Chapter Four
Sofia couldn't remember the last time she enjoyed dinner so much with her family. And now, it feels like her family has only grown bigger with Elena and her family present.
The lively chatter, playful teasing and bickering, truly brought an air of warmth and closeness that was all too palpable and infectious.
Sofia herself was seated between Elena and her mother, who was naturally beside her father. Roland was enjoying conversation with Elena's grandfather, Francisco, regaling him with events in Avalor.
Mateo was a few seats down, talking in earnest with Cedric who listened attentively and would occasionally answer. After getting over his initial shyness and being overwhelmed at being in the presence of 'such a truly gifted sorcerer (Mateo's own words, which Cedric didn't correct but rather smiled indulgently), the two began to have an actual discussion about everything from magic to asking for guidance and advice. Cedric was all too happy to oblige and complimented Mateo for taking on such a tremendous responsibility as Royal Wizard at such a young age. "You must be truly gifted yourself and possess great potential for Princess Elena to have chosen you," he smiled sincerely.
Mateo blushed, both proud and embarrassed.
Isabel held back a giggle at Mateo's embarrassment, sitting beside James.
While her sister and his sisters had their time of comforting and healing, they had their own with James venting on how strong he had to be for Amber and Sofia since the Vor incident.
She felt terrible for the future knight of Enchancia, knowing that having to be the strongest one out of the three had to be difficult.
But as she chatted with James, Isabel could see smiles on Amber and Sofia's faces, making herself a mental note not to ask about anything from the Vor incident that might upset them.
Just seeing them happy, at least for now, was enough.
Luisa was seated between Prince James and her husband, who she was trying to get to stop telling stories and to focus on his meal. "Just let the man eat, for heavens sakes! You, too unless you want your dinner to get cold," Luisa was trying to pull Francisco's attention away.
"I'm just getting to the good part, mi'amor!" Francisco turned to his wife with a pleading expression. Luisa huffed.
"The good part can wait until AFTER you've eaten." She gave him a look then he deflated.
Miranda hid a laugh behind her hand as Roland grinned at the exchange.
When the children would grow and they would have to retire, Miranda smiled softly in the hopes that she and Roland would be like Luisa and Francisco one day.
But that was light years away, seeing her children enjoy themselves for the first time in days.
Estéban was seated between Elena and Princess Amber, with whom he was engaged in conversation and was pleased to find he rather enjoyed talking with the young future queen. On Amber's other side was Gabe and between him and Cedric sat Naomi, who was happily answering questions the sorcerer had about Norberg, where she was born. Gabe was trying to tell a few jokes but failed miserably, though James laughed until he started choking. Luisa promptly smacked the young prince on the back, who started breathing normally and managed a thank you. Luisa smiled at him and gave the young captain of the guard a look.
"I'll uh, save jokes for later, " Gabe blushed as he returned to his plate.
"It's best not to joke around when one is eating," Grand Mum, who was sitting next to Tilly and Sir Bartlebey, smiled softly at Gabe. "Roland used to try it when he and Tilly were children."
"Yes and every time, I would end up shooting juice out my nose," Tilly grinned as she sipped from her own drink. Among the giggling and "Eww!" from Amber, she spared a glance at a grimacing Cedric. "Oh, don't make that face, Cedric! You and Cordelia thought it was hilarious!"
"When we were children," Cedric retorted as Sofia couldn't help but giggle.
"Father usually had you apologize afterwards," Tilly recalled, noticing Sofia's smile at the thought of her mentor acting out.
It was heartening to see. And amusing, given how Cedric was usually so well-behaved as a child. Though Roland usually ended up roping him into some mischief.
Grand Mum remembered that well, noticing Sofia's hat.
It wasn't appropriate to wear hats inside for it was more for outside but she knew that Sofia had been through a lot in the past few days so she held her tongue.
"How are you enjoying Princess Elena's visit Sofia?" Grand Mum asked, hoping to make a conversation that wasn't hello or thank you.
Sofia beamed. "It's been great! We've done a lot over the last few days!"
Indeed, Sofia has taken great delight in showing Elena around. She introduced her to Clover, Mia and Robin, then to Minimus, who was overjoyed to see Sofia out and about again, having been worried sick for her over the last week. Introducing the flying horse to Skylar was an experience; the jaquin had started most of the other horses and it took a while to calm them down. Minimus was unsure if he liked the large flying cat, but Sofia convinced him that Skylar was a friend and so, he would tolerate him.
