Again, I think it's always the middle section that I feel mostly proud of. I love Allerleirauh so there will be more of it than Donkeyskin... But then again, the storyline is almost the same. For anyone who aren't familiar with the story of Allerleirauh, the cook was portrayed like a jerk to the Princess. I'll be having a little twist in that. This chapter will basically cover the enter Allerleirauh/Donkeyskin story and maybe even more so enjoy!
Chapter 5: The Princess and the Frog Prince
Amelia looked at her goddaughter's distraught face. "Agnes, dear, why are you frighten?"
"My father wishes me to marry him- a future that I don't want to come true." the Princess answered, terrified by the idea. "Please, Amelia, help me. It is a fate that I don't want."
The woman smiled as she place her hands on the Princess' shoulders as a gesture of comfort, "If you don't want the life that fate has to offer, then take fate into your own hands and create your own future."
"How can I do that?" Agnes asked with a hint of desperation.
Amelia let go of Agnes and sat on the Princess' bed. She paused for a minute to ponder on the thought. When her eyes trailed to the three ball gowns and the cloak, an idea came to her.
"Run," Amelia suggest. "Run away as far as you can- far from the kingdom."
"But Father will recognize me. Even if I do run, he'll send guards after me." Agnes pointed out.
Amelia then walked over to where Agnes' cloak is and picked it up.
"Agnes, there might be a way..." Amelia trailed off.
"Really?"
"Yes, but we must act quickly. First, change into common clothes so you'll have the appearance of a commoner."
Agnes nods and quickly search for anything that no royal would wear. She didn't question her godmother, she trust her. She knows what is best. After her mother passed away, Amelia was the only person who was close enough to be like her second mother. She changed into a white blouse and a pale pink skirt with a blue overskirt. A green under bust is wore with white laces. Plain brown boots are worn on her feet.
"It's a good thing you asked your father for the donkey skin." Amelia answered as she helped put on the cloak around the Princess. "With this, no one will be able to recognize you."
"Amelia," Agnes spoke. "D-Did Mother truly wished for Father to marry me?"
Her Godmother shook her head, "No, of course not, child. Your mother simply wanted him to marry a woman who has a heart pure like gold... He just got confused."
"To find love..." Agnes thought out loud.
Once the donkey skin cloak was fully wrapped around the Agnes, Amelia took her hand, "Now, this chest will help you store things. Put your three gowns your father gave you along with your jewels and tiara."
A blue chest with silver details appeared. It has the designs of a pumpkin and the lock is the Cinderella emblem. Agnes wasted no time and gathered her gowns and stuff them into the chest. She then did the same with her tiara, necklaces, and jewels. Once the chest was full, it closed and disappeared.
"Now, let's go before your father comes. It's now late in the morning." Amelia took Agnes' hand and tried to lead her out the door.
"Wait," the Princess pulled her hand from the woman's grasped. "There something I have to do."
Turning to her unlit fireplace, the Princess dipped her hands in the ashes. She smeared her cheeks with the ash to make herself even more of a commoner and unrecognizable to anyone from her kingdom. She has heard of another Cinderella like her, her name was Ella Blom. However, she was born as a commoner who rose to become a Princess in the end. Now it's her turn to change, from a royal Princess to a simple commoner.
When she joined the Godmother, she told the Princess before she disappeared, "Meet me in the forest."
Making sure the donkey skin is wrapped firmly around her, Agnes fled at night before the day of the wedding. However, it was only when she escaped to the forest that she heard the guards searching for her.
"Amelia, I'm here." Agnes whispered, worried that if she was loud then the guards would catch her. Godmother appeared in front of the distressed girl. "It's not far enough. I need to get farther away- to a place where no one would know me."
Her godmother nods as she used the Magic Glass Wand to take Amelia faraway to a different forest, one that is very far from her kingdom.
Once that was finished, Amelia turned to Agnes, "Here, take my wand."
"But it's yours... And it's the Magic Glass Wand, are you sure?" Agnes questioned.
Amelia nodded, "Once you find the life that you are happy with, you can return it to me one day."
Agnes took the wand and gave her godmother a hug, "Thank you, Amelia. Please don't forsaken me."
"I won't, I'll be watching over you." Amelia returned the Princess' hug. "This wand will disappear if you don't need it. If you do, it will appear to you in a time of needs. If you ever need your chest, just tap it to the ground and it will appear. Understood?"
"Understood."
"Good," Amelia gave her goddaughter a kiss on the forehead. "Before I go, I want to give you something."
Agnes looked as her godmother pulled out a white hand string pouch. When she opened the bag and shook it, three golden items came into her hand.
"What are these?" Agnes questioned.
