A/N: Thank you guys for enjoying this story so far. Sorry I've been a little late with this chapter, it's been a busy week, and I had a bit of personal things going on right now so please bear with me. Here's another chapter for you. Also, I would like to say thank you to everyone who wished me a Happy Birthday last week. You guys are awesome.
Chapter 4
The rest of the day was pretty much uneventful. Everyone sat down and eat dinner, striking a conversation or two here and there. Sofia would occasionally sneak glances at Amber when she wasn't looking. But whenever Amber did catch her staring, Sofia would just play it off with a simple smile and wave, which Amber would return with a smile of her own. Luckily it only happened once and she was saved from the embarrassment of being caught staring again. The rest of dinner was eaten in silence for the most part, until her mother spoke.
"So Sofia," Miranda said. "Feeling nervous about tomorrow?" Sofia looked up from her plate at her mother.
"A little bit," she admitted. "We're going up against the Jr Knights Academy again. So it's going to be a tough race tomorrow."
"Oh, I remember them," her father said. "You won the Flying Crown the last time you raced them."
"Yeah!" James shouted excitingly. "And we're gonna do it again. We've been practicing all month for this. There's no way we can lose."
"Now James," Miranda said. "Yes, it would be great if you two won. But remember that winning isn't important. What matters most is that you have fun and trying your best while doing it."
"Yes Mom," the young prince said as he sat back down.
"Well I have full confidence that Sofia will win," Amber said, almost causing said princess to blush. "She's always worked harder than any prince I've known. She's the best Flying Derby rider in all the known Kingdoms." This time Sofia did blush as she twirled a strand of hair in one finger, flattered and happy that Amber thought so highly of her. James, on the other hand, looked over at his twin and gave her a slight glare.
"I'm on the team too, you know," he said.
"Uh-huh," Amber waved him off as she continued eating. James sat back in his chair and crossed his arms in annoyance while Sofia let out a little giggle at her step-siblings.
After everyone finished dinner, Sofia went up to her room to prepare herself for bed, which didn't take long. Once she finished, she settled straight into bed, but was feeling too excited for tomorrow's race to actually get some sleep. She was also nervous because her opponents were the Jr Knights Academy again, and this time she was sure they were ready for them this time around. She certainly hoped that today's training was going to be enough for the race. She just hoped that she wouldn't screw up during the race. Like running into one of the obstacles, or falling off her horse. All these thoughts made her even more anxious.
Then she thought of Amber and her confidence in her. That made her feel much better. Sofia thought about the shining smile and warm embrace that she would receive if she won the race. These thoughts immediately took away her nervousness and replaced it with eagerness. She was now more determined to win more than ever. Sofia continued her thoughts until her eyes drifted closed and sleep finally consumed her.
Sofia awoke that morning from a nice dream. She had won the Flying Crown again and the crowd was cheering for her and James. Sofia could even see Amber cheering in the crowd as well. She could even hear Amber cheering louder than anyone else at the Derby. All in all, it was a wonderful dream. When she woke up from her dream, Sofia rubbed the tiredness out of her eyes before remembering what day it was. She quickly climbed out of bed and almost immediately got dressed for the Derby race. She put on her special Team Jersey that she and James were suppose to wear for these kinds of event. She was so excited for it that she was actually up before Clover, who was sleeping soundly on one of Sofia's pillows. But her excitement and rushing around to get ready had woken up the little rabbit from his slumber. Said rabbit rubbed his eyes before looking at the excited princess.
"Hey Sof, it's early in the morning. What's the hurry?" Clover asked. Sofia didn't stop moving as she was putting on her other purple boot.
"Clover, it's the Flying Derby Race today," she said without looking at him. "The race before we make it to the Championships. I want to get James so we can get in a bit more practice before the race starts." Clover let out a little yawn before jumping off the bed.
"Well you better get going," he said. "The race starts at 1:00. And from the looks of it, I'd say you got about four hours left before the race." Sofia looked at the clock in her room and saw that Clover was right. It was 9:00 now and she had to be ready to race by twelve to prepare for the race. And it takes about half and hour to get to the school by flying couch. Plus she had to eat breakfast before she left so that would take up another half hour. So she only had three hours to practice. That is, if things went well. Sofia then quickly turned and left her room, grabbing her helmet on the way. Clover immediately chased after her to try to calm the girl down. Sofia was in such a rush towards the dining hall that she almost ran into a certain blonde prince.
