CHAPTER THREE
NOLAN JUMPED BACK AT the sound of her shriek. The girl had incredible vocals for one as dainty as she seemed to be. In fact, Princess Blythe looked so much smaller than he imagined, he first thought she was one of her younger sisters—though when he saw her crumple and toss his letter into the pond and mumble that nonsense about him not seeing her, there was no mistaking that she was his intended.
So disgusted was he with her treatment of a note he had written and the wasted journey of his footman in delivering it to her, he had nearly hopped away and gone home right then. She was the pampered princess he believed her to be.
However, the memory of the night before, stuck out here in the cold, and the thought of making his way several miles back to his castle as a frog, did not appeal. The herb woman had been sure to poof him to this exact pond, telling him that first thing in the morning, Blythe would make her way down to her favorite spot and he could meet her then.
When Nolan initially had this scheme of turning into a frog, he had forgotten the small detail that he would become a frog, not just look like one, and therefore find himself a snack for most of the animals out there. In reality, this was probably not the wisest course of action he had ever taken.
Nevertheless, he was where he was, and therefore he would make the best of it. Since the spell would not be complete for another thirty days or until Blythe took pity on him and kissed him, he was more than likely safer here in this pond than becoming someone’s supper. He would be even more safe with her—no matter how petulant she turned out to be.
“Calm down,” he said to the screaming girl as she scurried off the boulder. “I have come to offer my assistance.” Apparently she was even more terrified of frogs than most females. “Did you not lose a fine crystal ball just a few moments ago?”
Blythe stopped screeching long enough to stare at him. “What did you say?”
“Did your ball fall into the pond?”
“You are speaking in coherent sentences.”
“I would hope so!” He puffed out his chest, forgetting for a moment the state he was in. “Royalty is usually taught how to speak properly as a child.”
“Royalty?”
Drat. Why did he have such a dimwitted noggin? Now how would he explain this? The charm did not forbid him from saying who he was, but he had hoped to keep his identity a secret. He cleared his throat, deciding it was best not to lie too much. “Yes, I am a prince.”
“You?” Blythe laughed annoyingly. “There are princes in the frog kingdom?”
He sighed. “There is only one prince that I am aware of—and he is me.”
Schooling her features, she asked, “You honestly believe you are a prince?”
“I do not just believe it—I am.”
She took a step forward. “Is that why you can talk?”
“It is one of the reasons, yes.” He decided to explain at least the basics. If he did not provide some answers, who knew what her imagination would come up with. “I have been enchanted into this state.”
“You are under a spell? Are you certain?”
“Yes.”
“Then why are you here in my kingdom? How did you get here?” She seemed skeptical. “Should you not be under a spell in your own kingdom?”
“No. I have my reasons for being in this exact spot.” However, if he did not distract her soon, he would be revealing much more than he should. He hopped forward a few paces and was pleased to see that she did not move away from the rock. “Nonetheless, I would like to grant your favor now, if you wish. May I collect your ball for you?”
She stepped back as if suddenly remembering the ball. “Yes, please!” She smiled.
Nolan blinked. The girl had a remarkably pretty smile; in fact, he was quite fascinated by it. He could not help but stare and wonder what her mouth would feel like against his. After some seconds of silence, he realized how awkwardly he was behaving and cleared his throat. “I will get the ball—in exchange for something, of course.”
Her smile dropped. “Er, what would you like?”
A kiss! “Uh…” He could not simply rush and ask for a kiss this early. Great heavens, he was such a fool. However, he certainly wished for a much better place to sleep tonight than the pond. He searched her features. Would she be kind enough to take him in? Of course! It is the perfect test! “I would like to become your guest at the castle.”
She did not appear pleased. “I beg your pardon?”
“I will fetch your crystal in exchange for being treated like a guest in your home.”
“What exactly would you expect of me?”
Nolan shrugged his froggy shoulders. “Why, nothing more than common courtesy. I am an enchanted prince, and I find the flavor of insects appalling and this pond too cold and damp for my tastes. I would love to be given proper meals and a warm bed to sleep upon in exchange for fetching that precious ball of yours.”
“In short, you wish me to treat a frog as well as I would any of my most particular friends?”
“Precisely!” Now they were getting somewhere. “Yes. Treat me as your dearest friend, and I promise you will be rewarded handsomely.”
“Are you mad?”
He grinned. Apparently every female he met would think the same. “Quite possibly. Now, have we come to an agreement?”
Blythe looked at the pond and then back at him, her face scrunched in up in disgust. But just when he thought she would say no, she surprised him by replying, “Yes. I promise to do as you ask and treat you as my greatest friend if you would please return my ball to me.”
“Done.” He bowed his head and then dove off the boulder into the cool, crisp pool.
His eyes adjusted easily to the murky waters as he swam deeper through the fronds and mossy rocks below. It took a couple of minutes to locate the ball. Its crystal winked at him as the sun suddenly peeked around a cloud and streamed into the pond. It was also a bit of a struggle to collect the thing, removing debris from around it with his webbed feet and then capturing the ball into his wide mouth. Once he had it, he was able to swim easily to the surface and deposit it upon the shore.
