10. THE ROYAL GUESTS

The Kingdom of Enchancia, Throne Room.

"His Majesty King Garrick, the King of the Kingdom of Albuquerque, and The Royal Family of Albuquerque would like to invite Princess Sofia of Enchancia to visit our kingdom to spend the spring holiday in the palace, together with the royal family. As known to all, our Kingdom will be celebrating the Annual Spring Festival, one of the biggest festivals in Albuquerque and we would be pleased to have Princess Sofia to be the guest of honor at the festival." The royal messenger wrapped up his message.

King Rolland II and Queen Miranda took a quick glance at each other.

Amber tried her best to hold her gasp. Sofia opened and closed her mouth like a carp, not knowing what to say.

James had left the palace earlier that morning for his secret mission. Therefore, he didn't know about the latest news, at all.

"Honestly, we are very surprised with this invitation." Responded King Rolland. "It's truly an honor for a princess to receive such invitation. I take it as a high recognition for our kingdom and this invitation will bring the long good relationship between Enchancia and Albuquerque to a whole new level. I am more than happy to grant the King Garrick's request." King Rolland smiled brightly to the royal messenger.

Looking at Queen Miranda, he remarked, "It seems like we both of our princesses are very much favored by The Royal Family of Albuquerque. One is in courtship, and another is the guest of honor. This is the best thing ever happened in this year." Declared the king.

The Enchancia's court was happy too with the news. Nobles and Aristocrats were busy offering their congratulations to the king and queen.

"Sofia! I'm glad you have been invited to Albuquerque!" Amber squealed at her sister. "With you are coming with me, I'm sure things will get even better! At least, I have a company in the stranger's place and could use your help, too."

"Of course, Amber. You can count on me!" Assured Sofia with a grin.

"You will be escorting me, wherever I'll go." Amber ordered.

"Hey, I'm not your handmaid, okay? And, what Hugo might say, with me tagging you around all the time?" Sofia stifled a laugh. "You are in courtship, remember? Sure both of you want some privacy, don't you?"

Amber pouted. Then, with a much lower voice, the blonde princess said. "Oh, Sofia. I know you know Prince Hugo better than I know him. Please help me to win Prince Hugo! I...I really hope our courtship would work and turn out into something more." She almost sounded desperate.

Sofia looked at Amber. The princess who was always so sure of herself was now looking at her with pleading eyes, full of hope. Sighing, she grasped her older sister's hands and said. "Don't worry Amber, I'll do everything I could to help you win that prince of yours." Sofia was not sure whether she was consoling her sister or that she was giving a pledge.

"You will? Do you promise?"

"I promise."

The two sisters hugged each other, laughing and chatting cheerfully, not bothering anymore what's going on around them as both of them engrossed in conversation about their future trip to Albuquerque, unnoticed that the king and queen were watching them with beaming eyes.

TUSoPS

Two coaches bore the Enchancia's royal crest landed safely in the Palace of Albuquerque's compound. One of the coaches brought three handmaids as passengers and carried a few chests storing belongings of the princesses. For this trip, Amber had insisted on bringing two handmaids along while Sofia had been contented with one handmaid. The more luxury coach was occupied by the two princesses, with two strong and muscular personal guards were seated at the other outer side of the coach, just behind the coachman.

The air was completely different that day. The Annual Spring Festival has yet to begin, but the palace and the city of Albuquerque were merrier than ever. The arrival of the two princesses had been the talk of the town, since the courtship of Prince Axel and Princess Amber was announced. Dozens of palace servants and Albuquerque's knights were lining up according to their rank respectively, to welcome the Princesses of Enchancia. They held their breaths the moment the main coach's door was slid open. All of them eager to catch a glimpse at the well-known beauties that everyone trumpeted about. When Princess Amber and Princess Sofia came out, their breaths were taken away unknowingly from them and they were gawking at the princesses in complete awe, stunned at their beauty,

"Their Royal Highnesses Princess Amber and Princess Sofia of Enchancia." Luckily, the loud voice of the announcer had awakened them up from whatever spell cast upon them, the servants and knights hastily bowed at the princesses.

