Disclaimer: I do not own 'Sofia The First' or 'Story of Evil'.
A/N: So I recently saw the trailer for 'Forever Royal', and though I'm sad the series is coming to a close I am quite excited for this finale special. A part of me wonders if Sofia will lose the 'Amulet of Avalor' at the end. Though at the same time I doubt it because then she wouldn't be able to talk to her animal friends anymore. Maybe she'll have to give it up to save her family or something, and then have it restored to her in the end. Or maybe not, lol. I'm just throwing out one of the many theories I have. But I suppose , we'll just have to wait and see what really happens.
Anyway, here's the next chapter of 'Gold and Dross', I hope you like it!
—
Now, Bow Before Me!
James had been out in the field playing with Rex when the news arrived at the cottage. Baileywick received the letter from the lone messenger on horseback with a bit of confusion. As it wasn't the accustomed day for them to receive their weekly letter from Roland and Amber. The oddity of it though, gave the man the hopeful assumption that perhaps it was instead a message confirming that they could return to the castle again. And he found himself uncharacteristically eager as he tore the message open to see if his presumption was indeed correct.
It was Nigel's day off that day, and he sat in the main room as Baileywick read the letter to himself. Watching with increasing concern as his younger brother's face slowly drained of color.
"Wicky?" He ventured cautiously, as he saw the other man's hands fall to his side. His eyes staring blankly ahead.
Finally, Baileywick turned to meet his Nigel's questioning glance. The older man frowned in concern, as he saw his brother's widened eyes and pallid complexion.
"King Roland...is...dead" Baileywick gasped, still unable to believe the news himself.
"What!?" Nigel snatched the letter out of Baileywick's hands and purused its contents himself. His face fell as his own eyes confirmed the truth of his brother's words.
Both men's gaze turned out the back window, where they could see James happily playing with his dog. Completely oblivious to the terrible events that had just transpired. A heavy sigh escaped through Nigel's nostrils, "What are we going to do?"
"I don't know... " Baileywick answered softly, his eyes still trained on the boy outside. A sense of dread came over him, his mouth drying as he contemplated the inevitable discussion he was to have with the boy. Swallowing hard, he made a move towards the door. But yielded, when he felt the weight of a hand on his shoulder.
"Nigel?" he looked up questioningly to the older man who had interrupted his movements.
"Just let him play for now" Nigel suggested somberly, his vision once again turning to the happy boy outside.
Baileywick nodded, a small frown pulling at the corners of his lips "You're right..." he sighed. After all, James was going to have to find out sooner or later. So perhaps, for the moment, it was better to allow the boy to remain blissfully ignorant. At least, for the precious little time that was an option.
—
Most Royal funerals tended to be rather large affairs. Citizens from all over the country, as well as the royal families of other kingdoms were usually invited to attend such an event. This funeral should have followed that same pattern. Roland II had been beloved by his people, and had often been praised as the greatest King Enchancia had ever had. Certainly, the day that had been set aside for the official mourning of this monarch should have been the grandest of them all.
Life however, often has a funny way of not turning out exactly how one might expect though. And this seemed to be one of those cases. The plague that had swept over the village of Dunwiddie had taken a great toll, leaving many of it's inhabitants already mourning the loss of their kindred. As well as tending to the remaining there were many unable to find the luxury to come pay their respects to the late monarch. Also, since the plague was still raging many of the other royal families declined to show up, fearing for their own lives should they come in contact with the disease.
Still, there attended a sizeable number of the late Kings subjects from the other villages and areas of Enchancia. Plus the royal families of the other two kingdoms of the tri-kingdom area, Wei-Ling and Khaldoun, had also come to pay their respects. So although it certainly wasn't as substantial as previous royal funerals, a worthy amount of guest did arrive.
Mingled among them, were young prince James, and his two guardians.
Since they had received no go ahead to return again to the castle, Baileywick had decided to play it safe and have them attend the funeral as peasants. Although the former steward hoped to be able to get back in contact with Amber soon after this, for now keeping James incognito was probably their best option.
