As autumn was now making headway and winter has yet to make an appearance, many of the Enchancian were busy preparing for the winter to come, harvesting the crops, fatting up livestock, and sewing and repairing clothes.
Meanwhile, in the facility, Dr. Kevin was busy talking on the phone with Sofia's parents, about allowing them to have a party here, it was not the first time they've had parties here, but it was the amount people that had the doctor hesitating a bit.
Sighing, he says, "If I allow this the noise level has to be kept at a civil level and it is to be kept in the lunchroom, children should have an adult with them to use the bathrooms at all times and any mess is to be cleaned up afterward, do we have an understanding?"
"Yes we understand sir, how is Sofia doing now?" Roland asked as he sat beside Miranda during the call.
"Her weight is back to a normal weight, but we are keeping a sharp eye on her so that this doesn't happen again." Dr. Kevin states.
"Good, so noon?" Roland asked.
"Yes, see you then, your Majesties." Dr. Kevin hung up the phone and went about notifying staff and other patients that lunch was going to a picnic in the courtyard today, he told the nurses about Sofia's birthday party and to have at least one nurse there to help direct guests to the toilets.
At the castle Miranda was so excited to see her family again, she hasn't seen any of them since well...since before she becomes a queen, but when she turns to her husband he looked nervous.
She smiles softly as she wraps her arms around in reassurance, "Do worry Roland, my family love will you and the kids, my mother will be too busy cooing over them, while my father will joke around with you, trust me."
Roland sighs as he puts his hand over her saying, "Always, my love, Always."
Miranda nods, "Good, now let's going we have a few hours before the party."
Meanwhile at Royal Prep Fredrick was talking with Yevette about Sofia's birthday party when Judy came up and sat down next to them in a huff.
Yevette rolls her eyes, but asked sarcastically, "Something troubling you, Judith."
Oblivious to the sarcasm Judy just sighs dramatically before answering, "It Hugo, he been not himself lately, he always goes on and on about that nut case, Sofia and how he ruined everything with her acting like I am not there, can you believe it!"
Yvette and Fredrick just both look at each other and then Fredrick pretends to look at a pocket watch and said, "Oh would you look at the time, Yvette and I have to go meet Ms. Merryweather about a club that we are going to start up, it's about Sports which you aren't interested in, see you later, Bye!"
They didn't give Judy any time to respond as they ran off and back into the school, a little winded.
"Nice save, I was ready to deck her for insulting Sofia like that," Yevette said.
Fredricks nods as they walk down the hallway towards his locker so that he could show Yevette the gifts he had made for Sofia, and since he was invited to this party at noon, he was allowed to leave the school grounds for lunch and recess, then he is to be back before afternoon classes started.
When he opens his locker, he shows her the music box that could play any tune she desired and he even made her poem.
Yevette read it aloud.
S is for how smart and serene you are.
O is for your optimistic view and an open mind.
F is for the fairness and fantastic way you treat others around you.
I is for how inclusive you are towards others.
A is for how I admire your bravery and beauty.
"Oh Fredrick this is so sweet, Sofia is going to love it," Yevette said as she puts the poem back in the envelope.
"You think so?" Fredrick asked a little nervous as he fiddle with the bag.
Yevette nods, "I know it, now let's get to class."
Fredrick quickly puts the present back into his locker making sure that the lock was secure before leaving.
But Sofia wasn't aware of any of this as she stares at the calendar before her, October 6th was her birthday, she was now officially 12 years old and she wasn't going to be able to celebrate it with her family.
This thought stays with her as she gets up and ready for the day, since Elsa left about 2 weeks ago, she missed the other girl, but Ariel was there to cheer her up and play checkers with her, but it didn't feel the same.
When Sofia walked into the Lunchroom, she was startled by a loud chorus of "SURPRISE!" as she stares in surprise by seeing all of her family, friends, both new and old in all gathering around with a large banner that read, 'HAPPY 12th BIRTHDAY SOFIA!' soon she was surround by everyone, even her mother's family came as well, ever since Sofia's panic attack and collapse, her Uncle Regulus hadn't come to see her because he was so busy with restaurant, but he always asked about her and even gave Miranda some pictures of her family and his, which Sofia had taped to the wall of her room.
