[AN: Due to some more adult themes and situations I'm going to up the rating. Nothing too vulgar or descriptive but fair warning; I will always stay faithful to the characters and show but it only makes sense that as Sofia grows up so do the things she deals with.]

Sofia headed back to school, her mind full but determined to not let anything else bother her. She would focus only on her studying and nothing more. The rest just had to wait until she got back. It wouldn't be long before she could go home permanently. Winter would pass then spring would come soon, she'd miss a week but she'd also still have at least one. That one week was going to be her busiest because now there was less time with people but just as many people to go with. Still it would be important because she'd have to confess her feelings, a move so bold that she was glad she had a few months to mull it over. It was always a warm welcome when she came back and all of them talked about the season. It was great to have April on board with the group and to see her being so much kinder to her sister. They had obviously gotten much closer and Sofia could see a handmade beaded necklace that April was wearing. It looked like something Rain would make.

Sofia's classes consisted of healing types where she learned how to deal with wounds and pains with magic, transformation of other objects, making a small cloud of weather, advanced herbology, and a few others. Some were very difficult but she rolled up her sleeves and got to hitting the books, taking every note she could, memorizing all she could. She would pass, she would make sure of it. Minerva cheered her on and so did everyone else. She enjoyed learning but being away from home for so long was not something she enjoyed. Almost every day she would shake her snow globe and imagine Cedric at his own desk, going over a spell or two. She still got letters from Francois and wasn't sure if ignoring them would help her any or make matters worse. Perhaps if she was polite and sweet as possible, he would see her character and realize it wasn't right to do whatever it is he was planning on doing. This is what she hoped though she wished she knew his plan. She hoped it wasn't anything serious.

Every year they had a match with the dark mages versus the light mages to see who was the best in each sector. Last year Sofia came in first and that's what happened again this year, though it was a close tie with Jun. Everyone thought she was very gifted in magic but she told them it was just something she really loved to do. She didn't feel any more gifted than any other student. She liked enchanted history and magical cooking so far but her favorite was learning potions or working with magical weeds. Due to her training as an apprentice she was vastly knowledgeable of all these things. She was always just a bit ahead of people because she already knew so much but for her case that was good, that meant she had to push even more to prove she wasn't just smart, she was able. She proved herself many times. She had heard Merlin would be there to congratulate them when they walked out of those big doors with their diplomas.

Everyone was so nervous to meet someone so famous but Sofia had met him already and he was a quirky, fun, and very sweet person. Given that she had rubbed elbows with such an illustrious person of the magic realm she had become even more popular. She didn't mind having a few extra friends. This spring Rain had told Sofia she was ready and willing to go with her to Enchancia and see all those fantastic things she was always told about. April, now being Sofia's friend, wanted to go too. Sofia was ecstatic to have two new people see her castle, meet her family, and stay with her. She counted off two days that they'd be staying in the beginning of the week. She tried to figure out which day was the best for her little trip to Avalor. She'd just have to know what else everyone had in store for her. She crossed her fingers that she would even have time for it all.

Sofia was in choir and many told her she was the best singer though she believed that the honor belonged to someone else. Rain could sing very well but she was so shy and there was another who sang wonderfully too but everyone always claimed Sofia herself was the greatest. Honestly, she was kind of finding it hard to believe she was as great as everyone claimed she was. She often sang with a deep voiced boy whenever doing a male female duet but she pleaded with the teacher to let Rain be in choir. She was good, if only everyone gave her the chance. To help her get over her stage fright Sofia sang with her in front of everyone and Rain became less scared of the idea though she could never sing by herself. Now people were paying more attention to Rain and that included her crush, a dark mage girl with long black hair, apparently the daughter of the dark mage professor.

April inevitably let her sister know about her secret with the help of Sofia and to her surprise her sister was fine with it. It made Sofia just a bit upset that her own sister couldn't be so considerate. Loving your own gender was apparently worse than whatever Sofia was going through but April would help her through it. To see them work together like that it was so beautiful but Sofia couldn't help but imagine Amber. Amber was similar to April in some ways, in fact she bet when they met they would click instantly, but April did not laugh or joke or make fun of her sister. She held her in her arms and promised they'd find a way to make people accept her. Sofia's eyes were a little wet and her smile was tender. It really was a sight to see and at the same time it made Sofia wish her sister was the same way.