"Whoa Sofia," Amber said after almost having been knocked over, "what's going on?"
"Sorry Amber," Sofia replied. "I just want to get going so I can get a little bit more practice in before the race." Amber smiled at her step-sister before taking her arm and leading her towards the dining hall.
"Sofia, it's nice that you want to want to win and all. I want you to win too. But there is such a thing as overworking." Sofia let out a little sigh as they continued to walk.
"I know," she said. "I just want to do you, and the school proud."
"Sofia, you've already done more than that. You've won so many races that the everyone at Royal Prep, or even our family, would be idiots to be disappointed in you. And I, myself, couldn't be more proud." Sofia looked up at the blonde and felt her cheeks turn red.
"Really?"
"Of course. And even if you loose the race, I will always be your biggest fan." Amber finished her statement by pulling Sofia into a tight hug, which Sofia gladly returned. After a moment Amber pulled away, only to re-link their arms again and continue towards the Dining Hall.
"Thanks Amber," Sofia said.
"My pleasure. Now let's get something to eat before James finishes it all." Sofia giggled.
"You know, you pick on James too much." Amber shrugged.
"I know," she said nonchalantly. "But sometimes he asks for it. I mean, who eats that much?"
"Amber," Sofia said as she giggled again.
"Oh alright," Amber gave in with a sigh, "I'll try to take it easy on him."
"Thank you." They finally made it to the Dining Hall to find everyone else sitting at the table. As they entered the room, they were greeted by the castle steward, who smiled warmly down at them.
"Good morning young Princesses," Baileywick said. "Dis you girls sleep well?" Sofia and Amber nodded their head as the smiled back.
"Good morning Baileywick," Amber said. "Yes, we sleep quite well, thank you." The castle steward nodded his head slightly in acknowledgement.
"I'm happy to hear that," he said. "Breakfast is prepared for the both of you. And I can't wait to see you're performance at the race today, Sofia."
"Thanks Baileywick," Sofia smiled before she and Amber made their way towards the table with their arms still linked. As they did so, their parents looked up at them with welcoming smiles.
"Good morning girls," Miranda greeted her children. Amber curtsied while Sofia, because she wasn't wearing a dress, did a little bow.
"Good morning Mother," said Amber.
"Morning Mom," said Sofia. With that they both took their respective seats as Miranda looked Sofia over.
"You seem ready to go," she said with a chuckle. Sofia looked down at her clothes and remembered she was dressed in her Jersey.
"Oh, I was going to get in a bit more practice this morning before the race. But Amber kinda talked me out of it by saying there is such a thing as overworking things."
"And she's right," Roland said. "Too much of a good thing can sometimes work against you?"
"I know Dad," Sofia said with a smile.
"I'm sure you'll be fine," Miranda said while giving her daughter a one armed embrace.
"Don't worry so much Sofia," James added after swallowing his food. "We're gonna do great."
"We all have a lot of confidence in you both," Roland said while raising his glass on the word 'confidence' to ephasize his point. "And even if you don't win, we'll still be proud of you no matter what." Sofia smiled at everyone before looking at Amber, who gave her a little wink in a 'told-you-so' fashion before going back to her breakfast.
The time of the race had finally come. Royalty from almost every kingdom that attended Royal Prep had come to watch the event. Even people from the surrounding villages had come to watch. So many people had come to watch the race that they had to expand the bleachers by ten times, courtesy of the three good fairies and their magic. It was the most amount people to attend such an event in a long time. Before the Flying Crown Race itself, this was the most exciting part of the Flying Derby, and no one wanted to miss it. Especially if Princess Sofia was participating in it. After She had won her first Derby Championship, her reputation had spread across all the known Kingdoms. Sofia had become one of the most famous riders in all of Derby history.
Said princess was in the stables now, cleaning Minimus as James was pacing back and fourth waiting for them to be called out. Sofia noticed James' pacing and turned to face him.
