8. A TALE OF TWO PRINCES

Princess Sofia stood in front of a huge trophy rack in one of the castle halls, holding trophies won by the Royal Family of Enchancia for a few decades. Her eyes laid on a particular trophy, the white gold trophy adorned with a large ruby gem she won in the recent flying derby championship. The trophy had to be returned to The Royal Prep Academy (RPA) to be displayed in the Academy's Hall of Fame. She knew the RPA had created its history by winning the championship for five times in a row. She also knew she had created her own history by becoming the greatest derby rider of all time. Honestly, she was thankful to fate for blessing her with such beautiful things in life. She knew, all good things happened the moment she became the Princess of Enchancia, to be able to study in a great institution like the RPA, got few great friends and had such a wonderful family, she knew she couldn't ask for more.

Despite all the good things she had always had, at the bottom of her heart, she could feel something in her life was just incomplete. The more she thought about it, the more she became disappointed. She couldn't lie to herself, that the many things she had been thinking about, remains a mystery. Deep in her heart, she kept asking the same questions again and again, but no one was able to answer her. Not even her own mother, Queen Miranda. She remembered she had attempted to ask her mother about those same questions several times - the subject about her father, but received a vague answer from her old lady as she kept beating around the bush. When she grew up, the suspicion about her mother became greater and she just couldn't put it aside in her mind regarding her mother's strange attitude.

Sofia walked in the direction of the family wing, to her chamber to retire. She had classes tomorrow, so she had to get up early in the morning. She lay on her bed for almost an hour, but sleep was far from her. She watched the door frame in anticipation, waiting for a good night wish from the woman she loved the most. Since her siblings and her grown up, their mother would only come into their room to wish them good night if she found they were still awake judging from the brightly lit room. Sofia had purposely let the room's light turned on, and the door unlocked for that night in the hope of her mother's visit. Carrying the role as the Queen of Enchancia had somewhat cost her mother the quality times she was to spend with her children. There were times when Sofia and her siblings had to check their mother's schedule just to have 'a mother-daughter moment', the same thing they did with their dad. The easiest way to get her mother was during breakfast and dinner, as they made it a tradition for the family to dine together. But speaking during dining means that you are willing to share the conversation with everybody, and Sofia just couldn't do that. At least, not on this issue. She sighed.

Finally, about a few minutes to midnight, she heard a click from the door, signaling that the doorknobs being twisted by someone. Then came in her mother.

"Sofia..." A motherly voice echoed through the room. "Why are you still awake at this hour?"

"Mom, I couldn't sleep."

"Why dear, what are you thinking?" Asked Queen Miranda softly, looking concerned.

Sofia looked at her mother deeply. "I have a problem, mom. A big one." Sofia saw her mother raising her eyebrow.

The queen waited patiently for her daughter to speak.

"My problem is, I don't know who my father is." Sofia saw her mother's eyes widening at the end of her sentence. Clearly, it was an unexpected subject that had taken Queen Miranda off guard. Sofia could swear she had seen her mother's uneasy expression for a second before she smiled at her. Of course, she had learned that it was the most avoided topic by everyone in the palace, and she wondered why that was.

Ignoring the air thickening between them, she continued on, "I want to know about him badly, and so does everybody else. I believe even James and Amber are also wondering about my father, even though they have never asked us openly." As if a huge burden was released from her shoulders the moment she had spoken them out.

"Sofia, I've told you many times that his name is Birk Balthazar. He came from the Kingdom of Freezenberg and that he was a fisherman."

"That's all?" Asked Sofia, in unsatisfying tone, staring sharply at her mother. She had asked her mother the same question for years and kept getting the same answer. But, still all those answers given didn't exactly answer her question. The cycle repeated. She was tired of it and she had enough.

Queen Miranda sighed heavily. "All right, what else do you want to know?"

"Please tell me, how did he look. How did you meet him?" Asked Sofia. There was a curiosity in her eyes. But it was Sofia's sharp gaze pinned at her mother's eyes that were enough to tell the Queen, she couldn't take it lightly anymore and continued avoiding the question like she always did.