"These items once belonged to your mother. Before she passed away, she asked me to looked after them and to give them to you when the time is right." Amelia answered as she showed the ring. "This golden ring will lead you to your True Love."
"What about the tiny spinning wheel?" Agnes asked as her godmother hold up the item.
"This golden spinning wheel can spin the threads of fate. It will connect you to your True Love and unite you both in marriage. And..." Amelia then hold up the tiny reel, "This golden reel will coil the threads, bounding you to your True Love until you both can't be separated anymore. Take them, they're yours now."
"Thank you." Agnes was loss for words as she received the pouch bag.
"Good luck on your life, Agnes." Amelia replied as she disappear.
The Princess looked around her new surroundings. It was a bit colder, but thanks to the donkey skin, she is warm. She walked around for a little while and eventually found a tree hollow to stay for the night. She opened her pouch bag and took out the golden ring. It was her mother's, huh? Agnes slipped it into her finger as she remembered what her godmother told her. It will find her True Love, right? Oh, well. It doesn't matter right now. Curling herself into a ball and snuggling in her coat, the Princess closed her heavy eyelids.
In the morning, the Princess woke up. She was still trying to get use to life as a commoner, but she didn't mind it. Honestly, she liked it. Away from the rules of how royals should act or arrange marriages.
'I have to get going.' Agnes thought as she started to get up. 'I need a place to stay...'
When she got to a village on the outskirts of the Forest Kingdom, many people made fun of her, but she didn't mind. She just let their spiteful comments slide off her back. It was hard to get help because no one didn't want to talk to her nor offer her shelter. Seeing that she's not having any luck in finding a place to stay, the Princess returned to a different part of the forest, determined to keep up this game of hide and seek. One of the villagers she had encounter was kind enough to explained to her that she was in Germany. One thing that crossed her mind. At least she was a safe distance from France.
Upon just a few steps into the Black Forest of Germany, something caught her eyes.
"Help me!" a voice called out.
She looked ahead of her to see a poor frog, having caught one of his legs on a heavy rock. A snake slowly slithered, getting closer to the desperate creature. The snake is trying to eat the frog!
Wasting no time, the Princess tried to help the frog, but she stopped. This snake is very familiar in her homeland. It was a Vipera aspis! A very venomous snake that lives in many European countries, especially in the southern Black Forest.
However, she shouldn't delay and she won't. Grabbing for a fallen tree branch, she place it between the snake and the frog. The snake turned to her and hissed before trying to slither though the branch. It was close to pouncing the frog! Agnes won't allow it to happen. She keeps on moving the branch in the snake's face, preventing it from getting closer. Meanwhile, the frog just stared in awe at the woman's brave actions.
Eventually, the snake, tried of not getting closer and seeing that Agnes won't let it, the snake turned around and slithered in the other direction. Once the Princess was sure that the snake won't do anymore harm, she dropped the branch and help the little creature.
"Are you hurt?" Agnes asked the frog who is in her cupped hands.
"I would have been if it weren't for your bravery." the Frog Prince replied. "Thank you, milady."
"For what? All I did was drive that snake away." the Princess questioned.
"What you did was far more grand. I must say, I am impressed, therefore I shall tell you who I really am. Because of your bravery, you have saved the life of a Prince who has been cursed to take the form of a frog. I am Prince James."
"You're a Prince?" Agnes asked in shock.
"Yes, although I was a Prince once, I transformed back." James answered sadly.
James explained the entire story, though he wondered if he should mentioned his first wife. It was heard to speak of her, especially when so many years have passed. Despite he has somewhat moved on from his heartbreak, all he felt was emptiness inside from all those lonely years as an immortal frog. He decides to only mention Ivy's name, but not go into details of what had happen, although from the way he talks, Agnes can figure out that something tragic had happened to them. James also didn't mention of him immortality, not wanting to relive the same pain if he were to find a new love.
After hearing the Frog Prince's tale, the Princess was moved to tears. It was almost like she was there herself.
"You say that a kiss will help you regain your humanity?" Agnes asked.
"Yes, milady. Why did you asked?" James questioned as his savior lift him closer to her soft lips.
James' eyes widen at her kiss as the woman place him next to her. The magic of her kiss made him transform into human again. The two looked at each other, stunned. James didn't understand why his savior kissed him. More importantly, her kiss turned him back into a human. Could she be...
Agnes was surprised by James' transformation into a handsome Prince. She pulled her hood back over her face to hide her blush. Why did she kissed him? Out of pity? Or is there something more to her feelings towards the Prince? Remembering why she came to the forest in the first place, the Princess was about to get up and run away.
"Wait!" James hold her hand, stopping his savior from leaving.
"Please, I have to get away." Agnes replied, alarmed as she tried to pull her hand free from James' grasped.
