Chapter Fifthteen

No nightmares. Amber was thankful for that as she dreamed. Rapunzel was there again. It'd been awhile since her last visit.

"What are you doing here?" Amber asked. "Sofia's fine. Well physically at least."

"That's good," Rapunzel smiled warmly.

"Emotionally... Well it's complicated."

"I see. But you've gotten better Amber. You've been risking it all this whole time."

Amber frowned. "Rapunzel, I don't feel like I've done enough for her. Sofia's herself but it's not the old her."

"That's because what's happened has been a huge change for her," Rapunzel reasoned. "It's nothing that you've done to her but Sofia is trying to recover from her trauma."

"Trauma?"

"Yes. What those boys did is her emotional trauma."

Amber had to smile a little. Rapunzel's explanation was making sense.

But Sofia was still her concern.

Amber hadn't forgotten her promise she made nearly a month ago. Even if it was her hair that was emotionally affecting her little sister at the moment.

Rapunzel gently patted her shoulder, kneeling down to her level. Amber had to hide a chuckle. She now understood why Sofia hated that. Possibly being the shortest and the baby of the family didn't help.

"You have been risking it all lately," Rapunzel commented. "You really love your sister don't you?"

Amber shrugged her shoulders. "Sofia's the baby of the family. Everyone loves her."

"Is it just for that? Because she's the baby of your family?"

"Well it's complicated. We just want her to take everything one day at a time."

"That's what Mom says sometimes. Even though it takes me longer to fully understand it," Rapunzel smiled.

Before Amber could say anything else, she felt herself being gently awake.

"Princess Amber?" Baileywick asked. He smiled, seeing her look up. "There you are. It's not like you to sleep the day away."

"Sorry Baileywick. I guess my dream ran away from me," Amber yawned. "Where's Sofia?"

"Physical therapy with your brother."

"This early? It's not even noon."

"You know your sister, the faster she can learn to walk, the more active she'll be," The steward smiled. "On her vanity is a tray with strawberries fresh from the garden for you Princess Amber. Nothing like a berry to make your day more merry."

"Thank you Baileywick. Tell Sofia I'm sorry I wasn't able to attend will you?" Amber requested.

"It shall be done my lady. Have a good breakfast."

Amber thanked him with a smile, walking to the vanity.

"Baileywick didn't say anything about this," She muttered, seeing a note next to the strawberries.

Dear Amber,

I didn't want to interrupt you sleeping so I went out with Mom's help to pick out strawberries for your breakfast.

I know they're not exactly your favorite but it can't hurt to try something new. I hope you enjoy them.

With much love- Sofia.

Amber put down the note and smiled. Sofia's penmanship was getting better than it had been even before the attack.

As she nibbled on a strawberry, Amber looked down and noticed rabbit fur against her feet. She giggled, realizing it was only Clover and picked him up.

"I imagine Sofia's gotten after you for hiding under her vanity," Amber smirked. "Though I wish you'd understood how much fur you leave on her gowns."

Clover sniffed her, putting a paw to her cheek before hopping on the vanity and ate two strawberries. Amber sighed playfully and shook her head.

How has Sofia not put you on a diet yet? She thought in amusement, taking him off before he could eat the rest of her breakfast.

After breakfast, and giving what remained of her strawberries to Clover, Amber went into Sofia's bathroom to bathe. The warm water soaked her skin the moment she was in the tub, relaxing her mind from the previous day's events.

Amber knew she didn't have to ask Sofia permission if she could bathe like she would with James or their parents. Sofia once said that since they were both girls and if one of them needed to freshen up but were on a time schedule, permission to bathe in the other's tub was invalid. Just as long as she cleaned herself up afterwards.

Amber usually did clean up after herself, throwing away wet, dead locks of blonde hair that had fallen from her head during the bath.

