The BLue Eyed Frog

This is my version of a frog prince, but it's completely different from frog prince stories ever written. It's imaginative, funny, romantic, and inspiring. U'll enjoy it :) I'm still working on it.

Prologue and Chapter 1-3

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 Prologue

Prince Rovendoff was dazzlingly handsome. His short golden straight hair was very soft. His eyes were sparkling blue. His tan skin which covered his athletic body radiated under the sunlight. He realized that he was very handsome and he used it to attract beautiful girls. No girl could resist his handsomeness.

                The handsome prince also had a beautiful voice. Every girl who heard his voice would be enchanted. Then the prince would sing for them and dance with them. He danced as beautifully as he sang. Every girl loved to hear him sing and dance with him.

                When the prince rode his horse, he rode it vigorously. And when he swung his sword, he swung it gracefully. He enjoyed the clasping and the cheering from the girls who watched his refined prowess. Hardly a day went by without the girls surrounded him and applauded him.

                Despite his mischievous and showing off behavior, the prince was always kind to everyone. He treated everyone nicely and politely. The admiration and adoration that he got from the girls helped him overcome his boredom. Since living in a palace and doing some routine could be very unbearably boring.

                Unfortunately, there was a girl who was madly in love with him and yearned to possess him for herself. She obsessively wanted his full attention that she could not tolerate his playful behavior. So, she came to a wicked witch and asked her to teach him some lesson.

                That night, the witch came into the prince`s room while he was slumbering and cast some spell on him. He turned him into a blue-eyed frog. She said that he would be back handsome when there was a beautiful girl who would cry for him for seven nights.

So, the spell would be broken by the tears of a beautiful girl who truly cared for him although he was only an ugly frog? The witch must be pulling everyone`s leg! There had never been a beautiful girl who cared for a frog. At least, not the girls he knew. Those girls who were accustomed to admiring and adoring him would feel disgusted at his distorted appearance.

Next morning, the prince woke up and found out that his arms and legs resembled a frog`s front legs and hind legs. He was so shocked and stricken that he jumped out of the bed to see his reflection in the mirror. He screamed in terror, but the sound that he heard was only the croaking of a frog. Croak! Croak!

The no-longer-handsome prince decided to leave the palace. He felt that no one would ever believe that he was The Handsome Prince Rovendoff. He jumped away to a lake in a little forest and resided inside a hollow log. Every night he sang on a water lily to cheer himself up and sweep away the loneliness. That time, no girl surrounded him and applauded him, but female frogs.

*****

 

Chapter 1

Encounter

 

One full moon, the prince squatted by the lake inside a little forest. He gazed at the twinkling stars. The memories of the old days poured down on him, the days he cherished despite his boredom and now he longed for. He was never bereft of love nor company for his parents loved him too much and the girls enjoyed his presence. Never once in his life did he feel lonely for he could always count on them.

Now, those days seemed so far away, out of reach. Now, he was a frog. What could a frog do? He could not speak the language they spoke. Even if he could speak, would they believe him? They would turn away just at the sight of him. Since he left the palace, he had been collecting stones. Every morning, he picked a stone with his mouth and put it at the bottom of a tree. Three hundred and sixty five stones, it has been a year… He tuned out his thoughts, enough melancholy for the night. He sighed and looked around, so deserted, so quiet, and so dark if it were not for a full moon. The moonlight covered the surface of the lake with a glittering silver cloak which ruffled in the wind. Normally, he would hear the hooting of owls and the chirping of crickets, but not tonight. It was too quiet. Even the wind was whispering softly caressing him into a peaceful sleep. He dwelled into a dream where he was a human, surrounded by lovely girls, seeing his parents smiling at him with adoration. Suddenly, he could not breathe because something heavy crushed him. Then, he felt his body lifted to the light. Was he dying?  

When he opened his eyes, he saw a very heavenly girl. He thought that he was already in heaven and she was an angel for he had never seen a girl as beautiful as she was. Her face was soft and heart-shaped. Her eyes were black like soy beans. Her long black wavy hair fluttered in the wind. Her smooth skin glowed delicately under the moonlight. She was unbelievably stunning that he impulsively gazed at her with his now-baleful eyes as if she were a sparkling star.

“Uh, I`m very sorry. I didn`t mean to step on you. I must have hurt you, dear frog.” She said regretfully and fretfully while stroking his back. It was the most enchanting and the most endearing voice he had ever heard.

“Hey, your eyes are blue!” Exclaimed the princess dazedly. “I have never seen a frog with blue eyes before. Not in every book I have read. Your eyes are so lovely and peaceful.” She peered at him curiously.

Her face was unashamedly so close to him, enough to shut down his mind. He froze on her palm as her angelic face loomed before his eyes. Her face looked so smooth and creamy that he felt a ludicrous urge to stick his tongue out and taste her face. He might have done it anyway if he had not seen dark mist shadow her eyes and shroud her excitement. Sadness flashed in her eyes which grew blacker in a second.

“Oh dear, I`m very sad today because I was going to be betrothed to a prince that I don`t love. He wasn`t ugly, indeed, every girl adores him. But, I`m not attracted to him because he was too serious. He also likes hunting animals. I detest that useless and heartless sport. But, no one seemed to understand what I felt so I ran away. I didn`t mean to disgrace the king and the queen at the ceremony. I love them very much, but I don`t want to deceive anyone.” She sobbed in anguish.

                The prince was excruciatingly touched by her story and her sob so he started to sing to sooth her. He had not the faintest idea of her reaction. Fortunately and unexpectedly, she seemed to enjoy the singing. She beamed happily that made his heart leap for joy. The first joy he felt since he left the palace. He kept singing until she was fast asleep.

*****

 

                The prince squatted by her side staring at her sleeping face. He no longer felt sleepy since he could not take his eyes off her. He fixed his gaze on her as if she would vanish in a blink. Her charm had taken him by surprise, like a strong magic falling over him. He scrutinized her now-unperturbed face. He had seen hundreds of exceptionally beautiful girls, yet no one had affected him this much. He did not even know her name. How could a complete stranger affect him this much? He could not even name this emotion for he had never felt something like this before, something that cracked in his heart like firecrackers. He felt that his heart might explode in euphoria.

                “She must have been very weary that she could flake out soundly on the rough ground in the harsh wind under a bare sky.” He said to himself when the morning came.

Still deep in his amazement, he heard some voices coming close, voices of some men riding their horses toward the lake. Like a bell that rang in his head, he woke up from his sleeping mind.

                “Prince Fezusha, shall we go back now and continue the search after lunch? We`ve been searching for the princess all night long and it seems to me that the guards have been exhausted and sleepy.” The prince`s man suggested. 

                “Yes, I think we`d better continue after lunch. I`m voracious, I can eat a ho-”

                “Look, over there!” One of the guards shouted and pointed at a motionless body lying by the lake.

                “Oh, it`s the princess!” Another guard shouted. Immediately, the prince and his loyal man rode past the guards toward the princess.

                “My Prince, finally, we`ve found her!” His man said in a relieved voice. The prince dismounted his horse and strode to her. She was half-awake when the prince lifted her up and set her on his horse.

                “Put me down!” She commanded, but the prince did not listen.

With a firm hand keeping her in place, he mounted his horse behind her. He thundered back to the palace where the princess lived. His man and the guards sped their horses behind him. Along the way, she struggled to free herself, but the prince arm was too strong holding her in place.

                What about the blue-eyed frog? Did he stay by the lake grieving at her leave? No. When the prince lifted up the princess, he jumped into her gown pocket and rode on the horse with her.

*****

 

                As they arrived at the palace, the king was so furious at her. He glared at her accusingly. His eyes were so piercing that they stung her eyes unbearably. Instinctively, she directed her eyes to the floor which she could not see anymore because her eyes now blurred with tears.

                The queen stepped up, squeezing the king`s hand tenderly in an attempt to soften his rage only with no success. He shook his hand apart curtly and walked towards his daughter hot-headedly. His figure and his glare next to her were very intimidating. He towered over her with his eyes boring into her. It made her feel so small and timid.

                “What, for God`s sake, were you thinking of? My only daughter has disgraced my honor!” The king bellowed. His voice tore her ears and her heart, like a thunder tearing the sky.  

The queen closed her eyes and inhaled a deep breath. She was too gentle to witness it, yet she had no strength to leave the place either. She knew that nothing she could do to sooth her spiteful husband. Every word she said would only fuel more flame to his rage.

