Hello everyone! Let's just continue shall we? Enjoy!
Chapter 16: Love for the Snow Princess and the Frog Prince
At that moment, time seemed to have stopped. Everything seemed unreal... This was not happening! Snow White was...
"NO!" James yelled as he hopped down from the castle wall.
Everyone was in a state of panic, unsure what to do. The situation was getting out of hands! The villagers were running around screaming, some of the children were even crying at the sight that has transpire. It was just hard for James to get to the platform without getting stomped on.
Meanwhile, Ross was fighting his way though the Queen's guards. The dwarfs did the same. Fortunately, Aquila was pecking at the soldier's eyes that they made the wrong move of loosening their grip on the Prince. Taking his chances, Ross easily knocked the two men who were restraining him, pushing them at the end of the stage. They couldn't retain their balance and have fallen to the ground.
The dwarfs reached the stairs to catch up with the Fire Prince, who was holding the fallen Snow Princess. James tried to reach to the group, but could not at the moment. Instead, he settled for a spot where he can at least be seen.
He called out to the Queen angrily, "How could you... How DARE you do this to Snow White!"
"Wha-" the Queen turned around until she saw the Frog Prince below the stage. "A talking frog? What sort of magic is this?"
"Answer me!" he demanded.
"I could care less for her." the Queen answered, crossing her arms.
"She had done nothing to you!" Ross Red yelled.
"She was in my way to perfection. Beauty is all that matters to me." Galiena remarked.
"You know, all this time I thought you were cruel, but what you are is so much worse! You're evil!" James shouted. "You're nothing, but an Evil Queen!"
The newly titled "Evil Queen" paid no attention to the Frog Prince, but at her stepson.
"What?" she asked.
Looking at her with nothing, but hatred, he ordered, "You have what you want, now be true to your promise and save the King, you Witch!"
"Ah, yes..." she mused as she hold the other half. "I would, but you see... I never hold my end of the bargain!"
With that remark, she threw the white half somewhere else. Luckily, it landed not to far where James was.
By now, everyone had already fled the abandoned former kingdom, running to their current one. It was only the royal family, the dwarfs, James, and the Evil Queen.
Ross asked the dwarfs a favor without turning to face them, "Can you seven guard Snow?"
A simple nod was all he needed, although one asked, "What are you going to do?"
Getting up on his feet, the Fire Prince answered, "I'm going to give that witch a piece of my mind."
"And how will you do that? You don't have your sword, remember?" the Evil Queen taunted.
Before the Crown Prince can speak, something caught the corner of his eyes. His teenage lion cub has arrived to the courtyard, running to him... With his sword in his mouth. The vile woman was shocked at the sight as the young man smiled.
He took the sword and petted the cub, "Thanks, Leo."
The cub purred as the Fire Prince turned his attention back at the Evil Queen, a mischievous smile spread on his face. His stepmother's tone starts to falter.
"Y-You think you can defeat me?!"
"I just remembered something. I need to give you some burn marks to go along with that terrible composure of yours."
"How dare-" before the Evil Queen could defend herself, Ross already lunged forward.
She was surprised of the sudden move that when he had his sword against her throat, she accidentally dropped her specter. His expression became serious.
"No more games...Bring him back, bring them both back!" he yelled.
"No! The apple only has enough magic for one. It will become harmless after one bite!" the Evil Queen replied.
"Then free my father from your dark magic, Witch!" the Fire Prince snapped.
"I can't!" she exclaimed.
"Can't or won't?!" Ross questioned.
Despite James attempts to retrieve something of value, his eyes cannot stray away from that charm gleaming in the staff which remains laying on the ground. Then something hit him.
"The specter! Destroy her specter, it's the source of her magic!" the Frog Prince informed the Fire Prince.
Panic spread on the Evil Queen's face. She pushed Ross back as she stumbles in attempt to get to her scepter first. She wasn't worried about her powers, rather, the charm is what she needs to protect. However, she halted when a fire got between her and the magical staff. Ross raced to the scepter first and has it in his hands.
