You return to your lair

With several powerful beats of your wings, you were out of reach of the archers of Bearshield. You slowed your pace a bit, and then started hearing the princess screaming in your grip as the sound of the wind lessened. {if Dame Belsant==1}You could also feel the knight struggling weakly in your belly.{endif}

You looked down at the princess. "Screaming will do you no good. You are mine now, until such a time as I decide otherwise."

The princess stopped screaming when you spoke. She stared at you, still pale, but at least quiet now. "Or until a knight comes and rescues me."

You chuckled. "The last knight to try and challenge me {if Dame Belsant==1}is currently in my stomach,{else}failed utterly in defending you,{endif} in spite of her magic sword. You may give up hope of rescue now."

"Magic sword?" The princess asked. "Do you mean Dame Belsant?"

"Unlike me, she did not bother introducing herself before our battle."

{if Dame Belsant==1}A faint voice called out from your stomach. "That is my name, yes."

You smirked as the princess stared in shock at your stomach. "Dame Belsant? You're alive? In this beast's stomach?"

"Yes, Princess Jonete. I am mostly unharmed, though I believe my strength is being sapped."

You nodded. "A useful bit of magic, allowing me to drain those I have eaten rather than digesting them. You may yet have your turn, princess."

The princess gulped, but made no attempt at arguing either. Dame Belsant yelled at you a bit, but you ignored her.

{else}The princess slumped in your grip, apparently disheartened at hearing what you had done.

{endif}Soon, you reached your cave and landed inside.