Elena had been all too happy to meet some of Sofia's friends. Ruby and Jade were wonderful girls and utterly excited to meet the princess whom they'd been told so much about.
Lucinda and her two witch friends, Lily and Indigo, were a treat. When Lucinda asked her if she would try riding a broom, Elena eagerly climbed on with the young witch.
Much to Skylar's consternation.
"Hey I can't help but feel insulted!" He groused as Elena took off with Lucinda. Lily, taking pity, scratched behind his ears and cooed.
"Awww, I'd LOVE to ride on you, you big sweet kitty!" Skylar purred at the attention, then let the little witch hop on before taking off.
No one questioned why Sofia had been wearing hats, knowing how brutal the summer heat could be.
Sofia though was resist to wear the garment that Amber had made her, not wanting to ruin it.
Only to get twenty more of them including nightwear.
Sofia could only wonder if it might be a little overkill, but realized that Amber wanted to ensure her sister was comfortable and to deflect unwanted questions and stares.
That was the last thing she needed, talking to Grand Mum until she felt her stomach growl in hunger.
Eating softly Sofia was grateful that her scars hadn't cause any trouble for her for the past few days.
But if they did, Elena always had the ointment and bandages available to clean her up with a private place so no one would ask any questions.
She had been so invasive with devouring her food that Sofia didn't feel the blood trailing down her left leg.
At least not at first.
It was only when someone dropped their fork and Baileywick stopped to retrieve it after retrieving a clean one for them that he sucked in a breath after a glance under the table.
Rising slowly and deceptively calm, he approached Sofia, trying to keep a neutral expression. He tapped her lightly on the shoulder and made a slight gesture towards her leg. She glanced down and sucked in a breath.
Elena pulled herself away from conversation when she noticed the look on Sofia's face. She was biting her lip, keeping as calm as possible and not wanting to arouse panic. "Sofia?" She asked quietly before glancing down and feeling her stomach drop.
'Damn, this had to happen NOW' she swore to herself in a way that would have earned her a lecture from abuela about ladies using such language.
Knowing Sofia would hate to draw the attention to herself, Baileywick made a slight gesture to the queen.
Miranda nodded softly, excusing herself before going to her daughter.
Sofia's face was red in embarrassment and the bright eyes she had been used to for the last few days were steaming with tears.
She closed her eyes, trying to stop the flow as she felt her mother reach her. The queen shared a nod with Elena as they moved to help Sofia.
Cedric, who was sitting right across from the princess, saw her distress and moved quickly, casting a charm and Sofia felt her leg bandaged to stop the flow of blood.
Casting her mentor a grateful look, Sofia excused herself with Elena and her mother, quickly leaving the dining hall.
Meanwhile, Cedric glanced under the table again, feeling both saddened and angry at the sight. Another quietly spoken spell and there was no trace left of blood that had dripped onto the floor.
His appetite gone, he sat back in his seat, gazing at the now empty space where his sweet young apprentice once occupied just moments ago. He'd trade all his magic just for her to be happy again.
She'd been happy for the past few days, having him feel that everything was slowly getting better.
Until now. Now he was going back to square one, swearing under his breath about the Vor woman.
This, he realized morosely, was going to take longer than a few days. He knew that.
But why, WHY did it have to be Sofia?
Sofia was quiet all the way back to her room as her mother and Elena hurried her there. Despite asking her if she was in pain, she could only nod or shake her head to any of their questions. This only worried them further. Sofia hated that.
'I hate that I'm making them worry about me so much,' the young girl mulled as they finally reached her room and went inside. Then the task of changing her bandages began. Cedric had done well in wrapping up her leg before they brought Sofia back to her room. The last thing they wanted was for her to leave a crimson trail behind. Which would have made things worse for the poor girl.
She hated suffering like she was, feeling Elena unwrap the blood soaked bandage.
Sofia tried not to flinch at the action, having been used to it by now but it hurt when the bandage was completely soaked in crimson.
She vomited a little at the sight, having not glanced at the bandages before.
Amber always had her look away or something else had her attention while it was being done.
But now, there was nothing to distract her from the sight. Despite her best efforts to prevent it, a fresh wave of tears flowed down her cheeks.
"Sofia," Elena's gentle voice touched her ears as she placed a warm hand on her shoulder. "I know it looks bad. We'll take care of it," trying to be as reassuring as possible while holding back her own sorrow.
The jagged bloody scar had her clutch a fist in anger. Vor had ruined Sofia's life by giving her something so insulting to the young princess that it made her cry and vomit again.
