"Sofia, you really don't have to do this…" Sofia's mother stood by the carriage, watching as Sofia, Brittany, and Cedric were finishing their preparations to head to the Dark Isles for Malady's party- to which Sofia had gotten directly invited. "Malady will understand if you don't feel safe attending. You won't offend her if you stay here."

"I'm fine mom, I promise." Sofia ran to her mother giving her one last hug. It seemed, for a moment, as if the Queen was not going to let go, but she reluctantly released her child, looking down at the young princess. Her expression was filled with concern.

"Please, take good care of Sofia… I know you are an expert in your craft. And I do trust you… I just worry." Sofia couldn't help but notice her father seemed to be primarily talking to Fairy Brittany. It appeared that he still had little faith in his own sorcerer. However, Sofia felt safe. She knew both Brittany and Cedric would have her back.

"Everything will be fine, your majesty." Brittany curtsied deeply. "We'll have her home as soon as the party is over. Come on Sofia! Everything is ready to go!" The Princess hugged her dad one more time before following Brittany into the flying coach.

"Have you ever been to the Dark Isles before?" Sofia was excited- she had never thought she would get a chance to see such a unique Kingdom with her own eyes. She had not read much of the isles due to there not being many books on the subject; but she was always interested in seeing new places. Plus, this was Malady's home and that made it more special.

"I… have not…" Brittany seemed a bit hesitant in her confession. "To be honest they're a bit dangerous to just go 'visit'. Grandma says we'll be fine though since Maleficent herself invited us. She even let your sorcerer come along." Brittany gestured toward Cedric who had been looking at a book he brought along. The sorcerer looked up at the mention of his title.

"Well of course I had to come along. I know all about the Dark Isles."

"You do?" Sofia looked up excitedly.

"Really now?" Brittany arched an eyebrow, her voice dripping with skepticism. "Have you been there, Mister Cedric?"

"Well… no…" He lost a bit of his confidence. "However, I have read many books on the area. So I at least know more about it than most. Hexley Hall had plenty of books on magical creatures and plants that covered the area." After learning about Malady's history at Cedric's alma mater, Sofia was not surprised that the school might have had information about her home.

"The Fairy Godmother Academy did not go into details about it, so I suppose that makes you the expert." Brittany conceded. "It's so far away I suppose we're just not expected to run into it when we do our work."

"Of course not, you're fairies." Cedric replied pointedly. Brittany narrowed her eyes, but unlike Malady who was quick to retort, the golden haired fairy did not dignify the comment with a response, choosing instead to turn to Sofia.

"I did put a spell on the carriage to help us get there more quickly. Otherwise we would be flying for a very, very long time." Sofia looked outside the window, she could see the fluffy clouds slowly turning rather ominous and dark as they continued northward.

Eventually, Sofia could see a dark mountain in the distance, rising up with a pillar of smoke behind it. The atmosphere had gotten very cold. The plants that she could see looked thorny and hostile, the colors of the vines and rocks were all very dark. It looked like a rather unwelcoming area. She could see a few buildings, two small castles, and one very large, gothic castle that was getting closer and closer at every moment.

Was this Malady's home?

The coachman came to a stop outside of the largest castle. The torches around the gates were all illuminated with green flames, goblins seemed to be scurrying about- clad in fierce armor. The gargoyles were open mouthed, hulking monsters that loomed by the wrought iron gates. Sofia would be lying if she said she was not- at least somewhat- intimidated by the imagery. As the coach door opened, Brittany took the first step outside, offering her hand to help Sofia out as Cedric clambered after them. The three stared up at the dark, foreboding palace in a moment of silence before they were interrupted by a rough and squeaky voice.

" You must be the Princess Sofia, and Fairy Brittany." The goblin that was speaking looked over at Cedric, then down at the clipboard in his hand. "… and guest. You are all on the list. Follow me." Without waiting for an answer the goblin began scurrying ahead. "Lady Malady has been asking about you all day. She will be pleased to know you have made it safely."

"Where is Malady?" Brittany asked as they walked through a courtyard, dark fog gathering at their feet, making the ground before them impossible to see. The goblin approached the massive doorway and knocked twice. The doors then slowly began to open of their own accord.

"The young mistress is still getting ready. She will be at the party soon. " They were lead over a rich, red carpet and down an arching hallway. "You are welcome to join the other guests until she arrives. " However, another massive door was reached and moved aside just as the first had done. Behind the thick, black wooden doors was a beautifully decorated ballroom. It was quite elegant, Sofia actually wanted to take note of some of the decorations to show Amber later if they wanted to throw a Halloween party together this year.

There were many people already there, though Sofia recognized none of them. Instinctively she found herself moving closer to Brittany and Cedric who were both taking in the décor. Brittany took a deep breath as if trying to calm herself.