She also should let her know that perhaps Francois wasn't on the up and up but she knew when and if she did what Amber would say. Still she might need to warn her sister, who knows, perhaps he meant to harm her too. Regardless of the impending dangers she might be facing in the future, Sofia went back home for her spring break feeling like this week was going to be the greatest ever. Inside the carriage with her was April and Rain. They were bouncing and excited to see everything and Sofia was feeding that enthusiasm with all her stories. Soon they were flying over Dunwiddie, Sofia pointed out where her home used to be and she could see two people, small as dolls, walking around. She told them those two were Ruby and Jade, it was easy to tell even from way up there. The castle came into view, shining, grand, and breathtaking with its banners flapping in the wind and high peaks decorated, courtesy of Cedric, with golden horses. She pointed out where her room was, the stables where Minimus could be seen grazing, the garden where Clover usually liked to hang out, the forest where her bird friends resided and the wolves she had met, and she most proudly pointed out the tower she was so fond of.

"That's where Mr. Cedric lives, right in there. When Minerva is not with me, she stays with him as his pet. They make a good team."

"Wow a real wizard!" April exclaimed, eyeing the tower, trying to squint and see if she could see him in it. "I can't wait to meet this man that you fancy so much."

"Yeah! Me too!" Rain agreed, shaking her head and petting Minerva.

They landed gently on the ground greeted by a small group of people consisting of her family and Baileywick. They were all there to welcome the two new visitors to their home, they were even dressed in their best attire to make a good impression. Amber looked radiant in her refreshingly lime green gown, fanning herself but showing off a welcoming smile to the girls. The women all curtsied and the men all bowed.

"Welcome to Enchancia, April and Rain. I am King Roland the second, this is my wife Queen Miranda and these are our lovely children Sir James and Lady Amber, future reagent of our kingdom."

"A pleasure," Amber remarked, curtsying again, showing off her own training as a queen.

"It's great to meet you two," James commented, bowing again, "I hope we can see some awesome magic tricks."

"James!" Amber seethed behind her fan. He shrugged with a wide smile. Rain laughed a little.

"Of course! We'd be more than happy to show you some magic," She replied, brandishing her wand. The two girls had practiced something that would delight the eyes, a little firework shaped like a winged horse, it even flew. They all watched, amazed at the many different colors all raining down like sparkles upon them. The noise had alerted Cedric. Fireworks were usually done by him so when he heard one going off, he assumed James got into the box of stationary fireworks early. However peeking outside he could see two people he was not familiar with and one he was very familiar with. He brushed himself off and went down to greet them.

"That was brilliant!" James cheered. "You should meet our royal sorcerer, he does the best fireworks."

As if just saying his name summoned him, Cedric appeared by James's side in a puff of green smoke. The two young ladies looked at him, this man who they had only heard of and seen one picture of. To them it was like meeting a true legend. Sofia smiled when he smiled and it only grew when he bowed. He could be so gentlemanly, it was a wonder that he wasn't a noble in another life or something.

"No need to introduce yourself, Mr. Cedric," April claimed, holding up her hand, "Sofia talks about you all the time."

Sofia blushed at the honest accusation. "Oh yes, she goes on and on about how amazing and stupendous you are. It's truly our honor to meet someone of your magical caliber," Rain claimed, trying her best to curtsy.

"Well I...I'm glad to hear I'm so respected. I do hope you enjoy your stay here in Enchancia, I look forward to seeing what your school has taught you."

The girls all grinned at each other with bright eyes, then followed everyone inside, given a tour of the whole estate by King Roland himself. Just as Sofia had suspected it didn't take long for April and Amber to start talking and once they did, it never stopped. They were laughing together and squealing over things only they could understand. Rain found herself better suited to staying next to Sofia, though James initiated conversation with her. Cedric loomed behind, also preferring to stay close to Sofia. He leaned by her ear and whispered,

"They're like two gaggling geese."

Sofia couldn't help it, she let out a loud laugh that startled her mother and father. She had never laughed like that before. She put her hands over her mouth and tried to contain her chortling. "Sorry," She apologized, waving her hand dismissively, "Continue."

