11. PRIDE AND PREJUDICE

The dining room was truly a sight to behold. Frequently went to a few of her friend's castles, especially those from the Royal Prep Academy, more than enough for her to make a good comparison. Albuquerque's dining room probably the most beautiful dining room Sofia had ever seen, even more beautiful than the one belonged to the Kingdom of Freezenburg castle.

The room had the style and aesthetics of classic medieval with gold and mahogany as the main color. A long oval-like dining table that seats up to 120 guests served as the main table was placed in the center of the room surrounded by dozens of smaller round table that could seat up to 12 guests each. Albuquerque's royal crest adorned the head of every two armed chairs in gold and the dining room featured one of the most spectacular carved ceilings in the castle, showcasing the heraldry of the Albuquerque's royal family. Multiple decorative pendants hung down from the ceiling created the feel of a large chandelier, just provided the perfect dim in the room, apart from the dramatic and stylish tall crystal chandeliers along the middle of the table. The shade of the walnut floors warm up the classically designed room, but at the same time enhanced its natural organic feel giving a kind of soothing atmosphere and peaceful dining experience.

Feeling a dozen pair of eyes were looking at her, Sofia ceased her intention to admire the room's interior design and just walked towards the main table instead for the welcoming dinner. Sofia smiled at Prince Victor, who was standing not far from the table waiting for her, hand held out with that adorable smile of his ready to accompany her to her seat. Amidst of strangers in an unfamiliar place, secretly she felt very glad for the little prince's company. They walked arm in arm towards their seat, ignoring the gawking eyes of all the nobles present in the room.

The royal guests stood when the king and queen made their grand entrance soon after that. King Garrick was taking his seat in the north of the table with Queen Eleanor at his right side. Sitting next to Queen Eleanor were Prince Axel and Amber, then Prince Victor and Sofia in the same row followed by the other nobles according to their rank. At the king's left side, sitting opposite the Queen were Grand Duke Leonard and his wife, the Grand Duchess. The Grand Duke wasn't a stranger to her for whom Sofia recognized through several of his visit to Enchancia, when he visited his father, King Rolland. She also learned that the Grand Duke and his father were classmates when they were studying at the RPA and that he was King Garrick's younger brother. He nodded politely and gave a warm smile to her, not that he minded when he caught her looking at him. In Albuquerque, the title Grand Duke and Grand Duchess belonged to the royal family members exclusively and their offspring entitled to use the honorific 'Prince' and 'Princess' before their name. Whereas, the other noble titles such as Duke, Count, Earl and Marquis were bestowed to nobles and aristocrats and their offspring will be regarded as 'Sir' and 'Lady'.

Next to the Grand Duchess was Prince Hugo, who had been sitting in all elegant and poised. Getting a better look at the prince, she noticed for the first time that he had been keeping a slightly longer hair than he had when he was in the RPA. His straight, shoulder length hair was neatly tied back in a low ponytail accentuating ruggedness yet dashing appearance. As if sensing someone was looking at him, he turned his head to look at Sofia and piercing his hazel eyes on her that caught her by surprise. His stare was foreign and unfamiliar to her, as though it's not the one belonged to someone she knew years back. It managed to run a shiver down her spine nonetheless, and quickly she averted her eyes from the prince, suddenly decided that her plate was the most interesting thing in the room.

Damn him and his stare! Sofia cursed inwardly.

At the same time, Princess Amber who had been sitting beside Prince Axel to her left side and exactly opposite Prince Hugo across the table unable to hide her nervousness and excitement for being that close with both her suitor and her long time crush. She couldn't help herself from kept stealing glances at Prince Hugo while at the same time feeling worried about being caught by Prince Axel.

He has finally shown up for dinner. God, he's more handsome than before. Thought Amber bashfully.

The main dish was served after the king's speech and a few of toasts mainly to Axel and Amber for their courtship. They then dined and had a casual talk with each other, even most of them were more concentrated on their plate at the moment. Prince Victor eagerly told Sofia his favorite food and recommended her a few of Albuquerque's signature dishes that were not denying, were very delicious.

