The Kingdom of Amphibia, much like the Boiling Isles, had a unique shape, looking strikingly similar to a lily pad. This land was inhabited by the Amphibians, which was divided into three varied species of frogs, newts, and toads. Many, many years ago, there was a caste system that had the newts at the top and controlling the wealth and knowledge of the country, with the toads acting as the enforcers of their will and oppressing the frogs, which gave the toads a vague sense of power, but in reality they were just as subservient to the newts as the frogs were. Speaking of the frogs, they were the lowest tier of this society, given and making only enough to allow them to live a somewhat comfortable life while being the main workforce to cultivate the land, raise livestock, and grow and harvest crops.

At the top of the newt hierarchy, stood the Leviathan family, who established themselves as the ruling authority. But one day, it was discovered that this family committed the ultimate sin against the world, they stole tech from Scientia in order to bolster and advance their own society, and in the process, worked to create their ultimate "masterpiece" the false Shugod, God Core.

It took the other nations, and the first human ruler anointed by God Kaeru, to form Legend King-Ohger and finally defeat their blasphemous creation. From then on, the Leviathan family was cast out of Amphibia, and the new ruling family, a human family by the name of Boonchuy. Since then, the Boonchuy family has done away with the caste system that divided all the races.

Of course, that was a thousand years ago, and now we have come to the current era, with the Boonchuy family still in charge and keeping the peace and harmony of Amphibia. The capital of Amphibia, Neutopia, originally Newtopia, but given it was a new era, they decided to change it to reflect their change.

Neutopia, which was once a walled off city, was now a more open sprawling metropolis. Despite the increase in technology, Amphibians and humans alike made absolutely sure that none of it would affect the environment. The majority of bug themed Shugods were here in Amphibia, with some acting as transport, or as farming hands to help till the land. Neutopia used to be home to only the more well-off newts, but now everyone can live in the city. The Neutopia University school brought in both toads and frogs, allowing for the increase of knowledge amongst the other races, and bringing to light some young, smart Amphibians that no one would've thought were among toads or frogs.

The castle, which was once home to the Leviathan family, had its death cannon removed from the top, and replaced by a statue of God Kaeru and the first Woman King of Amphibia, Kamon Boonchuy. Along with the removal of the cannon, the horrible creations and experiments were also dealt with. This was done in order to make it a more fitting home for a new age and a new ruler. And it was in one of the many rooms of the palace that the future ruler of Amphibia slept.

Her room was a little messy for a royal, with posters of a famous pop idol from Scientia, some rackets for a game called "tennis", and some video game consoles connected to a physical monitor on her front wall across from a couch. The princess of Amphibia, Anne Boonchuy, was a fourteen-year-old girl, with a mess of curly afro hair, and dark skin. Currently, the princess was asleep, snoring a little as she laid sprawled out on her large bed. Anne never really cared for the more luxurious nightwear that some would think royalty would put on. She as most comfortable in a t-shirt and a pair of boxers.

As she continued to sleep, a knock came at the door, two knocks, and then the door opened. The one who entered the room was a newt woman. She had aquamarine colored skin, with a lighter shade of it running along her lower jaw and down her middle. Her long hair was a dark navy color, with some of it tied up into a bun. She wore a purple and yellow taffeta dress with scale-like designs stitched into a pattern. Along with this were a pair of white gloves and a golden brooch with a purple semi-transparent shawl. Her name was Olivia, and she was the royal attendant to her parents. Although right now she was tasked with getting the daughter of the royals out of bed to begin her day.

"Rise and shine, Princess Anne," Olivia greeted.

"Eh…five more minutes…" Anne groaned.

"Five more minutes was five minutes ago, I'm afraid."

Olivia walked up to the bed grabbed the blanket that Anne was lying atop of, and with a swift pull, managed to roll Anne out of the bed. The young teen yelped when she suddenly hit the floor on the left side of her bed, causing her to panic as she shot right to her feet.

"Who! What?! Oh…" Anne finally realized that it was Lady Olivia who had given her the rude awakening. "You know, Lady Olivia, most people wouldn't be so rough with a princess."

"Well then, it is a good thing I am not most people. Now, please get washed up and dressed, you have a full day ahead of you," said Olivia.

"Ugh…I can't catch a break," Anne complained.