"James," she said, "you're more nervous than Minimus. Everything is going to be fine."
"How do you know?" James said, clearly not letting his nervousness go unnoticed. "There's a lot more people here than there has ever been before. What if we screw up? What if we lose? Everyone will laugh at us or be upset."
"James!" Sofia shouted to get her brother's attention. "Everything is going to be fine. We've been practicing all month for this. We can do this."
"I wouldn't be so sure about that," said a new voice. Both Sofia and James turned their attention towards the stable doors to see Prince Marcus standing leaning against the frame. Both Sofia and James frowned, James balling his fist as if ready to fight.
"What do you want Marcus," Sofia said. Said prince pushed himself off the frame and slowly made his way towards the two.
"Who me?" Marcus mocked. "I'm just here to wish you both luck. I hear that the competition out there is going to be rough."
"Thanks," Sofia said with narrowed eyes as she crossed her arms in front of her. "But I think we can manage."
"You sure about that?" Marcus asked before looking over at Minimus. Said Pegasus was getting a bit nervous, shifting uncomfortably under the gaze of the prince.
"Your horse looks a bit frail. Wouldn't want anything to happen to it."
"And what is that suppose to mean?"! James said aggressively. Marcus looked back at the two and raised his hands in a mock defense.
"I mean nothing by it," he said. "All I'm saying is that anything can happen out there. I would just be careful if I were you."
"We will," Sofia said. "Now if you don't mind, we have to prepare for the race. Would you please leave?" Marcus did a gentle bow.
"As you wish. I shall be on my way." With that, he turned and left the stables. Once gone, Sofia looked over at James, who still had a look of anger in his eyes and his fists balled up.
"Don't listen to him James," she said. "He just wants to get under our skin so that we aren't focused on the race." But James' features didn't change.
"But he was implying something," he said. "I just know it."
"But we can't focus on that right now. He have a race to win. And besides, he's all talk. He hasn't gone through with any of his threats." James just kept staring out the stable doors for a moment before finally letting out a sigh.
"You're right Sof," he said. He then had a look of confidence. "Let's win this thing!"
"Yeah!" They gave a little fist bump before going back to attending to their Pegasi. But little did they know that Marcus was just outside the stable doors and just just heard Sofia's little comment about him. He was very angry right at that moment and wanted to prove her wrong. He had an had a plan to sabotage the race so that Sofia and James would lose and come out badly hurt. But he didn't know how to how to set it in motion. His answer, however, came in the sound of Pegasus' neigh. He looked up to see a Jr. Knight flying over the stables and landing a few yards away next to another Jr. Knight. The one that was getting off his flying horse was Squire Antony, who had Short black hair and stood a couple inches taller than the other squire, who was Squire John. Said squire had Short curly Blonde hair with green eyes and wasn't as built as Squire Antony. He noticed that these were the two other riders that were going up against Sofia and James in the race. Marcus smiled wickedly as an idea began to form in his head. He made his way over to the two squires.
"Good evening Gentlemen," he said pleasantly. The two squires looked over at the Prince approaching them and glared at him. Ever since the Jr. Knights Academy lost the Flying Crown Championship to Royal Prep, the squires of the JKA have had it in for the Royals.
"What do you want?" Squire Antony said in a harsh tone. Marcus just raised one hand in a gesture to show that he meant no harm.
"No need to be hostile my friends," Marcuse continued with a smile. He then took a bow, although bowing to the lesser sickened him. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Prince Marcus of the Kingdom of Lothacia. I just came to make a proposition for you." Both Antony and John looked at one another with raised eyebrows. There wasn't a knight alive that didn't know Lothacia. It was a Large and rich kingdom. What could the prince want with them? They both thought for a moment before turning back to Prince Marcus.
"What kind of proposition?" Antony asked. Marcus gave a wicked grin.
"One that is surely to guarantee that you win the race and a place in the Major Flying Derby League."
"Ladies and Gentlemen!" the announcer shouted into his cone. "Kings and Queens! Princes and Princesses! Knights and Dames! Villagers of all ages! The moment you've all been waiting for is here! The Flying Derby race that will Determine which team will go to the Major Flying Derby League Championships!" The crowd cheered loudly as they waited for the announcer to continue.
