Princess Anya and the Brave Mask

Princess Anya loved to fence! While other princesses liked pretty dresses and dancing, Anya liked her silver sword and quick footwork. "Swish! Swish!" went her sword as she practiced every day. One day, a grumpy neighbor called Baron Volkov said, "I challenge your kingdom to a sword fight! "One champion must fight my champion!" Usually, Anya's brother Prince Theo would fight. But Theo was better at talking and making plans than sword fighting. "Father," said Anya, "please let me fight! I practice every day!" The King shook his head. "That's not how things are done, Anya." Anya felt sad but kept practicing anyway. Oh no! Prince Theo hurt his ankle while practicing! Now he couldn't fight at all. The whole castle was worried. Who would fight for them now? That night, Anya had an idea. She put on Theo's armor and helmet that covered her face. The armor was too big, but she made it work! On the day of the big fight, everyone thought Prince Theo was fighting. But it was really Anya inside the armor! Baron Volkov's fighter was very big and strong. He swung his sword hard. But Anya was quick and clever! She danced around him, her silver sword flashing in the sun. "Clang! Clang!" went their swords. With one perfect move, Anya knocked the big fighter's sword right out of his hand! Everyone cheered! Slowly, Anya lifted her helmet. Her red hair tumbled out. Everyone gasped! "That is my daughter, Princess Anya!" the King announced proudly. "The champion of our kingdom!" The crowd cheered even louder. Baron Volkov went home, and the kingdom was safe. The King hugged Anya. "You are brave and skilled. You are a hero!" From that day on, both boys and girls in the kingdom learned how to fence. And Princess Anya taught them all, showing that anyone can be brave when they follow their heart.