"So, you are the best female flying derby rider those people were talking about." Sofia heard a feminine voice from across the table. She looked up to find a lovely young lady, sitting in front of her.

"Pardon me for interrupting, Princess Sofia. I'm Princess Elena, Grand Duke Leonard's daughter." She introduced herself and smiled warmly at Sofia.

"Hello, Princess Elena. Nice to meet you. Yeah, I am a derby rider. But, I'm not sure if I can be considered the best."

"Are you kidding? You won many derby championships, including the recent tournament. You are the history creater and the record breaker! And I saw you in the magazines!" Princess Elena said excitedly. Her eyes filled with admiration for the younger princess of Enchancia. "I love riding, but not very good at flying derby." She admitted.

"Well, practice makes perfect. I'm sure you can do it better if you practice a lot. You could have the best flying derby trainer, after all." Sofia pointed out, taking a quick glance at Prince Hugo.

Princess Elena chuckled, understood the meaning of her glance. "It's not easy to be training under the guidance of my cousins." Said the princess, referring to Prince Axel and Prince Hugo. "They are not very patient with ladies."

"Really? I thought they are the most gentleman's princes in the world." Asked Sofia not quite believed her. She still remembered how her lady friends swooned over the two princes for their many personal qualities apart from their looks and wealth. Maybe being patient was just not their forte.

"They are. They're feigning gentlemen with all other princesses except a cousin!" Replied Princess Elena with a pout. They both giggled. They soon were having a nice chatter and shared a few tips about horse, riding and flying derby that apparently be their common interest.

"Seems like life is really good for you since you have joined the Enchancia's Royal Family, Princess." Another voice interrupted their conversation.

Sofia turned her head, looking at a middle-aged noble who was sitting between Prince Hugo and Princess Elena. He was sipping his wine in a cocky manner, while giving a deep sideway stare to Sofia through the rim of his goblet. Sofia suddenly felt uneasy. Something in his stare made her stomach tighten and her pulse quicken uncontrollably.

For some uncertain reason, Sofia also felt uncomfortable with his tone. She guessed the next conversation wasn't going to be very pleasant.

"I've had a better life. If that's what you mean, Duke..."

"Duke Alexis." Replied the man curtly.

"Nice to meet you, Duke Alexis." Sofia gave a polite nod at the same time thinking where the conversation was leading to.

"Is it true that you and your mother were commoners before her marriage to the king?" Asked Duke Alexis with a dark grin.

Bingo! I knew it, he was going to ask such a question. Sofia thought.

Being an ex-commoner among the royals, Sofia had grown accustomed to some snobby royals and aristocrats tending to look down upon her and jumped at every opportunity to discriminate her because of her commoner background, since her very first day in Royal Prep. But, her step siblings - Prince James and Princess Amber had always given a huge support to her and protected her from those stuck up snobs. Sofia knew she owed her siblings a lot. With their protectiveness, the Royal Prep's snootiest princess, Princess Hildegard had even tolerated her, many thanks to Amber, who had been acting as a big sister to her. It was when she created history by being the first princess ever been accepted into the school flying derby team, the students at Royal Prep started to open their eyes and recognized her for her ability rather than her blood. When she won a number of prestigious flying derby tournaments and being named the school best student in academy field and a few other achievements in sports, she became one of the RPA most popular princesses. Everyone wanted to be her friend and began treating her nicely ever since.

Sofia felt the atmosphere in the dining room changing rapidly from noisy to dead silence and a few of other nobles had taken an interest in their conversation all of a sudden.

"We were." Replied Sofia, looking squarely at the duke. "And I'm still keeping in touch with a few of my old friends in the village."

The duke sent her a dirty look. "It must be very hard for you to adapt to the royal environment since you were very much used to commoner's disgusting life."

Sofia felt her cheeks heated a bit at the snide remarks.

"I did, in the beginning. But, many thanks to my new family who supported me a lot." She was smiling, trying her best to conceal her annoyance that started to build up. That snobby duke was really getting on her nerves.