Prince Axel noticed the high interest and excitement of people around the palace. He also saw how his knights were swooning over the beauties.

Hell! No wonder so many knights voluntarily came over to the palace today, even though there was no training. And so many palace servants left their stations just to join the assembly at the compound to welcome the princesses. The princesses of Enchancia have sent this palace into a frenzy with their beauty and grace. Prince Axel smiled inwardly.

"Princess Amber and Princess Sofia, it's a pleasure to meet you. Welcome to the Kingdom of Albuquerque." Greeted Axel.

"The pleasure is mine. Thank you." Said Amber and Sofia almost in unison.

Axel offered his arm to Amber and then they walked together into the palace, leaving Sofia behind. Sofia could just watch them walking away, wondering why it was Prince Axel who waited for Amber, not Prince Hugo. Suddenly, a tiny voice called her name and she found herself looking at a cute, sweet boy dressed in a prince's attire.

The boy bowed before her. "May I introduce myself to you, Princess Sofia. I'm Prince Victor, the third prince of Albuquerque. It's my pleasure to meet you." The young prince kissed Sofia's hand gently and looked up at Sofia. "You are very beautiful."

Sofia smiled warmly. "The pleasure is all mine, Prince Victor. I'm sure you are the most charming prince of Albuquerque." The young prince blessed her with the cutest smile she had ever seen.

I don't know Axel and Hugo have a younger brother. She thought.

Sofia guessed that Prince Victor must be no older than ten years old. But he was very tall compared to his age, almost to the same height of Sofia's chin. He looked very much like Hugo, with big eyes, dark brown hair and hazel eyes. Despite his young age, he looked very confident and full of pride amidst the more mature and mighty knights surrounded them. The boy reminded her of the young Hugo when they won the Flying Crown tournament together, years ago.

Prince Victor held his small arm out and Sofia gladly wrapped her arm around his. They looked so cute together just like a brother and sister.

Prince Victor looked at Sofia's personal guard who was standing by her side. He frowned. "You don't need him. I'm strong, brave and a fighter. I can protect and take a good care of you during your stay in my palace. We are officially friend." The young prince proudly announced.

Sofia chuckled. In Enchancia, she has a protective older brother. Here in Albuquerque, she has a protective little friend. Do all males on earth live in the protection department? She mused.

Amber and Sofia were then escorted by Prince Axel and Prince Victor to the throne room for an audience with the king and queen. The princesses curtsied before the king and queen.

"Greetings, Your Majesties. We would like to express our gratitude to Your Majesties for inviting us to your great kingdom."

"Princess Amber and Princess Sofia, welcome to the Kingdom of Albuquerque. I hope you would have a pleasant stay in our castle."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Amber smiled sweetly while Sofia nodded politely.

Turning his gaze to Princess Amber, the king said, "It is I who would like to thank you for accepting the courtship request, Princess Amber. I wish the courtship between you and Axel will succeed and can move further to the next level."

To say Amber was surprised by King Garrick's words would be an understatement. She was mystified and almost panic that she unable to hide it. "My courtship is with Prince Axel?" The question full of puzzlement came out of her lips smoothly like flowing water before she could hold it.

Luckily King Garrick seemed unnoticed of it since he continued with his speech. "Your father and I had met a few times to discuss this matter, and we hope that the union between you and Axel could tighten our kingdom's relationship further." He smiled brightly.

Amber looked up at Prince Axel who was smiling sweetly at her. Shifting her gaze to Sofia, she didn't miss the confuse expression on her sister's face that almost matched hers. Amber felt her heart was beating fast, her body sweating, her cheeks felt hot, but she knew she looked deathly pale.

Suddenly, she almost fainted then and there before Axel's strong hands grasped her swayed body before she fell to her knees.

"Princess Amber. Are you alright?" Asked the prince worriedly.

"I'm fine. I just feel a bit tired from the journey." Explained the blonde princess.

"Let me escort you to your chamber so that you could use some rest." Prince Axel ushered the princesses out of the throne room towards the royal guest wing, thus, ended the most highlighted audiences for the day.

