Days turned into weeks and through it all Sofia prevailed, course after course, all the while finding ways to avoid what was now her schoolyard bully. Rain had been very good in giving her tips but truly just ignoring her seemed the best option. However it was not the most Sofia option so after a month of running away she finally confronted her, asking her point blank why she was doing this and telling her as calmly and gently as she could there was no reason to be jealous. After all she was still a beautiful person regardless, nothing would change that. It didn't do anything, if anything she seemed madder. Sofia recalled how certain people she wrote to about this all had different opinions on what to do.

Her mother wanted her to avoid conflict if talking didn't work, her father wanted her to stand up for herself, and Amber was telling her to really stand up for herself, to fight back- totally ignoring she had acted similar once. James and Cedric, surprisingly, shared the same reaction, both threatening to show up and do something about it. James would have not been physical with a lady of course not but he was her big brother and a knight, he could at least make her back down just by looking mighty. He was very strong these days, muscular and fit, becoming the type of dashing prince the young princesses fainted over. If anything April would just throw away Geoffrey for James, though James was too stuck on Princess Zooey to leave her, especially for someone who wasn't nice. Cedric on the other hand...

He had no qualms casting negative spells on people, he even had more than one book on it. He also was incredibly imposing, with his height, his burning eyes, and his level of sorcery skill. There was something about him, particularly now that he had more respect, that really Sofia was just too trusting and gentle-hearted not to notice. How everyone ignored that aura he had that exuded black magic and a long time ago, deceitful ill intent, was anyone's guess. Sofia had to reply to both her brother and Cedric that she would be fine but was grateful to have such protective people in her life. Weeks passed and then weeks turned into months. The day of giving thanks was coming up fast but Sofia wasn't sure that it counted as a holiday she could take off, seeing as she missed the big Halloween ball back home.

She thought of the ghosts in her attic and how they would not be as down to party without her, especially Boo. Not much she could do, if it didn't count then it didn't count. She did enjoy herself here because Hallows eve was a big celebration amongst magic users, a time where the white mages gave treats and the dark mages gave tricks. There was pumpkin scent everywhere as well as pumpkin and cinnamon flavored everything. The décor was outstanding and full of ghoulish delight with candles floating in midair and haunting melodies playing. They had a costume contest and Sofia came in second place, April came in third and this only fumed her more.

She had enjoyed herself, dancing away, bobbing for apples, playing games like pin the hat on the witch, broom toss, and a strange game called six five nine which was like jacks only the jacks were enchanted. They also had a game of catch the black cat and whoever caught it won a big prize. It was all a lot of fun and she left from that night, full of sweets, plopping down for a restful sleep on her bed.

Minerva did not have a perch there in the dorm but seemed content with standing on the chair, or outside, or on the book case. Anywhere she could land and stand was fine for her but she did prefer the perches. However there was a nice hollow tree near Sofia's window she came to like just as much, going out every night from there to do her hunting. She refused to do it in front of the princess, her sentiments for all living creatures could not steel her stomach to it. The magician she visited didn't seem to mind and barely gave her a glance if she brought a small animal inside to eat, not that she liked doing that, it was so messy. When the day of giving thanks came to be Sofia anxiously awaited to see if this time she could go home with her family or if for some reason she had to stay here. Her head master pulled her aside and had a chat with her.

"Sofia you are an excellent student, so excellent we might bump you up to some advanced classes but for that we would need you to take a test in the current ones and if you pass then we can send you off. However these things take time and time away from us will slow that down. So if you go home now, that's fine, but then you'll have to miss Wassalia. Even if you don't go, there's a chance you'll miss it anyways. It happens a lot with our students that studies overtake their time away from their families."

Sofia felt distraught. Not see her family until...who knew when? Possibly next autumn when the next day of giving thanks rolled around? She'd already be missing her birthday, another Halloween, another fall festival, more summers away from the islands, more springs away from her garden, and lots more time away from her duties to the protectors and the library. It had not called her but she started to think it was because she was nowhere near it, though she didn't know if that's how it worked. If it did that meant there were a lot of stories that needed happy endings she just wasn't able to get to, who knows what was happening to them now? She became inconsolable for a while, unsure of this being a good decision after all. She had convinced herself it wouldn't be so bad as long as she could see them during holidays but so far, the only holidays that were allowed were major ones, like Wassalia. However these advanced classes would push her further up and she'd be spending less time here and then that meant she'd get to go home earlier.

