is, I’ll do it,” he said fervently. “I just want to be normal for one day.”
“Don’t rush into this decision, Adrian. All magic comes at a price. In this particular case, the scenario is that yes, you would be completely human for a single twenty-four hour period. However, at the stroke of midnight, your transformation would be complete. You would not be human again until the spell is broken by your princess. Due to the nature of this, I would ask you to speak with Calista before you make your final decision.”
“I don’t need to talk to her,” he replied. “I’m willing to do it.”
“All the same,” she said, “something of this magnitude needs the headmistress’ knowledge and approval. I’ll send her a message to meet at the hovel at seven-thirty tonight. You should also arrive at that time. A spell this powerful cannot be done by a single witch, not even the Head of the Sisters. Also, do not tell your friends about our conversation. There is no need to give them a false sense of hope for you if Calista should turn down your request.”
“I understand.”
“Then I’ll see you tonight,” she replied.
The rest of the day seemed to drag. After supper, he said goodbye to his friends and headed out to the hovel. It was so cold outside and the ground looked so tempting, but he concentrated on getting to the hovel. When he finally arrived, he knocked on the door. “Can I, ribbet ribbet, come in?” he asked sleepily as Maeve answered it.
“Oh, yes, of course, Adrian.” She opened the door and helped him inside. “Sit by the fire, you’ll be warmer there.”
“Thanks.” He looked around and saw all of the witches sitting near a crackling fire. Calista was also in the room already, speaking with Calypso. It didn’t look like the conversation was going at all well. He had a sinking feeling that she was about to crush his hopes of being normal.
“It’s good to see you, Adrian,” Calypso said. “We were just discussing your request.”
“Adrian, I simply cannot allow for you to go through with this,” Calista interrupted. “How will you finish your schooling if you are turned into a frog before the end of even this school year?”
“Calista, as I’ve tried to tell you,” Maeve interjected, “he’s going to be a frog by the end of this year one way or the other. Allow him this opportunity to be with his princess.”
“Allow Adrian to speak for himself, Sister,” Morghana rasped. “Adrian, why do you want to do this?” When he began to hesitate she continued, “Don’t worry about your speech; within these walls, your voice will be heard.”
“There are many reasons,” he began. “First, I can’t hide this any longer, Calista. My skin isn’t human even when I put the make-up on. My hands and feet are almost completely webbed. I’m losing my hair, my eyes are weird-looking and my mouth is totally out of proportion with the rest of my face. No matter what you or Tallia did, Allegra would notice. Second, I don’t think there’s much else you or anyone can teach me to prepare for my quest because I don’t have one. I have to wait for Allegra to be ready to save me. And third, I deserve one night to truly be myself with Allegra. I’ve never once gotten in trouble. I’ve done everything that has been asked of me and I think I deserve this one night to tell Allegra how much she means to me without having to worry about sticking my tongue out at her.”
“Adrian, I know this is difficult, but please consider…”
“Quite frankly, Calista, I don’t care what you have to say about this. I accept Calypso’s offer.”
There was a strange pulse through the room. Calista looked slightly crestfallen. “It’s too late now,” Calypso said. “He’s made up his mind and he is old enough to make this kind of decision himself. His words cannot be taken back.”
“I know,” she whispered. “Adrian, because of your transformation, we will do things differently than we normally would. At the stroke of midnight when this spell is reversed, you will be automatically transferred to the place you will await your princess. There will be no time to say goodbye to your friends, to your family, or to Allegra. It will be instant and irreversible. This is how it must be.”
“You never planned on meeting with Allegra and me.”
She shook her head, “I couldn’t. Part of being on a quest is having unknowns. To tell Allegra the nature of your transformation would take away from her ability to complete this quest. It would make one part easy, but that would by nature make other parts even more difficult. It is better for her not to know.”
“I see. However, I would request that I be allowed five minutes during my end of semester interview to talk to my family. I understand not having time with Allegra, but my mother and sister need to know that I’m alright.”
“I’ll grant that request. Calypso, I’ll return now if you don’t need me any longer.”
“I believe my sisters and I can take things from here,” she replied.
