Skye has changed a bit in appearance. He's a much lighter blue than he was when Sofia first met him, since he is older. He still is polite, kind, and has great manners. To break the silence, Skye decided to ask Sofia something.

"My Princess, if I may ask, why do you need to talk with the other protectors?" He asked.

Sofia wasn't sure how to tell him because if she's not going to be a protector anymore, then Skye won't be her steed. Desmond turned around and saw Sofia's worried expression. He whispered to her. "Are you scared to tell him?" He asked.

"Yes, a little. If I tell Skye about it, then he won't be my steed to the Mystic Isles anymore. I'm not sure how he'll take the news." Sofia whispered back.

"I'm sure Skye will understand, Sofia. You should tell him. It'll be okay." Desmond assured her.

"Alright." Sofia nodded.

"Skye, I need to talk with the other protectors because... I'm going to tell them that... I can't be a protector anymore..." Sofia said slowly.

Skye gasped. "Really, my princess? But what'll happen when the other protectors agree? Will I not be your steed anymore?" He asked.

"Yes, Skye. And I'm not exactly sure about that... I'll ask the other protectors when we arrive." Sofia said.

Skye nodded sadly. He didn't want to lose one of his good friends. He hoped the other protectors will allow some option for him and Sofia to still see each other. Desmond noticed Skye looking sad. He petted his mane. "Don't worry, Skye. I'm sure the other protectors will figure out something so you and Sofia can still see each other in the EverRealm." He said kindly.

"Thank you, my prince. I hope you're right." Skye said.

When they arrived at the entrance to the Mystic Isles, Desmond couldn't believe his eyes. "Whoa... this place looks so... magical..." He said in awe.

"I told you you had to see for yourself." Sofia chuckled.

Eventually, they arrived at the place where the protectors always meet.

Desmond got down from Skye and offered his hand to Sofia. Sofia took it and got down from Skye. She went in front of Skye and petted his mane. "I know you're sad Skye, but I'll talk with the other protectors. I promise we'll still see each other." She assured him.

"Thank you, my princess." Skye said

"Do you want to come in with us or do you want to wait out here?" Sofia asked.

"I'll wait out here, my princess. Go on ahead." Skye said.

"Okay. We'll be back Skye." Sofia said to him. She then turned to Desmond. "Let's go, Des." She said.

Desmond nodded and took out his arm for her to take. She held onto it as they walked inside.

"Sofia! Long time, no see! What brings you here? Oh, is this your boyfriend?" Chrysta exclaimed.

The last part of her sentence took both Sofia and Desmond by surprise.

"Uh, hi Chrysta! We came so that I couldn't talk to the other protectors about... something important. And... this isn't my boyfriend. I'm allowed to start courting once I turn 18. This is one of my closest friends, Prince Desmond from the Kingdom of Knoxland. He agreed to come with me." Sofia explained.

"Great to meet you, Desmond! I'm Chrysta. I'm one of the protectors of the Mystic Isles and I was also Sofia's trainer before she became a protector."

"Good morrow, Chrysta." Desmond smiled and bowed.

"To be honest, you two make a really cute couple. I hope you two end up together in the future." Chrysta said, smiling at them.

Sofia and Desmond looked at each other and quickly looked away. They started to blush, hard.

"Aww, you two are blushing! How adorable!" Chrysta exclaimed.

"That's enough, Chrysta." Orion said, coming up behind her.

"Sofia and her friend came here to talk to us." He said.

"Orion! Where are the other protectors?" Sofia asked.

"They're at the round table at the end of the hall." I'll take you to them. We can talk there." Orion said.

"Great! Oh, and this is Desmond, one of my closest friends and the Prince of Knoxland. I think you recognize him from my graduation party a few years back." Sofia said.

"Ah, yes. Hello, Prince Desmond. I'm Orion, one of the protectors of the Mystic Isles. Welcome!" Orion said.

"Thank you, Orion." Desmond bowed and smiled.

Sofia, Desmond, and Chrysta followed Orion as he led them to where the other protectors were.

"Princess Sofia!" The other protectors exclaimed when they arrived.

"Hi, guys!" Sofia smiled and waved at them.

"Who's this young prince accompanying you, Sofia?" Vega asked.

"Everyone, this is Prince Desmond of Knoxland. He's one of my closest friends. He agreed to come with me today." Sofia smiled.

"Welcome to the Mystic Isles, Prince Desmond. I'm Vega, one of the protectors of the Mystic Isles." Vega said.

"Thank you, Vega. It's nice to meet you all." Desmond smiled.

"What brings you two here?" One of the other protectors asked.

"Well... I have something to talk to you guys about." Sofia said.

"Alright then." Vega said.

Sofia explained to the other protectors why she's decided to resign from being a protector.

"And that's why I came to talk to you all. I... I hope you're not mad at me..." Sofia looked at the floor.

