Hi everyone! Let's get into this chapter and the rest now that the Thief and the Tinderbox is out! Since we never know how James got the Metal Orb, I'm going to mix another fairytale called The Three Feathers by the Brothers Grimm. Enjoy.
Chapter 9: The Course of True Love
After Princess Naida returns to her home in the sea, Prince James searched for the treasure needed to cure his new love from her curse. Tasked to find the Metal Orb, the Frog Prince traveled across the world. It was at first useless. At least three years of fruitless searching that James understood why Naida had gotten careless. Going back on that thought, he wondered how was the Princess. Was she safe? Was she still waiting for him? Oh, how he wished he could see her again.
'No. I must continue to search. Once I find it, I'll return to Naida.' he thought.
Another three years passed and James still couldn't find the Metal Orb. He searched far and wide, even to places that no one has yet ventured to. Finally, he has received clues about an ancient treasure from an old rumor from a nearby village.
Rumors has it that deep in an ancient cave, there lives a witch! Amongst all her jewels and riches, there was one item that might have some clues on the treasure. Curious if the rumors were true, James visited the wonderful Azure Kingdom.
He was kindly greeted by the old King Arnold and his three sons. The intelligent yet cocky Prince Lucas, the arrogant and soiled Prince Cardin, and simple-minded, however, kind Prince Simpleton.
"It's an honor to be in the presence of the King of the Azure Kingdom and his sons." James respectfully replied.
"The honor is mine, Prince James of the Forest Kingdom. Although, I thought that you're dead. Mind if I asked why?" Arnold questioned.
"Of course not, Your Majesty." James answered. "You see, I was cursed by a witch who was to be my Godmother. My parents felt that I was unfit to rule the kingdom because of my curse so I was exiled from my home."
"I'm very sorry, Prince James." Arnold sympathize his guest.
"Hmph, serves him right. I wouldn't want a frog bringing humiliation to my family!" Cardin comments disrespectfully.
"Cardin!" the King glared at his second son.
"It's alright, Your Majesty. No harm was done." James didn't want a conflict to start.
The King sighs, "Very well. Lucas, Cardin, and Simpleton, please return to your rooms. I wished to speak with my guest alone."
The three sons obeyed and left the Throne Room. Once the doors were closed, James turned to the King.
"Is something wrong, King Arnold?"
"You see, Prince James... My time is almost up and I'll have to pick an heir soon."
"I see..." James trailed off.
"However, I don't know which of my three sons should I choose to gain the throne. Each one are perfect, yet have their own flaws. Lucas is cocky, Cardin is... Full of himself, and Simpleton is... Well, a bit of a fool."
"Perhaps, Your Majesty, it wouldn't be wised to judge your sons on their inabilities."
"Well, what is it that you're suggesting, Prince of the Forest Kingdom?"
"Instead of you choosing, why not let Fate choose the heir? After all, nothing can defy Fate. It leads people to their destinies, what happens and what should happen."
"You're right, Fate does tends to do that..." the King pondered. "But how are we going to let Fate handle it?"
James felt the wind coming from the windows and coincidentally, three white feathers flew in and landed in front of his feet. He picked up the feathers and show it to the King.
"I think we have our answer."
Later that night, James was given a room to stay. He would be awake, thinking of Naida before sleep overtook him.
Meanwhile...
Naida continued to wait. When she had returned home to Prasino, she was reunited with all her sisters. None of them had any luck at finding their orbs, so they all returned home, waiting for her. Each shared stories of their adventures and were happy despite they've returned home empty handed. When the eldest Princess told her tale, the other Mermaid Princesses were grateful for the Frog Prince's bravery.
Even King Alexandros, who was still crabby... He too, missed Naida very much. In gratitude for the Frog Prince, the King and Naida's sisters build a shrine just outside the Prasino Palace dedicated to her and James.
After all, the two do plan to leave once James return with the Metal Orb.
The next day, King Arnold announce to his people on how he'll choose the heir to the throne.
"Attention, citizens of Azure! As you know, today is a very special day! Today is the day where your new King will rise!"
