Being home for winter break was a welcome relief for Sofia: no classes, no long hours studying, and no restless nights worrying about exams the following day; she could stop worrying about the future for a while and just live in the moment. 20 years old, her whole life ahead of her, and tonight Sofia just wanted to laugh, dance, and enjoy the castle's Wassailia Gala.

"Sofia, hurry up! We're going to be unfashionably late and you know how I feel about that," cried Amber.

Sofia did some last minute primping in front of her mirror before emerging from her dressing room. She fashioned her own catwalk and spun around in a tight circle, her dark purple chiffon fluttering around her; it was a beautiful backless dress with a tight bodice and tiny hand-placed crystals that caught the just right light as she turned. Her hair was up, tucked in a simple Gibson roll, and her makeup was at a minimum per usual. She did a final spin…

"Too much?"

"No. It is absolutely just right. If I wasn't so excited about this dress, I would be incredibly jealous," Amber said trying to hide her excited smile.

The two young women giggled like they were little girls again and fawned over how wonderful they thought the other looked before heading down the hallway to the ballroom. It was family tradition to meet just outside with the entrance for the Royal Family and enter the event together.

"I bet I know a certain prince who is going to fall all over himself as soon as he gets a glimpse of you…"

"Sofia, all of the princes are going to fall all over themselves when they see us! But if we're talking about Desmond he has been away all year, with only his letters to keep my company, toured other kingdoms during the summer, who knows if he is even interested in me anymore. Frankly, I am not sure if I am still interested in him."

"Oh please. I can tell you're lying a mile away."

"Sofia!"

"What? Just calling it like I see it!"

"Shhh, don't let James hear!"

The girls rounded the corner to the ballroom entrance for the family and James promptly greeted them,

"Don't let me hear what?!"

"Uggh. Nothing." Amber rolled her eyes and pushed James aside as she moved past him.

"Geeze. I guess someone's uptight about Desmond," James shot off. Amber shot him a glance but said nothing.

"Alright, enough you two," Miranda's voice was as calming as ever, "Roland, are you ready?"

Roland adjusted his jacket, "I am now!" Miranda smirked at him and re-adjusted it.

"You girls look beautiful," Roland beamed, "and James, well you look better than I ever did at your age!"

All of the children came in for a group hug, Amber and Sofia being careful to not mess up their hair or makeup; James, on the other hand, squeezed hard and Miranda had to fix Roland's jacket again.

Bailywick slipped through the side doors and silently marveled at his beloved royal family, "we're ready for you, let's get moving your majesties."

They all knew the drill and had a final moment to collect themselves before they were announced and walked in unison with traditional Wassailia songs; the Gala had officially begun.