                “No, father! Not in the world I would want to disgrace you. Please forgive me for listening to my heart.” She cast pleading eyes at him.

                “Show some gratitude! I was going to betroth you to a fine prince. He shall become a good husband and company for you.” He retorted, sulfurous.

                “I understand. You only want the best for me. But father, I don`t love him.” Her voice sounded weak and hoarse, begging for understanding.

“No more words! I shall lock you in the tower for your disgraceful behavior till you can behave yourself.”

The king gestured for the guards to escort the princess to the tower and lock her there. The queen scowled at him in protest, but he ignored her.

                “No, Father! Please forgive me! Please forgive me, Father…” She pleaded with him to forgive her, but the king turned his back on her.

                “Don`t you think you are too hard on her?” Criticized the queen.

                “You`re the one who is too soft on her!” Fumed the king.  

“Oh now you`re blaming me too for this? It`s very thoughtful of you.” She stared at him disbelievingly and walked away.

“She needs to learn that there is consequence for every action. We cannot justify her behavior. You know that.” He tried to catch her with his words, but she continued walking in silence.

*****

               

The princess feebly climbed the marble steps. She no longer had spirit or courage to fight. She could not help sobbing along the way up to the tower. It felt like the longest and worst journey she ever made. The blue-eyed frog which was aware of what was going on, felt sorrowful for her and himself. He scolded himself for letting things go wrong without a power to fight them.

                After what felt like a never-ending journey, finally they came to a room with metal bars as the only entrance. It was elegantly and luxuriously decorated with a feather bed, a pair of puffy armchairs by the window, a bookcase full with books, a huge carved wardrobe with mirror doors, and a clean bathroom. It looked as if it was purposefully designed to comfort the occupant. But, would it give comfort if the person felt imprisoned inside?  

                When the metal bars had been locked and the princess was alone behind the bars, she realized that there was something in her pocket. She turned it out and found the blue-eyed frog she met by the lake. She was thrilled that it came with her along the way. She was exuberant that she was not alone.

                “Oh, how nice of you to join me here.” Said the princess thankfully.

The frog croaked which meant, “It is my pleasure to keep you company.” But, of course, she could not understand that.

                “Would you sing for me again, my dear frog, please?” She begged.

The frog croaked again. This time meant, “It is an honor to sing for you, my dear princess. I shall sing for you every time you want. You need not ask.”

For a fraction of a second, astonishment struck her mind. She wondered if it could understand her words. Thereupon, the blue-eyed frog started to sing for her. He sang and sang till she lost in a deep sleep. During the night, he kept singing. In the morning, when the guard unlocked the bars to let a maid deliver some breakfast for the princess, his eyes were red. Evidently, he did not have a quiet sleep last night.

*****

               

The blue-eyed frog kept singing for the past two nights. His singing became a lullaby for the princess. At the third night, when he was singing, the guard came inside to get rid of him. The guard could not tolerate his singing anymore.

                “No more singing tonight! You are to leave now, mad frog, so I can have a peaceful sleep.” Said the guard, grabbing him in his hand. He tried to release himself from the sturdy hand, but what could a helpless frog do?

                “Don`t you dare hurt the frog! The frog is my friend!” Warned the princess.

                “Forgive me, My Princess, I would not have the courage to hurt your friend. I only mean to remove it from this place so you could have a quiet sleep.” Excused the guard, taking the frog to an open window.

                “Release him, I command you! The only cause I could sleep in this inhumane place is the singing. If you cannot enjoy the singing, it`s your own problem!” Snapped the princess.

                “On your command, My Princess. I release the frog.” The guard released his hold on the frog and let it fall down the tower.

                “No! How could you do that? You`ve murdered my friend! I hate you!” She swore and ran to the window, but the guard`s arms were faster than her. He used them to keep her off the window. She struggled to free herself, but he was much bigger and stronger than she was. The next thing she did was wailed.

“Please forgive me, My Princess. I`m sure the frog would be happier in heaven and I promise that I will ask the king to send you a maid who can sing much better to keep you company.” He tried to calm her down frantically. But, he did not succeed. She even cried harder.

“I hate you! I shall never forgive you! You`ve killed my only friend here!” She wailed.

*****

 

Ever since that night, the princess cried and cried in grief. She lost him very much. She never felt losing someone or something as painful as it before. So there she was, kept crying till it reached the seventh night. But, would it do a dead frog any good? Was the frog dead?    

Luckily, no. He fell on a leafy tree. So, it did not harm him a lot. He was just a little dizzy and faint and scarred. Soon, as he regained his strength, he jumped down the tree. He went to a river which was not very far from the palace. Along the way, he swore at himself for being helpless and at the witch for turning him into a frog and causing this trouble.

The blue-eyed frog prayed that the princess would stop crying for him and have another friend who was better than he was, a friend who could make her smile and laugh joyfully since he did not want her to be distraught all the time. He prayed every night for her happiness. And for himself, to cheer himself up a bit, he sang. It was the only thing he could do as a frog. The female frogs which listened to his singing every night, felt empathetic toward his grief.

At the seventh night, when he was singing, magically his true shape reformed. He got his beautiful body and his handsomeness back. The spell had been broken. He was dumbfounded and relieved. Finally, he could do something for the princess, well actually for himself, because the unknown emotion raged for her, nagging inside him and twisting his mind. He thought that he could go crazy if he could not see her again. So the prince was going to rescue the princess and save his sanity. But first, the prince had to go back to his palace to declare his re-existence and his homecoming. The queen who fell sick because of his sudden disappearance, recovered forthwith. She was very happy that she almost crushed him in her embrace. She planted kisses all over his face.

Like fire through dry brush, the news of the handsome prince`s homecoming reached the girls` ears. Soon, he was surrounded back by beautiful girls. The admiration and adoration streamed back for him like a buzz of bees, followed by enquiries of his leave. Yet, he no longer cared about their attention. He only wanted his princess even if he had to fight for her.

*****

 

Chapter 2

Appalling Discoveries

       

As the night unfolded a jeweled sky and the moon grew some tenderness of its light, the prince, the king and the queen rounded a trestle table privately and ceremoniously. The flare of the candle light tucked the dining hall with warmth and brightness. The conversation flowed easily during the dinner time. So many questions to ask, so much love to share to darn the missing moment.

He had no choice, but to make up a story about his sudden disappearance. He told them the untruth that he left the palace to experience a life outside the palace. He had to learn to fend for himself. He said that he lived with a farmer who sold cat fish in the market. He helped him breed cat fish. He knew about cat fish breeding from a book which he bought when he studied about mining on Mind Island four years ago. He was seventeen at the time. He went to a book store after the final exam and the book caught his interest. He liked to read any kinds of books when he did not feel like showing off his finely sculptured body and his versatility. He would sit by the beach, feeling the sea breeze and feasting his eye upon the green sea, clear blue sky, and white seagulls. No girls surrounded him at the time for they knew that he could not be disturbed when he fixed himself on books.

He could not tell them the truth for it would shock and terrorize them. They would not be able to sleep soundly without fretting over him. They would install guards in and out of his room and wherever he went. It would be the death of his freedom and privacy. Moreover, it would stir this peaceful land in agitation of terror and panic. It would raise mass with pitchforks, torches, and iron cuffs to annihilate witches. There would be unnecessary casualties. Innocent women could be burnt out of suspicion at the dimmest hint. The hint could be accidental and false. Telling the truth would only complicate things and put the land in chaos.

He did not make up all story though, at least not the part when he met his lovely princess. He told his beloved parents that he encountered the princess by the lake in a little forest while he was dozing off. She accidentally stepped on him and she was the bonniest girl he had ever seen. He also confessed to them about the unnamed emotion he felt for her. Perhaps, they could tell him the name. They smiled knowingly and were pleased that their adorable son, eventually, met his love.

“You’re in love, Son.” His father told him with a congratulating stare.

At the acknowledgment, his mind burst into cheering noise as if the spectators in his mind were trumpeting and drumming and his heart joined in celebration. Love, he repeated in his mind, four letters and one syllable. It was that short and that simple to name this complex emotion and its conquering effect on him. It was not that he had never thought of it before. It was just because he had never known the feel of it before that he was unsure if it was what people called love and because it was too easy for him to feel it over some random girl whose name he did not even know. Yes, he had spent days with her in the tower, but the maids and the guards there always addressed her, “My Princess.” He had never once heard anyone call her by her name and he could not ask her since he did not speak human language at the time. It was brand new to him and it did not matter what it was called. He was glad to feel it and he was glad that it was her.