Something was in her eyes that the Crown Prince had notice. As first, it seems that his stepmother was scared, pleading almost. However, that look didn't last long when it was replaced with anger. She charged at him! Determined to get what was hers. Fortunately, two of the King's guards stops her before she could attack the Prince. She screamed and yelled, kicking and struggling to escape from their grasp. Ross was astounded by the scene in front of him. Nevertheless, he finds it quite assuming to see this side of the woman he hates.
However, when the Evil Queen knew that it was useless and stopped struggling, she still left a remark that left the Fire Prince pretty ticked off.
"It still doesn't matter because Snow White is still under her curse. She'll never awaken again! So, you've lost! All of you!" she spat, mostly towards Ross.
"What should we do with her, Prince Ross?" one of the guards asked.
Looking at the woman in disgust, Ross answered, "Send this wench to the dungeons."
"Yes, Your Highness."
But before they could, the Evil Queen gave one last comment.
"Are you sure about this, Ross? You may get your father back, but if you don't act soon, you might lost more than you can manage." now she was getting under the Prince's skin.
"SHUT UP!" the young, eighteen year old man snapped.
His outburst left the woman a bit shock. However, she was more shocked when he destroyed her black specter, breaking it into two with his hands.
She gasped as all she could say was, "WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!"
She screamed as everyone watch her true colors revealed.
With the charm's power slowly weakening along with the specter, the Evil Queen's appearance changed drastically. First, her true appearance was shown. That long hair was once originally dirty blond, not blue. The glamor has hidden some blood that had permanently stained that once perfect hair. Her figure was much different. That perfect face now lost its beautiful color, looking very ashy. It didn't end there. That was just to show what she looked like before she stole the powerful charm. Suddenly, the ugly, uneven blond hair started to fade into grey. Her face, covered with wrinkles. Fingers becoming long and boney. That was the second effect of the destroyed charm. Lastly, James could have sworn he heard bones cracking and making unpleasant sounds. His thoughts were proved corrected when the once beautiful woman fallen to her knees in despair and horror. Age has finally gotten though, catching up to her now that she no longer has the charm's corrupted magic to keep her the way she once was.
She was what she truly is... An old hag, nothing more than that.
'Was the charm the reason why she looked that way?' the Frog Prince questioned in thought as the guards picked Galiena up and took her away from the old kingdom.
"Look!" one of the dwarfs pointed to the charm.
As the ornament started to crack into two, it was shining very brightly. No longer abused under an evil mind, the charm returned to its pure original form before fading away. A golden sunflower. The light that has escaped went to the Mountain King, breaking the spell that was put on him.
"Wha- What has happened to me?" Edric questioned in confusion.
"Father!" the Fire Prince called out in relief.
"Ross? What's going on?"
"The Queen bewitched you, Your Majesty. She tried to make you execute your love ones." James spoke up.
"Are you all okay?" the King asked as he looked at everyone who was involved.
"We're fine, but Snow..." Ross trailed off as he gazed over to his sister in the hands of the dwarfs, still under the sleeping curse.
The King became overwhelmed with immense guilt as he rushed over to his fallen daughter's side. Ross and James joined in.
"Oh, what have I done?!" Edric exclaimed as he hold his daughter's hands.
Her hands were cold, but that wasn't because of her powers. Ross Red place a comforting hand on the King's shoulder.
"Don't blame yourself, Father. It was that witch's false, she's the one who did this to Snow."
"What are we doing to do?" the dwarf in the red cap, Hematite, asked.
"What can we do?" Calcite, the dwarf in the violet cap, corrected. "She's not waking up."
"There is still magic in this half of the apple," James showed the group the white half. "I manage to caught it when the Queen broke her promise."
"You mean... It can saved her?" the King questioned, becoming hopeful.
"Yes, but it can't save both of you." James sadly replied.
"What do you mean?" Edric asked in confusion.
"Father, despite the spell on you is broken, I think what's left of it is still inside you." Ross answered.
"Me?" the majority of the group nodded. "But I- Argh!"
The King felt an unexplainable sensation in his chest. The poison, which was part of the spell, hasn't disappeared. He clenched his heart in pain. Screaming in an agonizing way.
"Father? Father!" Ross yelled.