I can't let the likes of him look down me as if I'm an unworthy dirt at their feet. I've had enough of this nonsense! He's baiting me to lure my anger and my rationality, so he can prove to everybody that I'm every bit a lowly commoner that does not deserve to sit at the same table with him. Sofia took in a deep, calming breath. She sat up straighter, her shoulders back and her chin high.

Meanwhile, Prince Hugo was eating dessert and sipping his wine casually, pretending not listening to the conversation, as if nothing in the world could bother him.

"Of course, we do. We are family, after all. In fact, Sofia is the best sister I could ever wish. We are very close together." Sofia heard Amber's voice echoed from the other side of the row.

She turned her head to look at her sister gratefully.

"Ah, Princess Amber. My pleasure to meet you." Everyone who was listening to their conversation should notice the sudden change of tone and the difference in Duke Alexis's attitude between the two princesses. "How lucky Prince Axel to court a beautiful and regal princess like you." Said Duke Alexis, greeting the blonde princess warmly.

"Well, thank you, Duke Alexis." Said Amber with a graceful voice, not quite sure what else to do with the duke who had just insulted her younger sister.

"Princess Amber indeed is beautiful and regal. What a perfect princess! I couldn't agree with Duke Alexis more." Queen Eleanor smiled.

Grand Duke Leonard suddenly chimed into their conversation. "Both of them are beautiful." He said leisurely, but his eyes were focusing on Sofia. "But, Princess Sofia actually is a rare beauty. Quite an exotic look if I may say, especially with her azure eyes and that pale ivory skin."

Sofia stiffened in her seat. Though she was glad the conversation had now been shifted to a different topic, she still felt uncomfortable for being the main subject of the discussion.

"Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder." Commented Queen Eleanor. "But regalness is something hardly be emulated, certainly not by someone who hadn't been born with it, no matter how hard she tried." The Queen pointed out, darting her eyes to Sofia's direction.

Almost all eyes flicked their way to Sofia. She caught a few of stares from some other nobles and the earlier discomfort she felt a while ago came back to her again.

Was it a pitying look or disgusting look? Sofia was not sure. That moment, she felt small and embarrassed and unwanted. How she hoped her Amulet of Avalor could just make her the smallest possible or, better yet, made her disappear from the room.

"I actually think Princess Sofia is every bit a regal princess." Grand Duke Leonard's voice suddenly echoed through the room. Queen Eleanor shot a pointed look at her brother in law, just to be ignored by the Grand Duke. "Her face, especially those high cheekbones and shape of the nose are the unique features of hers that reminded me of a certain royal family especially that of the Western tribe. If I do not know any better, I wouldn't guess she is from Enchancia." He gave Sofia a scrutinized look that made her almost wanted to flinch. "May I know your parent's root, Princess Sofia?" Grand Duke Leonard asked curiously.

"My mom was from Galdiz and my father was from Freezenburg."

"Are you sure, Princess Sofia?" There was a slight frown on the Grand Duke's face. "But Galdiz and Freezenburg are the Northern tribes, not the Western tribe. And I'm fairly certain you bear a striking resemblance to those western aristocrats. Hm, perhaps it was just a coincidence..." He chuckled, feeling unsure of himself of all a sudden.

"No matter what, Princess Sofia has always reminded me of a cute little princess that Prince Hugo had been ice-dancing with." King Garrick chipped in. "When Hugo told me he was sick and then ditched the ice hockey training, I knew it was a lie. There was a certain princess he had wanted to meet actually." The king's remark made Sofia and Hugo both flushed, while the rest who were listening to their conversation laughed.

Sofia and Hugo stole a glance at each other, their eyes were sending a silent message.

I did not ditch the ice hockey training to see you. Why would I? - Hugo

So, are you now denying? Not that I care! - Sofia

Then, they both looked away. As if they could suffer sore eyes if continued looking at each other and that all other things seemed were more worthy of their sight.

