"Yes. Once I decided to have some fun and stole the princess of one of the kingdoms. She was so beautiful there were no words to describe! I thought that some prince would come and try to save her so I can have some fun. I'll scare him in the disguise of a dragon, and then maybe I'll let them both go in peace. But no matter how much I waited, no one came. I continued to wait. And when finally the wait was over to the princess to rescue came her maid. It turned out that the prince couldn't get to me, although he tried. As a result, everyone in the kingdom was in despair of returning their princess... Then a simple maid, who lived in the castle from her childhood and loved the princess with all her heart, did all she could to save the princess. I didn't know that the princess and this girl were friends. The maid passed all the obstacles, I still don't understand how... If the prince couldn't do this, then how did she managed to do it? When she thin, barefoot, all wounded stood in front of me and asked to let the princess go - I couldn't find words. I couldn't even growl at her to somehow frighten this poor maid.
At that moment, I was surprised at the strength of this simple girl who went through a lot to save the one to whom she was so devoted. I promised that I would release the princess and kept my promise. I would have let the maid go, but because of the tests she passed, she wasn't able to withstand the journey home. And then, I vowed that I would take care of her like a princess. That she would not know any denial from me if only she would stay instead of the princess. The maid agreed without a single thought after which lost her consciousness.
As soon as I managed to heal the wounds on her body, I returned the princess to her kingdom. As far as I know, she was happy that she was able to return to her home. Since then, I have cared for that poor thing. And you know, I haven't regretted for a day that I no longer attack villages or steal princesses. She has become very important to me, and I don't want to lose her because of some "whims". Ah, here we are."
Gorynych pushed the stone forward, and it moved away with ease, giving us enough room to squeeze through.
"Honey, I'm home!"
Gorynych shouted so loudly that the walls trembled. It was just a huge stone castle! Large halls with columns were carved in with forests. Closer to the ceiling, there were big windows that let in light and fresh air. They were so large that Gorynych, in the disguise of a dragon, could quite easily fly in and out of them. Walls were carved with animals, merrily playing some known to them amusements. The birds that sat on the branches here and there seemed to be filled with resounding singing. Everything around was so magical that I could hardly believe that it was all carved out of stone.
"Follow me beautiful, I will introduce you to my wife."
Gorynych took me through all these magical halls until we came out to a small wooden door. He opened it, and delicious smells of food overwhelmed me. At that moment, I understood that I hadn't eaten anything for a very long time. My gurgling stomach confirmed my hunger.
"Maryana, we have a guest!" Gorynych thundered.
Somewhere from the kitchen, a woman about my height ran out. She had light brown hair, light coloured eyes, and surprisingly tanned skin. She had a blue dress on, her walk was so soft as if she was about to flutter. Perhaps there is nothing left that would tell that she is a former maid of some princess.
"Hello, dear." Maryana ran up to Gorynych and kissed him on the cheek, after which she turned to me. "You look a little pale. And the clothes are all torn, I'll give you something to change. What's your name, darling?"
"Alina," I answered and almost fainted from fatigue.
"Oh... I see you're weak and probably hungry. Darling," She turned to Gorynych. "Sit her down in our most comfortable chair." Then she turned back to me. "We'll feed you, give you water, and we'll put you to sleep on the feather bed."
All this time, some fear was hiding in me, but for some reason, seeing this cheerful woman, I started to feel calm. As promised: they gave a good meal, made me a good drink and put me to bed on a soft feather bed. Falling asleep, I thought about how lucky this Maryana was. There was a reliable man next to her. Ready to put the whole world at her feet, as soon as she asks. In her attitude to Gorynych, it was easy to understand that he was very dear to her. But there was the feeling that didn't leave me - that they still lacked something to be happy at the end. Although, to be honest, this shouldn't have bothered me.
The next morning, Gorynych, as promised, took me to Koschey's castle. Even gave me an excursion around, and took me to the library, where Koschey was supposed to be. To say that Koschei's castle was richly cleaned is to say nothing. Everything there was made of gold, silver, marble and other precious stones and metals. All this wealth was so dazzling that it was impossible to keep my eyes open. It was hard to keep my attention to Gorynych and listen to what he is saying. Only a complete fool will be able to resist all this wealth and not desire it.
"Well, that's all, Alina. I accompanied you to Koschei. I hope he can help you. Good luck!"
"Thank you for your help, Gorynych. I don't know how I can repay it all."
"You don't have to," Gorynych smiled so broadly that his lizard-like face was cut through by small teeth. "I hope you'll find what you are looking for."
"Me too."
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