As Sofia greeted everyone and stood in line to get some food, she thought back to the visit she had with her mother and surprisingly Cedric as well.
Flashback
When Miranda decided to come in and confront her daughter about her eating issues, she somehow roped Cedric into coming with her, while the sorcerer was reluctant at first, all she had to say was that Sofia missed him and he caved, much to her amusement.
As they drove up to the building Miranda explained and answered any questions the man had about it and Sofia, did notice that Cedric was nervous, but after some reassurance by Miranda he calmed down as they exited the car and walked into the building, meeting with the Receptionist at the waiting area, before being buzzed into the visiting area of the Enchancia's Children/Teen Psychiatric Ward.
Cedric follows Miranda past the visiting area and down the hallway a few rooms and nurses, before coming into what appeared to be a lunchroom of sorts.
It didn't take long for them to spot Sofia, but it took Cedric a bit by surprise to see the young princess in a simple shirt and pants with slippers on her feet and not wearing a tiara or her precious amulet.
When they approach the girl, Cedric took note that she was so small and almost fragile, her normally bubbly and kind personality wasn't there as loudly as before, seeing how Mother and Daughter hugged happily, then before he could say anything he was soon being hugged by the girl, which he returns of course.
Once they all sit down they talked for a few minutes before Cedric suggests that the girl should eat, which had Sofia looking at her tray of food as if wanting it to disappear, but then she heard a throat clearing loudly which had Sofia look up at her mother who had a knowing look in her eyes.
"Sofia Maria Josephine Cordova, you are to eat everything on that tray, and before you ask, Dr. Kevin called me and he wasn't happy to hear this either you have lost too much weight to be healthy, if you keep this up then he will put on you on a feeding tube and that is the last thing your father and I want to allow, am I clear?" Miranda said.
Sofia pouts a bit and then looked towards Cedric who also looked unimpressed, but it was the disappointment that shined in his eyes that gave Sofia pause, she didn't want to eat because she was upset, but she didn't want her not eating to be the reason he was upset either so she drops the pout and slowly takes the spoon and starts to eat, which had them both smiling proudly.
End of Flashback
Sofia sighs as she goes to sit with her siblings and friends, chatting and eating the food, that was good, knowing that she needed to gain back the little weight that she lost and more, she was still on the smaller size, while this is not a bad thing, she needs to make sure that she eats a healthy and balanced diet to help her grow correctly.
As the party progressed Sofia finally got to meet the boy who sent her the letter, Fredrick and they became fast friends, he was sweet and kind to Sofia, and slowly her broken heart was starting to mend a little as she read the poem and admired the music box, then after she was done talking with him she went around to meet with her Mother's family, her Grandparents Josephine and Enrique Cordova who were delighted to finally meet her, then she met her Uncle Ernesto and Aunt Rosa her mother's older brother and younger sister, then she ran into her Uncle Regulus who gave her a big hug and then he introduces Sofia to the other cousins and were Aunt Rosa's children, Oliva who is 9, Louisa 8, Mario and his twin brother Victor who just turned 7.
Sofia was so happy meeting and learning about her mother's family history, by the time everyone was getting ready to leave, Sofia was nearly asleep on her Dad's lap as they all said their goodbyes with promises of keeping in touch.
Later that evening Sofia went to bed with a smile on her face.
Meanwhile, Hugo was sulking in his room, having heard about Sofia's party through Fredrick during derby practice, while the boy wasn't malicious or smug about it, just casual it still had Hugo bothered enough that he nearly knocked himself off his horse because he wasn't paying attention, after a lecture from the coach he went home and straight to his room to lick his emotional wounds.
'Stupid Fredrick! Acting all high and mighty just because he dating my Sofia now, ugh!' He thought as he threw himself onto his bed dramatically, but then his thoughts froze when he looked back.
'My Sofia? Where did that come from, could it be that? No! Impossible I am with Judy now, I can't still have feelings for her, not when I broke up with her.'
