The Newest Princess - a Sofia the First fanfic
The Newest Princess (Enhanced Chapter 1)
Note: to celebrate my first anniversary with FanFiction, I am providing you with an enhanced version of Chapter 1 of "The Newest Princess".
A dark time in Enchancia
Inside Enchancia Castle, a fourteen-year-old Sofia was in her bedroom writing in her diary.
Princess Sofia's personal diary: June 27th.
Enchancia is usually a very happy place. However, this is a time of sadness and darkness in our kingdom. For the past few weeks, a mysterious illness has spread through Enchancia, and our finest doctors are working to find a cure for it. Sadly, a number of people in the kingdom have already died from the illness.
Dad has had myself and the rest of the family confined to the castle for our own safety. However, thanks to Baileywick and Constable Miles, I've been able to keep up with the news from the village. And I'm happy to report that my friends Ruby and Jade and their families have not come down with the illness. The news is not so good for my friend Lucinda. Lucinda's parents have come down with the illness, and are bedridden as a result. Lucinda has not come down with the illness, and is tending to her parents. I pray her parents will come through this okay - since her grandparents died of old age a few years ago, her parents are the only family she has.
In the village, Mrs. Hanshaw is busy making rounds, offering help to those in need during this dark time. Bless her. Her kindness and generosity during this dark time is a shining light that helps cut though the darkness.
We all hope that a cure can be found, and with it this dark time in Enchancia's history will come to a close.
Inside Lucinda's house in the village, a fourteen-year-old Lucinda was busy tending to her parents.
"I've made some soup" Lucinda said as she entered her parents bedroom. "Are you up to trying some?".
"That sounds good, sweetheart" Lucinda's mother said in a weak voice.
"What about you, Dad?" Lucinda asked her father.
"Take care of your mother first" Lucinda's father said in a weak voice.
Lucinda gently helped her mother sit up, and helped her mother to drink the soup.
"Thank you, sweetheart" Lucinda's mother said gratefully. "That was delicious".
Lucinda gently helped her mother lay back, and then went over to her father's side of the bed. After gently helping her father sit up, she helped her father to drink the soup.
"Thank you, my precious one" Lucinda's father smiled. "I think the soup helped a little".
Lucinda smiled.
"Lucinda" her father started, "you look exhausted. You need to get some rest".
"I need to be with you and Mom" Lucinda said.
"Lucinda" her mother said as she looked at Lucinda, "your father and I will get some rest. Please get some rest as well. You'll wear yourself out otherwise. Please, do it for us, sweetheart".
"Very well" Lucinda reluctantly agreed.
Lucinda gently helped her father lay back, and made sure that both her mother and father were comfortable.
"If you need anything, please call me" Lucinda said as she started walking out of her parents bedroom.
"We will, my precious one" Lucinda's father smiled at Lucinda. "Go and get some rest".
The visitation
A half hour after Lucinda left the room, a bright light filled the room. Out of the bright light walked a young woman.
"Who's there?" Lucinda's mother asked.
An older teenage Lucinda walked over to her parents bed.
"Mom" the older Lucinda gently said as she walked over to the bed, "please don't be afraid. I mean you no harm".
"Well, look at you" Lucinda's mother smiled. "You've grown into a beautiful young woman".
Lucinda's father opened his eyes. "Lucinda?" her father asked. "Your all grown up. But how is this possible?"
"Mom, Dad" the older Lucinda started, "I know this is going to be a lot to take in, but I'm from the future".
"You look beautiful, sweetheart" Lucinda's mother smiled. "How old are you now?"
"Nineteen" the older Lucinda answered.
"Then, you know we're dying, don't you?" Lucinda's father asked.
"Yes" the older Lucinda sadly answered.
"We don't want to leave, but this illness is too strong" Lucinda mother commented. "Your father and I are so worried about what will become of you".
"I'm going to be alright" the older Lucinda reassured her mother. "I was adopted ... by King Roland and Queen Miranda".
"Well, can you imagine that?" Lucinda's father said in a weak voice. "Our little girl is royalty".
"Yes, Dad" the older Lucinda smiled as she held her father's hand. "Your little girl is now Lucinda Chloe Magwin Milledtion, a princess of Enchancia ... and one of the two royal sorceresses, along with Sofia".
"Royal sorceress?" Lucinda's mother asked. "How is this possible?"
