Nefarious Adventure

by Evil Orange Crayon

A mysterious prince comes to Enchancia with the pretense of creating a new alliance. As the only available princess in the castle, Sofia is worried and with good cause. There is something otherworldly about this prince that she can't put her finger on. Surely, her parents will do the right thing and not promise her to a man she's never met. Right?

3. Chapter 3

Nefarious Adventure

By Evil Orange Crayon

Disclaimer: I own none of the characters present in this story, whether they are owned by Disney or other folks.

So, in the event you were unable to guess just who Victor Nefarius is, I'll educated you. Victor Nefarius is none other than Nefarian, or Blackwing, a raid boss that appeared in Blackwing Lair and Blackwing Descent in the popular mmo World of Warcraft. If you are a player of the game, don't worry. I am not at all making an Enchancia/Azeroth cross over. I'm just borrowing Searing Gore and Burning Steppes and the black dragon-flight. I promise. If you are unfamiliar with the character and my description of him wasn't very good I highly suggestion you just type Victor Nefarius into google images search and see what I meant when I said, "hm... he is smexy."

So, I'm trying to put as much as I can in each chapter to make the story I guess to paint a picture of the situation Sofia is in. I don't want to split it up into smaller chapters because I want each chapter to revolve around a bigger event so that is why they're longer than any of my other works. And yea, it takes me a bit longer to finish the chapters because I'm trying to tie in one event to another and all that happens in between. Be patient. The gewd stuff is coming.

---

Her father hadn't been kidding when he told her she would be sitting in on more of his meetings. Anytime there was a squabble in the village and they petitioned the king for judgment, she was at his side to hear the grievances and found herself consulted by her father for a solution. It was easy with the villagers because they were familiar with her and many seemed to like her. She had been one of them. Her solutions were more often than not fair and often enough if the people involved had thought, they would have surely considered the solution themselves.

Much to her father's pleasure, she was often commended by those involved. There would be the occasion parties would send the castle gifts, pies and puddings that delighted her father.

The only disadvantage to the situation was it encroached upon her magic lessons. She mournfully had to cut back on the number of lessons. After the first missed lesson she had come to his tower with cookies swiped from the kitchen as a means to appease him. She knocked on the door and hoped that he wouldn't be too cross with her.

He opened the door just a little to peer at her, "Oh. It's you."

"I brought you cookies," she offered him a bright smile, hoping to smooth over the insult. "Your favorite kind."

He grimaced at her before throwing open the door and allowing her in, "You're lucky I'm hungry." He closed the door behind her then went back to the spell-book on his work table, "I managed to find the enchant we talked about, for your amulet." He tapped a page, "I'll need to gather some ingredients to do this, so it will require a visit to the charmacy. Some strange dust and a few lesser magic essences should do it."

"Have you found anything else out about Victor or his kingdom?"

He gave her an exaggerated look, "You want me to do more research?"

"I could help?"

"You are more of a distraction than a help," he turned to look up at his collection of books, "This could take a while to look through them all for some bit of information that may not be there. Why is it that you want to know more about him and his kingdom?"

"Well, if there are any involving history we could narrow down which ones we look through," she picked up a cookie to nibble on it. "And it's always best to know who and what you are dealing with. Ignorance can be dangerous."

"Know thy enemy," he chuckled. "You're making me think I have taught you well. I suppose going through the actual history texts may be a good idea, however, we are probably better off actually pursuing those that are in the library rather than those in my tower," he raised an eyebrow at her as he growled, "That is some research you could do on your own."

She didn't resist the urge to stick out her bottom lip, "But, the company of my favorite sorcerer is so nice." She sighed when he did nothing, but glower at her. There were times where she thought she could worm just about anything out of him and then again there were times where he would resist her like a force. Her missed lesson was likely culprit. "I do have another idea, but I would like you to hear me out."

"This should be good," he wrapped his arms over his chest and continued to glare. "Out with it then."

"Maybe we could go to Mystic Meadows and see if there are any of the older sorcerers or sorceresses are familiar with the name of Victor's kingdom or the name Nefarius."

"You don't trust my opinion then?"

"That's not it," she reached forward to grab his hand, "That's not at all what I meant! What I was trying to say is there is a lot of OLDER sorcerers there. Maybe they've dealt with or heard of the place."

He frowned at her, looking as if he was a cross between insulted or pleased. "Fine, when do you suggest that we do this? Between my own duties and yours, that doesn't really supply either of us with a lot of free time to visit my parents or the other aging sorcerers of the world."

She winced, because he was right. "We have a month before he comes back to Enchancia. I don't want to be unarmed, if you will, for when he does come back," she sighed and rubbed at her temple as she could feel a headache, brought on by frustration, building. "I feel like I'm getting backed into a corner," she admitted.

"And you are dragging me into that corner with you?"

She gave him a begrudging smile, "I wouldn't have anyone else beside me in a hard situation."

He flushed suddenly, seemly caught off guard, "There you go again." He huffed as he turned away from her to distractedly go through the mess on his work table. "Making things awkward again."

She heaved a sigh and, much to his displeasure, wrapped her arms around his middle and leaned into his back, "How is it that I make things awkward?"

"You tempt me to no end," he complained, glaring at her over his shoulder. "You vex me and the more you cling to me, the harder I find it to deny you. What do I get from all of this?"

"What do you want?" She huffed a breath, "Name it. I'll do my best to give it to you or get it done."

"Y-you," he colored again and looked away, as if thinking better of it. "You needn't worry about it right now, I'll think of something later."

She sighed in defeat and leaned a little heavier against him, turning her head to rest her cheek against the his back. She could hear his heart hammering in his chest. She could press him, if she wanted to. But, he would hold it against her if she did. "I would give you what you want," she murmured.

He laughed unsteadily, "Yes, I am quite aware that you would, but you need to be aware that your offerings are inappropriate." He sighed and turned in her embrace, putting his hands upon her shoulders. "As much as I may want to accept, if your parents were to find out about it, it would lead to nothing but trouble for us both. If this Victor turns out to be a suitor for you and he sees how I dote upon you all he has to do is whisper in your father's ear." He took a moment to brush his fingers through her hair and she thought he looked pained, "Be reasonable, princess."

She pulled away from him, knowing that all he said was true. She looked up at him and tried her best to smile, "Then I guess we'll have to remain just friends. I'll try not to make it awkward anymore."

"It will be an effort we both have to make," he assured her.

She nodded, "I'm going to go to the library to start doing some research, I'm going to have to cut lessons back to once a week. Don't be mad at me, okay?"

"I think at this moment I would be hard pressed to be mad," he confided as he shrugged his shoulders. "I will call upon my mother and get her to speak with the other residences of Mystic Meadows. If we find anything, I'll be sure to let you know."

She turned to leave, her heart feeling heavy. "Goodbye, Mister Cedric," she closed the door behind herself. It was hard not to cry, she wanted to. But, deep down, she knew he was right. It just hurt to know that the one person she wanted, she couldn't have.

She made her way to the library, going up to the third floor. The library in the castle was vast, one of the elder kings of Enchancia had taken pride in the need of knowledge and made an effort to gain as many texts about the world as he could. There were massive tomes in the library that were hundreds of years old, the only thing that kept them disintegrating into dust was the magic that was used to hold them together.

She recalled a recent complaint from her sorcerer about having to replenish the magical bindings on them. While her father hadn't entirely made an effort to add to the wealth of knowledge that the library kept, he had made an effort to keep it maintained. Perhaps he realized the importance of all the books in here.

She went to the front desk to greet the librarian. The little woman that worked in the library was the epitome of what every librarian should look like. She was a tiny little thing, though she knew that the woman was more than capable of wrestling with a stack of the large tomes that occupied the library. She sported glasses that were several sizes larger than her actual eyes, but they still managed to magnify them to a large proportion. Her silver hair was pulled back severely into a neat bun that had several pencils sticking through it. Despite her stern looks, Sofia knew the woman to be motherly and kind. She was just extremely protective of the books she looked after.

"Miss Pomfery?" She started curiously, the woman seemed to be buried nose deep into a book.