The protectors looked at each other and then smiled at Sofia.

"We're not mad, Princess Sofia. We're glad you came and talked to us." Vega said.

"We understand your reasons why." Orion added.

"Do I need to return my enchantlet?" Sofia asked.

The protectors looked at each other, nodded, and smiled.

"You don't need to return it, Sofia. It's yours to keep." Chrysta smiled.

"Thank you!" Sofia smiled. "Oh, and what about Skye? He and I still want to see each other. We weren't sure if you'd let us do that or not." She said.

"You two will still be able to see and talk to each other, Sofia. You can come here to the Mystic Isles or Skye can go to the EverRealm. And I think you can still summon him too, in case you're in trouble." One of the other protectors said.

"Thank you all so much!" Sofia smiled brightly. She turned to Desmond. "I can't wait to tell Skye the news!" She exclaimed happily.

"I know he'll be happy to hear it, Sofia." Desmond smiled.

Sofia turned to the protectors. "Well we have to get going, it's getting late. Thank you for letting me talk to you all." She said.

"Thank you, Princess Sofia. You've done a fabulous job being a protector of the EverRealm. We hope to see you again soon." Orion said.

"I'll definitely be back to visit sometime soon! Bye guys!" Sofia smiled.

"Bye, Sofia!" The protectors said.

Sofia and Desmond made their way back to where they left Skye waiting.

"We're back Skye!" Sofia exclaimed.

"Climb aboard, my young royals." Skye smiled

Desmond got on Skye first and helped Sofia up.

"Thanks, Des." Sofia smiled.

Desmond smiled back at her. "Your welcome, Sofia." He said.

"Hey Skye, guess what?" Sofia said.

"What is it, my princess?" Skye asked.

"The other protectors said that we can still see each other! And anytime we want, too. They said I could go to the Mystic Isles or you can go to the EverRealm." Sofia exclaimed happily.

"How wonderful, my princess! I was worried that we wouldn't see each other anymore. You're such a good friend." Skye said.

"Me, too. One of the protectors said I could probably still summon you through my amulet, but I'll ask Mr. Cedric if I can still do that." Sofia said.

Skye smiled and he then thought about Minimus. "How's Minimus doing, my princess? Is he well?" He asked.

"Minimus is doing great, Skye! You and him should talk with each other soon. I know he has a lot to tell you." Sofia said.

"I can stay in the EverRealm for a bit when I drop you both off at your castle, my princess. I hope Minimus wouldn't mind me visiting him today. Where is he?" Skye asked.

"Yay! Minimus wouldn't mind at all. And he's in one of the stables at my castle. I can take you there once we've landed." Sofia said.

"Wonderful!" Skye exclaimed.

'I hope Hugo left Sofia's castle...' Desmond thought to himself.

"Thanks for coming with me, Des." Sofia smiled at him, breaking him away from his thoughts.

"Anytime, Sofia." Desmond smiled back.

They were starting to go down towards Enchancia.

"Hold tight, my young royals. It could get bumpy." Skye said.

Sofia was already holding onto Desmond, so she held onto him tighter. Desmond couldn't help but smile and blush. Then it started to become bumpy.

"Whoa!" Desmond and Sofia exclaimed.

Skye did his best to land softly on the grass.

"I'm so sorry for the bumpy landing, my young royals. I'm just not as young as I used to be." Skye apologized.

"It's okay, Skye. When I first rode Minimus, he had a few bumpy rides and landings too." Sofia said.

Skye landed on the grass. Desmond got off him first, helping Sofia down.

"Thanks, Des." Sofia said.

"Your welcome." Desmond said.

"Let's take Skye to see Minimus and then we can go inside to ask Amber about making you a suit." She said.

"Okay." Desmond nodded.

"Come Skye, we'll take you to Minimus." Sofia said.

"Yes, my princess. I'm right behind you." Skye replied.

Just then, James came running towards Sofia. It didn't really surprise her because he does that a lot. He noticed Skye and Desmond with her. James was still upset that Sofia asked him to go with her to the Mystic Isles instead of him. He decided that he was going to completely ignore him and just talk to Skye and Sofia.

"Sofia!" James called.

"Hi, James! We just got back from the Mystic Isles. How was Khaldoun?" Sofia asked as he stood in front of her.

"There's some things to tell, Sof. I'll tell you about it later. So, where are you going?" He asked.

"Desmond and I are taking Skye to see Minimus and then we're going to talk to Amber." Sofia said.

James smiled at Skye. "Nice to see you again, Skye. How are you?" He asked as he petted Skye's mane. Desmond knew James was ignoring him and had his arms crossed.

"Hello again, my prince. I'm good, thank you." Skye answered.

"That's good to hear." James said.

Sofia wanted James to leave because she didn't want him to do anything bad, since she was with Desmond. She knew it was getting close to dinner time. "James, maybe you should go back inside the castle and get ready for dinner. We're going to eat soon." She said kindly.