                “Oh, Good Heavens! I can hardly wait to meet the angel who has won my son`s heart. I`m tremendously delighted for you. I`ve never seen the soft look in your eyes before.” Uttered the queen while patting and squeezing her son`s hand lovingly.

                The maids came in with blackberry cheese cake as the dessert and put each piece before the king, the queen, and the prince. Prince Rovendoff stared at the piece of the cake and felt his mouth watering. It had been months since he last feasted on his favorite cake. During his time as a frog, no maid served him the cake. Yet, he was stunned by the fact that he could enjoy eating mosquitoes and flies. Indeed, they tasted unreasonably delicious. Perhaps, some inner part of him also changed along with his shape. The change might be necessary to survive in such condition.  

                “Aye, seems like a starry sky has moved to your eyes. Tell me Son, how did you manage to catch all the stars?” The king chuckled.

                “Neah, I`m just borrowing some from you. I hope you don`t mind. It always envies me to see your eyes gleam at the sight of mother.” Replied the prince humbly while stealing a look at his mother who was blushing in delight.

                “So, what are we waiting for? We shall visit her and meet with her family first thing in the morning.” Suggested the king, poising the spoon in his right hand.

                “If only it were that easy. She knows me as a frog, remember? So, technically, she has never seen me.” He brought another spoon of the cake to his mouth and chewed it slowly to taste it longer. The tasty cheese and the exotic blackberry blended together to delight his tongue and favor his mouth with a sensational taste. He let it dance in his tongue before it slid down his throat.

                “What do you have in mind then?” Enquired the queen wonderingly, sipping her favorite cranberry tea.

                “I need to read the situation first and present myself properly before her. I hope there is something from the past encounter connects us.” He drained the cranberry tea in his cup. The butler dutifully refilled each cup. Instantly, the aroma of cranberry tea filled the air, shielding the room with coziness.

                They pressed on talking until no words were worth saying and tongue was turning stiff, until eyes demanded a sleep and body longed for a bed. That night, deep in his sleep, the prince dreamt about her, a joyous dream. She was standing by the pier, wearing a pale pink gown with a pink hat that really matched the color of her complexion. In her hand was a pink parasol. It was sunset. The sky was crimson with streaks of yellow, pink and orange. She looked back gracefully and beamed at him jocundly as though she knew he was coming for her. Even the shy light could not hide her beauty.

*****

               

He spent the next three days contemplating and gathering information about her. Of course he did not ferret out the information himself for people had known him so well. He asked his trusted man, Qweezho, to do it for him. He could always rely on him, never once he doubted his finesse. A knight, age of nineteen but already very skillful, never failed him. He was always reliable and successful in every task his prince gave him. He could blend in well without arousing suspicion. Thanked to him, he could see clearly what to act, how to act, and when to act.

Now, he knew that her name was Hessabiya and she was no longer locked in the tower, but she was not free either. She could not leave the palace without an escort or, at least, an eye on her. Perhaps because they feared she would run away again or, worse, do something really stupid. Yes, she was rebellious, but she was not stupid. There were more sweet-nature and conscience in her than the opposite ones. She would try out what her heart told her to do, but then she would reason with it and make up for it. It was so easy to see it in her, he did not even have to make quite an effort.

Early in the morning while the prince was dressing, he could not help giggling and humming excitedly as if he had been waiting for the moment all his life. He had, indeed, and he wanted to look his best. Not only was he charming, gorgeous, and adorable, but also unforgettable. Though he knew that the princess was not a sort of person who was attracted to the shiny cover, he was still inescapably anxious about his appearance. Once in a while, he kept checking on his bright white teeth, shiny gentle hair, designer-made outfit which seemingly would only fit his sculptured body. His overall appearance was definitely captivating. He would soon drive every girl loony at first glance.

                He walked out of his bedroom and past the maids who stopped doing their chores involuntarily right at the sight of him. The maids` eyes were bulging and their lips were murmuring perpetual adoration without breathing. He smiled at them and they started to drool. He chuckled discreetly and flushed when he found his mother staring and smiling at him knowingly. He felt like a hooligan who was busted while committing a hideous act.

                He greeted his mother and kissed her lightly on her cheek. Then he turned to his father, doing the same thing. He took a seat next to his father and opposite his mother. They liked to sit close to each other during the meal time. Today breakfast was chicken cream soup and garlic bread. The combination of both was mouthwatering. They were inseparable, created to perfect each other.

                “You look bright this morning, Son, as if the sun rose from your face.” The king smiled at him.

                He glanced at his mother who was also smiling at him dotingly. “Thank you.” He said sheepishly and spooned the soup to his mouth.

                “This is ravishing.” He tasted the soup slowly in his mouth to enjoy it longer. He had tasted the soup before, but it tasted different now. It was thick and rich. It was perfect, caressing his mouth with its deliciousness.

                “Aye. The chef has found a new recipe to amend the taste.” Agreed the queen, feeling satisfied.

                “I see.” He looked at the king. “So what is your schedule today Father?”

                “I am helping the farmers with the bats problem. They attack their orchards.” Said the king, concerned.

                It was not the first time bats gave them trouble. On a land covered with fruit trees, bats found their home. They nested and bred conveniently. They fed on fruits with ease, especially during the harvest seasons. Fortunately, every month was harvest season as each fruit had its own season. Almost all kinds of fruit could be found here. As fruit trees grew well, so did bats.   

                “That`s bad. Should I come down with you?” He dibbed the garlic bread into his soup.

                “Neah, you go see your princess and win her heart. That`s your schedule.” Said the king, smiling.

                “Pray for me, Father, Mother.” He looked at both of them, hopeful.

                “Always do, Son.” Said the king, drinking his apple juice.

                “You have our prayers and bless.” Added the queen, squeezing his hand soothingly.

*****

               

The prince rode his horse unhurriedly, cautious not to tangle his hair and clothes. He breathed in the morning air which was the fusion scent of morning dew, blooming flowers and blossoms, green trees, and fresh soil. He feasted on the idyllic scenery which was full of colors, just like his own world now ever since he met his princess. He used to think that his life was perfect, but he was wrong. If it had been perfect, then what to call it now as more colors popped up in his sky? There were always million stars in his night sky. Now besides the stars, he could also see fireworks.

When he passed the little forest where he resided for sometime as a frog, the memory of the encounter with the princess seeped back into his mind and tickled his stomach. He missed her more. He pictured a scene when he met her again and created a dialogue in his mind. He was thinking of and practicing the best way to greet her and introduce himself. He was nervous of what to say and do in front of her.

                “Morning Princess, I`m Rovendoff. We`ve met before. I`m a frog you spoke to in a little forest.”

“Uh, that`s ridiculous. She will think that I`m crazy.”

“Morning Princess, I`m Rovendoff. I`ve been watching you and thinking of introducing myself to you.”

“No, no! That`s eerie. She will think that I`m a stalker.”

“Morning Princess, you`re very beautiful. I`ve never seen a lady as divine as you are in my entire life. You must be an angel sent to delight my eyes.”

“No! That`s too flirty. She will think that I`m a player.”

“Hi! Nice gown. Where did you buy it?”

“Yuck! That`s queer. She will think that I`m a drag queen.”

“Gosh! I`d like to kill myself right now. Never thought that introducing myself would be this frustrating.”

He cantered for what seemed like hours and felt the morning sun growing brighter and warmer. He exposed himself to the morning sun which was as warm as a lover`s hug. Along the way, he kept concentrating and trying different ways to present himself in front of the princess. Yet, not even a single way seemed to suit him. Suddenly, his concentration was distracted and his solitude was ruined by a galloping horse which was thundering past him. He looked ahead to the rider and was startled as he recognized the face. In his startle, unconsciously, he shouted at the rider.

“Princess! Princess!”

The rider halted her horse and looked about to find the owner of the voice.

                “Yes? Do I know you?” Asked the rider, hadn`t a clue.

                “Do you?” He asked back while approaching her.