TUSoPS

"Can you believe him, Sofia? All this while, he knew about this arrangement but keep his mouth shut. I don't know why he did that." Amber was sitting in front of her dresser, tugging a comb through her long tresses. Her gaze flicked her way to her sister who had been leaning against the closet in her chamber, not far behind her. She was still angry with her father, King Rolland for hiding the fact that it was Prince Axel who was courting her, and not Prince Hugo.

"I don't know what to say, Amber. Maybe, dad thought that you knew it was Axel who courts you." Sofia slightly defended their father.

"No, he knew what I had been thinking. In fact, I had mentioned Prince Hugo's name in front of him, many times. He could have just told me that time, but he didn't. He let me think otherwise and didn't even bother to tell me the truth. He pretended as if he hadn't any idea about it when he was the one who made the whole deal with King Garrick!" Amber retorted. She bit her bottom lip and clenched her fist, trying to hold her anger at bay.

"I don't think he made a deal with King Garrick." Sofia put the finger on her chin, lost in deep thinking. "It was Prince Axel who chose you through the Council nomination, remember? This is their tradition for so long. Dad just happened to know it more than us." She patted her sister to calm her. "Amber, you know how much dad cares about your feelings. Maybe he just didn't want to hurt you? Since he knew you like Prince Hugo, a lot."

"He didn't want to hurt my feeling, you say? Well, it still doesn't change the fact that it was Prince Axel who courts me. Ohh, and I had just embarrassed myself in front of Albuquerque's king and queen." Amber groaned. "What are they thinking about me, now?"

"Calm down, okay? Maybe, it doesn't look that bad. Albuquerque's royal family doesn't even know about all this confusion. They honestly thought that you were really exhausted just now." Sofia pointed out, trying to cheer her sister. "Let's forget about all this matter, alright? Now you need to prepare for the dinner, in an hour. Why not you make yourself prettier and wow all the Albuquerque's gentlemen that are going to be present tonight?" Sofia winked at her older sister.

Amber smiled, became cheerful again. "Good idea."

"It is. I would better be back to my own room and change my dress." Sofia turned away to walk towards the door before Amber's voice held her stride.

"Err, Sofia. Did you notice Prince Hugo wasn't around to welcome us when we arrived? He also didn't show up at lunch and tea time." Amber frowned.

"Yes, I did. Maybe he has more important matter to attend to, or he was away? Maybe he didn't feel the need to see us, since he isn't the one who is courting you." Sofia immediately regretted saying the latter words when she noticed the dejected look on Amber's face.

"Why not? He is our friend, is he not? Was this the way of treating an old friend?" Said Amber, slightly hurt.

"Amber, we don't know his actual reason. Better we don't make any conclusion." Sofia coaxed her sister.

Amber let out a deep sigh. "I guess, you're right."

TUSoPS

Sofia quietly exited Amber's chamber to see her handmaid and personal guard had already been waiting for her on the outside. She wandered along the hallway of the royal guest's wing, taking in the magnificent architecture of the building and the grand interior design of the palace. A golden statue in the shape of an eagle with spreading wings, signifying the Albuquerque's royal family crest stood proudly at a corner of the hall. It was carved magnificently, enhancing the fine detail of its feather and claws, that screamed masterpiece. The eyes of the eagle were made of high-quality topaz that glistened under the rotating chandelier reflection light to create the blinking effect on the eyes, made the eagle statue looked almost real and lively. She then looked at a big family portrait hung on the wall at the end of the hallway. It was the picture of the king and queen sitting on the throne elegantly with their three good looking sons standing at the back. For the first time, Sofia noticed how Queen Eleanor looked very much younger than her husband. Maybe about the same age of her mother, Queen Miranda. But King Garrick looked even older than her father, King Rolland and that his gray hair almost covered eighty percent of the king's head. But the king's sharp gaze, dark expression, and big body frame reflected a sense of authority and strength that made up his age substantially. Her eyes shifted to Prince Axel at the left side at the back. His light brown hair was the most the striking feature on the portrait since the king and queen had the same dark brown hair, and so were the other sons. That made him look different from his other family members. Prince Hugo and Prince Victor looked very much alike except for their face shape since Prince Hugo had a sharp face like his mother while Prince Victor had a rounder face like his father.

