Chapter Thirteen

Seven months

She should've been on bed rest months ago when it was discovered she was having twins. But Sofia assumed that as she grew baby bump wise, the more concerned and worried Roland would be.

Much to her surprise, she had been right as she was no longer to roam the castle without an escort unless it was for her privacy, standing for long periods of time was forbidden, and anything harmful to herself or the babies was also forbidden.

Sofia was pregnant, not helpless. However, she even knew to be safe. Lower back pain and fatigue didn't help her much but as Anya and Lorelei kicked happily, it always put a smile on her face.

"How are we feeling this morning? Any more pain?" Cedric asked.

"It's settled down some," Sofia smiled. Bed rest did have some benefits to it she had to admit. Between the doctors and Cedric, she never been waited on or pestered about her health all that much before. "I'll have to thank Dr. Heydenberg after the girls are born for the ice pack. Though it did melt while I was asleep."

"That was to be expected. But Princess Amber wants to know if you're well enough for your baby shower."

"Baby shower? It's now time for one?"

"She's not going to wait another month!" Cedric chuckled. He noticed the tears in her eyes and gently wiped them away. "I know it hasn't been easy since Hugo had to depart back to King Garrick and Prince Axel so early but he did promise to be back—"

"Before the girls are born. I know," Sofia sniffed. "I sent King Garrick my wishes of good health just the other day for I want him to get better before the girls are born. I was upset when Hugo had to depart but knew better not to complain over an emergency like an illness."

"Hugo will be with us again before you know it," Cedric tried to comfort her. "It's going to be all right. You've got so many people helping you now, but we know Hugo's going to be helping you too."

Sofia smiled a little. She knew Hugo wanted to help her, but if King Garrick needed his help, Hugo wanted to be there for him too. "I guess I shouldn't dwell too much on Hugo not being here," she admitted. "Why don't we see what Amber's up to with the baby shower preparations."

"Hopefully she's kept it simple."

"Empathize on simplicity Mr. Cedric."

Anya seemed to agree, kicking Sofia who laughed before Cedric took her by the hand. She hated being escorted but applied to Roland's concerns considering her age and how far along she was in her pregnancy.

Sofia smiled as she and Cedric entered the ballroom. True to her requests, Amber had arranged a simple baby shower with simple decorations. For the buffet table, she had even remembered to include Sofia's favorite foods. Amber had even set up a chocolate fountain for dipping the fruits that were arranged next to it.

Cedric even pointed his wand at an empty spot and produced a platter of fly cakes, earning him a huge hug from Sofia and kicks from Lorelei and Anya. "You're welcome, ladies," he smiled, patting Sofia's baby bump. "Now, Sofia, I see an empty chair that's calling to you. Why don't you sit down for a little while and talk with Amber while I get you something to eat or drink? I'm only saying this because I'm going to get something to drink myself."

Sofia nodded, walking to where Amber was and sat down next to her.

"I'm glad you kept true to my requests," She smiled as Amber squeezed her hand.

"Well I didn't want you upset during your own baby shower," Amber grinned. "Besides Hildegard hasn't seen you in months! She'll be wanting to baby talk Anya and Lorelei."

"Oh? What happened to calling Anya Anastasia?"

"I decided it'll only be worth saying if she's in trouble or for formal events. As a future queen and her aunt, Anya deserves the best from me."

"Oh she will!" Sofia chuckled. "How's everything with you and Desmond? Well I suppose?"

"It's grand for a lack of better words. We see one another when we can but right now it's only letters," Amber smiled. "I update him on your pregnancy and assure him you're eating well, sleeping well, and stress free. If I'm honest with you when it was discovered you were having Anya and Lorelei months ago Sofia, we should've been more worried about the pregnancy considering the kingdom's last experience with someone having twins."

"Well, I heard from James that Desmond's going to be here at the baby shower so you can talk to him yourself. And though I'm as worried as you about what happened the last time someone had twins, I'm hopeful that this won't happen with me."

"I shouldn't think so," Cedric said as he came back to them. "You have so many people helping you, and the doctors are on call until it's time for the girls to be born."

Sofia smiled as she accepted a cup of punch from Cedric. Her smile widened when he gave her a plate of chocolate-covered strawberries and another plate with fly cakes on it. "Mr. Cedric, you're going to sit down now too," she said when she saw him stand again.

"I will, my dear. But only when I come back here with my own snacks."

Sofia giggled as he left, nibbling on a chocolate covered strawberry as Amber placed a hand on her baby bump.