                He pulled the rein of his horse before her and looked at her in the eye fervently. He was careful not to intimidate her, while struggling to curb his enthusiasm. He scrutinized her discreetly, meaning not to offend her. She looked thinner and paler as though she had just recovered from illness. There was a streak of anguish and strain across her face. Yet, those could not simplify her complex beauty. She was just too divine to be true.

                “Oh, your eyes!” She stared open-mouthed at him.

                “Yes?” He frowned lightly, wondering what was in her mind.

                “They look like a frog`s eyes!” Uttered the princess unthinkingly.

                “Ow?” He stared back open-mouthed at her, confused of what to feel.

Should he feel excited or insulted? Excited because there was a part of him when he was a frog that she remembered. It could be something that connected them, drawing her to him. It could make him familiar to her, thus she would feel comfortable with him. Insulted because it made him feel like he still looked like a frog while now he had again become The Handsome Prince Rovendoff, he thought vainly. He imagined that she saw a frog face instead of his now intolerably charming face.

                “Oh, I`m terribly sorry, I didn`t mean to insult you. It`s just because your eyes remind me of- never mind. Please accept my apologies.” Said the princess apologetically.

                “On one condition.” Said the prince, smiling wickedly.

                “And what is that?” Asked the princess, surprised and curious at the time.

                “I will forgive you only if you can beat me riding up to the top of the mountain.” He said, winking his eye.

He started his horse, hoping that she would follow. It did not take long for her to answer his challenge. She galloped her horse toward his, trying to catch up with him. It surprised him that she followed him so easily. Is she always this believing to strangers or, perhaps, she does not feel strange about me? Does she feel me as a long lost friend or follow me out of sense of challenge? Is it because of her good nature or my irresistible charm? He laughed at his own vanity, feeling silly. Whatever the reason was, it made him rejoiced.

                “And what if I couldn`t beat you?” She asked as she managed to keep up with him.

                “Then I would name another condition.” He grinned elfishly.

                “Oh don`t be so glad yet. There won`t be another condition.”

                She sped up her horse and made a tight race for him. The sound of the crazed hooves shattered the serenity and the quietness of the mountain. Couples of lovebirds, which were perching on the twigs and snuggling up to each other, scowled at them in protest.

*****

               

The race ended at the top of the mountain and was won by the prince. He smiled triumphantly at the princess and she smiled back at him haughtily while stiffening her shoulders.

                “Princess, what took you so long?” Asked the prince cheekily. Yet, she ignored his childish manner as her attention was fastened to the beauty of the scenery.

                “It`s very beautiful up here.” Said the princess in an awed whisper.

                “Yes, it is. You have never been here before?” Asked the prince, controlling his racing breath.

                “No, I haven`t, cannot go far from the palace unattended.” She groaned.

                “So how did you-?” He was going to ask how she managed to go on her own.

                “Have you?” She looked sideways and met his gentle eyes. Her eyes shyly held interest in his rarely sparkling blue eyes for a brief moment before she grudgingly took them off his.

                “Several times. I like it here, so peaceful. I sometimes come here when I want to hide myself from the world or when there is too much on my mind.” He sighed crisply, did not look away from her face.

                “And what do you do?” She put her stare back at him, curious.

                “I do this, aaaaaaaaaaaaah!” He screamed out loud.

                “Well, that`s very-” She was astounded by his brazen act.

                “Try.” He said calmly.

                “Pardon me?” She gawked at him in disbelief.

                “Try it. It`s relieving.” He urged.

                “It`s disgraceful.” She said, giving him a scornful look.

                He raised his eyebrow in mockery. “Why? Because you`re a princess?”  

                “I am taught to watch my manner.” Said the princess proudly.

                “I agree, but you`re not in a palace now and no one can hear you but me.” He spoke coaxingly.

                She looked at him, hesitant. A part of her wanted to try as it seemed fun and relieving to do. A part of her kept telling her that it was an embarrassing thing to do.

“You will tell no one?” Asked the princess, doubtful.

                “I give you my word.” He cast a solemn look at her.

                “Ok, if you insist. Aaaaaaah!” She screamed hesitantly.

                “That`s not a scream.” He shook his head slightly, amused.

“Watch me, aaaaaaaaaaaaah! Scream like you mean it.” He instructed patiently.

                “Ok, like I mean it, aaaaaaaaaaaah!”

                “Again, like you really mean it.”

                “Aaaaaaaaaaaaaah!”

                “Very good! Let`s do it once more, but this time together. Ready?”

                She nodded and he counted to three.

                “Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!”

                “Feeling much better?” He asked thoughtfully.

                “Yes, indeed.” She sighed, relieved.

                The prince dismounted his horse and offered her his hand. She took his hand in hers and dismounted her horse with his help. He held her with both hands and still held her for a moment or two, though her feet had touched the ground.

She neither reacted nor refused. She just stood still but was not rigid. Her body just felt so right in his hands. They were strong, yet felt gentle. The closeness of their faces and the intense stare between them made her flush. She admitted that she was inexplicably absorbed in his blue eyes. It felt as though his blue eyes had a strange magical effect on her. Then, a moment of awkwardness surrounded them. Awkwardly, she took her eyes off him and he took his hands off her, but kept his eyes on her.

                “So, what upsets you?” He asked, breaking the silence.

                “Pardon me?” She looked back at him, perplexed. She was still dazed from the intimate scene.

                “When I saw you, you were galloping your horse like mad. And it occurs to me that something must be bothering you.” He looked at her intensely in the eye, studying the change in her expression, but careful enough not to edge her.

                “Is that what you do when something is bothering you?” She walked close to the edge of the peak.

                “Yes, among other things.” He followed her and stood beside her, eyes never left her.

                “I see.” She looked afar, watching her surrounding to the thick green mountain ahead, to the placid turquoise lake below. She could hear the wind song. She could taste the cool air.

                “Care to tell me?”  His voice sounded like a gentle breeze. It somehow soothed her.

                “I`m being betrothed in a fortnight. It`s already settled.” She sighed and glanced to the sky vacantly, did not even notice its brilliant color. 

                He was appalled to hear this new information. Fear of losing her crept inside him, sending chill into his veins, cracking his bones. His knees became weak and his head spun. He shrank himself slowly to the grassy ground, sitting cross-legged. He was astounded at this new discovery of himself that he could be this fragile over a girl. He used to snort at some men who lost their mind, fell sick for days or weeks, and started a drinking habit over a girl or a woman. But then, he was not in love with anyone and he never felt in love, so he did not understand. He only took girls as an audience for his shows. Now he realized that no matter how tight you could embrace her, still it could not free you from fear of losing her.

He threw his gaze to the forest canopy which covered the mountain ahead, but he was not looking. He was pondering. He only had less than two weeks to save her and his heart. He could not falter now, could not let himself crumble now. It was not too late. He must not waste his time to dread, so little time to be worth. He could not let himself feel lost before battling.

                He looked at her. She was real, sinking in her own thought. She was with him now. He had not lost her. He must not lose her because losing her meant losing himself. It would take a lifetime to repent and to recover if he lost her and it certainly was not a path that he would like to choose. Aware of being watched, she turned her face to him and sat beside him. She looked crestfallen and helpless. Her eyes pleaded to be saved and it broke his heart more than his fear of losing her. He put aside his own bitterness and smiled at her consolingly, silently wished it could bring back a little color to her face.

                “Aren`t you supposed to be happy?” He asked casually to distract her.

                “I`m not in love with him.” She said firmly, yet softly.

                “Who are you in love with then?” He enquired, curious and anxious at the same time, wondering if she had a lover. He stopped breathing in anticipation.

                “No one. I`ve never been in love.” She said honestly. He breathed again easily, relieved.

“Have you?” Her eyes flickered at him. He could feel the warm glow there showing that she was eager to know.

                “I am in love.” His eyes smoldered, beholding her. She felt strange about the way he stared into her eyes, yet somehow pleased with it.

                “Tell me, how does it feel?” She angled her sitting to him, obviously interested. He stared at her in silence for a moment before he spoke, not in hesitation, but in muse. Then, the words oozed out his lips naturally as if they had been waiting to free themselves. It was easier to describe your feeling when the object of your interest was laid before your eyes.