Just as Sofia wanted to continue with her steps, she heard a male voice speaking aloud from the nearest room. She was a bit startled when she realized the two persons in that room were engaged in a heated argument. For a few seconds, she had almost forgotten where she wanted to go and why she was there in the first place. Refused to listen to their conversation, she resumed her walk towards her chamber, but her body suddenly stiffened when she heard one of the voices mentioned a very familiar name.

"Hugo, explain why didn't you appear this morning to welcome the princesses? A voice belonged to King Garrick was heard.

"I was at the training site and just came back this afternoon." Replied another voice whose she assumed belonged to Prince Hugo.

"The training wasn't that important than this. You just made it up to run away from this, aren't you? Under these circumstances, your action is inexcusable! You knew they were arriving this morning. You should have come back earlier!" Retorted King Garrick.

A heavy sigh was heard. "Father, why did I need to welcome them? I am not to be included in this crazy arrangement, please. You can include Axel in this silly thing, but not me." Prince Hugo's voice was strained.

"Sooner or later you will come to this stage as one of the phases in life. You know what you're supposed to do and do not ever think of defying my order." The king threatened.

"Are you implying that Axel was obedient?" Hugo huffed. "At least, he got what he wanted. When Axel wanted to court Princess Amber, the whole palace rushed to fulfill his demand. On the contrary, you denied my request and chose someone I don't want!"

"Yes, but I have taken care of that. I invited her to our palace as our guest of honor, so you two could spend the spring holiday, together." Responded King Garrick.

"I don't even like her, how can you make such an arrangement?!" Hugo almost yelled at this point.

"What on earth are you talking about? I had sent a message to you, told you about the changes. Didn't you get the message?"

"What message?"

The king sighed. "Hugo, don't waste my time with your ignorance. I want you to show your face at dinner, and this is an order!"

"Fine! As you wish, my lord. But don't expect me to be so nice to her and escorting her around like a love-struck puppy." Responded the prince, giving the final blow.

Sofia's eyes widened. She put a hand to her mouth to cover a gasp that nearly escaped her lips due to the unexpected revelation she just heard.

That's why… Prince Hugo likes another princess, that's why he doesn't court Amber. She mused.

And unbeknownst to him, I have replaced his intended princess and become the guest of honor instead. She put two and two together and came out with her own conclusion.

Oh, he must hate me for replacing the princess. Yes, he did tell his father, he doesn't even like me. She grimaced.

I thought he liked me. We were a great partner back then in Royal Prep…

Sofia drew a deep breath, now that feeling of anger started to flow through her body. Not wanting to be caught for eavesdropping, she began to walk away.

Then, the door was suddenly burst open. A tall and muscular figure stormed out of the room, but his stride was put to an abrupt stop as he almost bumped into a small and slender figure belonged to a lady who was standing just outside of the room.

Sofia was surprised. Hugo was surprised even more.

Hugo, is that really you? I see that you've grown up into a fine gentleman, even better. Sofia took in the figure before her. Hugo was still in his armor with the breastplate on the chest and a sword in its sheath belted to his waist. He looked just like a knight in shining armor ready to save a damsel in distress.

She traveled her gaze to his face and saw that he was staring at her. Their eyes held each other for a long moment, blue and hazel clashed. Then, they were lost in those circles of orbs, willingly drowned in the sea of confusion that neither of them would want to decipher. For a few seconds, there hadn't the slightest movement as they just stood there watching each other in an awkward situation.

Remembering the mischievous boy who once ditched ice hockey training just to have the ice dancing practice with her, her lips almost quirked up into a small smile. But, thinking about the heated conservation the prince had with his father just a moment ago, a sinking feeling suddenly appeared in her stomach and a wash of irritation flowing through her veins. That moment, she just couldn't bring herself to put up a friendly face to her ice dancing ex-partner. Held her chin high and put on a proud façade, she curtsied to the prince, for the sake of royal tradition and being civil.

