The group headed back towards the castle.

'Does Sofia not trust me when I ask her what's wrong? Does she really trust Desmond more than me? I really care about her... I want her to tell me what's going on...' James thought to himself.

When they made it to the Dining Hall, Sofia and Desmond weren't there. Queen Cecily, King Marcus, Queen Miranda, King Roland, Empress Lin Lin and Emperor Quon were sitting across from one another.

"Should we ask them where Sofia and Desmond are?" James asked.

"I think we should." Vivian said.

"I'll ask." Amber said, going up to her parents.

"Mother, daddy, do you know where Sofia and Desmond are?" She asked.

"They're in Sofia's room, Amber. They're having dinner there, at Sofia's request." Miranda said.

"Okay. Thank you mother." Amber said. She went back to the others.

"They're having dinner in Sofia's room." Amber told them.

"Does Sofia usually eat in her room?" Jun asked.

"No, only if she's... sad... or mad." Amber said.

"Okay, clearly there's something wrong. Why doesn't she want to talk to us?" James said.

"I don't know, James. But we should just leave her with Desmond." Jin said.

"I agree. She might just want to be with him." Vivian said.

"And we're needed at the dining table." Jun said, as she saw her mother giving her a look to sit.

As much as they wanted to check on Sofia, Amber and James knew it would be rude to leave without their parents permission, so they stayed until dinner was finally over.

Sofia and Desmond finished their dinner early and walked around the castle.

"I can't get that song you sang to me out of my head, Des. It really helped me feel better." Sofia smiled.

"I'm glad you liked it, Sofia. And I'm happy to hear that." Desmond smiled back.

Desmond soon had to leave. Sofia walked with him to where his carriage was waiting.

"Remember that I'll be here, whenever you need to talk." Desmond said.

Sofia nodded. "Thanks." She said, pulling him into a hug.

"Anytime, Sofia." Desmond said, returning her hug.

"Goodnight, Des." Sofia said, looking into his brown eyes.

"Goodnight, Sofia." Desmond said, giving her a quick kiss on the cheek before getting into his carriage and flying away.

Sofia decided to go back to her room. She would've gone to the Dinning Hall, since everyone was there, but she didn't want to interrupt.

Vivian, Jin, Jun, Amber, and James went to Sofia's room when dinner was over. Amber knocked.

"Sofia, we're here to talk to you and Desmond. Can we come in?" Amber asked.

"Enter." Sofia said through the door.

"We came to talk to you both about- wait, where's Desmond?" Amber asked.

"He already left." Sofia answered.

"He already left?! Without saying bye?! To me?!" Amber was upset that he didn't bother saying good night to her.

"You mean saying bye to all of us." Jin said.

"That's what I meant." Amber said.

"We finished dinner early. We walked around the castle for a bit until his carriage came. We didn't want to interrupt your guys' dinner." Sofia said.

"We understand, Sofia." Vivian smiled.

"Yeah, I hate interrupting other people." Jun said.

"So you all came because..." Sofia said.

"We wanted to see how you were doing." James said.

They all nodded. Just then, Baileywick came in.

"Princess Vivian, Princess Jun, and Prince Jin, you are all needed downstairs." He said.

"Are we about to leave?" Jin asked.

"Yes." Baileywick said.

Jin nodded.

"Thank you, Baileywick." Jun said.

He bowed and left.

"I'll walk you all downstairs." Amber said.

Vivian, Jin, and Jun nodded.

"I'll see you at your ball, Sofia. We'll catch up then." Vivian smiled, giving her a hug goodbye.

"We sure will, Vivian." Sofia smiled back, returning her hug.

"We'll see you there too, Sofia." Jin said, as Jun gave Sofia a hug goodbye.

Sofia nodded.

"Let's go guys." Amber said. Over the years, she learned that it was important to be punctual. She really hates to keep people waiting for long periods of time. Jin, Jun, and Vivian followed her out. James stayed with Sofia.

"Now do you want to tell me what happened while you were with Desmond?" James said.

Sofia nodded as she went to her window seat. James followed her and sat next to her. She took a breath. "Des and I were walking on the shore. I looked over the horizon and I was thinking about... my... birth dad. You and Amber don't know this... but whenever I look at the horizon... I always think about him... and what life for me would've been like... if he were still here..." Sofia said sadly.

James put his arm around her. "I bet you miss him, Sof." He said.

"Tons." Sofia said, looking at the floor. "When I told Desmond what life would've been like if he were here, I... I couldn't keep my emotions in and... I started crying." She said.