“Very well,” Calista said as she stood. “I’ll see you in the morning, Adrian. Good night.”
“Good night, Calista,” he replied as she left the room.
Once she was out of the room, the Sisters stood and circled around Adrian. “As I’ve said, Adrian, there is now no turning back.”
“I understand,” he said.
The lights in the room flickered and the air crackled with energy and magic.
Year 5 Chapter 3
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The next morning, Adrian awoke and sat up blearily. The night before had seemed so long. He had spent untold hours at the witches’ hovel. If he had known it would take so long, he would have asked them to start earlier so he could get more sleep. After getting out of bed, he walked over to the mirror. He couldn’t help but stare at his reflection for a while; he was normal. Smiling, he got dressed and then frowned. “Why are my pants too short?” he asked aloud. He put on a shirt and the sleeves pulled far past his wrists. He sighed, “I guess I’ve been growing. Maybe Lucian can help me.” He walked down the hallway to Lucian’s room and knocked on the door.
“Adrian!” Lucian said in surprise when he opened the door. “You look normal.”
“I made a deal with the witches yesterday,” he replied. “But none of my clothes fit.”
“Well, makes sense. The fairies have been keeping your height at what it was two years ago. Obviously you did some growing in that time. You’re a good four inches taller than you were. I think I still have a set of old uniforms that might fit you.” He looked through his dresser drawers. “Here, try these on.”
Adrian changed into the uniforms and looked in the mirror. “Other than I’m a bit broader than you are, they’re pretty good.”
“Well, try this set then,” Lucian suggested, pulling one out of his closet. “All the pieces were just a tad too wide for me.”
Changing into the new uniform, Adrian stretched his arms around. “That feels better. In fact, it’s almost a perfect fit. Thanks, Lucian.”
“No problem. So, how long do you have like this?”
“Twenty-four hours.”
“Well, let’s not waste a moment. The princesses will be here soon. Do you have everything?” Lucian asked as he buttoned his jacket.
Checking his pockets for the little wrapped box from the jewelers, Adrian stated, “Yeah, I’ve got everything.”
“Then let’s go.” They walked out of the room. “Oh wait, we should go say hi to Kaelen first.”
They knocked on Kaelen’s door and he welcomed them in. After saying hello to Gelasia, the boys sat down for a minute to chat.
“Adrian, you look like a normal human being. I’m jealous,” Kaelen admitted.
“It almost didn’t work out. But I get one day to be normal for Allegra. After that we’ll just have to see what happens.” He hated lying to them, but he had been forbidden to say anything to his friends. It would hurt to leave and not have them know where he was going. “So are you going to be at the ball tonight?”
“No, Calista told me that she had received a letter stating that my mother had hear
d rumors that I was here and would be most displeased to learn that they were true. We don’t want my mother taking Anna out of school just because I’m still considered worthy of being a Prince Charming.”
“That’s awful,” Lucian exclaimed. “I wish there was something we could do.”
Kaelen shook his head, “I know, but there’s not so no use worrying over it. Here, give this to Anna if you could.” He handed Lucian a folded sheet of paper.
“I’ll make sure she gets it,” he promised.
“Thanks,” Kaelen said with a sad smile. “Now, you two best get downstairs. You’ll be late meeting your princesses. Tell them all hi for me.”
“Will do,” Adrian replied. “And in case I don’t see you before I go, have a good break. You’re a great friend and I’ll miss you.”
“Miss me? It’s only going to be a month.”
Adrian flushed, “I hope you have a great break and that you have the best of luck with everything. I’m going to go downstairs now,” he finished, stammering a little. He walked quickly out of the room before either could say a word.
Waving behind him, Lucian followed Adrian. When he got down there, the princesses were already beginning to mill about. Allegra spied him coming down and ran to give him a hug. “I’ve missed you too,” he teased when she finally released him.
“Doesn’t Adrian look wonderful?” she asked. “And he’s grown a lot since the last time I was here.”
“I take it you’re not mad at him anymore then.”
“No, it’s clear that there’s nothing wrong with him.” She smiled over at him as he talked to some of their other friends. “It must have been just as he said.”