Roland looked at Miranda who just smiled at him and he shrugged. Sofia was always an interesting girl who laughed and giggled a lot, it didn't bother him so much. She was still chuckling behind her hand as her parents went on about the history within the castle walls. She looked up at Cedric, her eyes full of the light merriment she was feeling and saw his wicked smirk. He raised an eyebrow.

"You're awful," She told him, though it was a lie, she meant it in a joking way.

"Oh I'm awful, am I? My dear who was the one who was laughing like a crazed hyena?"

She bit her lip at him, still laughing but as quietly as she could. Thankfully it was dying down. Both Rain and James were looking at the two strangely. James just chalked it up to plain old Sofia silliness, though he felt left out of some hilarious joke. He went back to telling Rain about knighting, listing off his favorite knights. Rain was listening to him but understood very little, which was fine he explained it all. She'd have liked to have Sofia explain too but she was occupied. Rain didn't mind it but she did sneakily throw them a look, wondering what exactly they found so funny. She had an idea it had something to do with her sister. Despite her beauty she laughed with a snort. Amber didn't care at all, she was having the best time.

"It wasn't really nice of me to laugh but you started it. You're supposed to be a good sorcerer now."

He leaned close to her and whispered again, "Who says I can't be wicked from time to time?"

She blushed bright red and tried to hide it but couldn't. Instead she cleared her throat and looked away from him. He noticed this and then realized what was going on. His whispering in her ear must have set something off in her, triggered her liking towards him to skyrocket further. He was meant to be making it lower, trying to dissolve it slowly, but nothing was working, not that he tried anything. It was something he could not stop in himself, this nagging tugging in him to be this way with her. Years of closeness allowed him to make these kinds of remarks and jokes, to break some boundaries with familiarity. She held his hand sometimes and nobody thought anything of it because it was Sofia but if this was Amber, he'd be looked at under a magnifying glass.

Sofia's eyes widened and she excused herself, rushing towards the lavatory, still red in the cheeks. He felt she ran away because of what he did though he couldn't put the pieces together. Perhaps he overstepped things a bit but he thought he was just being his usual self with her. It seemed these days anything he did could make her face look like a cherry. How could he possibly try to be careful when even breathing would set her that way? Should he just remove himself from her? Distance himself? He'd be lonesome and it wouldn't stay that way, she'd come find him. She always did, even if he tried to hide she found him. He could just not talk to her but that wouldn't do.

He no longer wanted that sickly smiling prince to even go near her but Sofia did need some other person to distract her, make her stop liking him. It was getting to be too much. She found her way back to the group and started conversing with Rain. The whole rest of the tour she spoke barely a word to him, though she would look at him often. He realized he wanted her to talk to him otherwise he was just doing nothing. He had no reason to stay unless ordered otherwise so he just left, stalking back to his tower with Minerva flying after him. He plopped himself on his seat and laid his head in his arms. Minerva hopped onto the desk and pecked at his sleeve, trying to cheer him up. She wasn't sure what was wrong. The two of them were having a pleasant time, laughing and smiling, and now this. It made no sense. He pet her lazily, sighing.

"Why me? I'm not meant for her...can't she see that? Can't she see we are like night and day? It's just...she has to know this, she has to know it can't be that way. Why can't she just leave me alone?"

Minerva hooted sadly watching him tear himself apart with all the feelings he felt. She felt she knew what made him feel better. She was able to wind up the music box and let it play for him. The song usually calmed him down. He looked up at it, at first mystified how it could have played by itself but realized his feathered friend was trying to be comforting. Even the bird knew it was Sofia and Sofia alone that could calm the storm and yet she was the one making it. He watched the tiny little figurine version of her dance and he sighed. It disturbed him how much that music box helped because he started to realize it was because it was like she was there, dancing for his amusement, trapped in a little box. With just a turn she would spin for him and him only. He wanted to break the blasted thing but he hadn't the heart.