The people cheered as James headed to where the three Princes were. He needed to join in to find the treasure. Hopefully, Fate will lead him to it. He was given a horse, thanks to the King, and ride it to the courtyard. However, when he reached the courtyard, he only see two of the brothers. Where was the youngest Prince?
"Prince James?" Simpleton called out.
James turned around to see the young Prince just standing there without a horse with him.
"Prince Simpleton, what are you doing here?" James asked.
"What do you mean?" he questioned.
"Why aren't you joining with your brothers?" James rephrase his question.
"I thought that I'm not- I mean, people assumed-" the youngest Prince didn't get to finished his explanation because the King announce something that really shocked him.
"... However, I won't be the one to choose. My three sons will be tested by Fate and must passed all three tests to be found worthy for the crown. They must find a precious carpet, a magnificence ring, and a beautiful woman to passed the test and return before nightfall."
"You mean..." Simpleton trailed off.
"Yes, you're participating also." James lend him a hand which the Prince graciously accepts.
"Now let your journey... Begin!" the King releases the three feathers.
"Ha! I'll be back first and become King!" Lucas exclaimed, following the first feather.
"No, I shall be King!" Cardin replied, following the second feather.
"Let's go." James suggested as the horse took him and Simpleton to where the third feather leads them.
Unfortunately, the feather soon rested on a grassy field out of nowhere causing the two Princes to stop.
"This is where the feather lands..." James noted.
"Not even a single wind to blow it to it's course." Simpleton replied sadly as he sat on the grass next to the feather.
"Hey, don't give in to despair. I'm sure that you'll passed the test." the Frog Prince assures the young soul.
"How can you be so sure, Prince James? I bet that you have nothing to worry about."
"That's not true. There is something that I'm worried about." James muttered.
"If you don't mind me asking, what are you worried about?" Simpleton asked in curiosity.
The Frog Prince let out a sigh before answering, "You see... My curse isn't really broken. After my first love died, I learned that her immortality was transferred to me, altering my curse so that every time I find a new love, I'd lose them."
"Oh... I'm very sorry." the young Prince comments, regretting that he asked the question.
"Anyway, enough about me." James decided to sit next to the Prince. "What about you?"
"I beg your pardon?"
"Something tells me that I'm not the only one who's worried." James clarified. The Frog Prince also added, "And please, drop the formalities. I wished to know you as a friend."
"Then I'd like the same with me. Well, you see..." Simpleton trailed off. "Being born as the third son isn't quite... Pleasant."
"And why is that?"
"I'm not like my brothers. They're brave and smart while I'm..." the young Prince paused for a moment. "I'm... Too simple. Hence why I was given the name that I earned."
"You mean, you're name wasn't always 'Simpleton'?" James questioned, eager to know more.
"No, that was a nickname given by my brothers ever since I was ten. My real name is Alden, although I think it could be a mistake." Simpleton revealed.
"I don't think it is." the Frog Prince comments.
"What?"
"You need to stop listening to what people say about you and learn to find your strength from within. Besides, your name means that you're a wise friend. You are intelligent, Si-" James stopped. "Alden, you just have to acknowledge it."
"Thank you, James."
Soon enough, a gust off wind picked up the feather as it flew. Not wanting to waste any time, the two Princes followed the feather on foot. They ran until the feather float to a secret trapped door.
"It's opened." the young Prince noted as he opened the door.
He went in first with James following behind. Deep in an underground tunnel, there was a cave inhabited by an old toad.
"Ah, it's seems that I have some visitors." the voice of an old woman cackled. "What is it that you came for?"
"I need a stunning carpet, two lovely rings, and a beautiful woman." the Prince listed his requested.
'Two rings? The King only requested for one. What is Alden doing?' James thought.
"And I'm here to find a treasure called the Metal Orb." the Frog Prince requested.
"Oh, fine." the toad sighed. She then turned her attention to a tiny green creature on top of a ledge. "Green and tiny maiden, go fetch what these men required!"
