After a few minutes, the picnic was ready. They all sat with their plates of food in front of them.
Sofia took a deep breath. "I have something important to tell you guys. Des already knows about it." She started.
"What is it, Sof?" James asked. He seemed a bit uneasy because Sofia talked with Des. He hoped that they didn't talk about courtship.
She took another deep breath. "I... I plan on stepping down as protector of the EverRealm." Sofia said. She looked down at the grass, not sure how they'd take the news. Everyone, except Desmond, stopped chewing their food and stared at her with surprised faces and big eyes.
"What?!" Amber and James exclaimed.
"Why do you want to stop being a protector, Sofia?" Hugo asked.
"Like I told Des, I have a few reasons... like I'm about to turn 18... I need to look for a suitor eventually... and once I get married... I need to be settled down. I love being a protector... but it can effect my future. Remember how it was when we went to EverRealm Academy, Amber?" Sofia explained.
"Yeah... you had to miss some important lessons and I had to take extra notes for you." Amber said.
"And sometimes you were so tired, that you missed dinner and went straight to bed." Added James.
"You have my support, Sofia. I get what you're trying to say. It's hard work." Hugo said.
"You have ours too, Sof." James said. Amber nodded.
"Thank you." Sofia smiled. "I'm going to the Mystic Isles after our picnic, to talk to the other protectors." She said.
"I'll go with you, Sof. There's no way I'm letting you go alone." James said.
"Me either." Hugo added.
"That's really sweet of you two but..." Sofia didn't look at Hugo or James in the eyes.
"What?" James asked.
"Des already agreed to come with me when I asked him earlier." Sofia said.
"You what?!" Hugo asked.
"Sof, why did you ask Desmond instead of me?! I- I'm your brother!" James asked with his arms crossed.
Amber decided to end the dispute. "You two need to stop. It's Sofia's choice on who she wanted to take in the first place. And like she said before, she didn't talk much with Desmond this morning. James, you see Sofia everyday. And Hugo, you spent almost all morning talking with her. I know Desmond and Sofia want to talk with each other, too." She said.
James and Hugo had their arms crossed. They knew Amber was right, so they stayed silent until James thought of something. "Hey Sof, when are you going to tell mom and dad about not being a protector anymore?" He asked.
"Oh, I haven't thought about it yet... hmm... I might tell them before I leave I guess." Sofia said. James nodded.
"So Sofia, will you and Desmond ride on Skye to the Mystic Isles?" Amber asked.
"I think we will." She said and turned to Desmond. "Des, would you feel comfortable riding on a unicorn?" Sofia asked him.
"Yeah. I'll be fine with it, Sofia. Don't worry." He smiled.
"Great!" Sofia said cheerfully. They all ate and talked some more
"Sofia, what color did you choose for your gown? You know, for your ball?" Desmond asked.
"It's going to be a champagne-gold color. Why do you ask?" Sofia asked. She sort of knew what his answer was going to be but asked anyways.
"Because I want to wear a suit that'll match the color of your dress." He said.
"Well, you're not the only one that's asked her that Desmond..." Amber said.
"What do you mean, Amber?" He asked.
"I've asked her that! You asked her that?! Yes, I've asked her that!" James and Hugo exclaimed angrily at each other.
"Guys..." Sofia intervened.
"Sorry." Hugo and James said.
"Sorry, Sofia. I- I didn't know..." Desmond frowned, looking down at the grass.
"It's okay, Des. Don't be sad, you can still get a suit to match my dress if you still want to." Sofia smiled.
"I will." Desmond smiled back. "So, will you and your dad dance the first waltz at your ball? Or will someone else dance with you?" He asked. Desmond wanted to know because he remembered for Amber and James' ball, they danced the first waltz together since they're twins. He hoped he had a chance to dance the first waltz with Sofia if her father wasn't going to dance with her. That's when Hugo and James stared in anger at him for asking her that. Then they stared at Sofia, waiting for her to answer.
