Aulani, I’m serious.
I know. So am I.And then I kissed him, hoping he knew how much I loved him, and how I wanted things to be like this. Sure, the golden ball was our last chance to help me transform into a human forever, but it was not worth Ezra being a frog for life.
It had to be one or the other, me or him.
And I wanted him to live a long, full life. I had made my decision long ago when I took the potion from my aunt, and though I wished we could live happily ever after, I was content with this being the end: seeing Ezra as king, his brother locked away, the island returning to its former beauty.
Look,I said, pulling away and pointing to a spot in the clearing. The frogs assembled, hopping into a neat little pile.They listen to me too,I said, and Ezra gaped. I squeezed his hand.
I think we’ve figured out your frog problem.And, just like that, the frogs listened to me, congregating so that it was easy for the guards to put them in a container and ship them out of here.
Ezra let out a breath and hugged me.Thank you, Aulani.And I was grateful–so very grateful–to be able to help him. To serve him. To serve this island and people. And I wouldn’t trade it for the world… not even my own world.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
EZRA
Aulani was all smiles as she hugged me tightly.
I tried to smile back, but it wasn’t there. Everything was right, and yet… it was not right.
I held her hands, staring into her bright brown eyes until…
“Alright you two, break it up already.”
We did so to see Kalei, and tears filled her eyes when she looked at me. “I’m so sorry Ezra. I should have never–”
“Kalei.” I embraced my cousin.
She sobbed. “Tavo cornered me–”
“I know.” Because I did know. Knew what it felt like to feel small, powerless, like nobody could help me. My time as a frog had done that, but, more so, being Tavo’s younger brother made me feel what Kalei probably felt.
“And what he said… about the throne…” She wiped her tears and Aulani put her hand on Kalei’s back. “You know I don’t want it, right Ezra?”
“Kalei.” I laughed. “You have supported me and been my friend since we were young. I know you would never try to hurt me.” I gave her another hug. “Let’s move on, alright?”
She nodded and hugged me back. “Thank you Ezra.” Then, after a moment, she pulled away and punched my arm playfully.“You still ought to give your cousin a punishment though–for disloyalty to the throne. It’s only fair and right.”
A grave expression crossed my face. She was right. It was only fair. I couldn’t show favoritism, not even to my favorite cousin. “You’re right, Kalei. A fair trial will be held.”
Aulani joked.Perhaps she can serve as Kaiora’s royal event coordinator as punishment. We know how much she loves balls.
I voiced Aulani’s words aloud and this time, Kalei laughed.
We hardly had a moment to joke around more because Aulani’s expression changed and she suddenly looked away.
Someone is calling my name. The voice is familiar…She gazed at the sea, and then… she was running. Dashing towards the beach.
“Aulani!” I followed, and Ho‘ohuli, Kalei, and Cressida followed too. The mermaid was so fast, that when she reached the water, it seemed to sparkle at her touch. The water swirled around and around until…
A woman emerged from the sea, a golden triton in her hand. I gaped, unable to stop staring at her green colored scales, iridescent tail, and bright green eyes. She looked familiar… so very familiar…
Before Aulani reached her, the woman stared at me, her mouth slightly open.
“Ezra?” she asked, and Aulani turned around.
You know Aunty Lorelei?