Amidst all the treasure that belongs to the toad-witch, a tiny green frog hopped out. It was also female. James could tell, seeing that he was once a frog also. Oddly, the female frog has a tiny crown on her head. She was very much like... A Frog Princess? The little green creature hopped around the room to gave Prince Si-, I mean Prince Alden two of what he needed. The most finest carpet with intricate floral designs and two rings. A golden one with a ruby gem and the other, silver with a jewel as dazzling as the sea. When the Frog Princess reached to James' feet, she gave him a map.
"Everything you need to know is in this map." she whispered timidly.
"Hurry and get back here!" the toad-witch yelled as the Frog Princess hopped sadly. She was so hoping for one of these men to come and save her. "I hoped that you have what you need..."
"But I still need a beautiful woman as part of my test!" Alden reminded.
"Well too bad! That's all!" the toad-witch exclaimed.
While the toad-witch began her ranting, the little Frog Princess hopped back down the ledge and stood in front of the young Prince.
"Psst, Alden." James whispered into the young Prince's ears.
"What is it, James?" he whispered back.
"Kiss her."
"What?!"
"I think she might be under a curse just like I was when I turned into a frog." James replied.
"Oh, okay." Alden complies as he picks up the Frog Princess.
Giving her a kiss, the tiny frog transformed into a beautiful woman! Judging by her regal dress and her crown, James can tell that she was a Princess.
"Thank you for breaking my curse, but let's take this chance to leave before she realize something wrong." the Princess advise.
"You're right, let's go." James respond as the three of them escaped the toad-witch's lair.
By the time they escaped, the trapped door closes and disappeared. While James and the Princess took deep breaths, Alden studied the girl. She had copper red hair and a beautiful shade of green in her eyes. Her dress was green with floral designs, mostly sunflowers. After the trio has rested, the Princess spoke again.
"As I was saying earlier, thank you. I am Princess Madeleine from the Kingdom of Magdala." the Princess introduce. "How can I thank you enough?"
"You should thank James. He was the one who saw past your curse." Alden replied.
"How can I repay you?" Madeleine asked, turning her attention towards the Frog Prince.
"You can say that I know a royal under the skin of a frog, however, I wished for nothing in return. After all, it was Alden who broke your curse."
"I-I guess." Alden stuttered as he gazed at Madeleine.
"Come on, let's hurry. It's almost sundown." James reminded the young Prince.
"Oh, you're right. Let's go!"
The three ride on the horse with their items as they made it back to the palace.
When they reached the courtyard, Alden took his carpet, ring, and Princess and stood on his side of the line. They waited patiently until the contest was over. While waiting, James noticed that the other two brother brought strange... Things? Prince Lucas had a large ring that looked like the kind a pig would wear. His carpet was more like an old tattered rug and the woman he has with him was far from being beautiful. Prince Cardin has a ring, but it looked gritty... His carpet looked old fashioned, and the woman looked less compared to Princess Madeleine.
When the contest was over, King Arnold walked down the stairs to see his sons. After seeing what his sons has brought, he made up his mind on who was the winner, thus declaring an heir for the throne.
He walked back up the stairs to make his announcement.
"My loyal subjects, it's has been decided on who shall succeed after me. After closely examining what the Princes have given me, it's been clear on who's worthy for my crown." he started. "The one who shall inherit my crown and the throne is... My youngest son, Prince... Alden."
Everyone clapped their hands as Alden stood in shock.
"Well done, my friend." James place a hand on the Prince's shoulder.
"I couldn't do it without you." Alden replied.
James was about to deny the fact, but he didn't get a chance to because of an outburst from two certain individuals.
"What?! No fair!" Prince Lucas exclaimed. "He cheated!"
"There's no way he could have gotten the throne! He's not even smart or clever like us! He's nothing, but a fool!" Prince Cardin added.
"Prince Lucas! Prince Cardin! Silence! This is my choice and Fate has decided that your youngest brother is worthy for the crown!" the King yelled.
"Well, Fate has a funny way of deciding!" Cardin retaliated.
"Fate should have chosen me! I'm the oldest, it's my birthright!" Lucas exclaimed. Turning towards Alden, he questioned, "How did you manage to get that carpet, ring, and maiden?"
