Warning: This chapter contains a bit of political element at the end of the section that might make you dizzy, confused or give you a headache. Do not proceed if any of the symptoms persists.

9. THE COUNCIL

Princess Amber was very busy making all necessary preparations for her royal visit to the Kingdom of Albuquerque. It's not just any visit, it was a courtship between the prince and princess of two royal families, of course, it was very important! She took it very seriously and fully understood that this courtship would determine her future husband, her future status and her future home. Since receiving the invitation, she could barely sleep thinking about it all the time. She never rested. Her adrenaline kept pumping and her mind was in an active state. She couldn't think about any other things except the courtship and had requested her father to be excused from the other royal duties, so she would be able to focus on the preparation solely. Of course, the king couldn't say a 'no' to the palace's sweetheart, not wanting to spoil anything. The 'Princess Perfect' wanted everything to follow her taste and some standards set, thus, driving the whole palace staff's crazy to fulfill her high requirements. But no one dared to say anything about it except James. He became more impatient with Amber and totally annoyed with the whole thing. The young prince pitied the servants who were trying too hard to impress the princess and the prince openly complaint about Amber being 'utterly ridiculous.' He glared and grumbled at his sister whenever he got an opportunity, just to be ignored by his twin sister.

Amber even assigned specific experts to take care mostly about appearances such as shoes, dress, makeup, hair and accessories. She went through her long 'to do' list and sighed. Even though she always acted as a fashion consultant for her princess friends, she suddenly mistrusts her own judgment when it came to an important event such as this. For some reason, she found it very difficult to make a decision on certain things, without her younger sister to give a second opinion.

"I've told you, Princess Amber, the dress looked wonderful on you. It is the latest style and the fabric is of the finest material." Madame Collete, the royal seamstress as well as the expert in fashion tried to convince the blonde princess for the umpteenth time.

'Yeah, you said that. But you see, I've just noticed that the dark brown topaz stones sewn on the peplum and the center of the bodice are not quite matching with my striking blonde hair. Don't you think, it just looks weird?"

"I don't think they need to be exactly the same color princess. They look pretty and complement each other. Adding a brighter color gemstone would distract attention from your beautiful face, princess." The old lady tried to reason.

"I'm not sure of that. Maybe you could make another dress with brighter stones, so I could compare which of them is prettier." Insisted the blonde princess.

"I could make another dress, but it certainly will take time." The old seamstress held back her breath to hide her frustration. "At the same time, I need to check with the Treasury Department whether do we have the gemstones with the said color. If they don't, perhaps we need to order and this could take at least a week."

"Oh, try to make it in three days."

"I can't promise that, Princess Amber. But I'll try my best." Said the seamstress half-heartedly.

"Amber! Baileywick said that you were looking for me?" A voice called out from the doorway. The two ladies looked over their shoulders to find Princess Sofia leaning against the door frame.

"Sof, you don't know how happy I am to see you." Amber exclaimed. "Come on in. I need your advice on this." Amber gestured toward an extravagant dress in green, displayed on a mannequin at the center of the room.

"Oh my, I've never seen such a beautiful ball gown!" Sofia gasped. Her eyes widen in approval.

"You think so?" Amber looked squarely at her sister, as if trying to analyze every nuance on that face for a better reassurance.

"Positive!"

"Alright, glad to hear that. I just hope the dress color will be matched with my prince's attire's." Amber sighed over dramatically.

"Hm, I don't think it's going to be a big issue. Mostly, princes will opt to wear a universal color such as black or white, that will complement with any of their dancing partner's dress." Sofia pondered on. "But they could also choose to wear their official princely suit or any of their favorite color."

"Yeah, I know Albuquerque princely suit's color is black with gold embroidery. But I'm sure Hugo will not wear his formal suit in the ball. Well, he can, if he really wants. But it's too boring wearing the same attire. He definitely will wear something different." She rubbed her temple in deep thinking. "Hm, I wish I knew his favorite color."