How could she say no? How could she say yes? It was a dilemma for sure. At least she would visit them for giving thanks day, if she was to miss Wassalia either way she'd have to see them first and explain it to them. They'd be devastated and she'd understand. They probably already had her presents thought out, all prepared to fill her stocking and have her hang up ornaments with them. She placed her hands over her chest, trying not to let her heart become so heavy with sadness. Unlike Royal Prep or some other schools there was no winter break, their studies were just too complex, and it seemed there might not even be a spring break. She asked him about it and he told her that since they already took Wassalia and the eve off they didn't do winter break but spring break was something they did. She let out a huge sigh of relief. At least that was something.

But she'd miss her birthday so by the time she could get to them she'd be a whole year older and a whole year different. From thirteen to fourteen and they would not be there to see it. What choice did she have? Could she just tell them no but then spend more years here? It was usually three but if she did these classes she could be home before she was sixteen. The number sounded too big for her to pass by without her family. She took the offer, she liked it here but she wanted to go home. She hoped he kept his word and didn't spring up on her during literal spring to get her to stay over and do extra classes.

Even if it bumped her up again, she'd be literally not seeing her family until the next next fall and by then she'd be grazing by fifteen years old. She prayed and wished for a miracle, that she'd be able to see her loved ones again as soon as possible. The day of giving thanks came and Sofia was like a storm of leaves in the wind getting home to everyone, it had been months since she had even seen their faces, only hearing from them in letters. They had all been waiting for her there, dressed in their finest attire. Amber was in an orange dress with gold leaf printing, her mother looking stunning in a light green dress, all around her were the shades of fall. Sofia had dressed her best too, a simple but no less elegant ruffly red dress with pale yellow accents. Her shoes and waist held bows as did her hair. She hugged everyone so tightly it hurt with her parents holding her together. It was good to be home.

She helped set up the tables, picked out the food to go in the cornucopia, lit the candles, and assisted with the decorating. All the while off to the side she could see her royal sorcerer smiling at her as he waved his wand, producing the most beautiful autumn scenery that her eyes had ever seen. For her sake he made it rain leaves upon her causing her to giggle and hold out her hands, dancing in it. It did his heart good to hear her laughter fill the castle again. Minerva sat upon Cedric shoulder, nipping affectionately at his hair, causing him to let out a boyish laughter that amused Sofia to no end. Around Sofia everyone felt light as a feather. The air was sweet with the scent of apples and turkey, the colors were all gorgeous, the table setting was immaculate and festive, now all that was needed was for everyone to sit together and have a good time. While she waited for the chefs to cook, she went and found her animal friends, Whatnaught was not there as he was hibernating and Robin had to take care of her chicks but Mia and Clover were there with her rabbit nearly making her fall to the ground in a surprise tackle.

"SOFIA!"

"Clover! Oh I missed you all so very much!" She exclaimed, hugging him tightly. "Have you all been getting treated well?"

"Yeah we get fed four meals a day and Amber gives pretty good belly scratches. James is a little too rough but that's fine. Baileywick just drops off the food if it's his turn, I think he might be allergic to rabbits because he was sneezing up a storm."

"Oh he's not he just has allergies during some seasons."

"Well anyways it's been pretty good. Actually we were a little nervous because Cedric doesn't like us but he's been really nice."

"He's always really nice," Sofia attested, smoothing out her dress that Clovers rambunctiousness had wrinkled. "At least you are all well. So what have you been up to?"

Sofia was given an update on all the happenings that she had missed out on and then she went to find Minimus who she took for a quick fly around the castle. He told her they let him out as often as they could but he was so used to her riding on his back that it felt funny without her. When he landed, she combed through his mane and talked with him for a while. She took a nice long walk around the castle, admiring the seasonal changes, kicking up the leaves that crunched under her feet. She waved to the gardener and to the stable boy, she waved to any maids she saw. It was a great day so far but she knew it wasn't going to last, she would have to tell them the news that would make this day bitter. For now she let herself and everyone enjoy the festivities, her news would wait.

All the protectors had missed her, she had called to them on her enchantlet, and they said things had been a little hectic but nothing they couldn't handle. However they were anxious to get her back on the team. Sofia felt the same. James found her to tell her the food was finally ready, of course it was him he had an appetite to rival Clover's. She excitedly followed behind him and when she saw the food, she stood in awe of all of it, prepared perfectly. Sofia couldn't wait to taste it all and it would somehow taste even better around good company. During the day of giving thanks everyone could sit at the table, even the lower servants, because that day was meant for all the things they were thankful for. Sofia's smile never left her face seeing all her favorite people there, digging in and enjoying the meal, all chatting with one another.

