This story is dedicated to all of you who love The Frog Prince as much as I do. Enjoy!

A/N: For anyone who has read my story before the 18th of December, it has gone under a slight revision, so certain details have been changed but the story itself is the same. :)

The Frog's Princess

Chapter One

Me and My Big Mouth

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Dancaut Forest was forbidden to even the bravest men. Many people believe that the creatures which inhabit the dark forest are the most cruel and foul creatures to ever roam the earth. I think it's a load of bull. Now don't get me wrong, the forest is dark and intimidating, but the only reason that it's forbidden is because my mother, Queen Annalese, doesn't approve of it. She says it's a place where evil flourishes, but I say that it's a good place to get away from everything and think—okay, so mostly to just get away from my sisters, but anyone would understand my need if they lived with them. I go there often, taking a lantern and my sword. I may not fear the forest, but I'm not stupid. I never enter the forest without my sword.

Today started out like any other day, I guess. I woke up with one of my younger sisters jumping up and down on my bed at a ridiculous hour in the morning saying 'Get up, Philip! Get up!' in an annoying singsong voice. Needless to say I yelled at her quite angrily to get out, and she ran to my mother simply howling. I'm third out of seven, so one could imagine the torture I have to put up with. The two siblings older than I am are girls, and then I have two more little sisters and two even younger little brothers. After being scolded for losing my temper at my eight year old, pain in the rear sister, I was sent to her room, not mine, hers, to think about how I should act toward people who are younger than I am.

So, there I was, a 15 year old boy in a pink and purple decorated bedroom surrounded by hundreds of toys, including, but not limited to: 30 dolls, two tea sets, and more plush animals than I have ever seen anywhere. I am not exaggerating. Although, I guess it wouldn't have been that bad—if it wasn't for a certain little sister pressuring me to play dress up and have tea parties. Unfortunately I had to oblige because if I didn't, she would throw another tantrum and my mother would burst through the door glaring at me like I had a date with death. Let's just say that I was not a very happy person that morning.

After narrowly escaping the horrid real-life nightmare, I hurriedly grabbed an apple and a chunk of bread to eat and headed off towards the forest. I also brought with me a lantern, along with a dark cloak to wear as I walked. I don't like to be recognized when I'm trying to forget that I'm the Crown Prince.

Dancaut Forest was a good distance away—especially since I had to sneak around a good section of the Kingdom. Even with the cloak I was somewhat distinguishable. Not many people have satin cloaks. The last thing I needed was for someone to recognize me entering the forest and for him or her to run to my mother. If she ever found out about where I actually go, (I tell her that I just walk around the Kingdom for a while) I would be in a world of trouble.

I came to the place where I usually enter the forest. It was a narrow gap in between several huge pine trees so it was less noticeable as I ventured forth into the forbidden forest. When I finally stepped through, I lit my lantern and walked the familiar trail that went in no particular direction. I wandered about for a little while but then stopped abruptly. I felt as if I was being watched. Looking around I couldn't see anything even with the bright light from my lantern. Then, quite suddenly a faint noise sounded in the distance. My heart jumped in my throat and I accidentally dropped my lantern. I stomped out the small fire and quickly drew my sword. I held my breath listening hard. Whatever it was did not sound very friendly.

I stood there in the semi-darkness with my sword held tightly in my hand and listened with all my might for even the slightest movement. If something was going to attack, I'd be ready. Suddenly a loud cackle came from behind me. I swung around to face an ugly, old hag. How the heck she snuck up behind me, I'll never know. She stood there grinning at me with her seven rotting teeth. Thank heavens her gray-silver hair was covering up most of her hideous face. Now I know that's rude and all and I'm sorry, but seriously, this woman could frighten the fearless. She's that ugly.

"Why hello, young man!" she said sweetly in a horrid raspy voice. It would have been welcoming—if it wasn't for the psychotic glint in her eyes… and her face, of course.

"Uh…" I squeaked. I cleared my throat and tried again. "Hello," I said awkwardly.

"What brings yeh to my forest?" she asked, still exposing her hideous smile.

"I uh… got lost while looking for a… plant." I wasn't completely lying; I had no idea where in the forest I was.

"I see… Well, yous is trespassin', and I don' take kindly to them kinds of people," she said in a semi-sympathetic tone.

"I'll leave as soon as I can if you just point me in the right direction," I said anxiously. Her grin grew, if possible, even bigger.

"Now why would I wants yous to go?" she asked deviously. I gave her a puzzled look.

"Well…but, you said… I thought that since you don't like trespassers... that you would want me to leave immediately," I said, confused.

"Don' be silly! In fact, now that yous is here, yous can help me with sumthin." I gulped. Was it just me or did her smile seem more evil now?

Two thoughts ran across my mind as I was forcefully led to a mangy looking old house: Number one being, of course, that this woman was crazy, and two, how the heck was I going to get away from her without her becoming angry? Yes, you heard me correctly—angry. She may be old and perhaps somewhat frail, but being psychotic made people creative and I didn't want her getting any ideas. She might trap me and… eat me… or something. Hey, I don't know.

She pulled me into her putrid house and made me sit down on a 3-legged decaying stool which was positioned next to an old book. The book was quite large and had a worn brown leather cover. I eyed it curiously and she followed my gaze.

"Yous likes it?"

"Uh…," I started hesitantly. "Sure?" Wrong answer. Her eyes narrowed and her smile was replaced with a scowl.

"WELL YOU CAN' HAVE IT!" she screamed maniacally as spit flew everywhere. "IT'S MINE! MINE!"

"Okay, okay, it's yours! I don't want the ugly old thing, for crying out loud!"

Oops… I don't think I should have said that last part. She glared at me while she stroked her book as if it were some sort of pet. I shifted uneasily under her stare. Finally after several long minutes, she flung the book open and began searching for something. I tried to get up, but it was like I was glued to the stool. She paused at a page, murmured something under her breath, and then glanced over at me. I didn't know what to expect, but I certainly did not imagine seeing her grow—or was I shrinking? I started to panic and hopped off the stool. Wait a second… hopped? I looked down and saw tiny arms and a green body with freakishly long, skinny legs. I tried to scream, but instead of my voice I heard a loud croak. I couldn't believe it. That psychotic witch turned me into a frog!