“You did it!” Blythe exclaimed as she ran around the boulder and picked up the ball. “I was afraid I would never see it again!”
“Yes. It was a bit of a chore to find it, but—” Nolan halted when he looked up and saw the girl running away, the crystal in her hand. No good-bye, no thought to keep her promise to him. Not even a “thank you” was tossed his way. “It was just as I believed,” he muttered. “She is a pampered, spoiled, extremely vexatious monster!”
CHAPTER FOUR
BLYTHE MADE IT ALMOST to the castle doors before she remembered her promise to the frog. She had heard the maid’s clanging of the triangle while he was underwater and knew her mother would be worried if she did not make it in time for tea. When the frog popped up just then, it was all she could think of—to get home as quickly as possible. So she hastily snatched the ball up and ran to the castle.
It would not have been such a great issue had she been in the rose garden near the south side, like she had told her mother she would be, instead of sneaking off to the pond nearly a quarter of a mile away. If the queen knew how many times a day Blythe headed over to the pond to daydream instead of doing something practical—like creating bouquets or sewing on her embroidery or painting watercolors—she would be livid. Her mother simply hated the thought of her ruining her gowns by the muddy water.
As if she had ever damaged a gown—she was always careful. At least she tried to be. Blythe looked down and brushed at a few dirty spots upon her skirts before opening the door. She felt a momentary stab of guilt at leaving the frog so suddenly, but honestly, there was nothing she could do about it now. He would have to wait until she could make it back down there after tea.
She scurried to the east drawing room and nearly collided with her mother. Queen Mary Elizabeth II scanned her daughter’s countenance and crossed her arms over her bright pin
k gown. “Where have you been?” she asked. “I sent a maid out to search for you, and she returned saying you were not in the rose garden like you said you would be. Now you have shown up completely flushed as though you have been running.”
Blythe debated lying, but quickly dismissed the idea. Her mother was notorious for getting the truth out of her when the occasion arose. “I wandered down to the pond.”
“Blythe!” Her mother sighed. “Why? What is so fascinating that you must continuously traipse down to that murky place?”
“It is beautiful, and I feel calmer once I am there.”
“Yes, but must you go every week?”
Blythe glanced at her. Did her mother actually believe she only went to the pond once a week? “Yes. I must. I love it as much as you love your embroidery.”
The queen clicked her tongue in disapproval before declaring, “Well, at least it allows you exercise. The walk alone is—”
“Is a mere jaunt. A quarter of a mile is nothing.”
“In this heat?” Her mother seemed appalled. “If you do not manage to ruin every gown you own with this odd habit of yours, you shall surely develop a great case of the megrims, the way you enjoy gallivanting around in the blazing sunshine.”
It took every ounce of control Blythe had not to roll her eyes at her mother. But honestly, did the woman really live in such backwards times as all this? Instead, she smiled politely. “I am sorry.”
Her mother huffed. “No, you are not. But never mind that now.” She waved her hand and motioned to the tea cart. “Pour us all a cup. Your brothers will be joining us as well.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Blythe dipped a quick curtsy and walked over to the heavy-laden cart. It was full of the necessary tea items, but also had plates of scones, sandwiches, tarts, and fruit. If she had not heard that her brothers would be coming down, she would have known they were by the cart alone. Cook did like to outdo herself when it came to the princes. She was always telling Blythe how wonderful it was to have such strapping lads about the place to feed, since they would be sure to eat every scrap.
Her brothers were on their summer holiday now, but would soon begin the hunting season and so would head north to the royal lodge to host large hunting parties with their friends in the surrounding areas.
Blythe took a deep breath as she sat down and began to pour the first cup. Why was it that everyone else seemed to have something to do? How she longed to have her own party or adventure to look forward to. But no, every single day was the same—endlessly pouring tea for her mother and whoever happened to join them.
Who cared for tea when she could take a picnic lunch and go to the pond and read a book, or even better—have a real adventure and do something still more fun? She paused as she began to pour the next cup. Though she did have one secret all her own. However, she was not quite sure how much of adventure it was—it was more of a necessity, and it was kept in such concealment that only two of the castle servants knew what she did.
But no, it was not that she longed for. She wished more for an activity to do openly and share with a friend. But what could a mere girl do? Ugh. It was always the men who had all the adventures. Carefully she poured the cup, but then nearly dropped it when her brother Jeremiah burst in the room.
“I am in love! I am in love!” he announced as he walked over to the queen.
“My goodness! What are you on about?” she asked as he gave her cheek a quick kiss.
He plopped onto the settee and grinned. “Love, Mother. You should really learn the meaning of the word. It is simply magical.”
“Who are you in love with?” Blythe asked.
“Do not listen to a word Jeremiah says,” David said as he came into the room and kissed the queen’s cheek as well. “Hello, Mother. Before he sets you in a tizzy, know that he is simply in love with Thunder—nothing more.”
“Thunder?” She pulled back.