Sofia sipped her cranberry juice when a toast was made in her honor, making her turn a little cranberry colored herself. She thanked them none the less and clinked her glass with everyone's there. She wished it would never end, she wished it could stay like this, she wished she didn't have to ruin anything but she did. She would wait a bit longer, until all bellies were full and people content. James had over eaten to the point of nausea, splayed out very unroyally on the sofa, rubbing his stomach. Amber shook her head and sucked her teeth at him.

"I can't believe we are twins, we are not alike at all."

Sofia took her plate of pecan pie and dug into it, watching the wholesome scene of her mother and father cuddled together romantically while their teenaged children relaxed upon the sofa. Baileywick served coffee to any who wanted it as well as slices of pie or cake, there were many different varieties but Sofia was a classic kind of girl. A slice of apple or pecan with ice cream melted all over it was just dandy by her book. Baileywick was told to sit down and stop fussing over things, to just put his feet up and let his food digest. It was difficult for the steward to take such orders but they were from the highest in command, he couldn't disobey. He sat, a bit awkwardly, on the small chair and in the quiet charming scene he did a little crossword puzzle to occupy his time. He was fond of mind games, kept him on his toes and made his brains sharp as a needle.

Sometimes he liked to sew or knit in the winter, Sofia still wore a scarf he made for her decorated with snowflakes. Sofia liked to knit with him, her mother might even join in, and they'd have a little sewing circle. Violet and Suzette were talking with the chef and other servants, all nodding and having a general grand time to just be with their friends in some peace and quiet. As Sofia passed by them, she could hear they were discussing which years feast was the best. In the corner, more so to himself than anyone else, was Cedric, blowing on his coffee before drinking it. She joined by his side, sitting as close to him as she could, then pat her hand on the chair next to her. He sat there and stretched his legs on the ottoman, totally at ease. Minerva perched on top of the chair, preening herself, then inevitably, because it was morning and owls were night birds, fell asleep.

"Do you want some pie, Mr. Cedric? It's delicious."

"I've never tried it before but I suppose it won't kill me to indulge in sweet things."

Sofia took a piece on her fork and placed it near his mouth, causing him to look at her strangely, almost timidly. His eyes shifted to the king and queen as if he was doing something wrong then he took a bite and swallowed.

"Well?"

"It's nice enough I suppose..." He eyed her a little. Sofia would forever remain a mysterious young lady to him, the strangest he'd met. She was so altruistic, so ready to give her heart to anyone, so sensible yet daring. He could not wrap his head around her nor did he really want to. He enjoyed being surprised by whatever she did next but feeding him like that was odd, especially seeing as that's something Roland and Miranda were doing. He gave it no thought or at least tried to shove it off as one of those Sofia things, some urge in her she got that sprouted from her desire to be nice. The two were close companions to the point where silence between them was not awkward, they could enjoy each other's presence just fine.

The entire display before her was so tranquil, she felt there would be no right time to tell everyone without upsetting them. She finished off her pie and retreated to the kitchen to put her plate in the sink. She had to say it, she had to. There was no way she'd lie to them but they were all happy and expecting her to be there, most likely looking forward to it. She felt she'd be letting them down. 'They'd understand', she told herself, 'and they won't hold it against me.' She took several breaths then gathered up her wits, going right over to her family. She cleared her throat loudly making everyone look towards her.

"I uh... I have something to say...but it's not good. My headmaster thinks I'm a great student, so much so that he wants to try and move me up a level but sadly...that would mean missing you all for Wassalia. I figured missing one to come home early and get a more advanced education was worth it so I took his offer."

For a moment everyone just stared her down making her feel nervous and she stood there taking their looks. They all seemed so disappointed but not angry or even too sad, her mother came up to her and held her gently, stroking over her back.

"This must have been a hard decision for you, Sofia, but it's your future and it's up to you to decide. Sometimes things have to be given up to achieve something even better. Whatever you chose, whatever you do, we will always love you and support you."

Sofia wiped her eyes off and hugged her mother back, trying to keep it all in. She was Sofia the brave and noble and just, she was not going to cry after all she had faced and been through. It was just a few more months, just a few more then come spring she'd see them again for a long time, two whole weeks. Then next Wassalia she'd be there for sure, no matter what, and with hope she'd be home before she was even fifteen or just before her fifteenth birthday. However her mother was right, it didn't matter what she did, even if it did take the full three years, she would always have them here for her, always there for her. She sat there in the middle of her family, being hugged by all and through the squeezing arms she peeked over to where Cedric had been sitting, hoping he'd give her one too. He wasn't there and Minerva still slept. Sofia's mouth turned into a frown, upset that he might have left to go be upset about this but then she felt his presence and smelled him then she saw him just out of the corner of her eye. He did not leave her, and with his eyes he told her he never would.