"I remember he always wears royal blue every time we performed the ice dancing show, back then in the RPA. But..." Sofia put the finger on her chin, contemplating. "Maybe because he wanted to match his suit with my violet gown." She remarked.

"Perhaps. But Sofia... He also wore the same royal blue on our graduation ball and that time he was alone without any partner." Her eyes lit, suddenly Amber jumped in excitement. "I knew it. It's must be his favorite color. Madame Collete, I don't want this dress. Make another dress in royal blue... with suitable gems." Amber instructed her seamstress.

"Change again, princess?" Asked the old lady now became irritated.

"Just do it as I wish." Said Amber impatiently.

"Aye, princess."

"Good. I guess, one problem is settled. Oh, Sofia! I hope you'll be coming back early from the academy tomorrow. There are so many things I need to discuss with you." Amber saw her sister raising an eyebrow with a questioning gaze. Amber smiled sheepishly, fluttering her eyelashes and making a cute face. "While I may be the best fashion consultant for princesses, I still need you for a second opinion, just in case." She boasted while praising her sister at the same time. "I've to go through a few selections of accessories and jewelry and tiara. You know, I will need a difference tiara for the ball, for strolling, for dinner or for riding. Not to mention about shoes and hairdo. Ugh, so many things to do."

Sofia laughed. "Okay, okay. I'll help you, but you need to be calm. Nothing is going to change if you're worried sick like this." Sofia chided her sister. "But, I'm coming back quite late tomorrow to finish my final year project." She sighed. Upon seeing Amber's darken face and dropped shoulder, she quickly countered, "Don't worry, you can always ask mom while waiting for me. She should be able to help."

"Asking mom?" Amber asked with bulging eyes, as if just seeing one of her biggest nightmares came to life. "No, no.. thanks."

"Why not?"

"Uh, she has quite a different kind of fashion sense that only suits her. I afraid she will make it worse with her silly idea and I don't want to dress up like a forty year old lady."

Sofia chuckled, remembering about their mother. She was a cheerful lady with her own mind. Her carefree and easy going personality made her easily approached by their subjects and loved by the palace servants.

"Uh, Amber. The letter from Albuquerque, unfortunately, didn't provide a detailed information. How do you know it was Prince Hugo, who is going to court you?" Sofia asked her sister curiously.

"Sure he is. The last I heard, Prince Hugo's brother, Prince Axel is courting Princess Astrid, Hildy's older sister. They have been in a relationship for quite a few years. I'm sure we'll receive a wedding invitation anytime soon." Amber gave a long thought before continuing. "Since Astrid is a crowned princess, maybe Axel would leave Albuquerque to rule Freezenburg. That will make Hugo as the heir to the throne."

Sofia gasped in excitement at the possibility. "Amber, you could be a queen!"

The blonde princess couldn't help but grin widely at her sister. "I hope so."

TUSoPS

Sofia was doing her college assignment in her chambers when she heard a knocking sound at the door. She rushed to open the door to find James standing at the other side. She looked curiously at the grinning prince.

"James, what are you doing at this hour? It's almost 12 at midnight and you still don't sleep?"

"Well, I could ask you the same."

"Um, I'm finishing my assignment. You know, it's due tomorrow." Told the princess bashfully.

Sofia watched James step into the room. The dirty blonde haired prince then sat on the couple sofa at the corner of the room near the fireplace. He didn't say anything, looking away, casting his eyes through the balcony, watching the midnight stars absent-mindedly. Sofia raised an eyebrow. Nevertheless, she slowly approached the prince who was lost in thought and sat beside him.

"James." She began the conversation. "Are you okay?"

She touched James's arm when he didn't seem to hear her. The prince was a bit startled at the touch, but she managed to get his attention.

James glanced at Sofia's hand that still placed on his arm. He could feel the warmth from her fingers been transferred into his body and a low thrum began to reverberate in his chest. He blushed unknowingly. He then looked at Sofia into the eyes and instantly noticed how her blue eyes were brighter than the stars he just watched. James smiled for a second before his nervousness got the better of him.

