© A Mixed Bag 2011 Photo Copyright: Al Forbes
This story was written for Sunday Photo Fiction–July 2nd, 2017. Each week the host, Al Forbes, provides a picture prompt taken by him or sent in by one of the participants in the group of writers. The challenge for each member of the group is to write an original story or poem with no more than 200 words, not including the title and inspired by the prompt. This week’s prompt was taken by Al Forbes himself. Thanks, Al.
To read the other stories written by group members, just click on the link below, then on the little blue frog in the blue box.
The link to the other stories this week is as follows:
https://sundayphotofictioner.wordpress.com/2017/07/02/sunday-photo-fiction-july-2nd-2017/
Genre: Fantasy Fiction
Word Count: 200 Words
THE PROTECTIVE DRAGON by P.S. Joshi
In Medieval times dragons were more plentiful. One was given to Princess Milicent as a gift by a wealthy old merchant who secretly loved her.
He thought himself brave as he’d captured the animal himself in the mountains south of the town. He didn’t realize this was no ordinary dragon. It was a prince from another kingdom who had been transformed by a magician because the prince wanted to be close to the fair lady.
“Oh my beautiful dragon,” said Milicent as she stroked the dragon’s scaly purple head. You are so gentle. I always thought your kind were fierce and dangerous.”
One day as the princess walked in the garden the old merchant hurried to her.
“Princess I have asked your father the king for your hand and he has agreed as the Kingdom needs money and no other suitor is available.”
The dragon turned, breathed fire toward the merchant who fell back into the roses, then transformed into a handsome prince. He walked straight to the king’s throne and asked for the princess’s hand in marriage. The king gladly accepted and a large wedding soon took place. The young couple filled with joy were happily married many years.
Musings on Life & Experience 
Suzanne I really enjoyed what you did with the prompt. But I do worry about the prince’s sanity
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha, ha. Are you worried about his sanity because he had himself turned into a dragon or because he was happily married the rest of his life? I’m happy you enjoyed the story, Michael. 😀 —- Suzanne
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy story. Thanks, Suzanne. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, John. The prompt said “fantasy” to me. I’m glad you enjoyed my happy little story. 😀 — Suzanne
LikeLike
Ah a fairy tale! Loved it Suzanne 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Dahlia. I’m happy you enjoyed my little fairy tale. 🙂 — Suzanne
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was definitely time to turn back into a prince 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Ali. I agree. It was the crucial time for the dragon to change back into a prince or lose the fair maiden. I’m happy you enjoyed the story. 😀 — Suzanne
LikeLike
Well, it’s something I would surely read to my kid. Very refreshing to read a fairy tale like story. Thanks for the tale. Cheers, Varad
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Varad. I’m happy you enjoyed the story so much and thought it was one your child would like. 🙂 — Suzanne
LikeLike
I’d rather wed the dragon too 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Sue. You’re right. Not only is he actually a handsome prince but probably also has the money the kingdom needs. No problem there. If the princess ever needs protection again he can always become a dragon and breathe fire at the enemies. I’m glad you enjoyed the story. 😀 — Suzanne
LikeLike
Lovely fairy tale, Suzanne. That merchant paid the price for his greed and for capturing a dragon, and the prince and princess made out pretty well in the end. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Diana. Yes, justice was done and there was a happy ending. I’m glad you enjoyed the story. 😀 — Suzanne
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a beautiful story. The sentence ‘The dragon turned, breathed fire toward the merchant who fell back into the roses, then transformed into a handsome prince.’ is confusing for me because it makes it sound as if it is the merchant who transformed into the prince. But great story!
Like
Thanks. I’m glad you liked the story and thought it beautiful. I know that part about the merchant falling into the roses is a bit confusing but he fell because the dragon breathed fire at him. I couldn’t think how else to say it with the word limitation. The dragon was the prince not the merchant.. 🙂 — Suzanne
LikeLiked by 1 person
Makes sense:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sweetly told tale, Suzanne
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, C.E. I’m happy you enjoyed the story. 🙂 — Suzanne
LikeLike
I’d love to see this worked into a children’s book. Nice job. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Erik for the lovely comment. I’m happy you enjoyed the story. 🙂 — Suzanne
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s one way of getting close to the Princess. Although I do wonder how the princess would have reactied knowing that she had probably told this creature all her secrets.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Al. That’s a thought. I didn’t think about that. I’m glad you enjoyed the story. 😀 — Suzanne
LikeLike