After all that the family did not let it get them downtrodden and played their usual games, board games and card games, everyone was included. The servants faced off against the royals for an even tie. Sofia didn't let the fact that she'd be leaving tomorrow as early as the carriage could possibly come let her become distraught. She was here now and she'd enjoy it. The day winded down and as usual Sofia was assisting with everything, including clean up despite the fact that there was already a lot of hands to do that with. She didn't mind it at all. Before bed she told everyone goodnight but also when she would be getting up and she wouldn't be upset if they couldn't manage it. None of them said they would miss her leaving, even James was winding up his alarm clock to show her how serious he was about sending her off.

Sofia slept well that night with full stomach and happy thoughts and despite everything awoke with a smile on her face. As it was before everyone was there for her, wishing her the best. With that she left in high spirits, bundled up for the cold weather ahead, and looking forward to expanding her horizons in more than one way. When she met up with her headmaster, he congratulated her on choosing to go forth with the advanced classes and then gave her the test that she had studied for day and night. She had just passed within a few inches, enough for them to bump her up to the harder course. Sofia was ready for the challenge, accepted it even, and grabbing her wand tightly she told herself she would not fail. As expected, the classes were difficult to say the least but Sofia was not daunted and being the studious girl that she was she took everything seriously, never once stopping her practicing. Jun did the same and often the two girls dueled each other or quizzed each other. With her four friends she would head to the court yards and practice their spells, brew their potions, conjure up and transform things until they felt sure they got it down. So engrossed in her studying Sofia didn't have time for April and her rude words.

She usually walked hurriedly past her, excusing herself while she had her face buried in books, murmuring spells. As the days passed Sofia kept up with her letters back and forth with everyone, it was always a joy when Minerva came back with a thick parcel for her. Sometimes in the envelope there would be little photographs or things, specifically Cedric liked to give her pressed flowers or bagged plants to use. One time Amber sent her a tube of glitter, to add sparkle to her life she said. Sofia liked glitter but it had not been jarred correctly and the glitter went literally everywhere in the room. It took weeks to clean it up. Sofia liked to receive the letters so much, hugging them to herself as if they were the person they belonged to. Amber sent gossip, James sent jokes and stories mostly, her parents gave her words of encouragement, her friends shared their excitement, but more often than not her sorcerer encompassed all of that and more.

Before Sofia even knew it, the months flew out the window like so many times Minerva had done so and she was looking forward to seeing her family again in the spring for two whole weeks. Passing through Wassalia without anything but letters and small sent gifts or money to get herself things, was not even enough. Her friends weren't even there because they all got to go to their homes, none of them had been bumped up save Jun who still got to go anyways, somehow. Sofia felt that then that there had been some terrible injustice but it turned out that Jun went for Wassalia only, she would not see her family until the next time over. Wassalia at the academy had its own splendor and there were mystery gifts, with these gifts came an unexpected surprise. She was to give a gift to April and it appeared April was to give a gift to her, she had overheard her complaining. April's gift to her was socks, which though plain and obviously given as some sort of mean spirited gift, Sofia appreciated and put them on immediately. April opened hers and looked at it. Sofia had made her a hand painted ornament with her name on it and decorated with sunflowers, which she was told were her favorites. April looked at it with a snooty face but Sofia knew she was holding in her true feelings.

She could tell by the glimmer in her eyes. Regardless, after that she was bullied a bit less. The winter snow melted revealing the new blossoms to arise and with it Sofia's smile grew until it felt it could not fit her face. She'd be going home for two long blissful weeks and every day she knew she'd be busy busy because so many people would want to hang out with her. She'd have to dedicate a whole day for each person and even then, she might be double booked. Sofia dawned a pale pink dress and grabbed her bags, hurriedly leaping back onto the carriage to go home again and this time for a much longer time. Minerva slept soundly in the carriage, the bird had been going from Enchancia to the school all this time and was often kept up during both morning and night. She was tired to say the least and Sofia let her sleep. Once the castle was in sight Sofia barely let the carriage hit the ground before she rushed out to meet everyone. Spring time in Enchancia was gorgeous and she was joyously enveloped in the scent of flowers everywhere. It was a bad time for Cedric because of his hay fever and allergies but he usually strayed away from the types of things that made him sneeze.

