Loss
Chapter 1
After a long serious of storms that James cursed at for ruining what he had hopes was going to be a decent party for the kingdom's celebration of its own birthday but the first one he could plan as king. While he thought the ill timed weather ruined it though, he swore Lucinda saw it in another light and went with the plans today. Acting as if nothing happened while still acknowledging that the storms happened. The voice of reason behind his worried and constant thinking mind. He was so lucky to have her and the kids were just as beautiful as she was. Now if only he didn't have a child acting like how Amber was when they were growing up. No wonder Sofia never came back after one visit. His only daughter, Crystal was turning out to be just like her but at the ripe age of 10 and she didn't have any talent for magic. She had none so any magic class in Royal Prep was out of the question for her. Her brother though, well he had magic talent. Magus was his only son and the twin of Crystal. While he wasn't as magically inclined as Sophia or Terra, he was close. Terra had more magic but only cause her mother was a natural with magic. He also befriended Sophia's daughter while Crystal scoffed at her any chance she could whenever she got the chance.
He got tapped on the shoulder which seemed to take his train of thought off and focus on the present moment. Looking, he saw Lucinda next to him with his formal wear and her in the most beautiful gown he had yet to see on her.
"The jubilee is in an hour love. We have to get you ready." She says. "I have it all ready and guests are arriving as scheduled."
"You...amaze me Luci." James happily sighs, leaning in and kissing her. "I think my kingdom and mind would be lost without you."
"I am inclined to agree." She turned him to a changing sheet and watched him go behind it. "Darling, do you think Sofia and Thomas will come? I do wish to see them again. I love the conversations through letters but I want more with her voice."
"Well, honestly, it's up to her. Whether we see them during or after isn't our choice." James replies throwing his shirt over the sheet. "I do hope they arrive though. It's been so long and I am sure Amber misses her dearly as do my parents."
It was quiet as Lucinda stood and walked to the window. Looking out and seeing the Jubilee guests now mingling amongst themselves with wine and small snacks. She was still not used to this royal life but adjusted well enough to handle these situations. It did help that she used magic to conjure most and if not all the decorations. James did express his worry that she would leave him during her adjustment time. It was on her mind but now that she was getting used to so many needed habits. It was okay. It wasn't great at times but they were customs she married into. Steps had her look and smile at her now dressed husband who looked ready to go now.
"If you wish, we can start it now since you are dressed." She walked to where his crown had been placed and picked it up as well as her own. "Or we can wait."
"I say...we go now." James nods then walks to her. "Let us get this over with. The storms have delayed this event long enough."
Both set the other's crown on their head then with hooked arms, walked out of their room and down the red carpeted hallway. Heading towards the throne room but turning left instead of right to one of the many natural fenced off yards to where the Jubilee was. Bailywick as always ready to announce their arrival.
"Ladies and Gentleman, King James and Queen Lucinda." He says. "Oh and Princess Crystal and Prince Magus have joined us now as well."
Both looked to see the twins at their side as they were bowed too. Only Magus bowed back out of respect while Crystal just opened her fan and waved it in front of her face. Even as they started to mingle, it never fell from there unless the princess deemed someone apparently worthy of seeing the lower part of her head. He ignored it though and continued to mingle. Even as his parents joined them.
"Ah, everyone please welcome Duke Roland and the Queen Mother Miranda."
The nobles bowed and then returned to their conversations before. James walking to his mother and father and hugging both. He was so glad they were here to this late Jubilee. Roland hosted many before him so his advice would be critical in making this work. Even if Lucinda did a spectacular job. Anything could go wrong at any time. This couldn't happen though. It was already a late jubilee. If anything ruined this party then he wouldn't be able to live this down or worse, see him a failure for a king and believe Roland stepped down too early.
"I am glad to see you here. I am worried the storms ruined this event. If anything goes wrong now, my rule could end with this before it's even started." He whispers. "I am...dead if this doesn't go through well."