Hugo groans as his thoughts and emotions were giving him a headache as he tried to suppress his feelings for Sofia, he tried to erase the image of her beautiful blues eyes full of sassy wisdom and intelligence that could challenge him, hair that was red as the sunset, her face was as fair as the winter snow.
Frustrated he grabs a pillow and screams into it as he finally admitted to himself.
'I love Sofia! I love everything about her, she is funny, sassy, smart, tough, kind, gentle, brave, strong.' He thought but then he was hit with,
'But what about Judy, she is the one who was there for you, she was the one who comforted you, she was the one who helped you decide to change schools.'
Hugo snarls and shoves that thought aside, knowing that he now realized that he didn't love Judy as much as he first thought, but he knew that his actions and letters hurt his relationship with Sofia.
'I have to make this right.' He got up off his bed and goes to his desk and quickly scribbles a letter of apology to Sofia and gives it to the Steward to deliver and then goes to get ready for dinner.
Roger watches as the young prince turns the corner and that when he sprung into action, he quickly goes to his quarters and pulls out a magical delivery box that he uses to send mail to other Stewards in other Kingdoms, it's secret among the servants of the Kingdoms, only the most loyal and true Stewards received one of these after so many years in service.
There were only a few that got them and how they worked as the first letter of their names were carved into it so where they wanted to send something they simply touch the letter and poof.
Baileywick, Sebastian, Henry and Samson, and of course Roger himself, practically grow up together while learning how to be Stewards under their Masters, so when they graduated, their Masters gave them these boxes and even swore them to an oath of secretary and so they only use them for specific things, like important messages, letters and sometimes the occasional gift here and there.
Without much thought he slips the letter through the slot and didn't have to wait long for it to disappear, he knew that Baileywick would get it, as he put it back in its hiding place and went about his usual duties.
Meanwhile, Baileywick was relaxing in his quarters when he notice a faint glow coming from his closet, knowing what it was he quickly opens the door and pulls out the mailbox to see a letter addressed to Sofia, from Hugo, he quickly grabs the letter and leaves his room and goes to the dining area, where the King and Queen were dining with the remaining children and slyly slips the letter to Roland and whispers who it is for and leaves without another word.
Dinner continued as usual and then when the kids went to get ready for bed, Roland tells Miranda about the letter.
"It's from Prince Hugo, I shall give it to Sofia tomorrow when I go with her friends Ruby and Jade to visit, have you heard anything from Emily?" Roland asked Miranda who would be kept up to date by Baileywick.
She shakes her head, "Nothing, and she has been to school these last few days, something isn't right here Roland."
Roland frowns, "You are right my darling, I will summon Constable Miles in the morning and tell him to keep an eye out for Emily and Jack and to investigate anyone who looks or is acting suspiciously in the village and the surrounding woods."
Miranda nods as she relaxes a bit, "Good, now let's get some sleep, my King."
Roland smiles gently, "As you wish my Queen."
Meanwhile, Jack was busy dealing with Emily who thankfully was on the mend, when he was grabbed by a furious Gabriel, while Heidi stood off next to Emily who was still asleep.
"How did you get out of your binds! Well, answer me!" Gabe shouts as he held the knife next to Jack's face, the boy barely flinched at the cold metal on his skin, his face blank against the man's fury.
Without any warning, Jack grabs Gabe's wrists that held the knife and for a moment nothing happened but soon Gabe howling in pain as his skin was burnt badly causing him to release his hold on the knife and Jack as he collapsed to the ground holding his burned hand rolling around in agony.
Heidi just stares at the boy in shock as he approaches her, his eyes holding a hidden fury that wasn't there before, which had the woman almost whimper in fear, but her pride didn't let her show it as she discreetly reaches for the pouch on her hip.
Just as the boy was almost near her that when she strikes, taking the powder she threw in the boy's face, making him cough a bit, but then he was soon passed out at her feet once more.
The next morning was windy as Sofia woke up with a yawn and a smile on her face as the memories of yesterday were still fresh in her mind as she got up to get ready for the day, she went over to the music box at her touch started to play soft and happy melody just as Karen came in.