"Prince Hugo, how do you do?" She asked politely. Prince Hugo seemed a bit startled, but then bowed to her as a return gesture.

"I'm fine, Princess Sofia. Thank you." Replied Prince Hugo.

That was it. Then, there was silence as Sofia saw he was gawking at her again, as though she was the weirdest creature he had ever seen or that she had just sprouted a second head. Giving Prince Hugo one last look, she walked gracefully passed the prince towards her chamber, felt his eyes digging into her back.

TUSoPS

Prince Hugo hastily entered his chamber, tossed his sword at one corner and removed the armor. His eyes immediately caught a piece of paper that was purposely put on the desk near the dresser in a way that hardly be missed. He took up the paper and read its message,

Hugo,

I managed to postpone your courting with Princess Clio, for now. She wouldn't come to our palace for the Spring Festival. I invited Princess Sofia of Enchancia instead to be our guest of honor. I hope you will be happy with this arrangement and use this opportunity well.

Father

Now I screwed this thing up. Shit! Hugo read the message a couple of times and finally, what his father had said just now struck a chord in him.

Bravo, Hugo. You've failed miserably. Hugo tossed his person on the bed, let out a long groan.

How did this problem happen in the first place? First, to be getting the unnominated princess. And now, this. Someone up there must really be annoyed with me for everything I did become a jumbled mess. Jeez…

Ugh, why do I always giving a bad first impression, especially with her? I must be the biggest fool in the world. He continued chided himself.

She must be thinking that I hate her, but I'm not. She must have heard everything and must be hating me, now. He ruffled his messy hair made it even messier, just like the scrambled mess of his mind.

But she shouldn't be listening to our conversation, in the first place. She should know that. Didn't she know that eavesdropping the king conversation is a big crime in this kingdom? She could be sentenced to death as a punishment! She was lucky I was the one who caught her. I'll make sure she will be taught a lesson for this! He analyzed the situation, suddenly felt angry.

If I didn't confront father first thing after I came back, all this confusion wouldn't happen. He regretted and blaming himself again.

Did she want to smile at me? Or did she not? He asked himself.

Why would she want to smile at you? Especially when you were being such a prick? He answered his own question, in a continues monolog.

His intention of taking a bath and soak in warm water after a whole day of hard training had long been forgotten, as his mind kept replaying the previous incident he had with Princess Sofia in endless cycles.

Wait, was that really Princess Sofia, I saw? Not her ghost? Or was I hallucinating? He began thinking stupidly, a kind of act that people normally do when they felt guilty and but still hoping they didn't make the mistake in the first place.

Of course, that was her, stupid! The same face, the same voice. Only more beautiful than ever. He rubbed the bridge of his nose, finally came to his senses.

Was that really her? God, she was extremely gorgeous! I've made a perfect choice! But, then I screwed up! He was talking alone, feeling embarrassed with himself.

He glanced at the golden clock on the wall. It was less than half an hour to prepare himself for dinner. He grabbed a towel and headed to the bathroom for a bath, all the while thinking about a certain princess and the same incident.

AN: HAPPY NEW YEAR 2017. I WISH YOU HAVE A BEAUTIFUL AND WONDERFUL YEAR! Here is another new book with 365 blank pages. Try to write a good one, alright! I kinda remind myself too...

NEXT CHAPTER PREVIEW: Now we know that Hugo and Sofia had a little crisis due to a small misunderstanding. Hugo had a plan to counter the problem he had created unpurposely. I afraid he might do something stupid. Especially, when being arrogant had become a habit. And not many know that Sofia was a stubborn chick. But, first off, I'll write about the impending dinner.

REVIEW: About story, character, anything... Even if you write a simple thing like 'urging' me to update this story, I really appreciate it. Sometimes, I just need that reminder, you know. Especially when laziness gets the better of me. Hey, I introduced Prince Victor in this chapter. What do you think of him?