"I need to asked you something. Your kiss turned me back... Are you a Princess?" he asked.
Calming down, Agnes didn't make eye contact with James.
"I am a poor child who has been abandoned by her father and mother." she answered.
Well, it wasn't a complete lie. Her mother is dead and her father... Isn't her father anymore.
"What are you running from?" James asked.
"Not what, who." Agnes corrected. "Someone I do not want to find me."
"Do you have a place to stay?"
"No," the Princess thought for a second before facing James, "Please... Have pity on me and take me with you." the Princess pleaded.
"Then allow me to offer you shelter and protection from whoever it is you're straying from." James offered. The Princess was relief when James stopped her, "However..."
"However, what?" she asked nervously.
James face softened at the woman in front of him. He hoped that she was nervous from her travels, not from him.
"May I asked for your name?" he questioned. When the Princess was hesitant to answer, James looked a bit sad. "You don't trust me..." Agnes was about to speak to defend her reasons why, but James stopped her. "No, no. I understand... I just need a name to call you."
Agnes thought for a moment until she looked at the Frog Prince.
She replied, "It maybe odd, but you may call me Peau d'Âne."
James found the name to be a bit odd like the Princess claimed and ponder on the name for a moment. Peau d'Âne, huh? That is french for donkey skin, right? He didn't study a lot of french, but he feels that is what the name literally meant.
"Very well, Peau d'Âne." James replied as he stood up and lend a hand for the lady.
She took it, although she was reluctant to take it at first. Despite she know of James' back story, she still doesn't quite trust him yet. Although, she wish to know more of him. She followed him to a place called the Meadow Kingdom, located in the northern parts of Germany. The Frog Prince explained that Queen Wilhelmina and King Louis, the former rulers, as well as Princess Marigold and Gardenia have died after Ivy's death. He wished to return to the kingdom to share his condolences with his second niece in law.
When they got to the kingdom, they were greeted by James' second niece, Queen Wisteria as well as her husband, King Richard. Wisteria is the only daughter of Princess Gardenia. After the royal family died from a dangerous plague, only Princess Wisteria survived the sickness. She then became Queen when it was her time. Despite it is her first time meeting her second uncle, she have heard about him in her mother's stories.
"Thank you, Wisteria. I'm grateful for you hospitality." James thanked his niece.
"You have always been welcome ever since you helped my grandparents." Wisteria replied, shaking his hands before turning her attention towards Agnes. "And who is this?"
"This is Peau d'Âne." James introduce the Princess.
"Peau d'Âne... She'll have to work in the kitchen." King Richard declared.
"Richard!" Wisteria whispered in a sharp voice. She didn't like the way her husband reacted to the lady's... Unusual appearance.
"Please, she is to be treated as my guest." James offered.
However, the King didn't allow it and sent the Princess to work in the kitchen. Neither Prince James nor Queen Wisteria can protest since he is the King. Not wanting to cause any problems, especially towards James, Agnes agrees, much to the Prince's shock and disappointment. Besides, she didn't mind working in the kitchen. After all, her name "Agnes Koch" translate to pure cook. She enjoys cooking ever since her father have ignored her during most of her childhood. She frowned a bit on that bittersweet memory as she walked down the steps.
She walked into the kitchen to meet with the chef. He looked like how any other chef would dressed like. White uniform, dull apron around his waist, a toque blanche on his head that flop to the side, and wearing grey pants with black boots. He had brown eyes and short black hair that is slightly curled. He has a mustache on his face as well as some chin hair.
"I see I have an assistance." the chef took notice of her. "Quick, quick. Uh, what are you good at?"
"Cooking." Agnes answered.
"Good, then you can help bake the cake." the chef replied as he was trying to cook what looked like a feast.
"What's going on?" a smiled crept on her lips, like how a child gets excited for an upcoming event.
"Soon, there will be a party. The King and Queen always have an annual three festival in this month of the year." the chef answered. "Um, do you have a name?"
"Peau d'Âne." the Princess replied.
"Peau d'Âne?" the chef questioned as she nods. "Well, please help with the cake. The festival will be in next week, on Saturday. Just eighth days away. And take off that coat."
"But I feel warmer with it. It's cold." Agnes replied.
"Warm? You have the oven to keep you warm." he pointed out.
After the Princess didn't answer, he gave up and let her wear it. He wasn't quite sure if the Princess meant that she was physically cold or mentally, though in Agnes' case, she's both. However, he didn't put a lot of thoughts in to it and went to go check on the soup.
"Wait." she called out to him. "Um, what's your name?"
"My name is Mattis, the best chef of the kingdom." Mattis replied with proud. "Now, enough chit-chat, we have to hurry."
