Fred Frog VII was wearing a suit. For other formal occasions he would wear his favorite black and yellow one with the purple tuxedo napkin, but not that day. His suit was white and black, he wore golden shoes and an surprisingly tall headpiece embroidered with the first of his lineage, Balbuzard Frog. This whole ceremony was to be a disaster, he thought. After all, no lady could find him attractive if he was so ever near that headpiece.
Xavier, his servant, knocks at the door. He is a nervous old toad of petite carrure who has served the family for more then eight decades.
- May I ask you to follow me, your majesty? He asks. I am to take you to your family, since the Ball is to start soon.
- Can you come in here? I need help with my tie, says Fred.
The old servant opens the door a few inches wide. He peeks his head, analyzing the room he is about to enter. He hesitates but no more then usual. Fred looks at him, waiting.
- Hello, says Xavier, with a broken voice.
- Yes hello, I said you can come in.
Xavier stares at the king to be and shows him the coridor as a sign to follow him.
The castle was a grand place. It had a green tapestry and black quartz pillars. There were thirteen bedrooms, ten bathrooms, three dining rooms, four tea rooms, and the biggest ballroom in the kingdom. There was also a botanical garden, one with vegetables and one where they grew lily-pads. There were also libraries, living rooms, offices, two kitchens, the servants' quarters, and the dungeon filled with blood, old and new. It is so awfull, not even the maids went to clean.
Fred descends to the grand hall, where he meets his mother, grandparents and more nobles and aristocrats.
- Ah, darling. I'm glad you could join us, says the Queen.
She looks at her son and his bow tie, sitting sideways on his neck. She snaps her fingers at Xavier. He goes to re-attach it.
- How come he did not fix it already, Fred,? She asks.
- Well I had asked him but he would not come in the room, Freddy replies. Why don't you let the servants enter the bedrooms?
- He has dirty toad hands. I don't want him touching whats not necessary. I don't want to have to smell his repugnant odour when I go to sleep.
Fred looks at the servant, with curiosity and a little empathy.
- You will make us proud tonight. Now remember, dance and talk with all the girls you want but you will need to pick one by the end of the ball. Queen Nila says.
- There will be security guards around the castle to make sure what happens last time doesn't repeat. She adds.
- Freddy mumbles. It's no pressure, I just have to marry a girl after we've met for a couple of days and have babies with her. It's not like tonight will determine my future and the kingdom's.
He cleared his throat.
- Alright, enough chitchat, says Nila.
They head down to the ballroom. And Xavier announces,
- Ladies and gentlemans, the royal family and future heir to the thrône, Fred Frog VII.
YOU ARE READING
FROGLAND
Historical FictionIgnorance. Hatred. Prejudice. Walls aren't the only thing that divide us. Frogland is the kingdom of the Frog family. It has been for centuries, but it's citizens have had enough. Those who live outside the fortress want to destroy it and the prince...