"Ugh, Sof. There...There is something... important, I...I would like to tell you." James stammered. He was facing Sofia but his eyes downcast.

Sofia studied the prince in front of her. The face she was looking at had been filled with emotions. A lot of emotions she couldn't decipher. There were happiness, nervousness, impatient, afraid and hope, all in one face. Honestly, she hated it when James behaved like this. Because, he looked very much confused. It's like he was confused with himself. It's just made Sofia determined to know what was the reason.

"What is it, James? I'm all ears."

"Um, there is something I want to tell you." James repeated the same sentence. "You... you... look beautiful, Sof!" James rambled.

"Huh?" Sofia blushed. Bemused at the same time.

"Am I?" Asked Sofia, looking straight into James's eyes. "Seriously, James!"

"I'm serious. Don't you know that you are the most beautiful girl?"

"Really? In the palace?"

"Nope. Bigger than that."

"In Enchancia?"

"Bigger than Enchancia."

"In the inter-kingdom?"

"Bigger."

"On earth?"

"Nay. On Venus."

"What the -" Sofia smacked James's shoulder, turned her face away and pouted.

James couldn't help but laugh out at his sister's sulking face. He stole a glance at Sofia's pout. Her shimmering wet and well-shaped lips looked so inviting and he wondered how good they might feel and how sweet they might taste under his.

"James, I know that's not the reason why you came here. What actually did you want to tell me? Spill..." The auburn princess did not feel satisfied, for not getting the answer.

James mused.

Yes, I wanted to tell you something. I wanted to tell you many things. I wanted to spend time with you on this coming holiday. I've made quite a plan for you. For us. Just us. I wanted to tell you how special you are. I wanted to tell you that you mean everything to me. I wanted to tell you that I love you.

"James, I'm getting sleepy. You better tell me now or I'll be sleeping right here on this couch." Sofia yawned and started to lean against the sofa.

"Okay, okay." James gave in. He turned to Sofia, eyeing her face searching for the blue in her eyes. She looked sleepy but her eyes were boring sharply into his in anticipation. He heaved a heavy sigh. " Sofia, I... I wanted to tell you that... that... I'll be away for a week."

"Uh?"

"I'll be away for a week. I'm going off to one of our provinces for a critical military mission. Few knights and I will be leaving tomorrow. I'm sorry I can't spend the spring holiday with you. I've made a plan for us, but this mission was entirely unexpected."

"Oh James, how sweet of you. It's okay, we can spend time after you come back."

"Will you be waiting?"

"Of course, I will."

James smiled and then went out of the room after a good night wish.

As soon as he was out of the room, he slapped his forehead. Angry with himself.

Darn it! Why can't I say that to her? Why can't I tell her? I rambled like a stupid man inside there, I had just embarrassed myself. James thought. But then, I hadn't expected to confess like this. I imagined myself confess my feelings to her at the most beautiful place, with chocolate and wine.. and gift. I had made that arrangement! This coming holiday is just the perfect time. But, my old man is sending me over to a stupid mission to take care of some damn invaders. And my plan is all gone! James walked back to his chamber in frustration.

Meanwhile, Sofia heavily sighed after James left her room. She mused on the conversation she had just had with James.

James had been acting strangely just now. I wondered what he actually wanted to tell. That face of his! He didn't just want to say about the mission, did he? He rambled like an idiot and was hiding something. Hm, you can't hide anything from me, James. Not for long.

TUSoPS

The Kingdom of Albuquerque. Throne room. Five days earlier.

"His Majesty, King Garrick." The announcer called out after the trumpet had been blared, indicating the king's arrival. The audience rose and bowed respectfully.

The king strode in long and fast pace towards his throne. The sounds of his heavy boots echoed through the room.

"My lord! I thought you would be back tomorrow from your hunting?" Queen Eleanor exclaimed. A surprise was apparent on her face.