"When I became a part of the royal family, King Roland gave to me as a gift the Amulet of Tlara, an amulet as powerful as Sofia's Amulet of Avalor" the older Lucinda answered. "Cedric tried to take my amulet so he could attempt to take over the kingdom. He was caught in the act, and was dismissed from his position as royal sorcerer. King Roland replaced him with Sofia and I".
"I always knew Cedric would get caught up with sooner or later" Lucinda's father commented. Lucinda's father then got very tired. "I'm so tired, Lucinda" he said.
"Go to sleep" the older Lucinda smiled as she kissed her father's forehead.
"Lucinda" her father started, "I'm so proud of you. I see now that you'll be okay. I can go now ... and not worry what will become of you. Goodbye, my precious one". With that, he closed his eyes, and soon gently passed away.
"Goodbye, Dad" the older Lucinda said half smiling, and half crying.
"I'm afraid I'm going soon" Lucinda's mother observed.
"Just rest, Mom" the older Lucinda said.
"It's alright, Lucinda" her mother said. "I can go now, and know you'll be well looked after".
"Go to sleep, now" the older Lucinda smiled as she kissed her mother's forehead.
Lucinda's mother then closed her eyes, and gently passed away.
"Goodbye, Mom" the older Lucinda said half smiling, and half crying.
"It's alright, Lucinda" a man's voice came from behind her.
The older Lucinda turned around to see a face from her childhood.
"Andrew" the older Lucinda smiled. "Your here to take my parents, aren't you?"
"Yes" Andrew started as a glow surrounded him. "I'm honored to have been chosen to be the angel to guide your parents home. Your parents are fine people. And you gave them peace during their final moments". Andrew then pointed up toward Heaven, and smiled. "You know, Lucinda ... he's still very proud of you".
The older Lucinda smiled. Then, the spirits of Lucinda's parents left their bodies, and walked over to Andrew. The three smiled at the older Lucinda, then walked toward the wall ... and disappeared.
A sad discovery
After her parents and Andrew had left, the older Lucinda sat down in a chair. She knew what was coming next - her fourteen-year-old self would soon discover that her parents had died. Her fourteen-year-old self had fallen asleep in her bedroom, exhausted from taking care of her ill parents.
The older Lucinda waited. After a while, the door to the bedroom opened. At the same moment, the older Lucinda's amulet started glowing, making her invisible to the fourteen-year-old Lucinda and anybody else who might come by.
"Mom? Dad?" the fourteen-year-old Lucinda asked. "I fell asleep. I'm sorry. Is there anything I can get you?".
There was no answer from the bed. Fourteen-year-old Lucinda slowly walked over to the bed where her parents were laying. After checking her parents, fourteen-year-old Lucinda realized that her parents were dead, and started sobbing.
"Oh, sweetheart" the older Lucinda sadly thought. "This is the saddest day of our lives".
The fourteen-year-old Lucinda then got a white sheet, and covered her parents bodies with it. The fourteen-year-old Lucinda then slowly walked out to the front porch, sat down on a bench, and stared into space.
"Lucinda?" a woman's voice asked the fourteen-year-old. "Are you alright?".
Fourteen-year-old Lucinda looked up to see Mrs. Hanshaw. Tears started flowing down fourteen-year-old Lucinda's cheeks. "My parents ... are dead" the fourteen-year-old sobbed.
Mrs. Hanshaw raced up to Lucinda, and hugged her. "I'm so sorry, Lucinda". Lucinda then cried as she had never cried before. After a while, Lucinda had cried herself out.
"Wait here" Mrs. Hanshaw said to Lucinda. Mrs. Hanshaw then went into the house, and confirmed that Lucinda's parents were dead. Mrs. Hanshaw then went to Lucinda's room, and packed up some of Lucinda's clothes, before returning to the front porch.
"Come with me, sweetheart" Mrs. Hanshaw gently said to Lucinda. "You'll stay with Ruby and I until this is straightened out". Mrs. Hanshaw then walked Lucinda down the street.
The older Lucinda stood watching the scene.
"You've always been a kind woman" the older Lucinda thought about Mrs. Hanshaw. "I don't know what I would have done without you during those first two days without my parents". The older Lucinda then disappeared.
Mrs. Hanshaw and fourteen-year-old Lucinda arrived at Mrs. Hanshaw's house, and went inside.
"Please sit on the couch, Lucinda" Mrs. Hanshaw gently said. "I'll be back in a few minutes".