Anya and Lorelei were quiet, not wanting to move while their mommy was eating. Or at least Lorelei was as Anya kicked.

Amber chuckled softly at the moving, perking up at the sound of a familiar voice.

"Sofia darling!" Hildegard smiled, waving a fan towards her. "I see you've gotten quite the glow since I last saw you. How's little Anya doing?"

"Actually it's not just Anya anymore Hildy. She has a sister," Amber smiled.

"Twins? Amber you're kidding!"

"Surprise!" Sofia grinned, "As James would say, good things come two at a time!"

"That's right; Anya has a sister, Lorelei," Amber smiled.

"Named in honor of your birth mother?" Hildegard smiled, "That's a wonderful tribute to her!"

"That's what I said when I first learned the name."

"Would you like to talk to them Hildegard?" Sofia asked. "I know it'll be strange to feel them kicking to your voice but you'll love it."

"Just put your fan down and put a hand on Sofia's baby bump," Amber smiled.

Hildegard looked a little hesitant, putting her fan down as Sofia nodded like she was giving her permission. Astrid had been paranoid about letting others touch her baby bump when she had been pregnant in the fear of affecting the baby with an illness.

Hildegard remembered that too well, taking a deep breath as she placed a gentle hand on Sofia's baby bump.

"Don't worry, Hildy," Amber smiled, "This won't be like with Astrid. True, Sofia's going to be a first-time mother, just like she was, but we all know when to give her space, and we stay away from her if we don't feel well."

Hildegard smiled a little as she felt one baby kick, then the other one kick. "Hello, ladies," she smiled. "You must be Anya and Lorelei. My name is Hildegard. I'm one of your mommy's oldest friends."

"When it comes to being royal!" Sofia chuckled "Hildy's like your Auntie Amber but is one of my very dear friends."

"Is that so?" Jade smirked.

"Jade! I thought you couldn't make it!"

"Told my dad this was a special occasion. I only brought you a gift but Ruby's brought gifts for the babies. She won't believe how big you've gotten! Your baby bump was just a balloon when we last saw you."

"Well you're in for another surprise," James smirked as he came up with Ruby by his side. "Anya and Lorelei have been kicking for two months now."

"Where have you been?" Amber smiled.

"Amber! Don't tease him!" Sofia giggled.

"It's okay," James smiled. "I was as excited as you were when they first started kicking. In fact, I remember once when I was singing to Sof to help her relax, I felt one of the girls kick me. I thought she was telling me to stop singing, but she must have liked the song I was doing."

"I knew it. We were talking about what the girls would like and dislike, and the subject of music came up. We wondered which of them would inherit James' love of singing and music."

"Do you remember which one it was?" Ruby asked.

"I believe it was Lorelei," Sofia recalled. "Anya likes snow and Clover."

"As long as he knows not to harm them after they're born, that's all I ask," Cedric said as he came back with his snacks.

"You don't have to worry about Clover, Mr. Cedric. He knows not to claw me when we lay on the bed, and he's gentle when he has his paws on my baby bump."

"I know, but we can't be too careful, even if he is a good guard rabbit."

"We know Clover will be careful around the girls, but I'll have to find an extra-special tune for Lorelei then, won't I?" James smiled. "If she's going to share my love of music, I want to start her off with a really special song!"

Sofia giggled as she felt Lorelei kick. "Oh, James, I'm sure Lorelei will love any song you sing to her!"

"As long as it's baby friendly," Amber smirked.

After her snack and everyone cooed and baby talked to her girls, Sofia sighed softly as she placed a hand on her baby bump. Anya and Lorelei were quiet, possibly tired from all the attention they were given, as Cedric placed a hand on Sofia's shoulder.

"Glad to see everyone's enjoying themselves. Especially Princess Amber. She seems smitten with Prince Desmond," he smiled.

"Now that we can agree on!" Sofia chuckled. "Mr. Cedric?"

"Yes?"

"You wouldn't mind if Anya or Lorelei took my place as apprentice when they're old enough do you?"

Cedric frowned. He couldn't imagine anyone else as his apprentice. Even if they were Sofia's daughters, it wouldn't be the same. Then again, he thought, he'd probably retire as royal sorcerer in a few years, and he'd ask Sofia to carry on for him when she wasn't acting as adviser to Amber. Then of course, one of the girls could be her apprentice.

"Of course not," he said at last, "But let's take it one day at a time. We have to see which one of them likes magic as much as you do, and we have to test them to see how they react to potion ingredients, we have to find them their own familiar, since I'm guessing you'll be using your rabbit friend..."

