And yet, in my heart, I knew it was so right and so true. I tentatively reached out for that new bond and replied, “I love you, too.”
For the longest time, we floated together in a world of our own, one we had discovered through this new bond we shared. Finally, as the haze of our climax began to dim, I slid out of him and collapsed by his side. He curled against my chest, panting, his hair covering us like a protective, golden curtain.
It was Rapunzel who broke the comfortable silence between us. “I think…I think I won’t cut my hair after all.”
I couldn’t help but chuckle. “Good. Somehow, it feels like it’s such a part of you that I would probably miss it a lot.”
Rapunzel arched a perfect, blond brow at me. “In spite of everything that happened?”
“Because of it,” I corrected him. “After all, if nothing else, it was certainly memorable, and those memories will always be precious to us.”
Rapunzel just stared at me, his eyes glittering with so much emotion it seemed painful. Much to my surprise, I realized that it seemed to echo within me now, that his magic cascaded into me, making my head spin with a whirlpool of feelings and desires that were not my own and yet fit perfectly within my soul.
Unable to control myself, I reached for him again. That day, we never did get to study the books on magic, too busy with learning each other’s bodies and exploring our new bond. After all, it was the most beautiful and profound topic to approach, and I looked forward to doing so, over and over, for the rest of my life.
Chapter Seven:
In Which the Frog Prince Croaks into Action
A few weeks later
The carriage carrying Larue and Victor rolled out of the courtyard of the Arthurian palace. I watched it go as I leaned against Medwin. They had actually stayed longer than I had originally expected, all because they wanted to reassure themselves that I would be all right. But now, they had to go to Morganna to pick up Victor’s brother, Philippe, and then start their new life together, back in Merlinia.
It was strange, but even if I’d only known them for a short time, I would miss them a great deal. Even so, I had no regrets. They were the last real connection I had with Merlinia, but my homeland would always live in my heart. Right now, my place was in Arthuria, with Medwin.
“And I will forever be grateful for that,” Medwin whispered as he kissed my cheek.
He took my arm and guided me into the palace. His brother Leonard fell into step with us. “So, what now?” he asked me. “When are you going to make an honest man out of Rapunzel, brother?”
My face flamed with embarrassment, and I released a startled noise that really didn’t sound all that human. Medwin glared at his brother. “Please refrain from saying such things in public. As the future Arthurian king, you need to have more restraint.”
Leonard didn’t seem at all fazed by Medwin’s chastising words, but then, I was quickly growing to realize that few things shocked him. “Ah, yes, but it is my duty as an older brother to make note of these situations. After all, we only want what’s best for both you and Rapunzel.”
By “we,” I gathered that he meant the royal family. I gripped Medwin’s arm a little tighter, very much aware of Leonard’s gaze scrutinizing me. “It’s much too soon for us to discuss it,” I told the Arthurian heir apparent.
Leonard released a thoughtful hum and fell silent. I would have actually been a little more nervous, but I knew he liked me. I’d actually grown pretty comfortable with Medwin’s family in the past few weeks, which was why my Merlinian friends had deemed it safe to leave in the first place. More importantly, my relationship with Medwin had evolved a great deal. Since the day I’d surrendered my body to him, we’d become so much closer. The mental bond between us was an unexpected gift, and thanks to it, we had a far greater understanding of each other.
Because of this, I realized all too well that Medwin wanted to take our relationship further. However, there were secondary factors that complicated the matter. Medwin had just been engaged to someone else entirely, and another wedding would make Arthurians confused and nervous, especially since I was Merlinian. Not to mention that I still wasn’t sure how my father would react to this whole thing. Likely, Leonard knew all this, which was why he must have asked Medwin about it in the first place.
“Well, in the end, you can take all the time you need,” he said. “It’s always best to get to know your chosen partner really well before you make a commitment.”