He forced it closed and shoved it out of sight so roughly it must have opened again because he could still hear the music but it sounded strange, disjointed. Fearful he actually broke it he opened the drawer he placed it in and saw the music box, sitting open with the little Sofia off her small spring. The music box had broken, but only the part that looked like her. He picked it up delicately, inspecting the little porcelain figure, all cracked and spinning in an odd jerky way, off the spring and on the spring so she kept bending to one side. He stroked over the figure causing tiny pieces of porcelain to crumble into his hand. For whatever reason he felt he had destroyed Sofia herself, had hurt her in some way. What was wrong with him? He was so angry that he broke something she had made just for him. Did he hate her or something?

"I'm so sorry Sofia...forgive me..."

Minerva looked at the figurine and at him. She found his wand and poked him with it but he ignored her. He was inconsolable, so much so that he must have forgotten he could easily fix it with a spell. Back downstairs the real Sofia was enjoying a meal with everyone, all enthralled because she'd be graduating soon. They were also all in good moods because the weather had been so nice recently, hot but with cool breezes, perfect.

"You know it's so good outside that I'm thinking we could go to the beach tomorrow," Miranda supposed, "Perhaps take a little voyage out to Merroway Cove?"

"Oh that would be the greatest! You guys will love it there, you can meet all the mermaids!"

"Real mermaids?!" April shrieked happily. "Oh I love mermaids!"

"So do I!" Amber exclaimed. "We really have so much in common!"

"Well it sounds like everyone's really excited to go. I suppose then it's all decided, tomorrow will be a beach day. Baileywick make sure the ship is all ready and make a list of all the required things for tomorrow."

"Right away your majesty." He bowed and was off to do his duties.

"Ooh I'm going to bring a big beach ball and we can play some games. I'll teach you both how to play," James commented with eagerness.

"Sounds like fun," Rain replied, "Though I don't go out in the sun much. I hope there will be beach umbrellas. I get really burnt easily."

"Oh don't worry we always bring a few, Baileywick is the same way and so is Cedric, you know when he ever decides to come. He hates the sun."

"He really needs to get out of his tower more often," Miranda remarked a bit solemnly, hating for anyone to be so cooped up like that. There was an elderly woman in the village just like that and when she finally went outside, she exclaimed she did not know how beautiful the world truly was.

"Let's invite him! He never got to meet Queen Emmaline or anyone else," Sofia gladly stated, clapping her hands together. The last time they went all together he seemed sea sick, miserable and forlorn somehow about something and tired too. He was also somehow wet, it must have been during the torrential rains that had happened. Regardless he needed this, to feel the sunlight on his face and breathe in the salty air. It did wonders for you.

"After lunch I'll invite him" Roland complied, taking a small bite of his beef stew. "Mmm, as always Chef Andre does a spectacular job and you girls are in for a treat. Dessert is going to be my personal favorite."

"We know, we know," All his children replied, "Jiggly wiggly pudding."

They all laughed at that even Rain and April who weren't sure what the joke was. The pudding was a big hit amongst the two girls and after dessert Sofia decided she would show them her room and then all her animals. She kissed both her parents before leaving then rushed off. Amber, who had grown to like April as much as she did Hildegard or Clio, followed after calling after them to wait for her. James put a big spoonful of pudding into his mouth.

"Looks like Amber found her perfect match," He stated with a full mouth. Roland sighed, a bit annoyed his only son still ate and acted like he was a child.

It didn't take too long for Cedric to get a knock at his door and then for the knocker to let themselves in. He turned with a bit of a high pitched gasp seeing the king. He raised himself out of the chair and welcomed him in.

"What can I do for you today, your majesty? Do you need any potions or charms?"

"Not today. We were just having lunch when Miranda thought maybe you should get some fresh air more often."

"How kind of her ladyship," He earnestly remarked with a small smile. He always did like the queen, and of course she was Sofia's mother, they were alike in a lot of ways.

"Yes! So we all decided that you should come with us tomorrow, to Merroway Cove. It's going to be a lot of fun, sun, water, sand. You haven't been to the beach since we were boys. I think it's about time you go again."

"Me...go to the beach...? But I..."

"Oh come on Cedric, for old time sake," Roland pleaded, smacking him hard on the back in a friendly way, "besides Sofia will be disappointed if you don't go. It was really her idea."