The nurse smiled a little at the peaceful expression on the young girl's face, but she knew that time and routine were needed so she goes over to where Sofia was standing and gently closes the music box.
When the girl opened her eyes, she said, "I am glad that you like your music box, but it's time to ready for the day, come on." she gently ushers Sofia to follow her into the bathroom.
As Sofia was scrubbing her hair, she asked, "So what did you think of the party yesterday?"
Karen thought about it for a moment then replied, "Well I can say that your family sure knows how to throw a party and if I remember correctly you were smitten with that boy that gave you the music box."
Sofia blushed a bit as Karen helped her rinse off the soap, "Fredrick is so sweet and kind to me, he told me that he's going to get my horse Minimus back under my ownership and care and he talks about Sports in a way that isn't obsessive, he treats me like a person and not like I am crazy or sick, like my ex, by the way, if you see any letters from the Terra Kingdom please throw them out, please I don't want to repeat what happen last time."
Karen nods, "Will do, now lets you dry and ready for the day, I heard they have your favorite pancakes."
Sofia's eyes were light with excitement, "Goldenberry Pancake! Come on Karen we have to hurry!" she said as she drags the smiling nurse out of the bathroom and into her room.
Soon Sofia was eating a small stack of Goldenberry Pancakes with blueberry syrup and chatting with Ariel about yesterday's party.
"Oh, by the way, Elsa left this for you, she couldn't stay long at your party and you were pretty out of it, so she gave it to me to give to you," Ariel said she handed the small box.
Taking Sofia opens the box and gasp when she saw the most beautiful snowflake charm inside it, she reads the note from Elsa and then gently closes the box and puts it in her pocket, and thanks to Ariel before finishing her breakfast.
After breakfast, Sofia and Ariel went to the Play Area and instead of pulling out checkers, Ariel had other things in mind.
"Hey how would you like to meet some of the other kids, I know a few that are nice and fun," she suggested.
Sofia froze a bit and tried to not let the nervousness show as she process what Ariel just said.
"Sure," Sofia said with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes, she was brought over to a small group of kids.
"Hey, Ariel! How are you? Who's this?" A boy around 15 with mousey brown hair and eyes asked with a gentle smile.
"Charlie, this is Sofia, Sofia this is my best friend, Charlie," Ariel said.
"Oy! What are we chopped liver." A girl at around 13 said as she sat beside Charlie with another girl who looked about 10 years old.
Ariel smiles as she rolls her eyes playfully, "Of course not, Sofia these two chucklehead are Jasper and Pearl."
One of the girls, Pearl playful swats Ariel on the shoulder, "Stop that, your making her more nervous."
Ariel smiles apologetically at Sofia, before moving to go by Charlie.
Pearl pats the spot next to her, "Come sit, we don't bite." she said with a gentle smile.
Sofia goes to sit by her, guarded a bit as she was still unsure of how to approach this.
"Do you like Candy Land?" Jasper piped up startling Sofia a bit, but then she turns to the younger girl and for a second said nothing, but then smiles, "I love it."
Pearl claps her hands, "Great let's get the board out." Soon Sofia was playing Candy Land with Pearl and Jasper, ignoring Charlie and Ariel for the time being.
"Well it seems that those three became friends pretty quickly, let's leave them to it, still up for a round of Chess?" Ariel asked.
Charlie nods, "You know it."
Ariel smiles as she grabs the board and said, "Game on."
And the rest of the morning went pretty smoothly from there until after lunchtime, that when everyone split off, Pearl had dance therapy, Jasper had Art, Ariel had a session with Dr. Kevin, while Charlie decided to go take a nap, which left Sofia alone in her room during indoor Recess, she couldn't bring herself to interact with any more of the children plus she had a visit with her Dad and Ruby and Jade later at 3 pm, so she kept herself occupied by drawing with her crayons in her new drawing pad.
When Sofia was told that it was almost time for her visit she was jumping with excitement as she sat and waited at the door.
Meanwhile, Roland was explaining to Ruby and Jade more about the hospital that Sofia was in and the rules that they have to follow when in there since they were only at the lunchroom for the birthday party.