It occurred to me that the royal family might not like the fact that Medwin had a live-in lover. True enough, we tried to be discreet, but I tended to grow very loud when Medwin fucked me. Medwin always ended up with an arm around my waist or my shoulders when we were in public. Therefore, our relationship was no secret, and even if no one seemed dismissive of me because of it, it might not be all that appropriate.
I bit my lip and shot Leonard a concerned look. “Do you think…Do you think Medwin and I should try to…restrain ourselves more?”
Leonard chuckled. “I thought you might be worried about that. Just do whatever’s right for you and don’t worry about the rest. After all, by this point, you are family.”
Touched, I smiled at Medwin’s brother. “Thank you so much, Prince Leonard. I can’t even express my gratitude through words.”
“You don’t need to be grateful,” Leonard said. “Just make Medwin happy.”
After clapping Medwin’s shoulder, Leonard bowed slightly at me and turned on a different corridor. I watched him go, trying to discern his motivations. “Don’t fret about it, love,” Medwin told me. “It’s Leonard’s job to stick his nose in everyone’s business.” His expression sobered. “Would you join me in the gardens for a few moments? I have something I need to discuss with you in private.”
Apprehension gripped me as I took in his words. I tested our bond to see what he had in mind, but he was carefully reining in his thoughts. I experienced a brief moment of panic, remembering my father’s words. I wasn’t supposed to give my body to my chosen partner before we were married. If I did so, the man in question would think ill of me and would end up casting me away.
And then, Medwin smiled at me, and my fears dissipated like smoke in the wind. “Of course,” I told him. “But you don’t have to be so formal. You know I would follow you anywhere.”
I was completely honest in those words, even if I realized that a decent maiden wouldn’t have thrown herself at her prince like this. In the end, I was no maiden, so I maybe I could afford to blurt out my feelings from time to time. My situation was ambiguous enough that I’d decided to make my own path.
Silently, Medwin guided me into the gardens. We stopped straight at the spot where he had once been about to pledge his life to Anelah before I had intervened. “I don’t know what I did to deserve that kind of loyalty from you,” he said, “but I must admit I am not above taking advantage of it.”
He fell to one knee and retrieved a box from his pocket. As he opened it, I saw a beautiful ring shining inside. Studded with sapphires and diamonds, it had an unusual design that appeared to be a combination between the more solid, straightforward Arthurian style and the elegant curves Merlinians used in their jewelry.
“Would you do me the absolute honor of marrying me?” he asked.
I could only stare at the jewel in awe. It was obviously designed with us in mind, and I really shouldn’t have been surprised at it. Medwin tended to lavish me with all sort of expensive presents, and, other than the books, the jeweled hair pins I’d received from him were my favorites. However, this was something entirely different. That ring meant more than a beautiful accessory. It was everything I’d dreamt of as I’d grown up, and more so since I’d met Medwin.
I wanted to say yes, to shout it to the winds, to take the ring and hug it to my chest. Instead, I heard myself inquire, “But, Medwin…Your people…What will they think?”
A part of me was screaming even as I spoke, chastising me and reminding me I was a
n idiot. “What are you doing?” it screamed. “You want this.”
Yes, I did, but I couldn’t be selfish. First and foremost, I had to think of Medwin. “What if the other Arthurians deem it inappropriate?” I asked my lover.
“I don’t really care,” Medwin said. “If anyone dares to say anything to you, I’ll handle it. Just say yes, Rapunzel, and let me worry about the rest.”
When I didn’t immediately reply, he quickly added, “Of course, you can take your time if you aren’t sure of what you want to do. It doesn’t have to be right now. We can wait for as long as you need.”
I didn’t want to wait, but now that Medwin suggested it, I wondered if it wasn’t a better idea. I didn’t want Medwin to rush into this and regret it after that.
Even as I thought this, a gust of wind swept through the gardens. My hair suddenly freed itself from the pins holding it up. I reached for it, but froze before I could even touch it. In front of me, right behind Medwin, my father had appeared.