"Of course it was..." He tried to sound pleased at this revelation but it might have come off as if he was told something distressing. It was an awful idea, an awful awful idea but his king had invited him personally, to say no would be beyond rude. He didn't like that people used Sofia to make him do things sometimes. Oh Sofia will be so sad if you don't or think of Sofia or don't you want Sofia to be happy? It was always about her. She was everyone's trump card, his one weakness, and like a sap he always fell for it hook line and sinker. Everyone knew Sofia was his only friend, he'd do just about anything to see her smile, and he loathed that everyone knew because that meant they could use it to their advantage. Even so in a lot of these cases it was on Sofia's request or her idea or something like that. Roland might not have said that if Sofia didn't come up with this plan.

She was being helpful, he understood that enough, Sofia was not the vindictive sort. She had no clue how he despised the beach, a lot of bad memories there, and it was so hot and sandy, the seagulls always annoyed him because they stole the food he ate, he always got a sun burn, and to top it off he was a dreadful swimmer. He recalled that he could swim when transformed into that strange octopus-like creature but that was second nature at being a sea animal. As a human he could only float like a log. He was ashamed to admit that he, a grown man, could not swim. A small child could swim laps around him. Plus the water was always too cold and too salty. It dried his skin. There was another thing too- swimsuits. He hated with a burning passion showing off so much of his skin.

He had all of one swimsuit and though it covered a good portion of himself it was not enough. He'd be tempted to wear his robes but that wasn't about to happen. He could only imagine what everyone would say, they'd see how skinny he was, how pasty he was, and remark about it, perhaps even, despite all his accomplishments, laugh at him. He knew he looked like a scarecrow. He thought of what Sofia would think, she would stand up for him, chastise everyone who dared mock him, she'd make him feel better about himself, give him confidence. She would not laugh, she'd...she'd probably swoon. That was just another reason it was a fool's errand to even think about going. Added to that reason was Sofia in her own swimsuit. He tossed that out of his head before an inkling of a thought even began. He had no choice, he HAD to say no but he also SHOULD say yes. Either way, no was safer. He could deal with the king being upset.

"Your highness I would love to but-"

"Great! I'll see you there Cedric!"

He pat him again on the back hard and started to leave. Cedric had to interrupt, he tried his best.

"King Roland wait please!"

"What is it?" He asked, smiling and looking at him, then he seemed distracted, staring at something else. He frowned deeply. "Oh Cedric the gift Sofia got you broke. What happened?"

He paled. He dare not tell the truth, that he broke it on purpose out of some sort of misplaced anger at himself. He did not feel angry at her. He could never. He loved her too much to even be angry or if he was to stay angry for long. "Oh it um...it fell unfortunately."

"Can't you fix it with magic or something?"

"Yes I can...I was just getting on that when you walked in."

"Oh great! I'd hate for her to find out. You know how she gets about you..."

"What...what do you mean...?" He cautiously asked, heart stammering in his chest. He was still paler than the whitest wax but not his natural pale color.

Roland was thinking back to a conversation he had with his wife about Cedric and Sofia's relationship. Miranda talked about how she thought just maybe Sofia liked him more than just as a friend or even as a part of the family. It wasn't like the others. Roland was oblivious to this, he shook his hand shooing the matter away but Miranda would not be shooed away so easily. She told him that it only made sense, what other male did she hang out with? Now Roland had thought about it. She had plenty of princes in her life; Desmond, Derek, Zandar, Hugo the list went on and even other boys her age but she seemed to only wish to be around one and that was Cedric. She had been the man's champion, his one girl cheer squad, the only one fighting for his honor when no one else could see he was worthy of it. Roland started to slowly come to it, it must be that his youngest had even a small crush on the guy. It was hard to believe, even impossible at first, because as much as he liked Cedric, considered him a good friend, family even, and a trusted member of the royal court, he could not say well what would attract a woman to him.

He was upset at himself for thinking that, that Cedric was unattractive, perhaps so much so it had shocked him that any female could like him. That wasn't right. Cedric was a decent looking person, and if in the right clothing with a bit more weight to him he could look even better. He shouldn't judge, his sister and mother looked similar enough to him and both were married to fine upstanding, well off, and decent looking men, especially Cordelia. It was his own daughter, though, his littlest one, the one who still was innocent, pure, bold and wise beyond her years but naïve too. He couldn't fathom her...and him...but he supposed, thinking about his own sister, Sir Bartelby was no fine catch, and he meant this in the nicest way, but just his voice alone...well, only Tilly was so odd that she'd find it beautiful. If that could happen...couldn't this?

