• The Princess and the Frog

The Princess's Promise

Once upon a time, a Princess was pursued by numerous suitors at the palace, each eager to win her hand. However, she felt that none of them truly saw her for who she was.

Frustrated, she sighed, “They only see my crown and dresses.”

One afternoon, after another suitor left, she wished to be a little girl again, free from these suitors. She fondly remembered a sparkling ball she used to play with and wondered where it had gone. Finding it, she joyfully ran outside and tossed it higher and higher into the air.

In her excitement, she threw the ball higher than ever before but tripped on a tree stump. The ball fell into the royal well. She rushed to retrieve it, but it had already sunk out of sight.

Despairing, she cried, “My ball is lost!”

A green frog appeared and asked if he could help. Though she found it odd that a frog could speak, she desperately wanted her ball back and asked him to retrieve it.

The Frog agreed, but only if she promised to spend time with him. Uncertain, she agreed. The Frog dove into the well and returned with her ball. Taking it, she turned to leave, but the Frog reminded her of her promise. Dismissing him, she walked back to the palace.

That evening, while the Princess dined with her family and advisers, there was a knock at the door. A servant found the Frog waiting outside. The Frog reminded the Princess of her promise to spend time with him.

Reluctantly, she invited him in. The servants quickly set a place for the Frog at the royal table. As dinner progressed, the King dismissed the Princess’s attempt to contribute to the conversation.

The Frog then spoke up, stating, “There is more to a princess than her crown and dresses.”

The Princess was surprised that the Frog understood her feelings. After dinner, the Frog prepared to leave, but the Princess invited him for a walk in the garden. Delighted, the Frog joined her.

In the garden, the Princess and the Frog walked and talked, enjoying each other’s company. They shared laughs and admired the sunset. The Princess admitted she had enjoyed the evening more than she expected. She then kissed the Frog on the cheek.

Instantly, the Frog transformed into a young prince. Startled, the Princess listened as the Prince explained that an evil witch had cursed him, and only a princess’s kiss could break the spell. Recognizing him by his voice, manner, and eyes, the Princess realized it was true.

Years later, after they married, they commissioned a beautiful carved bowl to hold her favorite ball, placing it on their royal dining table where it sparkled in the sunlight for all to see.

Source of Pictures: 1