Frog Prince

Part 4

The next several days passed in the same routine. Frog would be gone before Mycroft awoke and would return in time for dinner. Nothing was ever said about the first request. They continued to talk and laugh. Their conversations covered all topics, entomology, herpetology, politics, philosophy, Frog was knowledgeable in all of them. The prince had expected him to be an expert about insects and amphibians, but the politics surprised him. He claimed it was from listening to all the lords and ladies over the years. The prince wasn't so sure. It almost seemed like he had been formally taught.

Anthea noticed a difference in the young prince. He was willing to pay more attention in his lessons. His thinking was becoming more insightful. The biggest difference was in his attitude. He was still stuffy and pompous, but he was more willing to listen to others and take heed of their opinion and advice when making decisions. Even the queen noticed the change in her son. He smiled more often and even laughed on occasion. His total demeanor was lighter.

The true depth of his change came one evening about a week later when Frog didn't appear for the evening meal. At first Mycroft thought he was just late. When the meal was at the halfway point, he truly became concerned. He stared to fidget in his seat. Looking at the door every few minutes. Anthea and the queen both exchanged glances. Finally the queen spoke. "Son, you seem distracted this eve. What concerns you?"

"It's nothing, Mummy."

She continued to gaze at him until he finally broke and gave her the truth.

"I'm concerned about Frog. He never misses dinner. What if he got injured? Or...eaten?? " His voice held a slight tremor. 

Mummy rose from her spot at the table and moved to sit next to her son. She took his hands in hers and looked him in the eyes. "He is a very clever frog. I'm sure he is just fine. At first light, I will send our finest knight out to look for him. Alright?"

Mycroft almost shed a tear at his mother's kindness. However, he remembered that he was in front of court members and a future king never shows his emotions in front of others. Not trusting himself to speak, he nodded his consent and murmured for her ears only, "Thank you."

Mummy smiled gently at her son. With a final squeeze of his hands she let them go. "You may be excused."

He rose, bowed to the queen and Lady Anthea and silently left the hall. Once in his chamber, Mycroft paced circles around the room. He thought about taking a bath to try to relax, but couldn't do it. There wasn't any way he would be able to sleep until he knew what happened to his frog.

*****

The birds starting singing to greet the new day. Mycroft was already dressed and out of the castle before the sun itself could clear the horizon. He didn't wait for the knight, but ran all the way to the well, yelling for his friend. "Frog! Fro-og!" The prince looked around the well. Nothing. He looked in the shrubs where the well drained out. No sign of him. "Froggie?" Sir John soon joined in the search. Together they drug the stream. Beat the bushes. Crawled through the tall grass. They even emptied the well as best they could. There was no sign of the frog.

The sun was starting to set and Sir John had to literally drag the prince back to the castle. He was so distraught, he went straight to his chambers and broke down in tears. The knight reported the days evens to the queen and Lady Anthea. Both women went up to the prince's chamber.

Mycroft was sitting in his favorite chair. Staring out at nothing. The queen knelt in front of her son and pulled him into her. The prince wrapped his arms around her waist and started sobbing. Mummy stroked his back and rocked him side to side, murmuring some comforting words. Lady Anthea stepped out of the room, giving the royals their privacy.