Dinner with her family started out like any other; gathered around the table, multiple conversations buzzing, and laughter - always laughter. Sofia loved her family and in recent years it had grown. Amber had married Desmond when they were 22, nearly 3 years ago, and they were trying to add to their family as well. James had just recently gotten married to Vivian, her quiet demeanor balancing his rambunctiousness, and they were planning on traveling for a few years as James introduced himself as an ambassador to Enchancia to foreign kingdoms. The family dinners had grown in size but the affectionate conversations and cozy atmosphere remained the same.
"So, Sofia...how have things been going with Zandar?" Amber said carelessly. She knew Sofia would avoid the question or dance around it if she asked privately.
"He is a nice friend," Sofia answered softly, shooting Amber a look laced with daggers that only a sister understands.
"Just a friend, dear?" Miranda chirped, a hint of hopefulness in her tone.
"Yes Mom, just a friend."
"A friend that Amber has been trying to set Sofia up with for months," James said coolly. Vivian elbowed him in the side quickly and undetected. "What?! It is true. Amber is always playing matchmaker!"
"James, I am not! I just think Sofia and Zandar have a lot in common is all…"
"Oh? Like what?" James sat back in his chair, amused with his own question.
"Well, they are both Royals," Amber started, obviously stalling, "and besides, it is none of your business!"
Amber pouted, crossed her arms, and huffed exaggeratedly. Desmond put his arm around her and smiled softly, shaking his head. James burst out laughing and Vivian shot him a disapproving glance. All of this made Sofia smile, even if it was at her expense.
"Sofia," Roland piped in sternly, "You are cutting it awfully close to the wire, don't you think?"
"Rolly! She will find the right man in time, don't start that again," Miranda teased playfully.
"Time isn't on our side here, Miranda," Roland took a more serious tone, "the Proclamation clearly states…"
"I know what it says," Sofia quipped, "A Prince or Princess must marry by their 25th Birthday or be stripped of their title and exiled from the Kingdom, or hung from the towers by their feet. I know," Sofia said dryly.
"Sofia!" Miranda scolded.
"What?! Haven't we talked about this enough? Do we really need to talk about this now?"
The mood in the room was starting to shift from jovial and cozy to uncomfortable and claustrophobic.
"Can we not?" Amber said flatly.
"You started it!" James cried, landing himself another elbow to the side.
"Amber is right," Roland said calmly, "we can talk about this another time, Sofia."
"Great." Sofia's undertone was dispassionate and annoyed, a rare occurrence in her bubbly personality.
DInner finished swiftly and Sofia excused herself from the table hurriedly, making her way down the castle hall.