“You should trust your prince,” he agreed.
Allegra didn’t respond as Moira came over. “I suppose I owe you an apology,” she said.
“For what?” he asked.
“Not believing you. I was sure that you and Adrian were hiding something from me. But he looks fine. It must have just been my imagination.”
“Apology accepted. Let’s go to breakfast.” He offered his arm which she took graciously and together they walked into the dining hall. “Oh, by the way, I need you to give this to Anna, Kaelen’s sister.”
“Don’t you think that’s a little risky with her parents coming and all? We all know what could happen if they found out,” she said.
“I know, but we’ve got to do something for them.”
She nodded, but didn’t reply. She placed the letter in a small pocket on her gown. “I’ll do it during the activities today.”
“Thanks,” he smiled. “That’s a beautiful color on you. It really brings out your eyes.”
“Well someone told me that I should wear blue today,” she replied, looking down at the dark blue gown she was wearing. “Do I get to find out why you made that request?”
“All in good time.”
They continued talking with their friends until the fairies dismissed them to the gym for games and activities. Agreeing that they’d like some time just to be together, the group found a magical fireplace surrounded by comfy armchairs and sat down. There was laughter and chatter amidst the group as they watched younger students and older students filter around them. Anna walked meaningfully towards the group and asked in a whisper, “How’s my brother?”
“He’s doing fine,” Lucian replied.
“Here,” Moira whispered, handing Anna the letter from her pocket. “He wanted us to give this to you. Just be careful with it.”
Anna nodded and walked away to rejoin her prince who had been beckoning to her from a table with a game set up on it.
“It’s tragic that things must be that way for them,” Eleanor said sadly.
The morning progressed rapidly and Adrian wished that time would slow down. He knew this was the last time he could be with his friends. All too soon, it was time for lunch and parents began filtering into the castle. He was greeted warmly by his mother and Nana and to his surprise, Uncle Sebastian. “We didn’t expect to see you!” he said as Sebastian wrapped him in a hug.
“Well, I could always leave,” Sebastian teased.
“No, I’m really glad you’re here.”
“I thought you might be,” he replied. “Now let’s go eat. I’m sure the food is quite as excellent now as it was when I was in school.”
“I’m sure it’s improved,” Nana countered with a grin.
They headed into the dining hall along with Lucian’s family. The others were still waiting for their parents to come. “We’ll join you in a bit,” George said. “You go on ahead.”
Everyone else began their lunch and they were soon joined by their other friends. “What are you doing over winter break?” Lucian asked everyone.
“Well, ours will be a bit chaotic,” Leticia began.
“I have an art competition starting the same time as the winter dressage finals in Rendorlin,” Eleanor explained. “Leticia obviously will be going straight to Rendorlin to begin the preliminary competitions and then we’ll be going after my art competition is over just in time to see her win the grand prize.”
“I wouldn’t count on it,” she said blushing. “As I understand, Allegra will be entering the same competition and she’s very good. Am I right, Allegra?”
“That is my plan. We should travel together.”
King Julian said, “I would certainly feel better if she did. I don’t like the idea of her traveling alone.”
“Oh Daddy,” Leticia teased, “I’m not a little girl anymore.”
The conversation continued to ebb and flow as they talked about all the things that would be going on over the winter and into the next semester. Soon they were going to the hallways to await their meetings. Calista came out and surprised everyone by calling Jacobi first. “That’s odd,” Lavinia said. “She normally begins your year with you, Adrian.”
“I’m not sure why she didn’t,” he fibbed.
“Well, I certainly hope she doesn’t expect us to do your meeting during Moira’s. I will not be torn between the two of you,” she stated.
“I’m sure she’ll keep that in mind, Mother.” Nana was looking at him though she knew something everyone else didn’t. Even Uncle Sebastian seemed to know something as his gaze drifted from Adrian to his mother and back again. “What made you choose to come now, Uncle Sebastian?”
“You know I never reveal my intentions,” he teased. “That would spoil all the joy of seeing you. Suffice it to say I felt missed and decided to grace you with my presence.”