"I wish I was with you, Sof. I would've been the shoulder you could cry on when you're hurting." James said. His heart broke as Sofia was telling him this. He never wants her to suffer any kind of sadness. He felt like he failed her for not being there when she needed him.

"I was in front of Des when I broke down crying. He knew I was sad and hugged me from behind. He sang me this beautiful song to calm me down... he really knows how to make someone feel better." Sofia said.

James now had this grudge against Desmond because he felt like he should've been the one to make Sofia better, not him. "What else did he do?" He asked.

"Des asked why I cover my face when I cry. When I told him why, he said that I look... beautiful... even when I cry." Sofia started to blush.

"Well, you are. Who said you weren't?" James asked.

"Me because... I always felt that way." Sofia said.

James held one of Sofia's hands. "Sofia, you're beautiful inside and out. Always remember that." He said, staring at her.

Sofia stared back. "I will, James." She said.

Amber came back to Sofia's room. "Sofia, now are you going to tell me what happened?" She asked.

Sofia nodded. She told the same things to Amber as she told James.

"So Desmond sang you a song?" Amber said, sadly. Sofia took no notice.

"He did. It was such a beautiful song, Amber. By the way, did Vivian and Jun like your gown that you're making?" Sofia asked.

"They loved it, Sofia. They said they never seen a gown like it." Amber smiled.

Sofia smiled back. "That's good." She said.

"Sof, you're okay now right?" James asked. He wanted to make sure she was happy.

"I am." Sofia said.

"Okay, good." James smiled.

"We'll leave you to get ready for bed, Sofia. Come on James." Amber said. She wanted to tell James what she was feeling towards Desmond. She wasn't sure if what she was feeling was normal or not.

James saw that Amber really needed to talk to him alone. He nodded.

"Good night, Sof." He said, giving her a tight hug.

"Night, James." She said, returning his hug.

"If you're feeling sad again, get me." He said, staring at her blue eyes.

"I will." She smiled, kissing his cheek. James blushed and looked away.

Amber then pulled James away and went to her room.

"What do you want to talk about that's urgent, Amber?" James asked.

"I think... I think I like Desmond..." Amber said.

"No way." James said with his arms crossed.

"I'm not kidding James. I really do think I like him." Amber said.

"How could you possibly like Desmond?" James asked, still not believing her.

"Well let's see, he sang me his song that he's going to sing to Sofia on her birthday. He wanted to get me opinion on it." Amber said.

"Whoa, wait whoa whoa. He's going to sing her a song on her birthday, too?!" James exclaimed.

"He is, James. When he sang me his song... I just felt... weird... l felt like the song was meant for me... but it's suppose to be for Sofia." Amber said.

"Are you going to tell Sof?" James asked.

"I don't know if I should tell her or not. I think I should wait a while before telling her. Maybe... oh, maybe my feelings would go away after a few days." Amber said.

"But what if they don't go away? I don't want Sofia to be sad that you like someone she likes." James said.

"If they don't then... I guess I'll wait until after her ball to tell her. Maybe Desmond asked father to possibly court her. I want to wait at least until then." Amber said.

"Good. I'd hate to see Sofia sad... so I guess you're over Axel now?" James asked.

"I guess so. Anyways, we should get some sleep." Amber said.

James nodded and left her room.

'I hope Sofia's feelings for Desmond go away if they spend time together after her ball... I hope James or Hugo get her and not him...' Amber thought.

A few days passed. The morning of the Village Hootenanny finally arrived. Sofia was the most excited because she'll be dancing with Hugo and she's going to see Ruby, Jade, and Lucinda again. Amber was happy that the Hootenanny was finally here and James was both excited and angered because he couldn't wait to go to the Hootenanny, but he didn't want to see Hugo dancing with Sofia. Amber and James wore matching red and black plaid clothes. Amber wore a red and black plaid knee length dress with black stockings underneath. James was wearing a red and black plaid suit coat with black pants. He also wore a black vest with red plaid over his white dress shirt. Sofia decided to wear a dark green, satin gown. It had big crystals on the sweetheart neckline, the skirt didn't have anything on it, and there was a big bow on the back of the corset. It wasn't that puffy and it was simple, much to Sofia's liking. She thought the green was a good color to wear for the Hootenanny. Sofia had her hair down and wore a tiara with emerald green jewels on it, matching her dress.

'I wonder what Hugo's wearing...' Sofia thought as she made it to breakfast.

"You two look great!" Sofia smiled as she saw Amber and James at the dining table.

Amber smiled back at her.