Mrs. Hanshaw then went upstairs, and noticed that Ruby was in her bedroom. Mrs. Hanshaw then knocked on Ruby's door.
"Come in" a fourteen-year-old Ruby invited. Ruby could immediately tell that something was wrong. "What's going on, Mom?".
"I'm afraid I have some bad news" Mrs. Hanshaw started. "Lucinda's parents are dead from the illness that's going around".
"Oh, no!" Ruby gasped.
"Lucinda will be staying with us for a while" Mrs. Hanshaw reported.
Late that afternoon at Enchancia Castle
Constable Miles had just received the latest report of deaths from the mysterious illness sweeping across Enchancia. As he read the report, he saw the notice that fourteen-year-old Lucinda's parents had died, and that Lucinda was now alone in the world. Miles then took the report and found Baileywick.
"Mr. Baileywick" Miles started. "I have the latest report of deaths from the illness that is sweeping across Enchancia. I'm afraid I have some bad news. Miss Lucinda's parents died today from the illness, and she has no other family. Mrs. Hanshaw has taken her in for the time being".
"I'll let King Roland know immediately" Baileywick acknowledged. "Miss Lucinda has been a good friend to Princess Sofia and the royal family".
Baileywick soon found King Roland and Queen Miranda talking in Roland's study.
"Yes, Baileywick?" Roland asked.
"I'm afraid I have some bad news" Baileywick started. "Miss Lucinda's parents died today of the illness that's sweeping across Enchancia".
"Oh dear God, no!" Miranda exclaimed. "What's going to happen to her?"
"That's unclear right now, Queen Miranda" Baileywick answered. "She has no surviving relatives. Mrs. Hanshaw has taken her in for the time being until the situation is resolved."
"Thank you, Baileywick" Roland sadly said.
Baileywick then left Roland's study as Roland and Miranda talked.
"Lucinda is alone now" Roland sadly commented. "She's been a good friend to Sofia and to our family. I can't see her languishing in some orphanage. I really think we ...".
"... should adopt her" Miranda finished his sentence. "I couldn't agree with you more, Rollie".
"Then I'll make the arrangements" Roland said. "Sofia will need to be told about Lucinda as soon as possible. Lucinda is one of Sofia's closest friends".
"I'll take care of it, Rollie" Miranda gently said.
Breaking the news
Miranda soon found herself at the door of Sofia's bedroom. She then knocked on the door.
"Come in" a fourteen-year-old Sofia invited.
Miranda walked into Sofia's bedroom. Sofia could tell that something was wrong.
"What's wrong, Mom?" Sofia asked, concerned.
"Sit down, Sofia" Miranda gently said. Her and Sofia then sat down on Sofia's bed. "I have some very sad news for you ... Lucinda's parents have died from the illness".
"Oh, no!" Sofia cried. "What about Lucinda?".
"She's alive, and staying with Mrs. Hanshaw for the time being until things get resolved" Miranda answered. "She has no surviving relatives".
"What's going to become of her, Mom?" Sofia asked, worried.
"Your father and I are going to adopt Lucinda" Miranda responded. "To that end, I was thinking you could help us prepare for Lucinda's arrival".
"Anything, Mom" Sofia offered.
"Lucinda will need a bedroom here in the castle" Miranda started. "I was wondering if you would take care of seeing that the room is tailored to her needs. Afterall, your very close friends with Lucinda, and you know what she would like".
"I'll be more than happy to, Mom" Sofia said.
In a little while, Sofia walked into the empty royal bedroom that would become Lucinda's bedroom. As Sofia looked around, she heard a knock at the open door. Standing there was a fifteen-year-old James, and a fifteen-year-old Amber.
"Sofia" Amber said with tears in her eyes, "James and I just found out about Lucinda's parents. We're so very sorry".
"We also know that Lucinda will become part of our family, and that your helping to get her bedroom here ready" James added. "Amber and I would like to give you any help you need".
"That would be appreciated" Sofia smiled with gratitude. "Thank you".
Two days later
Roland and Miranda arrived by royal carriage in front of Mrs. Hanshaw's house in the village. The two then climbed off of the carriage, and walked up to the front door, where Mrs. Hanshaw greeted them.
"How is Lucinda holding up, Helen?" Miranda asked.
"She's sadder than I've ever seen anybody in my life" Helen answered. "Her whole world is gone".