James stood, another face in the crowd, as he listened to Slickwell give a speech about Roland's life. He grimaced slightly in dissatisfaction as he heard it. Though the words were pretty, he just felt that they didn't really do his dad justice. But that was probably because Slickwell had only known the man a few months. Baileywick on the other hand, had practically known Roland his whole life. Really, he should have been the one up there, the boy thought.
Through the crowd at the top of the steps James could see his twin sister Amber standing with stoneface, and immediately felt a wrenching in his heart. It had been the first time he'd seen her in months, and although he had tolerated their separation rather well in that instant he felt a sudden an intense longing to run to her side. But he somehow managed to restrain himself.
As future queen Amber was called upon to say a few more words as well about the late King. There was a noticeable tremble to her voice as she spoke, and she quickly excused herself after saying only a few words.
—-
When James, Baileywick and Nigel returned to the cottage the trio went about their normal routine. Though there lingered an atmosphere of somberness, that was quite unusual for the lively group. Amid the quietness, James approached Baileywick with the question that had been nagging at the back of his mind since this whole ordeal began.
"Baileywick, when are we going back to the castle?" he asked, point blank. His voice even, demonstrating how serious he was.
The man sighed in response, knowing that the boy was going to ask him that question eventually. "I'm afraid we can't yet James " he said simply.
The boy pouted, making no effort to hide his dissatisfaction at that response "Why not?!"
"James listen to me. I can't bring you back there unless we receive word that's it safe for you to return. It might still be dangerous for you." Baileywick explained.
"So what! I don't care anymore! I want to go home!" the blond fumed, beginning to stomp his way towards the front door. As if he intended to actually return to the castle on foot.
The steward made his way in front of the boy blocking his exit. Kneeling down he made sure he was eye level with him, and gently grasped his shoulders.
"James please! I promised your father I would keep you safe!" he pleaded. That indeed had been the last command that Roland had bestowed upon him personally. And he wasn't about to risk breaking that promise by potentially endangering the boy's life. As far as everyone knew, those who had originally threatened James were still at large. It was possible they may take advantage of the current chaotic situation if the boy returned to the castle.
The boy stared ahead at him his eyes stern, as he processed the words his guardian had given him. His lips quivered slightly as he had to concede to himself, that the man was right. But that didn't ease the longing in his heart the slightest.
"I...I just want to see Amber" he admitted quietly his eyes glistening with unshed tears. Ever since learning his father had died, he had felt a strong desire to be reunited with his twin. Who was perhaps the only person who could truly understand what he was going through. That yearning had only increased when he had glimpsed the girl during the funeral, so close, and still yet so far from him.
Baileywick regarded the boy with sympathy, "I know you do, and you will. I promise! But for now, please stay here with me." Baileywick pleaded gently.
The boy finally nodded softly in acceptance, his hands reaching up to rub away the tears welling uncontrollably in his eyes. Giving up he all but threw himself into the man's arms, sobbing uncontrollably.
Baileywick was taken aback slightly by James actions, but he allowed them. Frowning slightly as he felt the boy tremble in his grasp. James had actually been quite brave up until this point, so to see him finally break down like this was heartwrenching to the former steward. And he found himself wishing, as he rubbed the weeping boy's back in consolation, that he could reunite the twins in that very instant.
—-
Whilst the rest of the village was mourning the deaths of their king and other loved ones, Slickwell and his conspirators were eagerly attending to the next stage of their plans. Which included getting Caiaphas as well as other key members of their group on Princess Amber's Grand Council.
Though she was heir to the throne Amber was still considered, at the age of fourteen, too young to begin ruling a country on her own. And, as with most other kingdoms, the law dictated that she should have a Grand Council until she came of proper age. One with whom all their decisions had to be approved by a majority. It was via this the method that the conspiracy had sought to take control of the kingdom, by getting their own members on it.
Now, they did have the rivals of both the Duchess Matilda and the Grand Queen to contend with. As certainly those two would have been shoe ins for a position on the grand council. Having had foreseen this they had intended for Jacob to employ his skill on them. However that became unnecessary when both women became genuine victims of the vuxen disease.
It was really was a fortuitous coincidence on their behalf. As now the crown princess was practically bereaved of all her family members, save of course for her younger brother whom she had attempted to contact since the incident. But they had taken care of that by obstructing the delivery of the girls letters. As far as either twin knew, neither had attempted to return correspondence.