Queen Miranda shut her eyes for a few seconds, as if trying to retrieve the memory that had been dumped away, far at the very bottom of her heart.

"He was the most handsome man I had ever seen in my life. He was so tall, so brave and so proud of himself. He was a great husband and a wonderful father. He was so kind and had a pure heart. He had a strong will, a man of principle and honor." Her voice had turned to whisper towards her last words. For a moment, Sofia could see her mother's eyes were beaming as she swam in her memory, and the elder lady gave a sweet smile subconsciously.

Queen Miranda continued, "I remembered the first time we met, he wore the palace guard's attire. He looked funny in that clothes but still he looked very handsome." For the first time, Sofia felt she was enjoying her mother's story about her father. For a moment, Queen Miranda almost looked like a sweet teenager who just fell in love for the first time as she shared her story shyly with faded pink shade on her cheeks.

Queen Miranda then turned her gaze towards Sofia. "You have your father's eyes and that smile of yours is exactly his, it keeps reminding me of him." Queen Miranda looked away, trying to hide the sadness on her face. "You...You are more like your father than me. Even after all these years, I could still feel him as if he was around watching us. I could feel his presence and his spirit in you, my daughter."

For a few moments, there was silence in the room as both of them lost in their thought.

"Mom, during my journey in the flying derby championship, a warlord in the World of Fantasy told me about father's ring. Do you know anything about it?"

It was at that moment Sofia heard a soft gasp from her mother or she thought she had heard it. But looking closely at her mother, the middle-aged woman just looked as calm as she was always.

"Your father's ring? Yes, I saw that odd looking ring few times, but he seldom wore it. We lived a poor life back then. Maybe he had sold it, so we could continue to have bread and butter in our house. I didn't see the ring ever since." Explained Queen Miranda.

"Was it your wedding ring?"

"No. We... We eloped. We didn't have a wedding ring." Told Queen Miranda softly. Her voice was unsteady with a hint of embarrassment as shades of cherry blossom began to take over the pale tanned color on her face.

Sofia stared at her mother, digesting the new information she had just gotten. She didn't feel surprised, not that she had expected it either. She wasn't asking to judge her mother, she just wanted an answer! Before she could open her mouth to ask her mother more, Queen Miranda had stood up, clearly had enough conservation with her daughter. She tucked her in and kissed her forehead before going out after a good night wish.

Sofia couldn't help but still think about the conversation she had with her mother. She could feel that her mother was honest with her this time, but a few things remained unclear.

Wait, mom said father was wearing guard's attire the first time they met, but he was a fisherman. Did he change his job after marrying mom? And why did they have to elope to get married? If they eloped, didn't that mean they loved each other? But if she loves my father, why did she refuse to talk about him? Now that Sofia got her answer, it opens up a lot more questions. She confused and tensed.

I'm going to need another interrogation session with mom!

TUSoPS

Sofia arrived at The RPA quite early, the next morning in spite of her late sleep. She took The Flying Derby Greatest Rider's Trophy together with her to keep it at the Hall of Fame. As expected, the trophy had attracted an immense attention from the students that she had to make few stops on her way to the hall as students swarmed over to catch a glimpse of the trophy. Finally, she reached the Hall of Fame's building with a sigh of relief. Miss Flower Airis, the hall caretaker, greeted her as she came in and took the trophy from her. Sofia watched happily as Miss Flower Airis placed the stunning trophy at the exhibition corner.

"I knew you could do it, Princess Sofia. Congratulations!" Said the lady amused.

"Thanks, Miss Flower Airis. I'm glad I won the trophy for the Royal Prep."

"Sure you can win. With this win, you are officially the greatest flying derby rider of all time. We shall have one of your best portraits to be hung on the wall."

Sofia couldn't help but feel extremely happy upon hearing Miss Flower Airis words.

"Really? God, I'm so lucky." She squealed.