"I know it's a lot, Princess, but your parents are just preparing you for the day when you ascend to the throne. Now, come along, I'll get your bath started."

Anne sighed, it was going to be, yet another fun filled day of lessons, training, and more lessons.

After taking a bath and getting dressed, Anne was quickly led to the dining hall by Olivia where her parents were waiting. Bee Boonchuy was the King of Amphibia, he had short brown hair, and on the tall side. He wore a golden crown that had a frog's foot in the center, and at the top of the three toes were three different colored stones. The right toe was a magenta stone, the left was emerald, and the center was a bright sapphire color. These stones represented the three values of Amphibia, strength, heart, and knowledge. His shirt was yellow, made of the finest silk, with a white sash around his waist, gray pants, and a pair of black shoes. Currently, he was playing on his shell-phone. Most of Amphibia's phones were in the shape of shells, which when flipped open created a holographic display for them to make calls, send messages, or play games in the case of her father.

Sitting next to him, and with the Ohger Calibur propped against her chair, was the Woman King Oum Boonchuy. It was clear that she took after her mother a little more than her father. Both Anne and her mother had large curly afro hair, and one could even mistake King Oum for Anne's older sister if they didn't know any better. Oum had a purple silk, long sleeved blouse with golden patterns on it. Around her waist was a similar white sash like her husband, but below that was a white skirt with gold leaf patterns on it. Around her forehead was the same crown that King Bee had.

Contrast to Anne who had a blue wrap around her torso, a green sash with gold intricate patterns sewn onto it that was attached at a pauldron on her left shoulder, and ran across her chest and stomach, and attached to the same pauldron on the other side. On her feet were a pair of brown sandals, and above that were a pair of blue colored shorts. Anne had a tiara, but unlike her parents' crowns, it did not possess the three gemstones.

"Whew, made it," said Anne.

"Mmm-hmm," Oum mumbled. "Thank you, Lady Olivia, please, sit with us and have some breakfast."

"Thank you, your highness," Lady Olivia gave a grateful bow and took a seat on the other side of the table.

Anne could tell that her mother was not in a good mood and decided to take her seat next to her as the butlers brought in their breakfast. Amphibia's dishes consisted of a variety of vegetables, fruits, and as far as meat was concerned, it came from the numerous large insects that roamed their country. Some were raised as livestock, others were allowed to roam free and hunted on occasion, and of course, aside from the bug type Shugods, they were also used to help farmers and were modes of transportation, especially in the more rural areas where the tech didn't reach quite as far.

"So, uh, what's on the ol' agenda for today, Mom?" Anne asked as she cut into her grasshopper leg.

"You'll be studying world history with Bartley, Branson, and Blair," Oum informed.

"Oh, not Triple B, I'll be there forever," Anne complained.

"Then you'll have your fencing lesson with…ugh…Mr. Espada."

"That's cool."

"And after you'll be in economics lessons, followed by–"

"Okay, I get it, almost all boring stuff," Anne complained.

"Anne, sorry, but we're just trying to get you ready for when you eventually start to rule the kingdom," said Bee, apologetically.

Anne stopped her eating and sighed as she replied, "I get it, but it's not like the two of you are going to up and abdicate the throne or something…Unless you guys are planning on retiring like super soon or something?"

The young teen internally panicked at the thought of her parents passing the mantle to her at this stage in her life.

"No, Anne, we're not. There's still much to do before that time comes. You need to prepare yourself to wield the Ohger Calibur, learn our economy in depth, as well as the political and societal differences between our nation and the others, and how we manage to maintain good relations with them."

Anne rolled her eyes at that.

"Mom, there hasn't been anything major happening in Gaea in, like, forever. We get along great with Tír na nÓg 'cause of Aunt Sharon and Cousin Molly. Scientia has no beef with us, and the Boiling Isles…I mean, I don't like how they treat humans there, but it's not like we hate them or anything," said Anne. "For the most part, Gaea's been peaceful."

"Ahem." Lady Olivia cleared her throat, gaining Anne's attention. "Princess, it is wonderful that we are in an era of peace, but that does not mean that we mustn't stay vigilant. Oh, pardon me. I didn't mean to inject my opinion like that."