"Your Majesty?" James and the dwarfs called out in worry.
Panting once the pain on his heart has subsided, Edric replied, "G-Give that half to... Snow."
"No, Father. Snow made her sacrifice for you. She wouldn't want you to suffer from the poison." the Fire Prince insisted, despite he hated the outcome.
"He's right, Your Majesty. Don't let her sacrifice be in vain." James sadly agrees.
"But-" the King stopped, knowing that no matter how much he'd protested, it wouldn't changed anything.
So, he took the white half from James' webbed hands and begrudging took a bite.
Despite the poison was fully gone from the King, the family didn't rejoice. The Queen had taken more than what they could handle. Snow White was moved to her room, but having her around not alive and well really pains the family. So the seven dwarfs built a coffin for the Snow Princess later that day. Unlike any ordinary coffin, this one was made out of glass so everyone could admire the Princess' beauty. The detailed gold frame matched with the dress she wore. Spring flowers, mostly daisies and a couple of roses filled the box. However, even the flowers inside didn't do her justice. Because even in sleep, she was still as lovely as she was when alive.
Her pale skin glowed radiantly, her beautiful lips still retains that red color. Her cheeks were rosy-pink. Even under this curse, she has a lovely smile on her face. In her hands are four pink daisies. She seemed at peace, sleeping very soundly.
The lid was left opened, never was the coffin meant to be closed. She was taken to a place not too far from the palace. A little cave, the one with the entrance concealed behind the vines of a widow tree. It was James' first time seeing this cave and he must say, it was enchanted.
There was an opening at the center where light can shine down. From that opening are the vines of flowers. There were soft green moss on some of the walls and tiny flowers were on the grassy area. Snow White was place at the center of the cave. As everyone said their goodbyes and left, only James remained.
What should he do?
He remembered his brother trying to wake Briar Rose, but he failed because he didn't love her. It wasn't True Love. Other than the dwarfs, James was the only one who spend last time with the Princess. It may just be a few months, but was it enough? Those three years without her was mostly so she was kept hidden from the Queen, but even then, he could never stop thinking of her.
He knows he loves her and she had possibly confirmed her love for him, but... Was it considered True Love? He wanted to try, but was afraid. Not of death, living an immortal life without his wives was utterly worse than death. That is... Until he found Snow White. No, what he was afraid of... Was the future that they might have to share.
The Frog Prince closed his eyes as he recalled all those moments he spent with each of his four wives. Those special times and their last moments together before they all eventually left.
The Guardian of the English Ivy, Princess Ivy Green. Her playfulness as she smiled at him. The two of them looking at each other. The way she always give comfort before kissing him and resting her forehead against his, the two gazing into each others' interlocking eyes.
One time, the two sat near a grassy field, filled with flowers on one summer's night. As they both stared the starry sky, the woman giggled.
"What is it, Ivy?"
"It's just, I could never find someone else to be with other than you." she smiled.
"Oh, and why's that?" he teased.
A giggle. "It's because you're the one I only love."
When the Princess found out about her status as one of Flora's Guardians...
"...Never in my life have I ever regretted meeting you."
Her last moment before she closed her eyes, "You must absolutely come back... Until then, live your life in bliss." and her last words, "...Just as I'm the one who loved only you."
One last kiss...
The Second Cinderella, Princess Agnes Koch. Her gracefulness as she danced with him. The way how she looked at him on three of those special nights, wishing that he can find her. The time when her ring slipped into his soup and that third night when she was summoned to the dining room- to test the ring.
"Let's see if it fits." slipping the gold ring onto her finger.
"It fits." she smiled.
"Now, I'll never let you go again..." he told her.
"Yes, nevermore shall we remain separate." she agreed as they kiss just as midnight strikes.
Her fatherly figure, Mattis, coming home with him to the Underground Kingdom.
That time when they shared that dance back in the library. As they danced, she looked like she wanted to say something, but didn't. Instead, she smiled, "I love you."
They shared a kiss at the end.
Her lying in bed, the Princess' wish was for him to find someone who loved him as much as her and Ivy...