At that point, a fourteen-year-old Lucinda slowly appeared behind Helen.
"Hello, Lucinda" Roland said. He could see the pain in Lucinda's eyes, and he walked over and gave her a gentle hug, trying his best to comfort her during this difficult time.
"Do you have your items packed, Lucinda?" Helen asked.
"Yes, ma'am" Lucinda replied.
Roland motioned to the coachman. "Please put Lucinda's suitcases on the carriage".
"Yes, your Highness" the coachman answered.
"It was nice having you here, Lucinda" Helen remarked while giving Lucinda a hug. "Is that everything?"
"Just one last thing, ma'am" Lucinda replied as she walked over to her broom which was sitting on the front porch. Lucinda then outstretched her arm and commanded "UP!" to the broom. The broom immediately flew into Lucinda's hand. Watching this, Roland thought of Sofia and how Sofia was now majoring in sorcery at Royal Prep. Roland had seen Sofia do the same thing with her broom back at the castle.
"Ready?" Roland asked Lucinda.
"Yes, sir" Lucinda answered.
Roland, Miranda, and Lucinda climbed into the royal carriage as Helen, Ruby and Jade looked on from the front porch. In the carriage, Lucinda sat next to Miranda as Miranda put her arm around Lucinda. Lucinda then leaned against Miranda a little bit. Miranda then gave Lucinda a tender kiss on the forehead. "Let's go home, sweetheart" Miranda said to Lucinda in a comforting way.
Lucinda at the castle
The royal carriage arrived at the castle where Sofia, Amber, James, and Baileywick were waiting. Roland and Miranda got off, and then Roland helped Lucinda off of the carriage. At that point, fourteen-year-old Sofia approached Lucinda and the two hugged.
"How are you doing?" Sofia asked Lucinda in a concerned and caring tone of voice.
"I'm hanging in there ... I think" Lucinda answered in a sad tone of voice while trying to be brave at the same time.
"Baileywick" Roland gently commanded. "Make sure Lucinda's belongings are taken to her room".
"At once, King Roland" Baileywick responded as he looked at Lucinda, feeling so very sorry for Lucinda's recent loss.
Sofia, Miranda, and Baileywick walked Lucinda to her room in the castle. As Baileywick opened the doors, Lucinda stared in disbelief. "Surly this can't be my room?" Lucinda thought. "Somebody must have made a mistake. This room is for royalty".
"Here's is your room, Lucinda" Baileywick announced.
"This is ... for me?" Lucinda asked.
"Yes, Lucinda" Miranda replied.
Lucinda walked around the room, totally amazed.
"Your larger belongings from your home will arrive this afternoon, Lucinda" Baileywick said as he gently put his hand on Lucinda's shoulder.
As Lucinda looked around the room, she suddenly noticed her broom hanging from a very fancy custom made broom holder that had been mounted on the wall.
"That was King Roland's idea" Baileywick said to Lucinda. "He knows how important your broom is to you ..."
"...and" Miranda added, "he, and I, and all of us wanted to give it a special place to be hung when it's not in use".
"Thank you" Lucinda said in a very appreciative tone of voice.
"Your welcome" Miranda said while giving Lucinda a gentle hug. "We'll let you settle in. If you need anything, just ring the bell on the wall and somebody will come immediately. See you at dinner, Lucinda".
As Miranda and Baileywick left the room, Sofia walked over to Lucinda.
"This is ... so much ... to take in" Lucinda said.
"I know what you mean" Sofia replied. "I felt the same way my first day here. Is there anything I can do for you?"
"I think I'll be fine" Lucinda answered. "If you don't mind, I'd like to take a little rest."
"Of course, Lucinda" Sofia said while giving Lucinda a hug. "See you at dinner".
As Sofia left the room, Lucinda sat down on the bed. Then, she heard a knock at the door.
"Lucinda?" King Roland asked. "May I come in?"
"Yes, please".
Roland sat down on the bed next to Lucinda. "I want to give you something, Lucinda. I was looking through the royal jewel room, and I came across this" as he handed Lucinda a large, dark blue jewel box.
Lucinda opened the box to find an amulet that was almost like Sofia's. The only difference was that this amulet had a dark blue gem stone, where Sofia's had a lighter blue gem stone.
"I ... can't accept this" Lucinda said, being taken off guard. "It's ... too expensive".