Medwin shot to his feet, turning toward him. “Lord Stiltskin,” he greeted my father, our bond easily clarifying any sort of confusion that might have existed regarding the identity of the unexpected arrival. “I am Medwin, second prince of Arthuria. I’ve heard a great deal about you. I’m very pleased to make your acquaintance.”
The words were formal and polite, but sadly, my father didn’t follow Medwin’s example.
“I wish I could say the same, Prince Medwin of Arthuria,” he replied bitingly. “What kind of halfhearted proposal was that?”
I simply gaped at my father, trying to process what was happening. I didn’t regret anything I’d done, but I hadn’t been at all ready to face my father. Medwin shielded me from sight with his own body. “Halfhearted?” he repeated. “With all due respect, Lord Stiltskin, there’s nothing halfhearted about my feelings for your son.”
“Is that right?” my father asked. “I’ve been waiting for weeks, hoping you would own up to Rapunzel’s expectations. I’ve even allowed you to touch him, although it irked me to have you sully him with your base desires. I believed you to be different from the rest of your brute people. But so far, you haven’t shown me any sign that you actually deserve my son’s hand. For the Goddess’s sake, he had to come rescue you. That’s not the way it works.”
“All right,” Medwin answered. “I must admit that I have no great merits in that regard. But isn’t my love for him more valuable?”
“It is easy for you to claim love when you don’t actually have to do anything to prove it. You even seem reluctant to go through with the wedding.”
That was an unfair comment if I’d ever heard it. I snapped of my trance and stepped forward, holding onto Medwin’s arm as I faced my father. “Father, it’s not like that. Medwin just doesn’t want to push me into something I’m not ready for.”
“And yet, he pushed you into a carnal relationship.” He shook his head in obvious displeasure. “No, Rapunzel. You are my son, and you don’t have to settle for second best.”
This wasn’t the first time he had called me his son. I narrowed my eyes at him and asked, “If that’s the case, why did you always lie to me? If I’m your son, why did you always call me your daughter?”
He didn’t seem to expect me standing up against him. I never had before. Even when I’d left the tower on my own accord, I would have gone back if only he’d asked, at least before. Now, I had Medwin and our bond to fight for.
“Rapunzel, you were always a very delicate creature,” he explained. “In that respect, you were more like a daughter than a son. I merely wanted to protect you.”
“You hurt him, Lord Stiltskin,” Medwin said. “If you’d truly loved him, you should have never kept him from the world, from himself.”
“And what would you know of us, Arthurian?” My father turned furious eyes toward Medwin. “You’re the one who’s trying to separate Rapunzel and me, and I won’t stand for it.”
His eyes were starting to glow, and I recognized the signs of him casting a spell. I threw myself in front of Medwin before my father could finish the enchantment. “No, Father, please. Stop this. I love Medwin. I want to marry him. None of this argument is necessary. We can all set aside our differences and be happy together. I’m sure of that.”
My father scanned my face, his gaze still burning with his magic. “Very well, Rapunzel,” he finally said. “I can understand your feelings for the Arthurian. However, the fact remains that he needs to prove his. Otherwise, I will not accept this union.”
Suddenly, a wave of power swept over me, pushing me aside. I fell back, losing my hold on Medwin. As I struggled to regain my balance, I could only watch in horror as a bolt of lightning struck Medwin. I screamed, reaching out with my magic in the hope of protecting my other half.
My efforts were swept aside by my father with the ease a giant would discard a bothersome fly. I clung to my bond with Medwin, hoping against all hope that I wouldn’t lose my mate.
A shock swept through me from our connection. For a few moments, I completely lost my focus. When my vision cleared, I could see no sign of Medwin.
I gasped, scanning the courtyard, trying to figure out what could have happened to Medwin. Our bond was too filled with confusion to provide any specific answers, although it did tell me that my father hadn’t killed him. But that didn’t mean I wasn’t worried. When I still didn’t spot Medwin, I ran to my father’s side and dropped to my knees next to him. “What did you do, Father?” I sobbed. “Please. I beg of you. Give Medwin back.”
