Page 130 of The Frog Prince

Alwin looked at the crown closely, his eyes misting when he noticed the designs carved into the thin golden band. Vines and moss, leaves and ripples of water, Blue Moons and designsreflecting the patterns on Alwin’s skin. And the inside was textured. Thousands of tiny round indents covered the surface.

“Fingerprints,” Otto said, “from as many frogs as I could gather. Your frogs.”

Alwin’s throat constricted. He clutched the crown in his hands, fingers shaking with effort.

“It’s simple, I know that.” Otto rubbed the back of his neck self-consciously. “And it might not be worthy of a king, but I asked and your mother said for everyday wear maybe—”

“I will be crowned with this.” Alwin’s voice was shaky but strong.

“I don’t think—”

“I will not take the throne unless this is the crown placed on my head. This is what will make me king.”

Otto’s eyes misted, and a shy but pleased smile emerged on his beautiful face.

“My king,” he said and Alwin placed the crown carefully on the chaise before throwing himself into Otto’s embrace, arms locked over his broad shoulders, knees braced on either side of his barrel chest.

“Everyone else’s king,” Alwin said. “Your prince.”

“I can live with that.” Otto swayed them gently to music only he could hear.

“Good, because you promised me beyond forever.”

“And I keep my promises,” Otto said before pulling back and claiming Alwin’s lips with his own.

The young master and his prince.

Alwin held thoughts of those words and that moment at the forefront of his mind as he knelt in front of his mother at the base of the dais.

He could feel all the eyes of the kingdom on him, everyone gathered and holding their collective breath as the crown hovered over his head, heavier and more burdensome than its delicate appearance suggested. Daunting despite the warmth behind its meaning. The green cloak around his shoulders, weighted with velvet and jewelry, was nothing in comparison.

His hand ached to hold his golden ball and draw strength from it, but a look out of the corner of his eye made him sure he no longer needed it.

Otto was watching him with a gentle gaze, dressed in Hallin colors as he’d once pictured. A green tailcoat and matching breeches, all decorated with golden thread and Alwin’s personal crest on the breast pocket.

Otto still wasn’t used to the finery. Alwin thought it brought up memories of his childhood that he had wanted to forget, so when they were together behind drawn curtains or closed doors, they shed the trappings that were required of them in public and were simply themselves. When the collars grew too stifling or the gloves uncomfortable, when the anxiety that something was peeking through his disguise had him obsessively staring into every reflective surface, Alwin lived for those moments.

He would do his job to the best of his abilities, but his heart would always belong to those private moments he shared with his love. That much he knew.

“Esteemed Kingdom of Hallin, we gather here today to bear witness to the new era. A new king. I have led this kingdom with as much care and devotion as I had in me, but times demand change, and change comes with youth I no longer have.”

Alwin shared a smile with his father at his mother’s words. As hard a ruler as she was, she was loved by the people. She was just and strong and left large shoes to fill. He hoped he would live up to expectations.

“Prince Adalwin of Hallin,” she said, pulling him out of his thoughts and back into the moment. “In front of these people, your people, pledge your oath to your kingdom.”

His voice held firm, back straight as he recited the words it seemed he had had memorized his entire life. “I, Adalwin of Hallin, pledge my undying loyalty to this kingdom, its people, and its nature. I shall rule gently and kindly where needed, firmly and justly when called for, and ruthlessly and protectively when threatened. I shall make all of my decisions with Hallin’s best interest at heart. I shall be the king my people deserve.”

He locked eyes with his mother, whose face shone with pride.

“And do you, people of Hallin, accept his pledge?” she asked, and Alwin held his breath.

“Long live Adalwin,” the crowd chanted. “Long live the King of Hallin.”

“My rule ends here,” his mother said. “And yours begins.” She leaned down and placed Otto’s crown onto his slicked-back hair. “Rise, King Adalwin,” she called.

He stood, turning to the people who cheered for him, rejoicing in his return. Frogs and toads alike were hidden in every crevice and rafter, under chairs and skirts and windows. He reached outfor Otto, pulling him up to stand beside him as he took in his kingdom.

Heart full to the brim.