The Green-Eyed Prince: A Retelling of The Frog Prince (The Classical Kingdoms Collection Novellas Book 1)

by Brittany Fichter

  His voice dropped to a whisper. “They never could have even seen her coming. She blew up a dust storm the equal of which I’ve never seen. When the dust cleared, her army of monsters was there to assail them.”

  Kartek felt sick. “Did you see it happen?”

  He nodded. “From the door of my tent. They never stood a chance.” He frowned. “I’d never tried to use the Warrior’s Song before that day. But as I watched her slaughter them, helpless, I knew I would never be so helpless again.”

  “That’s how you knew what to look for when we were attacked in the tents,” she said.

  “Yes.” His voice was hard. “After Gahiji and his men were dead, she came traipsing over to my tent as though she’d done me a favor. She announced that we were now free to marry. I would be leader of the tribes, and we could rule together.”

  “What did you tell her?”

  “That I would rather die.”

  Without thinking before she did it, Kartek reached out and grasped his hands in hers. “That couldn’t have been easy, knowing she had been the one you had once loved.”

  His expression turned to one of disgust. “It was never real love. Just a boyhood fancy. Once I saw what she really was, there was no way I could ever touch that woman, let alone make her my wife.”

  “Is that when she—”

  “She told me that if I wouldn’t have her, she would just have to convince me. Women might wish to have a Rayis, even if he was skinny and pale, but no one would want a nameless vagrant without money or title or family. And to ensure that that was what everyone believed I was, she cast a spell that allowed me to communicate nothing of a personal nature, not anything that could identify me, at least. Then she changed my appearance to make sure no one was able to recognize me.”

  Kartek sighed. The spell had fooled her sufficiently. She hated being tricked. “But why allow you to leave at all? Why not keep you locked up until you changed your mind or something of that nature?”

  He raised a dark eyebrow. “My tribe is not well known for keeping prisoners alive. It’s not something we usually even consider. Besides,” he shrugged, “she wanted me to see what little I could really do on my own without her. She was sure it would force me to come crawling back, begging for a second chance.”

  “But why the stipulations, allowing you a chance to escape the curse?”

  “Marid lived for fun, and she knew I wouldn’t sleep with a woman unless she was my wife. Giving me the requirements of sharing meals, a bed, and a kiss of love meant I was sure to try and sure to fail.”

  “She wanted to break you.”

  He sighed and looked at Kartek directly again, his green eyes piercing hers. “I cannot apologize enough for bringing such wrath upon you. If I’d seen her for what she was before we ever got that close—”

  Kartek put her fingers up to his lips and gave him a small smile. “You did what you thought was right.”

  “I knew that even if she didn’t find me, she would still come after you. She was too jealous not to. My only prayer as I crawled across the desert to your palace was that the Maker would show me a way to protect you and warn your people. I had seen what she could do, and I thought if I could get here soon enough, I might stop her from doing more if I could only tell you and your commander ahead of time. But I couldn’t.” He let out a sound of disgust. “In my disguised state, I could barely raise my song above a whisper. Perhaps if I’d practice more before, but . . .”

  Kartek took a deep breath and placed her hands on his face, forcing him to look at her. “You did what you could. And,” she gave him a half-smile, “it seems the Maker heard your prayers.”

  His hand found hers, and he turned her fingers against his face. His skin was warm. “I never meant it to be this way, to trick you into marrying me. But . . . do you think you might one day be able to love me? Maybe when all of this isn’t such a shock?”

  She slid her hand hesitantly down his face to let it rest on his chest. How could such a simple movement create such a thrill inside her? She took a steadying breath. “When I kissed you, the requirement to break the spell was that it be a kiss of love. The spell is broken now, so it seems I already do in a way.” She felt her smile grow shy as she pulled her eyes up to his face again. “It’s certainly not the kind of love I ever expected, but . . . I want it to be. I want to know you the way you deserve to be known.” She paused. “To love you the way you deserve to be loved.”

  “I need to go soon. But may . . .” He bit his lip and slowly, slowly put one hand on the small of her back. The other hand cradled her face. “May I?” he breathed.

  Wrapping her arms around his neck, Kartek closed the distance between them. Stretching up, she placed her lips on his.

  The kiss was gentle at first. But the longer she pressed her mouth against his, the more she wanted. Her heart beat so fast she thought it might take off and fly, leaving the rest of her body behind. His arms tightened around her, and his hand buried itself in her hair.

  She could have gone on kissing him forever, but he broke off unexpectedly. Placing his forehead against hers, he kept his eyes closed. “I may be emeeri now, and Rayis, but I don’t know where to go from here.” His words were breathless, his eyes still scrunched shut. “I don’t even know how to be a husband. What if I fail the tribes?” He paused. “What if I fail you?”

  Kartek smiled, pulling him down into another kiss. “Why don’t we try it the way a wise friend of mine once suggested?”

  “Which would be?”

  “One hour at a time.”

  Epilogue

  Priorities

  Kartek reached up to touch the jewel on her forehead once more.

