Page 119 of The Frog Prince

Otto touched the lines along his nose and cheeks lovingly. “Gisela has makeup. It will work temporarily until you can consult with your family and you feel ready.”

“Going back means the queen will find out that the curse is broken,” Alwin said.

“Do you think she will come after you?”

“I have to assume the worst. There is no telling what she might do.”

“What is your plan?”

“If I am able to return home and take my place on the throne, I may stand a chance of moving against her. Like this, I have no power.”

Otto nodded. “Then it is decided. We are going to Hallin.”

Alwin’s heart skipped a beat. “Are you certain you want to go with me?”

“I’ll go wherever you go,” Otto murmured. “As long as Gisela is welcome.”

“I aim to make her general of the Hallinisch army, actually.”

Otto burst out laughing. “She is well prepared for such a role.”

“She has more than proved her mettle. No one would oppose her.”

“Can Farwin be her second in command?” Otto asked.

Alwin chuckled. “Royal gossiper would be a more suitable role for him.”

I will be best, croaked from a nearby bush.

Alwin froze.

The thought had never crossed his mind until that very moment if he’d be able to understand his frogs once he was human again. He’d wanted to break the curse with such a singular intent he hadn’t given a conscious thought as to what he’d be losing in the process.

“Farwin?” he called tentatively and the hoppy little menace appeared in front of him, staring at his human face.

He sprung up and took Alwin’s face between his little hands like he had always done despite his repeated protests. He turned Alwin’s head left and right, leaning in to stare into his eyes and up his nostrils.

Pretty.

“You can understand me still?” Alwin asked, heart in his throat.

Farwin looked at him as if he’d lost his mind.

Majesty smarter as frog, he said with a huff before hopping away.

Alwin chuckled. It came out shaky and slightly hysterical.

“Love?” Otto called.

Alwin turned to look at him, heart hammering and relief flooding in once more. “I haven’t lost them.”

“Your frogs?”

“I don’t think I realized it, but something inside me thought I’d lose the ability to talk to them once I was human. I must have repressed it somehow. Forced myself not to think of it so I’d keep fighting to have my old self back. But it was clearly there. The fear. And the loss. It’s like I already mourned them without ever realizing.”

“But you still have them.”

“I do.” Alwin smiled. “It seems like I have everything.