At her beckon, the little woman jumped, startled. She peered around the library before her magnified gaze settled on Sofia, she then breathed a sigh of relief, "Oh, Princess! You startled the life from me!'

She watched her bemused, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to frighten you. I just came in to do a little research and I was hoping you could help me?"

The librarian stood and adjusted her glasses, looking the princess up and down. "Research? You are no longer in school, deary, what kind of project would you be working on?"

She smiled at her, "We had a visitor and I was hoping I could find something about the kingdom he came from, you know, to better understand him and his customs. Do you think you could help me?"

"I would be delighted! I had no idea there was a visitor, but then again the only visitors I ever get, now that you children have grown up, are Cedric and Baileywick." She toddled around her desk and took Sofia by the arm, leading her towards the shelves of books, "Cedric comes in to see to the care of the books and Baileywick has to come in to remind to me to take a lunch. The kind man knows me well to know that I would probably starve all together due to the fact that I was buried so deep in a book that I have a tendency to forget!" She waved her hand, suddenly remembering why the she was there, "What was it you were doing research on, again, dear?"

"Prince Victor, that was our visitor, said he came from a kingdom called Nigrum. It was beyond the Black Mountains. I was wondering if there was something of a history of it, or at the very least a history of the Black Mountains," she offered the woman.

"I've not heard of the kingdom," she commented as she took another moment to adjust her glasses. "We can start with a history of the world and perhaps some maps. Surely it will be on a map," she let go of her arm and gestured to one set of shelves. "You will find a novel or two over on those set of shelves that will have history of both Enchancia and of the world. The bigger one will be of the world. I will go see what I can hunt up and bring it to the table, if you get lost feel free to give me a shout and I will come to help you!" With that said the little woman toddled off to another set of shelves.

She heaved a sigh as she looked at the large shelf full of books, now she saw why Cedric hadn't been so keen on helping her with the research. If it was information she wanted to know though, she was best to get to it. She took the time to pursue each spine of each tome, pleased that it was made easy by them being alphabetical order. Though, really, she should expect no less from the librarian, she led a tight ship. She found a text with the title 'History of Enchanica,' when she pulled it from the shelf she nearly dropped it. It appeared to be heavier than it looked. Hefting it up, she took it to one of the study tables, seeing that the librarian had already dropped off two texts for her. She set the book down and decided, perhaps, she should look for the other before she buried herself into the sizable tome that she had already found.

She went back to her search, knowing there was one that should provide history of the world as she had been informed. What she came upon was a 'Brief History of the Kingdoms of the World,' which she hefted off the shelf. It was sizable also and nearly strained her arms as she hugged it to her chest. She kept peering at titles, looking for something that might hop off the shelf and jump at her.

There were texts on the various king of Enchancia's past, she didn't spy one on her father but she supposed that was due to the fact that he was still ruling. There was even a text on some of the queens of Enchancia, though there weren't as many as there was for kings, it probably had something to do with the fact that they didn't see women as important as men in the earlier days of the kingdom. The thought made her sad. She wondered if her mother would get a book written about her, she had done enough for the kingdom, but she didn't know if she was recognized for the work that she did.

She frowned when she came upon another title, it seemed out of place. 'The Dark Places out Beyond,' it sounded as if it belonged in Cedric's tower. On a whim, she grabbed the book. It was most definitely lighter than the book she already carried. Deciding that this was enough for now, she went back to the study desk, seeing that the librarian had in fact added to her pile. The little woman was now seated back behind her desk and gave her a wave, "That is what I could find, I stopped when I realized that it would take you some time to pursue those titles. Unless you would like me to find you more?"

She smiled, "No, no this is fine. I don't imagine that I will be able to get through these all tonight. Will it be alright if I leave them here?"

"That'll be fine, I'll get you a rolling cart that you can place the books on when you're finished with them. Then I'll replace them," she offered her a smile in return.

"Time to get reading this, I guess," she sat down in the chair and looked at all the books that the other woman had supplied her with. She felt overwhelmed, had she bitten off more than she can chew? She picked up a book that the librarian had supplied, 'Maps' was its sole title. Figuring it was the best place to start she opened it and started to leaf through the pages. She stopped when she came across a map of the kingdom of Enchancia, dark mountains were depicted to its south and nothing more. Frowning, she turned the page then gave pause. It was the area south of her kingdom. There wasn't a lot of details depicted, as if the person drawing the map had only seen what he could from a great height. But the area was split into two segments. 'Burning Steppes,' was the area that was close to a large mountain, there looked to be a plume of smoke above it. Could it be a volcano? Another area was labeled as 'Searing Gorge,' it made the prospect of the area definitely seem foreboding.

She looked down towards the bottom of the map, hoping to find footnotes and was disappointed. She put a bookmark on the page. It still provided some important information. She turned another page but only found a map of Rudistan. She leafed through the book further until she concluded that it gave her as much information as she could get out of it. She set it aside, starting a pile for books that would remain out, and started upon another.

Hours past by as she soon found herself immersed into the books. There was no record about the kingdom Nigrum and she found herself wondering if he had fabricated it. She paused at the title she had picked up on a whim, 'The Dark Places out Beyond.' She had just opened it when she heard the door to the library open.

"Miss Pomfery," the steward started. "Your shift has ended ma'am, it's time for you to retire for the day."

The librarian smiled brightly and stood, "Thank you for reminding me, deary. You know I'd stay here all night if there wasn't someone to remind me to go home!" She toddled to the door and was out it without another word.

When the steward noticed her at the table, he came and put a hand on her shoulder, "Princess, whatever are you doing?"

She looked over her shoulder and smiled at him, "I was doing a little bit of research."

He looked at the various titles that littered the table, "Research on what exactly? How long have you been here?"

"Just since lunch," she offered a shrug, thinking perhaps she wouldn't get to read the book in her hand just yet. "I thought I'd try to see if there was anything in the library about Victor and his kingdom."

"Oh? Have you found anything?" He looked curious, "I can't imagine you would if his kingdom was in isolation, as he said. Though, your grandfather King Gideon had a love of books and history much like your Great-great grandfather King Gideon the third. It's believed that some of these books are well over a century old. If there was ever contact with Prince Victor's kingdom there's bound to be a book in here about it."

"That's what Miss Pomfrey was telling me," she smiled at him. "I was hoping I would find something. So far the information has been minimal. But I'm going to keep searching just in case."

"Well, I hope you don't stay up too late. Dinner is almost ready. Perhaps you should put your research on hold to get cleaned up to eat. I imagine there's a lot of dust that comes with these books," he gave her shoulder a light pat. "I'm sure your father will be proud knowing that you are interested in learning the details of an soon to be ally."

"Soon to be? I thought that he and dad had come to an agreement and the alliance was struck already?"

"Yes and well, no," the steward looked uncomfortable for the moment. "Victor had added some additional requests to his end of the treaty and your father hasn't agreed upon them just yet."

She looked curious, "What additional requests?"

"You'll have to ask your father that, Sofia," he frowned. "As of right now he's not agreed upon them, so it's hard to tell whether or not he will. I don't know if it will affect the alliance or not. Victor is a smart man and has a head for negotiations." He sighed then shook his head, "I have to help finish the prep for dinner. I'll leave you here, but don't get too buried in books." He stopped to check his pocket watch, "You have about half an hour before I come to look for you."

She gave him a smile and stood, "I'll just make it easy for you, Baileywick, and go get cleaned up then head down to the table. That way you have one less thing to worry about."

He looked pleased, "Thank you, princess. I will see you in a bit then." He took the time to lead her to the door and then open it for her. They parted ways at as they got to the second floor and she went to do as she promised. While she enjoyed the smell of the old books she was, indeed, covered in dust.

Dinner was as it usually was without their visitor. Amber focused on the planning for the ball for Victor's return, her mother and father spoke quietly to one another, her father holding onto one of her mother's hands. Her mother's expression looked stormy and she had a sense that they were discussing something she didn't agree with. Worried, she picked at her dinner, trying her best to listen to her sister but unable to maintain too much attention as she watched her parents.

She had enough, remembering the book she had stashed in her room and stood. "May I be excused?"

Her father looked up at her, cast a quick glance to her mother then nodded. "Are you going to retire for the evening?"

