5. THE RETURN OF THE PRINCE
The Royal Family of Enchancia were still in a jubilant mood even a few days after Princess Sofia's win in the Flying Derby Championship. They received many congratulatory messages from the other kingdoms as well as from Enchancia's nobles and their subjects. Princess Amber, now The Royal Foreign Minister of their kingdom, excitedly told her family how her royal international counterparts were impressed by Sofia's achievement in the flying derby. Her success became one of the hot topics in their conversation, other than the kingdom's affair.
"You are the most famous royal now, Sofia!" Gushed Amber, during dinner. King Roland II and Queen Miranda were just smiling, looking at their daughters.
"They asked me quite a lot about you and some of them even told me to bring you along to some of our next meetings. They are all interested in getting to know you in person, Sofia!" She continued excitedly.
"You talked about me? You talked about flying derby in an official meeting?" Asked Princess Sofia in surprise, gaping at her sister.
"Oh, you know... We couldn't help it. We can't just talk about serious things all the time. It was so (damn) boring. We do talk about royals, occasionally. Formality is necessary, but stronger diplomatic relations could also be achieved by casual communication and social relationship." Explained Amber to her sister with a bit of pride.
"Your sister is right, Sofia. You should gradually learn from Amber about our kingdom's administration." Told Queen Miranda. She paused before continuing, "We hope you could later assist in the domestic affair, kingdom's development and people welfare. These are among important fields that preserve our prosperity, strength, and stability. It had always been the priority of our kingdom."
King Roland didn't give any comment, just didn't want to add any more pressure to his daughter who was still studying. Princess Amber grinned at her reluctant looking sister.
"Your play time and honeymoon phase are going to end soon after you finish your college, sister." Princess Amber's grin grew even wider.
"Then, what about James?" Asked Princess Sofia curiously.
"Well, he will be responsible for the Defense Department. That's his expertise. He would be doing that until he is crowned king." Informed Queen Miranda again.
"Speaking of your brother, he has completed the Royal Military Training in Galdiz. He will be back anytime soon, most probably tomorrow." King Roland made his little announcement.
"What? James is coming back, tomorrow?" Princess Sofia's squeal drew all the other's attention. "Oh, I can't wait to see him, I miss him so much. Tomorrow I have class until the afternoon. I hope Professor Popov wouldn't drag the class out as he usually does," She babbled to herself. Queen Miranda raised an eyebrow at her while Amber gave her a stern look, but she didn't seem to notice it.
"Do not worry, Sofia. James wouldn't go elsewhere anymore after this. He will be staying here forever until you get tired looking at no other face, except his." Said Princess Amber flatly.
Princes usually would attend the Royal Prep College until the age of 17. After that, they will continue to Royal Military Training for another three years of practical and hands-on approach in the military field encompassing all disciplines to becoming a knight. More than 300 years ago, the Knights had only belonged to the noble class, but later the syllabus had been changed by adding Royals into the training as they would become the liege lord to be served in battle and lead the knights in times of war. All the squires, aristocrats, nobles and Royals would be treated equally in this training camp without any preferences so they would know each other responsibilities, worked on the same task together and received the same punishment if they made mistakes. They would learn the laws of chivalry, military codes of conduct, combat skills, handling horses, archery, swordsmanship, polish armors and maintain their weapons. The training was hard and rough, not only physically, but also mentally. Individual training was only part of the regimen, as knights needed to know how to fight as part of a team and follow the military order. Only after they managed to complete the training, they would be conferred knighthood in a special knighting ceremony.
Princesses, however, would only continue for an additional year in Royal Prep College to practically host a ball, banquet, and feast with proper cross-cultural culinary etiquette. They must be well taught in the dressing code for particular functions or ceremonies, at the same time perfecting their curtsy, wave, body posture, and dancing skills. They would also need to be actively involved and well-versed in organizing charity and welfare events, administer the kingdom's finances, asset and manage the castle's human resource. Another important thing is, Princesses should be knowledgeable in international royal history, political and trade policy to represent their kingdom wisely.
In overall, Princesses would eventually complete their study around the age of 18 while Princes would complete their training at the age of 20.
James had never been home since he left for the military training. Not even during Wassailia. For the past three years, The Enchancian's Royal Family celebrated Wassailia with just the four of them. The training was very strict. Not only the trainees were not allowed to go back home, no visitors were even allowed in their training camp if it wasn't for an emergency. Since that, Sofia and Amber had been each other confidants and best friends despite their difference in some aspects. They had been even closer than before, they knew each other secrets, they knew how the other might think or react and everything of their likes and dislikes.
JAMES ARRIVAL
Prince James arrived at the Enchancian Castle around noon. The journey from Galdiz took around 8 hours traveling non-stop by a high speed flying carriage. From the inside of his carriage, James saw his family and the castle staffs were waiting for him to greet and welcome him home. He dashed towards his waiting family as soon as he got out of the carriage. He couldn't help it for missing them greatly the entire time he was away for the training. The feeling was really wonderful to be together again with the rest of the family. He hugged his father, mother and sister tightly.