                “When I am with her, I secretly wish I could freeze the time. Just to be with her forever and does not lose her from my sight. When she speaks, she breathes in a new life into my soul, a peaceful life. Everything is in harmony and just right. When she looks into my eyes, I can see a wonderful rainbow and my world is instantly full of colors. When she smiles, she lifts all burdens off my shoulders and clears all worries in my head. I feel so light that I can fly to the sky.” He said with dreamy eyes. His voice was as soft as a gentle caress, touching her heart.

He did not release his tender gaze from her as he spoke this, watching the expression in her face and fascinated by it. It made her feel as if he was talking about her and that brushed rosy shade on her cheeks. If only she knew that he, indeed, was talking about her.

                “She sounds more like an angel than a human.” She commented, sounded envious.

                “Hmm…sounds just like you.” He murmured so quietly that she could not catch his words.

                He stared at her penetratingly, trying to catch the trail of her thought. He unrelentingly scrutinized the changes in her face. She frowned, looked up, frowned again, looked up again, curved her lips, and wrinkled her nose. She was trying to imagine how it felt to fall in love, trying to grasp it, trying hard, he thought. It was fascinating and amusing at the same time to him. He chuckled discreetly. He was too afraid to laugh as it would distract her and lose the fun of watching her changing expressions. Persistent, readable, he said in his mind. It did not take a mind reader to comprehend what she was thinking. It was easy to read her mind and to understand her feeling. It seemed like her heart was made of transparent pink jelly; soft, supple, and sweet. People could see through it and know what was inside. Therefore, it was even easier to love her.

                “So, what will you do?” He asked after immeasurable time.

                “Huh?” was what her response, mystified.

                “Can`t you say no?” He directed her mind to the context using his indicative stare.

                “I`m not allowed to say no to the king. It is unacceptably disrespectful.” She said after she managed to re-attach her mind to the present topic.

                “So you just give in?” He sneered.

                “Not with ease. Let`s say, I have my own way to tackle it.” She said with assuring eyes. It made him snigger as he remembered the day she ran away from her previous betrothal, unsuccessful though.

                “Sure you do.” He smirked. “So, what`s now?” He asked again, pushing. He was dying to know what she was planning this time.

                “Praying to be rescued. I don`t think there is a way out, though.” She flashed anguished eyes.

                To see sadness dancing in her eyes was very heartbreaking. He wished he had the power to order it to stop visiting her for good. The only thing he could do was rocked his brain to think of a way to put the smile back on her face. He looked around, searching. Then he saw this perfectly compelling apple tree.

                “Would you like some apples?” He asked, smiling cheerily at her.

                “Huh?” She said, flummoxed.

She had no idea what he was talking about as she did not see any apples in his hands. He did not seem to bring apples either. He could be a wizard, she thought, although he did not look like one.

                “There.” He pointed. “There`s a pretty apple tree over there.”

                She followed his directive finger and she was stunned. It was, indeed, a pretty-looking apple tree. It was not very tall, but people still had to climb it to get the apples. It was leafy and full of red apples just like a huge green umbrella with red spots all over it and a wooden handle. The red color on the apples was so striking. It looked as though they were screaming to be picked.

                “Let`s get them.” Suggested the prince and made a run to the tree.

                “Wait!” She ran after him with difficulty since she was wearing a gown. But he kept running, leaving her behind. He looked back at her now and then only to find it amusing. He laughed cheerily.

                By the time he reached the apple tree, he climbed it, effortless just like a monkey. He stood on a fat sturdy limb and picked a shiny-looking apple within his arm length.

                “It`s delicious.” He said, taking another bite and looked down at her. She was standing at the bottom of the tree, watching him with envious eyes.

                “What are you doing down there? Come up here.” He said, wondering what made her hesitant.

                “I can`t climb a tree.” She confessed.

                “It`s okay. No one sees you but me.” He said, completely misjudging her statement.

                “I said, I can`t climb a tree as in can not climb a tree.” She explained, spelling each word.

                “O, I see. Mm…would like to ride on my back?” He offered.

                “Pardon me?” She said incredulously.

                He jumped off the tree lithely and stood before her with a hand on a tree branch above his head and a face so close to hers. “It`s okay, I won`t drop you.” He said coaxingly, silky voice.

She could feel his cool breath on her face and taste its sweetness. She had to blink several times before she answered. “Right. That`s very ladyli- Hey!” She yelled in protest when he grabbed her arm, slung it over his shoulder, heaved her on his back, and climbed the tree. She frantically wound her arms around his neck and clutched it so tightly, yet unintentionally, that he could not breathe properly. When he reached the fat sturdy limb, he was panting, not from the climbing but from the clutching. He gently unwound her arms off his neck and landed her feet steadily on the limb.

She straightened her gown and cleared her throat. “That was-fun.” She said under her breath.

“What did you say?” He asked though he had heard it.

She did not reply as her eyes wandered in wonder. She picked an apple that attracted her the most and perched on the limb next to him.

“It`s the most delicious apple I`ve ever eaten.” She said, chewing the apple bite.

“I agree.” He said, enjoying his apple.

“Do you do it often?”

“What?” He asked, mystified.

“Climb a tree with a lady on your back?” She asked contemptuously.

He chuckled softly. “Never before, only with children.”

“O…how many children do you have?” She asked doubtfully. She did not believe someone as young as he already had children. Her eyebrows furrowed in mystification when he burst into laughter. His body rocked so violently that it threatened the limb to snap off the trunk. Her eyes scowled at him in warning while her hands clutched the branch over her head in terror.

“Could you please stop laughing and stop putting us in danger? Your laughter will snap the limb if you don`t stop.” She said frantically, but he only found it more amusing.

“I`m sorry, I can`t help it.” He said, still rocking with laughter. She said no more words and waited for his laughter to subside.

“I have never had a chance to laugh like that before.” He said eventually after felt like forever.

“Sorry that I humored you.” She said satirically.

“Don`t be, I`m having a lot of fun.” He commented skittishly.

“Right.” She snorted.

“By the by, I don`t have children, not married yet.” He showed his hand so she could see no ring there. She did not know why she felt relieved to hear that. He was a complete stranger to her, yet she felt cozy.

It was sunset then. The crimson shade with streaks of yellow, pink, grey, black, purple, and orange draped the sky. It was so fabulous and it was stated clearly in her amazed eyes. He wondered if it was the first time she really noticed sunset. Sitting on a tree limb with her like this, chatting and staring, was even more fantastic than his dream last night. For the first time in his life, he felt so alive.

                She shifted her eyes to him and stood up abruptly, clutching the tree branch over her head firmly. Worry flared in her eyes. She realized that she had spent hours in this place and it began to darken. She was afraid of straying if she could not see the way back and getting home safely before dinner. He looked up at her, trying to decipher the worry across her face.

“I must go home now.” She said, answering his confusion. He immediately jumped off the tree and held up his arms for her. She flung herself believingly into his arms and hurried to her horse to mount it. He followed her and mounted his horse. She was hesitant on her horse.

                “Don`t worry, just follow me. My horse knows well the way back.” He said, answering her hesitancy. She was wondered for a split second that he could read her mind before she nodded. She felt relieved. Somehow, she felt safe being with him though she barely met him a few hours ago. His presence absurdly comforted her.

                They galloped their horses at neck-breaking speed to compete with the time, passing the way they had taken to get there. They had to be back to the meeting point before the absence of light completely blinded them.

                “Will I see you again tomorrow?” She asked wishfully when they had reached their meeting point.

                He was surprised for a moment, hardly believed his ears. It was beyond his expectation. His heart screamed exultantly. She wants to see me again! She wants to see me again!

                “You want to see me again tomorrow?” He asked, checking if his ears were just fine.

                “Aye.” She said shyly. “Only if you are free.” She added.

                “I`ll be here.” He said solemnly.

                “See you again then tomorrow.” She smiled gaily and angled her horse to the opposite direction.

                “Would you like me to escort you home?” He said in haste as though he had just remembered to offer it. It was true that he had forgotten the courtesy as his mind was blunted by fireworks.

                “Thank you, but it would cost me a trouble if you do.” She looked back at him. “I`ll be fine.” She threw one more smile at him and took off.

                He stared after her until she was gone from his sight. Then, he cantered his horse through the dusk. The moon was still shyly showing up. The stars were still hiding somewhere in the sky. His eyes were directed to the lane, but he was not looking. He was not even aware of his surrounding. He was still consumed with his recent memory, memory of spending the time with her, of gazing at her breathtaking face, of watching the changes in her expression, of asking him to meet her again tomorrow. He trusted his horse`s eyes to take him home safely, while his were not working properly at the moment.