Miranda grabbed a handkerchief, wiping off what was once dinner off her daughter's face, sighing sadly at Sofia's distress.
"Oh, sweetie," By unspoken agreement, Miranda switched places with Elena so she could better comfort her daughter. Sitting up on the bed beside her, the queen hugged her precious child as close as she could. Elena took over the task of tending to Sofia's leg. It took everything in Miranda to not break down sobbing. She had done plenty of that the first two nights after Vor. Thankfully, Roland had been there to comfort her even as he shed a few tears himself. Gods, she loved that man.
But now, she had to be mother and that meant holding back the tears. Her poor, brave daughter had been valiantly trying to do the same through this whole matter. Trying to be the mature, solid girl everyone expected her to be.
But she couldn't. And Miranda had to make clear that was okay. She didn't have to be mature Sofia. She could be sad Sofia and cry on her mother when she was in pain, even as her own heart ached at seeing her hurting.
It was all the fear of nearly failing to stop her and shame of feeling so weak.
It was time to work on putting those fears and shame to rest.
So as any mother, Miranda gently rocked Sofia, arms wrapped around her and soothing her daughter as if she were a baby again, stroking her soft hair and murmuring. "It's all right, my little girl," Miranda soothed, rocking her daughter slowly as if trying to put her to sleep. "You cry as much as you want. Cry as long as you need. I'm right here and I'm going to stay here." She kissed the top of Sofia's head, who's sobs had softened to sniffles. "I love you, Sofia. Even when you're scared and hurting-especially then- I'll love you all the more. That's what a mother is for." Sofia looked up at her mother with bleary red eyes into her mother's own tender gaze. She sniffed again.
"Even if I fail?" She asked in a small voice. "Even when I'm scarred and gross and... ugly?" Her eyes widened almost fearfully and Miranda felt her heart break even more.
"Even and especially then," she held her daughter tighter. "No matter what, even when you fall. Even if you get scars and feel ugly, I'll love you. ALWAYS." She said this with a firmness and certainty that Sofia to be nothing but true and felt a wave of relief wash over her even as fresh tears flowed.
Elena listened to all this as she washed, treated and bandaged Sofia's wound. The words the queen spoke with such a familiar warmth and love it made her heart ache with longing for her own mother.
But she knew that Sofia was going to be okay in Miranda's arms.
All she really needed was a clean dress, assurance about herself, and a leap of faith that she wasn't ill.
Vomiting up dinner three times was a sign that Sofia had been in distress from looking at the scar on her leg.
"I'm sorry," Sofia muttered, looking down at herself. "I'm sorry Mom."
"It's okay, honey." Miranda assured as she continued to stroke Sofia's hair. "It's a lot to deal with. You'll be okay. Even if it hurts now, you'll pull through."
"I know but I got sick all over myself just by looking at a scar. I'm wasting your and Elena's time. I'm tired."
"We'll get you settled into something warm. And you're not wasting our time. We want to help you."
"And honestly, I don't know ANYONE who wouldn't feel queasy with something like this," Elena gestured to Sofia's freshly wrapped leg. She managed to wipe away a few tears that slipped out and hoped no one noticed. "I took a fall when I was your age and messed up my arm pretty bad. One look at that blood and both me AND my Papi lost our breakfast! It was awful!" She managed a weak smile. "Believe me, I'd have been more worried if you didn't get sick."
Sofia seemed to consider this as her mother, patting her on the back, went to retrieve fresh clothes for her daughter. It made her feel slightly better to hear that Elena had felt with that same thing. To hear her father also got sick was almost reassuring, in a sense. It showed how worried he must have been for his daughter. And that's only natural; to care and worry for family when they're hurting is natural. Normal. Right.
Something like a small weight lifted from Sofia's chest as this realization settled in and she felt just a little bit better. Even though she hated worrying the people she loved, it was a relief and comfort to know they were all there for her. A sudden memory surfaced in her mind.
'You've always been there for us, Sofia. Let us be there for you.' Vivian's voice and words floated through her mind like a gentle breeze as she recalled those very words. Just before they went off to face Vor.
And Sofia smiled.
Everything had been great and they had almost defeated Vor.
If only that had happened than Sofia wouldn't be thinking of herself as ugly for the scars she had gained from that woman.
But the smile lasted for awhile as Miranda got her undressed out of the soiled dress and into the long nightgown Amber had made.
Sofia almost wanted to cry.
