We Can't All Be Winners

Today’s prompt: “Your first fight”

“Fear not, my liege,” you say, bowing low, your voice brimming with confidence. “I shall defeat the dragon and return your fair daughter to you.”

“Praise be,” the king says. “Should you succeed, I shall reward you greatly, and your daring deeds shall be sung throughout the land.”

Twenty minutes later, your singed head rolls into the throne room.