"Consider it a welcome to the family gift. I thought you deserved something special" Roland said as he put the amulet around Lucinda's neck. "We thought this had disappeared ages ago, but a few years ago it suddenly showed up. According to legend, it was made at the same time as Sofia's amulet, by the same person. It could well have the same abilities as Sofia's amulet ..."
Lucinda froze for a split second. Sofia had confided to Lucinda a year ago about what Sofia's amulet could do. But Lucinda thought it was a secret only known to the two of them. "Does King Roland know what Sofia's amulet can actually do?" Lucinda wondered.
Roland gently put his hand on Lucinda's hand. "It's okay" Roland said. "I know what Sofia's amulet can do. She confided in me about it a few months ago."
"And you didn't think she was ... crazy?" Lucinda carefully asked.
"Not at all, Lucinda" Roland gently replied. "I had heard legends about Sofia's amulet, and I was happy to find out that the legends were actually true. It would explain why my mother, when she wore it, felt so at peace. The ability to talk to animals, the ability to summon another princess when help is needed. It's nice to know that Sofia is protected like that. And I hope your amulet gives you the same gifts, Lucinda".
"Thank you" Lucinda said as she hugged Roland.
That night
At dinner that night, a discussion took place about what would happen in the near future. "In two nights time, we'll have your official introduction to the royal court, Lucinda" King Roland announced. Roland could see Lucinda was a bit nervous over the prospect. "However, we'll keep it as simple as possible" Roland added. That seemed to ease Lucinda's mind.
After dinner, Lucinda returned to her room. It had been a long day, and Lucinda was still coming to terms with recent events - the death of her parents, being adopted by King Roland and Queen Miranda, and becoming a member of the royal family. It was all going a bit fast. Maybe a bit too fast.
Lucinda heard a knock at the door.
"Yes?" Lucinda asked.
"It's me, Amber. May I come in?"
"Yes, please" Lucinda answered.
A fifteen-year-old Amber walked through the door. "I couldn't help but notice that you seemed to be a bit nervous over your introduction ceremony".
"Maybe a little ..." Lucinda replied.
Amber could see that Lucinda was more than a little nervous.
"Okay ... maybe more than a little" Lucinda continued.
"Thought so" Amber commented as she gently put her hand on Lucinda's shoulder. "Therefore, let me help".
"... alright" Lucinda agreed nervously.
"Don't worry" Amber said to Lucinda. "Everything will be fine". Amber stopped for a moment, then continued. "I have a confession to make ..."
"What?" Lucinda asked.
"When Sofia first became part of our family, I was bound and determined to make Sofia a proper princess" Amber started. "However, back then, I never took into consideration that Sofia was already a proper princess - just by being herself. I tried to change her, and that was wrong. I learned a valuable lesson from that - just being yourself is what makes you a proper princess. And that's the most important advice I can give you, Lucinda - just be yourself. The rest will fall into place over time."
"I just don't want to let anybody down" Lucinda confessed.
"You won't" Amber said reassuringly. "As I said, the most important thing about being a princess is being yourself ... and a nice gown doesn't hurt either".
The two looked at each other and laughed.
"You'll be just fine" Amber said while smiling at Lucinda.
After Amber had left Lucinda's room, Lucinda laid down on the bed trying to get to sleep. But so much had happened that day, and Lucinda found it hard to fall asleep. After a while, Lucinda decided to take a walk around the castle, and soon found herself out in the courtyard. As she walked around, Lucinda heard some movement nearby. As a reflex action, Lucinda pulled out her wand just to be on the safe side. Before Lucinda knew it, one of the castle guard dogs, a German Shepherd, limped out of the shadows. The dog and Lucinda looked at each other, then the dog started slowly limping away.
"Wait!" Lucinda cried out. "Your hurt!"
The dog stopped and looked back at Lucinda.
Lucinda slowly walked over near the dog. The dog slowly started to back off.
"Don't worry" Lucinda said calmly. "I just want to help if I can".
The dog seemed to understand and slowly limped over toward Lucinda.
"Oh!" Lucinda remarked. "You have a thorn in your paw. I can take care of that for you. Now hold up your paw ..."
The dog held up it's paw as Lucinda directed her wand at it. A white beam of light came from Lucinda's wand and touched the dog's paw. After a few moments, the thorn had disappeared. The dog put down it's paw and started slowly testing the paw. It was obvious that the paw had been healed.
Then, a strange thing happened. Lucinda noticed her amulet glowing. Then it went back to normal after a few moments.
