Hi everyone! I must say, at first I was debating on if Ivy's relative should be living in a palace or in a cottage, but because I want Ivy's cousins to live like royalty, I decided for them to live in a palace since the original took place in a castle. And, it's always the immortality thing that makes me go crazy. However, I shall bear with it and try my best in making the timeline clear. By far, this is one of the chapters I feel proud of. I love to add some more story in Ivy and James' meeting since her history of meeting him was very short. And what better way to do that then using the original story of the Frog Prince for inspiration? Anyway, enough of me talking. Enjoy!
Chapter 2: The Forgotten Princess and the Exiled Prince
In the year of 902, two years after the birth of Briar Rose, in the southern forest of Germany, there stood the magnificent Forest Kingdom. The kingdom was well known to be the homes of some fay creatures, having a stable alliance with the Moon Goddess. In the Forest Palace, where many trees surround the structure, there lived a young royal couple. The Forest King and Queen. They wished for a child- an heir for the kingdom, but the Queen couldn't have a child. So, the King and Queen journeyed deep within the dark parts of the forest to find an old woman cloaked in purplish-red like the autumn leaves.
She was a Wise Woman, known for her magic and medicinal herbs to cure the sick and injured. Most mortals knew these kind of healers as Wise Woman, however, the term "White Witch" is a another title given to these healers as well. However, one must not cross such healers. For even the most benevolent of healers, can turn into a bitter witch in the end. That is why most people would commonly mistaken these kind Wise Women for antagonistic witches. They came to her, asking for her help in order to have an heir to the throne. The Wise Woman, though old, but kind, agreed.
"However, I have only one condition." she replied.
"What is it? Anything, we'll give you anything." the Forest King replied desperately, ready to pay the price.
"All I want... Is to be invited to your child's coming of age ceremony as his or her godmother. Once you see fit that he or she can rule your kingdom, of course." she answered.
"Yes! We shall allow that." the Forest King agrees. "Right, dear?"
"Huh? Oh, yes. Yes." the Queen agrees, although she was a bit distracted.
The Wise Woman sighs, "Very well. A promise is a promise."
She grabbed her book of herbs and looked for the right page. After finding the page, she started to grab some of the bottles and put them into her cauldron. At the end of the day, the Wise Woman concocted a cure for the Queen. She grabbed a goblet and dipped it into her cauldron. Very strange that there was no spill, but that didn't matter. She gave it to the Queen.
"Thank you." the Queen replied.
"Drink it all and you'll have your child." the Wise Woman told her.
The Queen nodded and drink the potion.
She cough, "W-What's in this?"
"Oh some... Mistletoe berries, almonds nuts, nectar of honeysuckles, petals from a moonflower, and the leaves of a witch-hazel." the Wise Woman answered. "It may look sweet, but it's actually bitter. Your child is now guarantee."
"Thank you, again." the King addressed to the healer as he help his wife out the door.
"And remember, invite me to your child's ceremony!" the Wise Woman waved back.
Soon after, a child is born! A healthy son, an heir to the throne! It was a miracle! The Prince is named James. The Forest King and Queen were proud of their son. As years passed, Prince James grew into a very fine young man. He has a servant named Henry who was like a brother to him since childhood. Soon, on his 18th birthday, James is now ready to become Crown Prince of the Forest Kingdom! Before the celebration began during the Fall season, many of the servants were busy and swarming, decorating the Forest Palace as fast as they could.
The Queen had a long scroll of paper in her hands as she check off the people from the guest list. Her husband was trying to catch up to her.
"Dear, I-I need to asked you of... Something." the King was relief when the Queen stopped.
"Yes, what is it, dear?" the Queen questioned.
"I was wondering if you have invited the Wise Woman and put her on the guest list?" the King asked after taking a deep breath.
"Who?" the Queen just stared at her husband.
"The Wise Woman? The one who is to be James' godmother?" the King explained.
"Oh..." the Queen started. After a moment of silence, she answered, "I forgot."
"You WHAT?!" the King exclaimed.