"In the next two years. Clover's getting older Mr. Cedric," Sofia smiled sadly. "But whatever familiar they choose, I hope she or he likes them for who they are."

Cedric nodded in agreement, helping her to stand as he escorted her to the surprisingly humongous pile of presents for Anya and Lorelei.

Sofia gently grabbed one of the nearest gifts in her reach before feeling arms around her waist. Looking up, she smiled and noticed Queen Elena.

"Queen Elena! You made it!" she smiled.

"I wouldn't miss this for the world," Queen Elena smiled, "I am Anya and Lorelei's godmother after all!"

Sofia smiled, since she remembered telling Queen Elena in one of her letters that she was expecting two girls, rather than a girl and a boy, and that Anya's sister was going to be named Lorelei, in honor of Amber and James' birth mother. "You certainly are!" She noticed the three little boxes in her hands. "Are those..."

"Anya and Lorelei's first friends."

"But there are three boxes."

"That's right," Queen Elena smiled. "One of those is for Prince Hugo."

Sofia's smile faded the moment Queen Elena had mentioned his name as she fiddled with her engagement ring.

"He's not here at the moment your majesty. Prince Hugo's currently at the presence of his father due to an illness," Cedric explained. "But has promised to be back before the girls are born."

"I'll go take this to his room so he'll find it once he gets back," James offered, taking the box from Queen Elena's hand.

"Thanks, James," Sofia's smile returned. "And thank you, Elena! Lorelei and Anya will love these!"

"I have another gift for you too," Queen Elena smiled, handing Sofia a small package.

"Elena, this is wonderful!" Sofia smiled as she opened it. "It's a cassette tape that has Avaloran lullabies and songs on it!"

"You'll have to-" Cedric started before Queen Elena cut him off.

"Make a second one for James so he won't steal that one?" she chuckled as she pulled out a second tape. "I've got it right here!"

"Are you talking about me again? James smiled as he came back.

"We sure love to tease you don't we?" Sofia giggled.

"What can I say? I'm an easy target. But what do you say to opening a few gifts? You know what Dr. Heydenberg warned about you standing for too long Sof."

"I know, I know. It's not good for me or the girls. If it's not him, it's everyone else fussing over me."

"We just want you safe niña. Tu y tus bebes," Queen Elena smiled. "Have you thought of any middle names yet?"

"Only Amberina for Lorelei," Sofia confessed. "But it's just a choice right now."

"And it's a wonderful choice," Amber smiled. "I'll have to see if I can find a star for her now!"

"I can see it now: Amberina Minor! But we'll see if Lorelei likes the stars as much as Auntie Amber!"

"That's right! Nothing but the best for my niece!"

"Oh, Amber," Sofia giggled.

The sisters hugged before Amber helped Sofia to the nearest seat she could find. Sitting down, Sofia felt Anya and Lorelei kick before feeling James place a gift on her baby bump.

"Don't worry, it's for you. The girls have enough gifts of their own," he assured.

"I thought a baby shower was for babies only, not the mommy," Sofia smirked.

"Why can't it be both?" Miranda suggested, smiling at how relaxed her daughter was.

"When you were expecting me, did you get things for yourself too?"

"Oh, yes. Helen Hanshaw gave me a shawl, and a few other people gave me little figurines. Jade's parents even helped take care of us after you were born, as well as a book where I'd write down all your firsts."

"My firsts?" Sofia asked.

"Your first steps, your first words, things like that," Miranda smiled.

"And it looks like you've got a book for that too," Amber smiled, holding up the flat package James had given her.

Sofia took the package from her hand and opened it. Sure enough it was a baby book and pink to tell it was for a baby girl. Still she wasn't sure how she'd have the time to write inside it due to Anya and Lorelei keeping her busy.

Amber noticed her look and squeezed her hand. Her sister should've known by now that she wasn't raising Anya and Lorelei alone.

"Don't worry, Sofia, we'll all help you write in it," she smiled. "We're all going to be watching Lorelei and Anya grow up, and we'll all write down their special milestones."

"And there's another gift in there from me," James added, handing Sofia another flat package.

Sofia grinned when she opened it. "James, this is ah-mazing! Lorelei and Anya's first book of bedtime stories!"

"That's right. asked Cedric to make a copy of my story box, which as you know isn't the same as my 'try again later' box, and he and I worked together to turn the folders into a book for you!"

"And it gets better for you, Prince James," Cedric added, "I secretly made a second copy of the book, and sent it to the publisher in Dunwiddie. Soon, everyone is going to be reading and enjoying your stories."

