The Frog Prince

by A. G. Marshall

  “Will someone please explain this? And get that man some clothes!” King Giuseppe said.

  Carina broke the kiss and giggled. Stefan laughed with her. He pulled his arms away and rolled off her lap. He moved awkwardly and swayed as he stood. That was fair. Transforming from frog to human had to be disorienting.

  She helped him to his feet. He put an arm around her for balance.

  “You’re not hurt?” she whispered.

  “A little stiff. You?”

  Carina blinked at him.

  “I’m fine.”

  “You don’t want me to punch your father in the face again? It will hurt more now.”

  “Ahem.”

  Serafina stepped in front of them and offered Stefan a cloak. He settled it on his shoulders and wrapped his arm around Carina again.

  “Will someone please explain what just happened?” King Giuseppe said.

  Stefan glared at him.

  “The mermaids who attacked your castle cursed me. Princess Carina just broke the curse.”

  The king blinked.

  “That’s all you have to say?”

  “That’s all you need to know.”

  “I don’t appreciate the way you have your arm around my daughter, sir.”

  “And I don’t appreciate the way you threatened to execute your daughter after she saved your life.”

  He stepped forward, and Carina pulled him back. She appreciated that he wanted to protect her, but if he punched her father while human, he might end up in a dungeon or worse.

  “This is Prince Stefan of Aeonia,” she said. “He has been staying with me hoping to find a way to break his curse. Apparently, I just needed to kiss him?”

  She looked to Stefan for confirmation. He smiled at her and nodded.

  “It isn’t easy to get a girl to kiss you when you’re a frog, Your Majesty.”

  “It isn’t easy when you’re human,” Demarco muttered.

  Serafina glared at the guard, and he snapped his mouth shut.

  “This man assaulted you, Your Majesty,” Duke Enrico said. “He must be held responsible.”

  Carina tightened her grip on Stefan. The queen laid a hand on her husband’s arm.

  “I expect a curse would affect your decision making. Make it difficult to think clearly?”

  She raised an eyebrow at Stefan. He caught the hint.

  “Yes, it was very hard to think. The frog part of my brain was stronger than I’d like to admit. I saw a fly on King Giuseppe’s nose, and my instincts told me to leap.

  A few people around the room giggled. King Giuseppe frowned.

  “Prince Stefan, I have enough trouble to deal with right now. I suggest you leave for Aeonia on the first available ship.”

  Stefan bowed.

  “My thoughts exactly, Your Majesty. In fact, I’ve already booked passage. I would also like to extend an offer of sanctuary to Princess Carina. Since she has been banished, perhaps she would like to make a new life in Aeonia? With me?”

  He whispered the last two words so only Carina could hear. She smiled up at him. He looked uncertain, as if she might reject him after all this. She stared into his eyes.

  “I would love to.”

  King Giuseppe cleared his throat.

  “Very well. Princess Serafina will make sure you leave the country. If no one has any objections, I would like to begin repairing the harbor, castle, and half of Santelle’s navy. Duke Enrico, you will take charge of the project.”

  Duke Enrico glared at Carina and Stefan as if they had smashed the harbor on purpose to annoy him.

  “Yes, Your Majesty.”

  The queen smiled and blew a kiss to Carina. Carina bowed to her, grateful for her mother’s support even if she couldn’t show her full appreciation. Serafina took her sister’s arm.

  “Come, let’s get you to your ship.”

  Carina nodded. The guards opened the door, and she hurried down the hallway. Gustave followed her.

  “What happened?” he asked. “Carina, is everything alright?”

  He paused as he noticed Stefan.

  “The frog?” he asked.

  Stefan grinned and bowed.

  “Prince Stefan of Aeonia at your service.”

  Carina loved his mischievous grin. It made his eyes crinkle in the cutest way.

  Gustave looked from Stefan to Carina.

  “You broke the curse,” he said. “Congratulations.”

  “I just had to kiss him,” Carina said. “If you find another enchanted frog, try kissing it.”

  “Thanks for the advice.”