Their annoyance was distracted by a loud musical performance as the royal performer started to sing and entertained the royal guests. Usually, after having their stomach full, most of the guests would dance and flirt with the court ladies or courtesans, mingled with each other in their aristocratic little pool - at the same time boasting about their wealth, gambling or simply get drunk on the limited edition luxurious wine that only Palace of Albuquerque could offer. Yes, everybody would make the most of their time in the palace as the king's guests.

Sofia sighed. The night was going to be very long for her. She had already felt very tired by their journey that morning and wanted very much to leave the dining room and tossed her body on the soft bed. Most importantly, she wanted to leave the room filled with stuck up nobles that were so vain and feigning grace in the middle of everything.

King Garrick rose to his feet and everyone in the room was watching as the King reached out his hand to her for their first dance of the night. The guests including Queen Eleanor could only watch the apparent fondness shown by the king to the young princess of Enchancia. Sofia blushed when all the attention fixed on her once again, but felt honored nonetheless.

"Princess Sofia, I'm so thankful for your willingness to become our guest of honor." The king started.

"It is I who should be very thankful for the invitation, Your Majesty."

"You have grown up well since the last time I saw you and now is a very beautiful princess." Sofia flushed a bright crimson at the King's complement.

"My son has chosen well and I can't agree more with him." Sofia frown. What was the King talking about?

The king continued.

"I could see the chemistry between both of you and I knew you two are a match made in heaven." Now Sofia was absolutely confused. Perhaps he was speaking about Prince Axel and mistaken me for Amber. She thought.

"I know a beautiful princess like you could have any suitors you want, but I hope you could give him a chance to prove himself worthy of you. He may act stupidly sometimes. Please be patience with him." The king chuckled.

Right, the King is drunk and doesn't know what he was talking about. Probably he just couldn't differentiate us, the two princesses of Enchancia. Sofia considered the best explanation for the king's behavior.

She contemplated whether or not should she correct the King about his previous remarks but unfortunately, the song had ended at that very moment and they stopped dancing.

"Now I believe a young man is waiting for a dance with you." The King smiled brightly and kissed her hand. Sofia watched the king retreating figure and soon found herself looking at a tall young man standing before her, in replace of the king.

Prince Hugo.

Sofia thought she was dreaming when she saw the middle prince of Albuquerque bowed before her and held out his hand. "May I have this dance, Princess Sofia."

She very soon realized that there was almost silence in the room and the whole guests were watching them with high interest, especially Amber. Queen Eleanor included. The very arrogant prince was now looking at her expectantly with that superior stare of him that screamed a message, 'dance with me or suffer the consequences'.

Sofia held back a snort.

Of all ladies in this room, he wants to dance with me? Why, can't get enough to annoy me? Well, I can just deny him and humiliate him in front of his very own guests. That will surely give a blow and crumble his arrogance to pieces. An evil thought slipped into her mind.

Everyone in the room watched as Hugo still waiting at the center of the dance floor with an outreached hand. While Sofia stood still like a statue on its pedestal, looking undecided.

But I don't want to embarrass Amber with my behavior. It's Amber's wish that we keep this whole thing on a good note.

Finally, she looked up to match his stare and placed her hand into his.

But the moment their skin touched, she flinched and almost pulled her hand back from his, as a jolt of electricity ran through her bones and caused every fiber in her body numbed for a second. A foreign wave she had never experienced before rolling in her blood and raising goosebumps along her flesh. Hugo looked at her curiously.

Dang, what is this feeling? Why suddenly I feel nervous? She inhaled to calm her breathing and tried to regain her composure. She glanced at the other guests sheepishly.

Although she wasn't quite sure what had just happened to her, but it wasn't something she needed to dwell on. Not at that moment. Right now, she had a dance to care and a cocky prince to be handled. Sofia quickly pulled herself together and acted like nothing had happened. They started to waltz around the floor as the next song begun.

Little did she know that Hugo had also felt the very same jolt of lightning and the very similar wave she had just experienced just now.