The king looked at Queen Eleanor and scoffed.

"I had said I'll be back today, it means today. What makes you think, it's tomorrow?" The king snapped, looking at his queen squarely. The throne room suddenly fell in silence with the king's sudden fury.

"And what's with the council? I had told you, Queen Eleanor, the Council Meeting was to be held this afternoon, in my presence. Why the sudden change?" The king fuming.

"Forgive me, my lord. We... We had to change the meeting to be one day earlier because we need to send the invitation out as soon as possible."

"It's not 'we'. It was you who changed it, wasn't you?" The king was glaring down at Queen Eleanor.

"Well, yes. I was." Queen Eleanor admitted. "My lord, please understand. The spring celebration is just next week. We need to send the letter out immediately to the related kingdom. The intended princesses need to make their preparation as well." She reasoned.

The king silenced. He turned his eyes to the palace's steward, "Sir Gerry, where are the princes?"

"Prince Axel went out for riding since morning while Prince Hugo left to the Royal Training Camp, yesterday." The steward informed.

The king raised an eyebrow. "Yesterday?"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

The king sighed. "Now, tell me about the Council Meeting's outcome." He demanded. Sir Gerry moved forward to the center of the room, standing before the king and queen.

"As per our custom, the prince of Albuquerque must nominate three princesses to become candidates for the purpose of the royal courtship. The nominee will be judged and discussed by the Council and the princess who get the highest vote of the Council will be chosen as the sole candidate for the courtship." Sir Gerry concluded.

"Alright, make it short. Who are Axel's candidates?" Asked the king impatiently.

"Prince Axel nominated three princesses. Princess Vivian of Zumaria is the first choice." Told Sir Gerry.

"Princess Vivian?" Asked King Garrick interestedly. "She is quite a beauty. But her kingdom is small, just the size of one of our provinces with a small population. While they are wealthy, they are unable to support us in military defense." The king remarked. Then, he signaled for Sir Gerry to continue with his information.

"Prince Axel's second choice is, Princess Hildegard of Freezenburg." Said Sir Gerry.

"What?" The king almost shouted. "Princess of Freezenburg, again? What was Axel thinking? His previous courtship with the eldest princess of Freezenburg, Princess Astrid end up with nothing. After three years of courtship, he dared say he was not interested with the princess and that the princess was not to his taste! He canceled the courtship and now he wants another princess of Freezenburg? Has he lost his mind?" The king's brows drew together with his anger and his hand balled into a tight fist. The king clearly still in his temper as he continued. "That brat only put us on the brink of war with Freezenburg because of his foolish act. Yes, we managed to avoid war with that kingdom but with a cost. We were forced to open free trade for them with zero foreign tax, supplied food and oil to that kingdom at unreasonably low price and free entrance for their subjects into our kingdom. We lost a lot!"

After the king had calmed, Sir Gerry continued with his information. "Prince Axel's third choice is, Princess Amber of Enchancia."

The king pondered. "If we are able to secure an alliance with Enchancia, Freezenburg will not dare to threaten our kingdom like they did. We are technically a mighty kingdom, almost rival to that of Freezenburg. But forming an alliance with a big country like that of Enchancia, will make us even mightier. With two mighty kingdoms such as Albuquerque and Enchancia look out for each other, Freezenburg will be nothing to be afraid of."

The king turned his gaze back at Sir Gerry. "Now we knew Prince Axel's nominees, but who had been chosen by the Council?" Asked the king curiously.

"It was Princess Amber of Enchancia." Answered Queen Eleanor proudly.

"Hm, wise choice." The king agreed, closing his eyes for a second as if musing. "So, how about Prince Hugo? Who are his nominees?"

The steward cleared his throat. "Prince Hugo's first choice is Princess Sofia of Enchancia."

"She's a beauty with a lion heart. The spirit of a warrior lies in that fine form of a princess. No doubt, the heirs of the two of them would be strong, brave, wise and may possess all qualities of a great leader." The king nodded approvingly.