Agnes smiled at the enthusiastic chef. He reminded her of her own father, back before her mother died. He used to be so funny and in a rush, but now... He's gone. The Princess shook her head and started her work.
The first week went by terribly. The nobles in the kingdom would make fun of her more than the villagers from the southern parts of Germany. They would throw boots at her and mocked her, claiming that she is a good for nothing who's only worth in sweeping the kitchen floor.
The only two people who supported her is Prince James and Mattis. Queen Wisteria is a good Queen, but she doesn't involved herself in the conflict. However, it was worse when the nobles would often bully her when the two are not around... But since Mattis is more closer to Agnes, he would often stopped them when James isn't in the courtyard to witness the scene.
King Richard also mocked her for some reason, claiming that he was having a little "fun". Mattis never liked the King's games and planned to pay back for being the first one to throw a boot at the Princess. He added a little "extra" spice in the King's soup as a playful prank while it will be Agnes who serve the dish. The Princess would return to the kitchen to happily tell him about it since it was she, who not only delivered the soup, but saw the King's expression. The two of them would laugh when they made fun of the King.
Soon, it was the day on the festival! Everyone was all excited and all the food was prepared. Many guests were invited for the ball that was being held tonight. Agnes really wanted to go, it maybe her only chance to be with James. So that night...
"Mattis, can I please go up there?" the Princess begged. "I promise that I won't be seen."
"Alright, but make sure you come back half an hour before midnight." he warned.
"Thank you!" she smiled as she quickly rushed to her room.
In her room, she summoned the Magic Glass Wand in her hand and made the chest appeared. She then took out her golden gown that radiates like the sun. Washing the ashes from her face and brushing her hair, the Princess quickly changed into her gown.
In the ballroom, everyone was dancing expect for James. He was still empty inside.
"James, you'll have to dance with someone." Wisteria told him. "This festival is dedicated to you."
"I thank you for your generosity, but I-" James stopped himself when everyone stopped dancing to stare at something.
The crowd suddenly parted to the side to allow the Prince see what they were staring at. To his astonishment, it was a Princess! Her beauty just took his breath away. She had her hair down and was wearing a stunning golden dress. She smiled when she saw James as he, in return, was loss for words.
He whispered to Wisteria, "Who is she?"
"I don't know." Wisteria was breath taken to even talk much.
"I've never seen anyone so beautiful." James muttered as he walked towards the Princess.
James wanted to asked the Princess about her, but he let his heart do it for him. They stared at each others eyes for a brief moment until James lend a hand.
"Shall we dance?"
She smiled as she gave a little nod in shyness. She gave him her hand and soon enough, they started dancing as the music played. They continue smiling as they dance while everyone else watched in wonder, trying to figure out who is this Princess.
"It feels like I'm dreaming. A dream that I don't want to wake up to reality." Agnes replied in a small laugh.
"A dream? But this is reality." James told her.
Each step they take match the rate of the Agnes' heartbeat as it starts to thump even faster. This is reality? If only that was true. However, soon, this dream may become reality, just not now. Her ring lead her to James back in the forest. Now it's her heart that is leading her to him here. Such magic must have a name. What was that name?
"Are you quite sure, Prince James? Eventually, all dreams fades away that you become lost." the Princess remark.
"How did you-" he got cut off.
"Know your name?" she finished his questioned. "I know you from the start."
"Who are you?" James had to asked. "What's your name? Where do you come from?"
"Too many questions in so little time... But sooner or later, you'll get your answer." the Princess hinted.
They dance until they finished. James gave a bow as Agnes gave a curtsy. Everything was going so well until James turned around to hear Wisteria calling for him only for the Princess to run away.
"Wait!" he called out to her. He tried to run after her, but she suddenly vanish.
James asked the guards if the Princess exited the palace, but the guards denied. They explained that no one came out, only came in. The Prince became confused. How can anyone come out without coming in? Agnes quickly run to her room and change to her commoner clothes. Her heart was still thumping from the running and her feelings for James. As she put on her coat and smeared her face with ashes, Mattis came in.
"Are you ready? The soup must be made for the Prince." Mattis asked. "I'm going to up to see the party."
Agnes nods as she went into the kitchen to make the soup. However, she didn't noticed that her ring slipped off her finger when she was adding a little bit of butter. She took the soup and went to the dining room. She gave it to Prince James as he gave her a smile. However, the Princess was slightly disappointed that he didn't recognize her. She can tell because of his eyes. It didn't gleam with love in it. Though it is sweet, these eyes showed only gratitude. She quickly left the dining table to return to her room, still feeling a bit shy at the look of James.
James just took a sip of the soup to have his eyes widen at the very deliciousness of what he's tasting. When he was close to finishing, he saw something at the bottom. He scooped it with his spoon to see the golden ring. Huh, why would there be a ring in his soup? Better yet, why does he feel he has seen it somewhere before? He took it, but decided not to tell anyone about it.
