E.D. Baker - Tales of the Frog Princess

Bloomsbury Publishing, London, New Delhi, New York and Sydney

First published in Great Britain in 2007 by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
50 Bedford Square, London WC1B 3DP
www.bloomsbury.com

This electronic edition published in June 2013 by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

The Frog Princess first published in Great Britain by
Bloomsbury Publishing Plc in 2002
Copyright E.D. Baker 2002

Dragons Breath first published in Great Britain by
Bloomsbury Publishing Plc in 2003
Copyright E.D. Baker 2003

Once Upon a Curse first published in Great Britain by
Bloomsbury Publishing Plc in 2004
Copyright E.D. Baker 2004

The moral right of the author has been asserted

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A CIP catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library

eISBN 978-1-4088-4615-5

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This book is dedicated to Ellie for being my first
reader; to Kimmy, Nate, Emiko, Sophie, and Andy for
their love and support; to Victoria for her insight; and
to all my wonderful fans for being so encouraging

Even as a little girl, I had thought that the swamp was a magical place where new lives began and old ones ended, where enemies and heroes werent always what one expected, and where anything could happen, even to a clumsy princess. Although Id believed this for most of my life, I had no proof until Prince Jorge came to visit and I met the frog of my dreams.

I had gone to the swamp to avoid the prince, a favorite of my mothers but never of mine. My escape hadnt been planned, yet the moment I heard that Jorge was coming, I knew I couldnt stay. Normally, few people in the castle ever seemed to notice me, so it was easy to sneak away undetected and flee to the swamp. It was only after I was secure in my escape that I began to worry about how my mother would react. I could almost see the disdain in her eyes as she gave me her usual speech about the proper behavior of a princess. Although I saw her as infrequently as we both could manage, Id long since grown accustomed to that look.

Thinking more about my mother than I was about my surroundings, I almost stepped on a snake that had slithered onto the path from the tall grass. I shrieked and jumped back, catching my heel on the root of an old willow tree. With my arms flung wide, I tried to keep my balance, but my long, heavy skirts and usual clumsiness overwhelmed me and I landed hard on the rain-soaked earth. Grasshoppers exploded up from the ground as I floundered about, struggling to get to my feet, my gown soaking in the pungent odor of the swamp. Unfortunately, being born a princess doesnt automatically make a girl graceful or confident, a fact Ive lamented for most of my fourteen years.

When Id finally gathered my skirts and pushed myself off the ground, the snake had disappeared into the tall swamp grass. I edged away, searching for something that I could use to defend myself should the snake reappear.

Thanks a lot! said a throaty voice.

I looked around, but there was no one in sight. Who said that? I asked. Aside from my aunt Grassina, I was the only one from the castle who ever visited the swamp.

Its me, over here. You arent very observant, are you?

I turned toward the voice and looked high and low, but all I could see was the pond, its murky water partially rimmed with a halo of algae, and a stand of cattails at the far end. Aside from the dragonflies, mosquitoes, and water striders, the only other living creature was a frog glaring at me from the edge of the pond. I jumped when he spoke again, although it wasnt so much his words that surprised me as seeing his lips move. Im used to magic, for my aunt Grassina is a witch, but no animal had ever spoken to me before.

I was going to eat those grasshoppers for lunch, but because of you Ill never catch them now! The frog scowled, shaking his webbed finger in my direction. A big, galumphing girl like you should be more careful where she puts her feet!

Im sorry, I said, offended. I didnt mean to. It was an accident.

Hah! said the frog. Apologies wont bring back my lunch! But then, it wouldnt matter to you, would it? I bet youve never gone hungry a day in your life!

The frog annoyed me. It was enough that I had to watch my tongue around my mother. I wasnt about to do it around a frog as well. For your information, I said, frowning at the little creature, I havent eaten a thing all day. My mother invited Prince Jorge to visit and I left home before he arrived. I couldnt bear the thought of spending an entire day with him.

What is wrong with you? demanded the frog, curling his lip. Missing a meal because you dont like someone! You would never catch me doing that! I know Jorge and even he isnt The frog blinked and his eyes opened wide. He leaned closer, scrutinizing me from head to toe as if seeing me for the first time. Wait a minute If your mother invited a prince to visit, does that mean that youre a princess?

Maybe, I said.

The frog grinned from eardrum to eardrum. Straightening his smooth green shoulders, he bowed from where his waist would have been if hed had one. I do apologize, Your Highness! If I had realized that you were such an exalted personage, I would never have made such churlish comments.

I groaned and rolled my eyes. Give me a break. I hate it when people talk that way. I liked you better before you knew I was a princess.

Ah-hah! said the frog. He hopped toward me, his eyes never leaving my face. Im delighted to hear that you like me! In that case, would you be so kind as to do me the eensy-weensiest little favor?

And what might that be? I asked, regretting my question even before the words were out of my mouth.

Would you do me the honor of giving me a kiss?

I couldnt help but laugh. I guffawed, I chortled, I wheezed. I laughed like I always do. Startled blackbirds took to the air as if hurled from a little boys slingshot. A turtle basking in the sun scuttled off his rock and plopped into the water. The frog stared at me through narrowed eyes. Are you sure youre a princess? You dont laugh like one.

I know, I said, wiping away tears. My mother tells me that all the time. According to her, a princesss laughter should sound like the tinkling of a bell, not the bray of a donkey. Ive told her that I cant help it. My laugh is not something I can control, not if its sincere. I dont think about it. It just happens.

Whatever you say, said the frog. So how about that kiss? Puckering his lips, he rose up on his toes and raised his face in my direction.

I shook my head. Sorry, Im not interested in kissing a frog.

Ive been told that kissing a frog is good for the complexion, he said, sidling toward me.

I doubt it. Anyway, my complexion is fine.

What about the old saying, kissing a frog would bring you luck?

Ive never heard that saying. It cant be too old. I think you just made it up. All kissing a frog would bring me is slimy lips. I shuddered and backed away. The answer is no, so quit asking!