“The Coral Realms–it’s an underwater kingdom. But the human kingdom nearby is Atlantica.”
I shook my head. “That doesn’t sound familiar. This is the world of the Eight Seas. There are many kingdoms here, but that’s not one of them.”
She let out a sigh and wiped her eyes. “Alright, so let’s just assume I’m veryfar from home.”
“And the ocean,” I said.
She nodded. “Do you know the way to the ocean, little coqui?”
“My name’s Ezra. Ezra Keoki.”
“A pleasure to meet you.” She tipped her head. “I’m Aulani.”
Aulani.It had a ring to it that made me feel like I was in the ocean itself.
“Nice to meet you.” A coqui chirp escaped and I sighed. “Sorry about that.”
“No need to apologize.” She placed me on her lap and looked around. “Do you happen to know anyone who can help me get out of here? I can’t survive in freshwater for long… I need salt. I can survive maybe… a day, at most?”
For whatever reason, I feared for her. “Well, I would be more helpful if I were human,” I said, and she laughed, not understanding I was veryserious.
“Yes, that would probably be helpful.” She hugged herself again and shivered. “I suppose being stuck here is better than my father trapping me under the water.”
“He’d trap you under the water?” That sounded horrible.
“He’s kind of the king of the sea,” she muttered.
Wait.I blinked. Could it be…
I have to try.It was worth a shot.
“If your father is king, you’re a…”
“Princess? Yes.” Aulani moved her wet hair from her face. “Princess Aulani Laniakea of the Coral Realms, keeper ofthe royal gardens–when I’m not exploring. Oh, and recently betrothed to the barnacle-infested king of the brine.”
“Congratulations?”
“Thank you. I was so overly joyful and ecstatic to spend my life in the deepest part of the ocean sweeping up whale bones and kissing the face of a crabby old man.”
I visibly cringed.
“I got a potion from my aunt to become human–which of course all magic has prices to be paid…” At that, she showed me a little vial of blue potion in her hand. “I will lose my voice, and if I don’t get the human prince to fall in love with me, I’ll lose my voice forever, as well as turn to sea foam in a month’s time.”
Silence. What was I to say to that? Her situation seemed incredibly dire, with twisted options at every end.
“I might be able to help,” I said.
“You’re truly so sweet, but I’m not sure a frog of your size might do much. Although you have quite a loud croak.”
“I’m actually a prince,” I said. “Sovereign Crown Prince Ezra Keoki Kanahele of Kaiora Kingdom.” She said her full title. Might as well let her know mine.
At that, she gave me a look, then smiled. “Oh, I see. You’re a prince in your… frog world?”
“No, no.” Why was this so frustrating to explain? “I'm a prince in the human world. I was cursed into this form… I don’t know how long ago it was, but I need to get back.”
Aulani looked confused, but she also seemed like she might believe anything, especially after magically transporting from her world to mine.
I quickly explained. “I was walking through the garden with the princess of Windmere when she showed me this golden ball. I think it was magic, but… I’m not sure, because we don’t use magic in Kaiora. Anyway, I think it transformed me into a frog. It said any spell can be broken with the kiss from a true princess.”
