Hello, everyone. Here is the next chapter. Enjoy.

Chapter 3: The Flower of Destruction

That afternoon, Ivy and James return to the castle, arm in arm, happy and excited to tell the Meadow King and Queen of the news.

"Uncle Louis, Aunt Wilhelmina!" Ivy called out, catching the attention of the King and Queen.

"My goodness, you're smiling." Queen Wilhelmina notice, never seeing the Princess so happy before.

"And who is this?" King Louis questioned, addressing to James.

"I am Prince James, Your Majesties." James introduce himself, giving the royal couple a bow. "And I wish to have your consent to marry Ivy Green."

The King was hesitant at first, but smiled, "Come. Let us discuss the matter over tea."

So the royal family and James had tea as the former frog explained his tale. From his curse, to his banishment, and finally, his encounter with Ivy. The King and Queen felt sorry for the Prince and were proud of their niece. Princess Gardenia was given credit for helping Ivy and as for their other daughter, they were not very please with Marigold at all.

"I didn't know he was frog. If I knew, I would have cared and loved him too! I swear!" Marigold tried to defend herself.

She hoped she can get on James' good side and possibly gained his love.

"Oh? Then you would have willingly befriended James and would go far to save him?" Ivy asked doubtfully, looking at James questioningly as her cousin nodded.

"Yes, I would." she lied, trying to make herself sound believable without acknowledging the hint of disgust behind the Prince's eyes.

He and Ivy knew that she didn't mean it, even the King and Queen were glaring at her for her lying behavior.

James sighs as he addressed to the Princess, "When I was searching for the one who could break my curse, I wasn't looking for just a Princess. The one I have been searching for didn't bear a crown on her head, but have the heart of a kind and loving maiden. One who seeks for love out of friendship and keep her promise at all cost. That was the Princess that I have been searching for a very long time." He then smiled at Ivy. "And now, my search has ended for I finally have found her. It is Ivy I love."

"Yes, I can see you love our niece very dearly." the Queen agreed, happy for the both of them.

"Mm," the King nodded. "And you have made her very happy..."

The King and Queen looked at each other before giving a nod.

"Very well, Prince James. You have our blessing to marry our niece. I'm sure that my sister and brother in law, the Stewartson Queen and King would have agreed as well."

James was confused for a bit. He know that Ivy lived with her aunt and uncle, but why would the Queen say that as if the Stewartson King and Queen were... Dead? However, this isn't the time to by thinking that. He was happy and so was Ivy.

Marigold was jealous, pouting like a little brat while Gardenia was so happy.

Soon after, Prince James and Princess Ivy wed and moved to find a place of their own. They lived contently in an abandoned cottage they found in the middle of the forest near the Forest Kingdom. Despite it was not what they were used to living, it was better than nothing. After all, one man's cottage is another's palace. The Meadow King and Queen sent their blessings by letting some of their guards be there for them.

Eventually, James found a bigger discovery and found something underneath the earth. It was a kingdom, though it was abandoned. He showed Ivy and she was as shocked as he was. She smiled at him while he had a mischievous grin on his face. They would spend a lot of time there, oh and as a name, Prince James named it the Underground Kingdom, a very fitting name, don't you think?

Ivy, loving many flowers, would plant many in her greenhouse. Back in the Meadow Kingdom, there were so many flowers, yet no way to grow all of them in that small royal garden. Now that she has a greenhouse, that would change everything. As for James, he would decorate the inside of the palace. With it being abandon for so long, the servants that King Louis sent would help with the cleaning. One day, while James was decorating the palace to make it more lively, he discovered an abandon room. It has floral designs and looked very similar to Ivy's room back in the Meadow Palace. An idea came into his mind. With permission from Queen Wilhelmina, he had all of Ivy's furniture be brought to that room. When the room was finished, he brought Ivy into the Underground Palace.

"What do you want to show me, James?" Ivy asked.

"Wait and see." James replied.

When he opened the door, Ivy gasped in awe. A lovely smile spread on her face.

"Wha- James," she turned to look at her husband in happiness. "You did this... For me?"

James didn't answer, but gave her a kiss as she gratefully returns that kiss.

The two lived contently, whenever if it's in the Underground Kingdom or the cottage, and every night they shared each chapter of their story to the other. Despite they knew some of their stories, they never shared the tiny annoying little details. James explained everything from the beginning to the end. From growing up, being cursed into the Frog Prince, to him being exiled by his parents, and to meeting Ivy after a couple years living life as a frog. Ivy felt sorry for James, understanding what he has been through. She could relate, sharing her tale also. When she finished explaining about her sister's curse which led her living here, in Germany, it was James' turn to pity the Princess. They would take turns offering comfort to the other.

