Prologue

It was snowing in the Kingdom of Russivia as flying carriages from all over the world landed on their castle's stone runway bringing in royalty from the one-hundred and thirty eight kingdoms across the world.

Sofia was excited, she always liked parties, but perhaps this time for a different reason. The Enchancian Royal family had been among the first to arrive. The Ball to celebrate King Garrick the Third's twentieth year on the throne was beginning to take shape; the great hall was filled with dancers locked in an elegant waltz. Amber had already been asked to dance by young Prince Achilles, younger brother to the heir apparent to the Corinthian Throne.

At age fourteen, the time had come for King Roland and Queen Miranda to begin considering marriage for their two daughters. Although love needed not enter into the matter, Roland had noticed that Amber was spending a great deal of time with the older, very popular Prince Achilles. Amber, who was Enchancia's heir apparent, enjoyed spending time in Corinthia as well; one of her best friends, Princess Clio was from there, and she relished the chance of becoming Clio's sister-in-law. A Closer relationship with the resource-rich Kingdom of Corinthia would not be disadvantageous for Enchancia either.

Sofia seemed uninterested in such things, as Protector of the Ever Realm and keeper of stories, she hardly had time for anything but her work. Tonight was an exception though, it was the first time in three years that she was able to come to an event of this sort; the first time in three years that she was dressed in a Royal Gown.

She smiled as she watched Amber waltz intimately with Prince Achilles. She suddenly wished prince James was there, and wondered how long it would be before he found himself someone to court. Prince James, still a Junior Knight, was off following Sir Finnegan, probably wishing Finnegan's diplomatic mission to Arendelle was more exciting.

Sofia then caught a glance of her parents, Roland and Miranda, dancing together. They each gave an air of joy that was the same as what Sofia observed when they first met. They were very happy together, they were all very happy together. Sofia was glad for a moment to rest from her work and enjoy simply being.

"Sofia," came a voice from directly in front of her as she stood on the side of the dance floor. She was surprised to see Prince Hugo of Rusiva looking at her with an anxious yet hopeful smile, a smile Sofia returned.

"Hello Hugo,"

"Enjoying the party."

"Of course! You?"

His smile wavered. Sofia blushed.

"So, uh, I'm wondering, uh… well I mean… uh"

"I'd be happy to dance with you," Sofia interrupted. There was a pause. "I mean, if that's what you wanted?"

Hugo was suddenly more confident, "it was… it is, I mean."

Hugo offered Sofia his hand, she took it and followed him to the dance floor. Without saying anything the couple danced elegantly together. Sofia had first noticed Hugo in a romantic way when she was nine years old. Of course then they were both too young to do anything about it. Now, at fourteen, perhaps both of them could begin more of a relationship, Sofia thought as she smiled into his beaming face. If she could find the time that was. Perhaps he could come with her?

As Sofia and Hugo danced, a young, bespectacled, red-headed man in a Russivian Military Officer's Uniform entered the dance hall. He walked elegantly and with purpose across the center of the dance floor, toward the throne atop which sat King Garrick, Prince Hugo's father. His timing and personal control was such that, somehow, the couples managed to dance around him, not so much because they were dodging as because every movement of his body was perfectly timed.

As he reached the throne he stopped and stared at King Garrick without saying a thing.

"Count Andreas," said the king somewhat hesitantly. "Can I help you."

There was a brief pause during which the dancers continued.

"Garrick the Third!" The young man began, "in the name of the People of Russiva, you are under arrest, this gala is over."

By now those dancers, including Sofia, Hugo, Miranda and Roland had begun to notice the confrontation.

"Are you mad?" Garrick replied.

After ascending a few steps toward the throne, the young count turned to address the gathered crowd. In a voice that somehow carried across the entire room, he announced, "May I have your attention, please,"

The dancing stopped, all eyes were now upon this man as he spoke.

"This celebration is over," he continued. "All citizens and subjects of other nations may now proceed in an orderly fashion to their carriages or other suitable methods of transportation and proceed home. Those who remain, or who are unable to leave the country at once, will be incarcerated by the People's Army until such arrangements can be made for their return to their home countries. If any members of the Russivian Royal Family," at this point he turned to King Garrick, "any members at all, wish to leave the country as well, they will be allowed to do so."