The next week went by with James wondering about the connection between the Princess, Peau d'Âne, and the golden ring. Wanting to see her again, he asked for Wisteria and Richard to hold another ball on Saturday. They did since they are also intrigued and wanted to find out about the Princess. Plus, it was already planned anyway.
And so it went by like the first week to prepare for the festivity, except Agnes wasn't bullied as much like the first week she stayed. Also, James got the chance to spend more time with her, much to her delight. Although, because the King would send her back to work, her moments with the Prince was brief.
Once more, the day of the festivity. All the food was prepared and soon there was a ball upstairs.
"Mattis, may I go up there to look? I promise that I won't be seen." Agnes asked the chef like the first time.
"Alright, but come back in half an hour." Mattis replied as Agnes happily rushed to her room.
She opened her chest to take out her dress that has the color of the weather... Or dusk, whichever you prefer. She did the exact same thing last time, cleaning her face from the ashes before changing and brushing her hair.
She would have go to the ballroom, but this night, she will be waiting for James in a different location of the palace. She loves books. As a child, music and poetry was what she read and hear. Her mother would sing songs and read poetry. That was where her love for books came from... Because of the many beautiful poetry in it. She knew that James will be expecting her in the ballroom, but the threads of fate spun by her golden spinning wheel will lead him to her.
In the ballroom, James was waiting. However, she didn't came, worrying him.
"She's not here." James replied.
"Maybe she can't today." Wisteria suggested. Not understanding why, James started to walked away from the ballroom. "Where are you going, James?"
"To the library." he answered, not knowing why.
"What makes you think she'll be there?" Richard asked.
"I don't know." he replied as he exits the room.
Soon, he went into the rooms that is filled with books. It was a full moon tonight as the moonlight shine through all the windows, lighting up the slightly dark place compare to the simple flickering of candle flames. James didn't even know why he came here, but he waited.
"They say that no matter who it is, so long that person has a pure heart, even someone as simple as a commoner has the heart of royalty, wouldn't you agree, Prince James?" a voice questioned.
Moving away from the darkness and into the light of the moon, James saw the Princess again! She was wearing a dress that looked like the evening weather. Her hair is styled in a half up half down hairstyle with blue flowers in some of the strands. At the sight of her, James smiled and so did Agnes.
They bow before they begin their second dance.
"I can agree with that, seeing that I was once not a Prince." James answered.
Agnes let out a soft laugh, knowing what James said is true. "Yes, indeed."
"How would you know?" James asked.
"Magic." she answered.
James couldn't argue with that. Everything about this Princess is magic.
As they danced, James feel like he recognize those eyes somewhere before. "I know you..."
The Princess smiled, knowing that she'll have to play hard to get. She truly love James, but her reasons for not telling him is still because of her father's behavior. That day still haunts her and made her views on men very different. However, she come to trust James and Mattis... She just needs a little push to get over her past and distrust.
"Of course, from the last festivity." she replied.
"No, I feel like I know you longer." James clarify.
"I understand how you feel, because I know you longer too." Agnes agrees.
They danced until the Princess stopped at the look of a clock. It was close to becoming 11:30.
"Why did you stopped?" the Prince asked.
"I'll have to go soon..." she trailed off.
She was tempted to leave now, but James won't let go of her hand. "Before you go, it's now my turn to asked questions." James stopped her. "Who are you? And what's your name?"
"I am a Cinderella, my name is Princess Agnes Koch." Agnes replied.
"Agnes, what a beautiful name." James remarked. "Why did you choose me to dance with?"
"It's magic that brought us together." the Princess answered. "Magic that has a name that I can't seem to figure out. I have to go now."
"Why? We still have time, stay." James pleaded, still wanting to know more about his Princess.
"When the time come, you'll soon be able to find me. I'm sure of it. The truth is, you know me more than you think." she assures him.
"How can you be so sure?" the Prince questioned.
"It seemed that fate keeps on bringing us together. I'm sure that you'll eventually solve the puzzle." she answered. "However..."
She leaned towards him as James did the same. They closed their eyes to share their kiss until Agnes broke it.
"Adieu," she said her farewell to James as she started to run. "Mein Prinz."
"Wait!" James called out, but she didn't stopped.
She continued running, but took a short glance at him one last time before disappearing into the shadows. James didn't understand why. Why was she always running before the stroke of midnight? And more importantly, why does this kiss feel so nostalgic?
Agnes runs downstairs and into her room. She quickly changed and put on her donkey skin. She then rub her face with ashes and then went into the kitchen. There, she did the same like the previous night. However, tonight, when she was making the soup, she dropped her golden spindle wheel in and serve it to Prince James and the King and Queen.