Bee shook his head and replied, "No, everyone's welcome to speak at the table. And Lady Olivia's right, Anne. Just because everything is peaceful now, doesn't mean it'll stay that way forever. We're doing our best to make sure your time on the throne will be just as peaceful as it is now."

"What, you think the Khaotic are going to show up again? Are you talking about those stories and legends about them one day returning?" Anne asked.

"It's possible," said Oum as she ate her spider eggs and grubhog bacon. "But hopefully you don't have to deal that."

"Alright, but can I at least have a little me time in between?" Anne asked. "I barely get a break, and when night comes, I'm too dead tired to even do anything aside from binge watching Suspicion Island."

Bee rubbed the back of his head as he said, "Maybe we could loosen up on the lessons?"

Oum glanced between her daughter and husband, she had been a little strict with her daughter lately, perhaps loosening up on the lessons might make her less reluctant. But, then again, her daughter was notorious for not applying herself, and Oum feared if she didn't keep the pressure up, Anne might slip up.

"We'll talk about it, but for now, you need to go to your lessons after breakfast," said Oum.

Anne released a sigh and went back to finishing her food.

Once they were done with their breakfast, Lady Olivia gave a respectful bow to the two rulers and escorted Princess Anne to her lessons.

"Jeez, can my Mom just let up once?" Anne asked aloud.

"She's only doing what she thinks will help prepare you for kinghood, Princess," said Olivia. "I understand it feels like a lot, but you know she cares for you."

Anne put her hands in her pockets as she sighed again.

"I know…I know."

I wonder how much she'd love me if she knew what I really think about this.

"So, uh, how's Marcy doing with her training?" Anne inquired, her tone a little chipper.

Olivia noticed the tonal shift in Anne's voice, smiled a little, and replied, "She's doing very well. She's quite a smart young lady. I have been wondering if Master Marcy would do better if she got her schooling from Scientia instead."

Anne faltered in her next step.

"Uh, Scientia…? I mean, I could totally see her fitting in amongst those brainiacs, but…She might get a little lonely, you know?"

"Hmm, that is true. Master Marcy is quite fond of you and Master Sasha," said Olivia.

For some reason, Anne felt her face getting warm.

"Oh, well, that's expected I guess. We're best friends, all three of us. Best friends forever. BFFs."

"Mmm-hmm."

Anne rubbed the back of her head as she asked, "Has she, uh, said anything about me? Totally cool if she hasn't, just asking since we haven't seen each other in person for a minute."

"Hmm, well, I would say the sentiment is shared. Ever since your travel to Frog Valley last year, and the added lessons from the Woman King, your personal time with your friends has lessened. So, I would say she has expressed some melancholy, and lament that you haven't had one of your…ugh…sleepovers in a long time."

Anne grinned as she remarked, "You loved those sleepovers, didn't you?"

The moment Anne mentioned the word "sleepovers," Olivia's mind started to have flashbacks to three unruly little girls who ran about the palace, and caused Olivia no end of headaches as they drew on the walls, shot silly-string bugs in her face, and over numerous pieces of furniture and art. She couldn't count the number of times she had to run around to try and wrangle them in, especially with Sasha and Anne who were constantly doing dangerous stunts, mostly instigated by Sasha Waybright.

"Liv? You okay, dude?"

Olivia's left eye twitched as she struggled to maintain her composure.

"Y-Yes, Princess, I'm quite alright."

"You sure? 'Cause it looks like you're about to pop a vein."

"I'm fine," she insisted, a slight edge to her voice.

Anne took a step back, deciding it was best to not press Olivia on what she was thinking. The last time that happened, the newt woman put the frog kata smack down on her, Marcy, and Sasha.

As they continued to walk, Anne stopped by one of the open windows of the castle and gazed out onto the horizon. Her thoughts drifting to particular place beyond it.

Last year, around her thirteenth birthday, she was coming to terms with a few things about herself, and what she wanted in life. It was then that God Kaeru appeared before her, and then whisked her out of Neutopia and straight to a random place in Amphibia called Frog Valley. She kind of wanted to go back there, if for nothing else than to enjoy the simple life for a little longer.

"Ah, we're here."

Anne groaned as she saw Olivia open the door to the room, where Bartley, Branson, and Blair, three newts dressed in robes and had identical pairs of glasses, were waiting for her.

