The Frog Prince and His Servant (Completed)

Chapter IX

HENRY'S POV

Another two days have passed and there was still no sign of Prince Jonah.  My heart grew heavy and weak, it was so close to falling apart, that I had three bands of iron to be laid around it so it wouldn't burst with grief and sadness. I wonder if he already lost the game to that dreadful witch. Time flew by, and news finally came, but it wasn't good news.

The Prince was in King Wilhelm's kingdom, ready to marry the princess. Just when I thought he would be coming back to me, another has taken him. I will not allow this, any more heartbreak and I will surely die. 

I readied the fastest horse in our kingdom to make my way over and confess my feelings. I need to know how he really feels because I know there is something more between us than master and servant, and more than best friends.

When I arrived I rushed past the guards, calling out for my Prince Jonah, and he quickly replied.

"Henry! You're alright! How is your heart?" He runs over and takes in my shaken state.

"Alright? Master, my heart is close to bursting! What is this news of you marrying the princess? Did you beat the witch's game?" 

"Oh Henry, the witch turned me into a frog and only the princess could save me. Things happened and well, the King wanted me to marry his daughter." He scratches the back of his neck.

"You're really going through with this?" I asked with a small voice.

His face frowns, "I have to. It's the King's will. Both my father and King Wilhelm."

My gaze fell, "Do you love her?" I whisper.

The Prince paused before he answered, "Yes." 

There my body fell from the weight of my heart. My breaths quickened. He says he loves her. It's been five days total of his absence. Is it possible for him to fall in love with her in such a short time? While it took me years to even recognize my feelings for Prince Jonah. No, it's not true.

"Henry! Calm down before you hurt yourself." He kneels in front of me, worried. 

"Hurt myself? Prince, you hurt me! All these years I've been trying to get your attention and you've pushed me away but within a few days, you've fallen for someone else? You lie! I cannot believe this is true!"

"Keep your voice down, Henry, this is not my home nor is it yours. Your hysterical right now, we will talk when you've regained your composure. You are my personal servant act like it or I will send you back home." He commands me and I for once, unwillingly obeyed. I didn't want to be calm, I wanted to let out my frustrations and understand what is going on. 

JONAH'S POV

I didn't like lying to him, but it needs to be done if I want to win this game. I need him to confess, really confess his feelings to me. I need to know this isn't some puppy love that was gained over years of being with each other and him serving me. Yes, I had doubts but from the looks of it, his love could be the real deal. Though the game isn't over until he says the magic words to me. The witch had it all planned out the moment she saw him in the forest looking for me.

Once Henry composed himself I nod and gestured him to follow me. On the way, I made sure to steer clear of the royal family. Especially the princess, ever since she saw me as who I really am, she was constantly hovering over me and asking for attention. It wasn't as endearing as when Henry does it, more so because of the fact of how she treated me when I was a frog. 

With a quick glance behind me, I see that Henry is following me. He corrected his posture and put on a blank face, his mask when he is in his servant state. You're doing well, don't let the witch's spell take over your otherwise strong heart. Don't allow it to burst even though I can feel how close you are to submitting to it. I pull him into the study, which gave off a calming aura.

"Take a seat and we will talk." I point to a cushioned chair for him and pulled over another one.

"First, start with what happened in the forest." He states firmly.

So I explained how the witch caught me, when he came into the picture, the game, and the princess. What I couldn't explain were her plans that she whispered to me. If I tried my voice will revert back to a frog's. I would croak and ribbit instead of saying actual words. I even tried to tell when he didn't believe me and I started croaking. 

He stares at me in shock, "You really do croak..."

"Yes, and I will every time I try to repeat her words forevermore."

"Well, it's not so bad. I find it funny." His frown turns into a light smile. 

"Laughing at my pain, huh? That's not very nice." I pout and crossed, trying to lift his heavy heart.

I almost yelled in triumph when he chuckled quietly. Soon, he'll be happy again.

But the smile was gone as fast as it came.

"Prince, there is something I must tell you before you marry the princess. I understand if you don't feel the same and you never want to see me again, but I need to get it off my chest."

Oh no, Henry Faithful, I wish to see you every morning and every night after we beat this game.

Word Count: 944