"I have a book in my room I am itching to read," she answered with a smile.

"Alright, dear, will you be joining me for petitions tomorrow?"

"I have a magic lesson with Mister Cedric, I'd like to not miss it," she tried not to sound too hopeful, "if you don't mind?"

Her father gave her a nod, "Very well then. I suppose a hobby is a good thing for you to have. We'll see you in the morning, Sofia."

With that said, she turned to leave the dining room and make her way to her bedroom. She was half way there until, much to her surprise, her mother stopped her. The last she had seen of the woman was her at the table with her father and siblings. She didn't look winded at all, but had managed to stop her in the hallway outside of her room.

"Sofia," her mother called to her, to ensure she had been seen. "You and I need to talk."

She hovered close to her door, fearing what her mother might say, "What about, Mom?

Her mother closed the distance between them, "I was wondering how you felt about Victor."

She blinked, burrowing her brows, "How I felt about him?"

"He seemed quite taken with you, I know you've just met him and there is a large difference between your ages. But, how do you feel about him?" She took her daughter's hand and looked concerned. "What do you think about him?"

She swallowed hard, was this what Baileywick was referring to in the library? Was this the extra request he put into the treaty agreement? "He's nice, I guess. I didn't really get the opportunity to get to know him."

"Just nice?" Her sister had come up behind them, apparently Amber had followed her mother. "The man is gorgeous. He's got a body of a god and his voice makes me quiver, it's so deep. How can you describe him as 'just nice?'"

She shot a glare at her sister, "There's more to a person that just good looks and a nice voice. I... why are you asking?" She silently pleaded with her mother to not tell her that the man had wanted her.

Her mother, however, did look concerned. Perhaps, she sensed the fear in her daughter. "Your father's concerned because he seems to be taken with you. His request for you to be on his arm for the upcoming ball is something both of us were concerned about. You accepted his request, I just wanted to make sure you were okay with it?"

Was it too late to rescind her acceptance? She offered her mother a shrug, "It's just a ball. I figured it would be harmless to accompany him to it. Is there a reason I should be concerned?"

"He wants you," Amber said bluntly, folding her arms over her chest.

"Amber!" Their mother shot her a look, "That's hardly appropriate."

"Well, it's obvious he does. Anytime she entered the room she would have his full attention. And the look in his eye when he gazed at her was quite obvious. I'm surprised she didn't notice it herself," she flipped her hair over her shoulder and started to move on to her own room. "I wouldn't be surprised if his doting on you when he returns doesn't increase. Really, you should feel flattered. He's attractive and his kingdom is wealthy with all that he brought to Enchancia to trade. Why deny him?"

Her heart was hammering in her chest, because she knew all that Amber said was true. She had seen the look in his eye as he gazed at her. There was definitely a want there. He even admitted as much on one occasion. "It-it is flattering, but I don't understand why there's concern about him? Is there something you're not telling me?"

Her mother sighed and put a hand on her shoulder, "Talk with your father in the morning. I know you have magic lessons with Cedric, but I'm sure he won't mind if you're late."

She nodded uneasily then gave her mother a hug before retreating to her room. She felt on edge. She tried to read the book she had borrowed from the library but she found it difficult to focus. It well past eleven when she finally decided that she wouldn't have another night where she couldn't sleep. She picked up her robe, having already dressed for bed, and started to make her way to the sorcerer's tower.

She knocked on his door and heard a distinct curse from him. She knew he was still up, though he may on occasion rise early he was most definitely a night owl. He pulled the door open with a glare, "Do you remember that conversation about reasonable hours, princess?"

She gave him a slight smile, "I remember and I'm sorry. But I was hoping I could get another sleeping potion from you, I promise to not bother you for anything else."

Curious, he opened the door for her and went to his potion cabinet, "Finding it hard to sleep again? Something bothering you?"

"Yes, but reasonable hours, Mister Cedric. I promised to keep to them," she heard him chuckle as he plucked a vial from the cabinet and brought it to her. "I have to see father in the morning. I don't have to sit in with any of his duties, but well... I get the feeling that I'm becoming involved in the negotiations between him and Victor. So, I want to discuss it with him. I may be late for my lesson."

He raised an eyebrow, "This is why you are struggling to sleep?"

She tried to smile at him, but she found it difficult, "Yes, thank you for this. I'll see you tomorrow."

She started to turn, to go back to her room. "All of this and no hug?"

She turned to look back at him and he looked as if she insulted him, "It's after your working hours, Mister Cedric. I wouldn't want to make things awkward."

"Shut it, girl, you aren't the only one here that depends on your bloody hugs," he growled at her. She smiled and closed the distance between them, wrapping her arms around his middle. His arms went around her shoulders and she found it hard to not cling to him. She felt him bury his face against the crown of her hair and she relaxed against him. "The fates have damned me," he murmured against her.

"Not just you," she echoed as she held on to him.

He released her and stepped out of her embrace, "Forgive me, I didn't intend for that to happen. I... I felt like you could use it." He gave a short nod and led her to the door, "Tomorrow, I will not be too offended if you are late. This time, next time I make no promises."

"Goodnight, Mister Cedric."

"Sweet dreams, princess."

---

Her father was either busier than she expected him to be or he was dodging her. When she asked to speak with him in private he gave her an excuse, claiming to have a busy day ahead of him. It was frustrating, especially after the conversation with her mother and Amber the night before. It forced her to be creative.

She took up post outside his study after he had finished petitions for the day. She listened hard for any conversation going on between the King and his steward. When she was sure that he sounded as if he had a moment to speak with her, she threw open the door to his study. He was behind his desk and appeared to be enjoying a moment alone when she opened the door.

"Sofia!" He looked startled and then disgruntled, "What are you doing?"

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. I was hoping you had a moment to talk before lunch," she came and sat in one of the chairs before his desk, not really giving him the opportunity to tell her no.

He grimaced, "What did you want to talk about?"

"The trade agreement and treaty you have with Victor," she smiled, perched on the edge of her seat. "I was curious as to what it involved?"

"I assuming your mother had a talk with you last night then?"

"She did," she confirmed, her stomach twisting into knots.

He sighed and rubbed at one of his temples, "He has offered ore from his land, gold and truesilver which is quite rare and hard to find in Enchancia. He's also offered up a hefty sum of Elementium, that's the ore that was used to create his armor and his armor is near impenetrable. If I can have armor similar to his created for our knights and guards there would be less possibilities of them perishing in battles. And I know we are currently at peace, but you have to think of the future, Sofia. If you're prepared for the future you're less likely to be caught off guard."

"I thought Enchancia's trade had us as a wealthy kingdom," she felt confused. Why would they need the gold or truesilver?

"Our kingdom is very much well off, Sofia. But it's like I said, gold and truesilver are not common in our area," he explained, she thought it sounded like greed was the pushing factor for him to ask for that ore.

"What else is he offering?"

He flushed and looked away from her, "He's offered casks of his alcohol reserve that the dwarves of his kingdom produce."

"Ore and alcohol? What are we offering to him in return?"

"We are going to allow him to harvest wood from the area close to that break in the mountain range you noticed. The place we intend to put the Inn and stables, we'll also be creating a reservoir so they can collect water from. Cedric will enchant it so that the reservoir will magically refill itself." He paused, looking as if he wanted to say more, but he faltered.

"He asked for more, didn't he?"

"He's also asked for your hand," he said gravely. She whimpered, she knew. She knew as soon as Amber planted the idea in her head. She leaned back into the chair and found it hard to focus on her father. "I haven't accepted, Sofia. I-I know how you feel about having a choice in the matter. Your mother is also equally against the idea, she told me last night when she asked you how you felt about him that you looked like a caged animal. But, you need to understand, this is apart of what it means to be a princess. There are times where you have to make sacrifices for your kingdom."

"What about Aunt Tilly? She wasn't forced to marry someone she didn't even know!" She snapped, forgetting her tone and her manners as she glared at her father.

"Your Aunt fought hard to dodge her suitors and I know you have the same fighting spirit your Aunt does, but I am asking you to consider it. Think long and hard about it, for the good of your kingdom," he tried to sound reasonable.