It went by like the other night, however, King Richard saw James holding up something golden...
"What is that?" he questioned.
"It's a tiny golden spinning wheel." James answered, wondering why it was in his soup just like with the ring.
"Call the chef!" the King ordered. Soon, the chef came in, nervous that Agnes did something to the soup. "Did you make the soup?"
Not wanting Peau d'Âne to get the blame for her mistake, the chef lied, "I made the soup, Your Majesty."
"You didn't. This soup taste more delicious than anything I have ever tasted." the King can see through his deceit.
"I have to admit, I did not make the soup." Mattis admitted.
"Then who?" the Queen joined in.
"Peau d'Âne." he answered.
"Tell her to come here." the King ordered as the chef obeyed.
A few minutes later, Agnes came into the dining room. She restrained herself from smiling at the sight of James, especially when the King looked serious and the Queen looked worried.
James showed her the spinning wheel and asked her gently, "Peau d'Âne, do you know anything about this spinning wheel? Or why it is in my soup?"
"I know nothing of the spinning wheel or how it ended up in your soup." the Princess lied.
Agnes felt bad for lying, but she has to continue the act. One more night with the reel and all this will be done. However, despite James taking it very well, the King was not. He thinks this is just a joke... Or a prank, that he'll not approve of.
"Preposterous!" he yelled as he addressed to Agnes. "Who are you?!"
Agnes lowered her head, not wanting to make eye contact with the King, "I am a poor child who no longer has a father or a mother."
"What are you doing in my castle?" the King asked, earning him an angry glare from Wisteria.
"I am a good for nothing, except having boots thrown at my head." Agnes answered.
"Look at me!" the King ordered as he is now getting out of his seat.
Neither James or Wisteria can stopped him, especially when he is this angry. He was scowling at Agnes that she is starting to feel really intimidated. He grabbed her hood and threatens to pull it down, but the Princess' quickly stopped it from happening. She can't let anyone know just yet.
"Who are you?!" the King asked again.
Agnes let out a gasp in fear at the King's tone, but tried to not let him intimidated her as she answered in a firm voice, "I am a poor child who no longer has a father or a mother, I am a good for nothing, except having boots thrown at my head!"
"A good for nothing, indeed!" the King pushed her to the floor as both James and Wisteria reacted in outrage.
James rushed to help Agnes while Wisteria gave her husband a good scolding.
"Richard, that was not very royal!" Wisteria scolded her husband as he brushed it off.
"Are you okay?" James asked Agnes as she looked at the King in fury, reminded of her own father's pride and authority as King.
"Because of your lack for respect from your own arrogance and ignorance, you have destroyed your own pride as a King!" the Princess remarked angrily.
"How dare you... Get out! I'm tired of your lies!" the King yelled, becoming angered as the Princess. He then taunts her, "After all, you said it yourself, you are a 'good for nothing'."
"Fine!" she replied as she stormed off angrily, ignoring all of James calls for her to come back.
She returned to her room, still angry, but feeling a hint of hatred inside. They were all the same- those who judge solely on appearances. Then a thought came to her mind. Why did she not tell James who she is? The only reason she can think of is because she wanted to test James- to see what he thinks about a commoner or a royal. Are they that different? She wants to know what he thinks. Would he care? Or would he be the one to tell her otherwise- that it doesn't matter?
Something else came into a mind. A "Cinderella" is kind and helpful, showing wisdom, never resort to violence, displaying courage, and always works hard. She displayed some of the Cinderella motto, but at the same time, didn't. Take her argument with the King for an example. What she claimed is true and supports that she has courage and didn't resort to violence, however, at the same time, it didn't sound kind... But then again, what's a disguised Princess suppose to say when someone treated others like that violently? Not to mentioned that it was the King's temper that got things out of hands. However, what she said... She didn't said that as a Princess or a commoner, she said that as a woman. Oh well, nobody ever said that a Cinderella would have an easy life. She knows that better than anyone.
A slight smile spread on her face. How pathetic, huh? A Princess like her is arguing against the King just because she didn't tell the truth. Then again, in this time, woman aren't treated equally... Sure the royals do, but even then, it's always the Kings who are superior in the end. That is why King Richard was arrogant and ignorant like she claimed. It doesn't matter now. Her thoughts then trailed to her leaving. After all, her plan was to continue running until she was far away. That was her initial plan. She frowned and is now confused. She doesn't know what to do.
Sighing, the Princess plans on leaving. However, a knock came from her door.
"Come in."
The door opened to reveal that it was Mattis.
"What are you doing?" he asked in concern.
"Leaving." she answered.
"Nonsense." he muttered as he took her bag away. "Why do you want to leave?"