"Welcome, Princess Anne," said Bartely.

"We're all ready for your world history lesson," said Branson excitedly.

"We even have diagrams~!" Blair exclaimed.

"NOOOOOOOO!"

Olivia shut the door behind her and chuckled a little.

Sparks flew in the air as the ringing of clashing metal echoed within the room. It was a one of many training rooms set up inside of the palace, it had training dummies, all manner of weapons, both long range and close combat types. And a wide matted area to train for armed and unarmed combat. Currently, two people were using the room. The first was Anne, her hair was tied back into a ponytail, with her wrists, forearms, and hands wrapped in white bandages. Her lower legs and feet were also wrapped in white bandages. Instead of her normal outfit, she wore a onesie suit that was sleeveless and stopped around her thighs.

Her opponent was a newt, he wore a brown jacket over an off-white shirt, grass green pants, and a pair of black boots. His skin was green in color, with spots on his tail that were a lighter shade. This newt also possessed a mustache, a goatee (fake), and neck length dark hair. Anne knew this newt as Tritonio Espada, someone she had a met during her three-month stay in Frog Valley a year ago, and who had now become her instructor in swordsmanship. Tritonio used a generic looking broadsword, while Anne wielded a sword he had given her during their first lesson long ago, which was gold with a leaf pattern at both ends of the guard. The pommel had a similar leaf pattern, with the hilt wrapped in tightly bound brown leather to contrast against the gold-colored metal of the hilt and guard.

Tritonio thrusted his sword forward, but Anne parried the blade and went in for a slash. However, Tritonio ducked under the attack, and countered with his own slash. Anne hurriedly blocked the attack, letting Tritonio's blade strike against the flat of her sword as the two held that position.

"You have definitely improved, Anne," Tritonio remarked.

"I know I've said this before, but I do have natural athletic ability," said Anne, smirking.

"True, but natural talent can only take one so far, without ingenuity and creativity, you are only half as strong. Observe!"

"What?"

Tritonio raised his foot and brought it down to stamp on Anne's foot. She quickly backpedaled away before Tritonio could step on her exposed foot, but that was what cost her as he quickly advanced on the human girl. Anne went back on the offensive as she readied to slash again, but before she could complete her swing, Tritonio spun on his heel. He extended his tail out and struck Anne's legs, knocking them out from under her. The young teen was airborne for a few seconds before she came down hard, back first, onto the mat. The impact made her release her sword, allowing Tritonio to flip into the air, land behind her, and point his sword at Anne's head.

"Do you yield, Princess?"

"Ugh, yes, I yield," Anne acknowledged.

"Ha-ha! Another win for Big T."

Tritonio sheathed his sword, allowing Anne to set up as she sighed.

"Let us take a break before we begin another session," said Tritonio as he walked to the nearby bench and grabbed a pair of water bottles.

Anne gratefully took the water bottle and wiped her brow. Out of all the lessons she had to do, the more physically based ones were at least fun, especially the sword fighting lessons.

"Okay, level with me, Anne. Why did you want me of all people as your instructor?" Tritonio asked.

"What do you mean? The conditions of your sentence were to spend no less than two years as my sword instructor, and under the constant supervision of the Night Guard to make sure you serve it," said Anne. "Basically, it's community service, dude. Or would you rather be in a jail cell right now?"

"Heh, no, I wouldn't. But you do recall how I used you and those two young frogs to rob a train, yes?"

Oh, yes, how could Anne forget that.

During her stay in Wartwood, Anne, along with two frog children, Sprig and Polly, were left with Tritonio, who acted as a daycare worker. But she and her froggy companions were told, after being left there, that the daycare was in fact a combat training camp that was meant to train young children and prepare them for the dangers of the world. Anne didn't already like Tritonio, having a tenuous relationship when it came to teachers with all the lessons she had been getting. But then she began to connect with Tritonio, seeing how he pushed her and corrected her more than Sprig and Polly, this was his way of showing that he saw potential in Anne.

Then as it turned out, all the training was done so that he could use them to rob a train of a valuable jewel. Anne, Sprig, and Polly managed to get the best of Tritonio, with the human girl besting her former instructor in single combat. Despite his deeds, Anne did find she liked his instruction better than some of the other sword masters that came to train her. Which was why she advocated for him to have his sentence be community service instead of a lengthy jail sentence.