"That's brilliant! Thank you, Cedric!" James grinned. "But this is Sof's party; I don't want to take the spotlight from her!"

"James, any attention away from the pregnant lady is fine with me," Sofia joked. "All I've witnessed today is everyone cooing over Lorelei and Anya when they're not even here yet!"

"Be careful what you wish for Sofia," Amber smiled, waving a hand to Desmond. "Desmond! Come see Sofia for a moment!" She turned to Cedric and James. "He asked if it's just him, Sofia and I. Hope you don't mind."

"No. It's fine," James assured. "Besides some gifts have been knocked to the ground accidentally and we know Corban. If it's in his reach, he grabs it."

"Ya!" Corban giggled, crawling towards a stuffed animal that was in his reach.

"No no Prince Corban. That's for Anastasia!" Cedric chuckled, taking the infant in his arms.

"You have your kitty right here, buddy," James grinned, nuzzling Corban's stuffed jaquin against him. "And your kitty likes helping me and my writing buddies make up stories!"

"Ya!" Corban giggled, reaching toward the book Sofia was holding.

"We'll have to read some of those stories to you, won't we, Corban?" Sofia smiled.

Corban squealed, tugging on the hem of her dress so she could pick him up. He frowned upon not getting what he wanted, starting to cry.

Desmond had just arrived upon hearing the noise, taking the infant in his arms. Seeing Sofia's face, Corban started to calm down with his cries turning to whimpers.

"It's okay, Corban," Sofia murmured, "I'll be able to pick you up in a few months. But for now I can give you hugs and kisses as someone else holds you."

Corban pouted, but it turned into giggles as Sofia kissed his cheek. "Ya?" he asked.

"She's right, Corban, we'll all give you hugs and kisses too," Amber smiled, taking her brother from Desmond when he started squirming.

Corban reached out and hugged Sofia who patted him on the head.

"I see he's been great practice," Desmond smiled.

"More than great Desmond," Sofia smiled, kissing Corban's cheek again. "Sometimes he's gotten frustrated with me that I can't do the things I used to but he's been gentle with the girls."

"But you try to make it up to him. And before he knows it, you'll play with him again."

"When I'm not taking care of Lorelei and Anya. But you are right, Desmond. Corban's been wonderful practice for me. Even though Mom tells me that she'll help take care of late night feedings when the girls are born, I've sometimes gotten up to give Corban a late-night snack when he wants one. I've got to get some practice doing that too."

"And you do a wonderful job," Miranda smiled. "I watch you from the doorway, you know."

"And after I put Corban back to bed, you ask if I'm all right, then after I say yes, you watch as I go back to bed," Sofia agreed.

"Ma ma!" Corban giggled.

"Is it babbling like Ya or his first actual word?" Amber grinned, sitting him down on the floor next to Sofia's feet.

"I don't know. He's at the age to talk," Miranda smiled, holding back a laugh. "But looks like Corban's more interested in playing hide and seek."

Corban's hands grabbed the hem of Sofia's dress and lifted it up, unaware that his big sister was holding back her embarrassment.

"No, Corban, that's not a hiding place," Sofia said as she carefully backed away.

"Really? When James was younger, he thought the Golden Wing Circus could be hidden under the dresses since the skirt was so big!" Amber giggled.

"So did I, actually," Desmond chuckled.

"I actually did too," Queen Elena admitted.

"And Corban didn't know any better," Miranda added, taking him in her arms. "Sofia, how can you stay mad at him?"

Sofia glanced into Corban's eyes as he giggled and bounced in Miranda's arms.

"I can't," She smiled, stroking his hair. "You only wanted to play didn't you little guy?"

"Ma ma!" Corban squealed.

"Corban! Sofia's your sister!" Amber laughed.

"How's he supposed to know that?" James smirked. "All we've been talking about is Sof being a mother."

"Maybe so but Corban's a smart baby. He'll know who Sofia is in no time."

"That's right," James smiled, taking Corban in his arms. "Corban, can you say 'sister?'"

"Ma ma!" Corban squealed.

"We'll work on it with him," Amber smiled. "Not everyone was born reciting the alphabet or ready to transcribe their own birth!"

"Amber, don't tease James," Miranda smiled, taking Corban and kissing James on the cheek. "Corban will say other things when he's ready. It's not a race. All you can do is take it one day at a time."

"Yeah," Sofia smiled before feeling a rough kick. "Lorelei, be patient. Mommy will get back to the presents. I promise."

"Now who does that sound like?" James teased.