"The People's Army!?" Garrick said dismayed, "You mean you've fallen in with these rebels!?"

"I'm sorry uncle, but your reign is at an end, the new Republic rises tonight."

"What's going on!?" Demanded King Roland of Enchancia, Queen Miranda still holding his hand, "King Garrick who is this man?"

"A traitor apparently," Garrick Replied.

"You're the traitor, Uncle," said the Count. "The People's Army is generously offering you a way to save yourself and your family, I suggest you take it."

"What is this People's Army?" Demanded Roland.

"A group of insignificant Political terrorists with an absurd ideology," Said Garrick. "Who have made a grievous mistake, GUARDS!"

Several men in Royal Guard Uniforms, brandishing muskets surrounded the Count. The Count stood unflinching, as if everything was proceeding according to plan. A sudden "boom" as if from a cannon shook the very room.

"I think you'll find, Uncle, that we are hardly insignificant," the young Count began. "Gentlemen!"

The Guards suddenly aimed their muskets at King Garrick.

"Guards! What are you doing!?" Protested King Garrick. "What is this!"

"As the young Count Andreas, or should I say, Mister Andreas Mulenik has said," began a berobed younger woman with a powerful presence who carried a wand as she approached the throne dias, "the end of your reign, and the beginning of the Ever Realm's first Republic."

The sounds of the canons outside became more frequent, accompanied by screams of projectiles flying through the air.

"Ariana Karamova!" said King Garrick. "I trusted you."

"You have taxed our people into poverty, Uncle," said Andreas Mulenik as Karamova arrived at is side, "It was only a matter of time."

A sudden shout of "Your Majesty" came from the other end of the ballroom, followed by the roar of musket fire.

"No," shouted Ariana, who waved her wand causing a massive blue shockwave to appear out of nowhere, knocking everyone in the room down but her.

When Sofia came to, there was a ringing in her ears. The room was full of small chunks of debris lying about. She was suddenly aware of more distant booming sounds. A thought came to her mind, "how did I miss this?" She struggled, lifting herself up from the ground as if doing a pushup. "I am the protector of the Ever Realm, what did I miss?"

Her thoughts were interrupted by her mother taking her by the arm, lifting her to her feet.

"We have to go," said her father, who was carrying Amber in his arms as if she was an infant, Sofia noticed a red stain on her chest. Her face gave off a pained expression. Sofia noticed people running around almost aimlessly. The room was now a mess, most of the royals had evacuated but several people in military uniforms were running about brandishing swords, pistols, and other kinds of weapons.

Prince Hugo approached the group from behind, a small pistol held in his right hand pointed upward.

"You have to leave now, the rebels have surrounded the castle," Hugo said.

With Amber still cradled in his arms, Roland turned to him, "and you're coming with us."

"I can't," said Hugo, "my place is here."

"Yes it is," Roland began, "but you can't win this battle, you're the only living heir to the throne, you have to survive."

"Roland, we have to get Amber to a Hospital."

"Follow me!" Said Hugo leading the Enchancians through to a corridor.

The group seemed to be walking in a maze as they were joined by Royal Guards, led by an older man in Uniform who said, "The Rebels have broken through the Castle Walls, Sire, we have to get you to the runway!"

A sudden burst of Musket fire came from behind, several of the guards fell, including the older man. The remaining guards formed a firing line behind Hugo and the Enchancians. Without Missing a beat, Hugo led the Enchancians into a small, dark tunnel which they followed for what seemed like hours. They emerged into a snow-swept wood. Sofia turned to see the castle behind them on a hilltop ablaze. She could make out explosions from canonfire and sparks as they flew from wands.

Waiting for them in an opening in the woods was a carriage behind a flying horse. A man in a Russivian Uniform sat ready to give the horse whipping that would signal it to go forward. The group climbed as quickly as they could into the crowded carriage. Amber grimaced and moaned as her laid her onto the floor of the carriage.

"Go!" ordered Hugo as sounds came from behind them.

In the distance musket-bearing person shaped shadows fired causing a lighting storm to erupt from their musket barrels. As the flying horse began his gallop, a cry of pain came from Queen Miranda. She fell forward and was caught by Roland, his footing on the carriage floor careful to not step on the rough-breathing Amber. Blood was gushing from a musket ball-created hole in her chest.

