How to Marry a Tamed Man

King Henrik couldn't believe the change in his son. Prince Brian had been sent out into the world to fight dragons, have manly adventures and marry a rescued princess with a very large dowry.

The King watched his son nervously eat the meager dinner placed in front of him at the wedding feast, and noted the unusual amount of care, grace and deference he showed his young bride. True, she was beautiful, young and rich, with a good line that could be traced back for centuries, but still, it was unsettling to see his son so out of character. He didn't even leer suggestively down the bodice of the serving wench that hovered over them, never mind slap her on the backside with a hearty huzzah.

After the feast, the couple took to the floor for their first dance. King Henrick could stand the display of gentle devotion no longer. He simply had to find out about this bewitching daughter-in-law. Handing his gilded ice cream cone to a footman, the King interrupted the dancers for an impromptu 'excuse me' and whisked the bride away.

"My son has told me nothing of your courtship," he wheezed and waltzed. "Although undoubtedly happy, he seems much changed. Can you tell me how you met?"

"Sire. Your son fought a dragon and had many manly adventures before rescuing me from the witch who imprisoned me."

"How did he best the crone?"

"Alas, he did not," admitted the bride. "He was turned into a frog and I was left alone to subdue my captor and restore my Prince to manhood."

"With a kiss?"

The bride looked shocked that her kisses should be given so easily.

"Of course not, Sire! I trained the witches glasses on him under the midday sun and let him decide whether he wished to stay a frog or not."

(309 words)