"You look pretty, Sof." James smiled at her as he got up to pull her chair for her.

"Thanks." She smiled, trying to hide her blush.

"When's Hugo coming, Sofia?" Amber asked.

"After we're done eating. I can't wait to see Electra again." Sofia smiled.

Amber smiled and nodded.

When they finished breakfast, Baileywick walked into the Dining Hall. "Princess Sofia, Prince Hugo's waiting out front for you." He said.

"Great! Thanks, Baileywick." Sofia smiled.

"You're welcome." He bowed, then left.

"Amber, do I look okay?" Sofia asked.

"You look great, Sofia. James and I will walk with you to meet Hugo." Amber said. She then turned to James. "You better behave." She said in a serious tone.

"Yes, mother." James said, cheekily.

Amber smacked his arm. "Let's go, Sofia."She said.

Sofia nodded and went ahead of Amber and James. Once she was at the castle entrance, Sofia saw Hugo holding a daisy, smiling at her. She smiled back and walked down the castle steps. Hugo walked towards her as she made it to the bottom. He was wearing a dark green plaid suit with a dark green vest that matched Sofia's gown.

"Who knew we'd be matching today?" Sofia smiled.

"I know right?" Hugo chuckled.

Amber and James went out and saw Hugo with Sofia.

"Aww, look! They're matching!" Amber squealed.

"Yeah..." James said in a sad tone.

"I wonder if they decided to match or if it was coincidental." Amber said.

"Gee, I don't know. Why don't you ask them, Amber?" James said in an annoyed tone.

"I should! Let's go." Amber said, pulling James along with her.

"I got this flower for you." Hugo smiled, giving it to her.

"Thank you." Sofia said, blushing.

"Sofia!" Amber called.

Both Hugo and Sofia turned to see Amber and James coming towards them.

"What, Amber?" Sofia asked.

"Did you two plan on matching or was it a coincidence?" Amber asked.

"It was coincidental, Amber." Sofia said.

"I hate to interrupt, but the princess and I need to head to the Hootenanny." Hugo said, smirking at James.

James gave him a death stare. "Whatever..." He growled, having his arms crossed. Sofia took no notice.

"We'll see you two there." Sofia smiled.

"Okay. James and I will get our coach ready. Let's go." Amber said, turning to him.

"Amber, I don't want to- hey!" James was pulled away by Amber. She didn't want to hear any excuses from him this time.

"I guess we're not the only ones who're matching." Hugo said.

"No." Sofia smiled. She then looked at her flower and decided to turn it into a bracelet.

"Ready to go, Sofia?" Hugo asked.

She nodded as they walked to where Electra stood.

"Hi, Electra!" Sofia petted her mane.

"Good morning, Princess Sofia." She said. Electra lowered a bit, while Hugo helped Sofia up.

"Thank you." She smiled.

Hugo smiled back and nodded. "To the village, please Electra." He said.

Electra neighed and flew off towards the village.

"I can't wait to hear the Glass Slippers again this year! Their music is A-mazing!" Sofia squealed.

"I bet they are, Sofia. I can't wait to dance with you." Hugo smiled.

"Me too." Sofia started to blush.

In no time at all, they arrived at Dunwiddie Village.

"Where should we land, Sofia?" Hugo asked.

Sofia looked down at the ground. She then saw the same grassland that she and James landed in when they were there last. "We can land on that grassland, Hugo." She said.

"Alright." He said. Once they landed, Hugo got down and had his arms out to help Sofia down. She held onto his shoulders and got down.

"Thanks." She said.

"No problem." Hugo smiled.

"We can take Electra to those stables over there." Sofia pointed.

"Okay." Hugo nodded.

Once they left Electra, they wandered around the village.

"So where in the village is the Hootenanny?" Hugo asked.

"It's in the center of the village. We're almost there." Sofia smiled.

Hugo smiled back and nodded. They then heard some familiar voices.

"Sofia!" Ruby, Jade, and Lucinda exclaimed excitedly.

Sofia looked up and saw them. She smiled brightly as they came up to her and Hugo. "Hi, guys!" She said.

"Prince Hugo..." Jade and Ruby dreamily said.

"Hey, pretty boy." Lucinda said.

"Ladies." Hugo said.

"You two are matching! How cute!" Ruby said, with Lucinda and Jade nodding in agreement.

Hugo and Sofia looked at each other, but quickly looked away from one another. They both were blushing.

"Where's Prince James and Princess Amber?" Jade asked.

"We're meeting them at the Hootenanny. They took one of the coaches." Sofia said.