Even though he never gotten the chance to speak to the Mermaid Princess, Naida, before her death, one memory of her was close enough. Even when he explained his curse to her the first time, she was willing to die in the end just to be with him.
"It's all my fault..."
"James, I don't care what happens to me. All I care is you."
"Me?"
"You and I may have felt the same with our curses back then, but you've lost even more than I did. However, if you haven't saved me..." she paused. "Without you...I wouldn't know what I'd do. You helped gave something back to me."
"What?"
"Hope, for the future. And all I want... Is to spend that future with you and you only."
Even in her letter, her words remained true of the love she felt for him.
"No matter where I am, from sea or sky, I'll love you always."
A memory of those words were forgotten from the letter. It has faded by the time he had read the letter the first time...
His unforgettable moments with Odette, the former Swan Princess. All those times spending with her alone, staring at the crystal blue water of Swan Lake together. A few days after James' transformation, Odette confessed her love after her failed attempt to do so the first time.
"What is it?" she ponder what was in his mind.
"I couldn't help, but grown fond of you." he teased.
They laugh until they resumed to stare at the lake. That is... Until she spoke.
"James, remember you told me that you loved me?"
"Yes."
"Well, I have something I want to tell you." looking into his blue eyes, she slowly said, "I... I've fallen in love with you too, James."
From her exile, to her marriage with him. Lastly, his dance with Odette on that moonlit night. Other swans came and danced with them as the music plays. The two embraced after their kiss as that shining light shines only on them. The church bells signal a new dawn approaching.
"I'll be by your side, never forget that." she told him. "I'll be waiting... Always and forever..."
That short time he spent with Snow White. When he first met her after she saved him on that wintery night as he tried to seek a place to ease his sorrow. The two of them becoming friends.
The way she smiled at him even when she knew that she might never wake up. And when she quietly said those three simple words...
I love you
Even though he and Snow had a brief moment, losing her felt the same as losing his other wives...
Remember those times moved the Frog Prince. They were wonderful memories, yet sad at the same time. Opening his eyes to looked at the sleeping maiden, James started to reconsider his thoughts. Maybe he shouldn't.
He didn't want to leave Snow White in that state, but which was worse? Staying in a sleeping curse or being with a cursed Prince? He wasn't sure and he absolutely didn't want to risk her happiness in the future if she was awake. He was about to leave too. It was starting to get dark.
However, when he landed on a soft patch of grass, a different feeling started to overcome him. It was sweet and oddly nostalgic. It felt like it came from behind, but there was nothing there. Suddenly, he couldn't help, but shed tears. But these tears weren't like any of the other times when he cried. No, these one felt the same when he first felt the loss of losing a first love.
A gentle breeze came by, brushing his cheeks. Amidst of it all, he thought he heard a whisper of the one whom he missed the most. The voice softly comforted him.
Don't be afraid, James. If you truly love her just as you did for me, she'll be saved...
Looking down, James saw a tiny patch of English Ivy sprang from the ground, the yellow flowers rang a bell in his mind. He almost forgotten that he has that power. Her powers.
The Frog Prince looked up before making a big jump to the edge of the coffin. He stared at the beauty just a few inches from his face. As if sensing his hesitance, the same voice whispered:
Remember your promise, James. Not just to me and the others, but for Snow White as well...
Comforted by that soothing voice, James crawled a little closer to the Snow Princess until he was to the side of her face. Closing his eyes, he leaned a bit. His lips are getting closer to hers...
During the time when Snow and James reunite when Ross came to warn her of the Queen, the two had a private conversation together in the dwarfs' backyard. They were near the sight of a magnificent waterfall, the cool mist brushed against their skin.
"James, I've been meaning to asked, but how come you can talk?" the young woman questioned.
Staring at the eighteen year old Princess is surprise, the Frog Prince was conflicted on how to answer. Was this asked so she could avoid the conversation he and Ross has spoken of?
"I... Wasn't always a frog." he slowly answered.
"Oh?" her attention was now on him instead of the waterfall.
James can feel his cheeks turning red, if that was possible seeing that he is a frog.
"Snow... Are you familiar with moments that seemed different from what you usually see?"
"Like magic?" she guessed.
"Like curses." he answered.
