Chapter 1:
I can't believe it! Another failing grade on my homework! What's going on? Sofia thought to herself, as she got back her homework from yesterday.
"How'd you do on this one, Sofia?" asked Amber amiably.
"Oh," stated Sofia dejectedly, "I messed up on my homework again, Amber! And I checked it three times Tuesday night to make sure I did it right! What's wrong with me?"
"Sofia, there is nothing wrong with you. Maybe you've just hit a tough spot in our studies. You'll break out of it soon!" said Amber soothingly.
"Yeah, Sof." interjected James. "We all hit the wall sometimes, but it passes quickly!"
"I sure hope so!" replied Sofia, but not with much conviction.
But the 'tough spots' were starting to affect Sofia in other areas too.
Today, in Sorcery class, there was a quiz on transforming materials into precious gems. Sofia had always done well on this and felt sure she'd do well here. She was being annoyed by a beetle, but she just brushed it aside gently, and proceeded.
"Rubio!" Sofia ordered the red brick, and it changed into a ruby.
"Diamondio !" said Sofia as she confidently waved her wand at the glass and changed it into a diamond.
"Saphhiria!" exclaimed Sofia and the blue earthenware changed into a Sapphire.
But just as Mistress Merryweather was coming around to check the results, Sofia's transformed items changed into red dust, an onion, and a blueberry! Sadly, Mistress Merryweather had to give Sofia a failing mark. Sofia was dumbfound. Amber and James, along with the rest of the class looked on in concern.
It continued in ballet class after school. Sofia, Amber and Kari were practicing there ballet steps, and were going to start to rehearse there dance for the Spring show, which was in five weeks. Sofia had put on her tutu and ballet shoes and started warming up. Her warm-ups went perfectly.
"Looking good, Sofia!" complimented Kari.
"Indeed! She looks great!" added Amber.
"Thanks! At least there is ONE THING, I'm not messing up!" replied Sofia, as she brushed a butterfly off her ballet slippers.
The three princesses started their dance, when...
"OH NO!" cried Sofia as she lost her balance and crashed to the floor.
"Are you okay?" asked Amber and Kari in unison.
"I...think so." replied a subdued Sofia.
But the rest of the ballet rehearsal went just as badly. Sofia was missing steps, falling into Kari and Amber, and falling down. The practice couldn't end soon enough!
"Ohhhhhhhhh! I messed up again!" said Sofia to no one in particular.
On the ride back to the castle, Amber could see that Sofia wanted to be left alone to her thoughts as they rode home in silence.
As they left, a sinister individual thought to themselves Ahhh! The Plan is working well I see. With a little patience, I will possess that which I cherish!