chapter 1"

Once Upon A Christmas

Winter had come to Enchancia, and the royal children had taken full advantage of the first snowfall. Sofia and Amber spent their time ice skating, while James and Madeline went sledding. All too soon, the sun began to set.
"We'd better get inside, before it gets too cold." James declared.
"Just one more go?" Madeline begged.
"You go ahead." James offered. "I'm beat."
As everyone else went inside, Madeline kept sledding for a little while longer. As she finally joined the others for dinner, she started sniffling.
"Are you okay, Madeline?" Sofia asked.
"Of course I'm okay." Madeline said, before suddenly sneezing.
Miranda stepped forward and felt Madeline's head.
"Oh, my." She gasped. "You're burning up!"
"I'm fine." Madeline sniffed.
"No, you're not." Miranda countered. "You need to get into bed, now."
Miranda led the protesting princess upstairs to her's and Sofia's bedroom, and made her get into bed. Madeline moaned as she tossed and turned.

The next morning, she was diagnosed with the flu. Miranda spent the next few days and nights by her side. The furious fever took no mercy on the little princess girl. Neither did her aching head.
"Bad timing for Roland to be called away on royal business, with Christmas just few weeks away." Miranda sighed.
"Mom, I'm thirsty." Madeline groaned.
"Just a moment, dear." Miranda declared, quickly ringing the room's bell. Baileywick arrived moments later.
"Yes queen Miranda?" He inquired.
"Baileywick, can you fill this pitcher with cold water, please?" Miranda offered.
"Right away, your majesty." Baileywick nodded, taking the pitcher and leaving the room.
Meanwhile Roland was stuck In the mountains, with heavy snow.
"Its no use, your majesty." The coachman declared. "The roads are blocked and if we fly, we'll be at risk of avalanches."
Roland shivered. He had a tough choice to make. If he risked flying, he might die. But he didn't want to wait for five days. After a lot of careful considerations Roland came to a decision.
"Coachman, take the highway anyways." He instructed.
"As you wish your majesty." The Coachman nodded.
And with that, they flew into th snowy sky.
After Madeline had her drink, she want back to sleep. Sofia then came into the room.
"Mom you look tired." She noted. "I'll stay with Maddie. Why don't you go and get some sleep?"
"Thanks for the offer, Sofia." Miranda smiled. "But I don't need you getting sick too. It's almost Christmas."
"Mom, please go and rest for a while." Sofia insisted. "If dad was here he'd tell you the same thing."
"Alright Sofia, you win." Miranda sighed. "But if Madeline wakes up, just ring the bell."
"Mom, I know what to do." Sofia groaned. "Now go get some rest."
As Miranda left, Sofia sat on the window seat. the girls Shares
"Please Maddie, get better before christmas ." She begged.
Baileywick came back into the room.
"Princess Sofia, please, go get ready for bed." He insisted. "I will take care of Madeline."
Sofia reluctantly left and he took her place. Madeline opened her eyes and tried to smile. Baileywick stroked her hair gently.
"I'll take care of you." He smiled.
"Thanks, Baileywick." Madeline smiled.
"Let's get you something to eat." Baileywick suggested.
He went to get her pudding from the cart by her bed. He held the bowl for her, since she would just drop it, and spoon-fed her the pudding.
"It's good, isn't it?" Baileywick smiled.
"Yeah." Madeline nodded. "But I don't think I can eat that much."
"Just two more spoonful's, okay?" Baileywick asked.
"Okay." Madeline complied.

When Madeline had taken a few more bites of pudding, she closed her eyes and shook her head.
"Thank you Baileywick." She smiled.
Baileywick smiled softly and set the pudding aside.
"Do you need anything else, your highness?" He asked.
"Water, please." Madeline coughed.
Baileywick nodded and stood, pouring a glass of cool water from the pitcher beside the bed. He tipped it to Madeline's mouth gently, letting her drink in long slow sips. When the glass was empty, he put it aside.
"Thank you, Baileywick." Madeline coughed hard and moaned, laying back. "I feel horrible..."
"It'll pass, your highness." Baileywick smiled. He gently laid a cool hand over her forehead. "You're burning up."

Madeline found the coolness of his hand relieving. She sniffed miserably.
"Is dad going to be Home soon?" She asked.
Baileywick gently brushed some stray hairs back into place on Madeline's head.
"Yes, your highness." He nodded. "You should focus on getting well."

Madeline nodded, coughing.
"Will you stay with me?" She asked. "Until I fall asleep?"
Baileywick smiled and nodded, sitting down and watching the young princess slowly drift to her much needed sleep.

Baileywick couldn't help but feeling a protective nature for Madeline and he also couldn't help showing affection for her. To Madeline, Baileywick could have been her grandpa or uncle. She loved Baileywick so much.