"Please, brothers." Alden tried to peacefully stop the conflict. "The contest is over. It's been decided."
"Not on my life, it hasn't!" Lucas draws for his sword and threatens Alden. "Tell me, where is the place that you manage to find what you needed?"
"That's enough!" James got between them. Addressing towards the eldest brother, the Frog Prince remarked, "Look at yourself, you're not even talking like the respectful royal you are!"
"Ha! You think I'd listen to a frog like you?" Lucas questioned in disrespect. "Now, tell me!"
Alden let out a deep sigh, "Fine, but please, as your brother, I beg of you to stop this nonsense! Don't give in to your desires for the throne. Fate has lead me to a dangerous task. If you have any self control left, give up on your search and accept what Fate had given."
"No way, now tell us!" Cardin joined in, wanting to impressed their father and have him to reconsider the options.
"Very well..." Alden took out his feather and let the wind blow it.
"Follow it!" Lucas exclaimed as he and Cardin left the courtyard.
They waited and waited, however neither Prince Lucas nor Prince Cardin returned. The King sent out scouts, but they couldn't find the trap door that Alden had spoken of. Prince James had believed that the toad-witch had caught them when they had entered her domain.
He went to the room the King had given him to rest for his journey will surely begin at dawn.
In the morning, King Arnold and Prince Alden met up with James at the Palace Gates.
"Thank you for all your help, James." the Prince replied.
"I didn't do anything. You did. I just gave you a little push, that's all." James answered.
"I'm also grateful for your help as well, Prince James. You helped me see... That everyone is unique from the inside, rather than the outside. And what's more, you gave back a bond that will never break again. Thank you."
"You can come here anytime you want." Alden offered.
"Thanks, but I must get going. My Princess is waiting for me and I can't delay her any longer."
"I see... You're always welcome to visit the Kingdom anytime." the King replied.
Before the Frog Prince departed, "Wait! Here, James. Take this with you."
Alden handed James the silver ring with the sea green gem.
"This is the second ring you requested from that toad-witch." James recalled.
"Yes, I figured that since you'll be reunited with Naida, you should have it." Alden explained as the Prince on horseback put the ring away safely.
"Thank you my friend and farewell!" James ride the horse as the King and Prince waved goodbye.
With a map in his hands, James set out to find the Metal Orb. It took about two years but eventually, he learned of the orb's power and the dangers of it if combined with the others. James was searching on the lands of Denmark, where the map had led him. He wrote to his beloved Naida since it has been eight years since he last saw her.
My dearest, you've helped me
with my curse. Now I shall
help you with yours, for you
are my true love. I will help
you find what you're looking
for, but you must tread
carefully- combining the
power of elemental orbs can
trigger catastrophic events.
Farewell, my dearest. We shall
be together again soon.
James
Near a beach, the Prince gave a whistle and a dolphin came to the surface.
"Give this to Princess Naida." he instruct the sea creature as he gave it the letter.
The dolphin made some happy noises before diving back into the water, splashing a little water onto the Frog Prince's face.
'I will see you again, Naida.' he thought as he turned to where the map says.
It took at least three more months for James to finally found the location where the Metal Orb was. Buried deep in the sands, James had to dig it out. He didn't care much since all that's matters to him was Naida. When the sun set in the far horizon, James managed to get the chest out. Opening the box, he found a silver orb that glowed a tinge of a purple color. Taking the Metal Orb into his hands, the Prince notice a note.
"I've don't know what this orb is, but apparently, I heard there was another one..." James read the note. "Rumors spread that the other orb glows a fiery red color and that it can be found in the swamps of France."
Rereading the note again, James thought that the information might be using for one of Naida's sisters. Flipping the paper to the back, he saw a picture of what the swamps looked like. If James didn't have a good eye, he would have missed the red wolves in the background.
Not wanting to waste anymore time, James set off to be reunited with his love once more. It took him another two years to get back all the way to Crete, but eventually, he made it in 1310. Reaching to the underwater passage way that Naida had told him about, he made his way to the Prasino Kingdom.
