kingdom's defenses, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown with the monstrous creature. As the battle between Anguline and the dragon reaches its climax, her fighting skills, determination, and strength are revealed, showcasing her inner power and mettle. Her unwavering refusal to accept the role of the 'damsel in distress' becomes the starting point for her journey of growth, showcasing an enduring spirit which awakens a movement within the people of the kingdom. In an incredible display of strength and triumph, Anguline duels the mighty dragon, using her knowledge, courage, and unyielding spirit to subdue the fearsome beast. When the dust settles, Anguline stands victorious, having killed the dragon and shattered the shackles of expectation. Anguline's liberation sets off a wave of change within the kingdom and beyond, marking the beginning of a new era where women fight for equality and fight against the boundaries placed upon them by society.