Free Frog Tale by JT Schultz Page B

the necklace in Cartier he knew he had to have the sparkling gold and diamond item.
    When he entered the store, Albert begged him not to buy such an expensive gift, but then nodded. It didn’t take a smart man to see the agony in Luciano’s eyes. Down to his soul he would miss Chloe for a very long time. He knew Albert had seen the pain. In truth, Luciano wouldn’t recover. He didn’t want to even think of the women who’d be calling, none would ever hold a candle to the young lady who would one day be a woman, holding his heart.
    The driver opened the door and he exited the car and continued to stare at the grand palace before him. He again thought of Chloe. How she would be c aptivated with the grander of the palace as well as the gardens around. Only she wasn’t here and wouldn’t be coming for a great many years. He and Albert had agreed, for her own good, she wouldn’t know who Luciano was―not for a very long time and when the timing was right.
    His steps carried him toward the front entrance and a strange empty sensation crossed his spine, sending a shiver across his back.  The solid heavy oak doors opened and he entered his childhood home.
    “ Welcome home Prince Luciano,” one of the butlers greeted.
    Quick steps echoed across the spotless tile of the foyer and his father came into sight. “Luciano!” he called and hurried toward his son. Strong arms hugged around him tight and he truly believed his father had missed him. Albert had said but Luciano hadn’t wanted to believe.
    Mario Mercury stepped back and eyed him then rested his attention on the long scar above Luciano’s brow.  Horror marred his father’s expression and he stared Luciano in the eyes. “What happened to your face? Who left you with such an ugly scar?”
    “Ramona. Where is she ? I want the witch’s head on a platter and I have no qualms to use one of our family swords to do the job myself.” He meant every word and anger grew inside him. “Where is Satan’s bitch?”
    His father shook his head. “Gone. Shortly after your disappearance, she fled without a trace. I think she might have had something to do with your mother’s murder.”
    All heartbeats ceased and he blinked at his father. “Come again?”
    “I hoped and thought Albert would have told you.” Agony worked itself across his father’s features. “Your mother was murdered a couple weeks after you disappeared. I would never have survived, but Albert Starling, the good man he is, was a great strength. He listened and was always a phone call away, helping me through the loss of you and your mother.”
    Why didn’t Albert tell me my mother died?
    The question, he would ask his friend another time. Movement captured his attention from the corner of his eye and his gaze rested on a brunette woman with blue eyes an d full lips. He raked his gaze over her and placed her a few years younger than his father. However, there was something about the strange lady that sent his nerves on edge and instantly, he didn’t trust the woman.
    “Who is this Mario?” She asked his dad drawing close to his father’s side.
    His father wrapped an arm around the woman’s waist and smiled. “I’m sorry, I forgot, you haven’t met my son. He’s been away. Ella this is Luciano.” His father turned and an odd expression crossed his face. “Son, this is Ella, my new wife and your stepmother.”
    No, this is wrong, everything is wrong. This has to be a nightmare or a sick joke to punish me for not calling home.
    “I know this is a shock Luciano, but I hope in your time gone you haven’t forgot your manners.”
    He glanced to his father and shook his head. Every ounce of energy seized control over his emotions and he forced a weak smile and extended a hand. “It’s nice to meet you Ella.”
    She stepped away from his touch and smiled. “The pleasure is mine.” Sincerity lacked in her words. “I didn’t realize Mario had any living family.”
    Luciano narrowed his gaze on