As he explore the underwater kingdom, he was left stunned and in awe. He never seen the palace before, so it was just absolutely breathtaking. He noticed that to the left, it looked like a shrine dedicated to him and Naida. The Frog Prince then turned his attention to the palace doors as he entered. He wondered around, trying to find his beloved until he heard the sound of talking. Judging from the voices he heard, there were more than one. He followed the voice until he saw her.
"Naida!" he happily exclaimed.
The Princess turned around to see James, her eyes widen in happiness at the sight of her Prince. Her sisters, all four of them, looked at James is confusion until they realized who he was.
"James!" Naida cried in delight as she swam over to hug the Frog Prince. Without warning, she gave James a kiss while her sisters giggled and started teasing her.
"Aw, you two are so sweet." Theresa remarks as she swam next to Naida, making the eldest sister blushed.
She cleared her throat before introducing the Frog Prince to her sisters, "James, this is Theresa."
"Hello, James. I'm grateful that you've saved my sister." Theresa gave a slight curtsy.
"Over there playing the instruments is Calliope, next to her is Althea, and Daphne is over there tending to her plants." Naida finished the introduction.
"It's an honor to meet you all." James politely replied.
"No, the honor's mine." a voice answered, revealing that it belongs to King Alexandros as he enters the room.
"Father." Naida called out.
"Welcome, Prince James. I, too, am grateful for your bravery in saving my daughter."
"I'm just doing what's right, Your Majesty." James answered.
"How very humble of you." Alexandros noted.
"James, if you're here then..." Naida trailed off in excitement.
"Yes, Naida. I finally found it." James showed the Princess the Metal Orb. "With this, your curse can finally come to an end."
The Princess touched the orb and in an instant, she was covered in a blinding light. When the light died down, James stared at his beloved. There she was, standing before him, with human legs.
"Oh, thank you, James!" Naida giggled as she gave him another hug.
"You looked more dazzling than before, Naida." James comments. Turning to the King, James added, "I believe this now belongs to you."
He gave Alexandros the Metal Orb.
"How can I ever repay you?" he asked.
"Well, nothing in the world could make me happier than being with Naida, Your Majesty." James answered.
"I see... Naida, is this what you want?"
"Yes, Father. More than anything." the Princess answered.
"Very well. I give you both my blessings." King Alexandros declared. "May you find peace in your new life with your love, Naida."
"Thank you, Father." Naida ran to hugged the King. "I love you." she gave him a kiss before returning to James' side.
"Farewell, Naida." the King replied.
"Goodbye, dear sister." the other Princesses waved.
The two left the hallways and were about to leave the doors when James stopped.
"I almost forgot." he rushed back inside before coming back a moment later.
"What's going on, James?" Naida asked in curiosity.
"When I found the Metal Orb, I found a clue to another. I think it could be the Fire Orb." James answered, holding her hand in his.
"The Fire Orb... That the one that Theresa was to find." Naida recalled.
"I gave her the clue that will lead her to it." James explained. "Hopefully, your sisters and the King will be free of their curses as well."
"I guess we'll see." Naida giggled as James took her to the beach.
She laughed for she got to do what she couldn't do for a very long time. Feeling the cool water and the warm sand under her feet. They spend the rest of their day at the beach until the sun sets against the orange and yellow sky. The sea was a lovely shade of purple, pink, and blue. It was very soothing, the sea that is. The Frog Prince approached the Princess as she was feeling the cool breeze that brushed against her cheeks.
"Naida." he called out.
"Hm?" the woman turned to faced him.
James sighed, "For all my life, I was cursed into an immortal frog. I had live my life with happiness, despite every moment eventually sink in despair. Naida, you were the only one who understands the burden of my curse since you had experienced it as well."
"James, what are you trying to say?" Naida asked, although she has a feeling that she knows.
"What I'm trying to say is despite your curse has truly ended, mine isn't. Despite what will happen in the future, do you really want to live the rest of your life with me?" James asked.
"James, in all honesty, I choose you to be with. It doesn't matter if my life ends in tragedy because all I ever wanted since the day you saved me... Was to live with you." Naida answered with a smile.