"We both lost someone important." Ivy sadly remark.

James nodded in agreement, "And we both lived miserably."

The Prince looked up when Ivy place a hand on his shoulder. He looked into her eyes as she gives him a small, yet comforting smile.

"But… Perhaps the reason why we met... Is so we can be happy together." she whispered as she manage to get James to smile.

She then gave him a kiss to prove it before resting her forehead gently against his. James couldn't help, but just feel at ease with Ivy. She not only make him feel happy, but just being with her alone makes him feel... Refresh. He couldn't ask for anything else in the world. Just having Ivy be his side is enough. Just living happily with his True Love is enough. That's all that matters. And that's all he cares about. They were to live Happily Ever after. At least... That's what they thought...

Many years have passed, around 28, in the year of 950, news spread that there was a new heir to inherit the throne of the Forest Kingdom, a new son. However, unlike James, his brother was born of ill-health. So the Forest King and Queen took extra care of him, even going far to giving him a potion. It will heal him of his sickness, but slows down his aging process. In other words, what might seem like many years is only a few to the second Prince.

James frown at the news of his little brother. He wasn't jealous of the boy since he is content living with Ivy. Though, how the irony of his family's theatrics. The first son was cursed into a frog yet exiled while the second son was treated with so much care.

"James," Ivy's voice snapped him from his thoughts. "What's wrong?"

James looked into her worried eyes and smiled, "Nothing."

"James, you don't have to hide it. You can tell me." Ivy assures him.

Ivy was very good at reading emotions. She knew him very well, including when he's not very happy.

The Prince sighs, "Today is... My brother's 18th birthday."

"You have a brother?" Ivy questioned.

"Yes." he forced a smile. "Today is his coming of age ceremony where he'll be Crown Prince of the Forest Kingdom."

"Then what are you waiting for? Go see him." Ivy encourage her husband.

"Why should I? He doesn't even know me." James asked.

"How do you know that for sure?" Ivy questioned with a smile on her face.

James started to smile with less force. Ivy always gives him this easing feeling. "Alright, I'll go."

The Prince grabbed his green cloak and kiss his Princess before leaving the cottage.

It has been a long while since Prince James returned to the Forest Kingdom, at least 30 years. Despite he doesn't have an invitation to the party, he does know a thing or two about sneaking in and out of the castle. He normally would sneak out of his home as a little boy to play with his friends, always getting away from his studies.

He sneaked his way into the royal garden and went into the palace. When he got close to the throne room, he pulled his hood over his head so no one would recognize him. After all, he was still "dead" to the people. When he got to a less crowded area, he saw his mother and father. They looked so different.

The King had some grey in his hair while the Queen has a few wrinkles on her face. In the King's hands is a crown.

The Prince's attention was turned to the sound of the trumpets as the double doors opened. There, walking to the throne, is his brother. He was a handsome young man with blonde hair and blue eyes like his. He wore a blue shirt and black pants. Black boots with hints of silver can be seen as they quietly go against the soft material of the red carpet. On his shoulders is a long furry red cloak. However, unlike James' cloak which has a clasp with a frog on it, the Prince's clasp has a golden circle with intricate designs on it.

Luckily, nothing went wrong with the ceremony and everyone cheered and laugh, so did James.

After the ceremony, there was a big celebration. However, James never like parties, especially lavish one. He took a stroll around the palace to see no portraits of him. It was as if he never existed in the Forest Kingdom's history. The Prince sighs as he head out to the Palace's Cemetery. He had heard that his loyal servant, Henry, had died out of sadness. If only he knew that his Prince was alive and well.

"I'm sorry that you have to die with false truth, my friend." James spoke at his friend's grave.

On the gravestone says:

Here lays Henry

He has not died out of any tragedy, but out of sadness and loyalty

900-923

"Three years after my ceremony..." James trailed off.

James was so distracted that he didn't hear footsteps approaching him.

"Why so sad, friend?" a voice asked.

James turned around to be surprise. In front of him is his brother! He had a small smile, but his eyes were solemn.

"I... I lost a friend of mine." James couldn't speak properly since he was still staring at his younger brother. What were the chances of meeting with him? Especially here?

"Oh," the Prince started. "I know how you feel, I lost someone too."

"Really?" James asked, wondering who he was referring to, though he had a good guess.

"I once had a brother, but he died drowning in a pond. It was on his 18th birthday too..." the Prince was lost in deep thoughts. Wanting to change the subject, he asked, "So, why aren't you joining everyone else in the party, my friend?"

"I don't really like parties." James answered.

