The Frog Prince Read Online Free

was to have such strapping lads about the place to feed, since they would be sure to eat every scrap.
    Her brothers were on their summer holiday now, but would soon begin the hunting season and so would head north to the royal lodge to host large hunting parties with their friends in the surrounding areas.
    Blythe took a deep breath as she sat down and began to pour the first cup. Why was it that everyone else seemed to have something to do? How she longed to have her own party or adventure to look forward to. But no, every single day was the same—endlessly pouring tea for her mother and whoever happened to join them.
    Who cared for tea when she could take a picnic lunch and go to the pond and read a book, or even better—have a real adventure and do something still more fun? She paused as she began to pour the next cup. Though she did have one secret all her own. However, she was not quite sure how much of adventure it was—it was more of a necessity, and it was kept in such concealment that only two of the castle servants knew what she did.
    But no, it was not that she longed for. She wished more for an activity to do openly and share with a friend. But what could a mere girl do? Ugh. It was always the men who had all the adventures. Carefully she poured the cup, but then nearly dropped it when her brother Jeremiah burst in the room.
    “I am in love! I am in love!” he announced as he walked over to the queen.
    “My goodness! What are you on about?” she asked as he gave her cheek a quick kiss.
    He plopped onto the settee and grinned. “Love, Mother. You should really learn the meaning of the word. It is simply magical.”
    “Who are you in love with?” Blythe asked.
    “Do not listen to a word Jeremiah says,” David said as he came into the room and kissed the queen’s cheek as well. “Hello, Mother. Before he sets you in a tizzy, know that he is simply in love with Thunder—nothing more.”
    “Thunder?” She pulled back.
    “Yes, Thunder!” Jeremiah sighed. “Thunder is only the greatest horse that has ever been ridden and I must own him—I must.”
    David walked over to the tea cart and quickly filled a plate. He winked at Blythe as he took the cup she offered. “Thank you.”
    “Whoa! You had better not eat it all. I have not had mine yet.” Jeremiah jumped up and fetched a dish.
    “None of us have,” their mother declared. “We have been waiting for you wastrels to show up.” She walked over to Blythe. “And if you two snatch every bit before we have our own servings, you will be sent to your rooms without anything to eat at all—and Blythe and I will have a merry feast to ourselves.”
    Jeremiah groaned and set a few scones back upon the platter. “Well then, hurry up so we can see what you do not want.”
    Blythe laughed. “Goodness! The way you two act, it is as if you have never eaten anything in your lives before now.”
    David grinned and opened his mouth to say something just as the butler appeared and announced, “Forgive me, Your Majesty, but there seems to be a strange guest who has come to speak with Princess Blythe. I had thought perhaps you would like to visit with him first, as it does not appear at all the thing for the princess to have such connections.”
    “Me?” Blythe asked.
    “Well, what do you mean? Is there anything untoward about the fellow?” Her mother walked toward the butler.
    He opened his mouth and then shut it again. “I do not know how to say this, Your Majesty. But it would appear as though Princess Blythe’s caller is a rather unusual talking frog.”

CHAPTER FIVE
    “A WHAT?” ASKED BLYTHE’S mother. “I beg your pardon—what did you say?”
    Blythe set her cup and saucer down and stood up.
    The butler cleared his throat. “A talking frog.”
    “Mother, let me go and speak with him. I know why he is here.” Blythe rushed forward and was about to walk out the door.
    “Just a moment!” The queen stormed up to her. “What is this nonsense