Chapter 1

THE CURSE OF PRINCE AMIR

The ancient village of Eldoria was washed in the golden rays of the setting sun. The ethereal light cast long shadows that danced among the cobbled streets and gnarled ancient trees. The village, known for its rich history, mystical aura, and enchanted gardens was home to many secrets and legends. Among its residents were two young men whose destinies were intertwined in ways that would alter their futures and change the course of history for an entire kingdom: Prince Amir and Elias the Sorcerer.

Elias had always been different. Born to a family of scholars, his childhood was spent surrounded by ancient tomes and magical artifacts. From an early age, he displayed a remarkable affinity for the elements, predicting weather changes and communicating with wildlife in ways that baffled even the most seasoned villagers. This unusual talent caught the attention of Master Corvinus, the enigmatic and reclusive mage known as The Guardian, who lived on the outskirts of Eldoria in the village of Thornwood.

"Elias, you have a gift," Corvinus said one day, his voice a deep rumble that seemed to resonate with the very earth. "But with great power comes great responsibility. You must learn to control it, to harness it for the greater good. Misuse of your gifts will lead to grave consequences for you and all within your reach."

Elias, wide-eyed and eager, nodded. "I understand and I want to learn, Master. Teach me everything."

And so, under Corvinus's stern-yet-patient guidance, Elias began his journey into the arcane arts. He learned to summon the elements, to weave spells with precision, and to understand the delicate balance of the magical world. But the most crucial lesson was the one about restraint and the ethical use of power, a lesson Elias would struggle to remember as time went on.

Meanwhile, in the heart of Eldoria, Prince Amir was growing up in the lap of luxury. As the only heir to the throne, he was groomed from a young age to be a leader. Yet, despite his princely duties, Amir was not a typical royal. He had a deep sense of justice and a genuine love for his people. He often slipped away from the confines of the palace to wander the village, mingling with the common folk and learning about their lives, much to his father's chagrin.

One fateful day, while exploring the edge of the enchanted forest that bordered Eldoria, Amir stumbled upon Elias practicing his magic. The young sorcerer was so engrossed in his work that he didn't notice the prince until the young man was almost upon him.

"That's quite a display," Amir said, leaning against a tree, his arms crossed and a curious smile playing on his lips.

Elias startled, nearly losing control of the fireball he had conjured. He quickly extinguished it and turned to face the intruder. "Who are you?" he demanded, trying to mask his surprise.

Amir stepped forward, extending a hand. "Prince Amir of Eldoria. And you are?"

Elias hesitated before shaking the offered hand. "Elias. Just Elias."

"Well, hello, just Elias. What are you doing out here?"

Elias was hesitant but something about Amir's open nature made him want to share. "I'm practicing my craft."

From that moment on, a bond began to form between the two young men. Despite their contrasting backgrounds, they found common ground in their love for knowledge and their dreams of a better future for Eldoria. They spent countless hours together, discussing philosophy, strategy, and the intricacies of magic. It was a new phenomenon to him, and he was excited to learn all he could.

"Elias, have you ever wondered what it would be like if magic and technology could coexist harmoniously?" Amir asked one evening as they sat by a campfire in the forest.

Elias looked thoughtful. "It would be a beautiful world. Imagine harnessing the power to heal the sick, to feed the hungry, to protect the weak. It's a dream worth pursuing."

Amir nodded, his eyes shining with conviction. "Then let's make it happen. When it is my turn to take the throne, I will be free to rule the way I choose. My father's ways are of the old world, and right now I don't see him making sweeping changes to incorporate magic, but that gives us time. You can keep learning and practicing and we will be ready when the time comes."

As the years passed, their friendship deepened. Elias continued his rigorous training under Master Corvinus, while Amir matured and learned what ruling the kingdom would involve. For the most part the king was pleased, however, there were many disagreements whenever Amir even brought up magic. Elias and Amir often worked on projects that combined Amir's vision for the kingdom with Elias's magical innovations, dreaming of a utopia where everyone could thrive.

However, the closer they grew, the more complex their relationship became. Elias admired Amir's natural leadership and the ease with which he won people's hearts. Amir, in turn, was fascinated by Elias's intellect and the sheer power of his magic. But beneath the surface, there were undercurrents of envy and insecurity. Elias, despite his immense talent, often felt overshadowed by Amir's charisma and royal status. His heart was also in conflict as he was so attracted to Amir and secretly harbored a wish that they could truly rule together one day. Amir as King and Elias as his Consort.

One evening, as they were walking through the palace gardens, Amir voiced a concern that had been weighing on his mind. "Elias, do you ever feel like there's something more out there for us? Something beyond Eldoria?"

Elias glanced at him, sensing the restlessness in his friend's voice. "What do you mean? Are you thinking of abdicating and leaving the kingdom behind?"

"I mean," Amir continued, "that sometimes I feel like we're meant for greater things. That our destinies are not just to lead or to master magic, but to change the world."

