Chapter One
The royal carriage was flying through the skies towards the tropical kingdom of Nyria. Inside, Sofia was so excited, she could barely stay still.
"I can't believe we're going to stay at prince Charlie's!" She squealed.
"You earned it, Sofia." Roland smiled. "You passed your tests with flying colors."
"But try and stay calm, okay?" Miranda joked.
"Okay, mom." Sofia said bashfully.
"It won't be long now." James beamed. "Soon, we'll be in sunny Nyria."
"Forget the sun." Amber retorted. "I can't wait to see the fashions they have there. They say Nyria has some of the best silk in the world."
Over at castle Nyria, Charlie was waiting impatiently for some sign of the carriage, his father, king Atticus, standing beside him. Suddenly, he spotted it.
"Here it comes, dad!" He cheered.
"Indeed, it does." Atticus smiled.
Once the carriage landed, Sofia tore through the door, and she and Charlie hugged each other.
"It's great to see you again!" Sofia sighed.
"You too, Sofia." Charlie smiled.
"Welcome, honored guests!" Atticus told the others. "I sincerely hope you enjoy your stay here in Nyria!"
"Thank you, king Atticus." Roland smiled.
"And thank you for inviting us to stay." Miranda added.
"It was my pleasure." Atticus smiled. "Now, follow me inside. I'll show you where you'll be staying."
The royal family followed Atticus inside, Sofia and Charlie holding hands all the while.
"You're going to love Nyria, Sofia." Charlie declared. "I can't wait to show you around."
"Me, too." Sofia smiled.
The inside of palace Nyria was even more impressive then the outside, with high ceilings and marble pillars.
"You have a marvelous palace, king Atticus." Miranda smiled.
"Oh, this pails in comparison to your castle, I assure you." Atticus said humbly.
The royal family were led to a corridor with several doors.
"These are our guest quarters." Atticus declared. "Please deposit your belongings in her, then join us in the dining hall for dinner."
The royal family complied, taking their seats at the dinner table. Sofia of course set next to Charlie.
"I hope you've brought your appetites." Atticus smiled. "Not to boast, but Nyria has some of the best cuisine in the world."
Atticus wasn't far off in his assumption. The royal family found the food to be delicious.
"That was great." James smiled.
"I especially liked the coconut milk." Amber grinned.
"My compliments to the chef." Roland told Atticus.
"I'll be sure he get them." Atticus smiled. "Now, I'm sure you're all tired from your journey. Let's all turn in, and we can show you the wonders of Nyria tomorrow."
"Sounds good to me." Miranda nodded.
"Mom, Charlie wants to tell me something before bed." Sofia told Miranda.
"Okay, Sofia." Miranda nodded. "But after that, it's right to bed."
"Sure, mom." Sofia nodded.
Sofia and Charlie left for Charlie's room.
"Well, Sofia's sure got a lot energy tonight." Roland chuckled.
"Yeah, she's been like that ever she since she passed her tests." James noted.
"This is going to be a long night." Amber predicted.
"Don't worry, kids." Miranda smiled. "Sofia will be ready for sleep before you know it. I hope..."
In Charlie's room, Charlie started talking with Sofia.
"Sofia, remember when you told me you really like me?" He asked.
"Yes." Sofia nodded. "Why?"
"I was thinking maybe after me and my father show you and your family our kingdom, would you like to see my friends in the village, and maybe go for a ride on my horse?" Charlie asked.
"Charlie, are you asking me on a second date?" Sofia asked.
"Yes, I am." Charlie nodded.
"Okay, Charlie." Sofia smiled. "I'd like that a lot. But I'll have to check with my mom and dad about it first."
"Great." Charlie beamed. "I'll get everything ready this time, okay?"
Sofia said oh no at Last let me help you" Charlie said "Okay.
" Sofia grinned. "Night, Charlie."
Sofia kissed Charlie on the cheek and left his bedroom.
"Yes, a second date!" She whispered.
She encountered Roland and Miranda soon after.
"Sofia, there you are." He smiled. "Come along, it's time for bed now."
"But dad, i can't go to sleep yet." Sofia protested.
"Why not, Sofia?" Miranda asked. "Amber and James are already asleep."
Miranda led Sofia to her guestroom.
"Mom, prince Charlie asked me out on a second date." Sofia smiled.
"Oh, how wonderful!" Miranda gushed. "My little girl's growing up!"
"Oh, mom..." Sofia sighed.
Miranda helped Sofia change into her night gown, then kissed her goodnight. Despite her unfamiliar surroundings, Sofia found it easy to fall asleep. All she had to do was think of Charlie.