Once making it back to Enchancia, Sofia and Desmond went to find Amber. She was in the throne room with King Roland. They were looking over some documents that Roland needs to approve.
"Hi, dad! Mind if we borrow Amber for a few minutes?" Sofia asked politely.
"Certainly, Sofia." Roland smiled.
"What do you two need?" Amber asked, going up to them.
"Can we go to your room?" Sofia asked.
Amber nodded.
Once in Amber's room, Desmond spoke.
"How's my suit coming along, Amber?" He asked.
"I'm almost done with it. I just need to add a few more accents to it and then it'll be complete." Amber smiled.
"Great." Desmond said.
"Do you know if James is back yet?" Sofia asked.
"He is. He came not that long ago. He asked where you were, Sofia." Amber said.
"Oh no... what did you tell him?" Sofia asked worriedly.
"That you were in the village and you would be back soon." Amber said.
"Good. I better go find him." Sofia said, excusing herself.
"Make sure to hide the flower in your hair before finding him, Sofia." Amber said.
Sofia nodded. "I will, Amber." She said, leaving the room.
After she left, Amber and Desmond were talking.
"Sofia told me that Hugo came to see her the last two days." Desmond said sadly.
"He did. They spent the whole day together yesterday." Amber said.
"Amber, do you think I can get your opinion on my song I plan to sing her on her birthday?" Desmond asked.
"I'd love to hear it, Desmond." Amber smiled.
"Great, thank you! All I need is a guitar. I left mine back because I didn't want Sofia to ask why I brought it with me." He said.
"We have a guitar in the music room. Follow me." Amber said.
Desmond nodded and followed her.
"Is your song the only thing you're giving Sofia for her birthday?" Amber asked.
"Uh, no. I also plan on giving her a beautiful custom made musical jewelry box. It's a lavender color and it has purple jewels on it. It also has her name engraved on it. I'm planning on putting the song I sing her in the musical part of the box, but I want a second opinion on my song before I add it. And the last thing I'm giving her is a beautiful bouquet of Ice Lilies because I remember her telling me that she thought it was a beautiful flower." Desmond explained.
"How are you going to get Ice Lilies? Aren't they in season when it's closer to Wassailia?" Amber asked.
"I'm growing some in my garden. I already planned on giving her a bouquet of them ahead of time." Desmond said.
"Smart move, Desmond." Amber smiled.
They made it to the music room. It's not as big as Vivian's, but it's a good sized room for the instruments Amber, James, and Sofia play. Amber found the guitar.
"Here." She said, handing it to Desmond.
"Thanks." He said, grabbing it.
"I'll listen whenever you're ready, Desmond." Amber said.
He nodded. He took a deep breath as he started playing the guitar and started singing. Once he was done, he put the guitar down. He felt a stronger connection to Amber after he sang her his song. 'Why do I feel even closer to Amber?' He thought. He then brushed off the feeling.
"So... what'd you think? Do you think Sofia will like it?" Desmond asked.
Amber couldn't think straight. She knew the song Desmond sang was meant for Sofia, but she felt as if it was sung for her. She now looked at him differently. 'Why do I feel so... weird? There's no way I like Desmond more than a friend... I can't like him more than that...' She thought.
"Amber?" Desmond asked. He snapped her out of her thoughts.
"Sorry, what did you say Desmond?" She asked.
"I asked you what you thought about my song." Desmond said.
"It was wonderful, Desmond! I know Sofia will like it. Did you write it yourself?" Amber asked, not looking at him.
"I did. I wrote it when we went to our chosen schools after Royal Prep. I started missing Sofia... and the words just... came to me. I wanted to sing it to her when she turned 16, but I just... couldn't pull myself to sing it to her then. I was nervous on what her reaction would've been." Desmond said.
"And now you will, when Sofia turns 18. She'll be very happy and excited hearing your song." Amber smiled, even though she felt somewhat hurt in the inside.
"Do you think it's good enough to put it into the musical jewelry box I'm going to gift her?" Desmond asked.
"It is. I doubt Sofia will ever get tired of hearing it." Amber said.
"Okay. I'll do that later tonight then." Desmond smiled.
"So, are you going to find Sofia before you leave? She'll want to say goodbye to you." Amber said.
"Yeah, I'm just hoping she's not with James when I look for her." Desmond said.
Meanwhile, Sofia quickly went to her room to put away the flower Desmond gave to her. She went to the chest that was at the foot of her bed and opened it. She found an empty box and put the flower in it, so it wouldn't be mixed up with the ones Hugo has given her. She then was looking for James. He wasn't in his room, so she figured he could be somewhere else in the castle or outside. Sofia was near the Dining Hall when a certain someone covered Sofia's eyes with their hands from behind her.