But, she wasn't hearing it. She stood, "How much gold and truesilver am I worth, dad?"

"Now, Sofia," he sounded angry.

She waved a hand, "Nevermind, now that I think about it I don't think I want to know. Thank you, King Roland. I really appreciate your concern for my future and happiness." She turned and was out of his study in a rushed breath. She heard his angry call for her to return, but she ignored it. She ran blindly, feeling the tears burn her throat and prickle behind her eyes. She didn't realize where she was going until she found herself before a familiar door.

She still had the conscious thought to knock. He opened the door and didn't get the opportunity to question her, she crashed into him and wrapped herself around him. She heard the door close and she felt his arms come around her as she sobbed against his shoulder. It wasn't fair. Why couldn't she have the one person she wanted? He was right here!

One of his hand combed through her hair and the other, rubbed her back lightly trying his best to comfort her. He didn't ask questions, it was likely he didn't have to. He probably already knew the reason to her emotional outburst. She held onto him tightly and she found his hold around her just as tight. She thought that he may love her, perhaps as much as she loved him. "The fates can be cruel," he murmured against her hair.

"It seems like," she started once her tears stopped threatening to choke her. "It seems like becoming a princess has done nothing but make me a prisoner to the fate dad decides. Did I ever have a choice in the matter or was he just humoring me as a joke?'

"That is what we are, we are doomed to follow the path our parents make for us," he pulled back just a little to look at her face. "The plans you have for yourself hold no flame to the plans they have for you. I understand your pain on some level, princess. Trust me, I do. If I had it my way, I wouldn't be trapped in this tower."

She gave him a sad smile, "If you weren't in this tower, how would I have ever met you?"

"I suppose there is some good things that come with a destiny that isn't in your own hands, though," he pressed his lips against her brow and she found herself wishing he would just kiss her. "Here we are, together, but unable to truly be together."

She sighed and leaned into his shoulder, "What do I do now?"

His hold on her tightened and his voice became rough, "Do as your father commands, it is all that you can do. We will continue to do our own research on what is to be your husband. Perhaps, we can find something that will save you from this fate." He pulled away from her, breaking her embrace to go to his work table. "Let me have your amulet and I'll enchant it," he looked sad and she felt as if her heart was truly breaking.

She released the clasp of the necklace and handed it to him, she watched as he put the jewel on his table and grabbed a mortar, it was already filled with a light emerald colored powder. It seemed to glow and she watched as he plucked up a blue bead and threw it to join the powder. He used a pestle to grind the mix into a paste. Once that was done he took up a bit of the paste on his fingers and began to rub it along the length of the chain. He continued to coat the jewel until all of the paste he had created was used. The purple jewel shined for a moment and she found herself wondering, was it aware of what they were doing to it?

"That should do it," he present the amulet back to her.

She looked at it, knowing that it was magic and the power it held. "We could use it to run away," she said suddenly, not knowing where it was coming from. "We could run away together. I wouldn't have to be a princess and you wouldn't have any duties to worry about." She looked at him, "We could be together."

He hesitated, looking as if the idea appealed to him. But, when she didn't take the jewel from him, he placed it onto her, reaching around her to secure it. "As much as I would like to do that, Sofia, you are not the type of person to run away from your problems. If you are even tempted to, then I can only assume that I am a bad influence and I have been rubbing off on you."

She frowned and sighed, "I don't know that I can concentrate on lessons today. You won't be angry with me, will you?"

"I think, under the current circumstances, it will be alright. However, I do expect you to make it up to me next week, I think I have some spells that you should learn now, given how things have taken a turn for the worse." He sat down in his chair looking mildly defeated, "I think working on some defensive spells may be in order. Though, you do need to know I'm absolute rubbish in battle."

"Are you expecting us to go into battle?"

"No," he said sourly. "I want you have means to defend yourself against that beast of a man."

She smiled at him and leaned down, placing a kiss on his brow as he had done to her, "Thank you."

"Yes, yes," he sounded agitated now, "I think you should go. I have much to do and a lot of things to think about."

She smiled weakly and went to the door, pausing to look at him. He sat in his chair, looking back at her. His expression looked torn, she had the fleeting though if she had asked him to run away with her again, that he might agree to it. But, he had been right. She wasn't the type of person to run away from her problems. She opened the door and started to wander the castle in an aimless daze.

Cedric was the only one she had left to confide in. Unfortunately, age had taken her furry confidants. Mia then Robin first, and then mostly painfully Clover. She felt horribly alone. Minimus was still alive, but he was property of Royal Prep. She knew, if she asked, her father would purchase the flying horse from the school for her and she had been tempted to bid him to do so, but she couldn't keep the plucky little horse to herself. He was a derby winner. Though, she had vowed to take the horse when he was up for retirement. She would then see him to Wildwing valley to live out his days with his brother.

The mortality of her furry friends had made her cherish those that she had left, but it had also left her feeling hard pressed to start a new friendship with any of the animals in the surrounding forest, their lives were short lived and she wasn't sure she could handle the heartbreak of losing Clover again.

Eventually, she found her way to her room and she decided it best to just take seclusion for the remainder of the day. She sat on her window seat, peering out at the beautiful day lost in the thoughts of what her future was to become when something caught her eye. The large dark colored tome sat on her bedside table, almost beckoning her to read it. She gave in and went to pick up the novel, she needed the distraction. She went back to her window seat and lost herself in the pages.

---

The weeks passed her by in a blind haze, she spent the majority of her time secluded to her room or pursuing the library. The book she had been reading had been interesting, it involved a man named Daval Prestor that was said to have come from beyond the Black Mountains. It described him as a man with dark pallor and a will that burned like fire. He had managed to incite a war between Rudistan and Enchancia.

She was taken back by the idea, even though the war had occurred centuries before. The war had been a claim over the territory beyond the Black Mountains, which was said to be rich in minerals and contained thick veins of gold. That knowledge gave her pause. Gold. All things seemed to revolve around it. She grimaced and continued reading, once Prestor incited the war he had simply vanished. It was believed that he went back beyond the Black Mountains where he had come. There wasn't a lot of information to him, his description was vague and it gave nothing entirely useful except his name.

She blew out a frustrated sigh and rested her head in her arms, she had days left before their visitor was returning. The knowledge that he had asked to have her hand was sickening and she wasn't looking forward to seeing him again. She recalled him saying it wasn't something she had to fear, now she would be hard pressed to not call him on his lie. She had almost exhausted all of the texts Miss Pomfrey had supplied her with and she had next to nothing learned about him or his kingdom. The only things she had was a map and a name.

She heard the library door open, "Miss Pomfrey, it is time for you to go home." The steward had come to do his duty to the librarian, she heard the old woman respond and exit the library, leaving her alone with the steward. She didn't feel like she could face him. He had known, he had been privy to it and he hadn't made any attempt to warn her. As far as she was concerned he was as guilty as her father.

"Princess Sofia," he started carefully, "Dinner is to be served soon..."

"I'll take it in my room, thank you," she still didn't have the desire to face her mother or her father. She was still torn by the temptation to flee.

She heard him sigh, but refused to pick her head up from her arms, "Please, princess, understand such things are necessary."

At that she did look up to glare at him, "Can I renounce myself as a princess then? Do you think they would allow me to go back to live in the village? Because I find that idea much more appealing." She was harsh and she could see it in his reaction.

He swallowed hard and gave her a bow, not bothering to answer her tantrum, "I will have your dinner sent to your room, princess."

She sat in the library by herself to sulk, not ready to go to her room and admit defeat or run the chance of running into any of her family members. She knew her father was still cross with her, as was likely her mother at her making such an effort to avoid all of them. The only person she had seen outside her room, besides Baileywick, was Cedric. He didn't advise her to forgive her parents. She thought perhaps he was equally disgruntled by the idea of her being awarded as a prize for the sake of gold. She hoped it was because he loved her.

With a sigh and at the rumble of her stomach, she left the library to go to her room and eat her dinner alone. Her dinner was set on the small dinette table that occupied on corner of her room, there was no addition of dessert or any of the wine that she would normally have at the dinner table with her family. It was fine, she would prefer the water she was served anyhow. She ate the roasted brussel sprouts and sauteed squash in no real hurry. She had no one to humor, but herself. She would eat at her leisure. She had almost finished when there was a knock at her door.