"It's super cute. I love the whole snake motif with the furniture." She seemed ill at ease despite her positivity. "It's just… there are a lot of big name villains here…" She bit her lip and looked down at Sofia, the worry quickly dissipating. "Not that that's bad or anything. I'm sure everyone is just here to have a nice time!"

Cedric seemed more relaxed until he noticed something, causing his entire posture to go ridged. "Oh no… it can't be…" he was mumbling more to himself; however, both Brittany and Sofia turned to see what had gotten his attention. Standing off to the side was a tall, pale faced man with dark black hair and bright, ice-blue eyes. He was remarkably well dressed, it was something Sofia might see her father in, a black tailcoat with white trim. He was impeccably clean, right down to the pristine white gloved on his hands. He was looking at a mirror on the wall, running a hand through his impeccably styled hair, making sure he looked his best.

"Do you know him Mister Cedric?" Sofia looked a bit confused.

"Jonathan… " Cedric's eyes narrowed and he straightened his back. "That guy used to be the bane of my existence back in Hexley Hall. He's rude, selfish, and for some reason everyone at school just adored him- and he ate it up." As Cedric was ranting, his voice low, Jonathan happened to look up, noticing the out of place trio.

"Ah, welcome." His voice was deep, smooth, he was very eloquent. "You must be Princess Sofia." He turned to the young princess, bowing slightly. Sofia stepped forward slightly, as she was being directly addressed.

"And your name is Jonathan?" She curtsied deeply in response.

"Prince Jonathan, actually." He chuckled. "I am honored to see another royal in attendance tonight." He looked toward Brittany and Cedric. "And you brought help. How quaint. Fairy, go fetch the Princess something to drink."

"Wait…" Brittany blinked. "Are you talking to me?"

"Indeed, now hurry along. Tell me Princess, you're from Enchancia are you not? How are things in your little Kingdom? I have not seen Enchancia in some time." He continued talking as Brittany stood in place looking a little dumbfounded by what happened before her. Jonathan looked back over at her. "Are you going or not?"

"Say please." Brittany crossed her arms.

"Excuse me?"

"I'm not 'fetching' anyone a drink unless you say: please. If you want something done, you have to ask nicely."

"Yes but you're a fairy-" he was cut off by the sound of a trumpet. A goblin was standing by the door looking rather out of breath.

"Now announcing, the arrival of Lady of the Hour: Malady!" Brittany and Jonathan both went quiet though Sofia could have sworn she heard Cedric whisper: "Told you he was awful" in the silence that subsequently fell upon the room.

Malady walked through the heavy doors, her uniform replaced by a dark black dress with crimson trim. Her long hair was pulled up into a bun, interwoven with a golden snake clip. She was wearing a dark black necklace with a glowing green stone hanging from it. She was in dark red heels that increased her already impressive height putting her a little taller than Cedric and much taller than the tiny Fairy Brittany. She was moving quickly, with purpose, making a B-line toward Sofia. Sofia waved excitedly toward her.

"Princess, Brittany! You made it safely. Sorry it took me so long to get here." She curtsied apologetically to Sofia. The princess shook her head.

"You don't have to be sorry! We weren't waiting very long at all." Sofia assured her.

"Oh wow! Malady you look so pretty!" Brittany cried excitedly as she gave the much taller fairy a big hug. "I love the dress! Did you make this one?"

"Oh! Yeah, you like it?"

"Love it!"

"Oh, so you know this fairy…" Jonathan spoke up at last. He had been quietly observing the situation before him.

"Yeah this is my best friend from the Fairy Godmother Academy, Brittany. Brittany this is my best friend growing up, Jonathan." Malady introduced the two. Much to Sofia's surprise (but delight) Jonathan changed his demeanor toward Brittany at once, bowing deeply.

"Prince Jonathan, actually- but my apologies Fairy Brittany. I did not realize you were here as a guest. My treatment of you was uncalled for. Forgive me."

"It's fine!" Brittany was quick to forgive. "Any friend of Malady's is a friend of mine. Come here!" Before the dark haired man knew what was happening, Brittany was pulling him into a hug just as she had done with Malady before. Jonathan was quick to pull back, adjusting his clothes and smoothing out any wrinkles that were caused by the unwanted contact.

"Jonathan is the son of Queen Grimhilde and Prince Hans." Malady explained. Grimhilde… the name sounded rather familiar. Sofia had heard it before in school. It took her a moment to realize the association: Grimhilde was the name of the Queen who cursed Snow White. Suddenly Jonathan's personality began to make a lot more sense.

"King Hans." Jonathan corrected.

"Yes John. King Hans." Malady rolled her eyes a bit but she was smiling. Sofia looked over to Cedric who was keeping a clear distance from Jonathan, despite the fact that the raven haired prince had not paid him a bit of mind. Malady must have followed Sofia's gaze because she spoke again. "Ah. I see you brought your sorcerer." She sounded slightly annoyed.