*****

 

At dinner time, the king and the queen were waiting on their chairs facing the trestle table. They could not hide their eagerness to catch up on the news the prince might bring home with him. They did not even bother to hide it. They angled their eyes to the entrance way to the dining hall. When the prince entered the room with a glorious smile plastered on his face, his eyes met their curious eyes. They looked impatient to hear the news. He just barely sat when the King started his question.

                “So, how was it? Did you get a chance to meet her after all?” He attacked him with questions.

                “Aye, but I forgot to introduce myself. I was dazzled by her beauty and her mind, apparently.” He grinned, feeling idiotic. Her face swam back to his mind, crowding it with her irresistible divinity. He did not even notice when the maid put a bowl of asparagus soup before him.

                “What did she tell you?” The queen asked after swallowing the soup.

                “She told me that she is being betrothed in two weeks and it`s settled.” His voice revealed suppressed fury and misery. He stirred the soup in his bowl absent-mindedly.

                The king and the queen were taken aback by the news. They felt grievously sympathetic towards their son. But, they knew their son too well. He would not retreat before trying himself out. He would not be taken down easily. So, perhaps, there was nothing to worry about. But, what did they know? He never fell in love before, they thought.

                “You are not giving up, are you?” The king asked hopefully.

                “Not a chance. She is still not in love with him and she`s worth fighting for.” He said firmly as if it settled the problem. The king and the queen sighed in relief. The queen squeezed his hand and gave him a supportive look.

                “So, how did you spend the time with her?” The queen asked, motherly voice. Just like a mother who wanted to know how her son spent his day out.

                He recounted all the scenes with her today from how he met her to the farewell part. It was plain to see that he was blissful. Every mention of her, warmed and colored his face as if he had just sipped very fine wine and was enjoying the taste. His eyes drifted to the memorable recent scenes with her.

“Tell us about her.” The king demanded, fatherly voice.

                “Well, she has a face that would envy the angels. Her voice is spellbinding. She has a jelly heart, a readable mind, curious eyes. She enjoys challenge. She naturally speaks her mind out. She loves seeing new places with marvelous scenery.” His eyes were dreamy.

                “A jelly heart?” The king asked, bemused, poising the fork full of melted cheesy duck.

                “Soft, supple, and sweet. Just like transparent jelly. You can see through it and know exactly what she feels.” He said descriptively. The king and the queen chuckled at the metaphor he used.

                “I bet, you can hardly wait for the sun to rise.” The king teased, swallowing another bit of cheesy duck.

                “You`re so supernatural, Father.” He chewed the melted cheesy duck effortlessly.

                “Do not let the lady wait then tomorrow.” Suggested the king after gulping the water.

                “I won`t.” Said the prince, flashing dreamy eyes.

                The maid came in with caramel coffee pudding which aroma soon saturated the air. Yet, his nose was numb as his mind was still cut off from the present. He dreamily spooned the pudding to his mouth, chewed it, but did not taste it. Even when the pudding melted on his tongue, he could not appreciate its lavish taste. The king and the queen were amusedly staring at their adorable son, watching the funny expression in his face.

*****

Chapter 3

Invisible Guard

 

The prince was waiting nervously for the princess on his horse under the tree canopy whilst the horse was voluntarily feeding herself on the grassy ground. The sun was pale yellow, the sky was bright blue, and the cloud was clean white. He could not dissemble his enthusiasm. The sunlight was even inferior to the blazing light which shone out of his heart. He had a fixed mind of where to take her today. He would show her another awesome place which he was sure she had never visited before. He could not muffle his blissful grin when he heard the sound of horse`s hooves approaching.

                “Good morning!” Greeted the princess, crispy voice.

                “Morning!” He replied snappily. “It`s another beautiful day, isn`t it?”

He was talking about the sky, but his gaze was on her, scrutinizing her appearance. Her face was not pale anymore. It was brushed with rosy pink. Her eyes glistened brightly. Her gown was lime green, he did not notice it yesterday as he was so consumed with her face. Her black wavy hair was framed with sparkling emerald hair pins at the temples, made her look dazzlingly sweet. He gulped at the mesmerizing beauty before his eyes.

                “Are we going to race to the top of the mountain again, today?” Her voice dragged him back to his senses. It took him sometime to discern her question.

                “No, Ma’am. I`m taking you to some place.” He answered, mysterious eyes.

                “And what place is that?” Asked the princess eagerly. Eager for the clandestine place and for his blue eyes which were more sparkling today.

                “Hmm, it`s a secret that I`m not sharing with you now. You will have to see it yourself.” His eyes were devilish, flaming more curiosity into her mind. She was very curious now, but she did not want to pry the surprise out of him. She was also enjoying the surprise herself.

                “I can`t help wondering what the place is.” She muttered in an undertone. 

                They trotted their horses side by side through the forest. The sound of the scraping hooves against the crispy leaves and moist ground, the sound of musical chirp of hummingbirds, and the sound of swirling breeze blended together composing a luscious song. The morning sun which found its way through the canopy spotlighted them.

                “So, how did you outwit your guard today?” He asked, fascinated both by her amusing wit and her dazzling face.

                “I didn`t.” She said calmly, staring unblinkingly at his overwhelming blue eyes. She was not ashamed of doing this since he was also doing the same thing to her.

                “Are you saying that he`s coming with us now ?” He took his gaze off her reflexively to look around.

                “Yes, invisibly.” She emphasized the word, `invisibly`.

                “Is he some kind of ghost or something?” He asked, awed, as he could not make out a glimpse of the invisible guard.

                “He`s just so good at it. That`s an understatement anyway.” She said breathlessly as she stared at his awed eyes. They were more compelling to her now like shreds of sapphire.

                “How about yesterday?” He asked enthusiastically.

                “Well, yesterday was different. I intentionally outwitted him.” She said proudly.

                “I`m dying to hear that.” He said in an impatient whisper.

                “Wow, you`re so funny, so easy to laugh with.” Her eyes were complimenting.

                “Thanks. I`m glad you enjoy me. I`m thinking of charging you for this next time.” He said humorously.

                “There will next time then?” She prompted, beaming cheerfully.

                “As long as you want.” He said, adoring her luminous beam.

                “And how much will it charge me?” She asked, carried away with the gag.

                “Hmm, I`ll give you the exact figures later.” His eyebrows furrowed, faking a serious look.

                “Won`t I bore you?” She asked, fretful eyes.

                “You?” He reflected her question incredulously. “It`s likely that I`ll bore you.” He said reassuringly.

                “Are you kidding? I`ve never been this happier.” The words smoothly gushed out of her lips.

                He stared at her in a way that made her realize that she had confessed something embarrassing and she blamed her mouth for that. But, when she looked at his face, it did not indicate that it was embarrassing at all. Counter to it, he looked glorious as if she had said the right words.

                “You haven`t answered my question.” He said softly after watching embarrassment tormented her for sometime. She looked perplexed for a friction of a second before she answered.

                “Ah, that one.” She gasped insightfully.

                “I was playing with my cat when I saw this carriage loaded with groceries and this idea struck my mind like a lightning bolt. It electrified my nerves right away to try it out. So the rest of the day, I was restless. I pondered, using up my brain to come up with great plans and I was satisfied with one of them.” She smiled smugly.

                “The next morning, I was ready to put the plan into action. I wore a hooded clock which I borrowed from a maid and I hid in the carriage. I crouched in one of the crate, the cloak covered me entirely, so it just looked like a dirty brown rag and it did not smell good either. It smelled gross, horse dung. I smudged horse dung all over it that I had to hold my breath myself. But, I thought, It was the only way to prevent the guard from checking what was underneath and it worked.” Her eyes gleamed with satisfaction.

“When I reached the safe point, I discarded the cloak, left it there incase I needed it the next day. Though, I wasn`t sure that the carriage man would not throw it away because of its smell. When I tapped the driver on his shoulder, he was aghast to see me in his carriage. He did not say anything when I took one of his horses and put some gold coins in his palm. I tried to sooth him by telling him not to worry because no one saw me getting in. He blinked after I said that and took off. And then, I met you. Did I smell like horse dung yesterday?” She asked sheepishly.