"Agree, I felt that today, we should have honored my brother, but my mother and father denied my request. They wanted this day to be festive." the Prince replied. He then examined James from up to down. James made sure that his hood is still up. He didn't want his brother to recognize him and become confused at the misleading truth. "Are you from here or from a different kingdom?"

"I once lived here, but I moved away." James answered, not telling his brother the whole truth. "May I asked what's your name?"

"Of course, I am Prince Phillip, the second son of the Forest King and Queen." Phillip introduce himself.

"And pardon my questioning, but do you know the name of the first son of the King and Queen." James quizzed his brother.

"Yes," Phillip started to frown. "James was his name. Actually, his grave is next to the one you were paying respect to."

James turned around to look. Indeed, there is a gravestone next to Henry's that says:

May Prince James rest in peace

He led a noble life, but lost it when drowned in a deep pond

902-920

James was slightly angry that his parents covered up their lies with this. Just because he was cursed into a frog for their mistake in not inviting his godmother. He turned his attention back to Phillip when he spoke again.

"It's a shame though, I'd wished to have met him."

James had a small smile. At least he did thought of him. "Maybe you did, maybe you didn't."

"What do you mean, sir?" Phillip questioned in confusion.

"Perhaps you did meet your brother." James replied.

"If only I did. Alas, that day will never come." Phillip answered sadly.

"What will you do now, Prince Phillip?" James asked, curious of what his brother will do.

"I heard of a legend of a Sleeping Beauty. Once a hundred years pass, I can try to save her." Phillip told James of his idea.

"But a hundred years is quite a long time, is it not?" James questioned, knowing the tale from Ivy.

"Yes, but I aged more slowly than normally." Phillip assured him.

"I see..." James trailed off as he turned around to walk the other way.

"Where are you going, sir?" Phillip asked.

"Home. My wife encourages me to see someone. That's why I came." James answered.

"Did you manage to find that someone?"

"Yes." James nodded.

"Oh, who are you if I may ask?"

"A friend..." James paused before being slightly specific, "Someone you know very well. Good day to you, Prince Phillip."

Eventually, many more years have passed. Ivy and James continue to lived their lives. Their cottage was becoming a little wreck, so they moved down to their Underground Kingdom. However, eventually, both started to realized that something was wrong- something that they didn't notice before. Ivy noticed that as the years passed, as her hair slowly greyed, James continued to be young and youthful like the day she first break his curse. Why was that? James noticed it too and would research on this strange phenomenon. Finally, he found the answer why...

What was he to do now? There doesn't seem a way to reverse it. He, at least, have to informed Ivy on what he found out. One night, he came into her room as she reads a book.

"Ivy..." James trailed off, not wanting to explain the information to his wife.

"What is it, James?" she asked. Even though her voice was quiet and soft, it was still clear.

However, he tried his best. "I know why I have remained young... It's because your powers went into me when you broke my curse."

"What?" Ivy became confused, giving James a questioning look.

"You're special, Ivy. You were one of the Guardians of the Goddess Flora, the Guardian of the English Ivy... Just like your sister, Briar Rose, the Guardian of the Thorned Rose."

Ivy didn't know how to react. She was at first bewildered, but she doesn't seem to care if her powers were gone or not. James, however, was worried. He didn't even want to think what will happen later in the future. So the both of them kept quiet about it and treat everyday like any other- being happy and filled with bliss.

It wasn't soon until it has been 100 years for Briar Rose. James and Ivy heard that the inhabitants of the Stewartson Kingdom has awaken. All, except Princess Briar Rose. As for Prince Phillip, James was sadden of the news that he later died from illness- from the effects of Briar Rose's curse after he failed at waking her up. True Love Kiss was the remedy, but Phillip never loved Briar Rose... Or rather, he didn't get a chance to love her truly. His quest to save a Princess was long gone since Briar Rose never even got the chance herself, to love someone. As for James, he continue losing those he loved and care. It wasn't soon when he lost something more precious to him.

It was on that day that tragedy came.

Ivy, having turned 96, was on her deathbed. She... Was dying. It was late at night when she called James to come to see her. James didn't delay and immediately rush to her room.

"James..." she whispered.

"No... No." James shook his head, not wanting to accept it. He walk to her bed where he sinks to his knees. "I'm so sorry, Ivy. I never meant for this to happen... If I only knew, I wouldn't have asked you to break my curse in the first place."

Ivy closed her eyes to gather her thoughts before looking in her husband's tear welling eyes, "James... Never in my life have I ever regretted meeting you. It was on my free will that I broke your curse. Though our time being together was brief… It was one of the most happiest time of my life. Thank you, for giving me a place that life has to offer." she paused. "Though, there was something I wished I could have done before I leave…"

"What? What is it? I'll do it for you." James asked in desperation.