“He’s right there, Rapunzel,” my father replied, pointing to an area behind me.
As I gazed in the direction in question, my eyes fell on a large green frog. It—or rather, he—fixed me with striking, almost human eyes. “Rapunzel? What happened?”
I couldn’t believe my eyes. My father had turned Medwin into a frog. How was this supposed to help me in any way?
“Father, undo it,” I pleaded. “I’ll do whatever you ask. I’ll come with you to Merlinia. Just, please, undo it.”
“Of course you’re coming with me, but I’m not undoing the spell,” he answered. “It is my challenge for him. As you can see, I allowed him to keep some of his previous sensory capacities, so he should be fine. Now, give me your hand. We’re going home.”
The frog leapt forward, reaching us in mere seconds. “No. I’m not letting you take him.”
My father laughed. “And what can you do, Frog Prince? You are helpless against me, and helpless to protect Rapunzel. Until the day comes that you can face me as an equal, you don’t deserve my son.”
“Father…” I tried to reason with him. “You can’t be serious. Don’t do this. I will never forgive you.”
“Don’t be silly, Rapunzel. I am only making the best choice for you.” He looked at my shape-shifted lover again. “As for you, Frog Prince, you can find Rapunzel in the tower he previously inhabited. I will be waiting for you. Come alone, or else you won’t ever see Rapunzel again.”
I reached out to Medwin, unable to believe our happiness had been destroyed so easily. However, before I could even touch him, my father took hold of my hair and kept me from moving any further. “Home, Rapunzel,” he said again.
Those two words were the last ones I heard. The world suddenly started spinning, and I knew no more.
Chapter Eight:
In Which a Certain Amphibian Starts a Noble Journey
The moment Rapunzel disappeared from the gardens, I felt like my very existence had crumbled around me. I tried to reach out to the spot where he had been, but I couldn’t even do that. I didn’t even have hands left. Courtesy of my bond with Rapunzel, I could now understand I was a frog.
Truth be told, I didn’t feel like a frog. Yes, I was much smaller, and I couldn’t really move like I was used to, but that didn’t bother me as much as the sudden muting of my bond with my lover.
“Rapunzel!” I shouted in despair.
It was strange that I even had human vocal
chords, and I probably should have been pleased that the warlock had allowed that. However, right then and there, I really couldn’t think clearly. I only knew that I’d lost Rapunzel. My beautiful love was gone.
I probably would have stayed there, uselessly croaking at thin air, but the sound of footsteps reached my hearing. “Medwin!” my brother called out. “Medwin, where are you?”
Our guards must have detected something was amiss, although at this point, it was far too late to do anything about it. Not that I could blame them. They were no match for the warlock. Perhaps it was for the best that they hadn’t been with me. They might have gotten hurt, too.
Leonard ran straight past me, and in his haste, almost stepped on me. I leapt out of the way just in time, only my instincts saving me from such an unfortunate fate. For the first time, I finally registered my change of perspective. I was currently lost in strikingly tall blades of grass, and the buzz of nearby insects registered very clearly and very close. My vision registered the occasional fly lazily moving about, and some part of my brain thought it would be very tasty. I shook myself and focused on my brother instead. I’d never realized how big Leonard was. From my standpoint, he looked like a giant, and I had no idea if he would even hear me.
“Down here,” I replied nonetheless.
Leonard stopped running and glanced around, obviously trying to detect me. I leapt forward once more, until I landed on Leonard’s boot. He released a startled sound and lifted his leg, likely intending to shake the ugly frog off of him. Hastily, I explained, “Don’t. It’s me, Medwin.”
My brother simply froze, exactly in that position, with one leg still in the air. For the first time in my life, his stoic façade cracked, leaving only shock behind. It would have probably been amusing, except I wasn’t in the mood to laugh. “Medwin?” he asked in disbelief. “Great Father…”
The Frog Prince's Hair-Raising Predicament [A Tail Like No Other: Book Three] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic ManLove) Page 9