"I forgot." the Queen repeated herself.
"But dear, how could you have forgotten? She will surely be angry if you-" he was cut off.
"Don't worry, dear. That old hag probably have forgotten as well. Besides, it was just a broken promise." the Queen replied calmly.
"But a broken promise is absolutely-" the King got cut off again.
"Just relax, dear. Nothing will go wrong today." the Queen assures him as she leaves to attend with the invited guests.
However, the King was not assured and was even more worried. The Queen was well known for being absent minded and would tend to forget things very easily, much to the King's dismay.
At the ceremony, the Forest King and Queen were sitting on their thrones. Only visiting nobles were invited. As the trumpets were sounded, the double doors opened to reveal Prince James. He was wearing a white shirt and dark blue pants. Black boots with hints of gold are being worn. Around his shoulders is a forest green cloak with a clasp decorated with a frog on it. When he walked up to the throne, he kneels as his parents rise up.
However, before the King could start the announcement, the doors were burst opened. Everyone, including James turned around to see who has disturbed the ceremony. It was the Wise Woman and she clearly isn't happy. Before the King or Queen could react, the Wise Woman started first.
"How dare you!" she spat, angry at the Queen and blaming the King. She didn't even allow the royal couple to speak because she started ranting on their broken promise. "I gave you an heir to the throne and all I asked was a tiny thing and this is how you REPAY me! I had to work hard on that potion, using up all my time for your sake, asking to be invited to the ceremony, and in return, get nothing at all!"
"Please, Wise Woman, hear us out. We-" the King got cut off. Why was he keep on getting interrupted, especially today?
"No! You listen to me! You two promised me and yet you broken it and you dare call yourself royals?! A promise made is a promise done! And here you are being so prideful and full of dignity, when you should be filled with shame for your thoughtlessness, arrogance and ignorance! You two aren't fit to rule the kingdom nor does your son! As a matter of fact, as punishment for your unwelcoming nature..." the Wise Woman pointed a finger threateningly at the royal couple and then at Prince James. "This shall teach you a lesson for your ungratefulness!"
"What are you going to do?!" the Queen yelled.
"Since you two didn't keep your words... Neither shall I!" she exclaimed as she waved her hands at the Prince.
BOOM! Autumn colored leaves appeared and surrounded James until no one can see him. The Wise Woman laughed spitefully as she left, leaving the crowd clustering around the red, orange, and yellow leaves.
"James?" the King called out to his son.
"He's... He's..." the Queen was starting to breathe unsteadily.
A croak can be heard as the Queen fainted. Prince James has been transformed into a frog! As for the King... Well, let's say he wasn't very pleased at all. He had the nobles kept quiet of the incident of the ceremony.
Not wanting their frog of a son to rule the kingdom, the Forest King and Queen made up a story that the Prince drowned in a deep pond while hunting. The villagers didn't knew of the truth and thought that he actually died. Even Jame's best friend, Henry, was sadden by his friend's death. He was so distraught of the terrible news that he had the iron worker made three bands of iron affixed around his heart. Eventually, he died, requesting to be buried next to Prince James' tomb.
However, the truth is... The Forest King and Queen exiled their son from the Forest Kingdom. The Exiled Frog Prince didn't know what to do or where to go. Even though this is just the beginning, what a somber life he is living.
Sometime after the Forgotten Princess was sent to Germany in 904, she was taken in by her relatives. Her aunt and uncle are the King and Queen of the Meadow Kingdom in the northern part of Germany. It stood in the lush green fields with many beautiful flowers. They were kind and treated her like their own daughter and on the Stewartson King and Queen's orders, they kept Ivy's true family a secret until her time. The Princess also had two lovely cousins to keep her company.
Princess Marigold is the older sister. She has blonde hair like the name she was given and hazel eyes. She was very beautiful, yet egocentric and spoiled. Her dresses were made from the most finest of silk and expensive shoes made solely for her. Her hairstyle was very complex for the girl wished to attract the attention of a Prince.
