Sixteen: What if Amber told someone
Episode: Dads and Daughters day.
"Forget I said anything Sofia."
"Clearly she didn't Hildy," Amber grumbled as Hildegard whined about her soaked dress, sitting next to Kari.
Amber, on the other hand, had been granted permission to sit with the adults during their departure from the Enchanted Animal Park. Normally it wasn't allowed unless a child had been hurt or sick but Amber had been surprised when Miss Elodie had accepted her explanation of a personal matter that simply couldn't wait to be dealt with at a later time.
After placing Sofia away from Hildegard in case she were to say anything else upsetting, Amber made her way to the carriage as the adults stopped their conversation.
"Is everything alright?" Roland asked, helping her into the carriage.
"No," Amber sighed. "Hildegard said something to Sofia yesterday and I could tell that it was bothering her today. Let alone me."
"What'd she say?" Henrik asked, still annoyed with his daughter's attitude towards the end of the trip.
Amber sighed again, hoping Sofia was alright back in the other carriage.
"Hildy said that Dad isn't Sofia's real dad in front of everyone yesterday and told her to forget about what she said. She didn't even apologize for it!"
"Because I'm not your real daughter like Amber."
Roland's look of concern turned to anger as he recalled Sofia's words when she had found her picture in his pocket watch. It now explained her crestfallen attitude for most of the trip.
"King Henrik, didn't you teach Hildegard to respect anyone who doesn't have a biological mother and father while you were spoiling her with dolls?" He asked, trying his best not to lose his posture in front of Amber. "Sofia's sensitive about her biological dad, let alone me if anyone says that I'm just her stepdad. I love her and Amber equally, even if she's not my biological daughter."
Henrik tried to explain himself but wasn't able to as Miss Elodie glanced at the two kings, not wanting things to escalate into ugliness between them before placing a gentle hand on Amber's shoulder.
"Now I see why you told me it wasn't a problem that could wait," She smiled softly. "Princess Amber, you really care for your sister's wellbeing. That's a true trait of a future king or queen."
"Thank you Miss Elodie," Amber smiled. "I didn't mean my outburst earlier. I—"
"It's okay Princess Amber. I'll have a long discussion with Hildegard about what she said to your sister later today," Henrik assured, turning to Roland. "I should've set her straight years ago."
"You may not be able to change the past King Henrik but you can change Hildegard's future for the better," Roland said before turning to his daughter. "Amber, you've shown selflessness today with letting Sofia join the sing along and being gentle with her when she messed up."
"I just wanted her to be happy Daddy," Amber blushed softly in embarrassment at the extol she was given. "Wouldn't you?"
"Of course I would. I love you two now and forever."
By the time they've reached their own carriages to take them home, Sofia had reportedly passed out from exhaustion resulting from the day's events according to Kari as Roland took her in his arms while Amber followed behind him.
She really did care about her sister's wellbeing no matter what.