"W-well... I haven't chosen who I'd like to dance with for the opening waltz yet." Sofia then turned to James. "James, wouldn't it make sense if you opened the waltz with me? Since you're going to to walk me down the steps after my grand entrance?" She asked him.
Hugo and Desmond were surprised to what Sofia just said. "He is?!" They exclaimed.
"I thought only a king or queen is able to open the waltz with their child." Hugo said.
James gave them both a glare. "Of course I'm walking her down the steps. I asked dad and he's okay with it since I did the same with Amber on our ball." He turned to Sofia and smiled. "I'll be happy to dance the opening waltz with you, Sofia." He said. She nodded and smiled back at him.
"Don't forget that each Kingdom has their own rules, Hugo. As for the Kingdom of Enchancia, one rule we have states that it does need to be a family member of the Royal Family, not necessarily a king or queen. It could be a brother, sister, cousin, and so on." Amber explained to him.
"Right..." Hugo said. James just rolled his eyes at him.
Sofia went to where Hugo was sitting and whispered in his ear. "Can I tell them about the ice dancing class we'll be taking?" She asked him.
Hugo smiled and nodded. "Sure, go ahead Sofia." He said.
Sofia sat back down at her spot. "I have something else to tell you guys." She said with a smile.
"What's that, Sofia?" Amber asked.
"Hugo and I will be joining an Ice Dancing class in December!" Sofia exclaimed happily.
"Y-you are, Sof?" James asked her.
"Yes, James. It's one of my favorite sports. Why do you sound so surprised?" Sofia said.
"Well, we haven't ice danced in a while Sofia. The last time we did was way back in Royal Prep." Amber pointed out.
Sofia just smiled. "I loved that class. I'm sure if I practice before the class starts, then I'll be fine." She said.
Hugo had an idea and smiled brightly. "We can practice at the ice rink at my castle, Sofia. Just like we did when we practiced for the Ice Dancing Recital." He said.
Sofia smiled even brighter. "I'd like that! But wouldn't the rink be unfrozen? Since it's still warm out?" She asked.
"I live in a cold climate kingdom, Sofia. Don't you remember? It's almost as cold as Freezenburg. The ice rink out front won't ever melt, unless it's extremely hot outside which rarely happens." Hugo said.
"That explains why you're a good skater." Sofia chuckled.
"I'll take that as a compliment. And you weren't bad yourself. You only needed some extra practice." Hugo said.
"And thanks to you, I've gotten better. Thank you, Hugo." Sofia went over to him and hugged him.
Hugo couldn't help but blush a bright red. "Anytime, Sofia. Whenever you need me, I'll always be there for you." He said to her.
James looked at him with anger in his eyes, while Desmond stared angrily at the grass while having his arms crossed.
"Sofia, you do realize that you were one of the best ice dancers when we went to Royal Prep right?" Amber said.
"Oh, Amber. I wasn't that good." Sofia said.
"Yes you were, Sof. I agree with Amber on this one. Everyone from Royal Prep even said so." James added.
"If I am, it's because of Hugo. He's definitely the best Ice Dancer when we went to Royal Prep." Sofia said, smiling at him.
"Why do you think I went to the Corinthian Sports School?" Hugo chuckled. "I took ice dancing classes there, but it just wasn't the same without you, Sofia." He said to her.
Sofia couldn't help but blush bright red until she heard some music. "Hey, do you guys hear that?" She asked.
"Hear what?" James asked her.
"Music. Listen..." Sofia said.
"It sounds like it's coming from the ballroom. Let's go check." Amber said.
Everyone nodded. Amber went with Hugo and James, even though they wanted to walk with Sofia but Amber pulled them both away. Sofia started to clean up the picnic, with Desmond helping her. After they finished, they walked back to the castle. Desmond, being the gentleman that he is, carried the picnic basket and held out his arm for Sofia to take. She smiled and held on to it. Once inside the castle, they bumped into Violet, one of Sofia's maids and friend. She curtsied when she saw them.