She stood to answer it, thinking that the steward had arrived a little early to fetch her dishes. When she opened the door she found herself wishing she had asked who was there first. Her mother stood on the other side of the door looking angry, "Sofia, I've had enough."

She stepped aside to allow her mother in, going back to her own dinner, "You weren't forced to marry dad. You had a choice in the matter, why am I denied the same kind of choice?"

"Baileywick told me what you said to him and you should be ashamed of yourself!" She stood in the doorway, looking rightfully angry. "How could you say such things? Are you completely ungrateful for the life you have led?"

"So you're saying, if we were still in the village leading our lives as we had before that having the choice to marry someone for love instead of someone to further a treaty isn't better? You can't tell me you are for me being sold off to a man that we don't even know," she couldn't help the choking noise that she made as she spoke. "You don't know what kind of man he is, he's someone that showed up on our doorstep from a random unknown kingdom! Amber and James have given their hands to someone they know, someone they've grown up with!"

"I know you're upset, Sofia, I do. I am just as upset. Trust me, I would love for you to find someone that you know and love. But, I need you to give your father a chance. Don't hold it against him and don't take for granted the life you have led because of him," She closed the distance between them and put her hands on her shoulders, leveling her a hard look. "You can be angry with him all you want, but it won't change the fact that he loves you."

"How much gold am I worth, Mom?"

Her frown deepened, "You're stubborn. Be stubborn all you want. But you will be out there tomorrow morning to greet Victor when he arrives. You will be presentable and ready to see him with a smile on your face. When it comes to the ball on Friday you will wear your best ball gown and you will be on his arm as you agreed to." She sighed heavily and turned away from her daughter. "I will try my best, Sofia, I will try my best to get your father to see the best conclusion for this situation. I am sure that he and Victor can come to an agreement that doesn't include you."

She felt a little weight come off her chest, "Yes, ma'am."

"You must at least give him a chance though," she said firmly. "I can only bend your father so much, you have to understand if it's not Victor then there will be someone else."

She looked down at the remains of her meal, suddenly losing her appetite. Her mother was right. Her mother left her with her thoughts and she found herself wondering. If she pressed him, would Cedric run away with her? He had looked tempted when she first asked. But, where would they go?

There was a tap at her door that she didn't bother to answer, the steward peered in cautiously at her. "Have you finished, Princess?" She could only nod at him, he carefully stacked the plates so he can manage them in one go and left her with the glass of water.

She never felt so trapped.

She woke up the next morning, though her sleep had been anything but fitful. She found herself growing used to functioning with less and less sleep. It didn't help her appearance, but she found that she wasn't entirely concerned by it. She dressed in her usual lavender gown, she brushed the night's worth of tossing and turning out of her hair. She cleaned her face and teeth, then managed a bare amount of makeup. She sat at her vanity staring at her reflection and wondering what of it would appeal to a stranger.

There was a tap at her door, "Princess Sofia, I'm here to make sure you are awake and dressing. Prince Victor's carriage should be arriving within the hour. Your mother and father have requested that you meet with them at the front steps to greet our visitor."

She turned to the door, he hadn't bothered to open it. Perhaps she had offended him with her complaints. It should bother her, but she felt numb. She stood, stepping into her low heeled shoes and placing her crown upon her head. This was her duty then this is what she would do. She would have to accept if her father felt it was what was right for her. It was as Cedric had said, her parents would plan her future for her. It was her duty to accept it and live with it.

She went to the door and opened it, surprising the steward, "Thank you, Baileywick."

"A-are you hungry, Princess? I could bring you some breakfast if you like," he offered, eyeing her worriedly. Perhaps he did care for her.

She gave her head a slight shake, "No thank you, I'm not really hungry. I'll wait by the front steps, so you don't have to worry about summoning me when he arrives."

He frowned slightly, "Alright. If you need anything, Princess I won't be far." With that he was off to check upon her siblings.

She made her way to the front parlor and sat down in a window seat, gazing out at the day. Her mother wanted her to give the man a chance. Her gut though, insisted there was something wrong. She couldn't place it, but there was something about him that just didn't seem right. And here he was trying to keep her close.

Know thy enemy, Cedric had said. But, she had come up empty handed. Maybe getting close to him would help her find out something. It was, after all what he and her parents wanted. Maybe, if she was patient and paid attention she could find something that would save her from the situation. Or, maybe, she was being entirely unreasonable. She would find out, the hard way of course. But, she would find out.

She watched as a black dot in the sky started to close in, she rose from her seat and wondered out the front door to the steps where they would be expected to greet their arriving guest. Her siblings came out not long after her, James taking a moment to squeeze her shoulder and Amber only offered an eye roll. Amber thought she was being childish and deep down she knew she was. Only Amber didn't understand, she grew up with the knowledge that she would be use to the fact that she wouldn't have the choice to wed the one she loved. Though, she may just love the prince she was promised to.

Her siblings stood to her right and her mother and father soon joined them on the steps to greet the visitors. Her father gave her a concerned look, looking as if he would like to speak with her, but she kept her gaze forward. She would do what she was commanded to do, but she wouldn't be happy about it. She wouldn't let them be fooled in thinking she was happy about this situation.

The black scaled carriage from before floated down gracefully from the sky, it rolled to a halt in front of them. The black stallions that pulled it snorted and hoofed at the ground. Another set of stallions rolled to a halt just behind the first, this one was covered and appeared to be filled with promised goods that their visitor brought to trade.

With a flourish, in the same armor he had arrived in, Prince Victor exited his carriage. "King Roland! It is good to see you and your lovely family again!"

"Prince Victor," her father moved to meet him and the two men clasped hands. "It is good to see you again, too! We have a lot to talk about, but I know your journey has tired you and your men out. How about we go get some lunch?"

"That sounds divine!" The other man said and they all started to venture into the castle, she felt relieved as she seemed to be ignored. "I would like to take a moment to get out of this armor if you don't mind, then I will join you and your family in the dining room?" She glanced over her shoulder, watching as they went into the castle. She then turned her attention to the men they had left to unload the carriages.

Her brows furrowed as she watch them, seemingly with no effort, take luggage from the back of the main carriage. They continued, some acting on their own as they unloaded, until they took notice of her scrutiny. There was a hiss from one to the others and they all took pause and bowed to her. They stood waiting, she assumed for her to take her leave. Their behavior seemed unnatural to her, surely the goods that they handled were heavy, but none of them had seemed to be bothered by the load they dealt with.

Swallowing hard, she offered them a curtsey and turned to follow her family. Once inside the castle, she cast a suspicious glance back out at the men dealing with the load of their master. They didn't seem to be in any hurry to get back to work as she could see. She saw them gather and speak, as if they were still aware they were still being watched.

"Princess?" The steward caught her attention, "We are about to serve lunch. Will you be joining the rest of your family?"

She looked startled and eyed the steward before nodding, she gave the men on the front step one last look before going to follow the steward to the dining room. Her family was seated and waiting on their guest, though he already claimed to be going to remove his armor. She took her usual seat next to her sister and tried to calmly wait for their lunch to begin. She tried her best to not let the anger and defeat she felt show on her face.

"It's nice to have you join us at the table, Sofia," her father said evenly. She could only offer him a respectful nod, thinking it best to bite her tongue versus saying what was on her mind. "I hope you'll consider being sociable while our guest is here. I hope you'll, also, take the time to entertain him during his visit. Your sister intends to keep me busy with the plans for the ball, I also will be contacting the surrounding kingdoms about their intentions to attend. So, Prince Victor will find himself with free time to spare unlike his last visit."

She tried not to glare at her empty plate, "If that's what you want, father."

She heard what could only be called a growl from her mother, "Sofia." She didn't get the opportunity to fuss anymore than that. The doors to the dining room opened and in came Victor. He was wearing a black coat with the gold brocade and tan trousers, he looked impressive and handsome and he seemed to offer her specifically a smile. It looked charming, but to her it only made her insides boil. It was the smile of a snake.