"Why don't you give him another chance?" Sofia was quick to try to make peace. "Cedric has something he really wants to tell you!"

"Sorcerer…? Cedric…?" Jonathan was the one to respond.

"You know Sofia, I don't really think this is the time to discuss-"

"Did you go to Hexley Hall?" Jonathan cut Cedric off. "It's the best magic school around- I should know I was valedictorian in my year. Even if Malady had stayed, I still would have been top of the class. They say I'm even better than my mother when it comes to the magical arts. So if you're any good, I must have heard of you."

"No, I don't think you-" Cedric quickly began to deny anything to do with the Prince but Jonathan was not allowing him to finish.

"I think I did know a Cedric now that I'm thinking about it. You were that kid who failed almost every test!"

"I most certainly did no-"

"Yes I remember you now!" He clapped his gloved hands together decisively. "Malady! This is that kid who couldn't make a proper floating potion. Remember? He accidentally turned his own raven into a tomato on the magic final? That was hilarious." Jonathan gave Cedric a pat on the back hard enough to jolt the sorcerer out of his position. Poor Cedric's face was a dark shade of red. "Cedric! I'm honestly surprised you graduated at all. How have you been? Explode anymore pumpkins like you did in the library that one time? Or what about wh-"

"That's enough Jonathan." Malady's voice was very stern and surprisingly Jonathan fell quiet. "I think I remember who he is now. Thank you." Her expression softened as she gave Cedric a slight smile. "I didn't recognize you at the dinner Cedric. How silly of me. How have you been?" Cedric cleared his throat, clearly trying to recover himself.

"I've been fine, Malady. I'm sorry I didn't recognize you either. I think we were both just… worried about the dinner."

"So you became the royal sorcerer of Enchancia? How wonderful!" Malady gave Cedric an encouraging smile that seemed to help him regain some of his lost confidence. "That's a really important position. I look forward to working with you."

"I've always thought of it being more like a jester's position, but I suppose it must have some relevance in society." Jonathan gave a nonchalant shrug, but he noticeably let the subject drop. "Anyway, Mal, I'm glad you're here. Junior was pestering me about you. I don't think I could have taken another moment of his petulant whining."

"Junior's here?" Malady made a face.

"Darling, everybody's here~" The voice that spoke resounded with the utmost sophistication. A young woman around Malady's age pushed her way past Brittany into the conversation. "Your mother would destroy us if we didn't come support your big day. She's weird about parties, you know." The woman had mostly black hair with the occasional white streaks.

"Yeah, mom's a bit sensitive about parties. Oh! Sofia, Brittany, this is Sadie."

"Sadie De Vil-Clayton, designer, fashionista, and all around expert on what's trendy. Love the purple, by the way princess, but you could really glitz that up with a nice fur stole. You know, if you're interested I could get you-"

"N-no thanks Sadie." Malady interrupted quickly. "I don't think that is really Sofia's style. But it was nice of you to offer."

"Oh yeah, that's your new job right? You're like a… fashion fairy?"

"Fairy Godmother." Malady and Brittany spoke in unison.

"Is there a difference?" Jonathan raised an eyebrow skeptically but he shrugged it off. "Regardless of your downgrade in professions, it's what you want. And if your parents are okay with it then… I suppose I will just wait out this phase with them."

"It's not a phase, John- have you been talking to mom again?"

"Malady is going to be a great Fairy Godmother! We had so much fun together in school! And she is so skilled!" Brittany interjected, upbeat and cheerful as always. Jonathan scoffed.

"You're her best fairy friend aren't you?" Jonathan asked offhandedly.

"Yes!"

"Then why were you calling her the wrong name for your entire school career?" At the question, Brittany became rather flustered.

"Because she didn't know any better; John, be nice!" Malady had that serious tone of voice again and Jonathan folded his arms, stepping back a bit. "Look this is supposed to be a nice event, I would have thought the famous Prince Jonathan would be able to be civilized. But apparently I was wrong." Jonathan went very quiet. It seemed Malady had struck a nerve.

"Malady!" a voice rand out from the back of the room and the fairy visibly cringed as if it had caused her physical discomfort to hear. "Where have you been hiding?" A dashing man with long black hair expertly groomed, a strong jaw, and bright eyes pushed his way through the crowd. He was well built, muscular, tall, and remarkably well dressed, with a smile that almost gleamed even in the dim lights of the ornate ballroom. He walked with a confident stride as if he knew he were the most important person in attendance today.

"Another friend of yours?" Sofia asked quietly as she looked up at Malady who was trying very hard to ignore the deep, booming voice that called out to her. She knelt down to Sofia's level, lowering her voice for only the princess to hear.

"Worse. My ex."