"Who's covering my eyes?" Sofia asked, nervously.
Sofia didn't get an answer. She didn't know who it could be, so she assumed it would be either Desmond or James. "James?" She asked.
"I didn't think you would get it, Sof." James smiled, taking his hands off.
"I was actually trying to find you. For a second I thought you were someone else." Sofia admitted.
"Who else would it be? I'm the only prince here." James said.
Sofia laughed nervously. "Right, you are." She said, knowing that Desmond was in the castle as well.
"What's wrong, Sof? You seem nervous." James said.
"Nothing. Nothing's wrong, James." Sofia said, not looking at him.
"I don't believe you. I can tell when you're not telling the truth, Sof." James said.
"Alright... Desmond is... here in the castle." Sofia said, still not looking at him.
"He's here?!" James exclaimed.
"He is. He came to ask Amber about his suit." Sofia said.
"Good. As long as he's not near us, I'll be okay with him being here." James said.
"That's a relief." Sofia said quietly to herself. "So how was Khaldoun? Did Khalid give you your suit?" She asked.
"He did. It looks brilliant, Sof! I can't wait for you to see it soon." James smiled.
"Me too." Sofia smiled back.
Just then, there were some princesses and a prince that called to Sofia and James.
"Sofia!" Exclaimed Vivian and Jun.
"James!" Jin called.
Sofia and James turned to see who called them. They smiled at each other and ran to where their friends were. Vivian still wears her signature magenta color. Her black hair is quite long, hitting just above her lower back. She doesn't have bangs anymore, as she grew out of wanting them. She's slightly taller than Sofia but not by much. Jun doesn't wear her hair in a low bun much anymore. Her black hair is short, hitting just below her ears and she still wears a purple flower in her hair. She also wears a red version of her old yellow gown, since she's the next Empress of Wei-Ling, she needs to wear red. Jin didn't change much at all in appearance. His hair has gotten longer. He wears a similar outfit he did when he was younger, but it's a dark navy blue.
"Vivian! Jun!" Sofia exclaimed happily And gave them each a hug.
"What are you guys doing here?" James asked.
"Our parents came to talk to your parents about certain things." Jin explained.
"Where's Amber?" Jun asked, looking at Sofia.
"Oh, she's in her room with Desmond. He came not that long ago." Sofia explained.
"I guess this is sort of like a mini reunion." Vivian smiled.
"You're right, Vivian." Sofia smiled. She saw one of the maids, Suzette, and called to her.
"Suzette, can you please get Amber and Desmond?" She asked politely.
"Of course, Princess Sofia." Suzette curtsied and went away to find Amber and Desmond.
"So what have you guys been up to these days?" Sofia asked.
"My schedule has been crazy these past few days because of all the appointments I have. But I'm glad it'll be over once I become queen." Vivian said.
"I can relate. Mother and father have been teaching me everything on being the next Empress of Wei-Ling. It's not easy, but it'll be worth it in the end." Jun said.
"I'm glad I'm not going to be Emperor for a long time." Jin smiled.
"So how have you guys been doing?" Vivian asked.
"We're great. I'm still training each morning to be Amber's first knight when she becomes queen." James said.
"Amber's been busy with quite a few things. She's making her own gown for my ball and she's making a suit for Desmond." Sofia said.
"And on top of all that, she's keeping up with her royal duties." James said.
"Wow... that's so much work." Jin said.
"Only Amber could pull it off I guess." James said.
"What about you, Sofia? Anything new?" Jun asked.
"Hmm, not much. Hugo came to see me the past two days. The other night he came with King Garrick and yesterday we went to Tangu, Merroway Cove, and the Mystic Isles. I needed to personally invite a few people to my ball." Sofia said.
Vivian and Jun smiled at each other.
"It's so cute how Hugo still makes an effort to see you, Sofia." Vivian said.
Jun nodded in agreement. "And since he's not heir to the throne, I bet he wants to see you whenever he has a chance to." She said.
Sofia slightly blushed. 'They're right...' She thought to herself.
James was upset to hear what Vivian and Jun were saying to Sofia, but he composed himself because neither of them, except Sofia, knows that he likes her.
"So, did you go on any adventures from your protector job?" Jin asked.
"Oh, I haven't told you guys yet. I'm not a protector anymore." Sofia said calmly.
"What?!" Vivian said.
"You're not?!" Jun asked.
"You're kidding, right?!" Jin said.