"Oh! That is so much better!" a male voice said.
"Who's that?" Lucinda asked.
"It's me" the dog replied. "Thank you for fixing my paw. I am forever in your debt!"
"Oh, my!" Lucinda thought. "I can understand him. Did my amulet just give me the power to talk to animals?"
"No problem" Lucinda remarked. "My name is Lucinda. And you are?"
"Rex" the dog replied. "I'm part of the guard service here at the castle. And your the new princess everybody is talking about!" Rex stopped for a moment, then continued. "I'm sorry to hear about your parents, Princess Lucinda".
"Thank you, Rex. And it's just Lucinda ... at least until the introduction ceremony."
"Understood ... Lucinda" Rex responded. "If you ever need anything, I am at your service. All you have to do is to call."
"Thank you, Rex"
With that, Rex went back on duty and Lucinda returned to her room. It had been a magical night. "Things just might be looking up" Lucinda thought as she climbed into bed, thinking about Amber's support, her new friend Rex ... and her amulet giving her a special gift. "Things just might be looking up".
The following day
The next morning, Lucinda found Sofia.
"Good morning, Lucinda" Sofia cheerfully said. Sofia then noticed Lucinda's amulet. "Dad told me he had given you an amulet. So ... has it given you any special gifts?"
"Yes" Lucinda beamed. "I can talk to animals". Lucinda then went into detail about what had happened in the courtyard the night before.
"Oh, how wonderful!" Sofia responded. "Now we can both talk to animals!".
As Sofia and Lucinda walked down one of the castle hallways, they passed Cedric.
"Good morning, Mr. Cee-drick!" Sofia called out.
"Good morning, Princess Sofia" Cedric responded in a cool manner, annoyed that even as a teenager, Sofia still insisted on calling him Cee-drick, in spite of the many times he had pronounced his name Cedric to her. Cedric then looked at Lucinda.
"So, what is this?" Cedric asked as he looked at Lucinda's amulet.
"Dad gave it to Lucinda as a welcome to the family gift" Sofia answered.
"Oh! How nice!" Cedric commented.
As Sofia and Lucinda walked away, Cedric looked at the two of them. "Oh, my!" Cedric thought. "That's the Amulet of Tlara! They must have finally found it! And it's as powerful as the Amulet of Avalor! If I could swipe that, I could take over the kingdom!". Cedric then walked back to his chambers thinking about how he could get Lucinda's amulet.
In the shadows, someone was watching Cedric walk back to his chambers. It was Rex, the guard dog.
"I've never trusted that Cedric!" Rex thought to himself. "There is something a little off about that guy! And he seems to be taking too much of an interest in Lucinda's amulet! Better keep an eye on him, Rex, just to be safe!".
Cedric, entering his chambers, suddenly struck upon an idea to get Lucinda's amulet. "I'll use good old fashioned emotions against her. I'll make her leave the castle, and hand over the amulet at the same time!"
That afternoon, Lucinda was in her room. Suddenly, a puff of gray smoke appeared before her, and out of it stepped, of all people, King Gideon.
"Well, you must be the 'new' princess?!" Gideon sneered. "Amazing what they'll let become royalty now - a witch! And here I thought trolls were bad!"
Lucinda froze in shock. "What have I done to deserve this?!" Lucinda thought.
"What makes you think you'll ever be accepted as a princess - WITCH?!" Gideon continued. "Why look at you! Your nothing! Your not wanted here! The royal court will never accept a little freak like you!"
"That's not true, Miss!" a female voice shouted. Lucinda turned around to see Violet, one of the castle chamber maids. "That's not true at all! People love you here, Miss Lucinda. They have from the first time you came to visit."
"Silence!" Gideon commanded.
"I don't know who you are?!" Violet shouted at Gideon. "But your not King Gideon! He would have had more respect for a fine young lady like Miss Lucinda!"
At that point, Sofia and Rex burst through the door. Rex started growling, while Sofia pulled out her wand.
"Lets see who you really are!" Sofia shouted as she fired her wand at Gideon.
A burst of thick white light hit Gideon. In a few moments, Gideon was gone. In his place was ... Cedric.
"Mr. Cee-drick?!" Sofia asked puzzled.
"That's Cedric! You stupid, stupid child!" Cedric snapped back.
"But ... why?" Sofia wanted to know.