"James, no teasing Amber," Queen Elena smiled, placing a hand on Sofia's baby bump. Feeling a kick from Lorelei, she laughed. "You're that impatient aren't you?"

"Not to mention stubborn," Cedric smirked, coming over to see how Sofia was doing.

"Is she that bad?"

"Of course not, but I think she's going to be the one who takes after Sofia the never gives up until she gets what she wants."

"Mr. Cedric!" Sofia blushed, trying to keep the tears in her eyes at bay.

"It's the truth isn't it?" Amber smiled, handing her a gift. "Since they got a gift from Uncle James, it's only fair they get one from Auntie Amber."

"It'll make Lorelei happy," James added.

"A lamp with cut-out stars!" Sofia smiled. "Well, if Lorelei is into astronomy like you, she'll love it!"

"Anya will too, of course," Amber smiled. "And don't worry, Sofia; I got something for her too."

Sofia smiled as she unwrapped a blanket with snowflake designs on it. "Amber, that's beautiful! Anya's the one that likes the snow, and she'll have it every day now!"

"I went to one of the stores in the village, and that blanket just called to me," Amber smiled.

"She'll love it so much you'll have to clean it if it gets dirty Sof," James smirked.

"I have a spell for that," Sofia smiled. "It works great with spit up and baby drool."

"You've experienced it already?" Queen Elena laughed.

"Just with the spit up Elena. Sometimes Corban spits up if I bounce him."

"Just don't feed him before you bounce him."

"I think I learned that lesson the hard way," Sofia smirked.

The guests had left, except Queen Elena, that evening as Sofia looked over the gifts for Anya and Lorelei.

Bottles, bibs, pacifiers, stuffed animals, and many more baby items as she looked down, seeing Corban crawl towards one of the gifts and give her a look of grumpiness.

"You're jealous aren't you?" Sofia sympathized. "I know it's hard right now. First I can't play with you and now all Daddy's attention is to making sure that I, your big sister, feel all better when Anya and Lorelei are born."

"Ya," Corban grumbled.

"Don't worry, Corban," Queen Elena smiled. "Sofia will play with you again."

"But in the meantime, you can cuddle with some of Anya and Lorelei's toys, and tell me which ones they'll like," Sofia giggled, handing Corban a teddy bear.

Corban giggled a little as he hugged the bear, and Cedric whispered that he'd make Corban a copy of it so he could have a bear like that one too.

"Good idea," Sofia whispered back. "We don't want anybody fighting over it!"

Corban dropped the bear for a moment, starting to get a little grumpy again as he crawled to Sofia.

Sofia laughed a little at his grumpiness as Cedric took Corban in his arms.

"You're that jealous of your nieces already?" The sorcerer smirked, musing his hair. "Sofia's letting you cuddle their toys Prince Corban."

Corban patted Sofia's baby bump like he usually did, babbling as Anya kicked him.

"Corban, you know I didn't ask for this," Sofia said, getting his attention. "There was a meanie that caused me to be a mommy in the first place. And do you know who I told when I first became a mommy? Mr. Cedric. I told him because he's been there for me even before I was a mommy. While I know it's been weird seeing me big and unable to hold you or play with you, you've been my practice to being a mommy Corban. Even when you'd spit up on me, I still love you. Whether I'm a mommy or your big sister."

"Ya?" Corban asked.

"That's right," Sofia smiled, kissing his cheek and nuzzling the bear against him. "In fact, let me sing you something Mom always sang to me." She sat down and rocked Corban as she sang, "I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, as long as I'm living your sister I'll be..."

"That's right, Sofia," Miranda smiled, "I can't believe you still remember that!"

"I just changed the words a little, but it's still the same message."

"I know it hasn't been easy for the little guy or for me and your father for that matter but I promised you we would help you and we have."

"I couldn't appreciate it anymore if I tried," Sofia smiled. "Though I'll have to get used to the comments people make once the girls are born. Especially if it's those same people who disapprove over Hugo's engagement."

"They have?" Queen Elena frowned. "Well that's their own business."

"That's right," Miranda nodded beside her as she took Corban in her arms. "Like we always say, if someone has a problem with this, it's their problem, not yours."

"They can make all the cute little comments they want, but this wasn't your fault," James added. "I'm not eavesdropping; I've been writing down what you got and who gave them to you."

"That's a good idea. It'll make sending the thank-you notes easier."

"Does that include mine and Amber's?"

"No James!" Sofia giggled. "You're family!"

James smiled at her and mused her hair. While he hadn't been thrilled with the news of her pregnancy at first, he now supported Sofia as James gently placed a hand on her baby bump.