"But we had the class make Sofia a get-well card," Ruby said showing him the large card with every one of Sofia's old classmates and friends' names on it.
"And that was nice of you, but Sofia isn't sick like when you have the flu or a cold, it's more like her mind is sick and the doctor is there to help it get better," Roland said.
"Oh!" Jade said while Ruby looked a bit dejected, but Roland was quick to fix that, "But I am sure that Sofia will love the card anyway."
That make Ruby smile again, much to Roland's relief as they were finally in the parking lot of the hospital.
Meanwhile, at Willowing Valley Fredrick was leaning against the fence of the open field that housed many types of magical animals that roamed freely, but he had his eye only one, a small purple winged pony who was gazing on some grass next to a much larger purple winged horse.
When he did his research of this place, he knew that he would need his father's help with this, since the man was not only a doctor but the Queens Concourt he had some pull to get Minimus back under Sofia's ownership.
"Son." Fredrick turns to his father standing next to him with a look of victory in his eyes.
"You did it." Fredrick states.
Kevin nods, "Yes, I told the Lord and Lady that what they did was criminal and harmful to not only one of my patients, they didn't give anyone fair notice about it and they completely ignored the fact that Sir Gilliam had no say in transferring horses off school grounds without the Headmistresses permission and so they signed full custody of Minimus to Sofia, now we just have to tell him to go to the Enchancia's castle stables."
Fredrick nods with a smile, "I can't wait to tell Sofia she will be so ecstatic, now if you will excuse me." He quickly begs under the fence and carefully approaches the two horses and after he spoke to the smaller of the two, the horse nuzzled him and then took off with the large one into the sky.
He turns to look back at his father, "We have to make sure that he settled at the castle."
Kevin nods, "Yes, come, I have to talk with the Queen anyways about Sofia transitioning home in a few weeks."
At hearing that Fredrick beamed, "That great Dad!"
While father and son talked Minimus was having his conversation with Mazzimo.
"How are you feeling little bro?" He asked
Minimus smiled widely, "Great! I am glad to be back with Sofia again."
Mazzimo smiled, "Yes she is a keeper that one, don't let her go."
Minimus looks at his big brother, "I won't but it's been 2 months since I last saw her, I wonder how she is doing?"
Mazzimo gave a horse-like shrug, "I wouldn't know, but I did overhear the man and boy talk about her coming home soon."
"Finally," Minimus said as they flew into the Enchancia's castle stables and were quickly given some oats and hay.
Meanwhile, at the hospital Sofia was talking with her Dad, Jade, and Ruby, having a good time.
"Oh! Before I forget here a card we had everyone in Lily Oak sigh it." Jade said as she hands Sofia the card.
Sofia looks at it and smiles, "I love it, thanks guys." she said as they all grouped hug with Roland sitting smiling at them.
After a few more minutes of chatting, laughing, and hugs, it was time to leave, once Ruby and Jade were out of the room, Sofia hands Roland her card, while he takes without question and firmly tucks it into his inner coat pocket.
"Oh Sofia before I too forget, here is a letter, I think it's from Prince Hugo," Roland said as he holds out the letter for Sofia to take it.
Sofia shakes her head, "No thanks, just throw it the fireplace when you get home."
Puzzled Roland wanted to ask further but he was soon dragged out of the visiting area by Ruby and Jade while Sofia waved goodbye.
Meanwhile back at the castle entrance, Kevin drives up and is quickly greeted by Baileywick who agreed to take his son to see the horses while he had his meeting with Miranda.
After greeting each other, Miranda directs him to her study, "I know that seemed a bit sudden but I need to talk with you about Sofia's transition in a few weeks."
Miranda was both excited and worried at the same time, "So soon? What is the plan?" She asked.
Kevin takes out Sofia's file and the transition plan that he had drawn up for her transition back into society from his briefcase and hands them to Miranda, who read them in silence.
"So if I read this correctly, she is going home and back to school with CBT twice weekly and medication, should I look out for any signs that she isn't coping well or isn't adjusting," she asked.
"Yes, any type of behavior changes such as lack of concertation, fatigue, usual weight changes are the most common physical signs, but it's more the emotional and mental side of it that you have to watch out for, with her history of hiding illnesses, you need to keep an eye on her."