This left the girl with only the current castle steward, Slickwell, to rely on. Something he took that to his advantage by offering to help the distraught girl find members for her council. He then fulfilled his promise to the secret band by suggesting that Caiaphas, who was in reality a Duke, be appointed to the council. All other suggestions he made of the kingdoms lesser nobles, also included the members of their secret band. Until the council had been entirely filled with only the subscribers to their wicked plans.
And now that the family members of Crown Princess Amber had been layed to rest. It was time to begin their "services" to their future Queen.
—
Amber lay belly down upon her bed, her eyes red and puffy from the tears that continued to flow freely from them. Burying her face in her pillow, she attempted to muffle the pitiful sobs escaping from her throat.
The night Slickwell had awoken her from slumber to inform her of her fathers death, was one of the worst nights she had ever experienced. The other being the night of her mother's death. Fraught with grief she had thrown herself at the young steward who comforted her as she cried.
Attending her father's funeral had been even more difficult than she had ever imagined. Though she attempted to maintain an air of regality as she stood up there listening to Slickwell give the eulogy, inwardly she was shaking like a leaf. She wished desperately that James could have at least been up there with her, but unfortunately Baileywick had not responded to her requests for them. Much to her sad confusion. So there, standing in front of all those people, she had felt incredibly alone.
To make matters worse, it was suggested by her new council that she should also say a few words during her father's funeral. The concept didn't seem strange to the girl, as she knew her father had also spoken during the funeral of his late wife. And if she was to be future Queen, certainly it would be appropriate for her to do the same...
But when it came time for her to speak, a sudden dread seized her. Overcome with distress she barely managed to squeak out a few meaningful words, before having to excuse herself. Fearing that she would have a breakdown if she attempted to continue.
If having to go through that wasn't bad enough, Amber was also informed shortly after in quick succession of the passings of her grandmother and aunt. And of course she was expected to speak during their funerals as well. A task that grew overwhelmingly daunting with each go. Though she barely managed to keep it together at her grandmothers, by the time Aunt Tillys came around the weight of it all finally crashed down on her.
Unable to hold it in any longer, the girl had burst out in tears. She could hear the murmuring of the audience below her, which only added embarrassment to the list of negative emotions engulfing her. After what felt like an eternity, Slickwell gently ushered her away to a more secluded area before continuing the proceedings without her.
Her mind replayed that scene over and over again, her mortification increasing every time. King Roland had never behaved in such a shameful way. Though the man had been overcome with grief at the death of his wife, Amber could recall how he had still managed to compose himself in regal manner during her memorial.
Her own behavior on the other hand had been nothing short of unqueenly.
A knock sounded on her bedroom door and she sat up quickly in response. Wiping away a few stray tears from her eyes.
"Come in!" she called, unsurprised to see Slickwell wheeling a tray into her room.
"Hello Princess Amber, how are you today?" he asked pleasantly, as he presented the girl with a bowl of chocolates.
"I'm alright" she lied with a fake smile, taking one of the treats. It never reached her lips though, and her gaze simply fell downward. A nuance that didn't escape the steward's careful observation.
"Now, now don't you fret." he comforted, "Ol' Slickwell's here for you, everything will be alright, you'll see."
"I know...it's just" she bit her lip, "I'm scared... I made a fool of myself at Aunt Tilly's funeral! What if no one thinks I can be queen?!"
This fear had nearly consumed her. Only recently had she learned of her succession, only to have the future suddenly thrust upon her sooner than she had ever expected. It was so overwhelming and she felt she was already failing at it.
Of course perhaps she wouldn't have been so harsh on herself if she had given herself the benefit of the doubt that she was only fourteen years old. But this was Amber, and the girl was quite infamous for being a perfectionist.
Slickwell nodded in false sympathy as the girl shared her concerns with him. Inwardly however he was rejoicing. The purpose of the council insisting she speak during her family member's funerals was to make sure the girl knew she had no one else left. It was a cruel way to impress upon her mind that the only ones she had to rely on now were her council. The fact that it also seemed to have put a damper on her confidence, was a rather fortuitous bonus.