Elias nodded slowly. "I feel it too. But such change requires sacrifice and the courage to face the unknown."

Amir sighed. "And it also requires us to stay true to ourselves and to each other."

Elias could hardly believe his ears. His heart was beating so loudly he could not only feel it but hear it as a constant ringing. Would there be a better time to share his true feelings? Sitting there, he couldn't think of one. The idea that his feelings would not be returned was suffocating his courage. For while their bond was strong, it was not impervious to the strains of ambition, pride, and the darker forces at play in the world.

"Amir, I am so glad to hear that you feel this way and that it isn't simply an impulse but that you've been thinking about it for some time. I agree. Here we are locked into status and pre-determined roles. Our lives mapped out from birth to death. I am ready to do more. Mostly, I'm ready to do more with you by my side and me by yours. I have loved you for a long time. Sure, there have been moments of petty jealousy born from my desire to be the decision maker, but I can move past that, if you can. If we go to a place where we are real equals making decisions together, we can't go wrong."

Amir stared at him dumbfounded. Hearing the words Elias spoke had rendered him catatonic.

"Say something… anything."

"I don't know what to say. This was not where I expected the conversation to go. We're friends. Good friends. Trusted friends and allies. But I don't love you, Elias. I'm not attracted to you in any way. Whatever gave you the idea that I was? Is this some sort of joke? Are you messing with me. Did someone put you up to this?" Just then, whether it was nerves, or he actually found the horror-struck look on Elias' face amusing, Amir let forth a chuckle that surged into a full-on belly laugh. He was in full on hysterics by the time Elias fled from him and the garden.

Amir, although taken aback by the exit, chose not to follow. He knew he'd see Elias at the grand ball coming up. Perhaps his friend needed to cool off or work out his feelings alone. Amir was also busy with his own special project and didn't have time to give it a second thought.

It was weeks later, during that grand palace ball, that an incident occurred that began to unravel their friendship even further. Amir hoped for a chance to fix things, but instead they only fractured them further.

To diffuse tension among the nobles, Amir made a seemingly innocuous comment about the role of magic in the kingdom.

"Magic is a tool, just like any other," he said, raising his glass in a toast. "It should serve the people, not control them."

Elias, who had been standing beside him, felt a surge of anger. He knew Amir did not mean to belittle his craft, but the words stung, nonetheless. Magic was not just a tool to him; it was a vital part of his identity, a gift and a calling. To have it diminished by someone he'd grown to love hurt tremendously. As far as Elias was concerned, this was the final straw. In that moment he considered them done. The damage to their friendship, their dreams, and any future they had, professional or otherwise, had been irrevocably destroyed.

After the ball, Elias confronted Amir. "Do you really see magic as nothing more than a tool?" he demanded, his eyes blazing.

Amir, taken aback by the intensity of Elias's reaction, tried to explain. "Elias, that's not what I meant. I was trying to make a point about balance and responsibility."

"But it sounded like you were dismissing everything I am," Elias retorted, his voice shaking with emotion. "You, of all people, should understand that magic is more than just a means to an end."

Amir reached out, placing a hand on Elias's shoulder. "I'm sorry, Elias. I didn't mean to hurt you. Magic is incredible, and so are you. I value your abilities more than you know."

Elias shrugged off the hand, stepping back. "Words matter, Amir, and the ones you have been saying the past few weeks have been hateful and hurtful. It's like I don't even know who you are anymore."

As he walked away, Amir felt a pang of regret. He hadn't meant to attenuate Elias, but the damage was done. The seeds of doubt and resentment were planted and taking root. First, he had made light of his feelings and then he diminished his craft. Their friendship, once so solid, was showing more than a few cracks.

Amir, confounded by the darkness growing in Elias's heart, continued to push forward with their shared vision. He, in his heart, believed the vision they shared was much bigger than the troubles in their personal lives. They would eventually work it out and move past it he thought. He had no idea how wrong of an assumption that was.

He implemented policies that integrated magic into the kingdom's infrastructure, believing it was what Elias wanted. But without Elias's guidance, those efforts sometimes faltered, leading to further frustration and misunderstandings.

Their interactions became strained, their conversations clipped and formal. The bond that had once been their greatest strength now felt like a chain, each link forged from unspoken grievances and unresolved tensions.

The angst between the young men was a silent undercurrent that threatened to erupt at any moment. Despite their best efforts to maintain a semblance of normalcy, their interactions were fraught with unspoken accusations and lingering doubts. The shared dream of a harmonious Eldoria seemed more distant with each passing day.

The final ball of the season was several months later and served as the close to the season of winter celebrations and Amir's annual birthday party. The Equinox Ball was in full swing, the royal palace of Eldoria glittering with opulence. Chandeliers sparkled like captured stars, and the air was thick with the scent of roses and magic. And Amir and Elias were barely on speaking terms. Amir had been holding court, as was typical for a prince at any ball, but especially tonight. Prince Amir, newly turned twenty-one, moved through the crowd with ease, his quick smile and adventurous spirit captivating all who met him. Tonight was his night, a celebration of his coming of age.