  “We can talk on the way to the harbor,” Serafina said. “We need to get you on a ship as soon as possible.”

  She pushed her way through the crowded hallway. Carina and Stefan matched her quick pace. Gustave jogged after them.

  “You’re leaving so soon? You don’t want to have a celebration banquet or something?”

  “Carina has been banished for treason,” Serafina said.

  “What! That’s preposterous!”

  “Not so loud,” Carina said. “We’re lucky I’m the only one that got in trouble. You may want to go back to Montaigne before they remember you were in the treasury with me and decide to ask questions.”

  “But you saved them,” Gustave said.

  Stefan rolled his eyes.

  “They’re idiots and objected to her trading the gem without permission. I’m with Kathelin on that one. They didn’t know how to use it, and it wasn’t doing them any good. Now the guards can get some sunlight. Demarco is a bit pale.”

  “Santelle is a proud country,” Serafina said. “We don’t like to look weak. We don’t like to lose.”

  “And we didn’t,” Carina said. “You’ll take care of everyone? You’ll watch out for them?”

  Serafina nodded.

  “I will. Although I suspect I won’t do half as much as you did to keep us safe. Correct me if I’m wrong.”

  Carina laughed.

  “I can neither confirm nor deny that I was working for Santelle behind the scenes.”

  Gustave and Serafina shared a look.

  “She was,” they said together.

  They reached the harbor and slowed their pace to dodge the crowd of people clearing debris.

  “Your Highness!”

  Someone ran through the crowd screaming. Carina searched but didn’t see the short man until he crashed into Stefan.

  “Your Highness, you’re safe!”

  “Yes, Heinrich. Carina kissed me and broke the curse.”

  Heinrich nodded.

  “I felt it. The iron bands around my heart snapped a few minutes ago. I tried to find you, but the guards wouldn’t let me in the castle.”

  “Iron bands?” Carina said.

  Heinrich bristled.

  “That blasted witch put three iron bands around my heart. She said if Stefan told anyone about the curse or who he was, the bands would tighten and kill me. I told him my life wasn’t worth his, but this stubborn young man wouldn’t listen.”

  He patted the prince’s arm affectionately. Carina beamed at Stefan.

  “You were protecting his life? You stayed a frog to save him?”

  Stefan shrugged.

  “Anyone would have done the same.”

  Carina stood on tiptoe and kissed his cheek. Stefan blushed.

  “Your Highness, what are you wearing?” Heinrich said.

  “Oh, thank you for the suit, Heinrich. Its extra features saved me a lot of embarrassment when the curse broke.”

  Stefan’s face got even redder. Heinrich frowned.

  “You’ve been walking through the town in underwear and a cape? Your Highness, that was for emergencies only! A temporary measure! We must get you dressed!”

  The tailor grabbed the prince’s arm and dragged him towards the Seawolfe. Stefan fought back.

  “Heinrich, I’m fine! I have a vest on, too! No one can see under the cape!”

  The tailor kept pulling, and Stefan sighed.


  “I’ll see you on the ship, Carina. It was nice to meet you, Serafina. Thanks for everything, Gustave!”

  He waved and let the tiny tailor drag him through the crowd.

  “He’s quite cute,” Serafina said with a grin. “Did you know he was human the whole time?”

  “I had a few ideas that Gustave confirmed by mentioning his research on curses. I also suspected he was Prince Stefan, but it was hard to be sure.”

  “Clever girl,” Serafina said with a wink. “You always were good at solving mysteries. Be nice to him. We princesses of Santelle can be a bit intimidating.”

  King Gustave cleared his throat. Serafina raised an eyebrow.

  “Would you like to comment on the princesses of Santelle, King Gustave?”

  He shook his head.

  “No, certainly not. Although it has been a joy to work with both of you. I was just going to inquire if Princess Carina would like her shell back?”

  He pulled Kathelin’s shell out of his pocket and offered it to Carina. She shook her head.

  “You keep it. Either mermaids have strange customs, or there’s something special about that shell. My guess would be magic, and you know more about that than me. Thank you for all your help, Gustave. Truly.”