James didn't want to because of Desmond, but he couldn't say no to her. "Okay." He nodded and gave her a quick, tight hug.

"J-James!" Sofia blushed bright crimson. She felt slightly embarrassed but happy at the same time.

"See you later, Sof." James smiled at her.

"Bye, James." Sofia said, looking away from him. She turned to Desmond and Skye. "Let's go, guys." She said.

They both nodded. They all walked to the royal stables where Minimus was.

"Minimus! I've brought someone here to see you!" Sofia said happily.

All Desmond could hear from Minimus was his neighing because he can't understand animals like Sofia or Skye.

"Who came to see me?" Minimus asked.

"Hello, Minimus! Long time, no see." Skye said.

"Hi, Skye." Minimus smiled.

"We'll leave you two to talk. Oh and Minimus, you can tell Skye what I told you yesterday, to catch him up on things. I'll see you both later!" Sofia said.

"See you, Sofia!" Minimus said.

"Bye, my princess." Skye smiled.

Sofia and Desmond left the royal stables and walked back into the castle to Amber's room.

"Sofia, does James hug Amber the same way he hugs you?" Desmond asked.

Sofia thought for a moment. "I'm not sure, Des... I haven't seen them hug in a while... but I'm sure James hugs Amber the same way he hugs me." She said.

'I'll have to ask Amber about that, later.' Desmond thought. "Oh, okay." He said.

"I wonder if Hugo left the castle." Sofia said.

Desmond hated that she mentioned Hugo and since they haven't bumped into him at all, he was sure that Hugo left. "I guess we'll have to wait until dinner." He said.

Sofia was happy to hear what Desmond just said. "You'll stay for dinner?" She asked excitedly.

"Yes I will. I'll leave after it." Desmond smiled.

"Great!" Sofia said.

They made it to Amber's room. Desmond knocked on her door.

"Amber, it's Sofia and Desmond. Can we come in? We need to ask you something." Sofia said.

"Come in, guys." Amber said through the door.

They both walked in and saw Amber on her bed with tons of different cloths and fabrics of all sorts.

"Wow, Amber. You sure have been busy with your gown for my ball." Sofia smiled.

"Yes I have, Sofia." Amber smiled. "So what did you guys want to ask me?" She asked.

Sofia and Desmond looked at each other. Sofia nodded at him.

"I wanted to ask you if you could make me a suit for Sofia's ball. It's okay if you can't... I know your busy with your gown." Desmond said.

"I'd love to make you one, Desmond! I'll need to take your measurements and we'll need to talk about the colors you want to wear." Amber said.

"I'm going to go check on James. I'll leave you two to it." Sofia said, walking away.

"We'll see you at dinner, Sofia!" Amber said.

Sofia walked to James' room and knocked on his door. "James, it's Sofia. Can I come in?" She asked.

"Yes, come in Sof." James said through the door.

Sofia walked into his bedroom. James was sitting on the edge of his bed.

"Did Desmond finally leave?" He asked, hoping he did.

"No, he's in Amber's room. He asked her if she could make a suit for him for my ball and she said yes. And he's staying for dinner, too." Sofia smiled.

"Oh..." James said. He was sad that Desmond was still here and that he's joining their family for dinner.

"Do you know if Hugo left already?" Sofia asked.

"I'm sure he left, Sof. I would've bumped into him at some point if he were still here." James said.

"The next time I'll see him will be at my birthday ball, I guess." Sofia frowned.

"Don't be sad, Sof." James hated seeing her sad and he tried to think of something to make her feel better. Then he thought of it.

"Do you want me to tell you about what happened in Khaldoun?" He asked.

Sofia smiled and nodded. "Yes!" She exclaimed.

James smiled back. "Okay. So when I arrived at Khaldoun, Khalid was waiting for me on the castle steps. He's gotten taller since I last saw him." James started.

"Oh, about how tall?" Sofia asked.

"He's about Desmond's height." James said.

Sofia just nodded and James continued talking.

"So, we then went to his 'fashion room' and of course, he took my measurements and all that. He also told me something that I would never imagine happening. Has Vivian wrote anything to you recently, Sof?" James asked.

"I haven't received anything from her since last month. Why?" Sofia asked.

"Because... she and Khalid are courting!" James exclaimed.

"Really?! That's so A-mazing! Maybe Vivian didn't want to tell anyone yet and wants it to be a secret until my birthday ball comes." Sofia said.

"Maybe. I just can't believe they're courting. I'm happy for them." James said.

"Me, too." Sofia smiled.

Just then, Baileywick knocked and entered the room. "Prince James, Princess Sofia, dinner is ready." He said.

"Okay, we'll be right down." James said.

Baileywick bowed and left.

James got up and offered his arm to Sofia. "Let's go, Sof." He said.

Sofia smiled and nodded. "Okay." She said, holding onto James' arm.