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Rosamund took a moment to wonder at the expansive growth covering the castle walls and think back to the prison she had escaped from. Here, thin vines were all the way out here, but grew thicker the closer she walked to the castle. She unsheathed her sword and began hacking her way through. Castle might be a generous term for the single tower left standing amid the rubble. She suspected that these vines, much like her own, were charged with protecting a princess within. This princess still remained asleep. And if the destructive boredom of the plants were any indication, decades had passed without a rescue attempt. Her legend had faded to near obscurity.
Which was why Rosamund was here, using all her magic to safely clear the door and ascend the spiral staircase.
Which was why the plants were easier to persuade to let the princess wake with a healing hand rather than a claiming kiss.
“Are you my true love?” the girl asked.
“I’m not sure true loves exist,” Rosamund replied. “But I’d like to be your friend.” She helped the girl clear away the vines, pleased to see they were not as constrictive as hers had been. “Another friend of mine has a book club, or you can join my camping group if that’s more your speed.”
The girl was clearly still processing what new opportunities were open to her in this future, but she looked at Rosamund with a rekindled fire in her spirit. “Do you know anyone who could teach me how to brew beer?”
She laughed and held out her hand. “Let’s go find out together.”