"Oh you don't have to worry about that, you'll have your council to help you after all." he assured her, "You just need show them that Amber is a strong queen! Who will lead Enchancia to an era grander and greater than that of her father!" he gestured with a large wave in front of him.
...As if inviting her to envision such a glorious future.
She smiled a little at the thought, before regaining her downcast expression. "I just wish I knew how!" she admitted, still unable to see how she could undo the damage done to her reputation at Aunt Tilly's funeral.
"Hmm..." Slickwell tapped his chin, faking deep thought. "Well, if you're open to it. There is something that perhaps I could suggest."
Amber looked up at him, curiosity piqued "What's that?"
—
"You're what?!" Cedric asked incredulously, as he stared up at the girl before him.
Amber now sat in the judgement hall with her new council. A place that would serve as their temporary place of business until she was old enough to take the throne. Caiaphas was also there, though he had traded in his inconspicuous attire for something of a more regal nature.
"You heard me," Amber said to the sorcerer, her face stern, "I'm resigning your position as royal sorcerer. "
"But...why?! My family has served yours for hundreds of years." Cedric stuttered utterly confused.
"Yes, well I think it's time we dissolved that tradition" she said casually "After all, you've failed this kingdom both in locating my brothers attackers. As well as in saving my father." she said.
Cedric cringed at that, it was true he had been unable to find a cure for Roland. Though it wasn't for lack of trying. Although he did indeed detest the other man, it wasn't as though he had wanted him dead.
"But...that wasn't my fault...something must be going wrong with my spells! And you know not even the fairies have found a cure for that disease!" He protested.
"Well, from what I hear your father Goodwyn the Great could have done it. And as for your spells going wrong, perhaps they're only going wrong because you did them."
Both those sentences struck a nerve with the sorcerer. Filling him with vivid memories of constantly being compared to his father. As well as being blamed for the unfortunate incident at his sister's sorceress ball. An event everyone had laid the fault on him for, despite his continued insistence that something beyond his control had caused the spell to go amiss.
Still he held his tongue, as Amber continued her rant. "You've been nothing but a drag on the royal family since your employment. You can't even do simple tricks for a party correctly! Honestly, I don't know why my father didn't fire you a long time ago. Maybe, he felt bad for you..." she shrugged as though even the implication made Cedric pathetic. "However, now that I'm in charge we won't have a second rate wizard as the 'Royal Sorcerer' to drag our Kingdom down, instead we need one that can actually help protect the royal family…" She thought tapping her chin.
...unlike you!" she declared, turning to face him.
Cedric looked up his teeth grit, hands balled in fists and trembling at his side. "I did everything to save your father." he growled.
"But you couldn't, just like you couldn't save my mother all those years ago" She added, much to the sorcerer's dismay. Who loathed being reminded of his failed attempt to cure the ailing queen. "You've been nothing but a drain on this kingdom, and since you didn't seem to have the decency to die as well when you got sick. It seems terminating your employment is the only way to get you out of our hair." she finished calmly, taking out her fan.
Caiaphas who had been listening with mild amusement to the exchange, raised an eyebrow at the girl's last statement. His lips twitching into a small smile, feeling a bit impressed by her cruelty.
Cedric on the other hand, had had it. For years he had endured belittlement from the royal family and in that moment it finally exploded "You have no idea what I've had to go through because of you and you're family you little brat!" he shouted at her.
Amber snapped her fan shut and bolted up from her seat. "How dare you speak to me that way! I am your queen!" she seethed.
"Heh, you're not the queen yet " he smirked back at her, arms folded. Honestly he probably shouldn't have goaded her further. But he felt strangely emboldened. Perhaps it was the pent up anger he'd collected over the years, that was fueling his audacity. Or maybe, more likely, it was simply the fact that unlike Roland, Amber had never intimidated him.
Amber's face trembled with a crimson hue, her eyes wide with rage. Internally however a lump was building in her throat, as well as a knot in her stomach. She fought desperately to keep it hidden, but Cedric's behavior only seemed to confirm in her mind what had been her great fear. That no one, thought she was fit to rule the kingdom.
"You just need to show them that Amber is a strong queen"
Her stewards advice repeated itself in her mind. Yes, that was it. She would simply have to show them that she was someone to be respected. And she would start by making an example of this cheeky sorcerer.