Moira laughed, “Well, I’ll have to start missing you more so that you come more often.”
Laughing as well, he retorted, “Ah my dear, it doesn’t work that way. I’m afraid my visit will be very short. I’m taking Nana away with me for a trip to Rendorlin. I know how she loves to watch the dressage finals and I’m not taking no for an answer, Bethany,” he added as she looked ready to argue. “I’ve already taken the liberty of having your maid pack your things. Like it or not, we’re going on a road trip.”
“Well, that certainly explains why Maryanne was rummaging through my things before we left and why she insisted that I bring that trunk. And when, may I ask, do you intend on returning me?”
“Oh, I haven’t decided yet. I may decide to keep you forever.”
“Now that would never do,” Lavinia said.
The family laughed and soon it was time for Moira’s meeting. “Adrian, send Nana to knock on the door should Calista start your interview while I’m with Moira.”
He nodded though he already knew he wouldn’t have to. He watched as the others went in for their interviews and came out. Soon Moira had returned and they were waiting. He was the last boy of his age left to be interviewed. Calista came out and said, “Adrian, if you and your family would please join me inside.”
“All of us?” Lavinia asked.
“Yes, I have something very important that I need to discuss with you all.”
Moira looked suspiciously at L
ucian whom she had been talking to as they waited. Lucian tried not to look guilty as Moira and the others followed Calista into her office. “I apologize Sebastian, I had not known you would be coming. I’m afraid I’m one seat short,” she said as she closed the door.
“I’m afraid I do have a bad habit of showing up unannounced,” he replied. “I’ll be fine standing.”
“Thank you. Adrian has done a fine job this semester and has overcome many, many obstacles. His improvement in all of his classes has been commented on by his teachers. They are all most pleased with him.”
“Even Achilles?” he interrupted.
She laughed, “Yes, even Achilles. Now, I’m afraid I have some bad news; news which must not leave this room. Part of it will make itself known as is, but much of what I tell you cannot be repeated to anyone, not even your closest friends.”
Everyone was quiet and Adrian was looking at the floor. He suddenly couldn’t bear to look at them anymore. He could see fear and disappointment on the faces of his family. “We’ll keep this knowledge to ourselves, as you’ve requested,” Lavinia said. “What has happened?”
“It is a long and complicated story, one too long to go into right now,” Calista began. “I’ll make it as brief as possible. Despite not being ordered to, a witch punished Adrian for a slight offense. For the past three years he has been slowly transforming into a frog. We tried to have this reversed,” she continued as Lavinia and Moira both looked furious and Nana was looking thoughtful. “However, I was informed by Maeve that this is part of his quest. Allegra, will have to find him and break the enchantment. I realize that this may be opposite of what things normally are, but it has happened in the past that the princess was the rescuer. These stories also had happy endings. However, it is imperative that you not tell anyone outside this room, particularly Allegra. It would make things more difficult rather than helping. It’s all a part of how the quests work as I’m sure each of you will remember from your own quests. Moira, it is very important that you not say a word to Allegra, I need your promise.”
Moira was fighting tears. “How long have you known?” she asked Adrian angrily.
“I’m sorry, Moira, I couldn’t tell you.”
“How long?”
He looked at the floor again. “About a year.”
“And you never told me?” Hurt colored the tones of her voice. “I’m your sister, your twin!”
“He wasn’t allowed to Moira,” Calista said. “I forbid him from saying anything to any of you for fear that one of you would say something to Allegra. Please understand that she can’t know.”
“Why?” Moira asked. “How will that help?”
“Moira,” Nana interjected as Calista had started to speak, “it is better because if we make that part easy, another part will be made twice is hard. That is the nature of a quest. If we tell Allegra the nature of Adrian’s transformation, she may have an even harder time finding him. Or the spell may become more challenging to break. You must trust us.”
“How can I?” Moira demanded. “You’ve all lied to me.”