"As you all well know, this the race that will determine which team will go to the Major Flying Derby Championships! Should one of the teams win, it will be the first time in Flying Derby history for the Little League Derby racers to enter the Major League Derby, where they will compete with the World's top Derby Flyers!" The crowd cheered even louder, one in particular that was sitting in the Royal Balcony shouted with all her might.
"Yeah Sofia!" Amber shouted.
"And here come the riders from the Jr. Knights Academy!" the announcer continued. "Squire Antony and Squire John!" The crowd cheered again as the two named riders. But they didn't enter just yet. They were just at the entrance where Both Squires Antony and John were on their Pegasi, and Prince Marcus right next to them.
"Now remember," Marcus said to Antony, "make it look like an accident so you don't get disqualified, but get it done nonetheless. Do so, and all the gold will be yours." Antony nodded.
"Got it," he said. With that, the two Squires entered the track as the crowd cheered louder and proceeded towards starting line.
"Yes it is going to be tough to beat these two." Squire Antony looked towards the crowd and spotted a group of attractive looking girls that were cheering for him close by. He gave them a wink and, one by one, each girl swooned.
"And now, Let's meet their opponents! Flying for Royal Prep, Princess Sofia and Prince James!" The crowd shouted and cheered louder and wilder than before as the two named Royals entered the track as well. They both waved at the crowd as they made their way towards the starting line. As Sofia waved, she saw all her friend from Royal Prep. She saw Vivian, Zandar, Hugo, Jin, Jun, Desmond, Khalid, Maya, Clio, and Hildagard, all cheering for her and James.
Sofia then looked up towards the Royal Balcony and saw a certain Blonde shouting and waving down at her. She could hear Amber cheering as loud as she could over the crowd. Sofia smiled warmly and waved up at her before looking back ahead and continued towards the starting line where the other racers were waiting. Sofia looked over at their competitors and gave them a gentle smile.
"Let's have a good race okay?" She said. Antony, who was closet to her, just scoffed.
"It will be once we win," he said in a harsh tone, causing Sofia's smile to fall a bit.
"Rider!" Miss Flora shouted. "On your wings!" All the racers sat ready to go.
"Get Set!"
"Let's do our best Minimus," Sofia whispered to her Pegasus friend.
"Okay," Minimus replied, thought not too confidently.
"GO!" The gates quickly opened and the riders took off at full speed.
"And they're off!" The announcer shouted. "Right out of the gates, Squire Antony of the Jr. Knights takes the lead, with Princess Sofia right on his tail." And it was true, Squire Antony was in the lead, but Sofia closing in behind him. Antony seemed to notice this as he flicked the reigns of his Pegasus to make it go faster as they headed for the bridge. Sofia pushes to get ahead but Antony isn't letting her. Every time she tries to pass him he immediately blocks her path, sometimes getting too close for comfort. They flew under the bridge with Sofia still behind Antony. As Sofia was trying to get past Antony, James was having his own problems with John.
"Whoa!" the announcer shouted. "It looks like Prince James and Squire John are going head to head!"
Neither James nor John was moving ahead of one another as they had their Pegasi, almost literally, bumping against one another. James tried to get ahead in order to help Sofia get past Antony, but John seemed to have other plans as he kept getting in his way. This continued until they, themselves, flew under the bridge, with James going under on the far right side. This had allowed him to break away from John and finally flying ahead.
"And Prince James manages to get away from Squire John and is now doing all he can to make his way towards Princess Sofia and Squire Antony." The crowd cheered loudly as they heard the announcer explain what was happening.
Sofia and Antony were now flying over the cottage on the track as James was trying his best to catch up. She was struggling to get past Antony as he kept blocking her path. She then noticed James behind her and an idea formed in her head. Without looking back, Sofia quickly let go of the reigns and moved her hand out to the right in clear view of James. James noticed the movement and looked over at Sofia to see her hands making a butterfly flapping gesture, a signal she came up with to give her a Wing Blast. James smiled and pulled the reigns back so that his Pegasus could flap harder to push more air at Sofia. Thanks to the training that He and Sofia had been doing for the past month, James was able to send a powerful blast of air towards Sofia.