"You're right Cedric, I'm not the queen yet." the Crown Princess agreed, an eerily serene smile on her features "And certainly I will never be your queen."
Cedric frowned, blanching slightly at that tone "What do you mean?"
The girl stood up straight planting a regal look on her face. "Cedric, I hereby banish you! If I ever catch you in Enchancia again, it'll be the noose for you. And as for the rest of your family, none of them will work as the royal sorcerer for this kingdom ever again."
"You..you can't banish me without consent from your council!" he argued, unable to believe what he was hearing.
"Hmm, that's true" she agreed, before turning to the men around her. "All in favor of Cedric being banished, and the members of his family no longer serving the Enchancian Royals;
...raise your hand."
Every single hand raised in an unanimous decision.
Cedric watched in dismay at the council's ruling. His mouth gaped open as his eyes slowly fell upon each person condemning him, before finally landing on Amber again. Her lips curved into a self satisfied smirk.
That insufferable smug look she gave him, and a fierce loathing, burned itself in his mind at that moment. Cedric, fumbled over his words in shock before finding his tongue again.
"Fine then!" he shouted, "I never liked it here anyway! I'll become the Royal Sorcerer of another Kingdom, and then maybe you'll appreciate how truly great I am!" He declared, folding his arms.
"Oh.." Amber chuckled lightly in amusement, "Good luck with that. Now on your way." she cooed, shooing him away thoughtlessly with her hand.
Cedric stood there for a moment longer, before turning on his heel to leave. He tripped over his robe in the process however, falling flat on his face.
"Merlin's Mushrooms " he murmured softly. The stifled sound of the council's laughter, reaching his ears. He stole one last glance at Amber, who hid her giggling behind her ornate fan. Before standing back up and exiting the room.
When the sorcerer had departed, Amber let out a heavy sigh and slumped into her chair. Fanning herself to overcome the nervousness she had been experiencing up until that moment.
"You did wonderful you're majesty." Caiaphas complimented,
Amber turned to look at him eyes wide with surprise. She soon found herself smiling at the praise though. "I did, didn't I?" turning to her steward as if for confirmation.
"Absolutely magnificent!" Slickwell gushed, "A wonderful performance of resilience from our future Queen!"
The girl nodded in satisfaction. It had been somewhat intimidating. But she stood her ground, determined to show them that she couldn't be pushed around. That she was a ruler to be taken seriously.
"Now for our next order of business..." another council member began.
"Oh! Right" Amber gasped, coming out of her revelry. "Let's get to that, shall we."
—-
Amber and her Grand Council attended to a few more matters, until it was time to retire for the day. As they left the room, Caiaphas decided to remain a little longer. Pondering on the moment Cedric was fired and banished from the Kingdom.
He'd have to take Jacob's observations into better consideration next time. It seemed the younger man's theory that the sorcerer was indeed better than first impressions would tell, were correct. He had least caught on that someone was tampering with his spells, and if left to his own devices perhaps he would have discovered them.
Which was why Slickwell had been assigned the task of suggesting to Amber that Cedric be fired. Not too difficult, considering how the girl along with everyone else considered him the worst sorcerer the kingdom had ever had. And seeing as how Cedric seemed to lack any fond feelings for the royal family, it was unlikely he would bother with his search for the criminals if she dismissed him.
Of course, the man's banishment hadn't been counted on. But Caiaphas simply took that as a bit of serendipity. At least it meant that they had no further rivals in taking over the kingdom. Unless Cedric happened to get his hands on some powerful magical object, but the conspirator highly doubted that would happen. Such a thing would require quite a bit a luck. And it was no secret that good fortune clearly wasn't a friend of the sorcerer.
Pleased with their results thus far, Caiaphas left to return to his manor for some rest. This had only been the first of what was to be many days ruling the kingdom via the council. And he intended to make the most of this opportunity. At least until the girl finally came of age...
—-
A/N: So my husband was reviewing this for me and he asks me, when the happy stuff is coming. I told him it wouldn't be for a while. And he's like "Then why am I reading this? Just to suffer?" as the meme goes, which made me laugh. This story is a tragedy, but it will have happy moments and at least a bittersweet ending, I promise. Thank you for reading.