"So ladies, shall we get into those music tapes that Queen Elena gave you?" he asked. "I'll sing one of those songs to you every night!"

"James, as much as I'd like to hear Lorelei and Anya sing when they're born, can we at least hear them cry first?" Sofia joked.

"Dad said that before I came out singing, he heard me warm up my voice with a little cry."

"I'm just wondering if who'll cry more. Lorelei or Anya."

"It'll depend if they both come out crying or one of them has strong lungs after being lifted upside down and smacked on the bottom," Miranda smiled. "You had strong lungs Sofia."

"Then I'm betting Lorelei will have strong lungs too," Sofia smiled. "After all, Mr. Cedric says she's just like me."

"Well, in a few months we'll see if he's right."

"As long as they're both healthy, I don't care who likes what. I know their tastes might change as they get older, but they can both like whatever they want."

"That's right," James smiled. "Just like me and Amber."

"Only we'll get the royal twin song 2.0!" Sofia laughed.

"Okay enough teasing," Cedric smiled, musing her hair. "If everyone doesn't mind, including you Prince Corban, I'd like to speak with the expecting mother alone."

"No. We wouldn't mind," Queen Elena smiled. "We need to take up some of the gifts to the nursery anyway."

Seeing Queen Elena and James leave with some of the gifts for the nursery and Miranda with Corban in her arms, Cedric sighed as he sat next to his expecting apprentice.

"About what you said earlier, what did you mean by the same people who disapprove of Prince Hugo's engagement?" The sorcerer asked.

Sofia sighed, kicking off her shoes and glanced at her beloved mentor. "Well they were kinda expecting you to pop the question. Considering you've been with me since the beginning and Hugo didn't come until my sixteenth birthday," she smiled nervously. "While they are right about that, what's actually disgusting is them thinking you should've stepped in as Lorelei and Anya's stepfather. Have they no consistency with our ages for one thing?"

"That we can agree on!" Cedric laughed wholeheartedly. "I don't think Anya and Lorelei want someone much older than their mother as their father."

"They'll love you no matter what, just like I do. And you'll be a wonderful godfather!"

"You think so?"

"Is there any proof that you hadn't been one so far?" Sofia smiled, nudging him gently. "Though I didn't see a gift from you during the baby shower."

"That's because I wanted to give it to you in private," Cedric explained. "And it's not for the girls. Me being their godfather is their gift."

Sofia felt tears in her eyes before she wiped them away. "Mr. Cedric that's so sweet of you." She smiled, feeling her hand in his. "Besides, you feel the girls are spoiled already."

"Very true," Cedric smirked. "But it's like we've been saying: nothing but the best for your daughters!"

Sofia smiled. She knew by now the girls were going to be loved and cared for by not just her and Hugo, but by everyone in the castle.

Still, she waited intendedly for Cedric's gift seeing as it was just the two of them in the room.

Like her other gifts in the past she had been given in the past, they were always in private.

Except for the snow on her second Wassailia but that had been made out of appreciation for his wand case.

Lorelei and Anya kicked in anticipation before Sofia gently placed her hands on her stomach to soothe them.

Cedric smiled as he brought out a small package. "I've been working on this for a few months, and it's finally ready," he said as he gave it to her.

Sofia gasped as she opened it. She lifted out a snow globe on a mahogany base. Inside among the water, 'snow', and glitter were four hearts. Each heart had a name on it: Sofia, Hugo, Lorelei, and Anya. "Mr. Cedric, this is beautiful!"

"I would have put Anastasia, but the heart was too small to hold all the letters," Cedric admitted. "But it does play a song."

Sofia held out the snow globe to him with a smile. "Could you play it for me?" She suggested

"Alright. You're lucky I put a non worn out spell on this," Cedric smirked, winding up the snow globe.

Sofia smiled as a soft tune played. Her smile widened when she felt Lorelei and Anya kicking. "I love the tune, Mr. Cedric, and I think the girls do too!"

"Nothing but the best for my nieces!" James grinned.

"Nothing but the best for my goddaughters!" Cedric smirked.

"James? What are you doing back?" Sofia asked. "I thought you were still in the nursery."

"Elena and Mom got everything handled," James assured, musing her hair. "And Corban too. If cuddling toys counts as a job."

"As long as he refrains from chewing on them, his 'job' is fine by me."

"With everyone setting up for the nursery, we've forgotten about the bassinet," Amber smiled, coming into the room.

Sofia was confused, narrowing her eyes. "The what? I don't remember Corban having one."