Miranda nods in agreement, "So when do we start to implement this?" she asked tapping the plan in front of her.
"As soon as possible, but we will start small, like letting her go out into town with you or your husband, but if for some reason she can't do it right away then we won't push it too much, but we have to be firm on this or she will never learn to cope at home or school."
"I understand, thank you I will talk with my husband when he gets home in a bit.", leads him out of her study and towards the entrance where she watches as father and son hug each other and leave in his car.
'I hope you are right doc.' Miranda thought as she went back to her study.
*Time Skip*
Sofia started to fiddle with her dress as she look at herself in the mirror trying to cover the scar on her shoulder, only to have both Amber and Emily scold her and fix it again while making sure that the scar was cover correctly.
"Stop guys, I am just nervous, this is my first dance with a boy," Sofia said as she tried to not let the anxiety overtake her.
Emily puts a reassuring hand on her shoulder, "You are going to be fine, you are braver than you think."
Sofia looks at Emily in the eye in the mirror in understanding as she remembers what happened a few weeks previous.
Flashback
When Sofia heard about her going home, she was both excited and terrified at the same time as she sat in her room, her mind spinning out of control with every worst possible scenario in her head that she was panicking when the nurse came to check on her and had to sedate her.
Once it was explained to her more, she was happy to try going out with her mother into the village for a few hours, but they didn't have to do anything too crazy if she didn't want to.
But she decided to face her fears and soon she was standing at the village entrance with her mother by her side as they walked into the town they called home, before becoming royalty.
Miranda decided to forgo her royal dress and wear her old clothes from before she became queen as to not draw attention to them as they walked the town look at various shops and talking.
"So the doc was okay with me going to the dance?" Sofia asked for what felt like the 3rd time in 10 minutes.
But instead of getting annoyed Miranda just smiles reassuringly, "Yes, but only for 2 hours."
Sofia sighs, "Okay Mom." then she perks up when she spots Ruby and Jade.
"JADE! RUBY!" She shouts catching their attention, which only had them shouting, "SOFIA!" and soon they were hugging.
"Hey Sofia, Ms. Cordova, we were just about to go to lunch at this new Burger stand wanna come?" Ruby suggested.
Sofia looks up at her mother pleading, which had Miranda laugh a little.
"Yes, we would be delighted."
Soon her ears were ringing with excited squeals of her daughter and friends as they all walked over where the stand was and soon they were sitting around a small picnic table eating the best burgers in existence, but soon the girls had to get back home and so Sofia and Miranda decided to go for a walk in the woods.
At first, they walked in silence enjoying the fall scenery, but soon Sofia asked about how things were with everyone at home and Miranda talked about Michael, Ryan, James, and Amber, but then when Sofia asked about Jack and Emily, that when Miranda had to tell her that Emily and Jack disappeared, which horrified Sofia at first, but then her courageous and determined side reared its head and she knew that she had to find them and bring them home.
So for the next few weeks, Sofia was slowly learning how to cope with going back to school part-time and home full time, when she was home she was always exploring the area of the castle when she came upon a familiar set of broken steps, leading down to the old abandon docks and caves when she suddenly had an idea and quickly goes to find the newest entrance to the Troll cave was and soon she was greeted by Gnarly and Tiny.
"What is the matter Gnarly?" Sofia asked when she notice the troubled look on his face.
"Oh, well there's been some strange noises coming from the old caves and when I did investigate there were four humans, a man, woman, a boy and girl, the kids appeared to be asleep, but then I notice that they appeared to be tied up."
"Jack and Emily." Sofia breathed and then she looks at Gnarly with a determined look in her eyes, "Show me!"
Gnarly nods and soon they were standing from a small ledge where they were hidden and Sofia gasped when she saw Jack and Emily.
"Gnarly go with Tiny and get my father and guards, I am going in and you can't stop me!" she ordered as she climbed down the ledge carefully and stayed hidden behind some tall rocks watching as the man was busy working the fire.
'Wait where's the woman?' Sofia thought only to have her answer when she felt a knife touch her neck.
