They don't love you

Sofia sat up in a cold sweat. She looked around frantically and saw her room with all its familiar things. She looked over at her window seat and saw her furry friends all asleep. She was panting and trying to calm down as she didn't want to wake them up. The dream just wouldn't leave her. Maybe a walk around the castle would take her mind off it.

For the past week and a half she had been having the same dream. Her father telling her she wasn't really his daughter, her siblings telling her they tolerated her but didn't like her, and her mother… her mother telling her she never wanted to have her. How Sofia had almost cost Miranda her crown because King Roland didn't want her.

It was a horrible dream, and Sofia had been having it every night.

She got out of bed and put her robe and slippers on. Holding back the tears so as not to disturb her friends, she slowly and carefully opened the door. She didn't know where she was heading, only knew that she had to get out. She walked slowly at first, but the faster the tears came the faster she ran. She opened up a door and noticed the library. She ran to her favorite chair, threw herself down and just started sobbing.

She didn't know how long she had been sitting there when she heard someone come in

"Princess Sofia, are you alright?"

She briefly looked up to see Baileywick in the doorway. He was wearing his pajamas and had a candlestick in his hand. He looked very worried.

She didn't respond. As a fresh batch of tears washed over her face she just placed her head back on the chair. Baileywick rushed over and gathered Sofia in his arms.

"Shh shh, there there, let it all out. Baileywick is here, you're safe; I've got you; it's going to be alright" He crooned as he stroked her hair.

Sofia cried for what seemed like eternity, just holding onto the faithful steward. When she finally felt all cried out she looked up at him.

"Princess, are you alright now?"

She nodded

"Would you like me to fetch your parents?"

"No…" She replied with a shake of her head

"Alright princess, did you want to talk about it?"

He doesn't care about you

Sofia went still with shock. Who said that? She looked around frantic, but could see no one besides Baileywick.

"Princess?" There was a worried tone in his voice

"Oh.. Um I am ok now, thank you Baileywick."

"Well alright Princess, if you are sure. At least let me walk you back to your room"

She just looked up at him and put her hand into his. They walked back to her room in silence. Baileywick kept looking down at her, but Sofia wouldn't look at him. When they got to her room, Sofia reached for the door handle, but Baileywick stopped her. He got down on one knee and looked her in the eye

"Princess, are you sure you don't want to talk about it? I am always here for you, you know that right?" Baileywick asked, worry evident in his tone.

"Yes Baileywick, I know. Thank you very much, but I am OK. Sorry for disturbing you."

Baileywick looked horrified "You didn't disturb me, Princess Sofia. I was- no I am worried about you."

Sofia looked into Baileywicks eyes, he was being sincere. A part of her felt better

"I just had a bad dream Baileywick, but I am feeling a lot better now. Thank you for being there for me"

Baileywick looked at her face for the longest time. Sofia didn't know what he was looking for, but he nodded and gave her a swift hug.

He opened her door and walked her to her bed. When she had settled herself in, he took the blankets and tucked her in.

"Good night Princess, sleep well."

"Good night Baileywick"

Sofia was asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow. Baileywick stood at her door and watch her thoughtfully. He wasn't sure if he should inform her royal parents about what happened tonight. He decided not to, it was only a bad dream after all. He nodded to himself and walked out of the young princess's room shutting the door behind him.

Unknown to all a figure high above the castle watched, and waited.