  “It’s perfectly centered, but it won’t stay that way if you keep touching it!” Oni shook her head and smiled as she readjusted Kartek’s jewels one more time.

  “You wouldn’t think I would feel nervous,” Kartek said, trying to give her friend a smile.

  “Every guest is accounted for and seated,” Cantara announced as she walked in. “Jahira, if you keep moving your jewels, they will never lay straight.”

  Kartek took a deep breath and forced her hands down to her sides where she could finger the fine dress. Somehow, despite the upheaval the enchantress had caused, Ipy had managed to finish all of the adjustments she’d begun the day the tribes had arrived from the desert. A thick gold braid encircled Kartek’s waist, and the soft, clean material was finally properly fitted and far more comfortable than the bloodied garment Kartek had worn the first time she’d gotten married.

  “I never thought I would get to wear this,” she said softly.

  “Why do you think Ipy wanted you to have a public ceremony?” Oni gave the seamstress a smug look. “She couldn’t bear to have her masterpiece unseen.”

  “Nonsense.” Ipy clucked her tongue as she adjusted the belt again. “This ceremony is for goodwill. My art had nothing to do with it.” She gave a small smile. “It will simply make it glorious.”

  Oni and Cantara stepped back and examined Kartek with critical eyes before Oni came forward and began rearranging her hair, tucking it around the headdress for the fourth time.

  “Was this a wise decision?” Kartek asked Cantara, her voice suddenly breathy. The idea of being watched by dozens of the world’s most powerful rulers was hardly her idea of an enjoyable afternoon. Being stared at by anybody made her uncomfortable.

  Well . . . except Unsu. In spite of herself, Kartek smiled. The thought of him with his emerald green eyes watching her from across the room made her heart flutter.

  “There, that blush is just what you need.” Oni put her hands on her hips and smiled. “You are now the perfect bride.”

  “The alders asked you to recreate the wedding so that the rest of the world might see and respect the union. It was always valid. This is just to make it so in the eyes of your royal peers,” Cantara said as she moved Kartek’s handmaidens into the proper order around her. “I still believe it was a good course
of action.”

  “And if the idea of seeing your husband all dressed up in the kingdom’s most precious jewels and wearing its sharpest weapons doesn’t brighten your day,” Oni gave her a sly smile, at which Kartek blushed even more, “I saw a certain young man among the guests who is most anxious to see you when this is all done.”

  Kartek laughed. “It’s not seeing my peers that discomfits me. It’s knowing that they all . . . know. What they expect after this.”

  “You mean in about six months?” Oni raised one delicate eyebrow.

  “Nine,” Kartek mumbled.

  Oni stared at her for a moment before her eyes grew large. “You mean the night before he left, you didn’t—”

  “The jahira met her husband during a war, then he left for three months to settle the tribes,” Cantara said, giving Oni a stern look. “I hardly think it inappropriate to give them time to reorder themselves and their peoples without distraction.” But even as she finished her speech, the alder was clearly suppressing a smile.

  Kartek shivered with delight and trepidation. “What if we don’t have an heir? Right away, I mean. What will they assume then?” She shook her head. “I should like that part of marriage to be a bit more private.”

  “You are the jahira,” Cantara said. “You are wed to the fearsome Rayis. This union is like nothing our world has ever seen before in the southern realm. Nothing you do will ever be private again.” She peeked through the door. “Alright. It’s time.”

  “Don’t worry,” Oni whispered in her ear with an ornery grin. “I shall only give the richest of our guests tours of your bedchambers.”

  If Kartek hadn’t been primped to perfection, she would have tried to swat her friend. Oni only laughed and danced away to her proper place at the head of the wedding train.

  The change that had taken place between her first wedding and this second one was astounding, despite taking place only months apart. Where Kartek had trudged with angry solemnity down the halls the first time she was wed to Unsu, now she could find nothing in her heart except joy. Well, and nerves at being put on display in front of her most powerful allies, friends, and even a few enemies. And meeting her husband at last . . . again.

  The jahira was supposed to be composed and in control at all times. Nothing should rattle her, and nothing should fill her with fear. But Kartek was not that jahira. Not yet. What if their witnesses were witness not only to the union, but to her deepest emotions, the kind of emotions that broke composure and ceremony? What if upon seeing Unsu she began to cry or freeze or something else equally as ridiculous?

  In the three months since Unsu had gone to take care of his tribes, Kartek had found herself in a constant state of change. Gone was her anger at her husband, but in its place was now fear and uncertainty. Jahira was a demanding position and a lonely one, a place that Kartek had treasured but found exhausting. With the exceptions of her parents and Ahmos, Kartek had never felt the need or desire to draw someone into her innermost feelings. Even Oni, as much as Kartek loved her personal handmaiden, was never privy to Kartek’s deepest thoughts, worries, and dreams. Her position was one that demanded secrecy in many ways, and Kartek had used that secrecy to shield herself from the thoughts that might bring judgment from others. But now that her reign was no longer her own . . . Now that her life was no longer her own, Kartek was very aware that her position of hiding would no longer exist. Instead, Unsu would be made aware of her faults and prejudices. He would see her shortcomings and fears. Her husband would know who she was inside and out.

