The dawn saw a bedraggled and filthy creature fall out of a tree. Kya groaned and rubbed her eyes. That had, quite possibly, been the worst night of her entire life. Sleepily, she ran a finger through the tangle that was her hair and brought out the mirror. Holding it in her lap, she did the best she could to braid back the matted mess. While she was working, the looking glass shimmered and another face appeared. “Ugh, is it really morning yet?” yawned Saro.

  “Rise and shine,” Kya replied. She brushed free another section of tangle and started up another braid. “How’d you sleep?”

  “Note to self: magical library floors are not comfy. How are you up so early?”

  “You weren’t the only one who had a terrible sleep.” She rubbed her eyes again. “So, any luck with figuring out where we’re supposed to go?”

  “Not yet,” he sighed. He put his hands in his pockets and tilted his head to the side. “Kya, are you doing your hair?”

  “Well, I can’t go out looking like a mud fairy.”

  Saro deadpanned. “Kya, we’re in the middle of an epic quest. You can’t preen yourself in the middle of an epic quest.”

  Kya huffed. “Why not? I got up earlier than you did.”

  “Well because,” his eyes suddenly widened, “because that!”

  Kya didn’t need to be told to run. Through the mirror, she could see that behind her was an enormous green face. Its mouth was long and rubbery, and its eyes bulged out of the sides of its head. The frog was huge, at least the size of Kya, and one hop brought it too close for any comfort, except maybe the slimy kind. Kya grabbed the mirror, screamed, and took off running.

  “Please don’t run away.” The voice was tired, deep, and sad. The frog had spoken.

  The princess glanced behind her, quietly judging the distance between the slime ball and herself. Warily, she slowed. “What do you want, Mr. Frog?” she called out.

  “Alas, I am not a frog, but an enchanted prince.” It let out a deep croak. “You would have my deepest gratitude if you would only grant me one small thing.”

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  Kya’s heart fluttered. “Saro! Did you hear that? He’s a prince under a spell!”

  “And the nice old fairy back at the last house turned out to be a crazy witch. You’re still not listening to me?”

  “Could you just check, just on the off chance that he is really a prince? Pretty please?”

  Saro glanced out. The frog’s huge, bulbous eyes were staring blankly back at him. “Oh fine,” he muttered, retreating to hunt down the book. “Here. Great, he really is a prince, and he—“

  “Told ya so!” Kya grinned, shoving the mirror into her pack before Saro could continue. His protests were muffled and ignored.

  The frog still looked forlorn, but a little less miserable once he noticed Kya returning. “Okay, I’m here to help you out,” she beamed. “What do I do?”

  The frog blinked. “Presumably, a fair maiden such as yourself must kiss me. Only then shall I regain my true, handsome form.”

  Kya looked him over. “It doesn't have to be a true love's kiss, right?” she asked hopefully.

  “Of course not! You're just a little girl,” the frog gasped, looking disgusted.

  "Okay, good," she sighed.

  The frog hopped next to a sturdy old pine and Kya hesitated for a moment before placing her hands on his cool, slimy skin. Bracing herself mentally, she leaned in and gave the frog a quick kiss on his side. “Ick!” The frog was as slimy as he looked.

  It was a kiss of record quickness, but apparently, it was enough. As soon as the frog touched her lips, his body elongated and his limbs changed shape. Arching backwards, he began to grow. And grow. And grow. He had passed forty feet when his face finally started to look human again. Standing up, he straightened the cottage-sized golden crown that had appeared on his head and grinned. “What a relief! I look good again!”

  Kya was too busy cowering behind a tree to focus on his handsomeness. “Saro, why didn’t you tell me the prince was a giant?!” she hissed.

  “Well I tried, right before you shoved me into your backpack!” He bared his teeth. “Why do I even bother trying to help you at this point? Just get out of here, Kya. If you get eaten, it’s on you.”

  By that point, the giant had noticed them. With one hand, he picked Kya up. “Whoa, I’m not going to eat you, little girl. You okay now?”

  Kya wasn’t quite sure if she was “okay” just yet. Wordlessly, she nodded. “Well, thank you for saving me,” smiled the giant. “When that witch cast that spell on me, I thought I’d be eating flies for the rest of my life. Gosh, I’m glad that’s over with.”

  Kya stammered, “Y-You’re welcome.”

  The prince put her down. “Well, I appreciate it. If there’s anything I can do in return, just let me know.”

  Kya glanced at the mirror. “Er, do you know anything about a golden swan?”

  The prince rubbed his chin. “I don’t think so.” Kya’s face fell. “Oh! But my godmother might!”

  Kya perked up. “Can you take us to her?”

  “Sure thing! Just climb aboard.” He held out one giant hand, and Kya stepped uneasily onto it. “I should warn you, though, she’s no fairy!”