He smiled again. "You know what I mean, Cedric. She thinks the world of you."

"Oh...yes...I know. I truly don't deserve that but I can say without fail it is the same for me."

Roland put a firm hand on his shoulder and surprised Cedric with a hug. It had been years and years since he last hugged the man, they were but children at the time, back when Cedric's hair was all black and his future seemed all bright. His eyes were wide as he was held by what was the highest authority in the land. "Cedric, my friend, you deserve much more than that for all you've done. Not a day goes by where I don't see her and think about you. Would she be here, smiling at me, going to school, becoming this beautiful woman if not for you? It hurts to think about it...but she could have..."

"Don't say it...I know what you mean...I cannot fathom the thought...it...is one of my worst nightmares..."

"You see I'm so glad she has you! You care so much for her and out of all of us she needs the most help. She puts so much on her little shoulders, she carries so many burdens and does so many dangerous things. I sleep a lot easier at night knowing you are there to watch over her."

"I...have no words...you give me so much praise...thank you, truly."

"No, thank you. Ah we should really talk like this more, it was nice actually. I guess we will tomorrow. See you then!"

He waved at him as he left and Cedric waved back, albeit a bit meekly. Now he really had no choice. He should and had to go, for his king, and for her. He turned around and saw the still broken music box then raised his wand producing the spell to fix it. It wound about perfectly, the music come out fluidly. He smiled. Sofia had been showing her different pets to the girls, starting with Clover who they each wanted to cuddle and pet. He seemed okay with it, though he could do without the squeezing. Then it was onto the birds and then Minimus. Each of them took a turn with Sofia flying on him. She had a special whistle to call Skye and when he came galloping out of the clouds the girls all gasped at him.

"You have a unicorn as a pet? Wow!" Rain remarked with joy as the unicorn galloped close to its owner for a pet. He was very docile as he let them all stroke his mane and even his horn.

"He's beautiful," April sighed, holding his head close to her, "I want one just like him."

"I know I want one too. Sofia if you ever find another unicorn be sure to tell us," Amber requested.

"I'll keep that in mind."

When night time fell all the girls stayed in Sofia's room including Amber, with pine cones in their hair just like she did with Jade and Ruby. Amber was so kind as to donate a tiara to each of them, she had a unicorn themed one sitting on April's head and an onyx lined one on Rain's head. April's feet rested on Amber's knees and she painted them.

"Your boyfriend Axel sounds like a true prince."

"Well, he's not really my boyfriend, I haven't introduced him formally to my parents but soon. Very soon. Yours sounds lovely too."

Sofia didn't know the first thing about painting nails but Rain did, since she was an expert artist, and painted her own. Sofia just sat there eating a s'more as she watched and listened in their little makeshift tent with fairy lights all around.

"Rain you said um...you have a love interest as well?"

Sofia winced. She wasn't sure how Amber would take this. "Oh yeah but...uh well..."

"My sister likes girls, is what she wants to say."

"Ohhhhh you mean she...? Oh wow...I've heard of that yeah...it's not very common around here."

Sofia was aghast. Amber didn't even care, she wasn't upset or appalled or anything. She just accepted it. It made Sofia cross, which she did not like being. How could she just sit there and accept that but have the gall to make her feel insecure for liking Cedric? She ate the rest of her s'more and put her head on the pillows, wrapping herself up in the covers.

"Sofia...are you tired already?" Her sister asked with concern.

"I don't feel well right now."

"Oh no, are you sick?"

"I just don't want to talk right now, alright?"

Amber was taken a little aback at the tone she wasn't used to hearing from her. She looked over at the other two and they just looked as baffled as she was. Sofia was nothing but mild mannered as long as they knew her. It must be she really wasn't feeling well to raise her voice. Sofia felt her sister rubbing her back and she felt bad. Her sister did care, she just...showed it differently sometimes. When it came time to bed Amber slept the closest to her, right across from her and through her half lidded eyes she could see her looking worried and distressed. Sofia opened her eyes slowly and Amber scooted closer.