"Since this week is the last week before the spring holiday, could you give your portrait by this Friday?" Requested the lady.

"As you wish." Replied Sofia. Oh, I've totally forgotten about the spring break and have yet to make a plan.

"So, what is your plan for the holiday, Princess Sofia?" Asked the caretaker.

"I don't have any specific plan. Maybe I would go to Dunwitty town to spend time with my old friends - Ruby and Jade. We could go hiking in the forest, or I'll visit Lucinda to learn about making a new potion." Said Sofia cheerfully.

"Oh, it's good you are still keeping in touch with them. They'll surely be happy to spend time with you again. Do you want a weather forecast, Princess Sofia? To plan your holiday better?" Offered the lady.

"You could give a weather forecast?" The young princess was slightly impressed. "While I don't think the weather would give any problem to me in doing my activity, it's good to have an early anticipation. Thank you."

"All right. There will be a sandstorm occurring in one of the days within the next week. If this happens, do not travel through the storm or continue with your journey. Stop at where you are and go the nearest town to find safety." Miss Flower Airis gave Sofia a glimpse of weather outlook for next week with a little bit of advice.

"A sandstorm? In Enchancia?" Asked Sofia, her brow twitched in surprise. How could a sandstorm occur in Enchancia? There was no desert in the kingdom!

"No, in Albuquerque." Replied the lady monotonously, without expression.

"Albuquerque? Oh, in that case, I think this weather forecast is not applicable to me." Said Sofia, grinning.

"Perhaps." Said Miss Flower Airis, smiling back at her.

After saying her goodbye to the friendly lady, Sofia went to her lecture room to catch her first class with Miss Fauna about the Coronation Etiquette. She rushed towards her classroom fearing she might have been late. Giving an excuse for her lateness in front of the entire class was the last thing she wanted to do. Luckily, the lecturer had yet to enter the class, and the room was noisy with students chatting and laughing, mostly talking about their plan for the coming holidays.

TUSoPS

Sofia was screening every portrait of her, kept in the castle's museum to find the most suitable portrait to be given to the Hall of Fame. She could have the Royal Painter to paint a new portrait of her, but it will be time-consuming. A good quality portrait could take weeks of the painting process and a masterpiece could take months of work or even years. She was required to give the portrait within the week, so it would be best just to select from the existing collection. Finally, she found a portrait of her riding on Minimus, holding the majestic trophy that she deemed suitable for the Hall of Fame. It was the portrait taken during her previous win of the trophy.

Suddenly, there was a bright glow in the dim lit museum. She looked around to see where the shimmering light came from until noticing that it actually came from her body. The Amulet of Avalor was glowing, after being dormant for a few years!

Why now? She wondered.

It was a call from the Secret Library indicating a story had had to be finished. She rushed out of the museum, heading towards her chamber. As soon as she arrived in her room, she grasped the amulet.

"I wish to be small." Said she to the amulet. Once she was tiny, she snuck into the mouse hole to get into the Secret Library for her first story hearing after a few years.

She was still panting when arrived at the library. She rushed inside out of curiosity and immediately took her seat on the bench at the center of the room that facing a big screen. A book was chosen for her and it fell on her laps. She felt her heart was pounding as she was wondering about the task she was about to receive from the library. Again she couldn't help but think, Why now after all these years? Is it important?

She opened the book and read the title, "A Tale of Two Princes, and The Rest Was History." Hm, this sounds interesting and intriguing.

The big screen in front of her started to spark and projecting images, and soon she found her eyes gazing at two very handsome young princes, who were riding flying derby stallions in a wood.

She gaped.

I've never seen anyone so handsome like those princes! She was bewitched by the sight before her. Her eyes were sparkling as she watched the two figures on the screen with high interest.

Who were they? She mused.

She guessed the princes must be around James's age. Her eyes laid on one of the princes who was wearing a familiar princely suit, then it came to her. That was dad! Of course, when he was young. Oh, he was more handsome than James! Sofia chuckled at the thought. She couldn't help but compared the two men who were very dear to her heart. Errr... maybe James is a bit more handsome. He is taller and bigger than dad. God, why am I thinking like this? Nothing about this is mattered. She shook her head to clear her mind from the stupid thinking and began wondering about the story.