The other couples had been joining them on the dance floor including Axel and Amber. But this was barely being noticed by both Sofia and Hugo as the world seemed to be fading away the moment hazel and blue were looking at each other. For a minute, there was silence as they both just didn't know what to speak to each other.

Has he forgotten how to speak or there is a precious gold in his mouth? Amber, you seriously should come over and save me right here. This crush of yours really got an issue with me! She became more and more exasperated.

"I'm sorry that I wasn't the one you had expected." Sofia finally started, remembering the earlier conversation Hugo had with his father before dinner. She couldn't help but wondered who was the princess that Hugo wanted to court, but had been denied.

Hugo raised a brow. For a second, he was bewildered what the princess before him was talking about until he remembered about their little incident just before dinner. His lips were twitching upward in a small smile, he was looking down at Sofia in amusement and decided to humor her.

"Yes, you aren't what I expected." He stared intently at the fiery princess in his arm and couldn't help but compared her with the sweet, innocent girl he once knew back then in Royal Prep.

"Listen, I know I'm not the princess you had expected. But, I don't want to get in your way. To make it easier for both of us, you don't have to bother me or escorting me around as your father asked you to. I won't mind... A bit."

"Of course! I never do anything because other people order me to. No one can force me to do anything I do not like, even a king." Was his imperious reply.

"Well, what a brave of you." Her nearly forgotten annoyance for the prince came back immediately with that haughty tone of him.

"I do not follow an order, princess." He smirked.

Ugh, that smirk of his. It's so annoying! Why did I even think it was cute? Maybe I was just dense or my hormone had been unstable back then in the RPA.

Sofia huffed.

"I get it. You never follow anything." She commented, trying not to sound so sarcastic but she did.

"Actually, I do." Hugo leaned down. Her pulse quicken unsteadily when Sofia felt his eyes wandering on every inch of her face. Watching him looking at her like that made Sofia felt wanted to flee right away and just leave that stupid guy dancing alone in the dancing arena. Then, he said, "I follow my heart." Instinctively, their eyes locked on each other as the last word being mentioned. As if they had just heard a sacred word or a magic spell that sent both of them in a trance. Not long however, just about a split second.

Heart? An arrogant prince such as he does have a heart? Truly, Sofia was not sure whether she should be surprised or laugh at that little pronouncement from Hugo. Sofia looked up at Hugo, at the same time her mind digesting his cryptic reply.

"Do you have a heart?" The question slipped out of her lips before she could finish gathering her thought. The question that she suddenly regretted asking, when she sensed his sudden irritation. Frankly, she didn't know why she asked such question. It rolled out her tongue just like that.

"No. Not anymore." He murmured softly. "It has been stolen from me by an innocent thief." His cryptic answer almost made Sofia wanted to laugh hysterically.

"Perhaps, she wasn't that innocent. I wonder who was the unlucky thief?" Asked Sofia, grinning.

She saw him frown and his eyes narrowed.

"She was indeed unlucky, for she didn't know what she had." Hugo stared at her deeply before breaking their gaze. He looked displeased and annoyed.

Sofia had not had enough time to ponder about his words when the song ended.

Hugo led her off the dance floor towards the main table. He kissed her hand and walked away. Catching her sister's impatient eyes from the other side, Sofia knew she couldn't sleep early that night until she told, no, reported a bedtime story to her elder sister. Not about a certain fairy tale but about the miserable dance she just had with her sister's crush. Yes, Amber would want to know all that. Everything. Every single details. She sighed. From the corner of her eyes, she saw Hugo left the room with his trademark cocky strides not bothering at all about anything else even the party had just begun.


AN: I hope I didn't write this chapter terribly.

NEXT CHAPTER REVIEW: More Hugfia moments awaiting you.

Based on this chapter: I wonder why lover always make it difficult in a relationship, and can't see a crystal clear sign? It's not that God will personally visit them and tell, "Hey, it's true, that guy is in love with you! Can't you see it? Or how can you not know that guy hates you. Move on! What is the point I gave you 7 sense if you're still so blind and clueless? 5 sense + mind + heart. Use them all, will ya?"

Any review is appreciated.