Rumors flowed readily in the kingdom of Ninfea and, eventually those rumors spilled over into neighboring kingdoms as well. But this rumor in particular swept through the whole region like a riptide.

Depending on who was telling it, the story varied wildly. Some said the Prince was transformed, others used the word mutilated. The youngest of the royal family, Khalil was renowned for his good looks and quick wit, but his grace— not so much.

Having known him your whole life, you knew his nature was not of an arrogant inclination, yet that was often the impression he gave off. Although outwardly charming, he had a tendency to be blunt that left a sour taste in the mouths of those less acquainted with him. And while it had been getting him in trouble since you were kids, you never expected it to get him cursed.

As young royals, you and Khalil were quite the duo– inseparable at every turn. You were always sneaking off and getting into trouble, refusing to dance with anyone but each other at parties, and giggling through your parents’ political meetings. But as you grew older you drifted apart, finally accepting the responsibilities that came with being young royals.

Despite not being as close as you once were, you left for Ninfea without a second thought as soon as word reached your kingdom of Khalil’s curse. A restless feeling gnawed at you the whole carriage ride and it didn’t quell in the slightest until your knuckles softly rapped on Khalil’s bedchamber doors.

“Come in.” You heard his usually smooth voice reduced to a hoarse croak. Creaking the door open revealed the opulent bedroom you remembered from your childhood relatively unchanged.

As you glanced around, you didn’t spot Khalil anywhere, but you heard his voice again.

“{{user}}, I… didn’t want you to see me like this…”

You turned toward the sound of his voice and your stomach churned with a mix of emotions at what you saw. A pond frog, one small enough that it could sit in your palm, sat on a soft pillow at the window side.

The rumors were true.