Sir Gerry continued, beads of sweat started to form on his temples. "Err... Prince Hugo's second choice is Princess Sofia, the auburn hair and blue eyes Princess." Sir Gerry took a quick glance at the king, to catch his expression.

The king quirked an eyebrow.

"... And Prince Hugo's third choice is Princess Sofia, the flying derby princess."

"What is the meaning of this?" The king asked with a stern voice, shooting a dagger glare at Sir Gerry. "Why his nominees were all Princess Sofia?"

"That's what written in Prince Hugo's nomination form." Said the steward with apologetic eyes.

The king sighed. "Hm."

Sounds of whisper and murmur could be heard from the audience, most of which, commenting on the Prince Hugo's nomination. After finished giving out the information, Sir Gerry hastily moved away from his standing position at the center of the room towards the side of the hall, where the other audience stood.

*Flashback*

The Council Meeting.

"What is the meaning of this, Hugo? Do you mock us? Are you trying to insult the Council?" Asked Queen Eleanor angrily, looking at a prince with dark brown hair that was standing tall in front of the Council members.

"I dare not, milady."

"Then, would you care to explain why did you make such a nomination? You were supposed to nominate three different princesses for the Council to decide. Not just giving one name!"

"They were indeed three different princesses, milady." Told Hugo nonchalantly. "While my first candidate was much more specific, the other two candidates could be fit in with anybody who fulfills the specified criteria." Turning his body to fully face the Council members, Hugo spoke firmly, "I will court any princess by the name of Sofia that meets the criteria as specified, no matter who or where she came from. I will accept any decision by the Council that had been made based on my nomination."

And with that, he walked out of the meeting room, hands in his pockets. With a smug looking face.

"Hugo, Hugo! Wait. I haven't finished..." Queen Eleanor cried out. Stubborn, insolent child! Queen Eleanor muttered.

Prince Axel chuckled, watching the scene. Like mother, like son, he thought.

*End of Flashback*

Queen Eleanor was pulled out from her thought by a loud laughter of King Garrick.

"That boy wanted to outsmart the Council, didn't he?" Said the king in between of laughing. Queen Eleanor could only stare at her husband who was laughing like an insane person, not all understood what he found was so entertaining. "That's my boy. Very much like me." He stated amusingly.

"So, what did the Council say about Prince Hugo's nomination? Did they choose Princess Sofia of Enchancia? Since she was the only apparent nominee." Asked King Garrick again.

"No, the Council had decided to choose another princess to replace his nomination." Queen Eleanor told the king.

The king frowned. "Really? Who was it, then?"

The queen hesitated. "Princess Clio of Corinthia."

"What? You cannot do that!" Exclaimed the king disapprovingly. "While the Council may hold a certain power, the prince himself has a say in this matter. Choosing someone that wasn't nominated by the prince infringed the Council Law. Thus, the decision was automatically invalid. How could they do that?"

"They could." Defensed Queen Eleanor. "The Council had overridden the prince, with a unanimous vote."

"Why did they want to do that?" The king objected. "They could just choose Princess Sofia of Enchancia. She is pretty, came from a large kingdom, and most importantly, Hugo wants her. Period."

"In case you have forgotten my lord, the Council had chosen her sister, Princess Amber for Axel. The Council Law forbids courtship of princes or princesses of the same kingdom, for the sake of a better alliance. We had no choice except to override Prince Hugo's nomination and chose Princess Cleo instead." Explained the queen.

"Ah, there where you all wanted to fool me." The king smirked. "Even if the Council law forbade it, we could still make an exception with the majority vote by the Council, just like you mentioned earlier. Why didn't you do that?" The king paused, took in few faces of his audience before turning his gaze back at the queen and pinned his eyes there. "And there is always another way of doing it. You could have chosen Princess Vivian for Axel and Princess Sofia for Hugo. Thus, there was no exception vote required, we'll have Zumaria and Enchancia as new allies, and both princes would get their nominated princesses. Less hassle, everyone will be happy."