  Serafina raised her eyebrow at this but didn’t comment. Gustave kissed Carina’s hand.

  “I think I will take your advice and return to Montaigne today. It looks like the Delphinette made it back safely.”

  He gestured to the ship docked on the other side of the harbor. Captain Whist walked around the deck, his enormous hat fluttering in the wind. Marquis Corbeau followed behind him, holding his long white beard to keep it from blowing in his face.

  “Good luck,” Carina said.

  “And to you. I’ll give your regards to Collette.”

  “And I’ll bring yours to Lina and Alaric. Come visit us in Aeonia any time.”

  “And you must visit us in Montaigne.”

  Gustave bowed and disappeared into the crowd. He reappeared on the deck of the Delphinette and waved. Captain Whist lifted his hat in greeting.

  Carina waved at them until they disappeared into the captain’s cabin. A lump formed in her throat when she turned back to Serafina.

  “I’ll miss you,” she said.

  Serafina hugged her.

  “And I’ll miss you. I’m sorry I didn’t guess what you were doing and offer to help. I should have known you weren’t an idiot.”

  Carina grinned.

  “To be fair, you tried. And I’m very good at pretending.”

  “I have no doubt of that. Promise me you won’t come back to Santelle while father is king? I don’t want to commit treason to break you out of jail, but I will if I have to.”

  “I promise,” Carina said. “And when father isn’t king?”

  Serafina tilted her head.

  “Well, a certain young queen will have the power to revoke banishment once she takes the throne. If your prince can forgive us, I could use two clever people to serve on my council once I’m crowned.”

  Carina raised an eyebrow. Serafina laughed.

  “Oh, don’t pretend he isn’t wrapped around your finger. I’ll expect an invitation to the wedding. Depending on father’s mood, I may not be able to attend. But I expect an invitation all the same.”

  Carina sniffed.

  “I’m a bit young to be thinking of marriage.”

  “Is that so?”

  Serafina gestured to the Seawolfe. Carina turned and smiled.

  Stefan stood on the gangplank. He wore a loose blue tunic and tailored green trousers. Clothes fit for a prince. Black leather boots hugged his calves, enhancing the line of his now-human legs. His hair stood up like uncut grass and rustled in the wind. He ran his hands through it, looking self-conscious as Carina and Serafina gaped at him.

  “Very cute,” Serafina whispered as she elbowed Carina. “Are you sure you’re too young for marriage? Because I’m a few years older than you, which makes me the perfect age.”

  “Shut up. I love you.”

  Carina hugged her sister one last time. Then she turned and walked towards the ship. She fought back tears as she stepped from the ground to the wooden gangplank. That was it. She wasn’t allowed to set foot in Santelle again. At least not while her father was king.

  She wouldn’t see her family again. Not for years. Maybe not ever.

  “Carina, are you alright?”

  Stefan met her on the gangplank and took her hand. She accepted his help and stepped onto the ship.

  “Yes, I just-”

  Her voice broke. Stefan wrapped his arms around her and bent his head over hers.

  “My offer to punch everyone in that room still stands. I’ll spare your sister, though. She seems nice.”

  He waved to Serafina. She waved back.

  Carina laughed, although it came out as more of a sob.

  “She thinks you’re cute.”

  “Really?”

  Stefan stood a little taller. Carina poked him in the chest.

  “Don’t let it go to your head, Prince Stefan.”

  “So you don’t think I’m cute? I know I’m not small and cuddly like a frog, but I’m decent as a human.”

  “You’re wonderful,” Carina said with a grin. “But I have a feeling you’ll be insufferable if I say that too often.”

  “Once was enough. I have a good memory.”

  He stood tall and puffed out his chest, striking a pose.

  Carina giggled.

  “Begging your pardon, Your Majesties,” Captain Gruff said, “But the guards have informed me I need to leave the harbor as soon as possible. We gathered rations from the Onslaught as you instructed, and the ship is seaworthy until we find a place to make repairs. Do you have any unfinished business on shore?”