They sat and ate, trading bits of small talk. She listened as her father question Victor on the well being of his kingdom. The prince looked mildly irritated for a moment, "My sister took advantage of my leave, unfortunately, she and I are at odds. I wasn't quite sure I would be able to make my return at our agreed upon date due to her meddling, but things managed to work themselves out."

"Ah, sisters," Amber said as she shot her a glance, "They are a blessing, but sometimes they do manage to put a thorn into things."

Victor chuckled deeply, "You have no idea how true that is, Princess Amber." He took a moment to bite into his lunch and seemed to savor it. "You have the advantage of being in good standings with your siblings, my sister dislikes my being next in line when my father passes the crown. She would prefer to be crown princess instead."

"I don't know about good standings," Amber shot her a glare. "Though I suppose I can sympathize anytime there is disagreement between us we are fortunate to eventually work things out. Hopefully you and your sister will come to some sort of agreement." She nodded her head to the prince.

His lips turned up and there was something unreadable about his expression,"Yes, I am sure she and I will eventually come to an accord of some sort." He turned to look at her father, "Have you given the rest of my requests much thought, King Roland?"

Her father coughed and gave her mother a cautious glance before returning his gaze to the prince, "That is something we will need to talk about in private."

"Oh?" He looked momentarily concerned, even going as far to give her a look. She made sure to meet his gaze, not wanting to give him any doubt as to why the conversation would need to be private. He raised an eyebrow at her before giving a nod and looking back to her father, "When you are finished with your meal then, perhaps we could speak about it."

He looked down the table at her then stood, "Let's go to the study and discuss this." Both men stood and were out the dining room door. She glared at her plate, a light salad that she did nothing but pick at. They made no effort to disguise what they were talking about and it made her stomach turn. She wasn't going to be privy about her own future.

"May I be excused?" It was difficult to keep the bitterness from her voice.

She could hear the anger in her mother's voice when she replied, "Go ahead. But, remember our agreement. You will keep to it."

She stood up and carefully chose to use the opposite exit that the prince and her father had taken. "She didn't eat a thing," she heard her sister comment. "I don't understand how she can be so bitter over the idea of marrying such a man. He's displayed all his wears, surely she can see the advantage to marrying him."

"You need to understand, Amber," her mother sighed. "It's not that she was ignorant of what her duty is, but perhaps she did not expect someone to be so set on her, as Zandar was set on you. I think she would have much prefered someone she was familiar with."

Her mother knew her too well. She felt a little less angry with her mother, but she had other things to do. She had to know what they were discussing. She ran in the direction of her father's study, keeping out a keen eye for anyone that may spy her. Once she was at the doubled doors that led into the room she turned and pressed her back against the wall. The hallway was clear. She grasped the amulet around her neck and whispered, "I wish to be small."

She shrunk to the size of a sprite. It made it less likely for her to be seen. She went to the door and wiggled beneath the crack between the floor and the door, straining her ears so she could listen.

"I'm sorry, Prince Victor," he sighed. "I have tried my best to win her over to the idea. Sofia... Sofia can be stubborn at times."

The other man hummed lightly, "It's unfortunate, though, if you would allow me, I would at least like to try to win her over. I can understand her trepidation, I am someone she doesn't know."

"Sofia is not my daughter," her father said wearily. "I don't feel that I can force the issue because of that. If Amber weren't already promised to another, I would offer you her hand. But that agreement has already been set."

"She's not your daughter? That's curious."

"Amber and James are children I had with my first wife. She... she didn't survive their birth. I managed eight years before I met Miranda and she already had Sofia, that is why they are all the same age."

"Has Miranda protested the match?"

"She's concerned."

"Is there anything that I can do that could set both their minds at ease? Perhaps, if you would allow me to, I could court her? Perhaps I could warm her to have some affection for me?"

Her brows furrowed, he seemed awfully intent on their alliance including her hand. But why? "I'm not opposed to the idea. But, can I ask why you are so set on it?"

There was a light chuckle, "I hate to say it in such a way, but I am not getting younger. I have no children and I know most at my age have already started their families. My sister, that is part of our disagreements, she has already started a clutch of children, if you will." There was a sigh from him, "Sofia is a lovely girl. And intelligent, she has been suspicious of me since I have arrived and it has amused me to no end. Though, I suppose her suspicions were true. She is willful and that is nothing that concerns me. I'm sure you can understand the appeal of a woman with fire to her."

"I think this may a bit more than I'm willing to hear, while I can't claim her by blood and I can't force this issue with her. I still remember her as a child."

"Would you protest to my courting her?"

"I will not, if you can win her hand I will not be in the way."

"What about Miranda? Do you it would put her at ease if I made advances on her daughter?"

"We have made it clear to her that she will be your entertainment during your visit for any free time that you may have. And while I am sure there are many things that we still need to discuss, this ball we are throwing in your honor will cause me to have my hands full with the other kingdoms that will be joining us."

"That in itself sounds like a battle."

"I am sure, that even if you aren't able to win over Sofia, there will be other princesses from the kingdoms that will be present. I am sure you will not be hard pressed to find a willing match there."

There was a chuckle, "You mentioned your daughter being stubborn, Roland, I should warn you I have my own stubborn streak."

Her father laugh, "Well, I wish you luck then, Victor, because you might as well have met your match with Sofia."

She wiggled out from beneath the door and went for the corner as she heard footsteps approaching. The door swung open and the prince turned to address her father, "I am sure I will need it. If you are in need of me, Sire, I will be taking care of a few things before I make my approach on Sofia." He closed the door behind him and sighed, running his fingers through his hair. But, he paused turning to look in her direction.

She dove for a side table that sat nearby and hugged one of the legs to hide her tiny form. She watched as his nostrils flared, as if he could smell her even from here. She held her breath as she watched him scan the hallway in confusion. He stood there for a long moment and she was afraid that he wouldn't leave, she would need to breath! But, with a light shrug, he finally went on down the hallway.

She took a sharp breath and when she was sure he wasn't close by she took her amulet in hand again whispering, "I wish to be big again." She grew to her normal size and took a quiet breath, trying to sneak away from her father's study door without being noticed. She was careful to peer around corners just to certain she wasn't going to run into a certain prince. She was halfway to her room when she stopped and thought better of it.

They expected her to give him a chance. And, she had been acting childish in the fact that she would be traded off as if she herself were goods. He seemed set on her. And she had been ordered to keep him entertained. She didn't want to be in her room when he came to call upon her. Instead, she made her way back to the front parlor, deeming it to be a safe place for him to find her. She peered out the windows and found his entourage had unloaded and stored his carriage. They had made quick work of it.

"Princess Sofia," she started and looked up to meet the gaze of the dark prince. He offered her a smile, "I am told that you are to keep me entertained while your father sees to the ball that's been planned." He came to join her in the parlor, taking a seat in a chair not far from her. "I hope that it does not displease you too much to be set on such a task."

She looked away, not sure how approach him. He knew that she protested what he wanted and he had committed to her father that he could win her over. "I don't know how entertaining I will be," she said lightly, trying to remain civil.

"I am a man that is easy to please, I assure you."

"I am weary," she said lightly as she turned to look at him. "You also told me you weren't going to seek my hand as a means to seal the deal between my father and you. And, yet, here you are." She let her rage kindle, "You have made just that request to my father."

He laughed lightly, seeming delighted by her anger. "Oh, please. Forgive me, I suppose I should have been prepared for this. But, I have never seen such anger fly through a woman quite like this." He sighed and leaned back in the chair he occupied, eyeing her appreciatively. "Yes, I recall that promise I made to you. And I beg your forgiveness for going back on my word. But, I find it hard to not want you. You aren't the pliant, pleasing girl that your sister seems to be. You have fire in you and that is what truly appeals to me."

Her brows furrowed and she glared at him, "Even if I were to fight you every bit of the way? My parents haven't twisted my arm into accepting your request."