"Are you mad at me?"

Sofia sighed deeply. "Do we have to talk about this now?"

"Yes...I feel like I upset you. I really don't like doing that."

"At least you don't try to, but Amber you do it more than you know. I understand you see things differently but it really made me mad that you could so easily accept someone else's unique love and not mine."

"I see...Sofia... Rain isn't my sister and she isn't a royal. I cannot impose on her life."

"But you can mine? How is that fair?"

"I just told you, you are my little sister, I have to make decisions that I feel are going to protect you and help you."

"Aren't I allowed to decide for myself?"

"We've discussed this. It just can't happen. Besides don't you like Francois?"

Sofia wasn't sure what to say. She did, she does, but there was what Princess Anna said and what she felt deep down in her gut. She could tell Amber but what would that do? It would just stir the pot. So she told her yes, she did like him but not that way.

"Give it time. He told me he really likes you and that he wants to visit this week, though he didn't say when. I know how you feel now but try a little harder, give him an actual chance. He is a great guy, I mean look at what he got you for Wassalia, you clearly mean a lot to him. Now Sofia, I'm going to go to bed, you do the same. Goodnight."

Sofia wanted to interject with so many things but she didn't. She curled up in her covers and let sleeping dogs lie, as the saying went, though she did not think of Amber as a dog. Morning came and Sofia was no longer bothered by anything anymore, today would be great. There was going to be a lot of fun to be had and she'd be able to visit all her mermaid friends. She got up, ate breakfast with everyone, and then washed up. She went through each swimsuit that she had carefully until she found the one, a two piece she had with the little bow in the front. She slipped it on then her cover up dress and soon everyone was ready to go. Baileywick had dutifully checked the boat, though Miranda gave it a once over too, and he had packed all the supplies needed including James's beach ball. Just in case he also packed a lot of toys used to play in the sand. Sofia stood there on the deck looking out at the castle for the one person she had been waiting for. Everyone was in swimsuits, even Baileywick who was now distracting her from her observations by handing her sunscreen.

She squeezed it into her hand and rubbed it all over, being aided by her mother to reach the place she couldn't. Then she saw him, looking like he wished he were invisible to the world right now, he was walking like a turtle trying to hide in its shell. She felt a little bad for inviting him since it made him feel so uncomfortable but her mom was right about him needed to leave the workshop. He was wearing still a lot of coverage but it was more skin then she had ever seen on him and it made her cheeks light up. It was dark purple with gray stripes across it and it fit loosely on him. She would call it a full body swim suit but not like divers wore. It was very stylish for someone like him but she liked it, a lot. She was still in her cover up when she fleeted to his side thanking him for coming, hugging him quickly then scampering away to her friends' side. He groaned as the sun peeked out from the clouds. He never felt so exposed in his life.

Nobody regarded him at least, save for Baileywick who joked with him about the fact that his gloves were still on. Cedric rolled his eyes and leaned back as the boat started to move. Sofia was all the way up front on the stern, leaning on the railing, the sun was sparkling in her eyes like it did on the ocean and the air blew her hair back. He blinked a little, watching her sigh happily with her eyes closed and cheeks flushed. She was like a figurehead come to life. The whole way there she chattered on with the others until at last they got there, Merroway Cove, and docked close to the beach. The chairs were being set up on the sand, one for each of them, and the umbrellas opened. It didn't take too long for Queen Emmaline to notice the large ship above her cove and recognizing it she told her two daughters to come with her to greet Sofia and the rest.

When the mermaids popped their heads up from the water both April and Rain gushed on about how fantastical this all was. It went without saying that both Cora and Oona grew up and thus they no longer looked as they did when Sofia was younger. Cora was curvier, her long dark hair now out and decorated with a seashell diadem and a coral colored top with golden flecks on it. She looked regal and that was only right since she would be queen of the ocean in future. Oona still had her hair in a ponytail but it was longer secured by her coveted jeweled comb. She wore a blue top with see through sleeves that reminded Sofia of jellyfish.