"Violet, can you take this picnic basket back into the kitchen, please?" Sofia asked politely.
"Of course, Princess Sofia." Violet took the basket from Desmond and left them alone.
"Let's go to the ballroom, Des." Sofia said. Desmond nodded. When they arrived, indeed there was music playing. They saw Baileywick, as well as Amber, James and Hugo standing in a mini circle.
"I wonder what's going on." Desmond said.
"Me, too. Hmm... I'll ask Baileywick." Sofia said.
Baileywick saw them and went over to where they were standing. "Ah Princess Sofia, Prince Desmond you've arrived." He smiled at them.
"Hi Baileywick! Why is there music playing?" Sofia asked.
"It's for your ball, Princess Sofia. I was about to get you because we weren't sure what kind of music you'd like, so we're playing different kinds of ballroom music. Do you like it?" Baileywick asked her.
"Yes, I do!" Sofia smiled. "This song reminds me of my first ever waltz with dad when he threw my debut ball when I first became a princess." She said happily.
"Perfect! I'll tell the band to play music just like this." Baileywick said.
"Thanks, Baileywick." Sofia said.
"Anytime, Princess Sofia. Enjoy the music!" He said as he bowed and went away.
That's when Desmond decided to have a dance with Sofia. He was nervous on asking her, but he grew confidence because he knew she'd want him to be confident. He also didn't want James or Hugo to ask her before he did. He bowed to her. "S-Sofia, w-would you like to d-dance?" He stuttered.
Sofia smiled and curtsied in return. "I'd love to, Des." She said.
They began to waltz around the ballroom with Amber smiling at them. "Oh, look! How cute are they?" She said to James and Hugo. They were both confused until they saw what was happening. They were furious on what they were seeing. They couldn't believe that Desmond was brave enough to ask Sofia to dance with him. Desmond didn't pay much attention to them, as he was having a good time with Sofia.
"What are the Mystic Isles like, Sofia?" He asked her.
"It's such a wonderful and magical place, Desmond. There's many wonderful creatures that we don't see here in the EverRealm. It's sort of hard to explain but once we're there, you'll see what I mean." Sofia said.
He smiled and nodded. They stared into each other's eyes, smiling at each other. James and Hugo really wanted to break them apart, but since Amber was with them, she wouldn't allow them to do so. They both watched sadly and angrily until the song finished. When it did, Amber went up to them. "You guys are so cute together! You danced wonderfully, too!" Amber squealed.
"Amber..." Desmond and Sofia said. They both blushed bright crimson, looking away from each other.
"What? It's true! Anyways, shouldn't you tell mother and father about not being a protector, Sofia?" Amber asked.
"Oh, right!" Sofia turned to Desmond. "Want to come with me, Des?" She asked him.
"Of course, Sofia." He said.
"Do you guys want to come, too?" Sofia asked the others.
"Yes!" Hugo and James exclaimed.
"I would love to join, but I'm going to head to my room. I want to keep working on my gown. I'll see you guys later." Amber said as she walked away.
"Bye, Amber." Sofia said. She then turned to the princes. "Promise me that you guys won't fight." She said to them.
They looked at each other and nodded, even though they were reluctant to do so. "We promise." They said.
"Good, now let's get going. I think mom and dad are in dad's study." Sofia said. She decided to walk in front of the princes, so they won't fight over who'd be walking with her. As they made it up the steps to the second floor, Baileywick appeared.
"Prince James, a letter has arrived for you from the Kingdom of Khaldoun." Baileywick said as he handed the letter to him.
"Thank you, Baileywick." James said.
"Your welcome." Baileywick bowed, then left.
"I think that letter might be from Khalid, James." Sofia said.
"I think you're right, Sof. He must've replied to the letter I sent him." James said as he opened the letter.
He read it and smiled. "Khalid says he'd be happy to help. He needs me to visit Khaldoun as soon as I can, so he can take my measurements and he wants me to choose what kind of fabrics and colors I'll like. Brilliant!" James exclaimed.