"But they have a firm grip on it I see, otherwise I am sure I would still be looking for you," he rubbed a hand through his bread, brushing his fingers along his jaw. "Fight is what I want, fight is what I am looking for in a woman to stand by my side. If you are a fighter, a fierce woman that would fight any means I make in seducing you then imagine the fight our children would have. While I imagine that would make for difficulties in raising them, I look at you. You are a well brought up girl, I have heard tales of your good deeds." He waved that hand at her, "And look at how intelligent you are. You look at me with suspicion and distrust while when your sister mooned over me." He stretched his legs out in front of himself and sent her a look, "Plus, I enjoy a challenge."

She wasn't sure if she should be flattered or not. "Would that be all that I am? A challenge?"

"Not at all," he leaned closer to her. "Are you concerned about love?"

"Shouldn't you be?"

He smiled at her, looking relaxed and calm in the quietness of the parlor. "Love. Ah, well, I won't lie and tell you that I love you. I suppose me saying that is the reason you wish to not accept the offer of marriage. Because I don't know you. Stories of your feats and seeing your beauty are all well and good, but they are not things that will cause love to develop. Interest, yes most definitely so. But not love."

"Don't you want love?"

"Do you think you could grow to love me?" He countered with a smile. "Silly question, Princess. Who doesn't want love?" His expression looked calculated and she tried hard not be distracted too much by his words. "The vast majority of relationships created by treaties and alliances are not based on love. I see several things that appeal you to me. I think, if you would offer me the opportunity, that you and I could grow to be affectionate towards one another at the very least."

She looked away from him, knowing that he spoke the truth. She found it hard to not be swayed by his words. Her father had lived that life, being married to someone out of convenience for his kingdom. Had he come to love Amber's and James' mother? Maybe she would being unfair. But, to give in and leave to marry another when the man she loved was right here made her heartache. Would she be able to get over Cedric? She didn't think so.

He must have taken her silence as consideration, for he reached over and gave her elbow a tap. "Tell me what you want from me and I will deliver everything you ask for," he looked at her evenly. "I could give you this entire world if you agreed to be my bride."

She looked hard at him, "How can you give me the world?"

His lips turned up slightly, "You would have to agree to be my bride to find out."

"You are trying to buy me?"

"I am testing the waters," he corrected. "It should be evident that you are not a woman to be bought. I'm not foolish enough to attempt to appeal to you with goods and things when you declined what I offered to your parents." He took another moment to stroke his beard, his moving hand made her wonder what it felt like that he felt the need to pet it. "I do, however, want to know what you would want from me in the event you accept."

"What is your sister's name?"

He looked at her, brows raised. "Katrana,"he offered.

"You said you were the oldest, how big of an age difference is between you two?"

"Not a large difference, just five years," he smiled suddenly. "Let us make this interesting. Quid pro quo if you will. You are a vegetarian I noticed?"

"Yes," she didn't expand upon it, she would make him be specific with his questions. "How many siblings do you have?"

He chuckled, apparently amused with her curt answer, "Could you explain why? I have one other sibling, but he is still an infant. Warren is his name."

He supplied a name, perhaps knowing her next question. "Animals," she started carefully, "I have had many pets that I've held dear. With as much as I loved them I couldn't bring myself to eat meat anymore." Some of it was the truth. She couldn't tell him her ability to understand them. She ran out of siblings to ask about. "You've mentioned your father, what is his name?"

He hesitated for a moment before nodded, "Daval." It was all that he offered and the name gave her pause. "Tell me about flying derby."

She was confused as to why she knew the name was familiar, then it hit her. The book sat in her room still on her bedside table. Daval was mentioned in the book. She tried not to look as if the name affected her. She considered his request and offered him a light smile, "I joined flying derby practice when I was eight. The princes tried really hard to discourage me from doing what they considered a 'prince thing.' After I managed to join the team they saw the advantage of having me there. I'm light and quick and my horse usually just had his own weight to pull." She paused, knowing she could go on. She shot him a look and saw him watching her with amusement. "You are here and your father is ruling your kingdom. How is your sister trying to upset you?"

"So astute," he smiled at her and it appeared warm and genuine. "My sister has quite a way with words, you could say she is trying to win my father's favor by showing him all that she has done. She has a husband that supports her and has started having children. Where here I am woefully alone and childless." He reached over to give her elbow another poke, "Tell me, is it hard to ride a flying horse?"

"You keep touching me," she frowned at him. "Riding a flying horse isn't difficult once you get the hang of it. It's all about seating yourself properly on the horse and holding on so you don't fall off, but not too tightly that you make it difficult for the horse to fly."

"Indeed I do, I wonder why I would do that?" His smile turned flirtatious. "Perhaps, it could be that I am trying to build some sort of interest between us. I'm not entirely sure on the customs of your kingdom, but I have found that when you touch someone." He leaned over to pluck up her closest hand. He held it in his, his thumb rubbing lightly at her wrist. "It helps build a connection between them. And let us just say, I would very much like to build a connection with you."

"You aren't used to being told no, are you?" She observed.

"It is very rare that someone tells me no or that I don't, in some way, get what I want," he chuckled. "I've been told no before, my sister is very apt in telling me no. Whether or not I listen to her is a different tale. But, I should point out that she is my sibling so that may not be what you are referring to. When it comes to other things, you for example being the most recent, I can be patient." His thumb continued to swirl along her skin, causing gooseflesh to raise up her arm. "Would you teach me to ride a flying horse?"

She blinked at him, eyeing him for a long moment, "If that is what you'd like to do."

He smiled at her and stood, keeping a hold on her hand. "It's something I would very much like to do. I have only ever ridden in a flying carriage. I imagine there is something to riding astride a horse as he soars through the sky. Could we do this now?"

She stood, not yet retrieving her hand from him. "I will need to change into something more appropriate for riding. I'll get Baileywick to let stablehand know we will be out there, soon. Will you be alright if I leave you here alone for a bit?"

"Do you think I need to be babysat?" He smirked lightly at her. "I will be fine. I'll entertain myself while you change. Go, go. Before I decide to throw a tantrum." He released her hand and she went to hurry to her room.

She ran into the steward on the way, pausing to inform him of what they intended to do and what she was going to do. She wouldn't leave any doubt in her parents' minds that she wasn't going to do as they bid her to do. The steward in all his glory, had her handmaid ready and waiting to assist in removing her gown. She had her riding trousers and jacket on in record time, she pulled her boots on and kept her helmet under her arm. Her crown she left on her vanity. She was actually excited by the idea of showing him how to ride a flying horse. It was all she could do to keep from running back to the front parlor.

When she reentered the room she found him gazing out the window, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to keep you waiting so long."

He started to reply until he turned to look at her, his mouth closed and his eyebrows rose. "Trousers?" He finally questioned, eyeing her.

She smiled, finding some amusement in his expression. "They are more practical to wear when riding a flying horse. A gown may require me to ride side saddle and that's not really safe when flying. Does it bother you?"

"Not at all," he smiled at her, coming to stand beside her and offering her his arm, "I never thought I would enjoy a lady in trousers, but I see their appeal now."

She flushed and started to lead them to the stables, "Have you ridden a normal horse before?"

"I have," he supplied.

"They aren't entirely different, the way you are seated on them are a bit different. You want your legs in front of their wings so you don't go sliding off their back end when they take off," she found herself enjoying the topic. And he seemed to notice as far as she could tell because he would continue to ask questions as the walked to the stables. It was a tactic she soon realized. As he said before, he was testing the waters and he had managed to hook her. She frowned suddenly, but instead of allowing her anger to distract her she decided to keep on course.

The stable hand supplied them with two of the finest horses, a sleek white mare for her and a thick Nonius stallion for him. She carefully helped him mount the stallion, helping him secure his footing and trying her best to tell him how to keep from sliding off when the horse wheeled through the air. He listened dutifully only questioning when the horse moved. His expression was serious and he struck her as someone that was very apt at learning new things, "Are you ready to take off?"

He paused and looked at her, "If I fall off I will die. It suddenly occurred to me that this might be a means for you to get out of having to marry me. Why did I agree to this?"

She laughed, trying her best not to insult him but the tirade of questions it was too hard to not be amused. "This was your idea! And no, we are going to go over to a track. If you fall off there is padding about the track to catch you." She went to her horse and easily mounted the mare, giving her an affectionate pat, "You just have to hold on. If you keep your body low and close to the horses' it will be harder for you to fall off. C'mon. We'll trot over to the practice track and get in the air over there."