Actually it was one of the reasons he wasn't outside to greet her right now because today the pollen was especially bad but no matter, she would come up to see him in time. For now she needed to unpack and unwind. These two weeks were going to be hectic but fun. After she unpacked, she did her usual rounds, carrying Clover with her as she went from person to person saying her hellos and how do you dos. Amber was busy scheduling a girl's day with her, Clio, Hildegard, Ruby, Jade and of course Sofia but she talked her ear off about it all the while. Both of her parents wanted to spend daughter parent time with her. James was looking forward to having a dazzle ball tournament with her. Her protectors would probably be calling as well as the library and not to mention her thousands of other friends who demanded she visit them. On top of all that there was hearts and flowers day, the day for spreading love and Sofia had lots of people to give love to, and little gifts to show that. She was already wiping her brow and nothing had begun, it was just the thought of it all.

Since Amber's girl's day was not for a bit, she decided to get James out of the way and as soon as she changed she and he went toe to toe doing dazzle ball, James showing off his moves. Sofia caught the ball as it turned into a flying disc, landing so hard the grass made skid marks on her pants and a little dirt was on her cheek but she laughed, not caring about any of it. Rex barked happily, jumping around the two trying to get the ball too, thinking it was some type of fun game. Sofia was careful not to let him get it but also very careful to avoid Robin's nest of fully feathered chicks. Sofia leapt in the air and bounced the disc off a tree with her hip making it circle around James a little. He didn't even have time to catch it and Rex was the one who tried to but Sofia took it away from him. She helped her brother up.

"Whoa that was some move, Sof! Did you make that up?"

"Actually it's a move dad and Mr. Cedric made up when they were kids."

"Holy cow, I had no idea Cedric even went outside and played any sports at all! We should invite him next time...you know if he's up for it."

"Yeah that would be great maybe we could team up. You and dad versus me and Mr. Cedric! Amber can be the referee, she likes the stripes."

"Oh no let's not give her a whistle again."

Both the teens laughed, remembering their sister blowing the whistle and ordering everyone around. They continued playing for a little while until they got tired, and in need of a snack. The two had cucumber sandwiches with peanut butter to dip apples in. Sofia had agreed to go with James later on in the evening to pick up some things but until then she wanted to pay a special trip to her wizard. She didn't seem to notice or care that she was still dirty and her hair was a bit wet with sweat. She knocked on the door, teetering on her heels as she waited.

"Come in, my dear," The accented voice called followed by a light sneeze.

"Bless you," Sofia said as she opened the door. "Allergies getting you down, Mr. Cedric?"

"Oh nothing can get me down now that you are here."

Minerva was already on the perch but snoozing every now and then letting out a soft hoot. Sofia closed the door gently as to not wake up the bird and then fast walked to him, opening her arms to hold him. He accepted her hug, lifting her up a little.

"I missed you lot, Mr. Cedric but your letters helped."

"I could say the same thing. My goodness, Sofia. What happened to you? Your pants are torn and you have dirt on you. Did you have a nasty tumble?"

"Me and James were playing outside."

"Ah that makes sense then," Cedric replied, taking out a tissue and wiping her cheek clean. "There much better."

"James said he wants you and dad to play with us next time. What do you think?"

He kept his arm around her as she stood there looking at him with a never ending smile. It had not stopped since she got here. "I wouldn't mind, I guess. It might be a bit fun to win against the king."

"Oh so you think you'll win?" Sofia teased, poking his nose. "So much confidence."

"Of course I'm going to win. No doubt such an amazing, wonderful, dashing, strong, sensational sorcerer could lose."

Sofia chuckled at his hyperbole, nuzzling a bit under his chin. "Tomorrow I am going to have a girl's day but I think the day after I should be free. We can be together the whole day! I can show you all my magic!"

"I can't wait to see what my apprentice has learned!"

Sofia talked with him a little more then said goodbye to go with James. The two siblings had a good time walking along the roads, James going on about how enthralling knight training had been and how many different defensive moves he had learned. Sofia just listened to his rapture while the insects fluttered near the lamp lights as the night came on. He was talking about how he would be called Sir James the Brave, the best jouster in the land. He had high marks in that field and Sofia was pretty impressed.

"You know knights save a lot of fair maidens in the stories but Zooey isn't like that at all. If anything she would be riding on the dragons while I chased them."

"Oh? You talk about her a lot. Do you like her?"

James's cheeks turned pink and he scratched the back of his head. "Well... I mean she's so daring and brave, she's not afraid to step out of the line, and she speaks her mind. She's different from the others, it's no wonder she likes you. And have you seen her eyes? Like they are just...wow..."

"James since hearts and flowers day is coming up why don't you ask her to a date, something you both like? Perhaps you can take her on a magic carpet ride, I mean you do know someone who owns them or even show her a hidden cave full of pirate treasure."