"No, I'm not kidding. I'm really not a protector anymore. I have a few personal reasons why I chose to stop being a protector. I went to the Mystic Isles with Desmond awhile ago so I could explain to the other protectors why I decided I needed to resign. Thankfully the other protectors understood what I was saying." Sofia explained.
Vivian, Jin, and Jun nodded.
Just then, Amber and Desmond came. Amber gasped with joy, seeing Vivian and Jun.
"Ladies." Amber smiled and curtsied.
"Amber." Vivian and Jun said.
"Hey, Desmond." Jin smiled.
"Jin." Desmond greeted.
"This is a surprise! What are you three doing here?" Amber asked.
"Our parents need to talk to your parents." Jun said.
Amber nodded.
"So what should we do?" Vivian asked.
Amber gasped. "I can show you and Jun my gown for Sofia's ball!" She squealed.
"Alright, sounds good." Vivian smiled.
"Want to come, Sofia?" Amber asked.
Sofia didn't want Desmond to be alone because she knew James would want to talk to Jin. She looked at him and saw the worry in his eyes. She then made up her mind. "I think I'll stay with Des, Amber. Go on ahead. I'll catch up later." Sofia said. Desmond smiled brightly at her.
"Okay. Let's go ladies." Amber said. She really wanted Sofia to join her because she didn't want her to spend much time with Desmond, but she let it go.
"Des, do you want to go to the edge of the Enchancian harbor? It's a short walk from here." Sofia asked.
"Sure." Desmond smiled.
James wanted to go too, but Jin was with him. He didn't want him to think anything bad of him, so he kept quiet, but looked annoyed.
"We'll see you two later." Sofia said as she grabbed Desmond's wrist and left with him.
James glared at Desmond. Jin noticed.
"James? What's your problem with Desmond?" He asked.
"I don't like the idea of him being with Sofia alone." James said in a serious tone.
"You need to relax, James. Sofia's in good hands." Jin assured.
"Don't you ever worry about which guy is with Jun?" James asked.
"Not really. If I know the guy is trouble, then I'd worry about her." Jin said. 'Why is James very protective of Sofia? She can take care of herself...' He thought.
James nodded. "Let's go to my room. I can show you the suit Khalid made me for Sofia's ball." He said.
"Okay." Jin said, following James.
Sofia and Desmond made it to the back of the castle and started walking towards the harbor.
"I'm surprised James didn't do anything when you said you'd stay with me. He didn't even try to protest about me being with you." Desmond said.
"I guess he didn't want the others to see how he is around you or Hugo." Sofia guessed.
"Thanks for being with me, Sofia. I was thinking of leaving after Amber and I saw everyone, but I'm happy I decided to stay." He smiled brightly at her.
"I'm glad you didn't leave, Des." Sofia smiled back.
They walked closer towards the shore. Sofia was sad as she looked over the horizon. She was thinking about her birth father. Desmond noticed.
"What's wrong, Sofia?" He asked.
"Every time I look over the horizon, I think about my dad... my birth dad. I miss him a lot. I... I always wonder what life would've been like if he were here." Sofia's voice was cracking. She sat on the sand as the tears were rolling down her face. She covered her face with her hands because she didn't want Desmond to see her cry. She doesn't like it when people see her cry.
Desmond hugged her from behind and held onto her, knowing she was in a sad place at the moment. He took her hands into his. She turned around and cried on his shoulder. Desmond hated to see Sofia in the state she was in. He knew what it was like to loose someone because his Aunt Nadine passed away a few years back. He then knew of a song that would hopefully calm her down for a bit. He started to sing.
Desmond:
Oh, why you look so sad?
The tears are in your eyes
Come on and come to me now
Don't be ashamed to cry
Let me see you through
'Cause I've seen the dark side too
When the night falls on you
You don't know what to do
Nothing you confess
Could make me like you less
I'll stand by you
I'll stand by you
I won't let nobody hurt you
I'll stand by you
So, if you're mad, get mad!
Don't hold it all inside
Come on and talk to me now
Hey, what you got to hide?
I get angry too
Well I'm a lot like you
When you're standing at the crossroads
And don't know which path to choose
Let me come along
'Cause even if you're wrong
I'll stand by you
I'll stand by you
I won't let nobody hurt you
I'll stand by you
Take me in into your darkest hour
And I'll never desert you
I'll stand by you
And when, when the night falls on you, Sofia
You're feeling all alone
You won't be on your own
I'll stand by you
I'll stand by you
I won't let nobody hurt you
I'll stand by you
Take me in into your darkest hour
And I'll never desert you
I'll stand by you
Oh, I'll stand by you
I'll stand by you
Desmond wiped away Sofia's tears as he was singing to her. She rested her head on his chest as he sang his song. When he finished, without looking up at him, Sofia spoke. "Did you mean what you sang in your song?" She asked.