"Oh, well..." she gave a puzzled looked before shaking her head no.
"Normally, a curse can end by many things. However, they say that love is the key to breaking all curses."
"L-Love?"
"Yes."
"I see..."
"For me..." James became hesitance to saying anything. "I-I need a princess' kiss to break my curse."
There was an awkward moment of silence that made James regretted answering the question for it was the cause of the conversation in the first place. However, he was shocked of Snow White's response after.
"Should I give it a try?"
"What?" James questioned. It wasn't that he didn't pay attention to her response, he was just not expecting that answer at all. If his face wasn't red already, he felt his cheeks burning, "Uh, um... No!"
Snow White blinked, her expression showed confusion, "Why not?"
"Be-Because I-I-I...It wouldn't work!" James was stuttering his words so badly, he had to turn his face away from the Princess. "Besides... I'm not sure if it isn't out of... Love."
Unbeknownst to the Frog Prince, Snow White was slightly disappointed of his refusal. It would have been a perfect chance to tell him how she truly felt for him. However, she still gave him a kiss. On the cheek that is. The sudden move had made James a little jumpy, maybe a little giddy deep down too.
"Well, if I'm under a curse, would you kiss me, James?" Snow asked playfully.
Turning his face back to her, the Frog Prince struggled for an answer. His love for this innocent Princess only grew more and more.
"I..."
He never verbally say, but in his mind, James said yes. Something else that James didn't know was that deep down, Snow White had thought:
'No matter what the circumstance was, I would have kissed you, James. Even if I was under a curse like you. Because... The truth is... I do love you...'
Back then, his answer was that he didn't know. But now, the answer was clear.
"I love you, Snow."
James kissed gently onto her soft lips. He had expected to break her curse. And he did. Snow White had glowed a bright aura like the moonlight. When it died down, she slowly opened her icy-blue eyes.
However, the first thing she saw wasn't the frog whom she befriended over these passed three years. He was looking down at her, smiling. A feeling of relief washed over him. The first word that escaped her lips was his name.
"James?" she whispered in confusion.
"Snow!" he happily called her name as he helped her sat up. His hand holding hers.
"You're..." the Princess looked at him, glancing down and back up to his handsome face. "You're..."
"Hm?" when James looked down, he was a bit startled by his own transformation. He didn't even realized that he had turned back into a human Prince! Looking back at Snow White, he attempted to answer, but instead, he nervously said, "Oh, uh... I can-"
However, Snow place a finger to his lips, silencing him.
She giggled, "It's okay, James. You don't have to."
"Oh." James could only say, feeling a bit embarrass with his stammering around the Princess.
"Would it be okay if I say something that you have to know?" Snow White asked.
"What do I need to know?"
A warm smile spread on her face, "I love you too, James."
He smiled as they both shared a kiss under that pale moonlight.
Back at the Mountain Kingdom, King Edric and Prince Ross Red were discussing over a topic that has deeply bothered them. Just after they've left Snow White, the King was informed by one the guards that the Queen had escaped! They don't know how, but the cell was empty by the time they've return. How was it possible? She lost all her magic and was defenseless! How was she able to escape when the cell door was shut and lock? Edric was concern for the kingdom's safety. His son, on the other hand, was disappointed. He really had wanted to give her the right punishment. His idea involves making her dance for the family in hot metal shoes...
Suddenly, the doors opened. The King and Crown Prince turned to have their eyes widen. Standing at the doorway was Snow White! Behind her was a young man, no older than twenty, smiling before stepping aside to allow the family to rejoice.
"Snow!" the King was the first to embraced her.
"Father..." Snow called out nostalgically, giving him a hug. She then gave Ross a hug next before breaking up.
"But... How?" Ross asked, amazed to see his sister well.
"It's all thanks to James." the Snow Princess answered.
The King motioned the Frog Prince to come closer.
"How could I'd ever thank you, James?" he asked.
"There's no need to thank me, Your Majesty. Your words are enough. I'm just honored to have helped your family from falling into tragedy like mine."
"I'd like to speak to you later in the Throne Room. Till then, please, you have my thanks to stay to your heart's content."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
After the King and Ross left to resume on their discussion, Snow slowly walked forward to her savior.