"Then let's get going. They must be there already." Lucinda said.

Everyone nodded as they walked towards the sound of music playing. When they got closer, Sofia noticed the coach.

"I think Amber and James are here, I see our coach." Sofia said.

"But where are they?" Ruby asked.

Sofia looked around and spotted them. "I see them. They're wearing matching plaid outfits." She said, going ahead of the group. They followed her.

"Do you see her?" James asked.

"No." Amber said.

"Who are you guys looking for?" Sofia asked. She knew they were looking for her, but asked anyways.

Amber and James both jumped and turned to see Sofia. They smiled at her.

"We were looking for you." James said.

"Well, I'm here. And with everyone else." Sofia said, turning her head towards Hugo and her village friends.

"This is going to be the best Hootenanny yet!" Jade smiled.

"Definitely!" Amber smiled back.

Hugo was about to ask Sofia to dance with him, but someone cleared his throat. It wasn't James. It was someone whom Sofia met when she was younger. He was still an enemy to her because of what he did.

"Princess Sofia... how nice to bump into you again, after so much time..." Roderick smirked. He looks much older than when Sofia saw him last. His bright blonde hair was neatly combed and trimmed. He still wears his burgundy riding coat and orange riding pants.

Everyone with her turned to her. Sofia froze into place, staring at him with shock.

James and Hugo were worried about her.

"Sof, who is this?" James asked.

"How do you know him, Sofia?" Hugo asked.

Sofia didn't answer them. "Prince Roderick, what are you doing here? This isn't even your kingdom." She said, going up to him with her arms crossed.

"What? Can't I just come for a visit? My, you look wonderful..." Roderick looked at her up and down.

Hugo and James were not happy by the way Roderick was looking at Sofia.

"Watch it." Hugo growled at Roderick, standing next to Sofia.

"Respect my sister, especially since she's a princess." James angrily said, standing on the other side of Sofia.

"You two princes can't do anything." Roderick laughed.

"Says the one who's talking to the prince of this kingdom." James said.

'Be careful, Sofia...' Amber thought worriedly.

Roderick rolled his eyes and then turned to Sofia. "I came to talk to you, Princess." He said.

"About what?" Sofia asked, still having her arms crossed. She then gasped. "You aren't here to steal Minimus again are you?" She asked.

"He stole Minimus from you?!" James and Hugo exclaimed angrily.

Sofia looked at the floor and nodded yes.

"How could you steal a flying horse that isn't yours?!" James growled.

"He kept Minimus' brother, Mazzimo too, but luckily I helped him escape. He didn't want to be there." Sofia said.

"What kind of prince are you?!" Hugo angrily asked.

Roderick ignored Hugo and James. "That's not what I came for, Princess Sofia. I came for something else. And I need to speak to you privately." Roderick smirked. He wanted revenge for what Sofia did to him years ago.

Everyone was uneasy with Sofia taking to Prince Roderick alone, especially James and Hugo.

Sofia sighed and agreed to talk to him. "Fine, lets talk." She said.

"What?!" Amber, Ruby, Jade, and Lucinda exclaimed.

"Y-you can't be serious, Sof!" James exclaimed.

"Sofia, please don't trust him." Hugo begged. He knew Sofia well enough to know that she always gave everyone second chances. He hoped she would listen to him.

"We need to talk. I'll be back guys." Sofia said.

"Come along, Princess." Roderick said.

Sofia nodded and followed behind him. Hugo turned to Amber.

"Amber, I do not trust that prince being alone with Sofia. You, James and everyone else should stay here. I'll find Sofia and Roderick." Hugo said.

"Who said you should be the one to find them? I'm going to get Sofia back here." James glared at Hugo.

"No you're not." Hugo glared back. He had his arms crossed.

"James you should stay here with us. Incase something happens, we can tell the coachman to get the guards." Amber said.

"Amber, Sofia's our sister. I do not want her to be in danger!" James exclaimed.

"Just let Hugo go, James. Quit acting this way." Amber scolded.

"You may be older Amber, but I need to protect Sofia. I wasn't there when she was with Desmond the other day... when she was crying... if I don't go after her, I'll feel like I'm failing her. I need to get her." James said in a serious tone.

"You and Prince Hugo both go then. It'll be better two against one." Lucinda said.

"She has a point." Jade said.

"You guys better go now. Who knows what that Prince Roderick is planning." Ruby said.

"We'll tell the coachman to get the guards." Amber said.

James and Hugo nodded, even though they didn't like the idea much. They didn't talk to each other. They went separate ways to find Sofia and Roderick.