"Look, you…you believed in me. Even though you're a low-down, thieving scallywag, you saw potential in me, and…I don't know, it felt like all those other sword masters were trying not to offend me or my Mom and Dad because they thought I wasn't good or something," Anne confessed.

Tritonio smiled.

"We are in peaceful times, Anne, and things may've improved since the long-ago days of the Leviathans. But some things don't change, in my case, orphans," Tritonio explained.

"I do wonder, did you recognize me back then? I mean, did you know that I was the princess? 'Cause, you could've made a heck of a lot of money if you tried to ransom me back to my parents," Anne pointed out.

Tritonio looked a little offended and remarked, "Anne, you wound me. I am a thief, and while I did use orphans for committing my crimes, I never held them against their will. Nor do I kidnap or ransom. And yes, I did know. But if I had to use your identity for a get-out-of-jail-free card, then I was willing to. Surely someone was probably wondering where you were, and when I escaped, I could sell that information."

"Heh, of course."

"Anne, what's up!"

Anne heard the familiar voice and turned around with a smile.

"Sash is that–!" Anne's response was cut short when she saw her friend. "Oh, sweet Shugods…"

Sasha Waybright, the girl was the heir to a baron of Amphibia. She was the same age as Anne, was lighter skinned, and had blonde hair that was tied into a ponytail as well. Her eyes were a sapphire blue color, and she had a beauty mark under the corner of her left eye. Sasha was currently wearing a read sports bra and shorts combo, exposing her midriff, and displaying her developing six pack abs. The blonde's arms also had some lean muscle showing to match her legs, and strapped to a belt around her waist was a pair of heron themed swords that were housed in their sheaths. Some sweat beaded off her body, which told Anne that Sasha had just gotten through with a workout of some kind, and it only served to make her skin glisten under the lights.

Sasha was…hot, objectively speaking, of course. Anne, as a friend, thought her friend looked hot. Nothing weird about that, not all. It wasn't weird to ogle your friend's figure. It wasn't weird to find yourself staring at your friend's well sculped abs. It wasn't weird at all to be thinking these things, nope, not in the least.

Oh, who am I kidding?! Okay, Anne, just don't say anything stupid! Don't say something stupid! Don't say something stupid! Don't say something stupid!

"Yo, Sasha, lookin' hot," said Anne in a suave manner.

WHAT DID I JUST SAY?!

Thankfully, Sasha didn't seem to catch onto the real meaning behind those words as she chuckled.

"Thanks for the compliment Boonchuy, but I know I am," said Sasha with a flip of her hair. "So, you just get done with your sword training?"

"I – uh – we were just taking a break," Anne remarked. "What about you? I thought you would be in school right now?"

"Yeah, but I figured I'd skip today and just get some training in. I'm already ahead in most of my classes, a day or two out won't hurt me. Plus, I get to spend some time with Grimesy!"

"Ugh, please do not call me that."

Next to Sasha was Captain Grime, a toad warrior, and leader of an elite group of toads called the Rough Rangers. Grime was a muscular toad, with green colored skin, and sharp claws at the ends of each of his four fingers. His right eye glowed a yellow-green color, while his left eye was milky blue, and had a scar coming down over it. The toad warrior wore red armor, with his right shoulder pauldron bearing the crest of Amphibia, and upon his left pauldron was a cape that bore the symbol of the Rough Rangers. Which was a circle with one line coming out of each side, and a small dot in the middle.

"Ah, c'mon, you know you like it," Sasha teased.

Grime mumbled something incoherent under his breath before crossing his arms.

Tritonio glanced at Anne and raised a knowing eyebrow as he saw the slight blush on her face.

"Why don't you two have a chat," said Tritonio as he walked away.

With Tritonio walking away from Anne, Sasha shrugged and undid her belt that was holding her swords as she walked over to Anne and plopped down next to her. The newt stood next to the toad, both giving each other a sideways glance.

"Captain."

"Thief."

"Master thief, thank you," he corrected.

"A thief nonetheless."

"Hey, you two, don't start anything," Anne warned.

"Of course not, in fact, Captain, let us have a little chat about the difference," Tritonio insisted.

"Huh, gladly," Grime replied.