"You know what...that's a brilliant idea! I'm so glad you're my sister!"

"And I'm glad you're my brother."

Sofia and James gathered up his supplies, mostly things for school and sporting equipment, and headed back home in the carriage that had dropped them off. She helped him put up the things and gave Rex a good scratch or two before kissing his wet nose. In return he licked her face and she laughed, wiping it off. Despite his shenanigans she would always love the loyal and protective dog. Sofia yawned and stretched, looking forward to tomorrow but today had her pooped between the working out and the walking she was ready for bed. Sofia left her window open to let in the breeze and slept on the window bed, all curled up, breathing in the smells of springtime that lulled her to sleep. She was still asleep when Amber burst in, early in the morning, drawing back the curtains and flooding the room with the dawns early light.

"Sofia wake up, rise and shine!"

Sofia opened one eye at her overly enthused sister, already dressed in a light button up cardigan and golden rod printed dress with high white sandals to match her ensemble. Her hands were on her hips with her mouth in a tight pout.

"I really wish you wouldn't sleep there. It's bad for your back."

"My back is fine, Amber. Why are you waking me up so early?" Sofia questioned, rubbing her eyes.

"Because, silly goose, we have so much to do today! We are going to the best royal spa ever and then we'll eat chocolate covered strawberries and finger sandwiches under the pavilion outside. I've already picked out a marvelous band to play some soft music for us while we have our little social. That's what it's called, you know, when you get older. No longer a tea party but a tea social. Much fancier sounding, don't you agree?"

Sofia lightly nodded, getting herself up. It was clear today belonged to Amber and she was not about to let any precious time slip by. Sofia readied herself, picking out a dress with layers of pastel coloring and little tulips printed on the bottom. Her sister told her to wear open toed shoes and so she did, the ones with a flower in the middle. Amber approved of the outfit though she still insisted she wear the swan tiara or the one with flowers bent into the metal. Sofia was fine with her ruby encrusted pink one, it was cherished by her and she would very rarely take it off. The girls quickly had a light breakfast then whizzed past everyone who was stumbling awake, Amber telling them she couldn't stay to chat because she had women things to do. Miranda told them to have fun but Roland was a little confused by what woman things even meant. Being village girls Ruby and Jade were already up doing morning chores when Amber arrived to get them. When they were ready, they headed over to pick up Hildegard and Clio, one of which, the Freezenburg princess to be precise, was still asleep with curlers in her hair. She was appalled that anyone had to see her like that.

The two princesses finally got ready after Hildegard took longer than even Amber to pick out an outfit then they all got into the roomy carriage and were on their way to the royal spa. Sofia had never been before and of course neither had her friends but they were told it was something ladies do, a mark of being a true woman of high society and though Ruby and Jade were not of that ilk they were Sofia's friends and Amber wouldn't let them go without looking their best. Amber checked them all in and gave a sharp look to anyone who judged Ruby or Jade for not being royalty, in her mind they had been so many times to the castle and such a big part of Sofia's life that they were honorary princesses. The first order of business was to get a get specialized facials and hair treatments.

Sofia chose the ones that had honey, rose petals, and sugar which in the end made her face and hair smell very sweet but she had to admit, odd as it was, her skin did feel softer and looked pinker from the scrubbing. With their hair drenched in natural oils, all set up, they went into a wooden room filled with steam called a sauna. Sofia had never been in something so strange but it wasn't unpleasant. The only one who wasn't used to such heat was Hildegard but she was starting to like how it felt. Their hair was washed, styled, and then it was time for polishing the nails. Ruby chose a red shade, Jade chose a light emerald shade, Hildegard chose a navy blue shade, Clio chose a hot pink shade, Amber chose what was called a French manicure, and Sofia got a pale violet shade. They all sat right next to each other as their feet got rubbed which for Sofia felt very ticklish but she was able to pay full attention to the gossiping of her sister and the girls.

"Well ladies, we all know what day is coming up. No need to ask Hildy who her secret admirer is," Amber winked at her pale friend who used one hand to place a fan over her face to cover the blushing. "Someone whose name begins with Z. Hmmmm?"

"Hush Amber," Hildegard warned though playfully as she fanned herself with fluttering motions, always one of if not the best at fan fluttering. "We don't need to discuss my love life."

"Ooooh it's love, is it? I didn't know it was so serious!"

"Are you kidding, Amber?" Clio chimed in while Ruby and Jade leaned closer to hear the juicy details, "She's head over heels for him but I'm happy for her. Zandar is such a sweet guy, he always brings her nice things from Tangu. For Wassalia he bought her a moon stone necklace."