Elias, per usual, hung back in the shadows. There had been a series of heated grand council meetings leading up to tonight, all left unresolved as one or both left the room quite unceremoniously. They could agree on nothing. Elias didn't even want to be at the ball. He had no date, no desire to find one, and the only man he'd been dreaming of dancing with under the stars was physically and emotionally so distant from him, he saw no bridge back.

Amir was the apple of the court's eye. He'd grown up learning the delicate balance of ruling a kingdom that was both modern and steeped in ancient traditions. His charm and wit endeared him to everyone.

As the night wore on, Amir finally noticed Elias standing alone by one of the grand windows, looking out into the night. His usual warm expression was replaced by a hard, unreadable mask. Concerned, Amir made his way over to him.

"Elias, why are you standing here all by yourself? Come join the festivities," Amir said, placing a hand on his friend's shoulder. His voice carried the appropriate amount of merriment for the occasion.

Elias turned slowly, his eyes meeting Amir's with a chilling intensity. "Do you even know what you've done, Amir? Do you get the damage you have wrought with your ego and entitlement? You've been partying and galivanting through this ballroom without a care. You realize all of us don't get to be that carefree, right? " He asked, his voice low and filled with bitterness. Even to his own ears it sounded harsher than intended.

Amir frowned, confused. "What are you talking about now? If I've done something to upset you, I'm sorry. Tell me, Elias, so I can make it right."

Elias shook his head, a mirthless smile playing on his lips. "It's too late for more apologies. You have filled these last weeks with worthless apologies. They only mean something if they're backed up with a change in behavior. I'm not sure you're even capable of that level of change, you've always had everything, Amir. The love of the court, the respect of the kingdom. But your thoughtlessness has cost me dearly. If you don't take me seriously, or defend me to your father and the council, why would anyone else. All the studying and planning has been a waste. It's like you've robbed me of valuable years from my life, when I could have given them to someone who truly wanted to be my partner in every way."

Amir's confusion deepened. "What do you mean? What have I done? This is becoming so exhausting. When did you turn into such a whiney, moody, little bitch?"

It was Elias' turn to meet his words with manic and hysterical laughter.

Either Amir had far too much to drink, his head was overcrowded with false praise, or he was in the throes of an honest-to-goodness nervous breakdown. For him to resort to name calling, especially to a sorcerer as powerful as Elias was nothing short of reckless.

"You don't even remember," Elias said, his voice rising with anger. "You made a mockery of my feelings, Amir. You laughed when I confessed my heart to you, made me feel small and insignificant. You shattered my trust. And to add insult to that already brutal injury, you tore down my gifts and talents and contributions to this kingdom. You have treated me worse than you would the lowest of servants."

Amir's eyes widened in realization. "Elias, I never meant to hurt you. I thought... I thought all that feelings talk was a joke. Like we always do. We tease all the time. You're like family. We have said ‘I love you' to one another since our school days. I didn't know you were serious. And I have never once belittled or mocked your gifts. I know what they mean to you, but I can't just run off and support everything you want blindly, either. You can't seriously be this worked up over that. It was a misunderstanding."

Elias's eyes blazed with fury. "That's exactly it, Amir. You never take me seriously. Well, tonight, you will."

Before Amir could react, Elias raised his hands, and the room seemed to darken. A hush fell over the guests as they turned to see what was happening. Magic crackled in the air, and Elias's voice echoed through the hall.

"Prince Amir of Eldoria," Elias intoned, his voice filled with power and malice, "you have betrayed our friendship and wounded my heart. For your arrogance and lack of understanding, I curse you!"

There was zero time to react, and Amir knew it. Elias could see it in his eyes along with fear for what might be coming. A wave of energy surged from Elias, hitting Amir with a force that knocked him to the ground. Pain seared through his body as he felt himself shrinking, his limbs contorting. The world spun, and when it finally stopped, he found himself looking up at the towering figures of his guests from the floor.

Gasps and cries filled the hall as the guests realized what had happened. Amir tried to speak, but only a croak emerged. He looked down and saw that he was no longer a prince, but instead, a small, emerald-green frog.

Elias stood over him, his expression one of cold satisfaction. "The curse is simple, Amir. Only a kiss of true love can break it. But given your inability to recognize love or take it seriously, I doubt you will ever find it."

Amir's heart pounded in his tiny chest. He tried to hop toward Elias, to plead with him, but Elias stepped back, his eyes now filled with a mixture of sorrow and resolve. "Goodbye, Amir. Perhaps this will teach you the humility and understanding you so sorely lack."

Royal guards went to charge the sorcerer, but they never stood a chance. Elias disappeared in a cloud of black and red smoke, leaving nothing behind but air, the little green frog, and the shocked and bewildered stares of the guests.