She frowned as she washed her hair, remembering the fuzz of hair on Sofia's head. After her panic attack and everyone had left for the night, Amber had to comfort Sofia who had started crying upon seeing the fuzz of hair on her head in the vanity mirror.

It was only after assurances that she wasn't ugly and that the princes, Hugo included, would still think of her as pretty that Amber had witnessed her little sister falling asleep peacefully and with her right thumb in her mouth.

Amber found her thoughts interrupted by knocking as she got out of the tub. Being modest, she covered her body with a towel before opening the door.

"Violet! I didn't hear you! I apologize!" Amber gasped.

"No need my lady. I just came in to drop off one of your gowns and a pair of bloomers," Violet smiled. "Mr. Baileywick said you were in here. I hope I wasn't interrupting anything."

"Oh no. I was just finishing up."

"Looks like you didn't hold your towel tight enough."

"But I usually..." Amber paused, realizing that the towel she had wrapped around her waist was slowly starting to unravel, revealing one of her nipples. With a blush, she covered it back up. "Thank you for that Violet. I wouldn't want anyone to see me immodest."

"You're welcome Princess Amber," Violet smiled. "Take as much time as you need to get ready."

Amber got dressed slowly, feeling the water drip against her back. It was calming down the worries she was having over Sofia. Her little sister would be tired after physical therapy, having Amber hope she could see her before Miranda would put Sofia down for a nap.

Amber had just finished getting dressed and opened the door, only to hear Sofia's bedroom door creak. She frowned, hearing small sniffles.

"You lucky it's only a sprain Sof," James smiled.

"What sprain?" Amber asked, seeing Sofia turn away.

"Sof did a misstep during her physical therapy and tripped on her gown, spraining her ankle."

"And she feels terrible for it?"

"She wanted to surprise you with how far she could walk now," James explained.

"Sofia doesn't have to. I've been proud of her even before her physical therapy," Amber smiled.

"You mean it?" Sofía asked.

It looked like she'd been crying for only a few minutes as Amber nodded and gently hugged her. A patch of hair was next to the small fuzz from the day before as Amber gently stroked it, making Sofia giggle.

The noise was relief to the twins' ears as it'd been awhile since any of them actually heard a real Sofia giggle.

A real Sofia giggle and not one of the shy or almost forced giggles Sofia presented lately.

"I'm sorry for messing up," Sofia said, catching her breath. "I just had to wear a long gown today!"

"Sofia, that doesn't matter," Amber assured. "James told me you wanted to surprise me but I don't need anymore. Your healing has been enough of a surprise."

"Where did he go anyway?"

"To inform Baileywick and possibly Mom and Daddy about your sprain."

"What happened to calling her Mother?" Sofia smiled.

"Well there's been changes lately so I figured I made one of my own," Amber smirked.

Sofia's smile widened before she hugged herself. "Amber, can I tell you something? Just between us?"

"You're my sister. You shouldn't have to ask permission to tell me anything."

"I know but I've been thinking about dropping the Flying Derby once I'm completely healed."

Amber placed a hand to her mouth to conceal the gasp coming from her lips. "Wait what?"

"I know it's a shock but the stables bring back the memories and then there's my panic attacks. Yes Minimus may be better about riding in the derby but I'm not. I know I'll be disappointing everyone for doing this but..."

"Sofia, as much as I would've enjoyed the three of us together in Flying Derby, I respect your wish."

Amber noticed tears in her little sister's eyes before hugging her tightly. Sofia had been through so much and if she wanted to drop out of the Flying Derby, Amber didn't care. She shushed Sofia's sobs by gently rubbing her back and humming the song that Princess Jasmine once sung to them.

"I know you can't really walk right now but it doesn't mean we can't do something together," Amber smiled.

"Like chess?" Sofía suggested. "We haven't done that in awhile."

"That's because I always let you win and the last time we did play chess, you wanted the pieces to float so you used the floating spell Cedric taught you only for one of the pieces to hit James in the eye."

