The Rescue

On the eve of her coronation, the princess's brother, his dark eyes smiling, played on the fears of old men, convincing the council to rewrite their laws.
Instead of Queens, there would now be Kings.
The princess called for reason, citing battles won, trades established, alliances forged. When reason failed, she took up the sword. She appealed to the dragons, majestic and terrifying allies, ready to fight at her side.
Catching word of her plan, her brother told the knights she had been kidnapped.
The knights attacked.
Killed the dragons.
Captured the princess.

The defeat would leave scars centuries deep.