With that, the two left the training room, leaving Anne and Sasha alone.

"They're gonna start arguing, aren't they?" Anne asked.

"Probably," said Sasha with a shrug. "So, another riveting day of royal lessons?"

Anne rolled her eyes as she hugged her legs to her chest.

"My Mom's just keeps piling them on."

Sasha gave her best friend a sympathetic look as she remarked, "Hey, I know it's a lot, but I'm sure she's just trying to make sure you're ready to lead."

Anne glanced at Sasha. Her friend, from what she heard, is the most popular girl in school, and she's only a freshman in high school. She's strong, physically, and mentally. Charismatic, an exceptionally good swordswoman, and became captain of the cheer squad at her school for kicks. She was even the apprentice to Captain Grime, one of the most feared and respected of the toad warriors in the Royal Army. Grime even let's Sasha get away with calling him "Grimesy", the last person who called him that by accident got thrown out a window. The soldier survived, by the way.

"Honestly, Sash, I think you'd be a better princess than me. Heck, you'd be a better Woman King," Anne remarked.

Sasha blinked when she heard that.

"Whoa, Anne, uh, I'm not looking to take your throne or anything. A-Although…" Sasha began scratching at the back of her head. "I-I mean, unless you wanted to make me king another way…"

Anne immediately caught onto what her words could be construed as and quickly backpedaled.

"Nonononononnonono! I mean, like, officially! Like, if I wasn't related to my Mom and Dad, and you were! That's what I mean," said Anne in a frantic manner.

"Oh, okay, that's what you meant. Sorry." Sasha bumped Anne's shoulder. "Choose your words carefully, princess, someone could get the wrong idea."

"Eh…heh-heh, sorry." Yeah…the wrong idea. "But I mean it, you'd make a way better ruler than me."

Sasha could hear it in Anne's voice, there was something weighing down on her friend's head.

"Anne, you know you can tell me or Marcy anything, right? We're BFFs, we have each other's backs," said Sasha.

Anne glanced back at Sasha. She could see the concern in her friend's eyes, and she knew that she could tell either of her friends anything. Neither of them had been shy about sharing some secrets that they hadn't told their other friend groups, or even their parents. But Anne felt like this was just one of those secrets that would just make her look weak, make her look pathetic. And the last thing she wanted was for Sasha to see her that way.

"I know, I'm just feeling stressed out, I'm sorry for being weird."

"Alright, but maybe talk to the Kings about this? If you're really getting stressed out, then maybe they should loosen up a bit. Oh, I know! Maybe I can ask if the three of us can take a vacay this weekend to Honey Swamp Springs? We'll get the full luxury spa treatment, stay at the hotel, and just forget about everything for forty-eight hours. I'll pay, my treat," said Sasha.

Anne thought about that for a moment and smiled.

"Sounds like fun, but you don't have to. Just name drop me, and they'll make everything free."

"Uh, no deal. I said I'll pay for it, and I mean it," said Sasha.

"Dude, I'm the Princess of Amphibia. They'll wait on us hand, foot, and tail if you just do that."

Sasha got closer to Anne so she could look the princess in the eyes.

"I didn't become your friend so I could mooch off your royal status. And this is my treat, so I'm going to treat my friends to a fun filled weekend of relaxation, on my coin. Got it, Princess?" Sasha insisted. "End. Of. Discussion."

Anne sighed; she knew there was no way to change Sasha's mind when she got like this. Plus, it was just easier to go with her flow.

"Alright, alright. Your treat."

It had been another long and grueling day for Anne, and she was tired. Dinner was nice, but then again it always was when her mother cooked. Despite having an abundance of royal chiefs, King Oum insisted on cooking dinner for her family personally. And may God Kaeru help you if you got in her way or told her otherwise.

The subject of loosening up on the amount of her royal lessons was brought up again at dinner, but unfortunately her mother did not budge. It didn't help that Anne's performance in those lessons had been…somewhat lacking to put it mildly. Aside from her physical lessons, her academic ones weren't going as well. At first, Anne did try and make an honest effort, but it just started to get to be too much.

Which was why she was just lying on her bed, staring up at the ceiling as her eyelids began to droop. That is until her phone started to ring. Anne reached into the pocket of her shorts and found her phone. She flipped it open, and the holographic display showed the name of the caller. She thought it would've been Sasha or Marcy, but to her surprise the caller ID read "Molly".

