Today was a big day for Prince Rhys. He was going to be married to the beautiful Princess Maia and become a King. The prince was so excited that he rushed his breakfast and spilled it on his shirt.
"Oh, bother! Maia won't want to marry a sloppy prince. I'd better change out of this." Rhys said to himself after finishing his breakfast. He picked out a blue shirt from his huge walk-in wardrobe, and changed into it. He fastened on his white velvet cape and pulled on his shiny black boots over his dark brown pants. He certainly felt the part.
On his way to the castle, Rhys was brimming with excitement. So much so that he tripped over a rock and fell flat on his face. He picked himself up and inspected his clothes. Luckily, he'd not got any mud on them. Some nearby children were laughing at him. Rhys grumbled under his breath and stormed off.
When he reached the castle, a guard was waiting for him.
"Ah, Prince Rhys! You're very early. The Princess isn't here yet, so you should sit and wait. Mind you, Prince Rhys... your hair's a mess! Sort it out!" the guard said, handing Rhys a small mirror. The prince looked into it, and sure enough, his ocean-blue hair was all over the place. He took a comb out of his pocket and smoothed it down. After sorting out his wayward hair, Rhys went into a small room and sat down on a wooden chair.
Ten minutes later, another guard popped in.
"Prince Rhys, Princess Maia is here! Come on!" he said. Rhys stood up and walked out of the room. Maia was stood there, waiting for him. She was wearing a navy blue dress and veil which perfectly complemented her turquoise-blue hair. She held out her dainty hand, and Rhys took it in one of his own. They walked down the red carpeted aisle, where the King and a priest were stood.
"Good people, we are gathered here today to witness the marriage of Prince Rhys and Princess Maia. Does anyone have any obligations as to why these two should not be wed? Say now, or forever hold your peace." the priest said. There was a loud voice overhead.
"I object! Scummy Orakians, you will never have Princess Maia!" the voice shouted, and then a huge winged creature broke through the roof and grabbed Maia in its clawed hands!
"No, Maia! Let go of her, this instant!" Rhys cried. The creature turned its ugly head to face the prince.
"You! Filthy Orakian prince, trying to wed a beautiful Layan princess! Outrageous! You're lucky that Laya's Law forbids killing." the creature boomed, tightening its grip on Maia. Rhys drew his hunting knife from its sheath. He never goes anywhere unarmed.
"You'll regret this!" Rhys roared, swinging the knife at the creature. It didn't even hurt it.
"Is that all you have, Orakio-lover? I squirm in fear at your pathetic attempts!" the creature laughed, spreading its wings.
"No, Rhys! Help me!" Maia screamed, trying to wriggle free of the creature's grip.
"Hang on, Maia! I'm coming for you!" Rhys yelled in reply, trying to grab hold of the creature's tail. The prince managed to grab hold of it, but the creature had started taking flight.
"Oh, Rhys! Hang on!" Maia yelled, but Rhys was struggling to hold on to the thrashing tail.
"Maia, I can't hold on much longer. It's moving too much!" Rhys screamed, just as the creature's tail lurched violently to the left, forcing Rhys to let go.
"No, Rhys! NOOOOO!" Maia cried, but it was too late. Rhys had gone.