                “Not at all. You smelled as fresh as passion-fruits.” He said honestly, noticing the flush over her cheeks. Her scent of passion-fruits matched her personality, he thought. Energetic, passionate, sweet, and tropically wild. That scent really distracted his mind when she passed him on her galloping horse yesterday, the scent that would cling to his mind for the rest of his life.

                “Hmm…and what`s the story afterwards?” He stared at her with unruffled intensity.

                “Not long after we separated, I ran into my guard. He was searching for me and he had been searching for me for a half day. I pitied him. He looked strained and of course disappointed with me. But, he did not blame me, he blamed himself. I could not believe it and I did not like it because it made me feel guilty. And that guilt ruined my perfect day.” Her eyes turned gloomy. A thin layer of repentance silhouetted her face.

“He then, offered me a deal. I have to let him guard me and he promised that he will be as invisible as possible and will not report my mischief to my father and he will leave the unnecessary things between us. I asked him why he offered it when he could punish me for it.” She said in disbelief.

                “And why is that?” He asked, feathery voice.

                “He said, first, because he knows that I will try it again no matter how impossible it is once I choose to do something. He knows me so well that he does not want to risk my safety. He prefers to be an invisible guard than to lose me from his sight with no clue at all of my whereabouts and my safety. Second, because he loves me so much that he wants the best for me, anything to draw a smile in my face. He has been an uncle to me and he has been taking care of me since I was a child.” She looked into his eyes, wondering how he perceived the story.

                “Does it change the way you think of me?” She asked fretfully, her voice was weak.

                “No.” He answered quickly, velvety voice.

                “I`m capable of hurting people who really care for me.” She said, disgusted with herself.

                “Anyone is capable of doing so. We`re just human.” He said reassuringly.

She was horrified that he would reconsider his friendship with her after knowing how selfish she was, hurting someone who really cared for her. But, his face did not show the slightest repulsion. His face was calm and understanding. His blue eyes were not judging and not reprimanding. His blue eyes were pacifying. That moment, she knew that with him, she could be herself.

They kept staring at each other for the rest of the trip. No words to spoil the silence, but the cracking twigs by the hooves. She no longer cared about where and how far he was taking her. They might have spent an hour or two on the journey before suddenly he stopped his horse, but he did not disconnect their stare. She heard the murmur of water nearby and she knew that this was the end of the trip to the secret place. She reluctantly directed her eyes to the origin of the sound to find out the secret place.

She was thrilled and dazed to see the elegant waterfall before her eyes. Instantly, she felt conquering attraction dragging her off her horse towards it. She sloshed the water with her running paces and stood right under it. When the water sloshed her head, she shrieked excitedly. She flattened her palms upwards to feel the water. She looked down when something smooth bumped into her ankles and whirled between them. She gasped gleefully as her eyes caught colorful fish whirling lithely under the limpid water. She stooped to catch one of the fish which attracted her most with her hands. She managed to get hold of its body for a second before it slipped smoothly from her hands. Then, she started chasing and playing with the fish. She was blissful. It was clearly seen on her face.  

He was so fascinated by her carefree behavior that he forgot to dismount his horse. He trotted his horse to the edge of the waterfall. His horse lapped up the water voluntarily while his gaze followed her bouncing around in the water. When he saw her trip over her own gown, he instantaneously dismounted his horse and bolted into the water to catch her. Unluckily, he tripped over the slippery stones under the water and was flung to her. One of his arms managed to catch her waist before they both fell completely into the water. For a few seconds, they were under the water struggling to stick their soles on the water bed.

They were soaking wet and water was dripping from their clothes when they came out of the water. Both of them burst into a shrill guffaw at their own stupidity. Just when the thunderous laugh stopped, they realized that they were still clasping each other. His arms were gripping her waist and her hands were clutching his shoulders. They stood still, staring at each other for immeasurable time. Her gown was soaking wet, but she felt warm. The warmth that radiated from his body was comfy. It did not intimidate her at all. She was in the arms of a stranger, but she felt utterly safe. She dropped her eyes and her hands when she felt her cheeks burning. He held his grip a little longer before he reluctantly released it. He stood by her side, refusing to drop his gaze off her.   

She darted her eyes to the awesome surrounding. To the steep rocks covered in moss, to the colorful wild flowers protruding from between the rocks, to the forest fringe, to the fern-covered ground, to the grazing horses. When the gentle wind swirled around them, she could smell his scent. She closed her eyes and inhaled it slowly. It was moist wood, the most luscious scent she ever smelled. The scent was so intoxicating that she had to hold herself from flinging herself to him. She walked away from him and out of the water. She lay on the grassy ground and exposed herself to the friendly sun. She shielded her eyes with the back of her left hand.

He watched her with an unswerving gaze. She was very fascinating to him in an amusing way. She would never bore him because she would never stop surprising him. He could picture his future with her and that made him smile delightedly. He walked towards her, watched her nonchalant face, and placed himself slowly beside her.

*****

               

It was twilight when Prince Rovendoff cantered his horse home. The sun had just retreated to its rest, leaving the sky deep purple with the tints of black and gray. He played the recent scenes with her in his mind. They were lying side by side on the grassy ground, warming themselves and drying their clothes. His face was angled to her, open-eyed. He did not want to miss the minutest thing about her, did not want to waste every second he had with her. Her sleeping face was angel-like. Her creamy skin was radiant. Her black hair was luminous. Her posture when she slept was like an elegant statue. He yearned to trail his finger along the line of her figure, but he did not have a heart to disturb the sleeping beauty.

                When she woke up, she looked oblivious for a moment. Then like a thunder hit her, she looked aside searching for his face and she was relieved when she found his soothing blue eyes. She yawned gracefully and shifted to a sitting position, facing him with her eyes still on his.

                “How long have I been sleeping?” She asked, losing the trail of time.

                “About an hour.” He said, feathery voice

                She looked up at the sky. The sun was piercing yellow, slanting to the west slightly. Still plenty of time before sunset, she thought. She had been sleeping quite long. She straightened her gown, it was already dry.

                “How long did you sleep?” She asked, subdued voice.

                “I didn`t.” He replied breezily, watching her bemused expression.

                “I don`t nap.” He said, spinning a tiara from flowers and stems with his finger.

                She looked interestedly at the tiara. It was craftily made from wild flowers. Blue, purple, pink, yellow, red, she studied it with her eyes. Never before, did she see a tiara in full colors. Never before, did she see a tiara woven from real flowers either. Obviously, he had picked all kinds of flowers there and killed his time by weaving them into a fine-looking tiara while she was peacefully sleeping.

                “Did you make it?” She eyed the tiara. It seemed like a good question to fill up the interval of silence and continue the chat. People usually did that to start or maintain a conversation even though they had known the answer.

                “Yes while you were sleeping.”

                “It’s pretty.”

                “Would you wear it?” He looked at her fervidly.

When he decided to make the tiara, he had pictured her in it. Now, he wanted to check if she matched the picture in his mind. He had made the tiara carefully. Each stem was twisted with his love for her.

                “If I wore it, would you teach me how to make it?” She said eagerly. She wanted to try to make it herself and found out how it would become.

                “Sure. Allow me.”

He lifted his hands slowly and put the tiara on her head gently. He did not have to shift her hair as the pins still held it neat. Surely, his hands were itchy from wanting to feel the softness of her hair in his palms, but he had to hold himself. He was still a stranger to her.

                “My Princess.” He smiled and bowed courteously, one arm across his chest.

                “Thank you, Craftsman.” She smiled in gratitude and laughed heavenly.

He looked at her blissfully. It was hard for him to hide his interest in her nor to curb it. Try as he might, still he could not fight it back. His lips were sealed, but his eyes were chanting a love rhyme for her. He had no idea how she defined the look in his eyes, but she seemed interested in his eyes. Then, she looked embarrassed. Her cheeks turned rosy, a delicate color for him. He never appreciated the color of rose before, but now it grew in him.           

“So, what’s to do first?” She asked, escaping the sweet torment.

                “Let’s pick the flowers.” He suggested zestfully. She answered his zest with a frolicsome smile.

                They got up and walked lightly to pick the flowers. They were scattered on the ground and on the rocks. They grew wild and weather-proofed. They looked and smelled exotic. She picked only the blue ones and walked back to where she was. He was already there.

                “Only blue?” He asked, garbled.

                “Yes.”

                “May I know why?”

                She wanted to say that it was the color of his eyes, but she edited it. She did not have to declare her interest in his magnetic blue eyes, she thought.