Princess Gardenia is the younger sister, having dirty blonde hair and hazel eyes. She posses equal beauty as her sister, but she was very shy and reserve. Her dress was simple and she prefers wearing normal shoes, not caring what color or material it is. She like her hair short so she doesn't have to style it.
They were a few years older than Ivy so they treated her like a little sister. However, eventually the King and Queen couldn't keep the secret anymore because one day, twelve year old Ivy came to see her aunt and uncle in their room. She explained to them that in her dreams, she see a girl slightly older than her. A girl with blonde hair and blue eyes. She lived in a castle, but the location wasn't familiar to her.
The Meadow King and Queen decided to tell the girl the truth, although they were sure that she wasn't ready for it. They told her everything, her sister, her real parents, and the curse that was the reason she was sent away. When they finish the entire story, the Princess was brought to tears. She and Briar Rose could have been a family together. It's just wasn't fair! Why does Fate just has to be so cruel?
It was just recently that news spread to the kingdom that Princess Briar Rose has fallen into sleep along with all the people of the Stewartson Kingdom. The King and Queen felt pity for Ivy, but the girl said otherwise.
"It's not me you should be sorry for, it's Rose." Ivy answered as she tried to wipe away her tears.
Soon, as time pass, when the Princess have come of age, the King and Queen hold a little ceremony as if she was at home. Of course, it was not an official ceremony, but they tried their best to make it felt like one. On her 18th birthday, Ivy received an ivy tiara from her aunt. It was the only gift from her real parents so she decided never to take it off.
It was a sunny day when the royal family visited the forest. It was the King's counselor to suggest the idea that the family should enjoy themselves for a day to clear their minds from work. Plus, it was a wonderful day for a picnic... And the sight was just stunning! The bright warm sun on the blue sky, the lush green grass with the sweet scent of flowers, the shade of the branches on the trees, and the crystal blue pond.
"Why must we spend our day here?!" Marigold complained, upset that her shoes were dirty.
"It's peaceful here, Marigold." Gardenia answered as she had her face stuck in a book.
Ivy didn't say anything. She was humming melodiously as she stared at the beautiful pond.
Little did the royal family knew, they were about to catch the attention of a small green creature. He was swimming in the pond, a place where he has taken refuge ever since he was exiled, when he heard the singing from a young lady's voice. Does he dare to surface to see who the lady is? He did. He poke his head from the water to see a beautiful young woman.
She has long light brown hair that is let down, though at first, James thought it was strawberry blonde. She has pale, yet beautiful fair skin. She wears a light green gown with puff sleeves. On her head is an ivy tiara.
However, he notice that although her song was melodious, it was sad and the girl was clearly distracted from her thoughts. James spend the rest of his day watching the Princess for she has captured his heart. While Marigold played with her golden ball and Gardenia reading her books, Ivy just stared at the water as if she was stuck in a daydream. After evening rolled by, the royal family started to head back to the castle in their carriage. Wanting the chance to know and befriend the Princess, James followed her. It was very difficult for him to catch up with the family. What might seem like a normal stroll for a Prince is quite a long endeavor to a frog.
Luckily, one of the wheels was struck in a mud puddle, giving James the time to catch up. However, he stopped when Princess Marigold came out the carriage and saw him.
She shriek in horror, "Ew! A disgusting, ugly, little toad!"
Insulted by that remark, Prince James corrected the woman, "Excuse me, but I am not a toad."
Marigold gasped as if she was imagining things, "I-It talks! What kind of magic is this?!"
After seeing that she was definitely not dreaming, she threw her golden ball at James in disgust. It hit the poor Frog Prince, giving him a minor headache.
"Ow! What was that for?" James asked Marigold as he rubbed his head.
Never in his life have he ever came across a spoiled woman. Unfortunately, the Princess' golden ball landed in a small deep pond.
"Oh! My golden ball... My precious golden ball!" Marigold exclaimed, wailing like a child she is.
That was when Ivy came out the carriage, wondering what the commotion was, "What's the matter, Marigold?"