He continued. "Heh, I've lived long enough to understand the Council game fully and that you are the biggest player in the field. You moved the other players around and they danced to your tune." Pointing his index finger at Queen Eleanor, he continued on. "Tell me, Eleanor. Why did you deny Hugo's nomination? What was your motive in pulling such an unfair decision like you did? Answer me." King Garrick's voice intoned with every word of his speech. He was looking squarely at Queen Eleanor, with a brow raised. His eyes bored into Queen Eleanor's demanding an explanation.

The queen started to pale, but still held her chin high. Ignoring the king's gaze, she rose to her feet. Her dark purple satin dress swirled gracefully as she walked a few steps forward, away from the king to close the distance with the audience. As if it was one of her ways to reduce the thickening aura of strain radiated from the king.

Looking back at the king, the queen said with a hard, firm voice, "Yes, I denied the Prince Hugo's nomination... So, we wouldn't have that filthy commoner turned princess as my future daughter in law. My son deserves someone's better. Someone who is truly a proper princess." She exclaimed.

"Queen Eleanor!" The king growled. "How dared you denied my boy's wish? Prince of Albuquerque will get whoever he wants, be it a princess or a pauper."

"My lord! Please be rational. I did this for the sake of our kingdom."

"And I'm talking for the sake of my son, who might someday rule the kingdom. You know that we have yet to decide the crown prince, the heir to the throne. Whoever to rule the kingdom, I want them to rule happily." The king stressed.

"But my lord, the decision had been made by the Council." Queen Eleanor reminded the king. "The consent letters issued by the Council were only meant for Princess Amber and Princess Clio. If you want to override the Council's decision, you have to wait for the next meeting, which will only be held next month." The queen smiled in triumph.

King Garrick narrowed his eyes at his wife. One stubborn woman she is, and manipulative also.

"Who said I want to override the Council? They may have issued the consent letter, but that doesn't mean we have to follow." Turning his head to Sir Gerry, the king ordered, "Send the courtship letter to Princess Amber as soon as possible while Princess Clio's courtship letter will be kept in view temporarily. This means, we will only have one royal courtship for this time that is between Prince Axel and Princess Amber. Prince Hugo's courtship with Princess Clio will be postponed until further notice." The king announced.

Queen Eleanor watched her husband in exasperation. "My lord, you can't do this!" She hissed.

Ignoring the queen, the king continued, "Sir Gerry, I want you to prepare another letter, to invite Princess Sofia of Enchancia to our kingdom, as my guest of honor to spend the spring holiday in our palace, and to attend the Annual Spring Celebration."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Sir Gerry bowed deeply.

King Garrick stated, "As a king, I need not the Council approval to invite my personal guest." Tilting his head and leaning closer to the queen, he whispered, "The courtship letter issued by the Council will automatically be invalid after three months. I will just need to hold until then." Smirking to the queen, King Garrick rose and then left the throne room.


AN: Maybe this chapter was not what you had expected. But a conflict must be created and a villain was there for a purpose - to strengthen whatever bond they might have. What matter is, how the main characters are going to survive and overcome this little challenge to their love? Are there any other obstacles? I'm not sure yet. We'll see to that... later.

*Minor amendment: Spelling, Cleo - Clio
*Sentence rephrased: King Garrick asked his steward to PREPARE a letter to invite Princess Sofia. That would take some time I guessed. So, her letter was slightly delayed than Amber's.
*I swear this is a Hugfia story :D
*Tq guys...

NEXT CHAPTER PREVIEW: Get ready for Sofia and Hugo first encounter after so many years. Can pride and arrogant sit together? Now you've got the idea. And Amber had another conflict, yet the same cliché issue as we always knew. But I just love to replay it again, here.

REVIEW: Another thing that I love is... your review. Please feel free to give one.