"Huh?" Anne pressed the "answer" button and in just a couple of seconds, the holographic screen showed Molly. "What's up, Cuz?"

{Hey, Anne! Did I catch you at a bad time?}

"Nah, dude, just lying here on my bed. Did you need something?" Anne asked.

{No, just thought I check in with my favorite cousin! Plus, and I mean this with all due concern, you don't look so good.}

The corner of Anne's mouth curled into a little smile. Her cousin, Molly McGee of House McGee, was the Princess of Tír na nÓg. Their relative, Sharon Boonchuy, was engaged to marry Peter McGee, the King of Tír na nÓg. It was a political marriage, but at the same time, it was a marriage that they both wanted, since the two were in love with each other. Which was how Molly came to be, the first princess of mixed race for their country, and she was quite the popular girl there. This helped create a strong alliance between Amphibia and Tír na nÓg and gave Anne another close confidant.

Just like Molly to know when I'm feeling down, thought Anne.

"I'm just tired is all, nothing major. Mom's just piling on the royal lessons. I'm sure you know what I mean," said Anne.

{Yeah, Dad is giving me some extra royal lessons here and there, but it's great!} Molly exclaimed. {I can't wait to be Queen so I can enhappify all of Tír na nÓg, and the world!}

Anne rolled her eyes at her cousin's made-up word. But it was not unexpected that Molly wouldn't share the same sentiments when it came to the heavy royal lessons, her cousin was the complete opposite of her.

"Molly, can I tell you something? And I'd appreciate it if you kept it a secret from Uncle Peter and Aunt Sharon, and my parents too."

Molly gasped as her eyes went wide with…was that glee?

{Anne Savisa Boonchuy, I'm so happy you're finally admitting it!}

Anne blinked in surprise.

"Wait, you know what I'm going to tell you? Oh, shoot, was I that obvious?" Anne asked, concerned.

Molly put on a serious, but still happy expression, as she replied, {Anne, you have no reason to be worried.}

"Why? I think it's something they'd worry about."

{Really? I never got that vibe from Uncle Bee and Aunt Oum, or my parents for that matter. So, I don't think they'd have any issues with you making Sasha and Marcy your official consorts.}

"…One second please."

Anne swiped and pushed the screen showing Molly off to the side as she pressed a button and placed a call.

"Yes, could I have a glass of water brought up to my room. Please and thank you."

About one minute after placing the order, Anne got up from her bed, walked to her door and opened it. There was a newt maid who had pink skin and brown hair, and she was carrying a tray with a glass of water.

"Thanks, Bella," said Anne.

"No problem, Princess," said Bella as she left.

Once Anne got the glass of water, she took a swig.

{Uh, Anne, what are you doing?}

Anne raised a finger as if to say, "Just a moment." And after that moment was over…

"PPPFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!"

Molly had a deadpan expression on her face. Her cousin really requested a glass of water just so she could do a spit take.

"EXCUSE ME?! Make Sasha and Marcy my consorts?!" Anne exclaimed after finishing her spit take.

{Uh, yeah, it's pretty obvi you got a crush on those girls.}

"Okay, we're just BFFs, we're not like that! We haven't done anything romantic!" Anne argued.

{Well, you did tell me that Sasha was bi, and Marcy was pan. And you came out of the closet to me as being bi, so, why not? You guys are perfect for each other. And I think you all embody the three aspects of Amphibia.}

"Ugh, yes, I know. 'For might alone does not make right, knowledge without the strength to stand by it is nothing, but without heart, then all will fall.' But you think I like them like that?"

Once again, Molly deadpanned.

{I have an eye for this sort of thing, Cuz. So, I won't speak for everyone, but I know I can tell that you're crushing on your BFFs.}

Anne began pacing the floor as she said, "I…I mean, it's not like it's illegal or anything. But three Woman Kings, wouldn't that be too much or too weird?"

{Scientia did create that new method for same sex couples to have children. Sooooo…just putting it out there, having heirs wouldn't be that difficult for you three. Just saying,} Molly informed with a wiggle of her brow.

Anne shook her head; they were getting off topic.