"I wished I could have seen my sister again, but I guess I was never supposed to see her other than that one time when I stared into her eyes. Fate won't let me. Oh well, even if I don't see her again, I'm still happy to spend the rest of my time with you, James."

"No, no, don't leave me Ivy... Please." James pleaded, not caring if he was crying.

Ivy smiled as she placed a hand on the side of his face.

"You're so silly, James. Of course, I'll never leave you. I'll always be with you... In life and in death."

"No, no, no." James denies, grabbing her other hand, though he couldn't stop them from trembling.

She wiped away a tear that rolled down his face with her thumb before placing a finger onto his lips, "Shh... James... What I'm saying is true." Ivy assures him. "Not as a Remembered Guardian nor as a Forgotten Princess, I'm telling you this simply as Ivy Green."

Her breathing was getting slower and shallow, her eyes fluttered as if trying to stay awake.

"Don't say goodbye, Ivy." James begged as she place her hand back on his cheek.

"Then I won't... I love you, James. Always and forever- for all in eternally." she paused. "James, can you grant me one last promise?"

"Yes, anything. I'll do anything!" James eagerly answered.

"Promise me... Promise me, that you'll return one day to see me again. You must absolutely come back... Until then, live your life in bliss." Ivy replied.

"I promise." James told her.

Ivy gave him another smile before trying to lift herself up. James help her as she sat up from her bed.

"I love you, James. I can never asked for any other man to be with other than you. You are the only one I love... Just as I am the one who loved only you."

She gave him a kiss before she slowly closed her eyes. Her arms no longer has the strength as they lifelessly fall, no longer touching his face and falling from his trembling hands.

"No, no!" James exclaimed as he gently lowered Ivy in her bed. "No..." he sobbed.

It was too much. It was just too much. Why? Why did it happen? Why did Ivy Green had to die? Why did she had to die alone? Why couldn't he join her? Just why? The Prince couldn't take it anymore.

Eventually, he met a carpenter who goes by the name of Geppetto. He had him create a very ornate silver casket along with a lid that has Ivy's statue on it. A plaque on the side of the casket says:

Sister Ivy and Sister Briar Rose: Release the spirit of one and you shall free the other.

James thanked the carpenter as he offers his condolence. He tells James that if he ever wants help, he can always call on him and he'll be there. Left alone in her room, James carried Ivy's body and put her in the casket. It was quite roomy and inside was very comfy. He knows that because he wanted it that way when he asked Geppetto to construct it for him. He wanted Ivy to feel comfortable, even after death. Before he left, he gave his True Love one last kiss before sliding the lid on, never to open it again.

He had the casket be place in a tomb, underground. Despite he no longer need the guards that the Meadow King and Queen sent to him, they still pledge loyalty to Prince James. So, he asked for them to live contently until he returns.

They asked what he meant as the Prince implies that he'll be going on a journey to help him possibly move on. They understood and left him be. James just stood in Ivy's tomb in complete silence. There was nothing, but the sound of water dripping.

James couldn't help it. It was just too much of a shock for him. He couldn't even get rid of these stupid tears that roll down his face. He didn't even want to say these words, but struggled to say them anyway.

"G-Goodbye, I-Ivy. I l-love y-you..." James sobbed quietly, not wanting to disturbed her sleep.

Before he left the tomb, he locked the doors. When he went outside in the cold dark night sky, he let out a scream in agony. He never felt this sad and lonely before. Why was this different? Back then, it didn't bother him this much... So why? Oh... It's because he found love. Until that love was lost to death. That's what different.

He couldn't stand it. He wished to see Ivy again, but he couldn't. Not as long as Briar Rose is still asleep. What was he suppose to do now? He is distraught and lost. At that moment, he felt strange. James glowed a green light until it died down. When he opened his eyes, he notice that he wasn't standing anymore! He was small and no longer seeing things in human height. He has returned to being a frog!

Feeling that he no longer can stay, James begins hopping forward. As he is getting further away from home, James felt like something was embracing him, yet it continues to linger within him. What was it? It felt so familiar... Was it Ivy's spirit that is offering him comfort despite she isn't free? Her powers that went into him? Or simply, the love they both shared for a brief moment?

Whatever it was, James will never forget about it as he journeys on- to find a new meaning in his life as well as moving on from his broken heart.

I hope you enjoy this story. I probably suck at writing sad moments... I just want to clarify, since I have no idea what age these characters are, I picked the age that seemed right for them. When James was turned into a frog, he does age, but as a frog. By the time he met eighteen year old Ivy, he was already 20.

As for any DP fans, whenever you like this story or not, it will be really helpful if you leave a review...