"Do anything, and I will slit your throat," Heidi said coldly as she drags Sofia out of hiding, and soon she was tied up with Jack and Emily.
"Sofia! What are you doing here?!" Emily whispered as Jack struggled to get his binds off, but his hands were tied in such way that he couldn't use his powers without hurting himself or the girls, but he was stubborn and soon he was only burning away at the ties as the girls talked when they finally gave away, he was quick to spring into action, but when he didn't expect was for Gabe to whip out a crossbow and aim it at him, pulling the trigger, Jack stood frozen for a second expect to feel the bow enter and kill him, but a purple blur flew in front of him, that blur was Sofia, who was still tied up but she somehow got up put herself in harm's way for him and now she was screaming in agony as the bow had hit her in the shoulder.
Jack kneels beside her, still in shock as he watched through a hazy as Emily transformed into Luna in a rage and the rest was a blur to him as he held Sofia close as she cried and scream in pain.
Soon before he knew it, Sofia was being taken out of his arms by paramedics and taken to hospital and soon all three of them were being brought to the hospital.
Jack and Emily were checked over and declared perfectly healthy, even the toxic screen came positive for the drugs that they were given by their kidnappers to be used against them at their trial but other than that they were fine to go home, while Sofia was rushed to surgery, soon they were surrounded by their family.
While they were all happy to be reunited once more, they were still worried about Sofia, and for the next few hours, they all sat in the waiting room until a doctor came out.
"Family of Princess Sofia Cordova." He said
Everyone stood up, then Roland asked, "How is she?"
"Your daughter is a fighter, we had to stitch up a pierced artery, but we got the arrow out safely and stitched up the wound on her shoulder, she will have to wear a sling for at least a week, but she should regain full mobility in no time."
They all were happy to hear that Sofia would be okay as well.
"When can we take Sofia home?" Miranda asked.
"Two days, we have to keep in the eye for any infections and make sure the wound is healing properly." Doctor said.
"Okay I will stay with her, Roland takes the kids home and tries to get some sleep I will see you in the morning," Miranda said as she kissed and hugged each one of her children, before following the doctor to the room where Sofia was recovering from surgery.
As Miranda sat down beside her sleeping daughter, everything that happen hit her hard as she cried softly before composing herself and then runs her fingers through Sofia's hair.
For the next two days, it was tough because Sofia suffered from nightmares about what happened in the cave, and her shoulder wound was painful, but overall Sofia was doing as well as to be expected and was ready to go home when she was told about Minimus now belonging to her fully, she was excited to get home and see him.
As for Gabe and Heidi, they were found guilty for their crimes, and while King Roland would normally lock someone away for a crime, but after discovering what they did to Emily's remaining family they didn't deserve to rot in a cell and so he sentences them to be hanged.
When Sofia came home that day she was still wearing a sling, but she was glad to be back home and she hugged Minimus happily, she was finally home.
End of Flashback
Now Sofia was standing arm and arm with Fredrick as they were standing at the entrance to the ballroom where the dance was being held.
"It will be alright, just squeeze my hand," Fredrick said trying to reassure Sofia, who was now squeezing his hand painfully, but he didn't let it show as they went inside and for a second they all stared at them but soon were back to doing what they were doing.
"Come on let's get some punch and then maybe dance to few songs and maybe at least one slow dance," Fredrick suggested wagging his eyebrow, making Sofia giggle as she playful shoved him as they made their way to the food and punch table and soon they were sitting at the table watching everyone try to dance gracefully, but wasn't so successful, they even joined on some dances and then soon they were in each other arms dancing to a slow dance content in the presence of each other, unaware that they were being watched by Hugo who was with Judy who was too busy preening herself and wasn't interesting in dancing, saying that it made her sweaty and that she didn't want to hurt her feet in the new shoes she got.
Hugo just ignore her in favor of staring at Sofia who was smiling and laughing at something Fredrick said as he twirl her around and dipped her.
Clenching the napkin on his lap tightly he look at the happy couple and thought with determination.
'I will win you back Sofia, mark my words.'
The End
Sequel: The Royal Bully