What this story is all about? Her curiosity soared. She intensified her focus on the screen to catch the conversation between the princes.

"So, Rolland. Are you going back to Enchancia tomorrow?" Asked the other prince.

"I will. I miss Enchancia's food very much, especially one or two dishes cooked by my mother." Replied Prince Rolland.

"Hey, you behave just like a kid. Was it really the food that you missed or your fiancé? I heard she had arrived in Enchancia to welcome your homecoming." The other prince smirking.

"Come on, Argon. You know I don't miss her." Prince Rolland frowned, signaling his disapproving look.

Argon? Which Argon? That flying derby prince? Sofia's mind reeled back to the portrait she once saw at the Hall of Fame and immediately found the similarity. Yes, it really was him! Sofia caught her eyes were locked on the prince. He was such a beautiful creature, wasn't he? An example of male perfection if I can say. Seemed like the portrait in the Hall of Fame didn't do justice to him. I mean, he's still looked handsome in the portrait but his charm and charisma were the things the portrait were unable to portray perfectly. Sofia couldn't help but look in awe at the prince on the screen before her.

Then she heard their conversation again.

"But you two are going to get married, soon. You should learn to love her, Rolland. Besides, Anne is a kind and beautiful princess." Said Prince Argon.

"Ah, now the pot calling the kettle black." Snapped Rolland. "You should tell that to yourself, Argon. Princess Eleanor is gorgeous! And even more loyal. What else do you want? You are one lucky man."

"I am only lucky if I meet my dream woman. The one true love." Said Prince Argon in a dreamy tone.

"Forget about dream woman, Argon. Just embrace the fate that as crown prince, we have an obligation to marry a princess." Said Rolland sternly.

"Now Rolland, you have just mentioned my most hated word, Fate! That damn word! I'm dying to face this 'fate' and fight him to death if it means to change my destiny." Prince Argon's eyes were glaring. He sounded angry.

"But you know that nothing we can do. As much as I despise the idea of arrange marriage, and that I'll marry the woman I don't love, but I can see the reason behind it. So, I think I will just accept what fate has in store for me."

"Good for you for willing to accept that. I know you are always giving in to fate, as fate would have it. And that you always follow what you have been told. But, it wasn't the same for me."

Prince Rolland didn't respond to his friend's sarcastic comment.

"All this while, I have tried to love her. But I just can't!" Prince Argon was getting more frustrated thinking about his betrothed.

"I heard you say that many times." Said Prince Rolland, in an emotionless tone.

"By doing something I really don't want to do, it felt like living in a body with a deadly soul. I couldn't lie to myself anymore and I certainly don't want to lie to her." Prince Argon continued muttering. "So, hear this for the last time, my friend. I'm going to end this engagement. To hell with all of these stupid alliances and maintaining a pure lineage."

Prince Roland was now looking at his friend with a shocked expression on his face.

"Do you really want to do that? But, what will your father say?"

"I don't care anymore. He could say anything he wants. But, I'm not going to change my mind."

"Well, if you are so determined, I could only wish good luck to you, my friend." Said Rolland.

Prince Argon finally smiled. "Thanks, Rolland. And I'm going to give you my stallion, as a gift." Said Prince Argon, petting his stallion's head. "I know how much you adore this amazing horse. He had helped me achieve numerous victories in flying derby, not to mention my recent victory in the knight's competition. He had always made you the second in place, Rolland." A smirk graced his handsome face. "Tomorrow, it will be yours. I just want my little love to be taken care under a trusted hand. It's all I want."

"Really, Argon?" Prince Rolland looked at his friend in disbelief, but his tone was a hint of amusement. "Well, thank you. Yeah, I love that stallion of yours. It's the strongest stallion I've ever seen. Hey Argon, did you notice we adore the same horse and have the same interest in many ways?" Said Prince Rolland suddenly.