"Okay, that's enough. That wasn't even remotely close to what I was going to talk about," Anne stated.

{Oh…then, what?}

Anne sat on the edge of her bed next to her nightstand as she slouched forward.

"Again, Molls, please promise me you won't tell anyone."

{I swear on God Coinín and God Kaeru that I won't.}

Anne took a deep breath to calm her nerves as she clasped her hands together.

"I…I don't want to be king."

{…Scratch.}

{Yeah, Molly?}

{Can you bring me something drink please.}

Anne raised her head and looked in the direction of the holographic screen. That's when she saw the ghost companion of her cousin, Scratch, float in with a glass of some juice.

{Here ya go}

{Thank you, Scratch.}

Molly took a swig of the drink, and then…

{PPPFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!}

When it was over, Molly realized she had just sprayed Scratch by accident.

{I'm just…going to go take a soak.}

Anne and Molly watched as Scratch left the room, with Molly feeling bad for accidentally drenching her ghost friend.

{Sorry, Scratch!} Molly then turned her attention to Anne. {Seriously, what?! You don't want to be king?! B-But, Anne, you're the princess! You're next in line!}

"I know, I know…But if Mom and Dad have another kid, then maybe I wouldn't have to…"

{Anne, why don't you want to be king? You'd make a great king!}

Anne shook her head at the notion.

"It's just too much Molly, I'm not cut out for it. I know you want to become queen, and I know you'll be great at it. But me? Tch, I'm not…I'm not confident in myself. And when I think about running an entire country, having everyone's lives in my hands, knowing that one wrong decision will hurt a lot of people, it…it's…"

Molly could see that her cousin's breathing was quickening, and that her hands were shaking.

{Anne, calm down, and listen to me. Take a deep breath, slowly in through your nose and out your mouth.}

Anne did as Molly instructed, Tír na nÓg was known as the land of beauty, health, abundance, and joy. And Molly had learned a number of things related to health, so she probably saw that Anne was on the verge of a panic attack. Following her instructions, Anne inhaled slowly through her nose and exhaled through her mouth. The two of them repeated this for a minute until Anne's nerves finally settled.

{You feel okay now?}

"Yeah…sorry."

{It's okay, and I get it. You're nervous. It is a lot of responsibility.}

"It's too much…I'm not like Mom and Dad…and I'm not like you. Sasha would make a way better king than me, even Marcy would. I'm pretty sure she could make Amphibia the wealthiest and more advanced country in the world if she was given the reins. But me? What do I bring to the table? I'm good at sports and cooking, whoopty-freakin'-doo. Plus, I know that I'll blow up the country somehow in the first twenty-four hours."

{Why haven't you told Uncle Bee and Aunt Oum?}

Anne sighed.

"Mom won't listen, Dad…I think he'd understand. But it's not like there's an alternative. I'm already fourteen, four more years and I'll be eligible for the throne. Even if Mom and Dad had another kid, if something happened, I'd be the next in line either way…" Anne sighed heavily as she plopped backwards onto her bed. "I'm sure I'm a big disappointment to you, Molls."

{Anne, no, you're not. Look, I want to be queen of Tír na nÓg more than anything, it's my dream to make people everywhere happy. But that doesn't mean I don't understand that it's a lot of responsibility. And it is scary, having the fate an entire nation resting on every word you speak or don't speak, and every action you do or don't take. You may not believe me, but I do believe you'd make an awesome Woman King.}

"Thanks…but it's…too much. Sometimes I wish I wasn't born into this, that I was just like any of the other people, just going to school, hanging out with friends. Heck, I'd even go back to living with the Plantars despite all the grueling farm work," said Anne. "Sorry for laying all this on you, Molly."

Molly looked like she wanted to reach out and give Anne a hug and was probably cursing the fact that she couldn't be there in person for her family.

{Hey, don't worry. It's better to talk this stuff through than just bottling it up. I still think you should tell your parents this directly before it's too late. But for now, you should get some rest.}

"Thanks, Molls. I'll talk to you another time, Cuz. Later."

{Later, Anne.}

The call ended and Anne was left alone in her room. She knew that Molly was right about needing to tell her parents about how she really felt, but again, if there was one thing she hated more than taking the throne…it was seeing that disappointed look in their eyes when she told them she didn't want to be king.