"And it will, just remember to remain calm and always have a back up plan. One that keeps the party going and enjoyable." Roland wisely tells him. "Then you will not only be seen as a capable ruler but one who is always ready for anything."
"...Right, always plan ahead." He agrees then returned to face his guest confidently.
"You know, I never once recall you ever needing a back up plan," Miranda gently teases as they each took a wine glass. "Your plans never seemed to fail or backfire."
"Heh, good thing you weren't here my first year. I have had several moments where many important events have gone awry. All of which required a serious back up plan that also had a back up plan. After my first year though, people saw me as someone who seemed to have a plan for anything that could be thrown my way."
"And was I also part of a back up plan?" The queen mother asks bluntly.
"You my dear didn't need one. I knew I was going to have you at my side." Roland says. "I wanted to make sure I had your personality down first. Your wishes, hopes….I had to know you before I could ask you to be at my side."
"Well thank you. I know Sofia appreciated that." Miranda told him. "Even if she abhors the rich life. She does appreciate how you treat me."
"Really? She never made mention of it but she was never one to really talk with us much unless needed." Roland let a depressed sigh. "But I know that she did love me in some form."
"She does still Roland. She just...isn't one for the royal life." Miranda says. "You and I both know that Sofia loves us. I am sure she will stop by today. She is always invited to these things every year."
"Well if you are certain she will come then I will wait with bated breath." He says heading to the snack table.
She walked around and talked with a few nobles she knew from when she was queen and spoke about how things were now different with James in charge. Yet still somewhat the same since most of the laws Roland put into place were reasonable laws. James didn't change or replace them. He had yet to pass any but he was good at solving many minor issues that seem to plague random people whenever they needed an outside view. A few nobles seemed irritated and they were the ones near the door to the castle. Miranda watched for a little bit and found one would just eye the bushes near where she and a few other nobles stood. They had to be looking at something or someone. Maybe Cedric was pulling another prank though? Miranda walked over and in second saw it wasn't the magician at all. It was Terra. She was hiding, her clothes were torn as well.
"Terra, what are you doing here? Where is Sophia?" Miranda took her into her arms and held her.
Something about this was off. Terra was never left alone. She was usually wasn't far from Sophia or Thomas. Not out of paranoia just concern since Terra didn't like the royal life either. Miranda felt as if something horrible had happened now. Like something took her Sofia...and let her with just Terra.
"Let's find Grandpa." She says mostly to Terra and passing a few nobles. "Roland. Roland where are you?"
He walked out into view and seemed to have this sudden worry on his face. Enough to have him at her side and smile at Terra to try and keep the young one feeling at least a little welcome. So long as Crystal didn't raise a fuss, things would go well. Instead of bothering James though, he had Miranda walk inside. Once there, Miranda got Terra to look up and then hold a note out. Their names on it. The feeling of a missing piece turned from a feeling to fear. All she could do was let Roland take the note and open it. He wasn't quiet for long. After a long and dreadful silence, the contents of the letter was read to her. Her worst fear was realized. The reason Terra was alone. The reason Terra wasn't with her parents. Her home was attacked by Ms. Nettle in an attempt to take down the most powerful magic user and take their magic. Instead, Sofia did a crystallizing spell. The letter said the spell would not only seal Ms. Nettle into crystal but would take her life and end her reign. The price? Her own life and Thomas stayed behind to give all his magic to Sofia to let the spell be fully effective which costed him his own life. It left Terra no other place but here to go. She was a year older than the twins but still a child.
Roland couldn't speak. He kept reading the letter over and over. Clearly hoping the contents were going to change. As if reading it would change her baby's fate and bring her back. She knew better. Sofia was gone. Her baby was gone. Ms. Nettle stole away her baby! She couldn't cry here though. She slowly turned and walked down the hall. Roland following her and both leaving James and Lucinda to their needed event. They would come by later. For now, all she could think of or cared about was what she just lost. Terra would be safe with them until they needed to inform James and Amber.
Okay, SO...long awaited sequel and final story of the Sofia Trilogy. Yes...I just killed off two characters. I went that dark.