"You have grown up well, son. I am so proud of you!" King Rolland smiled broadly, observing his son and patted him hard on the shoulders.
"We are very happy you are back home safely, James. We all miss you, down here." Queen Miranda held him close to her and kissed his cheeks like he was still a small kid.
"Welcome back, James." Said Amber warmly, hugging her twin.
The castle staff bowed down and greeted James as he turned his gaze from his family towards them. James smiled and nodded at the staffs and servants. He saw Lord Baileywick was standing among the castle staff looking at him with a large grin. James couldn't forget how he missed the old man whom he always considered as family. The castle staff, especially the maids later began to whisper and talked with a low voice to each other in admiration about how handsome Prince James is now, how muscular he is, how tall and perfect he looks.
After a few minutes of exchanging greetings and warm embraces in a quite emotionally family meeting, James noticed one of the Enchancian's Royal Family members was missing.
As if understood his questioning look, Queen Miranda told his son, "Have you forgotten? Sofia is still having class, James. She will be home in the afternoon." Queen Miranda told her son, with a meek smile.
"Oh...," Replied James short, felt a little disappointed. Thinking about Sofia, he wondered how she looks like after all these years.
James looked over at his parents. They weren't so much changed since he left except that his father has put on some extra pounds, especially around the belly while his mother was still as lovely as ever but appeared more matured especially the way she was dressed. Amber was slightly taller than their mother, and has turned into a beautiful young maiden with a fair and flawless porcelain-like complexion. The most noticeable feature on her was her striking long blonde hair, which was more lush and soft, adding an enchanting look to her pretty face.
"I am sure you are tired and hungry after such a long trip. The Royal Cook had prepared all your favorite dishes. Let us have lunch together. After that, maybe you could use some rest too." Said Queen Miranda in a caring, motherly voice.
The Enchancian's Royal Family had their lunch in a lively and pleasant mood. They were exchanging stories and latest updates of what were happening in the kingdom and the royal circle especially during James's absence.
"Sofia won The Flying Derby Greatest Rider Championship for five consecutive times?" James asked in disbelief.
"Wow... She was simply exceptional." He muttered in amazement.
Amber later told James, "You know Princess Jun is getting married in the next few months to some Duke from her kingdom. We received the wedding card already."
She then paused, trying to remember other information, "... And latest gossip from The Royal Prep College, Prince Desmond was broken hearted since he was rejected by Princess Vivian, even though they were very close before."
"Amber, you still haven't changed after all these few years. Still keeping up with all the gossips, huh?" James teased his sister.
"You know, almost everyone was talking about it. It's an open secret! It wasn't that I gossiping around busy bodying about their business." Amber defended herself. Still, she couldn't help but continued discussing the topic about her two friends. "Hmm, I think... maybe Vivian is falling in love with someone else, that's why she rejected Desmond." Amber gave her concluding remark. "No wonder I noticed Desmond is getting closer with Sofia lately. Maybe he is trying to forget Vivian or to make her jealous, which one is it?" Continued Amber wondering, not realizing the smile on James's face faded upon hearing her latest information.
Ok, this doesn't sound good about Desmond being close to Sofia, James thought.
King Roland and Queen Miranda just ate and listened to James and Amber talk about their friends and occasionally asked James questions about his training back in Galdiz's Military Training Camp. While James didn't hear any more to the words Amber was about to utter as he had lost in his mind, thinking about a certain princess.
"So, how was your knight's training, James?" The voice of his father brought him back from his thought. "Did you ever managed to win any of the tournament?" Asked his father with great interest, looking intently at James. James felt his mother and sister had also now turned their heads and gave all their attention to him.
"I won the Passage of Arms Tournament." Answered James simply.
"Wow... Well done, my son! It was great! What an achievement. I am immensely proud of you!" Said King Rolland in a high pitched cheerful voice. He let out a small laugh, obviously very happy and proud of his son.
The Passage of Arms Tournament is an individual tournament event in which a knight would send out a proclamation that he would take any challengers at a particular time and place.
"Then, who won The Joust a Plaisance Tournament?" His father later asked in curiosity.
The Joust a Plaisance Tournament, is an individual tournament in which two opponents on horseback fought with lances. A series of elimination joust will happen over a period of several days, whereby the overall winner would be determined in the final round.
James exhaled. He felt a sudden heat rushing to his face, "It was Prince Hugo of Albuquerque."
"Seems like you two were competing rather closely, weren't you?" King Roland made his comment, with an acknowledging smile.
James wasn't sure whether it was a statement or a question from his father. He turned his eyes to his plate and later ate in silence, uninterested in continuing the topic.