"Of course, Sofia. I'm never going to leave you alone. I'll always stand by you. Whenever you want to talk, I'll be there." He said, having her in his arms.
Sofia nodded.
They were in silence for a while. Desmond was really hoping Sofia would talk to him about what she was thinking about. Sofia finally spoke.
"I'm sorry for breaking down, Des." She said.
"It's okay, Sofia. It's good to let your emotions out. Why do you cover your face when you cry?" Desmond asked.
"Because... I just... I don't want people to see me when I cry. Everyone expects to see me as a strong person... and I look bad when I cry." Sofia said honestly.
Desmond looked at her. He couldn't believe she would think that about herself. She felt him staring at her and looked up at him. "What?" She asked.
"You are a strong person, Sofia. You've always been. And you look just as beautiful when you cry than when you don't." Desmond said.
Sofia blushed crimson and looked away from him. "No I don't." She said.
"Yes you do." Desmond smiled.
Sofia turned back to him, giving him a hug. "Thank you for making me feel better, Des. And that song you sang was beautiful." She said.
"You're welcome, Sofia." Desmond said, returning her hug. He then looked at her again. "And if you ever want to talk, you know where I'll be." He smiled.
Sofia looked at him and nodded. "Thanks." She smiled back.
They sat in each other's arms for a while longer until Amber, Vivian, and Jun found them. Vivian and Jun smiled at each other.
"They look so cute!" Vivian whispered.
"They do! Especially the way they're holding each other... so adorable!" Jun whispered back.
"Yeah... they're definitely cute..." Amber said. She wished she was in Sofia's shoes.
"Well, we have to tell them dinner's going to be served soon." Jin said, walking towards the princesses with James.
All three of them jumped. They didn't notice the princes and turned around.
"Jin! Don't scare us like that!" Jun scolded.
"Sorry." Jin apologized. He then saw Sofia and Desmond. "Those two really are something, aren't they?" He smiled.
"We were just talking about that, Jin." Vivian smiled.
"James, don't you dare interrupt them." Amber said with her hands on her hips.
"I won't, Amber. Don't you see I'm trying to keep my distance?" James said with his arms crossed.
"Right..." Amber said.
Vivian, Jin and Jin didn't know what Amber and James were talking about. They thought it was best that they didn't interfere.
Amber turned to Jun and Vivian. "Let's go tell them that dinner will be ready soon, ladies." She said.
"We're going to tell them, too." James said.
"Let's just go guys. There's no need to fight about it." Vivian said, as she started to walk towards Sofia and Desmond. They all nodded and followed her.
Sofia and Desmond heard people walking behind them. They turned their heads around and saw Amber, James, Jin, Jun, and Vivian walking towards them.
Sofia turned back around as Desmond stared at the group.
"Why are you all out here?" He asked.
"We came to tell you and Sofia that dinner will be ready soon." Vivian said.
"Okay, thanks." Desmond smiled.
James really disliked the way Sofia was leaning on Desmond. He noticed that there was something wrong with her because she didn't look at the group for long when they arrived. He whispered to Amber.
"Amber, I think something's wrong with Sofia. She would always greet us when we're here to see her or anyone else." He said.
"I think you're right, James. Let's talk to her." Amber said.
James nodded.
"Sofia, are you okay? You don't seem like yourself." Amber asked.
"I'm... fine Amber. Don't worry about it." Sofia said, still not facing them.
"No you're not, Sof. We can easily tell that you're not." James said.
"I'll tell you about it later... I don't want to talk about it now." Sofia said. She loves Amber and James, but she really didn't want to tell them what happened until later. She was already starting to feel better.
Sofia then turned to Desmond. "Can we go inside?" She asked him.
He nodded and got up. He lowered his hand to help Sofia up. She held onto his arm as he led her away towards the castle. "Excuse us." He said, passing his friends.
"I wonder why Sofia doesn't want to talk to you two yet." Jun said to Amber and James.
"I guess she trusts Desmond and wants to spend the rest of her time with him until he leaves." Amber guessed.
"He better not be the reason she's acting the way she is because if he is, I'm so going to-" James was cut off by Amber.
"Not do anything to him. Quit being mean to Desmond, James. He's the only person Sofia wants to be with at the moment. Just leave them alone." Amber said.
James gritted his teeth. "Fine." He growled.
The others just looked at each other, confused. They didn't even want to ask.