“It doesn’t have to end like this, you know? We could be friends.”

“That’s not for you or me to decide, our roles have been set and we have to play our parts to the end.”

“But why? Why are you willing to let someone else decide your destiny?”

“Because that is all I know, that is all that has ever existed for me and all that will ever exist.”

“And is it worth it?”

“It’s not about whether or not it’s worth playing our parts in this drama. That’s just how the story is written.”

“Stories can always be re-written.”

“And where would that leave us? What are we without our destiny? Now raise your sword already and let’s get this over with!”

“I won’t. I refuse to continue senselessly killing you over and over again.”

“Then I will kill you.”

“You can’t. You said it yourself, that’s not how the story is written.”

“But if you don’t follow what’s written, what will become of us? The story is all we have.”

“I don’t know, but anything is better than this curse. We’ll just have to wait and see what happens.”

---

“Daddy?” A young voice asked from a pink bed.

“Yes sweetheart?”

“I don’t want the knight to kill the dragon.”

“I’m sorry, honey. That’s just the way the story is written. The knight in shining armor has to kill the evil dragon to rescue the enchanted princess.”

“But what if the dragon is not evil? Maybe he’s just lonely and wanted someone to talk to. Maybe he and the knight could be friends.”

“And what about the enchanted princess?”

“I think if the dragon had a friend he wouldn’t need to keep her in the tower anymore, she could just go home.”

“Maybe, but she’s enchanted, the only way to break the spell and free her is by killing the dragon.”

A small pair of eyebrows frowned as in deep thought for a moment.

“If someone has to kill the poor dragon for her to be free, then maybe she’s not enchanted but cursed?”

“Hmmmm… I hadn’t thought about it that way. Would you like me to read you a different story?”

“No, I like this one but… could you make it different?”

“It wouldn’t be the same story.”

“It doesn’t matter, I just want the poor dragon an the knight to be friends.”

“Ok princess. I’ll write you a new story.”

“Thanks daddy! Oh, and please, don’t call me princess.”

“What would you like me to call you then.”

A tiny mischievous face with golden curls giggled before answering.

“Dragon.”