The princess was sleeping when the pigeon arrived. It hummed softly the way pigeons do, and dropped to the floor of the tower. Finding crumbs of the princess last meal, it hummed louder and pecked at the food.

The soft sound woke the royal, but she kept her eyes closed. Slowly, silently, her hand closed around a dagger beneath her pillow. Then, with a shout, she sprang up, arm poised to throw. The pigeon, unperturbed, simply clucked at her and resumed eating.

"Oh, its only you," the girl sighed, leaning against the wooden post holding the bed's soft, lavender canopy. "I thought I would have to fight someone again." She glared at the walls trapping her in and kicked at the floor. "Honestly, you'd think more people would come. Here I am, waiting to fight. Maybe the last guy I scared off told others I beat him. Men and their egos - can't stand it if they lose, eh?" the princess asked the bird.

The pigeon hummed in an irritated way and waddled toward the widow, as if fixing to leave.

"Wait! I didn't mean you, Ruther. Then again, we've never fought before, not truly. But you don't have an ego. You're just a bird, and an ugly one at that. Here, take a look." She held up a mirror, but first glanced at her own reflection. A beauty of sixteen stared back with blonde hair and green eyes. Her face was solemn, without a single trace of a smile, but her eyes held a gleam of mischief.

Then she turned the large plate to the bird, which hummed quietly at seeing his reflection. Ruther turned again and started to waddle around the room.

"Honestly, bird, you're getting too fat. I'd better stop feeding you cookies, eh?" The princess laughed, then stopped. "Hey! What's that tied to your foot?" She jumped down from her bed and scooped up the pigeon. A slip of tightly rolled paper was clamped on the bird's leg.

My Dearest Annabelle,

The worst has happened. All Seven Kingdoms have united to put an end to the reign of terror brought about by the dragon. The savior shall inherit the Realm. I fear for our father. I'm sorry you're still locked in that tower, little sister, I know you would've loved to try and slay the beast yourself. But I do believe this crisis is beyond even you. Maybe if you finally accepted one of your suitors instead of chasing them off, you could play some part in the monster's downfall. But of course, you've always been the violent one.

I hope this letter finds you in good health. Please, Anna, take a suitor as your husband. I've missed you. Seven years is much too long for sisters to be apart.

The Eldest Daughter of King Rive, of the Land Harlya,

Thea

"Lies!" Annabelle shouted. "It's been seven years, nine months, and thirteen days since weve seen each other."

Ruther hummed.

"You're right. I don't need a suitor. I don't need a husband. Any old person can slay the dragon, yes? And they inherit the kingdom. Silly father, locking up the best sword fighter in all seven realms! He needs me! If I slay the beast, I'll be Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. I just need to get a sword. These daggers wont do against a monster. What do you say, Ruther? How about an adventure?"

Ruther stared up at the girl with as much disapproval as a pigeon could convey. He let out a small squawk and fluttered to the girl's kitchen table.

"How can you think of eating right now? They finally declared the dragon as killable! If I do that, I won't be locked back up in this tower again, waiting for any old random prince to rescue me. This is my chance, Ruther!" Annabelle exclaimed, throwing her hands up in the air and falling back on her bed. "I'll see my family again. I was eight went they sent me away, you know. Finally, finally, I'll be my own person."