"This wretched, horrid, vile toad made me lose my ball!" Marigold yelled, pointing an accusing finger at the Frog Prince.
"Oh dear..." Ivy trailed off as she gently picked up James in her hands.
"Throw that- that... Disgusting thing away!" Marigold commanded.
James would have protest against the idea, but he didn't want to scare the kind woman who has him in her hands. Surprisingly, she let him go, releasing him in the same pond the golden ball has fell into. Ivy kneel down, dipping her arm in the murky water in attempt to retrieve the ball. However, the pond was deep and it was hard to see since it was starting to get dark.
In gratitude for her kindness, James help the Princess retrieve the ball for her spoiled cousin. She didn't seem to notice that James had helped her, but found it strange that the golden ball has surface. Scooping the ball in her hands, she return the toy to her cousin. They returned to the carriage, just in time when the wheel became free from the mud puddle. At that instant, James have fallen in love with Ivy since she has "saved" him. Throughout the night, he followed the carriage until he made it to the Meadow Palace. There was a round pool at the center of the royal garden.
It was much like a pond, except it was around ankle deep. Still, it was wide and enough for James. Honestly he like it. The temperature was just right and he loves the fresh smell of new flowers. He stayed in the kingdom's pool, hoping to see the Princess again. And indeed he did see her again.
The next day, Ivy visited the royal garden and went to the pool, mostly because it takes her mind off things. Just listening to the sound of the water helps sooth her from the tinge of sadness she felt. Although she loved her aunt and uncle and her two cousins, she much preferred to be with her sister and mother and father. However, even that is now an impossible dream. There's no way she can return. Everyone was asleep. Plus, she doesn't want to ruin her parent's hard work in keeping her safe.
She sat near the pond where James made himself noticeable to the Princess. He jumped onto a lily pad as Ivy leaned forward a bit to get a closer look at him.
"Your that same frog from the other day, right?" she softly spoke.
"Yes and I am grateful for your kindness." James confirms.
She gasped in shock, "You can talk." James looked down in shame. He had expected for the Princess to shriek and yell at him just like Marigold, but what she said surprises him. "Anything to help a friend."
James looked up, "I'm... Your friend?"
Ivy let out a playful giggle, "Of course, silly."
"Promise?" he asked.
"Promise." she warmly smiled at him.
"Ivy." a voice called out to her. "Who are you talking to?"
Ivy turned around to see Marigold heading her way to the garden.
Ivy turned back and addressed to James in a whisper, "Quick, you have to hide. I don't want Marigold to see you."
The Frog Prince nods and disappeared in the water just as Ivy turned around to face her cousin. He hid under a lily pad and watched as the royal cousins started to talk.
'Ivy... What a beautiful name.' James thought. 'The flower of faithfulness.'
"Well?" Marigold questioned, waiting for an answer.
"My friend." Ivy answered in a firm, yet quiet tone.
"Really?" Marigold asked as Ivy nods her head. "What is the name of this friend of yours?"
Ivy frowned at that question. She realized that she doesn't even know the frog's name. However, she decided to keep her friend a secret. Marigold, unimpressed, left the Princess alone. Once she was far away, Ivy turn her attention back to the pool.
"You can come out now."
James move out of his hiding place to look up at Ivy.
"Thank you, my name is James." he introduce himself, not telling the Princess who he truly is.
Ivy smiled at her new friend, "Mine is Ivy."
"What a beautiful name you have Ivy." James remark, making the Princess blushed a bit.
They spent the day knowing each other and Ivy would come to the pool to visit James everyday. In time, the two grew very fond of each other and both started to fall in love. However, eventually, Marigold found out about Ivy's secret friend after she followed her one day.
'What kind of Princess she is? Wasting her time with that dreadful creature.' Marigold thought.
She plans on getting rid of that filthy toad. At night, Marigold sneaked out into the gardens. With a net in her hands, she caught the poor Frog Prince as he struggled against the bag of strong threads.
"Unhand me!" James command as Marigold simply laugh.
"You think a disgusting toad like you can command a beautiful Princess like me?" Marigold questioned in an arrogant way. "I'll make sure you'll never see Ivy again!"