  “No,” Carina said. “I’d prefer to leave immediately.”

  “Raise the anchor!” Gruff bellowed. “We’re casting off! Set a course for Montaigne!”

  The crew sprang into action, and the Seawolfe drifted away from the shore.

  “Excuse me, Captain,” Heinrich said.

  The diminutive tailor spoke softly, but Gruff gave him full attention.

  “Yes, Mr. Heinrich?”

  “I didn’t mention it before due to complicated circumstances, but this young man is Prince Stefan of Aeonia. If the Seawolfe is seaworthy enough to make it across the ocean, may I suggest setting a course for Aeonia? I’m sure the royal family will be happy to repair your ship as thanks for bringing him back quickly.”

  Captain Gruff raised his gray eyebrows and studied Stefan.

  “You’re a prince?”

  “Guilty as charged. And my family will be honored to repair your fine vessel when we return to Aeonia. They might even include a bonus if we make it in time for the wedding.”

  Carina gasped.

  “The wedding! It’s the day after tomorrow!”

  Gruff shook his head.

  “I’m sorry, Your Highnesses, no ship can cross the ocean that fast. But I will be happy to set a direct course for Aeonia if our engineer thinks we’re seaworthy.”

  Stefan hung his head.

  “I’m going to miss Alaric’s wedding.”

  Carina hugged him.

  “It will be alright. He’ll forgive you.”

  “Forgive me? He’ll never let me forget it! I’m sunk.”

  Carina giggled. Stefan met her gaze and kissed her nose.

  “Just so you know, you’re my wedding present.”

  “What?”

  “I traveled to Santelle to fetch you as a wedding present for Alaric. Lina was upset that you couldn’t be her wedding attendant, so I thought I’d cheer everyone up by bringing you.”

  “You traveled across the ocean to kidnap me for a wedding?”

  “To persuade you to attend. I can be very persuasive.”

  Carina snuggled up against him.

  “I’m sure you can.”

  Gruff cleare
d his throat.

  “How’s the ship, Ken?”

  Ken returned from inspecting the mast.

  “We can make it to Aeonia as long as we reinforce the mast and patch the bow along the way. But we’ll need a lot of repairs when we get there, and they won’t be cheap.”

  He gave Stefan a pointed glance. The prince groaned.

  “Alaric won’t let me forget that either.”

  64

  Gruff stared at the city on the horizon and scratched his beard.

  “I’ve never seen anything like it,” he said. “A day and a half. Got to be the fastest ocean crossing in the history of Myora.”

  He walked back to his cabin, still scratching his head.

  Stefan leaned over the edge of the ship to watch the passing waves. A face looked up at him. She winked her bright blue eye and vanished beneath the waves.

  He pushed away from the rail. Kathelin. Was she following him?

  “She must like you a lot,” Timon said. “Judging by how fast we’re going, she must like you an awful lot.”

  Stefan stared at him.

  “You think she made the ship go so fast?”

  “You have a better explanation?”

  Stefan didn’t. Besides, he’d seen Kathelin control the currents before. Maybe this was one last gift. A final thank you for giving her the gem.

  He hoped it was final. As much as he appreciated her help, he didn’t want to see more of the mermaid.

  “It happens sometimes,” Timon said. “A mermaid takes a fancy to a man and follows his ship across the ocean. I’ve had one following me for years. Not that it does me any good since she hides from everyone else. No one believes me. They all think I’m crazy.”

  Stefan swallowed.

  “I believe you.”

  Timon laughed.

  “I would hope so!”

  Carina joined them on the deck. Heinrich had done his best to mend her gown, but the kraken fight had left it in tatters.

  She twirled as she approached, and the remains of the fabric fluttered in the breeze.

  “I’ll need new clothes when we get to Aeonia. I can sew them myself if you get me fabric. But I might need to borrow something to wear while I finish them.”

  Stefan winked.

  “You can borrow some of my clothes if you like. Maybe you can get a job as a sailor.”

  “You’re insufferable.”