“Moira Elizabeth, no one has lied to you,” Lavinia chided. “Adrian did what he was told, as a gentleman would. I had begun to wonder about him. His eyes were always so like Martin’s and then they were different. But he didn’t lie. He never said he wasn’t changing. None of us asked him if he was. And Calista has not lied either. She didn’t tell us because she knew it was what was best at the time. Frankly, I don’t think it was her choice to tell us this much,” Lavinia added, looking again at Calista. “If no one else trust me. Trust Nana and Uncle Sebastian. None of us knew of this.”
Putting her face in her hands, Moira sobbed, “I won’t tell anyone. I promise.”
“Thank you, Moira,” Calista said. “I know how hard this must be.”
“Do you? Do you really?”
Raising an eyebrow, she replied, “Do remember that I am many centuries older than anyone in this room. I have seen this before and yes, I know how hard it is. Now, I’m going to leave you alone for a few minutes and then it will be time for our feast. Adrian looks like himself because he has made a deal with the witches. He gets this one last day to spend with you and with Allegra before the transformation is complete. At midnight tonight he will disappear as you’ve seen princesses do at graduation. He will instantly be transported to the location at which he will await Allegra. Say your goodbyes and then get yourselves ready to be merry. Enjoy this night, it is the last you will have together for quite some time.” Calista then rose from her seat and left the room.
Adrian finally looked up at everyone, tears glistening in his eyes. “I’m so sorry, I wanted to tell you, I really did.”
“Hush, dear,” Lavinia said, taking him in her arms in a tight hug. “You couldn’t tell us. Calista was right in doing what she did. I’m just sorry you had to bear this alone. I wish we had more time, but know how proud I am of you. I love you, very much.”
“I love you too, Mother.” When his mother let him go, he looked at Moira. She was looking away from him. “Moira, I’m sorry. Please, believe me.”
She turned to him. “You should have trusted me.”
“I’m sorry.”
Throwing her arms around his neck, she whispered, “What am I going to do without you?”
“Hey, it won’t be forever,” he replied as cheerfully as he could. “I’m going to miss you.”
“I’ll miss you too.” She finally let go so that Nana and Uncle Sebastian could take their turns.
“Well, my boy, the adventure of a lifetime awaits you,” Sebastian said, shaking Adrian’s hand. “Make it count.” He then hugged Adrian and moved so that Nana could talk to him.
“You knew all along, didn’t you?”
“I suspected. My dear, dear boy,” she said as he fell into her arms. “Be strong. You are both capable of this. The fairies would never give you, nor your princess, a quest that you weren’t capable of turning into a happily-ever-after.”
They were quiet together for a few moments before Lavinia sniffled and said, “Well, I suppose we should try to regain our composure and join the others downstairs for supper and the ball. Adrian, you are so like your father. Continue to be like him.”
He nodded and they all walked out of the office and downstairs. They found Lucian’s family and Allegra waving to them to join the group at the table.
“Are you alright?” she asked.
“I’m fine,” he replied with a smile.
The meal continued with light-hearted chatter. Lucian noticed how quiet Moira was and that she looked more than just sad, she looked angry. He had no doubt that as soon as they had a moment alone, he was going to be in for a talking to. And he didn’t have long to wait. As the fairies cleared the hall to make room for a dance floor, Moira grabbed Lucian’s hand and dragged him out of earshot of anyone else. “You knew didn’t you?”
“Moira, I’m sorry,” he began. “I wanted very much to tell you.”
“So instead you lied to me?” she asked. “Lucian, Adrian doesn’t stand a chance. We both know that Allegra is terrified of frogs. She doesn’t just dislike them; she loathes and fears them. How can she save him if she can’t stand to be in the same room as a frog?”
“I hope you didn’t tell him that.”
“Of course not,” she snapped. “But tell me how this is going to work out.”
“Allegra will have to overcome her fear.”
“You told me that he would be fine. You lied, Lucian.”
“No I didn’t. Yes, Allegra is afraid of frogs, but look at them.” He paused and pointed to where Adrian and Allegra were standing. “She loves him and will do whatever she has to in order to save him. If that means she has to kiss a frog you better believe she’ll close her eyes and pucker. Love is more powerful than fear.”
“Then why did your mother’s real prince abandon her?” Moira spat. She wished instantly she could take back the words.
