The Prince and his Frog

Chapter Ten

I turn shocked to see the mage standing, watching us. Alex being the first to speak "Sir Morgan!" He bowed his head in respect.

"I'm coming. You kids won't make it far." He says stoic as he walks past us and up the steps, not giving any of us a chance to protest.

We all stand confused, I look towards Alex "at least he's more useful than that." Pointing towards a growling Melissa.

"Fuck off." She says as she follows the mage up and out of the wooden shack. I sigh walking with them all, Alex soon behind.

The sky was orange as the sun started to rise, hushed bird songs played as we all walked in dreaded silence. The realisation of this quest set in my stomach.

If I failed, we all die.

I look towards one of the trees with doubt, if I succeed I could be knighted. No more washing dishes, or mopping floors. A small smile set in place, my family would be proud.

"Hey you ok?" The Prince looks towards me. I stare back up at him, he truly is handsome. How can someone be as good as him.

"Yeah, I'm OK." I look forwards, "do we know the way to the closest village? It would still be in Braken so you might be recognised." I say towards Alex.

He nods "Yeah, we'll go there and get new clothes to wear first. The closet village is around 4 hours walk. 2 and a half on horseback."

My face falters as I realise the estimated arrival "4 hours?" Alex simply smiles at me.

A ratty voice piping up beside me "what did you expect Frog, this isn't going to be a walk in the park." I roll my eyes at her comment. The rest of the walk being in silent.

The village started to show as the brush slowed, a grin lands on my face as my legs scream "finally!!" I pick up the pace.

This is my first time walking into a village other than my own, I look around as we step out the wooded area.

The village had a dark mist sitting around it making the houses and people walking around appear solem "what is wrong with them?" I say stopping whilst the others catch up.

Melissa being the first to answer "they all look so.. pathetic." For once I agree with her. The people wore different shades of greys and browns, even thr children walking in hand with some dragged their feet.

"Maybe they've heard about the vampires?" Alex questions, stepping forward. He turns to look at me "make sure to stay close ok?"

I give him a ludicrous look, why was that aimed at me. I scoff and walk forward with him, I can handle a village.

We all begin to walk deeper into the village, people now stopping to stare and mutter towards us. There dead stare sending shivers down my back.

My body unconsciously sticking to Alex's side, his hand now in mine as we warily go past the murdering crowds.

"Do you think they've recognised you" I ask towards Alex, we were all wearing bright coloured clothes.

Melissa sneered "I think they just aren't used to proper clothes, looks like they're all in rags."

I scoff "you forget all we wear is rags," I look down at my cotton deep green clothing and muttered "well used to." Alex sending me a small smile before going back to being watch out.

We came across a small shop, a small bell sat above the door, the wood was chipped and wearing the same dull brown colours.

Alex turned towards us "I'm going to go in and ask where we can get something to eat and new clothes," His eyes glanced at me with a warm smile "stay here ok? I'll be back soon."

My cheeks flushed as I looked to the floor, the mutters from people passing by didn't stop as the 3 of us stood outside waiting.

"So are you and the Prince together?" I look up shocked as the usually silent mage began to talk.

My eyes widened as I heard his questiosn "no! No. We are not." Melissa scoffed and turned away looking in the window stocked full of sweets.

"He sure seems to think you are," The mage stares at me "The king will nky be happy with this, Alexander is meant to be married by his next birthday."

I frown at his statement "what do yo-"

"GET OUT! WE DONT WANT YOUR KIND HERE!" A lady screeched as Alex stumbled out the store.

"What happened??" I rushed to him, looking him over before realising my actions and jumping back.

The Prince rubbed his forehead as he spoke "she doesn't like royal." I huffed in anger at his response.

"What have you done to her!?" The lady now glaring at us through the window, slamming the curtains shut infront of Melissa.

"Fucking rude." She swore as she stormed over to us, Morgan standing not to far observing.

"Perhaps it was the tax increase your father put in place" the mage spoke up. I forget I don't know life outside the castle, almost anything that happens outside the walls doesn't exist inside them.

No one talks about it and if they did its always twisted as a good thing that the people love.

"Ah right," Alex sighed as he stood up "well we're going to need to blend in more if we want a place to sleep tonight."

I gaze around the gloomy town, hearing slight music coming from one of the buildings "that looks like a pub, maybe they have an inn to stay in above it."

The others follow my gaze "Yes, and if one of us asks instead of Alex maybe they'll let us in." I nod towards the Mages suggestion as we all walk towards the hut.

I look at Alex, he clearly looks like a Prince. Especially in this ragged town. I hum in thought and reach up to ruffle his hair "there now you won't look as charming." I smile.

Alex let's out a small laugh with a smirk "you think I look charming?"

My face falters "ha. Ha. Ha. No." A blush taking over, Alex shakes his head at me.

"You know how I know when you're lieing?" He comes closer gripping my face, the rest of the group already reaching the pub doors. "You go like a tomato. Bright red." He gazes down to my lips, his finger still holding my chin up.

"Just kiss already!" Melissa yells in the distance. I choke as I pull away, the Prince laughing again.

"Shut up you rat!!" I yell to her, trying to cover my face with my borrowed shirt as I shuffle towards the two waiting.

Alex following behind as we start to walk into the bustling room.