"The King pushed me to the ground, Mattis. His words hurts." Agnes admitted, although she didn't want to. Perhaps she finds comfort in Mattis just like with Amelia.
"The King doesn't matter. You should stay." Mattis insisted.
"And why should I? the Princess questioned.
"To... To... To..." he couldn't find the reasons why. "To pull pranks on the King? To make fun of him? To help me make the food?" he sighs at the failed suggestions. He gave another sigh to tell her the real reason, "Because if you do go, I'll be cold."
"You have the oven to keep you warm." Agnes softly answered.
"It won't help if I'm lonely." he replied as he gave her an understanding smile. "Come, join me with dinner."
She joined him in the kitchen as he gave her a plate to eat.
"Sit, sit." he insisted as he sprinkled a little pepper and salt into her plate. She tried it.
"Mm, it taste better than before." she answered with a small smile.
"That's because I put a little something of my own." he laughed.
Her smile became a bit bigger as another fragment of her memories came. She remembered having dinner with her family, back before the tragedy of her mother's death.
"Agnes." she told him.
"What?" Mattis didn't understood.
"Agnes Koch," she repeated. "Is my real name."
The chef was honored to know the Princess' name, but something was bothering him.
"Why are you telling me your name now, Agnes?" he asked. When she didn't replied, he sighed, "Can you at least tell me why you always wear that coat? You never took it off once."
"It's to keep me safe from the people..." she stopped to think her next words carefully. "Who I don't exactly trust yet." she finished slowly.
Mattis nods, "I understand. If it's difficult, you don't have to tell. Although, I won't like to see you without wearing that coat."
Agnes gave him another smile, "Then at the very least, I can answer your previous question. The reason why I told you my name is because you're like a father to me, a real father... Since my father is no more."
Mattis was astound by her words. Just what hardships did this child had to endure?
He place an assuring hand on hers, "Then let me be your father."
Her smile didn't have to tell him anything, her eyes did. They seem to gleam with hope, knowing that he will love her and care for her like an actual father.
"Mattis, were you once a father?" Agnes asked, wanting to know more about the chef.
"I once was, just like I once had a wife and a little girl, but they both died in the plague." he answered sadly. He saw that the Princess covered her mouth with her hands as if she regretted asking him. "If my daughter was alive, she would have been a bit like you, Agnes."
"What do you mean like me?" the Princess questioned.
"Kind, sweet, and... Pure. Having a golden heart just like you." he replied. "Finish your dinner and get some sleep, Agnes."
"Yes, Mattis." Agnes thanked him.
"Not 'Mattis', 'Father'." Mattis corrected.
The Princess giggled, "Yes, Father."
The forth week went by and there was the final festivity. The King was still angry at Agnes and doubled her work. She didn't mind, but she hoped that she can finished everything in time before the celebration begins. The Princess worked outside, carrying buckets of water, when she stopped to see James approaching her.
"I want to talk." James replied as Agnes put the buckets down.
"What is it you wish, Your Highness?" the Princess asked.
James was a bit shocked at Agnes' formality, but to be honesty, he didn't like it. She sound forced to say it. That's not the Peau d'Âne he knows.
"You don't have to be formal with me." James told her.
She sighed, "I'm sorry, James. The King told me to respect those who are higher in position. This is his idea of putting me in my place."
"Peau d'Âne, do you know nothing of the spinning wheel? Truly?" he started to follow her as she carried the buckets in frustration.
"Why would you want to know?" Agnes questioned.
"Please." he told her desperately.
She let out another sigh, "The spinning wheel spins threads of fate. Threads that connects lovers together to unite them."
"That's it! Thank you, Peau d'Âne." James replied.
"Wait!" she stopped him. "Does... Does it matters if I was someone else? If I wasn't this?"
James looked surprised at the question. It was very clear to him what the answer is, but he doesn't mind telling her, "I don't care if you are royalty or not. What matters is being your true self."
Agnes was at first, stunned by James' answer, but she then smiled. It appears that her ring did lead her to her True Love. She then started to run away, going to the kitchen. The moment she did, James recall those times when he was ran on. That time when Agnes first ran on the second week, then last week, and now, this "Peau d'Âne" is doing the same thing.
"It can't be..." he whispered. However, he then smiled before walking in the other direction.
Once more, everything was done just like the two previous week. However...
"Mattis, can I go-" Agnes was cut off.
"No!" he denies her request.
"But why?" she questioned.
"I know you are a witch, Agnes. You always put something into the soup to make it taste better than mine." Mattis replied in a teasing way.
"But this the last ball, I have to go." she pleaded.
The chef then looked serious, "If the same thing will happen like last week with the King, your heart might break from his harsh words. I won't let you go through that same ordeal again."