"A moon stone? I heard those are very rare!" Jade exclaimed with an open mouth.

"They are," Hildegard haughtily replied with a smug smile, now showing off a little more of her face. She was still a little red in the cheeks. "But Zandar loves to spoil me and as he should, one day I might just be queen of Tangu."

"That's great, Hildegard," Sofia proclaimed, turning her head towards Clio whose brown ringlets were laying thickly against her shoulders. "What about you Clio?"

"Well actually me and Prince Khalid are starting to date. We love to do enchanted ice skating in the winter. He's really gotten the hang of it."

"An excellent choice for you, someone as artistic as you with him? Just perfect!" Amber squealed girlishly.

Ruby and Jade giggled a bit at her then with each other. "And here we were planning on spending that day with each other, you know as friends."

"Nothing wrong with going stag but are sure two attractive girls like you don't have someone special?"

Both the girls blushed at the candid compliment given to them by the eldest princess. Sofia wasn't exactly always there in their lives so she had no idea what kind of boys they liked if they liked any at all. She knew when they were young, they both had desperately been gaga for James, sometimes fighting over him which lead him to look at Sofia for help. Thankfully, for all parties, that infatuation ended but as to whom took his place she wasn't sure. Jade wearily was the first to answer.

"I um... really like this boy called Timothy. He always looks so strong when he pulls up the water from the well and he always has a sunny attitude."

"Oh that's the miller's son! He was always nice," Sofia recalled, delighted to hear Jade had picked someone like that. Now emboldened with Jade's confession Ruby went next.

"I like Jonah, he's a fisherman, and he always shares his catches with the village. Me and my mom enjoy the clam chowder his family sells at their shop."

"They all sound just right for you," Clio responded. Once that was out of the way everyone turned towards Sofia, even one of the people painting their toe nails slyly looked her way. She opened her eyes wide and pressed her lips together, nervously chuckling.

"W...what?"

"Oh come on! You know what we want to hear. Who is it you love or like?" Hildegard asked. "You have to spill it, Sofia, we all did."

"But I love everyone!" Sofia honestly replied to which most of her party looked at her with a flat face and a raised eyebrow.

"We mean...who do you have a crush on? Who is YOUR secret love?"

"What if...I don't have one...?" Sofia was not looking towards them and chewing on her lips in a way that told her observant sister that she was lying, given how little Sofia does that and how bad she is at it Amber could tell right away.

"I don't care if it's Hugo, you know. That ship has loooong since sailed. It's Axel all the way."

"It's not Hugo."

"Then it is someone," Ruby revealed, gasping a little. Sofia's cheeks turned scarlet having accidentally told everyone that there was a special someone. "We won't judge you Sofia, you like who you like."

Sofia knew for sure her village friends would never care who she liked but the royals...she was nervous about what they would say but Sofia did not like to lie or hide things. She would take whatever they had to say with an invisible suit of armor, protected from any harsh criticism.

"It's not a prince," Sofia confessed, looking for any change of emotion. Hildegard and Amber looked scandalized but Clio sat there with a passive look, smiling at her in the sweet way Clio always smiled. Clio was never one to judge anyone else and more open minded than her best friend. Just another thing they didn't agree on but that didn't mean they weren't close as could be.

"Not a prince?! But Sofia I... you...we...who is it then? Please tell me it isn't the stable boy!"

She shook her head no which relieved her sister but only slightly. "Then who?!"

"It's..." She took a deep breath in and out a few times, closed her eyes then opened them. "It's Mr. Cedric."

There was a silence, deafening silence that echoed through the spa and then all the sudden, rancorous laughter that split that silence in two. Sofia's cheeks burned as she watched them all laugh at her, all but Clio who had her lips pursed and eyes locked onto Sofia, seeing how upset she was. Little hot tears went down her face that she wiped off hurriedly but she would not leave off in a huff, she would take the brunt of this and stand for what she believed in. When their laughter reached a minimum, but still persisted, they revealed they weren't laughing at her, they didn't even believe her.

"Alright, Sofia, you really got us. That was a good joke!'" Amber claimed, trying to hold back her laughter but it came out in hisses.

Clio touched her hand gingerly making the laughter die down more. She pointed over at Sofia who was staring them down with brilliantly red cheeks and sadness in her eyes. Was the idea that ridiculous that it couldn't be true? Sofia's heart beat slow and sad while her eyebrows furrowed and her lips were pressed into a thin line. She cared very much for all those present and she couldn't be too mad at the rest but when her sister, the person she was supposed to confide in, the person whose secrets she still kept, laughed at her, it hurt worse than when Hugo nearly got her badly wounded in Flying Derby practice or when she was pushed off the enchanted swing into the fountain or even when she felt her mother might have loved Amber and James more. This hurt worse than all of that because all of that had been forgiven, apologized for, rectified, and were mostly foolish mistakes or bad decisions that the person felt truly bad for. This was somehow worse because Amber couldn't even believe her and Sofia knew why.

