A game of frogs

Chapter 1

                                                                                           Pepe

Blood, war, death, widows, fratricide, betrayal and the last dawn.

Pepe awoke from a nightmare, drenched in her sweat, she threw back her wolf-skin covers and took a deep breath to ease rising nerves. There was a chill to the air that brought about the end of summer and the start of Autumn. Strolling to her window she looked down at the bustling of the castle below.

Children were playing amongst the falling leaves, mothers scolding their reckless antics. Blacksmiths honed their blades against grindstones in their forges, wiping the sweat dripping down their foreheads. Soldiers sparred in the courtyard, sending their opponents back with each deadly blow. The sight of a peaceful castle was one that warmed the soul. Yet still, a shiver ran down the spine and chilled Pepe to her very core. A sharp knock to her door echoed through Pepe's chamber, resonating through her. Pepe walked over to the door and grabbed the doorknob. But didn't turn it. "Who is it?" She called to the stranger on the other side of the door.

"It's your sister, Kermit," She responded. Relief filled Pepe, flooding through her like a river. "Good, I was, worried it was an intruder."

"Pepe, I have told you, no-one can get here but people you know, stop being so irrational." The door opened and there stood Kermit, wearing a flowing green dress that brought out the colour of her eyes, brown hair falling in curls around her shoulders. She smiled sweetly as she crossed over the threshold and elegantly sat down on a chair at Pepe's reading table. "So," She said pouring a glass of red wine, "King Shrek has nearly arrived at the castle and the wedding preparations are being made as we speak." The thought of marriage to the valiant and honourable King Shrek filled her with childish glee and excitement to be able to finally meet her betrothed. But part of her was scared, what if he didn't like her? What if he thought she was ugly? What if he thought that Kermit was prettier? What if, what if?

"Relax sister, he will love you." The concern must have shown on her face because Kermit gave her a glass of wine and told her to "Drink". The spicy wines reminded her of the sandy isle where she had been born. But soon the beautiful memory was washed away when the thoughts invaded her mind again.

"Kermit, thank you." Pepe hugged her sister and put in a thousand words that could not be said. Kermit brushed a strand of her out of her sibling's face and smiled.

"I love you, Pepe,"

"I love you, Kermit,"

Kermit reached into the folds of her dress and drew out a single letter stamped with the royal crest. An ogre standing proudly over his enemies. This had long been the symbol of royalty. "It arrived today, I thought you would want it." Pepe broke the wax seal and opened the letter.

   Greetings,

   As you know I shall arrive at castle Versailles within a day,

   I am anxious to meet my bride and hope that love blossoms and we can unite the kingdoms under our two families.

 I am told that princess Pepe is a beauty of the ages and I know that she will become a beautiful bride.

I send this letter with warm regards and a hopeful heart.

                                                                       King Shrek III

Pepe finished reading the letter and looked up at Kermit. "See, there is nothing to be afraid of my dearest sister, I am sure that he will adore you dearest sister." The reassuring words settled the frantic beating of her heart. But why had the letter not been addressed to her?

"The letter, who was it sent to?" Pepe asked.

"It was addressed to Maester Trump; however, the letter was meant for you."

"Then why was the letter talking about me, not to me?" Kermit was silent, she didn't have an answer to Pepe's question. "I just thought you should know." She responded after a moment of silence. Kermit stood up and smoothed out the creases of her dress. "If you need me you know where to find me." Her tone icy as she turned to leave. The elegant princess of roses had turned to the queen of thorns when she stared at Pepe as she paused when she reached the door. To prickly to apologise, to sweet-smelling to storm from the room, she closed the door behind her when she left the room.