"Amber, that was his fault for interrupting us."

The sisters giggled before Amber ventured off to get the chess board and pieces as Sofia noticed Miranda coming in the room.

"James told us about the sprain," She muttered. "Does it hurt?"

"A little but not too bad," Sofia confessed. "Amber and I are going to play a round of chess on my bed."

"Alight but please no floating pieces this time. We don't need any of your children getting another eye injury."

"James only had to wear that eye patch for a week!"

"Now that he enjoyed!" Miranda chuckled. "But please non moving chess pieces would be a blessing."

"Okay," Sofia sighed mockingly. "Boring chess pieces it is then."

Miranda kissed her cheek lovingly. "Thank you. Just don't overwhelm yourself."

Sofia nodded with a smile, seeing Amber come back with the chess board and pieces.

…

"Checkmate!"

Amber squealed excitedly as she placed her piece over Sofia's. Miranda had left after ten minutes of the game, leaving the sisters against each other for the last hour.

Sofia gasped in disbelief. "You beat me?"

"I was going to let you win," Amber smirked, wishing she could draw her little sister's agape mouth. "But you've gotten enough sympathy as it is that I had to win this round."

"I can see why James hates this game."

"Oh he's only like that because chess is a prince's game. Though I wanted to thank you for the strawberries this afternoon."

"Oh you're welcome," Sofia smiled. "I didn't want to wake you so I had Mom help me. Amber, what did I do to deserve you?"

"If you had asked that a year ago, I would've ignored you!" Amber chuckled.

"A year ago you'd be complaining about the dirt and 'smelly' horses," Sofia agreed. She looked at Amber and squeezed her hand. "I remember your chicken phobia after Dad's baker wish. It was only for awhile but you wouldn't even eat it because chickens brought back memories of you being chased by one."

Amber brushed her hair back in embarrassment. "That was rather silly of me. To fuss over a feathery bird."

"I don't think it was silly. Even if chickens don't scare you as much anymore, you still tremble around them."

Amber couldn't deny that. Chickens still made her uncomfortable from time to time. Chickens to her was what the stables were to Sofia except her little sister had an actual reason to be fearful.

Sofia had been attacked and it would take months if not years before she would fully heal.

"But it's not like you and the stables," Amber reminded Sofia. "I got over the chickens within a few weeks. You and the stables? I have no idea how long that'll be."

"It's nobody's fault but those boys," Sofia assured. "And if it takes me until I'm Mom or Dad's age to get over it, I don't care."

"But you haven't let this fear take over you. You're always so talkative with Minimus and the other horses that I have to slow you down before you overwhelm yourself."

"You forget about the crawling and walking. Someone always stops me before I get too far."

"That's because you're always in a hurry to get somewhere!" Amber chuckled. "We've told you to slow down so you don't get tired easily."

"I can't do that!" Sofia pouted. She crossed her arms. "Another round of chess! But I'm winning this time!"

Amber gave her a look of "You're on" before settling back up the chess board. Maybe it was her sympathy talking but she would let Sofia win just this one.

…

Laughter and playfully bickering with one another was what James had witnessed upon opening the door to Sofia's bedroom. He had come to get Amber for a gown fitting that she had understandably forgotten about from weeks ago before the attack. Yet he couldn't help but watch Sofia's bangs fall as she turned to Amber with a playful smirk on her face.

"It's too bad my king will take your queen's spot in a few minutes," She mused.

"Oh really? Why is that?" Amber teased, waving her fan to her face before putting it down.

Sofia giggled, moving her king piece and held up a fist in victory. "Check and mate!"

James saw through Amber's mock frown, holding back a laugh. His twin had let Sofia win again on purpose.

Sofia was the baby of the family and despite how rarely upset she would get, even he had surrendered to a quivering lip once or twice.

James watched as Sofia gave Amber a mocking quivering lip. While he hated to intrude on their fun, James tapped Amber on the shoulder.