"I think Father has grown very fond of you, James." Snow teased.
"I'm sorry?"
"It's rare for anyone to have an audience with the King." she explained.
"Oh, then I must be thankful."
A small laugh escaped from the Princess.
"What's so funny?"
Snow White hugged him, "Not as grateful as I am."
With that, she gave him another kiss.
A week has passed since the Evil Queen has escaped. No one in the kingdom could find her. Eventually, the Mountain King and the Fire Prince gave up on their search, only they can assumed that she has fled from the land. The Mountain Kingdom was safe. As for the two blossoming lovers...
Snow White was in her garden, staring at the spot where her apple tree used to grow. James had told her what had happened to it. It had died, but since it was magic, the tree completely whither. It was sad. That tree was a reminder of her best friend. Her first childhood friend. However, in its place, there was a tiny sapling growing.
"Snow?"
The Princess turned around to see James.
"Yes?"
"Come with me." he offered, giving her a hand.
"Where?"
"You'll see."
She took his hand and immediately, he ran, taking her with him. Waiting at the palace gates was a horse. He helped the Princess got on before him. Riding the horse, the two of them escaped into the forest. It almost took the entire day, but Snow didn't mind. She had no idea what James was thinking, but being with him alone put her at ease. Away from home for a little while, just the two of them. Just what was he thinking?
By the time, they got to the forest, James was the first to dismounted, helping the Princess after. Close to being night, the moonlight has brighten the trees around them. The chirping of crickets can be heard as well as a small stream of water flowing down. It was very peaceful here. And the Snow Princess enjoyed it. Taking in the fresh air and the beauty of it all. Twirling around once, she gave a laugh. After all, she didn't get the chance to enjoy the scenery when she first came running into the forest.
"Over here." James pointed to a little grove up ahead.
He took her hand and they slowly walk to the grove. Pushing the branches away, Snow White gasped at the magnificent sight. In front of her was a fairly large field. A tree on the left and a tiny waterfall to the right. Little fireflies swirl around them as the two entered.
"James..." Snow called out to the Frog Prince in curiosity while still looking at her surrounding.
The man gestures her to a tree stump, which she sat down. James knelt in front of her.
"Snow..." he started out slowly. "After years of a repeated cycle of loss and tragedy, I was sure that I can never love again without losing more than I can handle. Each of my life with a different love, though everything seemed perfect in the beginning, it always ends with me losing them. But... I've found out that I could never go without love because... In the end, I've fallen in love again... With you."
The Princess smiled, touched by that word, love. Her overflowing emotion of happiness took physical form. A ring of Frost Edelweiss blossomed around them.
"James, I... I don't know what to say."
"You don't have to say anything. Although my time with you was brief, I've learned that beauty is more than just on the outside. True beauty comes from within, something I saw in you when we first met. I wanted so much to be with you, that I feared of the future if we remained together. However, just like with beauty, even hope can be seen amongst the darkness. There might be a chance of us being together... If that's what you want."
"James..." she whispered. "I-I really want to be with you."
"As you wish." James replied. He then started to teased the Princess. "Although, if there was a crime you did commit, it was one thing."
"What?" Snow asked, feeling a bit nervous, but having the feeling that she knows.
"You've stole my heart that I just cannot wait any longer." James smiled. Holding her hands in his, he took a breath before saying those familiar words. "Snow White, to the one I love, not just on how you look, but for who you are, I asked you... Will you marry me?"
There was a moment of quietness except for the running stream and the crickets' chirping until she gave her replied happily and excitedly.
"Yes!"
I know the parables said that it was after James saved Snow that he revealed who he was which lead to his transformation to a Prince. However, I did wanted him to hinted his identity as well as hinted Snow White's feelings during the last two chapter when Ross and James visited her in the dwarfs' cottage. Plus, whoever said that you can't break two curses in one kiss when the two really do love each other?
I was also inspired by the 2001 Snow White film. Also, reference to Princess Bride.
Lastly, I know that this is off topic, but... OMG, OMG, OMG, I cannot wait for Beauty and the Beast 2017! *fangirling*