Another condemning thought slammed into him: What if the frogs he’d eaten before had been enchanted humans like himself?How would he know?
As he slurped down his wiggling meal, the ground vibrated with hooves.He slipped back into the reeds, through the small gap in his protective fence, and swam hard for his castle.He had just donned his crown and gained his seat atop his throne when a woman approached on horseback.
“Oh, my.”
He waited while her eyes traveled over his hard work until they reached the top, where he sat, regarding her as regally as any frog prince could possibly manage.
She slid off her horse and inched closer to the water’s edge.“What a marvel to behold,” she whispered.Then, louder, “I cannot believe I am about to say this, but are you His Royal Highness, Prince Riven?”
“I am,” he said, wondering how she knew, and if she was a threat.
“Oh!”She crossed herself, gasped like she’d realized how rude that seemed, then dropped into a lovely curtsey.“Your Royal Highness, I was sent by Bella Straus to check on you.”Her eyes and mouth were wide with wonder.
He snapped to attention.“How is she?Has she left for home yet?”
“She came to say goodbye.”
He watched her eyes swim and knew this woman was as sad to see Bella go as he was.
“You must be the seamstress.Bella said she was quite fond of you.”
“As I am of her.She is a wonderful woman.”
They spent a moment sitting with their loss before Riven asked, “Did Bella have any messages for me?”
“Actually, Sir, she told me she went to speak with your parents.She felt they would not listen to her good council.”
“She did?”What a remarkable woman, facing down his parents!
“Yes, Sir.And now that I see her story is true, I must ask what I can do to help you?”
He studied her, his thoughts swirling.“Might I have your name?”
“Henriette Leboux, Your Royal Highness.”
“Henriette, I need my manservant.His name is Philippe .He can usually be found spending his coin at the Pig and Thorn.See that lone flower on the far shore?”
She looked where he pointed.“The white one?”
“Yes.Bring Philippe to me, and you shall find a coin under those petals for your effort.”
“Your Highness is too kind.”
He regarded her.“I fear I am in a most desperate situation.I am still the prince, yet I am confined here by the constraints of this spell and therefore unable to perform any of my princely duties, let alone rectify the condition of this pond.”
The woman nodded.“I shall go in the morning, as I have no escort into the pub at this time of day.”
“Do not endanger yourself for me,” Riven agreed.“Another day alone shall not harm me, though I am bored beyond measure.”
Henriette’s eyes grew wide, and her face paled as she looked at something behind Riven.
“Your Highness, I must leave.Good day to you both.”She bolted for her horse as Riven turned to look behind him.
The worm he’d swallowed twisted in his gut.His body grew colder than expected as he croaked out, “Enchantress.How lovely to see you again.”