It was beautiful; a soft lavender that reached the floor. The fabric was so soft and comfortable it made her feel like she wanted to sleep right there.
Sofia had to laugh at sleeping with her hat on, taking it off as Miranda looked at the bandage.
Luckily not as much blood unlike the leg had soaked through, having her heart break at Sofia's cry of pain at the sound of the bandage being unwrapped.
Elena had gotten a fresh wash in of water and aimed the queen. After Sofia's bandage was freshly dressed, Miranda turned down the covers. Elena hummed thoughtfully for a moment as she watched the mother and daughter. Memories floating softly of her own mother tucking her in at night.
"Good night, Sofia." Miranda kissed her daughter's wrapped forehead. "I'll see you in the morning."
"Good night, Mom. I love you." Miranda smiled and hugged Sofia gently.
"I love you, too."
She got up to leave and headed to the door. Elena then turned to her.
"I'd like to stay with her." She announced. "If that's all right by you, your majesty."
"It's all right by me, if it's all right by Sofia." Miranda looked to Sofia, who nodded eagerly. "All right then. I'll send in for a few extra blankets."
"And please tell Isa I'll be by later to see her," Elena asked as the queen nodded.
"I will," Miranda promised, seeing Sofia go to sleep.
The only time of the day Sofia was truly at peace, cuddling the stuffed bunny Amber had given her her first Wassailia at the castle in her arms.
Even Elena had to smile at the sight. Isabel rarely slept with stuffed animals anymore so seeing her savor with one was a little unexpected.
But she supposed with everything that's happened, Sofia needs some comfort.
Grabbing the chair by the vanity, Elena pulled it up beside the bed and sat down. After a moment, she reached out and gently stroked one of Sofia's arms in a comforting gesture.
"I'm here, Sofia." She whispered softly. "You're not alone."
Elena only heard Sofia's soft breathing, seeing a smile plastered on her face.
Perhaps the stuffed bunny was working. Or maybe it was Elena being there that was helping Sofia sleep without something to put her to sleep.
Either way, it was reassuring to see. Though who knows what tomorrow will be like.
Elena hoped it would be better than the night before, watching Sofia sleep for an hour before checking on Isabel.
It would just be really quick before she would go back to Sofia's room, bumping into Amber in the hallway.
"You okay?" Elena asked softly, picking up the stuffed unicorn the future queen of Enchancia had dropped.
Amber didn't answer at first, then glanced away as Elena knelt before her. "Sofia was bleeding through her bandages again. I saw the blood just before Cedric managed to clean it up with his magic."
"Sofia's in bed now. We cleaned her up. She saw her leg scar... got a little sick," Elena admitted reluctantly. She didn't want to tell the poor girl too much, seeing how guilty she felt over Sofia getting trapped inside the Amulet in the first place. Still, she refused to lie to Amber. Amber sighed quietly.
"I was afraid of that." She was quiet for a moment. Then looked at the older princess with sadness in her eyes. "How could this have happened? And to Sofia, of all people? Why did she have to get hurt? Now she has those scars-"
"Amber-" Elena started softly. But Amber needed to vent this.
"I KNOW, you'll say it's not my fault. And maybe one day, I'll believe that. But for right now..." Amber struggled to hold herself together, trying not to cry. Trying to be strong for her sister. She turned away from Elena, hugging herself as if to keep from going to pieces.
Elena watched the younger princess, understanding in her eyes as she observed Amber struggling with the turbulent emotions rising and surging inside her like a stormy sea.
"I know what you're feeling," Elena began softly as she touched the blond princess's shoulder. "It's hard being the oldest sometimes. You feel there's so much riding on your shoulders and when something bad happens, you feel like you could have stopped it."
Amber glanced at Elena, urging her to continue.
"I felt the exact same way when Shuriki first attacked and I couldn't do anything to stop what happened to my family. Especially to Isabel." Elena paused as she knelt to the floor, casting her gaze to the stuffed toy in her hands. Amber was now turned fully to look at her.
"Everything happened so fast; all I could think about was stopping Shuriki before she hurt anyone else I loved. I had to protect Isa. I.." Elena hugged the unicorn close to her chest. "All that mattered to me then was keeping Isa safe. I don't know what I would have done if I lost her, too."
Amber blinked as tears silently went down her cheeks.