JAMES
James was walking down the hallway while digesting the new information he got from Amber about Prince Desmond being close to Sofia. He didn't know how to react to this information. He was aware that those three - Vivian, Desmond and Sofia are very close to each other as they are about the same age. He knew that Prince Desmond was always considered good looking by princesses at the Royal Prep College. He doesn't talk much, but he is quite friendly and caring especially for someone close to him. Most importantly, he is one of the smartest students - other than Sofia, that fact was enough to give him an upper hand and add credit to his vast reputation. He certainly wouldn't have a problem getting any princess he liked.
James actually had long suspected that Desmond might have a crush with one of the princesses he is close to, be it Vivian or Sofia. He didn't care much, if it was Vivian, whom Desmond had fallen for, but if it was Sofia, James felt he should be the first to be informed. He needs to know everything about her. To be honest, James himself doesn't understand why he has this urge. Of course, I need to know everything about her. I am her big brother!, he answered to himself though he knows it wasn't entirely right.
But, like he is going to give consent to their relationship even if it is true? As if he is going to bless them for being a couple? No way!
He doesn't understand why he became so sensitive and overprotective when it comes to Sofia. He couldn't remember if he has the same concerns on Amber. He remembered he didn't even ask Amber who was her date to their graduation ball, the last day they were at the Royal Prep College. He just knew it happened to be Prince Derek only on the ball's night itself. Amber never shared anything with him about the guy she interested in and James himself had never asked her anything or even put a thought about it! He saw Amber as more than capable to take care of herself. But Sofia, she may be strong and tough on the outside, the best flying derby rider in Royal Prep College, no less. But she is so soft and fragile on the inside. He is afraid someone might hurt his kind Sofia. He is afraid someone might cause his Sofia to shed tears. He wouldn't allow anything bad to happen to her. Never!
James walked absent-mindedly until he reached his princely suite. The moment he got into his room, he suddenly realized how tired he was from the long journey he had earlier or the hard thinking, he couldn't figure out which one was the cause. He was lying on the bed to get a nap, but his brain couldn't stop working. His mind wandered back to the day when he first left the castle for his Royal Military Training.
That time, Sofia was at her 15 while he was at the age of 17. The day he was going to leave, Sofia seemed she could barely control her emotions. She tried to hold back her tears, but her reddish eyes and nose were sending signals to everyone... especially James that she wasn't alright. She wasn't that successful in hiding her sadness behind a forced smile which she flashed at him. She is always a bad liar and a worst pretender. She tried to speak out to say her goodbye, but nothing was coming out of her pale shuddering lips. James waited patiently for her lips to form words, for he wanted to hear her sweet voice for the last time, but she easily gave up and sank in her emotion. Her lips were moving, but there was no sound coming out of them. If he deciphered it right, her lips were forming these words, "Take care. I love you, James". Maybe that was what she going to say, James thought.
Was she? Oh, how he had really hoped it was true.
He was looking deep into her watery blue eyes that weren't as bright as they had always been. How he wished she wouldn't cry that day, for her tears brought the pain straight into his heart. She stood there in the castle's departure area, together with the other family members watching James as he hopped into the flying carriage with blank eyes. James noticed her shivering body, she was too weak to stand on her feet and that she had to hold onto Amber's arm to keep still. James had to admit, all this while, Sofia has become not only his dear sister, but also his best friend, advisor, partner in crime, his confidant and the best companion. She was his everything.
James watched Sofia's hand waving weakly at him, but she may never know that her last weak waves for James were his only motivation to keep going, they were calling to him every day and night, as if urging him to complete his training in time so he could go home early, just to see her again. He looked down from his fast moving flying carriage until glimpses of his family and Sofia were vague and vanished entirely from his sight. That very moment, James realized something. His body may be going away, but his heart and soul have been left behind - with Sofia.
James left Enchancia with a mixed feeling of love and confusion for his youngest sister.
Step sister to be more accurate. We are not blood-related, he thought. In fact, he told this many times to himself since he had this strange feeling towards Sofia.
He knew he loved her but what kind of love he had for her? Love her as a step sister or more than that. He somewhat knew the answer to his question. But he wasn't sure whether he should be true or lie to himself. James closed his eyes, thinking over and over again about his princess and finally he could think of nothing. The image of his dear princess gradually ceased as he slept soundly moments later.
AN: I hope you like my story so far. Thanks a lot for your reviews and opinions. They made me smile from ear to ear reading them.
NEXT CHAPTER PREVIEW : Prince James will meet Princess Sofia (Of course they will, what else?...). *Wink*
TO REVIEWERS : Whoaa... Hugfia outnumbered Jamesfia. Hugfia wins! Yeayy...
I have to put James vs Hugo because of their strong influence on the future plot of this story. OK, if you have some thought, do not hesitate to let me know...