"Then Princess Naida of Prasino," James took a deep breath as he kneel on the sand. Taking her hands in his, he asked her, "Will you marry me?"
The Princess looked stunned as she covered her mouth to hold in her emotions.
Finally, she gave her answer in a soft whisper, "Yes."
"What was that?" James teased.
"Yes, yes, yes!" Naida exclaimed as she hugged her Prince.
James chuckled as he gave his Princess a little twirl in the air, a kiss, and slipping the ring that Alden gave him onto her finger.
'A beautiful ring for a beautiful bride.'
The two were married and lived their lives traveling around the world in bliss. The Princess had collected many unique items that she haven't seen for a very long time. The world has changed a lot over the passed century. The happy couple even visited the Azure Kingdom now ruled by King Alden and Queen Madeleine, who warmly welcomed them. Eventually, they wanted to settle down so James brought his new wife to Germany in the Underground Kingdom.
She was amazed at the well persevered structure and was even more amazed of the crystal blue lake just outside the palace. It was her favorite spot out of the rest of the kingdom. Just seeing her smile made James' heart melt away. Although, there was one problem. Despite she loved the area with the water, she didn't really have a room to stay... That's why she had been sleeping in the cottage. One day, James took Naida to the Underground Kingdom.
"What's going on, James?" she asked.
"You'll see." he kept secret of his intent.
They walked to an underground passage under the center of the large lake when no words can described what was in front of the Princess. It was an aquatic room! With five long rectangular glass to allow a perfect view of all fishes in the water.
"Welcome to your new room." James declared.
"Oh, James!" she gave her husband a big hug. Giving him a kiss, she added a little, "Thank you."
Seeing the Princess content made the Frog Prince really happy. Her happiness was all he cared for. However, like any fairytale, it will have to come to an end. Although they lived Happily Ever After... It was only for a brief moment.
In the year of 1379, after sixty-nines years has gone by... Just like James feared, Naida eventually passed away, leaving him in despair once more.
He had found her lying in her bed motionless early in the morning. Her eyes closed and her body withered. In one of the drawer of her desk was a tiny little message that James recognized it to be Naida's handwriting. Judging by the paper, the Princess must have written it a while back.
To my beloved husband,
I know that by the time you read this James, I'll probably be gone.
Despite you and I both know of the outcome of this, I was still happy.
I was human again and lived the rest of my life happily because of you.
Please, don't blame my death as a result of us being together, because
even in death, I still love you and I'll always. I'll forever treasure these
moments spend here on Earth and I'll be watching you as well as your
other love ones. These precious memories I have in my heart will always
be at sea. After all, they say that water can heal and have calming
affects on anyone. If you ever missed me, looked at the clear water,
for it could be possible that my heart and soul has return to the sea.
-Naida
James reread the letter before feeling a least one or two tears running down his cheeks. After wiping the tears, James left the room to find Geppetto. Luckily, the woodcarver was close by and had constructed a coffin for the late Princess. A beautiful blue color with hints of green, decorated out of shells. After putting Naida inside, he gave her a kiss on her forehead before closing the lid. After that, he had a royal burial at the lake since he knew that most of her life was spent underwater. It was near her room that will perhaps one day...
'No, not yet. It's too early to even think about it.' James shook his head.
He will keep it in mind, but right now, he needed to moved on.
After dismissing Geppetto and the guards, James had returned to the form of a frog. According to Naida's letter, water has the capability to heal someone. Perhaps she meant to heal his broken heart! Naida had hinted him on where to go next... And he knows where. So James decided to venture to a place called Dire Island. Why would he go to that island in particular? There was a special lake there that gives a calm and soothing feeling. Perhaps it will take his mind away from this heartbreak.
"Thank you, Naida. I'll always cherish you in my heart." James told her spiritually before he left the Underground Kingdom once more.
I hope you enjoyed this chapter even though it was sad like the other two tragic ends. Seriously, repeating this four times in writing? I don't think I can think of it anymore. Why do you have to do this to me James?! Anyway, leave a review.