Prince Argon tilted his head to study his friend. "What are you actually trying to say?"

"Do you think any chance we might love the same woman?" Said Prince Rolland with a goofy grin.

Prince Argon burst out laughing at his friend's stupid thinking. "That's nonsense! And beyond my imagination. I assure you that is not going to happen, my friend." Said Prince Argon, after his laugh ceased.

"Why not?"

"Because you idiot are going to marry Princess Anne soon. Even though we have much in common, you and I are slightly different in this arrange marriage idea. Knowing you very well, I know you would fall for your beautiful wife eventually. And I on the other hands, perhaps, was destined to be alone. But it's still better than spending the entire life living with someone I don't love."

"Hm, I do not remember you as the one who easily gives up on fate. You don't know what's awaiting you ahead, Argon. The thing that I really want, is for you to show up in my castle with that dream woman of yours, along with your offspring." Prince Rolland slapped his friend's shoulder. Then, they smiled at each other. "Let's go, it has already past noon. We'll better get going and start packing up our things for tomorrow's journey."

"You're right, Rolland." Prince Argon suddenly looked around scanning the area. "Mr. Balthazar, Mr. Balthazar...!" Prince Argon yelled.

A young man wearing a palace guard suit, scampered out of the bushes and stopped before the two princes. "Argh, you called me Your Highness?" Asked the guard, looking at Prince Argon. He looked disoriented and unsteady, a hand wiping at his sleepy eyes. Clearly, he was sleeping behind the bushes while waiting for the prince.

Sofia's eyes widened. She was sitting up straight, shocked at the unexpected revelation. Mr. Balthazar? Was that guard, my father? Sofia couldn't take her eyes off of the palace guard.

Was he really, father? Sofia asked herself again, staring at the young guard.

"Yes. Are you following me back to Edenlande, Mr. Balthazar? It's all right, if you want to stay here in Galdiz and settle down with your... lover." Said Prince Argon understandingly.

"I will follow you, Your Highness. Lover, can wait." Responded the guard coyly.

"If you said so, get our things ready. We will leave on the first light, tomorrow."

"Yes, Your Highness." Mr. Balthazar bowed and walked away rather in a clumsy manner. The two princes just watched him with smiles.

"Hey Argon, see that hill?" Prince Rolland was pointing at the indistinct hill that came into their view. "The first to reach its peak, will get his dream woman." Prince Rolland was grinning widely.

"Is it a challenge?" Asked Prince Argon, ready to pull his stallion's reins.

"It is." Replied Prince Rolland.

Two flying derby stallions galloped off into the air at lightning speed towards the said hill and soon vanished from the sight. The big screen in the Secret Library grew darker and the projecting images disappeared as the story ended. Sofia found her eyes still staring at the black screen, as if she could not get enough with the story.

She shook her head. So, where is it the part of the story that I need to get it completed? She mused. She looked at the book in her hand from front cover to the back. But she didn't see any clue or instruction for her of what she should do next to complete the story. The book flew away from her hand and returned to its previous location. Maybe, it was just storytelling. Sofia just shrugged and then went out of the Secret Library.

The most important thing, the Secret Library had just shown her someone she was kept thinking all these years and desperately wanted to know, her father. That's was all that mattered to her. At least she knew who her father was and that her mother wasn't lying to her. Sofia's mind wandering back to the scene she just saw. Suddenly she grinned. Father was sweet... and funny.. and bit clumsy, just like me. And, he was good looking, too!

TUSoPS

Sofia returned to her chamber using the same way she came from, through the mouse hole. As soon as she was inside the room, she held her amulet and wished to return to her original size.

"I wish to be bigger." Said Sofia to her amulet. Just a few seconds after she returned to her original size, Sofia heard impatient knocks on the door of her chambers. The person out there didn't wait for her reply, just opened the door right away and entered the room. It was Amber.

"Sofia, I thought you were not in here. Come, mom and dad are looking for you in the throne hall." Said the blonde princess pulling her sister's hand.