"I kept thinking that too with Sofia. I know she was in the amulet with Vor but when she came out and showed us her forehead scar, I felt sick," Amber sniffed, taking the unicorn back. "Sofia made me this unicorn for our first Wassailia together. I made her the bunny with some help from our mom. Every time I look at my unicorn, I know she's safe. But when it comes to the scars?! I know she's not! She's hurting! If I had just gotten there quicker or had not suggested Vor getting trapped inside the amulet then she wouldn't... She would never be thinking of herself as ugly or a monster!"
"You didn't KNOW this would happen!" Elena exclaimed softly. She placed her hands on Amber's shaking shoulders. "Even though it was your idea to use the Amulet to trap Vor, you could never have known she would pull Sofia in and hurt her." Elena pulled the younger girl closer, trying to offer whatever comfort she could. "You had no control over the outcome, Amber. And that's the hardest thing for someone like you to accept." Amber sniffled as she looked up at Elena, who's dark eyes glittered with wisdom. "You love your family, your kingdom so much that you're willing to put anything on the line to protect it all. You even went back to what you knew would be a dangerous situation and fought against someone who you knew could hurt you. But because Sofia went, you went, too. You believed in her. And that Faith paid off. If it weren't for you, if you weren't there, Sofia never would have made it. You helped her more than you realize."
"I guess... Maybe you're right," Amber sighed, hugging her unicorn close. "I just want to check on her."
"To make sure she's okay?"
"Yes. Elena, does guilt ever go away? I can't help but get sick with worry about Sofia."
Elena's expression saddened. "I don't know if it ever goes away. Even though I know it's not my fault and was out of my hands, I still feel guilty for not being able to protect my parents. It... just depends on a lot of things. Mostly, I think it just gets easier to handle until it no longer eats us up." She hugged Amber close.
Amber could only nod softly, holding back a yawn.
Even before Elena had came, visiting Sofia since the Vor incident was like a routine of sorts.
Sometimes the future queen of Enchancia would find herself crawling into her little sister's bed without knowing it and by some miracle Sofia hadn't woken up, being too absorbed in her dreams to notice.
To her it was a good thing as Amber didn't want to embarrass herself with a long explanation.
"You're starting to look tired," Elena noticed with a smile. "But if you want to visit your sister before bed, then we'll do it."
Amber managed a slight smile and both princesses went to Sofia's room, creeping quietly in so as not to wake her.
Thankfully, Sofia was still asleep. In the same position as Elena had seen her. She gave a relieved sigh before helping Amber silently climb onto the bed.
Elena knew that Amber wanting to keep Sofia safe was a number one objective that the oldest princess of Enchancia had installed in her mind since the Vor incident.
And would likely be such for some time. At least, until they both felt secure enough to sleep comfortably through the night.
"Buenas noches niñas," Elena muttered softly, stroking their hair before stepping out of Sofia's room.
"You've been busy," Estéban noticed, showing a sympathetic smile as he and Elena moved away from Sofia's room.
"I just hate how that woman had hurt those girls so much! Amber's suffering from guilt and Sofia thinks of herself as nothing but a monstruo!"
Estéban shook his head sadly, then placed a steady hand on his cousin's shoulder. "They're very young to carry such burdens. But fortunately, have you for guidance, Elena." She turned and saw the expression on Estéban's face and it was clear he was sincere. "They will pull through. And we shall help them."
Elena smiled at Estéban before hugging him, which he responded by gently patting her on the back.
Estéban shook his head as they walked down the halls to their rooms. "As I said, they shall have help and guidance, from you especially. We shall, as they say, ride out the storm and wait for the sun." Estéban recited with clear importance.
Elena allowed herself a grin. "That's what Naomi says," she teased with a smirk. Estéban blanched.
"If you repeat this conversation, I shall deny it," the chancellor lowered his voice in slight embarrassment.
"Don't worry, I won't say anything. Unless I tell it to Sofia to cheer her up."
"Of course you will. Like Skylar did today with his little stunt."
Estéban pouted a bit as Elena let herself a small laugh. "I won't tell Naomi," she promised.
"Great," Estéban smiled a little in relief. "You go check on Isabel. Who knows what she and Prince James have gotten into by now."
Elena nodded softly, knowing that James had to be frustrated with everything that was happening.
She knew that he loved his sisters but also knew that he was the one that needed a gentle but stern talking to.
'Maybe I can talk to him tomorrow.' Elena suddenly felt guilty; in all this worry and concern for Sofia and Amber, poor James was left with no one to confide in about his feelings. Granted he was nearly a teen, but still young and wanted to help. But... he wasn't able to help his sisters like a brother should. It had to be eating him up inside.