"James!" Amber gasped. "What is it?"

"Your gown fitting. Remember? The one you made before the attack?" James smirked. "I came to get you for it."

"Reschedule it. I'm rather busy."

"Chess with Sof isn't busy."

"Amber, go. You had it scheduled for WEEKS!" Sofia smiled. "Besides I'll be fine with James."

"All right but if anything happens, have him get me," Amber smiled.

"You two have been attached at the hip since all this. That's usually a twin thing," James mused once Amber had left.

He gently stroked the patch of hair on Sofia's head before kissing her forehead. It would be nearly a week before his little sister's curls would grow back to where they once were. If not, it would be Sofia's decision on letting it grow back normally.

Now wasn't the time for fury over Maxwell's cruelty. Warm browns looked at worried blues as James squeezed Sofia's hand.

"I'll always have your back Sof," he promised. "Just because Amber's been by your side more, doesn't mean I've forgotten about you."

"Even as the baby of the family?" Sofia smirked.

"Hey you're little, you're the shortest one here, and let's not forget that time you fell asleep the moment we got in the carriage to go home after Wassailia."

"Looking for Dad was exhausting."

"It was a miracle you were awake for the Wassailia party," James mused.

"Amber nudged me in the ribs. That hurt James," Sofia frowned.

"She forgot you were asleep Sof. Amber did apologize for it later."

"I know she did. James if none of this had happened, do you think Amber would be how she is now?"

"Attack or no attack, you should know she'll protect the baby of the family no matter what," James teased. He noticed Sofia looking away. "Oh I see. It's about your bond."

"We wouldn't be as close now if I hadn't been so stupid," Sofia muttered.

"Sofia, you weren't stupid. You were yourself. So a few boys got an attitude about it and one of them still hates you for it?" So what?! You're my sister and if any boy messes with you, Amber and I will be there."

"Mostly you James. You punched Hugo in the face after the Flying Derby tryouts."

"He couldn't knock you off Minimus and get away with it," James smiled.

"You were lucky no one saw that!" Sofia giggled. "Except for Amber who cheered you on."

James went over to the window seat, gently throwing one of the pillows at Sofia's face. Sofia caught it and threw it back, giggling at James' mock groans of pain.

"En garde!" She cried from her spot on the bed, flinging the end of one of her pillows.

James grinned, grabbing the end of the pillow she had thrown at him. Baileywick would scold them later for the feathers but it was like old times.

Just without the swords.

James remembered Sofia's healing body and reminded himself to be careful. But he wondered what to call their playtime if anyone asked about it.

Pillow sword fighting? Yeah. That sounded good.

James kept his eye on Sofia, making sure she wasn't getting tired. She may have been active but was easily fragile.

He was careful not to bruise her as Sofia threw the pillow she had been swinging at his stomach.

"Sorry James!" Sofia giggled.

"You're lucky I don't want to bruise you Sof," James smirked.

"And you're lucky most of the bruises I have are faded."

"Oh? So you think you're win?"

Sofia placed a hand to her lips before letting a giggle escape. "I can't move from the bed because of my sprain so if you pardon me then all I can say is yes. I'll win and you'll be none the wiser."

James rolled up his sleeves, giving her a playful glare. "You're on! Until Baileywick brings in your dinner tray."

Sofía nodded in agreement. All resting and no playing made her a dull princess.

….

With the royal children, laughter and playfulness within the castle halls were commonplace as Baileywick opened the door to Sofia's room. He noticed the feathers around the floor, the step stool, and Sofia's bed, shaking his head.

Scolding a helpful James and a smiling Sofia at the moment wasn't what the steward had in mind.

"Sorry Baileywick," Sofia apologized, taking some of the feathers off her bed. "James and I were just playing."

Baileywick smiled, gently kissing her hand. "A little too much it seems. But I'll get it cleaned up. In the meantime, I hope you're feeling better Princess Sofia."