Once they got into the air he fell. He landed hard on one of the padded bags that was there for the sheer purpose of catching them. She caught his horse and flew down to check on him, "Are you alright?"

"I've bruised my ego. It doesn't help that you make it look so easy," he looked irritated and she could only smile at him.

"Once you fall off you're supposed to get back on," she slid off her horse and helped him remount the stallion. "You'll get it. You just have to keep trying."

He eyed her from up on his steed, "You are a good teacher, Sofia." At some point they had dropped titles. "Well, wait, I'll hold that judgment if you can successfully teach me to ride this horse without falling off." He gave her a smirk.

She was back on her own horse as soon as she had him settled, "Miracles do happen."

They were off again. He fell another two times, cursing each time. The last time she hesitated, tying her own horse off. She helped him remount his horse, knowing he was indeed losing his cool. "Here, I'll help you this way," she mounted the horse too, settling uncomfortably close to him. "Grab on to the reins, too, and we'll get going," He did as she bade him too, wrapping his arms about her waist and pressing into her back. She swallowed hard and directed the horse to take off.

They were up in the air and she used the opportunity to show him how to maintain balance on the horse and keep a grip on the saddle with his thighs. They soared around the track quickly and she started to bring them down to land until his hand shifted to her hip, "Must this end so quickly? Can we not go explore the landscape from above?"

She hesitated, she had grown hungry after ignoring her last two meals. But, she decided to humor him. They drifted up high above the castle, the wind whipping past them. They were able to see the vastness of Enchancia and she felt suddenly free, despite the man trying to win her over was behind her.

He had taken advantage of their closeness as well, she could feel his breath against her cheek and he would occasionally press his nose into her hair. His hands had wandered her form, though they hadn't touched her inappropriately. She should be on edge. "This is beautiful," he murmured against her ear, the deepness of his voice so close made her shiver. He chuckled when he felt it, "You have honored me greatly by showing me this."

She turned her head slightly to see him, "Are you ready to go back?"

"Would I tempt fate too much if I bid you to keep us here? Having you so close is something I've enjoy greatly," his smile was flirtatious. Her stomach clenched and then growled, she didn't think he could have noticed but it did pull a chuckle from him, "Well, food is a necessity I didn't consider. You can return us to your home, Sofia, so we can feed you properly."

She wheeled the horse around and headed back to the castle, trying to not allow his closeness to get her. He didn't press her, his hands remaining on her hips. They landed just outside the stables, she slid off the saddle before he could protest. He looked momentarily irritated, but he carefully shifted on the saddle and slid down to the ground himself. "The mare is over at the practice track," she told the stable hand, "I'm really sorry I left her there."

The stable hand smiled brightly at her, "Don't worry about it, Princess. I will go fetch her. I'm sure she is enjoying the grass over there."

"Thank you," she smiled in return and turned back to her company. "Would you like to take tea in the garden?"

His apparent irritation seemed to be soothed and he looked pleasant once again, "That sounds lovely. I am hoping you aren't intending to change again. I think your current state of dress is quite becoming."

"I didn't intend to change, at least not until time for dinner," she gave him an awkward smile. "Would you want to give riding on the flying horse on your own again?"

"I do believe my ego has been bruised enough today, perhaps another day when I am feeling more willing to take a beating," he offered her his arm, "Where do you intend for us to have tea at?"

She took his arm, feeling that she didn't as apprehensive as she did before about being on his arm, "There is a gazebo that is surrounded by flowers. I'm not sure how you feel about flowers, but they are lovely and it's a nice spot for tea."

"Flowers are fine, though I don't expect them to distract me from my company," he smiled. Once she had them at the gazebo she bid that he wait there so she could request tea from the kitchen. She came back to find him admiring the flowers. "Tea service will be brought to us soon, they're just brewing the tea."

"That sounds fine, though with the way your stomach was rumbling I wonder if you can last much longer," he smirked at her picking up a violet pansy and offering it to her. "For the lady that enjoys purple."

She took the flower and flushed, "I snuck a cookie or two while I was in the kitchen." She paused to offer him a cloth wrapped cookie, "In the event you were hungry I thought I ought to bring you one, too."

He looked pleased and came to stand beside her, taking her offering. "How kind of you," he unbundled the cookie and immediately broke it in half, offering her one. "I appreciate the offering, but I would enjoy sharing with you," she took the proffered half and found herself touched. He was winning her over, she thought with a wince. He seemed to be watching her, for after he eaten the confection he asked, "Everything alright?"

She grimaced, was she so easy to read? She went to the gazebo and he followed, "You have a way with people." She sat down and nibbled on the half of cookie he had given her. "I guess I was a little disturbed by how you've managed to win me over so quickly."

"Win you over?" He sat next to her, "Have I won you over completely, I wonder? I think, perhaps, it's from seeing me fall off a horse one too many times."

She couldn't help the laughter that bubbled up from her, she covered her mouth and shook her head. "Don't start setting a wedding date. I guess I'm enjoying myself more than I thought I would."

"All I ask and all I continue to ask is that you give me the chance, Sofia. I've made you comfortable in a way. I am sure, if you give me the opportunity," he smiled at her. "We could come to an agreement of sorts."

There conversation halted when the steward came with a tea service, "Princess Sofia, Prince Victor, it's good to see you two enjoying one another's company." He sat the tray onto the table that occupied the gazebo. "Can I get anything else for you two?"

"I think this will be it, Baileywick," she smiled at him, hoping that he would forgive her unreasonable attitude from the following week. "Thank you for bringing it out to us."

He smiled in return, offering them both a bow, "It was my pleasure."

They sipped tea and nibbled cookies, exchanging questions as they had in the parlor. "So you were sent here to create a trade agreement for lumber and water?"

"Yes," he was sitting close to her, the gazebo only offered bench seating. "Unfortunately, the few trees offered in my land are not entirely sturdy enough for building. We took note, as we traveled over your land that the trees were thick and your forests are lush. We would find it easier to build and expand settlements. Stone is a sturdy building material but after looking at rock for so long it can become drab. Not only that," he paused to sip his tea. "Wood is also used for several other things. The majority of my land is desert so water is an important commodity." He gave her a look, "Answers in exchange for answers, princess. What other hobbies keep you entertained besides flying horses?"

"Magic," she answered with a sad smile, "Our sorcerer is humoring me with private lessons, sorcery was also taught at school." She turned to face him, watching him as she considered her next question, "Why did your father send you to negotiate trade? Why not have an ambassador or another noble to do it?"

"Personally," he answered frown, he looked like he might have asked the same question. "I think this is a test. I'm not quite sure. Your father seemed all to willing to do trade with me, so I suppose I have passed the test." He smiled at her, "How versed are you in magic?"

"I am doing well, I think. When I graduated from Royal Prep I was taking advance magic classes, Mister Cedric helped me when I struggled. For the most part with his lessons, he gets me to help with his potion backlog and then helps me work on my conjuring and control." She found herself smiling at the mention of her sorcerer again. She raised an eyebrow at him, "Was I apart of the trade agreement set by your father?"

He laughed out loud at that, "I am caught! No," he chuckled at her. "No, my father did not send me out here to find a bride. You were an unexpected bonus that I could not resist." He set his teacup aside, apparently finished, "I still find myself hard pressed to resist." He leaned close to her, closing the distance between them. His lips brushed her cheek and he asked, his voice low. "What can I do to get you to stop resisting me?"

She shuddered, the deepness of his voice touching her in an unexpected way. She started to turn away from him, but he caught her chin with one hand. "I... I don't know," any other protest she might have had was silenced when he pressed his lips to hers. His lips were soft, as if he took specific care of them as he did with his beard. The whiskers tickled, but it wasn't unpleasant. She didn't return his kisses, but she didn't push him away either. His kisses were, for the most part, chaste though she was sure he was trying to tempt her when she felt his tongue sweep along her bottom lip. This was a man who knew how to kiss and how to create a distraction purely with his mouth.

A throat cleared and she quickly pulled away from Victor. She turned to see her father, his arms crossed over his chest and a knowing look in his eye.

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Next bit will include the mentioned ball.