At the last moment, as the blast of air sent her flying ahead, Sofia was able to turn Minimus away so she would be able to fly straight past Antony, who didn't seem too happy that she had past him. Now Sofia was in the lead as they flew through the Hedge Ring tree.
"And now, thanks to James with an extraordinary Wing Blast, Sofia is now in the lead!" The crowd was going wild as they witness the event, especially Amber.
"Go Sofia!" Amber shouted. But as the crowd cheered, right under the track entrance, Marcus stood and watched on with his arms crossed and a wicked grin formed on his face. It was almost time for his plan to commence. Soon the little annoyance that was Sofia would be gone.
The riders had just flown past the pillars in the pond and were now heading for the gate before the Steeple. Antony was right behind Sofia, with James behind him, and John behind James. The prince was making sure that John would get past him to help Antony in any way. Sofia and said Squire had just flown through the gate and were now climbing up the Steeple, with Antony getting closer to Sofia. Sofia noticed this and urged Minimus forward.
"Let's do this, Minimus," Sofia encouraged as she flicked the reigns.
"Here we go," the little Pegasus said. Marcus watched as the riders climbed up the Steeple and his smile grew wider as he waited for what was to come. He just hoped that Antony wouldn't screw this up for him.
Sofia and Antony were climbing the Steeple, nearly neck and neck as they climbed to the top. But there was only enough room for one to pass through, so Antony was forced to pull back and let Sofia take the lead. Sofia was then able to fly through the top of the Steeple and ring the bell. She heard a second bell ring second behind her and knew Antony was right behind her. However, something happened then that made things take a turn for the worst. Antony, with one big push of his Pegasus' wings, he pushed himself forward and rammed Sofia from behind, knocking her off her horse.
Sofia didn't realize what had happened until she felt nothing beneath her and the wind blowing up her face. She looked down and realized that she wasn't flying down on Minimus' back, but actually falling towards the ground. Suddenly realizing that she was about to die, she let out a horrible scream.
"Oh No!" the announcer shouted. "Squire Antony has knocked Sofia off her horse and is now plummeting towards the earth! I can't bear to watch!"
The crowd gasped as they witnessed Sofia free falling towards the ground and her Pegasus descending out of control as well, except for Marcus, who now had a smile with pure glee as he watched Sofia fall. The Royal family actually cried out in fear for her, even James as he exited the Steeple and watched his sister falling, but none cried out louder than Amber herself.
"SOFIA!" she called out.
"YES!" Marcus shouted.
Sofia screamed all the way down. She knew that James wouldn't be able to save her, and she feared that Minimus was hurt because of Antony and wouldn't be able to make it to her. Knowing that there was nothing she could do, she closed her and waited her her imminent death. She waited as the wind on her face continued to rush past her, when suddenly she felt something underneath her. At first she thought it was the ground itself, but then realized that the wind was still rushing past her, but it was now coming from a different direction. She opened her eyes to see that it was Minimus underneath her. She almost couldn't believe it.
At the last second before she hit the ground, Minimus straightened himself out and rushed to make it to Sofia. He flapped his wings as fast as he could, trying to reach her. He feared he might be too late to save her. But he then remembered all the times he shared with her, all the encouragement she gave him and the confidence she had in him. He then told himself that he was not going to lose her and pushed himself harder than ever before. With one final push of his wings, we was able to save his dearest friend. Sofia looked at the little Pegasus for a moment before she placed her head on his neck and cried tears of joy.
"Sofia's horse has managed to save the Princess!" the announcer shouted with glee. "Oh what a tremendous display. I have never seen anything like that in all my life!"
The crowd was in an uproar after seeing that Sofia was safe from harm. Miranda and Roland held each other and the queen had tear roll down her cheeks. Amber, however, had her hands clasped together in front of her face as she let out sobs of happiness that Sofia was safe. Tears were rolling down her face like waterfalls, both from happiness and still in shock of almost loosing someone so dear to her. Seeing Sofia safely back on her horse made Amber's heart soar.
"YES!" she cried out.