“My mother’s real princ
e is my dad,” he said, though anger was in his voice. “Her original prince didn’t truly love her.”
He started to walk away but Moira grabbed his arm. “Lucian, I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that. I’m just, I’m worried about him. I don’t want to see him trapped for eternity as a frog.”
“You won’t, I promise. Now come on, we’re missing the dance and you’re losing valuable time with your brother.” He offered her his arm and she accepted as they walked back towards the rest of the group. Soft strains of music were beginning and couples were out on the dance floor. Moira watched as Adrian led Allegra out to dance. She could see that they were deeply in love with each other. She only hoped that the love Allegra felt would be enough to see past the frog her prince would become.
Leticia smiled and said, “They all look so happy out there don’t they?”
“They do,” Lucian admitted. He then cleared his throat. “Moira, my timing may be terrible, but there’s something I’d like you to do for me.”
“What’s that?”
“Close your eyes,” he commanded. Raising an eyebrow curiously, Moira did as she was told. Lucian pulled the box from his pocket and took Moira’s hand. “Now open them,” he said as he placed the box in her hand.
“You’re right; your timing is terrible,” she replied, trying not to smile. “I’m still mad at you.”
“Well, maybe this will help,” he countered as she took off the wrapping. Moira gasped as she opened the box and saw what was inside. For a moment no one spoke at all. “Do you like it?”
Leticia looked over and said, “Lucian, that’s stunning. Moira, don’t you think so?”
Moira couldn’t speak. Her eyes had filled with tears and she was just staring down at the box. “Where did you get this?” she finally choked.
“The jeweler’s in town,” he replied, not sure this was the reaction he was looking for. “If you don’t like it, I’m sure we could exchange it.”
“Mom,” she began and then faltered. Clearing her throat she finally managed to say, “My mom has a necklace just like this. Dad gave it to her.”
“Oh.” He wasn’t sure exactly what to say. For a long moment there was an awkward silence as Moira pulled herself together. “Do you like it?”
Moira threw her arms around Lucian’s neck. “I love it,” she whispered. “I’m sorry, it’s just, Mom hasn’t worn that necklace in so long, but every now and again, I see her take it out of its box and admire it. It’s beautiful, I really do like it.”
“May I then?” he asked, taking the necklace from the box.
Nodding, she turned and Lucian put the necklace around her neck and carefully closed the clasp. “For my beautiful, sapphire-eyed princess,” he said. “Hopefully this gets me outside the doghouse, even if I’m still stuck in front of it.”
Laughing, she said, “I think you’ve very effectively gotten me to forgive you.”
Lavinia rejoined them from having enjoyed a waltz with Uncle Sebastian. “Why Moira, where on earth…?”
“Lucian gave it to me, Mother; isn’t it lovely? Just like yours.”
Fighting tears, Lavinia replied, “It is exactly like mine. I’m assuming you went to Fernando.”
“Yeah, how did you know?” he asked.
“Martin always went to Fernando for jewelry,” she explained. “He said there was no one with a finer eye for the exact piece to take your love’s breath away. And he was right, as usual.”
A soft waltz began and Adrian took his mother out for a dance. Lucian offered Moira his arm. “May I?”
“You know you don’t have to ask.”
“Just because I know the answer, doesn’t mean I shouldn’t ask.” For much of the song, they were silent, enjoying the beautiful music and the enchanting room they were in. “I’m not sure how the fairies manage to make this more beautiful every year,” he said as the music crescendoed.
“Perhaps we appreciate it more now,” she suggested.
“I suppose that could be true,” he agreed. “Or perhaps they just strive for perfection each year and it comes out just a little better than before.”
They were quiet for a while and after a moment, Moira teased, “You know, you weren’t supposed to get so tall that I couldn’t reach your shoulder.”
“I’m sorry, should I shrink some for you?”
“No, I like you just the way you are; even if you are too tall.”
“And too freckled, too red-headed, too blind. If we’re going to list my flaws, we’ll be here all night.”
“I don’t think I’d mind being here all night. But all good things must come to an end,” she said as the music began to fade.
“Not all,” he