Frog Prince, or Just Deserts (Chapter 6)

Wandering through the garden, she approached the faithful well. Surprised, she noticed there an old woman who was attempting to draw water from the deep well. The old woman futilely tried to turn the crank, which would not budge. Clearly, her fingers ached, and slight strength she had in them gave way.

When she heard steps, the woman turned her attention to the curious princess.

“Lovely princess,” the woman began, “I’ve got rheumatism in my palsied hands, which makes it painful to draw up the brimming bucket; would you be so kind as to fetch me a cup of water?”

Tossing her golden locks, Dorinda quickly turned away.

“Why does everyone, like, think that I ought to be, like, their servant,” she mumbled querulously.

To sharp readers, it’s probably no surprise, that the old lady was a fairy in disguise.

Brandishing her wand, Princess Dorinda was instantly zapped into a toad. All that remained of the lovely lady was her crown, conveniently miniaturized to fit her diminished stature and her beauty spot prominent on her high cheekbone between the other toady warts.

“That will teach you some manners Miss Priss,” the fairy snapped. “Maybe you’ll learn a little humbleness in your altered state! If you ever find a gallant prince, who will kiss you in true love, you might be restored to humanity.”