“Yes, Thunder!” Jeremiah sighed. “Thunder is only the greatest horse that has ever been ridden and I must own him—I must.”
David walked over to the tea cart and quickly filled a plate. He winked at Blythe as he took the cup she offered. “Thank you.”
“Whoa! You had better not eat it all. I have not had mine yet.” Jeremiah jumped up and fetched a dish.
“None of us have,” their mother declared. “We have been waiting for you wastrels to show up.” She walked over to Blythe. “And if you two snatch every bit before we have our own servings, you will be sent to your rooms without anything to eat at all—and Blythe and I will have a merry feast to ourselves.”
Jeremiah groaned and set a few scones back upon the platter. “Well then, hurry up so we can see what you do not want.”
Blythe laughed. “Goodness! The way you two act, it is as if you have never eaten anything in your lives before now.”
David grinned and opened his mouth to say something just as the butler appeared and announced, “Forgive me, Your Majesty, but there seems to be a strange guest who has come to speak with Princess Blythe. I had thought perhaps you would like to visit with him first, as it does not appear at all the thing for the princess to have such connections.”
“Me?” Blythe asked.
“Well, what do you mean? Is there anything untoward about the fellow?” Her mother walked toward the butler.
He opened his mouth and then shut it again. “I do not know how to say this, Your Majesty. But it would appear as though Princess Blythe’s caller is a rather unusual talking frog.”
CHAPTER FIVE
“A WHAT?” ASKED BLYTHE’S mother. “I beg your pardon—what did you say?”
Blythe set her cup and saucer down and stood up.
The butler cleared his throat. “A talking frog.”
“Mother, let me go and speak with him. I know why he is here.” Blythe rushed forward and was about to walk out the door.
“Just a moment!” The queen stormed up to her. “What is this nonsense about a frog?”
Jeremiah laughed. “Yes, what type of riff-raff have you been keeping company with?”
“Perhaps she is in love with it.” David grinned.
She could have boxed their ears. “Very humorous.”
“Hey, if you are half as in love with the frog as Jeremiah is with the horse, this could be fun. Let us all go and meet him,” David said as he sat his plate upon a nearby end table.
“Now this I have to see—little Blythe’s gentleman caller.” Jeremiah’s laughter grew louder as they came toward her.
“You would not dare!” Blythe blocked the doorway. “You will not go and mock him. He came to see me, not you.”
“Aye, perhaps she does love him!” Jeremiah whispered loudly behind his hand. “Do you see how defensive she has become?”
David waggled his brows. “He must be quite the looker.”
“If you take another step, I will flatten you both!” Blythe glared as her brothers attempted to remove her hands from their vice grip upon the doorframe. “Mother, help me.”
“Boys!” the queen chided. “Get your plates and eat your food, or you will be sent back outside to muck the stalls.” She turned toward Blythe. “Remove your hands from the door. You may have unusual animal playmates, but kindly do not act like a monkey in this castle.” When Blythe lowered her arms to the snickers of her brothers, her mother brushed past her and said, “Come now. We shall meet this toad together.”
“He is a frog.”
Her mother gave her “the look” as she waited for the butler to lead the way. “Well, thank the heavens! A frog! And here I was worried it was a toad. I am so much more relieved now.”
If ever there was a woman who had mastered the art of sarcasm, it was the queen. “He is an enchanted frog,” Blythe replied as they began to follow the butler down the long hallway.
“Better and better,” her mother mumbled. “Honestly, Blythe, tell me this instant if he is a pet you found at the filthy pond.”
“Yes. He is.”
“And why did he come? Did you not explain to him that you were not in the habit of entertaining animal callers? Or did you invite him along to try my patience even more?”
“Mother! Must you be so against everything?”
“When it comes to slimy toads coming to speak with my daughter, yes, I will be against it!”
“He is a frog.”
“Is there a difference?”
“Well, yes. A toad is at least three times bigger.”
Her mother shuddered. “Mercy, do not say another word!”
The butler stopped at the small waiting room near the great hall and swung his arm out. “He is just through here, Your Majesty.”
“Thank you,” she said as she swept into the room.
Blythe quickly followed to find the frog perched quite respectably upon the blue chair by the window.
“Hello,” the queen said as she folded her arms. “My butler has informed me that you can speak. Is this true?”
“Yes,” answered the frog.
“So you are enchanted?”
“I am, Your Majesty.” He bowed his head.
“And you are here to converse with my daughter?” They both glanced at Blythe.
“Yes. She has made me a promise and I have come to remind her of it.”
Blythe rolled her eyes. This was just wonderful. Things became so much more awkward once one’s mother knew about them. Could he not have come in another way and allowed her to keep her pledge secretly so as not to alarm her mother? Already the queen looked as if she were about to explode.
“I beg your pardon—did you say my daughter made you a promise?”
“Yes.”
“And when was this?” She placed her hands on her hips. “How well acquainted are you two?”
“We have only just met today.”
“And already my daughter has pledged herself to a frog?”
Oh, for heaven’s sake! “Mother, I did not pledge myself—it is not that type of promise. He did not ask to marry me—my word!”