"I don't think it's a joke, Amber," Clio softly assumed to which everyone stopped laughing at looked at the young royal who looked betrayed and dismayed.

"I guess the idea was just too stupid to sound real... is that it? Is it so impossible to believe?"

"Sofia... it's just... you are a princess, a very young one at that, and he isn't even remotely royal in the least plus he's three times your age."

"Axel is eighteen, almost nineteen and you are going to be fifteen."

"That's a far cry from thirteen and over thirty and you know it. Plus, like I just said, he isn't even a knight or a duke. He's just a sorcerer, a royal sorcerer but still not at all royalty. He's practically family by this point but no one would consider him of higher status than the counts and lords. You have to understand to us," She gestured between Hildegard and herself, "It does sound impossible because we are taught and told to marry princes. None of us even considered going lower."

"He's a good man, Amber! He's done so much for me...for us!"

"And I'm grateful to him for that but he's also tried to take over the kingdom, let's not forget. He isn't perfect but that's not the point the point is while you are free to like who you like it can't go any further than that."

"Why not...? Why is it wrong to love?"

"Sofia it isn't wrong to love but...it just can't be more than feelings. You two can't be together because of what you two are and your ages would be looked at strangely too. I love you Sofia, you are the best little sister I could ask for, but I want to secure your future. Come, come here," Amber begged, now off of the chair and into her shoes, holding out her arms. Sofia went into them not caring if she messed up any of her nails. Soon all the girls surrounded her with a tight embrace, all of them felt her sorrow even if they didn't understand it themselves. There had been many times in the history of royalty that a person under the crown might want to be with someone much lower than her, it was a scandalous thing if the two had an affair but it did happen sometimes. It had to be a secret, if it was to happen, and nothing more.

"It doesn't make any sense! My mom was a shoe maker and my father is the king. Why was he allowed to be with her?"

"That's just how it is, unfortunately. Men and boys do tend to get what they want. I've dealt with that before, James getting away with things that I couldn't, even Clio's cousin who is much younger than her gets more advantages than she does."

"Well I think it's time to change it. I was not allowed to be in flying derby because I was a girl and now I'm one of the best players and day by day more girls want to try out. Hugo wanted to do ice skating even though he was a boy. Why can't we change things?"

"It's not for us to decide, Sofia, and those are smaller things. This is your entire future, the future of this kingdom too," Amber gingerly replied, stroking over Sofia's head in an almost maternal way. "You'll see it won't be so bad, you'll have lots of princes who will be fun loving, carefree, and kind and once those princes come you can choose one who will be your husband one day."

"Yeah," Hildegard interjected, patting her back lightly, "The suitors will be coming in droves for you, you are Enchancia's most eligible bachelorette right now and to be cordial you have to agree to at least talk to them. It wouldn't be fair to shoo them away after they had come so far for you."

Sofia laid her head on the cushioning of Amber's chest, feeling like a small helpless child going down a waterfall with no way out. All her life she had been the mistress of her fate, the decider of her destiny, the one holding the cards but now some other force had taken them from her and was doing things with her life Sofia would never choose. Hildegard had mentioned fairness but she didn't understand how unfair the whole situation was. It was unfair that Sofia, a peasant, could be princess in a day, but not chose who to love. It was unfair that no one had taken her seriously just because they were different in age and station. It was unfair that she would have to entertain prospective partners and pretend to be smitten with them in order to please the court. It was unfair her mother could be queen when she knew nothing about it. It was unfair that one marriage had stripped her away to her right of choice when it came to one of the biggest choices a woman could make.

She knew being a princess wouldn't be easy, that being a student wouldn't be easy, that her life wouldn't be easy, but she had expected that she could at least have freedom. It appeared not. It appeared that freedom cannot be purchased or wished for, it was not for a princess or a queen to have. The moment that crown slipped onto her head her freedom was taken from her and every step of the way every choice she made had gotten her closer and closer into this prison. She wouldn't change what happened, her mother was happy, and she had met so many wonderful people and did things she had only dreamed of. Now she could only dream, that was the best she could aspire to was a dream. Even her dreams were no longer hers to keep and no longer could she live them out. Now she was stuck here in her one way morpho mirror, staring at her biggest flight of fantasy, a dream that no amount of wishing her heart made would ever come true.