"Do I actually have to paint a picture for you?!" Cedric asked in a sneering tone. "It should be obvious! I want that amulet! And since your here, I might as well take both amulets and be done with it!".
Cedric raised his wand in a threatening manner. At that point, Violet grabbed Cedric's arm, while Rex grabbed Cedric's pant leg. The three struggled until Cedric managed to throw Violet to the floor and kick Rex away.
Cedric turned back to Sofia and Lucinda, but it was already too late. Sofia and Lucinda already had their wands pointed straight at Cedric. The two girls fired their wands, and Cedric was hit by a double blast of magic energy. The blast threw Cedric against the wall, knocking him out cold in the process.
Sofia, Lucinda, Violet, and Rex all stood there in shock as some castle guards rushed into the room.
A cure is foundThe next morning, Lucinda was awaken by cheering coming from the castle courtyard. Lucinda quickly got dressed, and made her way down to the courtyard where a crowd was gathered. Among those in the courtyard was Baileywick.
"What's going on?" Lucinda asked Baileywick.
"Glorious news" Baileywick answered. "A cure for the illness has been found!".
"That's wonderful!" Lucinda exclaimed in glee.
Lucinda walked around the courtyard, talking to people as she went along. As she walked in the courtyard, mixed emotions started going through Lucinda's mind. Miranda was in the courtyard, and walked up to Lucinda.
"Lucinda" Miranda gently said as she held Lucinda's hand. "Come with me, please".
Miranda led Lucinda into the castle, and took Lucinda to the castle's sitting room where the two sat down on a couch.
"What's wrong, Lucinda?" Miranda gently asked.
"I'm happy that a cure has been found" Lucinda started. "However … I wish it had come in time to save my parents".
"I understand" Miranda gently acknowledged as she put her arm around Lucinda. "I lost some people I knew due to the illness".
Miranda and Lucinda looked at each other at that point. They had something in common - a shared sadness. As they held each other, Baileywick walked into the sitting room.
"Breakfast will be served in fifteen minutes" Baileywick announced.
"Please have breakfast brought here for Lucinda and I" Miranda instructed. "The two of us need to have some time alone".
"I'll see to it immediately" Baileywick acknowledged as he left the sitting room.
In a little bit, some servants came in and placed breakfast for Miranda and Lucinda on a table in the sitting room. As Miranda and Lucinda sat down at the table, Miranda looked at Lucinda.
"I have an idea" Miranda started. "Let's say we remember the happy times we had with those we lost. You tell me happy times you had with your parents, and I'll tell you happy times I had with those I lost".
"I'd like that" Lucinda smiled.
As Miranda and Lucinda had breakfast, they shared with each other happy memories they had of those they had lost. It was the beginning of a healing for both of them.
Introducing Princess Lucinda
It was now the night of the introduction ceremony. In the great hall, the royal court was gathered to meet Lucinda.
Baileywick stepped forward. "Ladies and Gentlemen! I present to you Her Royal Highness, Princess Lucinda of Enchancia!"
All eyes turned to the top of the staircase. Standing there was Lucinda, dressed in a beautiful dark blue gown, and wearing a lovely silver tiara. And around her neck was the Amulet of Tlara. Lucinda did a curtsy, and slowly walked down the stairs. At the bottom of the stairs, Lucinda was met by Sofia, Roland, Miranda, Amber, and James.
"May I have this dance, young lady?" Roland asked Lucinda.
"Yes ... Dad" Lucinda replied.
As the two danced, they smiled at each other. Lucinda felt at home now.
The night progressed. At one point, Roland stepped forward to make an announcement as he motioned for Lucinda and Sofia to stand next to him.
"As many of you know" Roland started, "we are now in need of a new sorcerer. And I have come to a decision about about who will fill the position."
Everybody in the great hall was all attention at this point.
"I have decided that two people will now fill the position" Roland announced. "These two people are my daughters, Lucinda and Sofia. They will now have the joint title of Official Royal Sorceresses!"
Everybody in the room clapped loudly, happy with the decision.
Sofia and Lucinda smiled at each other.
"Welcome to the family, Sis" Sofia said to Lucinda as Sofia touched Lucinda's hand. Lucinda then touched Sofia's hand. It was the best night of their lives.
As Lucinda walked around, meeting the various guests who had shown up for the introduction ceremony, Roland and Miranda walked up.
"There is someone who would like to meet you, Lucinda" Roland announced.
"She's right over here" Miranda added.