"She's stayed in bed all day," James assured. "You'll be surprised how well she obeys that order."

"Believe me Prince James I know."

Sofia looked at the tray in front of her and picked up one of the carrots with a fork. Baileywick clearly had Chef Andre make some of her favorite food as the steward knew everything about her like Miranda did.

She appreciated it as while she ate, she watched James help Baileywick with the feathers.

The steward would look back at her just to make sure she was alright. He knew Sofia could handle herself but she was the youngest and since the attack, it only made Baileywick care for her more.

It could be said that it was his job to care for all three royal children but to Baileywick it was more than a job as he watched James pick up the remaining feathers. It was his livelihood.

His thoughts were cut off by Sofia yawning as Baileywick picked up her tray.

"You ate everything Princess Sofia?" He asked.

"I had a small lunch," Sofia admitted. "I just wish I hadn't caused anymore trouble today."

"It's just a sprain Princess Sofia. You'll be better in a week."

"I know. I should go up stairs with my good leg and down with my bad one?"

"Exactly," Baileywick smiled. He heard her yawn again. "Once I leave this room, Prince James better get you to sleep."

Sofia smiled, holding back a giggle. "Yes Baileywick."

Baileywick gave her a hug, careful with her hair as he stroked it before leaving the room.

Okay not quite.

With the door ajar, the steward watched as James assisted Sofia with getting ready for bed. From experience the younger princess could be cranky if tried, having Baileywick softly chuckle when Sofia fussed that she wasn't tired.

After a bickering of am sos and am nots seemingly vanished into thin air, Baileywick stepped back from the door just as James was singing Sofia to sleep.

It was best not to disturb them for Baileywick knew Amber would need him in a few minutes just for assurances of her little sister's wellbeing during her absence.

And if it wasn't her, it would be Roland scheduling Sofia's physical therapy at a reasonable hour. Since the attack, Baileywick's job had only increased but he didn't mind.

Everyone in the castle mattered to him.

He wasn't the one who did everything without any hassle for nothing.

"Ah Princess Amber," Baileywick smiled, seeing her come to him rather than the other way around for once. "Your sister's just fine. She ate dinner and is currently sleeping."

"Was it my night to be with her?" Amber asked, straightening her tiara. "I lost track of time with my gown fitting."

"No it's your brother's night."

"Thank you Baileywick. I need a moment with you anyway."

"Why is that?" The steward wondered.

"You'll think it's silly but with Sofia's well everything do you think she'll be herself again? Her old self?" Amber questioned.

"It's not silly at all Princess Amber. I believe everyone here has thought of that, myself included, and to be frank it'll unfortunately take awhile before that happens."

"That's not fair!"

Baileywick could see tears of frustration in Amber's eyes, handing her a handkerchief. She accepted with a teary smile, wiping away the tears before they could roll down her face.

"I-I'm sorry about that," Amber said.

Baileywick placed a hand on her shoulder. "It's not my first time seeing you burst into tears Princess Amber and it won't be the last." He pushed back some fallen locks of hair from her face. "Princess Sofia will go through a lot even after everything's over and while I know you and your brother will do your best to help, if you feel like you can't handle it, just know I'll be around to talk to if you need it."

Amber hugged him before scurrying off. Possibly to check on her sister before her own departure for bed, having Baileywick smile at the thought.

"Baileywick! There you are!" Roland called. "Miranda and I were hoping to clear Sofia's schedule because of her sprain ankle for the next week."

"Everything except for her school schedule was cleared this afternoon your majesty," Baileywick assured.

"Thank you. We wouldn't be able to get through all this without your help," Miranda added with a smile.

"It's my pleasure Miranda. The children matter to me as much as they do to you and Roland."

Seeing the couple smile at his words, Baileywick couldn't help but form one of his own. The children really did matter to him.

Especially in a time of uncertainty and hardship.