Agnes closed her eyes to think for a moment before opening them back up, ready to give him an offer that he can't refused, "If everything goes according to plan. If it goes smoothly, I'll take off my coat at midnight."
He looked up at her, "You'll take if off?"
She nods, "I'll never wear it again."
He smiled as he handed her the key to unlock the doors, "Go. Enjoy your dance with the Prince."
"Thank you, Father." she smiled happily as she gave him a kiss on his cheek before leaving the room.
"And remember, come back half an hour later." he hollered so she can hear.
"I will."
Agnes happily went into her room and changed into her last gown- the gown that it like the moon. Next, she style her hair into a high updo. She then took her necklace and earrings out of her chest. Lastly, she place her pumpkin tiara on her head.
Meanwhile, James was waiting at the ballroom, expecting for Agnes to come. Soon, the doors opened to reveal the Princess. Her long brown hair is worn up and she was in a royal blue ball gown. It was simple, but still grand. He noticed a beautiful necklace and a pair of earrings are being worn as well as a pumpkin tiara. The Frog Prince was joyful as he went to the Princess.
"You came!" he replied excitedly.
"You were expecting me, how could I make you wait?" she joked playfully as they shared their third dance.
However, unlike the other previous dances she shared with Prince James, this one was a bit longer. When she notice the clock, she stopped.
"I have to go." she told him in alarm.
"Don't you want to stay longer?" he asked.
She wanted to, but couldn't. She couldn't say anything and just ran out of the ballroom, leaving James without a dance partner. In the kitchen, Mattis was waiting for Agnes until she came.
"Where were you? I was getting worried." the chef questioned.
"I'm sorry, I lost track of time." the Princess panted from running.
She didn't have to time to changed out of her dress or rubbed ash on her face, so she just made do with putting herself in her donkey skin.
"Well, the soup is ready. It just need some vegetables."
Agnes quickly got to work when she realize something out of the picture. Mattis is watching her.
"Aren't you going upstairs, Mattis?" she asked nervously.
"I'm staying to make sure you don't add something that make the soup taste good." he insisted. However, the Princess was distracted at the chef that she accidentally cut her finger. She wince in pain as some blood dropped from that tiny cut. "Here, let me see."
Mattis examined the cut before taking a small clean piece of cloth and wrapping it around her index finger on her right hand.
"Thank you." she smiled.
When Mattis turned around, Agnes quickly pulled out the golden reel and put it in the soup before he notice anything. This time, Mattis took the soup upstairs for her. How sweet of him. It was when Agnes looked at her hands that she realized something was missing. Her ring! When did she lose it? Where did she lose it? She started to panic. After searching the kitchen and her room, she gave up. It was like finding a needle in a haystack, not to mention all the other places it could have possibly fallen into.
Meanwhile...
In the dining room, James didn't bother eating the soup. He just dip his spoon deep enough to scoop out the reel and showed it to Wisteria and Richard.
"Mattis, please call Peau d'Âne up here." James asked politely.
"Yes, Your Highness."
He came back with Agnes as she was looking at the ground. She looked up when James talked.
"You know, Peau d'Âne, I want you to be the first person to tell the news. I have fallen in love, but I was already in love long time ago. And now, I plan to propose to her tonight."
"Really, who?" Agnes asked.
"A Princess who have taught me that even a simple commoner, has a pure heart of royalty." James answered as he walked towards the Princess.
Mattis moved aside as James hold her hands.
The Frog Prince then kneel down to asked, "Will you marry me, Agnes?"
She smiled at him, "Yes, of course."
James smiled back and took something from his pockets, "It's a good thing, that I have this."
He showed her the golden ring.
"My ring! How did you found it?" she questioned.
"In my soup. I guess it must have slipped in." he answered. He then playfully teased her as he slipped the golden ring on her finger, "Let's see if it will fit."
"It fits." she smiled at the ring on her finger.
James then stood on his feet as he removed her hood back. He smiled as he finally see Agnes' true self. Everyone watched as the Princess turned around facing them as Prince James removed the rest of her coat, revealing her in her beautiful gown.
"Who would have thought..." the King Richard was awestruck.
"That a true Princess has taken the disguise as a commoner." Queen Wisteria finished with a smile.
James and Agnes embrace and shared a kiss.
"My Princess." James started as he gave her a little twirl. "Now, I'll never let you go again. Never shall we ever be separated."
Agnes gave the most prettiest smile ever, "Yes, nevermore shall we remain separate."
They gave another kiss just as the clock chimed midnight.
I hope you enjoy this chapter. Please favorite if you haven't already did and please leave reviews, I cannot stress enough about it. And please, give your thoughts thoroughly on this chapter, especially when I put a lot of effort and time into it.