"What's up, Amber? Sounds like very important." Sofia suddenly felt worried.

"I guess it is. But mom had this happy look when I saw her just now. So, I don't think there is anything to be worried about." Amber tried to calm her younger sister.

The two sisters arrived at the throne hall a few minutes later. They saw their mom and dad had been waiting for them. And James too. The nobles and everybody in the hall were looking in high interest at a Royal Messenger who was kneeling at the center of the hall, holding a rolled message in both of his hands.

"Please read out your message." Asked King Rolland to the Royal Messenger. The man nodded.

"This is the official letter from Her Majesty Queen Eleanor, the Queen of the Kingdom of Albuquerque. In the name of the Queen, The Royal Family of Albuquerque would like to invite the Princess of Enchancia to visit Albuquerque to spend the spring holiday in the palace. At the same time, the Queen would like to get the consent of the King of Enchancia, to also acknowledge the visit by the Princess of Enchancia as a Royal Courtship between the Prince and Princess of the two kingdoms." The Royal Messenger of Albuquerque then rolled up the letter.

Amber and Sofia gave a quick look at each other in a questioning expression.

A royal courtship request from the palace of Albuquerque? That's unexpected! The two princesses couldn't help but thought the same thing.

It's only a week after coming back from the military training, but Prince Hugo had already made an aggressive move. That shit certainly can't wait to pursue his princess. Damn him! James cursed inwardly.

"Oh, it is an honor for our princess to receive such invitation, especially from a mighty kingdom like Albuquerque! I'm truly happy to give my consent to the Queen of Albuquerque's request. But, I have two princesses. Which of them actually, the queen refers to?" Asked King Rolland.

The Royal Messenger then looked up at King Rolland. "I'm sorry Your Majesty, I don't have further details about it. But the Queen had named the intended princess in a separate letter." Explained the man, moving forward to hand a sealed envelope over to King Rolland.

The room was in total silence as everyone was watching King Rolland opened the envelope sealed with Albuquerque's royal family's crest. All eyes fixed on the King, unblinking. King Rolland read the name in the letter and smiled.

Amber waited anxiously with fluttered heart.

Sofia was not sure how she should feel and what she expected.

James felt his blood went dry and suddenly felt weak at the knees.

The King took a moment to watch curious faces of everyone in the room, feeling amused to be able to create a little bit of suspense on his audience. "The name written in the letter is... Princess Amber." The King finally announced.

Amber almost squealed happily while James heaved a huge relief. Sofia also sighed in relief even though she didn't know why. Maybe because she had yet to graduate from The RPA and simply wasn't ready for any commitment at the time being.

The hall was immediately buzzing with excitement as everyone congratulated Princess Amber over her courtship invitation. She was obviously very happy with the royal invitation, but the person who was the happiest was James. He almost jumped in joy the moment Amber's name was uttered out by his father.

Nothing is better than this news. My sister got her first courtship, and my princess can remain where she should be... at my side. James gave a longing look subconsciously at the auburn princess who was standing across the room, chatting away with some noble lads.

He walked out of the room, ignoring the lust and flirtatious eyes thrown by some noble ladies at him. These women know little about me but they don't care, do they? Since they are just after my crown! James fought the urge to puff and scoff at those ladies as he felt none of them were worth his attention.

I still got a chance, and I must confess my feelings to Sofia as soon as possible before she is stolen by some other prince. Yes, confess is what I'm going to do. James decided.


AN: Quite many scenes to digest, I guess? Do you like it, anyway?

Oh, King Rolland read it right. It was Princess Amber, not our favorite princess.

As the story progresses, I think you would be back to re-read this chapter to find something you might overlook. (Don't try to find it now, wait until later chapter is revealed)

NEXT CHAPTER PREVIEW: Get to know the Royal Family of Albuquerque closer as we move scenes to the wealthy and mighty Kingdom which was also famous for its handsome heirs.

REVIEW: Tell me your thought about this chapter/story. Tqvm for your time!