She took James in a spot in the Dark Forest where the sun would shined the most. She dropped him in a hole which seemed deep to the frog. To prevent James from jumping out of the hole, Marigold covered the hole with a net. Since it was summer time, the sun rays will definitely be one of the hottest days ever. The Frog Prince found Marigold unbelievable. Doing this just because she deemed him "disgusting" and probably because she dislike Ivy. He just hoped that Ivy could find him. They are friends, right? They did made a promise.
In the morning, the first place Ivy went was the pool. She was very fond of her frog friend, mostly because he was the first to be... Himself. As the Princess spends more time with James with each passing day, she felt there was more to the frog and more to her own feelings. But it couldn't be, right? Who ever heard of a Princess falling in love with a frog? But that doesn't matter... At least, not yet anyway.
"James? Where are you?" Ivy called out, hoping her friend would come to the surface. "James?"
The Princess looked all over, but she couldn't find James anywhere.
"Who are you looking for, Ivy?" Marigold suddenly appeared out of nowhere. She questioned her cousin with a satisfy smirk, "Are you looking for your friend?"
Immediately, Ivy understood what was going on. "What did you do?"
"Whatever do you mean?" Marigold asked in an innocent tone.
"What did you do?" Ivy demanded in a firm tone. She was determine to get her answer.
Her cousin scoffed, "You think that just because you are a Princess, that you can demand me to tell you everything? Well, Ivy, this is not your kingdom where you can order me. This is my kingdom, where you are nothing, but a Forgotten Princess. Oh and your ugly toad friend, he will not make it."
Ivy's eyes widen in shock as she ran pass the spoiled woman to search for her friend. She tried looking at any places that Marigold would possibly hide her friend. She eventually bumped into her other cousin.
"Oh, I'm so sorry, Gardenia." Ivy apologize.
"What's wrong, Ivy? You looked worried." Gardenia questioned, noticing the hint of panic in her voice.
"I have to find James." Ivy replied.
"James?" Gardenia looked confused.
"He's my friend." Ivy explained.
"Try looking in the Dark Forest. I saw Marigold going there last night." Gardenia suggested.
"Thank you so such, Gardenia." Ivy thanked her before leaving.
Ivy rushed to the Dark Forest as fast as she could. She is aware that the forest is dangerous, hence why it was given it's name, but that won't stopped her. When she entered, she called out for her dear friend's name.
"James!" she yelled. "Where are you?"
She wander around, becoming completely lost herself, but that didn't matter to her. She then stopped herself to ponder at her thoughts for a moment. Why was she going this far to save a frog? Was it mostly because he is her friend? No, it was more than that. He is more than just a friend to her. Ivy have come to realized that she has fallen in love with the Frog Prince.
Her thoughts were disturbed when she heard a rustling sound and looked around. It was when she looked down that she saw ivy vines coming from the ground. It seemed to be leading a trail. Too shock and in awe to say anything, the Princess simply follow the vines until she saw a hole that the sun rays were shining on. Inside the hole is a small green creature.
"James!" Ivy exclaimed as she hurried to removed the net and took the frog in her cupped hands.
He was still alive, but in desperate need for water before he is dried up. Ivy did not waste any time and quickly rush to the pond where she went on her picnic a few weeks ago. Strangely, ivy vines were showing her the way out. Soon enough, she reached the pond and James weakly hopped back in. He resurface to look at the Princess.
"You..." James started. "You saved me."
"Of course I would, silly. You're my friend." Ivy replied calmly, though she was very relief inside. "A promise that I'll always keep."
The Princess then took James back to the palace, although she was scolded by her aunt and uncle for being late and for worrying them. Ivy took James into her room since she was worried that he'll be put in danger again if he was in the pool. She place the Frog Prince on one of her softest pillows.
"Stay here, I'll bring you something to eat." Ivy told James as she closed the door.
James looked around the room that the Princess has offered him to stay. It was very beautiful and neat. Not much things are in her room, but at the same time, the room wasn't empty. The Frog Prince notice many books on the self.