"James, why don't you go now? You don't have anything planned, do you?" Sofia asked.
"I don't... but I don't want to leave you with these two." James motioned to Desmond and Hugo.
Hugo and Desmond had their arms crossed, staring at him angrily.
"I'll be fine, James. You don't need to worry about me. You should go, I'm sure Khalid will be happy to talk with you. And you haven't seen each other in a while." Sofia said to him.
James thought about it. "Hmm... fine. I'll tell you everything when I get back." He said.
"Okay." Sofia nodded and smiled.
James went over to where Sofia stood and hugged her.
"J-James, why are you hugging me?" Sofia blushed. "You're only going to Khaldoun." She said.
"I know... but you never know what could happen. I'll see you later, Sof." He said, releasing her.
"See you, James." She said in return.
James went off to the front of the castle, to get a coach ready to take him to Khaldoun. Sofia went on her way with Desmond and Hugo to her father's study.
"Sofia, what was that about?" Desmond asked.
"And why did James write to Khalid?" Hugo also asked.
Sofia was a little hesitant answering their questions because she wasn't sure if James would be okay with her telling them, but she thought that they should know about it. They were going to know some way or another.
"Okay... I'll tell you guys. So when Amber and James found out that I'd be having a birthday ball, James said he wanted to get a suit to match my gown, since he'll be walking down the steps with me. I suggested to him that he could ask Khalid to make a suit for him, since he went to the School of Royal Fashions. He loved the idea and wrote a letter to him. I also told Amber that Hildegard could make a gown for her, since she also went to the School of Royal Fashions but Amber decided to make her own gown instead, to improve more on her sewing skills. And the letter Khalid just sent to James confirms that he'll make a suit for him. He needs James to go to his kingdom for measurements and other things for his suit." Sofia explained.
"Oh, that... explains everything." Hugo said. He wished that he'd thought of asking Khalid to make a suit for him. Then he had an idea. 'I should ask Hildegard to make a suit for me. It'll definitely be one of a kind..." He thought.
"Sofia, since Amber is making her own gown for your ball, do you think she'd be able to make me a suit?" Desmond asked her.
"I'm sure Amber would be excited to make a suit for you, Des. After all, she'll have an idea on what looks good with what. We'll ask her when we get back from the Mystic Isles, okay?" Sofia said.
"Okay." Desmond nodded.
"I'll ask Hildegard if she can make me a suit. I'll need to send her a letter and see if she's willing to do it." Hugo said.
"I'm sure she'll be happy to make you one, Hugo." Sofia assured him.
"I just hope that she doesn't pay too much attention to me, not like when we went to Royal Prep..." Hugo said.
"Oh, Hugo. Don't forget, she might be with Zandar." Sofia reminded him.
"Oh yeah... I forgot Zandar has a huge crush on her. I wonder if they're together." Hugo said.
"James and I were discussing that, too. We think they are." Sofia said.
"Wait, isn't James Zandar's best friend? Wouldn't he already know?" Desmond asked.
"He would, Des. But they haven't hung out in so long. I'm pretty sure it has to do with him being busy with becoming heir to the throne, since he is an only child. But I hope he's able to come to my ball." Sofia smiled. "James was excited when I told him I was inviting him." She said.
"Who else are you going to invite, Sofia?" Desmond asked.
"Mainly our friends from Royal Prep and my best friends from the village." She answered.
"How nice." Desmond smiled.
They arrived at King Roland's study.
"You two have to wait here while I talk to my parents. So please... don't fight with each other." Sofia said to them.
"We won't Sofia, we promise." Hugo said sincerely to her. 'After she's done, I'll talk with her dad about courting her. And I'll need to talk to Desmond about some things...' He thought to himself.
"Thank you!" She said to them.
Sofia knocked on her father's door. "Mom, dad, it's Sofia. Can I come in?" She asked.
"Come in, Sofia." They said to her. She went in and closed the door behind her.