"NO!" Marcus shouted as well. He was beyond furious at those good-for-nothing Squires who had failed him. Marcus was in such a rage that he left the Derby track before the race was over, promising himself that he would deal with those fools at a later time.
Minimus continued to flap his wings as Sofia cried on his neck. He flapped on as a new emotion surged through his heart, an emotion he hadn't felt in a long time, but not nearly this strong: Anger. After almost loosing Sofia to that selfish squire made his heart burn with rage that he wanted to win the race just so that he wouldn't get way with it. Minimus flapped his wings harder than her ever had before and was now right next to Antony. Said Squire looked over to his right and was shocked to see Sofia, who was hugging her Pegasus' neck crying. He would have just laughed at her and called her pathetic until he saw the Pegasus itself, who seemed to be giving him a look of pure anger. It was enough to distract Antony long enough for Minimus to pass him and take the lead. Antony shook his head and urged his horse forward.
"Princess Sofia and Squire Antony are now neck and neck as they approach the finish line, Ladies and Gentlemen! Both struggling to take the lead! Who will win this race folks?! Who will make it to the Major Flying Derby League?!"
Sofia had finally stopped crying and lifted her head to see that they were nearing the finish line. She looked over to see Squire Antony right next to her, urging his horse onward. She then looked down at Minimus, who had a look of determination on his face and in his eyes. She smiled down at him before she, herself and a look of determination. She grabbed onto Minimus' reigns and flicked them for Minimus to go faster. Minimus, who was happy that Sofia was alright and ready to continue the race, happily Sofia and Antony were just yards away from the finish line as the crowd roared with excitement. And just as they were about to cross the finish line, Minimus gave one final push with his wings at the very last second, winning the race by a nose.
"And they've done it!" the announcer shouted with excitement. "Boom! Boom! Royal Prep Wins! Royal Prep Wins! Royal Prep Wins!"
The crowd roared louder than ever before. This had been one of the most exciting races anyone has ever seen. No one could have predicted these kinds of events to happen at a race. A princess nearly fallen to her death, only to be rescued by her Pegasus, and still win the race. It was the event of a lifetime, and there was still the Major League Flying Derby coming up. Sofia's family were overjoyed that Sofia was safe and had one the race. Miranda and Roland had seen the display that Sofia's flying horse had done and wanted to give it a permanent place at the castle for Sofia. Amber couldn't contain herself as she practically bolted out of the Royal Balcony and down towards the track just as the music for the Royal Prep Cheer began to play and the people began to cheer.
Huzzah! Huzzah!
RPA!
Huzzah! huzzah!
For Royal Prep, for the red, green and blue
We're all for one, and one for all
At RPA, you'll hear our royal call
Huzzah! Huzzah!
For Royal Prep, yes we're loyal through and through
We rule on the field And off it too
That's for Royal Prep to our Team we're true
Sofia had landed inside the winner circle with James following right behind her. As soon as he landed, James immediately climbed off his horse and ran towards where Sofia was.
"Sofia! Are you alright?" he asked. Sofia smiled and climbed off Minimus as well.
"I'm fine James," she said as she looked back at Minimus with a heartfelt smile. "All thanks to Minimus." The crowd continued the cheer.
Sofia and James royal through and through
Huzzah! Huzzah!
For red, green and blue
That Royal Prep to our Team we're true
Huzzah!
Just as the Royal Prep Cheer ended, Sofia just notice a certain blonde running as fast as she could towards her before she was enveloped in a tight embrace. Amber held on to Sofia as if she would loose her forever if she were to let her go. Sofia was shocked by the sudden action but didn't resist in the slightest. She returned the embrace before feeling something wet on her shoulder and hearing a small whimper. Sofia soon realized that Amber was crying, crying because something bad almost happened. The memory of nearly falling to her death brought tears to her own eyes as she gently rubbed Amber's back. The gesture seemed to calm Amber down a bit but also made Amber hold on tighter. They stayed like this for what felt like forever, not caring that people might be watching. Sofia then felt a few more arms around her and opened her eyes to find that her Mother, Father, James and Baileywick had joined in of the hug. After a few moment, everyone decided to let go, all except Amber that is as she held onto Sofia's arm.