The Carriage was now just barely airborne, Sofia came to her mother's side…

"Mom!"

Miranda was looking into Roland's tearful eyes, she turned her head gently to look into Sofia's. She raised her arm and gently caressed her daughters cheek.

"Oh Sofia…" she breathed heavily… "I… I…" Her eyes slowly closed and her head fell to its side."

Sofia collapsed into the seat of the carriage as it flew hard into the night. She heard her father roar at the top of his lungs. While the tears fell from her eyes freely, she was silent, paralyzed by shock. Roland's angry shouts spread across the night sky as the flying carriage carried them to safety.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

It took a week for James to arrive from Arendelle. Cedric managed to cast a spell to preserve the bodies until then. The Great Hall of the Enchancian Palace was filled with dignitaries, some wearing military uniforms, some wearing black. A Military honor guard escorted the ornate coffins as they processed down the center to the dias, atop which sat the remaining members of the Enchancian Royal Family.

King Roland was dressed in a Uniform smartly, but looked far more disheveled than Sofia had ever seen him. James likewise was in Uniform, wearing his sword at its side. Sofia wore a black gown, her hair uncomfortably up tightly, a thin veil covered her face.

The caskets were open, both Amber and Miranda were laid out beautifully in their finest gowns, rose pedals spread artfully throughout the interior of their caskets. The caskets reached the front of the room and were placed ceremoniously in front of the dias. There was silence in the great hall. Sofia stood as she had rehearsed and walked to the center. All eyes were fixed on her as she failed to fight back tears, but managed enough control to sing.

Her beautiful voice filled the hall as it sang a soft lullaby

Sleep my darling on my bosom

Harm will never come to you;

Mother's arms enfold you safely

Mother's arms ever true.

As you sleep there's naught to scare you,

Naught to wake you, from your rest

Close those eyelids, little Angel

Sleep upon your mother's breast

Sleep, my darling, night is falling

Rest in slumber sound and deep

I would know why you are smiling,

Smiling sweetly, as you sleep

Do you see those angels smiling

As they see your rosy rest

So that you must smile an answer

As you slumber on my breast.

Don't be frightened, tis a leaflet

Tapping tapping on the door;

Don't be frightened, t'was a wavelet

Sighing sighing on the shore

Slumber slumber, naught can hurt you

Nothing bring you harm or fright.

Slumber darling smiling sweetly

Angels guard you, robed in white.

After finishing, she hurried back to her chair, losing her control, she sobbed uncontrollably. James, who was sitting next to her took her hand in his from his throne.

Roland said nothing throughout the entire proceeding. The Bishop gave a Eulogy, followed by many whom Sofia knew but did not remember after the funeral was over. They spoke of "honor," "courage," "duty," "love." They called the Russivian Rebels "cowards," "murderers."

Roland, Sofia, and James remembered none of it. It all seemed to proceed as if in a blur. The next thing they knew, they were standing on a hillside near the castle with a statue of Miranda and Amber rising from the flowery ground. In the statue, Miranda sat on her throne, smiling, amber stood next to her, also smiling. The two's arms were around each other's backs. Amber's head rested on Miranda's shoulder.

Below the statute was an opening into a dark crypt into which the military honor guard ceremoniously carried the two now-closed caskets to their final resting place. Standing by Sofia, wearing a uniform, holding her hand was Hugo, now King-in-Exile of Russivia. The Military Honor guard closed a stone door, sealing the lifeless bodies of Amber and Miranda in their tomb forever.

James placed his hand upon his father's back.

"Dad," he began.

Roland ignored him and simply walked off alone. After giving James a significant look, Baileywick followed hesitantly after him. James turned around to see Sofia being held in Hugo's arms, sobbing into his chest, his own tears for his own family flowed freely. James wandered off alone.

He walked around the Castle grounds for hours, thinking, occasionally throwing a rock into the sea. He ended up at the Knights' Camp, the various tents bearing the Knights' colors dotted the grounds. As he approached, Sir Finnegan came to stand in front of him, flanked by Sir Bartleby and Sir Maxwell. The three had grave expressions. James came to stand about five feet away when he suddenly walked forward into Sir Finnegan who received him in an embrace. Bartleby and Maxwell placed their hands on James' shoulder as if blessing him.

He found some comfort there among those whom he wanted to be: knights.