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I resurfaced. A whimper escaped my throat.
I dove again and again. I forgot the palace. I forgot my father and his staff who would soon be looking for me. All I could think of was Briar and the shell that contained a tiny echo of her voice, one that would never age nor fade nor leave me.
I couldn’t lose this last precious piece of her.
If it was gone, it would be like she was gone. Not waiting somewhere to be rescued. Not living as a fae bride. But gone. Forever. Never to return.
I was breathless from diving, and my heart fluttered like a sparrow.
Finally, I dragged myself out of the water and lay on the weathered dock. I looked hopelessly across the murky pond and began to cry. It started with a single tear but built to a crescendo of despair.
A large bullfrog leapt out of the water and landed on the dock next to me. I grimaced at the sight of him—slimy and wet. Absolutely disgusting. The last thing I needed.
Then I heard someone clear their throat. I sat up and straightened my back at once, looking around for the source of the noise. Had one of my father’s servants found me so quickly?
"Why are you crying, princess?" asked a low, rumbling voice.
“I’ve lost my necklace,” I said, turning to see who had joined me.
There was no one in sight. That was when I realized the voice was coming from the frog. I let out a piercing scream.
He hopped backward as if to avoid me should I choose to slam my hand downward. Not a poor impulse.
I caught my breath and steadied myself. This was clearly the work of powerful witchcraft. The frog himself could be a witch, or he could be the object of one’s ire. Either way, it was best not to intervene.
I stood up.
"Wait," said the frog. His voice was oddly commanding, regal even.
Something about it made me pause.
"I can assist you," he said.
"I don’t see how," I replied, taking another step backward. I wanted to put some distance between us.
"You seem to have lost something. Perhaps, I could find it for you," offered the frog. "I can see easily in the water."
I wanted to jump at his offer, but something was off. "Why would you help me?" I asked.
"Why wouldn’t I help you?" he replied. "Has no one ever done you a good turn before? How sad."
"No," I admitted. "People usually want something from me."
"Would you be more comfortable if I did, too?"
I considered him for a moment before nodding. "Yes."
"Fine. I will make a request then. If I find your necklace, I wish to live by your side. This pond has very little in the way of riches."
So, he wanted riches. That wasn’t a problem. I had an armoire full of jewelry and a sack of gold coins. I would gladly trade them all to hear my sister’s voice.
I smiled. "You have a deal."
The frog nodded once and dove nimbly into the water.
Ten minutes later, he returned with a golden chain in his mouth, the shell floating neatly behind him.
I snatched it out of the water and clutched it to my chest, crying happy tears.