'She must love reading.' James thought as he looked around the room.
He noticed that throughout the space, there were many flowers and ivy vines while some of the walls have floral designs. He turned his attention to Ivy when she came in with a tray of food.
It was difficult for the Princess to sneak in food for her friend since royalty usually dine their food in the dining room, not their bed chamber. She was curious, however, since she did wonder if frogs need to eat human food. Nevertheless, she much rather spend time with James than with Marigold.
As for James, he was very grateful for the Princess' generosity, but became worried that he was troubling her. After all, they were just... Friends. They were nothing more than that, right? She doesn't feel anything for him beyond friendship, right? Yet, she still treats him almost like he was... Human. These thoughts were very confusing and perplexing to even think about. What ever the reason behind it, he didn't want to trouble the Princess any longer. That is why, when she was sleeping at night, the Frog Prince left to return to the pond in the forest.
He had expected to never see Ivy again for he was just a frog. However...
In the morning, James was very surprise to see Ivy visiting the pond! He notice that she wasn't very cheerful like she was before and she appears to be looking for him. But why? Why did she came here? It was when Ivy sat near the pond in submission. She looked sad as she let out a deep sigh.
That was when James realized that perhaps, that maybe... She does have feelings for him. More beyond friendship. Maybe... There was a reason why he and Ivy met, why they always ended up together. Maybe, he was destined to meet Ivy so she can break his curse. And so, the Frog Prince leaped out of the water to make himself known to the startled Princess.
"Oh, James." she was happy to see the Frog Prince as she picked him up in her hands. She playfully teased, "You surprised me."
Looking deep into her beautiful green eyes, James croaked, "Kiss me dear Princess and you shall undo my old curse."
Ivy looked confused as she tilt her head to the side. However, she was mostly curious about this curse James have spoke of. Plus, she couldn't really deny her feelings any longer. She knew she loved him more than just a friend... As if she knew he was more than just a frog.
The Princess lifted the Frog Prince to her lips and gave him a small kiss.
As Ivy saw James glowing a green light, she place him next to her as she saw him magically transformed. His arms and legs grow longer and longer and clothes started to wrap around him. When the light died down, James looked down to see he was standing. He then looked at his hands, surprised that he has human hands again. The tiny little frog has transform into a tall handsome prince! He has dark chin-length brownish-red hair and clear blue eyes. He then looked down at Ivy, who have her hands covering her mouth, clearly in awe and shock.
"Thank you, Princess. I am humbly in your debt for I am Prince James of the Forest Kingdom." James smiled, taking Ivy's hands in his and helping her stand up.
Recovering from her shock, Ivy felt the need to give a full introduction, giving James a small curtsy, "I'm Princess Ivy Green of the Stewartson Kingdom."
"Please, Princess." James stopped Ivy. "It shouldn't be you who have bow, it should be me."
James couldn't help, but smiled causing the Princess to blush a bit.
"Ivy, ever since I have met you, it has been love at first sight." James started. "You were willing to accept me not on my looks, but what your heart said. You were willing to be my friend and have kept your promise. However, I feel that I am more than just a friend to you, am I right?"
The Princess nodded, confirming his suspicion.
James took a deep sigh before he kneel in front of Ivy, taking her soft hands in his, "So I asked you, Princess Ivy... Will you marry me?"
He was hopeful and have a good reason when he was a smile appeared on her face.
"Yes!"
I hope you enjoy this chapter. There are some things I would like to say:
1) When I went back in Goldilocks, under the statue of the Moon Goddess, I did not know that she has an alliance with some of the folks from the Forest Kingdom.
2) For anyone who know about Wise Women or White Witches, they were commonly confused for witches who used dark magic and would be put in the same category, hence why a lot of them were... You probably know what happen.
3) I like to add Henry because he was a loyal servant of the Frog Prince. And how can you not start off the tale with a spoiled princess and a golden ball?
4) Get ready for the next chapter, because it will be a sad one.
See you soon!