                “Blue is lovely.”

                He began showing her how to make the tiara. She watched his hands skillfully weave the flowers and the stems and followed his instructions carefully. Sometimes, he had to stop to help her with her tiara, but she was a quick learner.

“When did you learn to make a tiara from flowers?” She asked.

“I didn’t.”

“So you just wove the stems out of boredom and they became a tiara?” She was a little popeyed.

“Not exactly.”

“How was it exactly?” She pushed, neglecting courtesy.

“Mm…” He paused, battling on his mind whether to tell her that truth or the other truth. “I pictured you in this tiara and twisted the flowers out of it.” He decided to tell her that truth and stared at her to read how she perceived it. He caught with his eyes that delicate color again on her cheeks. She tried to push away the blush by concentrating on making the tiara. Few minutes later, she smiled gloriously at her nice-looking tiara.

                “Would you buy my tiara, Sir? For your beloved princess?” She gagged.

                “She would love it! How much is it?” He responded to her gag naturally.

                “Not much, just a joke.”

                “Only one joke and I can take it home?” He faked a surprised look.

                “Yes.”

                “Well, I think I can afford that. Hmm…,” He mused. “why the sky is blue?”

                “Mm…,” She mulled. “because it’s day time?” She said, unsure.

                He shook his head.

                “Why then?”

                “If it’s grey then it’s going to rain.”

                She cracked laughter. Her laughter chimed like a breeze. It sounded pleasant in his ears. Her eyes danced festively. Her teeth gleamed brightly. He wished that she would ask him for another joke only to keep her laughing. Only one joke and he got a tiara which she made herself and a guaranteed bliss. So much for a joke, he mused. 

                “That’s a good one. Here’s your tiara, Sir. Thank you.” She handed her tiara with both hands.

                He took the tiara gladly, staring at it affectionately. Blue, is it her favorite color? He wondered. If it is, then we have one thing in common. No, few things in common; blue, riding horses, wilderness, jokes-

“What do you do if you don`t nap?” She asked, cutting his thought.

                “So much like fooling around.” He said after a brief of pause, taking his stare back to her.

                “Does it include girls?” She asked, suspicious.

                “Sort of.” He chuckled crisply. He could lie, but he did not. Not to her.

                “Do you mind telling me?” She asked, cushy voice.

                “Mm, later. Time to go home.” He gestured his head to the sun. It was only minutes before sunset.

                They stood up and walked to their horses. The horses were beautiful and burly. His horse was untainted white and hers was shiny black. They looked tame and wild in unison. They looked haughty. Presumably, they earned royal haughtiness from their royal owners.

                “I`m taking your words.” She said decisively when she was already on her horse.

                “Hmm, which ones?” He asked teasingly, riding his horse beside her.

                “The one you just said and the one that I can see you as long as I want.” She said, greedily.

                “Does it mean tomorrow?” He asked, still teasing.

                “Aye.” She replied authoritatively.

                “Your wish is my command.” He bowed his head, acting like a servant which made her giggle merrily.

                He smiled contentedly at the replayed scenes. What already happened these two days was completely different from what he had planned and anticipated. It was so much fun and natural. It was simpler and much better. Yet, he could not take it for granted. What was awaiting him in the future was entirely mysterious. He had not faced the biggest issues, her father and her betrothal.

                While he was sinking in his own thought, he heard crazed hooves raging closer. He looked sideways to catch a glimpse of the rider. The rider was wearing a hooded cloak. The rider`s outfit was all black. Then, the rider skidded to a halt in front of him. He pulled the rein of his horse reflexively to stop. His horse whinnied in protest. He frowned in protest. But before he could compose himself, a menacing sword was pointed to his throat. His eyebrows furrowed in fury. His nostrils flared. His breath was uneven. One hand clenched a sheathed sword, clinging to the harness and another hand clenched a rein in a fist. His eyes pierced defiantly to the rider`s.

                “What do you want?” He asked coldly. There was no trace of fear in his voice.

                “You are in no position to be haughty, Prince Rovendoff.” The rider said coolly.

                He breathed heavily at the words. His eyes were murderous now. His hand instinctively drew the sword out of its sheath. But before he could unsheathe his sword completely, the pointed end of the rider`s sword wounded his skin. He could feel his blood oozing down his neck.

                “Easy now. I just want to talk to you.” The rider said threateningly.

                “Is it the way you talk to people?” He asked defiantly.

                “Well, I guess, I`m a little bit carried away at the moment.” The rider smirked.

                “Do you mind removing your sword from my throat and then talk like two civilized people?” His voice was irritated now.

                The rider sniggered and withdrew his sword from his throat. He sheathed his sword when he was sure that the prince did not attempt to draw his sword.

                “I`m sorry, I bled you. I didn`t mean it.” The rider said indifferently.

                “Well, it`s a little too late for that, isn`t it?” He asked rhetorically.

                “Let`s get to the point, then.” The rider said coolly.

                He scowled at him in disbelief. How can he be so cool when I intend to rip his smile off his face at this very moment? He asked himself. He clenched his jaw in exasperation.

                “I want you to stop whatever you`re doing to her and stay away from her.” The rider said in a warning voice.

                “Oh! So you`re the invisible guard.” He emphasized the words, `the invisible guard`. He looked at the rider`s face but the rider did not smile. Evidently, the rider did not find his words amusing at all.

                “Why?” He asked indifferently, showing him that his request did nothing to him.

                “First, because I know what kind of man you are. Second, because she is being betrothed in less than two weeks.” He said firmly.

                “What exactly do you mean what kind of man I am?” He asked, offended.

                “You`re a notorious lady killer. You enjoy being surrounded by a bunch of beautiful ladies. One lady is not enough for you.” He smirked, disgusted.

                “I won`t deny that. But tell me, why these last days, there is only one lady beside me? Why do I trade them with only one lady?”

                The rider was silent for a moment before he replied. “Because she`s a new toy for you. Only God knows when you will be bored with her.”

                “Did you really see me treating her like a toy? Did you ever see me look content enough with only one lady before this? Do you really see her that insignificant?”  He asked rhetorically. Anger started to surge up in his veins.

                The rider could not find the words to retort. Deep inside his heart he knew that the prince was telling the truth. His face revealed nothing, but sincerity.

                “Are you telling me that you`re really in love with her?” The rider asked mistrustfully.

                “I can`t believe myself that I can be this fall for a lady. Never be enough with only one lady, never want to be with only one lady before. But somehow, she makes me feel complete. She`s the piece that I`ve been missing all this time. She`s in my heart, my head, and she`s even in my veins. She`s my breath, my heart, my blood, my life. I would trade anything for her, just to be with her, to have her.” He said seriously without any intention to be convincing.

The rider was astounded to hear that. The words he said and the intonation he used were very strong that they hit him in his head and made him speechless. He could not find any words to deny it, nor to argue with it.

                “Don`t you think she`s capable of making every man insane?” He continued.

                The rider did not reply. He bored into his eyes tracing some lie with no avail.

                “She`s being betrothed in less than two weeks.” The rider said eventually.

                “She`s not in love with him, you know that.” He stared at him, waiting for his response.

                “Rescue her. I give you my faith.” The rider gave his verdict and took off.

                After the rider left, he continued his way home with more confidence and assurance. Nothing could change his mind now. He would fight for her and save her and marry her if she willed. He felt a little relieved for now he had a supporter from her side. He sighed and looked up at the stars peacefully. The wound on his neck began to throb, but he ignored it.

                 It was not long before he heard impatient hooves re-approaching. He was very alert this time, anticipating for the unwanted. Recognized figure loomed into view and stopped ahead of him. He let out a heavy breath and rolled his eyes.

                “What is it now?” He demanded, skipping evasiveness.

                “Just one thing to bear in mind. If you intentionally or unintentionally hurt the princess, I will hunt you down. I`ve bled you, it will be easier next time.” Said the rider without a trace of bluff in his eyes. Yet, it did not cause him some fright, it only caused him more respect toward the invisible guard for loving her that much.

*****

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reviews

[Grenadine Ida]

Thank u so much Autumn T, i'm still working on it. please read my other writings and visit my blog ;)

[Autumn T.]

I like this! It's creative, yet not totally out-there. You're very descriptive; you made a vivid picture in my mind's eye multiple times. I absolutely love this!