Farewell
Chapter 2
A loud, excited knocked on their bedroom door had Todd and Sofia up and grumbling. Whoever chose to woke them before either was ready would pay if the news wasn't dire. Since Terra was still asleep, it had to be a family death or of higher importance to avoid Todd's grouchy didn't mind but they became troublesome when he was rudely awoken. The knocking went off again when both tried to get back to sleep and got him out of bed first. Storming over and opening the door to see James happily standing next to a woman. A princess judging from the sparkling Tiara on her head.
"I couldn't wait to tell you two but I am engaged to a girl I have been dying for you and Sofia to meet and I got better news but that will have to wait." He says but the smile faded at Todd's glare. "Oh...you sleep in...don't you?"
"Unlike you royals, we actually get up at a decent hour but since we are awake now. We'll deal. Just think before you wake us up," Todd states then slammed the door in James's face. A giggle had him look over to Sofia. "You are just as guilty at being a grouch to my dear."
"Guilty as charged," She laughs, covering her smile with one hand. "But at least I know not to wake our Terra up."
Their young one as rubbing the sleep from her eyes at the moment. Even as Todd walked back over, apologizing to her for being so loud. He usually let Terra sleep in since she didn't go to school for magic and learned other skills like math and such from him and her mother since there was no one there to tell her she didn't have a right to learn it.
"Forgive me, I forgot how light a sleeper you are." He sighs picking her up. "How about...we cut this visit short after this. It...sounds like things are going to be busy and I don't want to be around when they do."
"It also may have to make us stay longer than we should," Sofia agrees as she got out of bed. "After today, we leave and get home before anything stops us."
"Agreed, better make the most of today." Todd smiles then groans. "I am not gonna enjoy this."
"Neither will we, love. Neither will we," Sofia whines.
The trio headed to the main dining hall where James and his bride to be both seemed to be happily talking to Miranda, Roland and Amber. She had Hugo next to her in fact. Arm hooked with his and a serious but content smile. Lots of news and important ones from the looks of it to make them send a single look to one another. If Sofia guessed then not only was James going to get married soon but Amber probably got an arranged marriage to finally become a queen. Fair enough, she was older than the age to have been married. Why did they have to announce it now? Couldn't this have waited until after they had left? If anything, this just made her realize how much she loved her private home life. In fact, had she not left...Terra never would have come into this world. She wouldn't be this happy.
"Ah, Sofia, Todd. Great timing. James and me have a couple royal proclamations to announce. Ones that I hope make your day a good start." Roland says. "First off, Amber has finally got a match. Me and Miranda as well as Hugo's father have decided they should marry."
"It's an honor," Amber nods.
"It is," Hugo agrees, then bows to Sofia. "It's been a long time since we have talked. I look forward to becoming part of your family Princess."
"It's Sophia," Todd corrected.
Amber kept Hugo from correcting Todd back with a quick squeeze to let James and his fiance talk. No doubt this would be the last time Sofia would come here so the moment of silence would be needed to avoid tension and avoid the chance of no happy farewells.
"Okay everyone. First off, I took a page from your book Sofia. Marrying a royal is nice but...I have to be honest. This...is Lucinda the witch." His father and mother backed away but He held Lucinda's hand while she and Sofia locked eyes.
She didn't even recognize her witch friend. The witch hat and dress attire was now a proper dress with heels instead of boots. Her black hair was even styled in the hairs styles of royalty. It was nice to see all her good deeds finally pay off and the fact that James just seemed to love her for who she was made the two a great couple.
"That's not all, she and I are going to be parents. I am under no spell either father. I love her and I want her as my queen when I take over the kingdom." James says standing his ground.
"I wish you all the luck in the world and love," Sofia told him and Lucinda. "You two are gonna be great rulers."
"I agree," Amber nods.
"I trust his judgement," Hugo spoke up. "James has always had a level head."
"Then...I have to let this wedding go as planned," The king sighs, but then smiled at Lucinda. "Welcome Princess Lucinda to my family."
"It's nice to be in it sire. I hope I can provide James with an heir," She bows. "Girls...run in my family though as a warning. Boys aren't lucky in that department."
"I am sure you will bring him much joy with any child you two bear." Roland says to her.
"And on that note, we'll be taking our leave," Sofia says getting their attention. "Two royal weddings will invite trouble for us and a far longer stay than planned."
"Besides, Terra doesn't do well in crowds and we won't overstress her. I am sorry but we must leave before this castle gets too crowded. We locked Sofia's room up though so we can keep that as a room should we come and visit...when the royal wedding and happiness has died down."
"All I ask is to see you when I can Sofia. I miss you," Roland sighs. "I never got to know you that much."
"You did, I promise," She told him. "You are my dad. You knew me the moment you and mom met. I am not that complicated to understand."
Roland let out a light chuckle, "how accurate you are honey. Please come and visit again soon. When all this heat dies down."
"We will, promise." They nod.
Why is this the final chapter? I will tell you why. I have a final installment for this series. I am working on it as you finish reading this. It will involve Terra mostly. Please hold out as I work out final kinks and details.