"James and I went shopping in Dunwiddie two weeks ago and bought one," Amber revealed. "We told the shopkeeper that we needed two of them, but he said that was the only one left, and new bassinets wouldn't be arriving for another month."

"As soon as we got it home, Amber had Cedric make a copy of it," James added.

"Thank you!" Sofia smiled over at Cedric. "And thank you to you too, Amber, James!"

"Nothing but the best for our nieces!" James grinned.

"Besides we wouldn't want you to have to move from your room to the nursery just after giving birth Sofia," Amber added. "The bassinets will be by your bed in case they're hungry or you need to rock them to sleep."

"But for how long?" Sofia wondered.

"That depends on how long you want the girls beside you until you transfer them to their nursery. Cordy waited until Calista was two months old before moving her to her nursery," Cedric recalled.

"That was about the same age you were," Miranda agreed. "But we all know that all babies are different, and they'll move to their nursery when they're ready."

"That's true, but I still might move both of them at the same time," Sofia smiled. "Even though one might be ready, the other one won't be, and I don't want to go between rooms if both of them need me at the same time."

"I think Dad did that with me and Amber," James agreed. "But I also remember Dad telling me that Amber had to move to the nursery before I did because I was sick, and he didn't want her getting sick too."

Sofia paled at the thought but fixed her composure. "If that happens, I'll have plenty of help. But if both girls get sick, I'll keep them in their bassinets a little longer."

"We'll just have to watch out for Corban," Miranda smiled. "We know how he acts with the girls now but when they're here, he'll want to play with them."

"We'll all keep an eye on him. I know, it'll be exciting for him to see new babies, and he'll want to play with them, like you said, but we'll all be there to make sure he doesn't do anything he shouldn't."

"We'll worry about that when the time comes, but we know it's better to be safe than sorry," Cedric agreed.

"Now that the baby shower has subsided, you'll be our focus until it's time Sofia," Amber smiled, helping Sofia up to her feet. "And that means bed rest. Daddy's orders."

"Does that mean I just sleep all day?" Sofia joked.

"Good one Sof!" James chuckled.

"No it doesn't mean you just sleep all day Sofia!" Miranda chuckled. "Bed rest is just so you take it easy before the girls are born."

"You mean being guarded twenty four seven by everyone?" Sofia grinned.

"Better to be safe than sorry. But if you really want to, we'll allow you to spend a few minutes outside every day so you're not feeling cooped up."

"Thanks, Mom! Did you ever feel that way with me?"

"Oh, yes," Miranda smirked. "But at least I had friends to keep an eye on me when we took walks outside. I remember your father would sometimes even set up a little picnic for me while I was on bedrest."

"We could do that with you too, Sof," James smiled.

"Wouldn't that spoil me?" Sofia smirked.

"Oh it won't be that bad. Think of it as your birthday and Wassalia rolled into one," Amber smiled.

"Lacking only the gifts," Cedric smirked.

"Who needs gifts when every day is Sofia Day?" James grinned.

"So, James, how's the thank-you list coming along?" Sofia smirked.

"Really well," James smiled, showing her the list he'd made. "I'll have to go into the village tomorrow and get a few more boxes of thank-you cards, and if you need help writing notes out, you know I'll help."

"I know," Sofia giggled as she felt Lorelei and Anya kick. "But I think I'll write the notes myself. But don't worry," she added, reaching over and giving him a hug, "I'll let you know if I have spelling questions."

"Mostly for names you can't pronounce," Cedric joked.

"Mr. Cedric!"

"It took you a year to pronounce mine right Sofia. A whole year."

"I was eight!" Sofia pouted. "Are you never going to let me live it down Mr. Cedric?"

The sorcerer chuckled, patting her baby bump. "What harm is it for Anya and Lorelei to learn about their mommy?"

"As long as you leave things like that out, I don't mind at all," Sofia frowned.

"You mean I can't tell the girls stories from when we lived in the village?" Miranda smirked. "I know not every moment was so wonderful, but I won't tell them any stories that you don't want me to."

"Thank you."

"But like I said Cedric, it'll be no harm at all. They'll be seeing her the moment after they're born anyway. It just depends on how many hours Sofia's in labor."

Sofia smiled at the thought before paling about the birthing process. She could be in pain for hours, fearing herself going into labor in the middle of the night.

"Don't worry, Sofia," Miranda smiled. "You know that Dr. Heydenberg, Dr. Broka, and the nurses are on call up until it's time for the girls to be born. And you know that everyone in the castle is going to help you too."

"We'll be with you too, Sof," James agreed. "We'll hold your hands or get whatever the doctors need."