  She would also know the vulnerability of loving him. Kartek was not used to being vulnerable. From Ebo’s skilled protection to the secrecy her position demanded, she had been guarded in every way. But this unusual man who had traversed desert and war to protect her, had found a way into her heart. Even while he was gone, Kartek had found herself falling more and more in love with the man she had once scorned. With each day, she marveled more at the way he had studied and cared for her. Without knowing for sure that she would agree to his proposal or that she would even spare his life for making such a bold suggestion as marriage, he had risked everything to save her and her people.

  If she wasn’t careful to play the part of a proper jahira today, Kartek’s witnesses might see just how much she loved him. And that was frightening.

  The trek to the throne room seemed to take an eternity, but when they finally did reach it, she tried to use her newfound power to calm her beating heart. Since the curse had broken and she had healed Unsu from Marid’s knife, Kartek had discovered a new freedom in her healing. The jewel still aided her efforts greatly, but she no longer had to fight to find the gift. It flowed from her heart easily. Calling it up was like breathing.

  But it didn’t help her calm down today. Apparently, she would need to leave that to the Maker.

  The sounds of a crowd made her want to duck and run. She imagined her peerage watching her, judging each step and comparing it to that of her mother. But as soon as Unsu came into view, she forgot that the crowds were there at all.

  His aloe green trousers and shirt were tied neatly at his waist, ankles, and shoulders, revealing smooth muscles that might as well have been carved by the Maker himself. A curved sword with a ruby-edged hilt sat on his hip, and a green jewel hung down on his forehead, mirroring hers. How had she not noticed the way the jewel brought out the green in his eyes during their first wedding? How had she missed the way his eyes saw into her soul . . . and somehow saw only the best?

  When the music began this time, her step was sure as she walked toward him. A brief sideways glance at their spectators made her shudder and falter briefly, but then he was at her side kneeling before the holy man, and she found herself intoxicated by his presence again. For a fleeting second, she imagined the way it would feel if he placed his hands on her waist to steady her, but she immediately stopped herself from going any further. Too much thinking about her husband’s gentle hands or soft lips, and she really would giggle. Then she would die of embarrassment.

  Taking a deep breath, Kartek focused on placing her hand against his, blade against blade, sides touching. The holy man began reciting the vows. Kartek was decently sure she spoke when she was supposed to, as no one stared at her or whispered loudly to prompt her. All she could focus on was the feeling of peace that came from having this man at her side. Not just now, but as long as she lived. Their children would have a father with a gentle countenance, despite his heritage, and she would never doubt his love for any of them. Thank you, she thought to the Maker. We asked for a miracle, and though I didn’t deserve it, you gave.

  Somehow, in the breath of a moment, the ceremony was over. All that remained was their kiss. Even with the anxiety she had entertained about being put on display, Kartek found herself smiling ridiculously as she turned to face him.

  If she had ever doubted the legitimacy of their first wedding, there was absolutely no room for fear now. Just as her power flowed from her heart through the tips of her fingers, she could now feel his passion moving through her in the warmth of his kiss. The gentle desire on his lips was sweet, and the way his hands held the nape of her neck, guiding her toward him made her feel secure in a way she hadn’t felt since her parents died.

  Or maybe even more so.

  A few cleared throats and titters from the crowd told her that their embrace was indeed longer than the first had been, but suddenly, she didn’t care. She and Unsu had nearly died in finding one another, and she deserved a moment to enjoy their success. And she was determined to take it.

  Finally, the pressure of his hands lessened, but she could tell it was with great reluctance that he let her go, his green eyes filled with regret as he did. His hand didn’t leave her waist.

  Kartek laughed at his pathetic expression. The jahira laughed, and for once, it didn’t matter who heard her.

  After the ceremony was finished, Kartek and Unsu did have to part ways for a while. Between the tribal leaders, northern kings and
queens, emissaries, and other important well-wishers, it was all they could manage not to offend anyone by giving any one guest less attention than any other.

  And though it was with great reluctance that Kartek let go of her newly reclaimed husband, allowing him to be swallowed by the crowds, there was one guest she could at least enjoy a reunion with.

  “May the Maker bless your years and make joyful your days,” he said, his gray eyes staring solemnly up at hers. As always, not a golden hair was out of place, nor had he even looked in the direction of the other young people who had congregated around the food in the corner of the room. Instead, he stood straight as a pole and as serious as any adult.

  Kartek drew him into a tight hug. “Thank you, Everard!” she said in his language as she pulled back just enough to study him, matching his serious expression. “It has only been a half year since I saw you last. You cannot tell me you are too old for hugs.”

  He watched her warily, but the corner of his mouth finally curved up. “I suppose not.”

  Kartek laughed and hugged him again. “How old are you now? Have you had your birthday yet?”

  “I will be twelve in a month.”