Roland and Miranda walked Lucinda over to an area of the room where a woman was talking to some other guests.
"Glinda" Miranda said to the woman. "This is our daughter, Lucinda".
The woman turned around. To Lucinda's surprise, the woman was none other than ... Glinda, the Good Witch of the North.
"Princess Lucinda" Glinda smiled. "It's a pleasure to meet you".
"The pleasure is mine" Lucinda beamed, more than a little awestruck at the presence of such a living legend.
"We'll leave the two of you alone to get acquainted" Roland said as he and Miranda walked away.
"I'm so honored to meet you" Lucinda said to Glinda. "I never in my wildest dreams thought I would ever meet you. I'm one of your biggest fans ... forgive me, I'm rambling".
"That's quite alright, Princess Lucinda" Glinda warmly smiled. "The truth be known, I'm one of your biggest fans".
"Me?" Lucinda asked, taken off guard.
"Yes" Glinda answered with a smile. "Your the one who changed - from bad to good. I and the other good witches of the world are so very proud of you. Your a beacon of shining light".
Lucinda and Glinda spent a while having a pleasant conversation, getting to know each other better in the process. Sofia watched from a distance, happy that Lucinda was able to meet somebody she admired greatly.
A few days later
A few days later, Roland took Sofia and Lucinda down to Cedric's chambers. Cedric had been removed from his position as Official Royal Sorcerer and had been taken away from the castle. Cedric's equipment and spell books, however, remained.
"This is now yours" Roland said to Sofia and Lucinda.
"Dad?" Sofia asked.
"Yes, Sofia?" Roland responded.
"Do you know what became of Mr. Cee-drick?" Sofia wanted to know.
"He was found guilty by a court of his peers of abusing his powers" Roland answered. "Apparently, the magical community takes a dim view of those who abuse their powers like Cedric did. The last thing I heard was that Cedric was being sentenced to a place called, what was it again? Oh, yes! Askaban, or something that sounded like that".
Lucinda shuttered. "I've heard of it. Not a pleasant place ..."
Sofia looked troubled. Lucinda walked over and put her hand gently on Sofia's shoulder.
"What's done is done" Roland said in a soft tone. "Now we have to move on and put this sad chapter behind us ..."
Sofia nodded sadly in agreement. After a few moments, Sofia looked around the chambers. "Let's say we get started, Lucinda".
"Sounds good to me, Sofia" Lucinda replied.
"What should we do first?" Sofia asked.
"Probably catalog what is here" Lucinda suggested.
"Sounds good" Sofia answered.
"I'll leave you two to it then" Roland remarked as he left what had been Cedric's chambers.
As the years passed, Sofia and Lucinda became two of the finest sorceresses that ever existed. The two were honored many times for their service not only to Enchancia, but to the magical community as a whole. They both lived a full, rich life, had many adventures, and raised families of their own. But these are stories for another time ...
Author's notes
"A dark time in Enchancia", and "A cure is found" are new parts of the story I created for this enhanced chapter. Meanwhile, "The visitation", "A sad discovery", "Late that afternoon at Enchancia Castle", and "Breaking the news" are from Chapter 8 of my story "Witch Tales".
Andrew the angel is from "Touched By An Angel" (for Lucinda's first encounter with Andrew, see my story "An Act of Kindness").
Glinda, the Good Witch of the North is from the 1939 movie "The Wizard of Oz" (Glinda was not in the original version of "The Newest Princess" - I added her for this enhanced chapter).
"He was found guilty by a court of his peers of abusing his powers" Roland answered. "Apparently, the magical community takes a dim view of those who abuse their powers like Cedric did. The last thing I heard was that Cedric was being sentenced to a place called, what was it again? Oh, yes! Askaban, or something that sounded like that" - in this scene, Roland is referring to Azkaban from "Harry Potter" (since Roland would not be too familiar with the inner workings of the magical community, he wound up pronouncing Azkaban as Askaban).
"Just one last thing, ma'am" Lucinda replied as she walked over to her broom which was sitting on the front porch. Lucinda then outstretched her arm and commanded "UP!" to the broom. The broom immediately flew into Lucinda's hand - this was inspired by the broom training scene in the first "Harry Potter" movie.
Rex, the German Shephard, just happens to have the same name as James' dog from the tv series. Lucinda's Rex, and James' Rex, are two completely different animal characters who are not related in any way, shape, or form.