"I appreciate that," Sofia smiled. She looked down at her baby bump. "It'll be strange without Anya and Lorelei kicking me."

"That'll happen," Amber smiled. "When Corban was born, Mother felt a little off for a few weeks afterwards."

"Not to mention exhausted most of the time," James added. "Mom appreciated our help big time."

"And I know I'll appreciate any help you give me," Sofia smiled.

"We're all going to be there for you, Sofia," Amber smiled.

"No matter what," Cedric promised.

The group turned their heads, seeing a guard near the doorway as Sofia stood up, being careful with her stepping.

"Is something wrong?" She wondered.

"You have a letter from your fiancé princess," the guard informed her. "It seems urgent though we're not entirely sure."

"Thank you. I'll open it once I get back to my seat."

The guard gave her a bow and left as Sofia's hands trembled. Hugo had only been gone for a few weeks. She hoped he was okay.

"Is everything okay, Sofia?" Miranda asked.

"Hugo's father is in the hospital," Sofia read the letter. "He has to have surgery, but Hugo says he'll be all right."

"That's good, but did he say what the problem is for?" Roland asked.

"It was an illness like Hugo said," Amber muttered, looking over Sofia's shoulder. "But as King Garrick got better, something happened for him to have surgery. His only hope right now is getting well enough to see his step granddaughters."

"He's got two months," James smiled, squeezing Sofia's hand. "Looks like Hugo added a little something about you and the girls Sof. Do you want to read it to us?"

"It just says he'll be back at the end of the month," Sofia read. "He and Axel are helping him and the doctors, and he can't wait to come back here and help me next."

"Just make sure you let Hugo rest too, Sof."

"Right. He's busy enough helping his father; we don't want him wearing himself out over me!"

"He won't wear himself out, Sof; we're all here to help you," James smiled.

"Besides having him back will decrease your moping around," Amber smirked.

"Hey!" Sofia pouted. "I do not mope over him!"

"Then explain the talks to Anya and Lorelei about him."

"I'm just trying to fill them in on what's going on. They know Hugo's going to come back soon."

"We all know that, and we know he'll be back here with you before you know it," Miranda smiled.

"And we know Anya and Lorelei will enjoy hearing him again," Roland grinned.

"Yes they will be," Cedric agreed. "But what about the one who's been with them for all seven months?"

"Don't worry Mr. Cedric. They like hearing you too," Sofia assured. She smirked a little. "Are you getting jealous?"

"Of course not. I want to be part of their lives too."

"You'll be one of the best parts of their lives. You and I'll teach them magic when they're older, you'll help me take care of them, you'll be one of their best friends, feel free to stop me at any time!"

"I'll stop when I need to," Cedric smirked. "Besides you'll be part of their whole lives. You'll get to hold them when they're born, you'll get to see them off to Royal Prep, you'll have to explain the amulet when they get curious. Should I go on?"

Sofia blushed, putting a hand to her lips. "I think that'll do. Thank you."

"But perhaps I'll take one of your suggestions and enchant necklaces for each of them. The last thing we want is for the girls to fight over the amulet. But like it does for you, I'll enchant the necklaces with abilities when they do good deeds."

"That's right, Mr. Cedric, when in doubt improvise!"

"What about cursing them when they do bad deeds?" James suggested.

"James, do you really think they could do such a thing?" Sofia joked.

"Hey nobody's perfect all the time."

"Oh, I can see them doing something wrong," Cedric smirked. "As soon as we say the names to scold them, the girls will tear up and we won't be able to stay angry!"

"Or they'll give you Amber's 'I'm-the-cutest-person-in-the-world' look and we still won't be able to stay angry!" Sofia giggled. "But we'll deal with that when and if they do something they shouldn't."

"But if they really do bad deeds, I won't curse them. I'll just hold off on giving them a new ability until they learn their lesson."

"But what ability to give them? Talking to animals? Mermaids? Shrinking?" Amber smiled.

"Just depends on their good deed," Sofia yawned. "I'll wait until they're eight to give them their enchanted necklaces. That's how old I was when I got the amulet."

"Alright everyone let's let a tired Sofia lie," Miranda suggested. "Unless you want to carry her to her room again Cedric."

"I'd like that," Cedric smiled. "And Sofia, there's lots of time to decide when to give the girls their necklaces and what their abilities will be."

"You're right," Sofia smiled as Cedric took her in his arms. "And thank you, everyone, for the baby shower! I'm sure I'll put all these presents to good use."

"Anything for you, my dear."