Not too far from where Frida lived there was another kingdom which was ruled by the wise King Rodolfo, his wife the beautiful Queen Maria, and their son Prince Manuel or Prince Manny for short. Their kingdom was a happy one where joy and prosper never seemed to cease and the castle was always echoing with laughter because the royal family spent everyday together. Learning lessons, listening to music, sometimes they would just play around. They spent most of their time reading in the library or playing in the garden.

"And then the masked bandit stole the gold from the pirates and returned it to the starving peasants." Rodolfo read to his son.

"I wish I could go on adventures and do great things like the heroes in your books Father." The little boy said.

"You will one day my son, just give it time."

"Father will I be king one day like you?"

"Yes and you'll be a great king. You'll be brave, honorable, and just."

"Your highness." A servant said. "I hate to interrupt but a doctor is here to speak with you. Apparently a plague is spreading in the kingdom."

"I'll be right there." He said. "I'm sorry Mijo but we'll have to finish this tomorrow. Why don't you go meet your mother in the garden?"

"Okay."

He got up from his father's lap and went outside to the royal castle gardens. There he saw his mother, Queen Maria the fairest of them all. She sniffed the flowers in her garden and hummed to herself.

"Hello Mother." He said running to hug her. She embraced the boy in her arms and he joined her in her walk through the gardens. She told him the name of every flower that grew and taught him their meanings and languages.

"And the pink roses mean eternal beauty and love."

"You know a lot about flowers Mother."

"Well I love flowers. You know you're father had this garden specially made for me."

"Really?"

"Yes and it was at this exact spot that he proposed to me."

"How old were you?"

"I was eighteen and I was still a princess and your father was my brave prince. It was a moment I would never forget. Our wedding was so lovely and it was the second happiest day of my life."

"What was the first?"

"The day you were born. I loved you from the moment I found out I was going to have you."

"How did you find out?"

"I'll...Tell you when you're older." Suddenly thunder struck. "Thunder on a sunny day? Oh no, La Muerte and Xibalba must be fighting again."

"Who?"

"The fairy and wizard. They fight all the time you know."

"You tell funny stories Mother."

She giggled.

"I love you Mother."

"I love you too my little prince."

She planted a kiss on his head then suddenly she collapsed.

"Mother? Mother!" He shook her but she didn't respond. "Father! Father come quick! There's something wrong with Mother!"

The king rushed to his son's call.

"Maria? Maria!" When he saw her on the ground he ran to his wife and lifted her in his arms. "Maria! Maria!"

She opened her eyes and looked at looked at the worried faces of her husband and son.

"Rodolfo? Manny? What's going on?"

"You fainted." He said.

"Did I? I'm sorry I must be tired. I didn't get much sleep last night."

"You're burning up."

"I'm fine dear."

"No you're not. I'm taking you to bed."

Her condition only worsened from that point. Rodolfo payed his weight in gold for anyone who could cure the ailing queen but for some strange reason nothing seemed to work. The doctors all assumed she had the plague and she was too far gone. Eventually she passed away. The kingdom mourned for a very long time, Queen Maria was a very beautiful, kind, and loving soul. When she was taken from them it left the king and prince griefstricken.

To make matters worse, a few months after the queen's death a terrible war took place and the king was forced to lead his army into battle. So he left his kingdom and his son in the care of his younger brother Sir Tito until he returned. Manny begged his father not to go but as a king Rodolfo had a duty to protect his people so he reluctantly left his son but not before giving him his most prized possession. His unbreakable sword which could only be used by a man with a pure heart and a brave soul. The kingdom bid their ruler farewell and good luck while the prince would count each day he was gone and pray that he would return safely.

...

"Xibalba! This is the last straw!" La Muerte complained to her husband.

"Oh come on so I started a war big deal." He said.

"I have had it up to here with you and your interference! It's time you were taught a lesson!"

"Fine how long are taking my staff this time?"

"Oh no! This time you're getting a really bad one. Until you learn to stop meddling in the affairs of men and ruining lives for your own amusement I herby trap you in the form of a mortal."

She then changed her husband into an old man.

"What?! You can't do this to me!"

"Can, did."

"Oh come on my dear! I beg you! Anything but this!"

"No! Not until you learn to be responsible with magic."

"And how do I learn that."

"Hmmm...I have a little job for you my love. I'm going to assign you a godchild."

"A what?"

"A godchild. Someone for you to look after and protect."

"You're joking."

"I am not and you will only be allowed to use magic to help him."

"Him? What godchild do you have in mind?"

"The prince."

"Why him?"

"Well you did start the war that called his father away."

"Fine! But how about a little wager."

"Which is?"

"If I make the prince happy will you undo your curse."

"Yes."

"Okay then."

"Good luck darling."

They shook on it.