"Are you alright Sofia," Miranda asked. Sofia nodded.
"I'm fine Mom," she answered.
"Are you sure," Roland said. Sofia smiled at her parents concern.
"Yes Dad. I'm perfectly fine. All thanks to Minimus." King Roland looked at the little horse before making his way over to him. Minimus was a little nervous being in the presence of the King of Enchancia, but stood right where he was. Roland stood in front of Minimus for a moment before taking the little Pegasus' head and petting his nose.
"You saved my daughter's life," Roland said gently. "I don't know how I could ever repay you."
Minimus looked into the King's eyes and saw how genuine he was being before leaned in to Roland's touch. The King took this as a sign the the little horse understood him and that he was very welcome. Roland smiled at Minimus before turning around slightly to look at Baileywick.
"Baileywick," he said. The steward stood at attention.
"Yes your Majesty?"
"See to it that this noble steed is given a permanent place at the castle. I want him well taken care of for the rest of his life."
"Yes your Majesty," Baileywick bowed and left to complete the task. Sofia had heard what her father had said and ran over to hug him. Roland returned the hug as the rest of the Royal family came over for another group hug, this time including Minimus in it. Everyone at the Derby track was filled with so much joy and excitement that no had even noticed that both Squire Antony and John had flown away.
It had been an hour since both Antony and John had left the Derby track and were now on a path in the middle of the woods that lead to the Jr. Knights Academy. Their Pegasi had gotten tired from flying so much that day that Antony and John had to bring them to the ground to rest. It was still another two hours before the made it to the Academy so they took their time. But they still wanted to get there before dark, and before anyone else found them. It would only be a matter of time before Sofia would tell everyone what Antony had tried to do and would be out looking for them. And what made matters worse, they knew they weren't getting their gold.
"Stupid Princess," Antony said with hate in his tone. "Stupid horse. If only it had let her fall. Then we'd be in the Major Flying Derby League."
"And we'd get our gold too," John added in, causing Antony let out a scoff.
"Don't remind me. Let's just get back to the Academy before it get's dark." They continued on the trail for about half an hour longer. They were starting to get impatient waiting for their Pegasi to regain their strength before they could take off again. The suddenly, Antony spotted something up ahead. As they drew close, he could see that it was a group of ten men dressed in dark blue armor, all armed with either pikes or swords, standing in the middle of the road. Antony and John stopped just a few yards away from the group of men.
"Stand aside," Antony said. "We are on our way to the Jr. Knights Academy. And you are in our way."
"Oh, I don't think you be making it to the Academy," came a familiar voice. Antony and John looked at the group of me as they parted ways to reveal Marcus standing behind them. The two Squires were surprised to find Marcus Here in the middle of nowhere. Antony was the first to speak.
"What are you doing here," he asked. Marcus glared at the Squires before him.
"You both failed me," he said. "And I don't take to kindly to failure. So I don't think you'll be making it to your precious Academy." Antony and John glared down at the Prince.
"And what do you mean by that?" Antony said. "You think you and your rabble of men are a match for two Squires of the Jr. Knights Academy?"
"Well,I am an excellent sword fighter, if I do say so myself." Prince Marcus said with a shrug as he raised his right hand up and pressed his middle finger and thumb together. "But I don't think I'll waist the effort."
Snap!
The moment after Marcus snapped his fingers, two arrow shot out of the woods and impaled each of the two Squires, causing them to fall off their horses. Both Antony and John screamed in pain as they fell from their horses with loud thuds. The sudden action caused the two Pegasi to panic and fly away, now that they had lighter loads. Antony tried to stand up from the ground when he saw a black boot in front of him. He looked up to see Marcus standing over him, with a look completely devoid of emotion.
"Kill them," Marcus said plainly before turning around and walking away. "And make it look like a robbery." The last thing he could hear was the blood filled screams of the two Squires before the forest went silent and a small, satisfied smile appeared on Marcus' face.
A/N: Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. Sorry it took so long, a few things in my life are a bit hectic right now so please bear with me. I will try to update as much as I can. Please leave a review and tell me what your thoughts are.