The mermaids all waved at the land dwellers and they waved back. Queen Emmaline was introduced to Sofia's new friends and after a little talk went to converse with the queen and king about the above world happenings. Oona and Cora bobbed in the water now alone with the two human girls who looked at them, amazed just by them swimming there. Sofia realized she was still wearing her cover up and shimmied out of it. Cedric had been sitting on a chair with an umbrella over him covering him from the sun's rays, sipping on a cool relaxing adult beverage with a little paper umbrella floating in it. He was not paying attention to this or the other, just trying to relax and enjoy himself. James was in the water, wading in the shallow end and playing with the ball by himself for now. Amber was still on deck with Sofia, not wanting to get wet so she stayed far away from James because he was prone to splashing. Everything was calm for now that was until Sofia took off her little dress and Cedric almost choked on the straw and simultaneously almost spit out his drink at the same time.

It was no revealing suit she had on, Amber's showed off much more because she planned to tan, but it was so much of her he hadn't seen. Her thirteenth dress had been too old for her and her body was still trapped looking twelve. She had bloomed within a year and girls keep growing until sixteen. Now she had more of a form and he had not noticed it until now. He was sure he was gawking and heaven have mercy on him if either of her parents saw him looking at her that way. He looked over to the side, weary about the peering eyes but they were paying him no mind, too engrossed in their conversation with the finned female in front of them. Miranda was giving side eye only to her husband because she knew he found Queen Emmaline attractive, she was just keeping him in check. His eyes went back to her and stayed glued there to her, the sunlight caressing her skin. She moved her hair behind her and he had to look away.

He chastised himself for staring, the amount of self-deprecation he applied to himself was massive. How dare he, how could he and that he was a swine, he was filth, he was a dirty old man. Yet his eyes went back up to her and noticed her eyes on his. She gave him a big smile and he gave her a very weak one back. He truly never hated himself more. She dived into the water and surfaced, swimming sneakily up to James then splashing him as revenge for all the years he had done it to her and Amber. The prince turned around and swam after her. Soon everyone was playing around in the water when Cora decided they should have a race, to the little island just in the horizon and back. James was convinced he could out swim Oona even though she was a natural in the water. April flagged down her pampered princess pal who sat there being fanned by a diligent servant. She waved back with her fingers.

"Amber come join us! The water feels great."

"Oh no April, honey, I'm fine up here. I'll just watch you all, besides if I join the teams will be uneven, won't they?"

It was true, if Amber was included the teams would be a seven not six. Cora, April and Oona were on one team. Rain, Sofia, and James on another. It was a bit unmatched with all the mermaids on one team but that's how James wanted it. Sofia didn't trust Amber to keep track of who won, if anything she might take a cat nap up there and though Baileywick would obviously keep an eye on them she thought today he should not work so hard.

"Mr. Ceeddddriiicccc."

He felt like he was drowning and he was nowhere near the water. "Y-y-yes? You c-called?"

"Can you be our referee? We're going to race!"

"Oh...sure...yes of course, as you wish."

He raised his wand, shaking a bit, but was able to produce a red flame after the count of three. They were all off swimming as fast as possible. There was no cheating or shortcuts allowed so Sofia could not transform into a mermaid but she was still a fast swimmer. The only one lagging behind on her team was Rain but she was trying her best and that's all that mattered. Of course the mermaids got there first, that much was an absolute but Sofia had almost beat them by just a hair. The six of them laid on the rocks, catching their breath.

"Phew! You guys are good!" Oona exclaimed, the most out of breath of all of them. She was still slender and small and had a tough time battling past the big currents. They sat there on the rocks for a long time and after finally taking a break they swam back, the race was not over yet. As they headed back it was a declared tie, with Rain getting a sudden boost of speed, trying to prove that she could swim with the best of them.

"Alright good race everyone! I think it's time for us to have lunch, Sof."

"Right. Would you like to join us?"

Oona nodded. "Sure, I'm curious to try human food. What about you Cora?"

"No thanks, I'll stick to seaweed salad."

Sofia sat on the large blanket and opened the basket, giving out the food to everyone. Roland and Miranda were served theirs and everyone ate together. As soon as Cedric was going to take his first bite a seagull swiped it from his hands. He shook his fist at it.

"Confounded flying vermin!"

Sofia noticed and went up to him. She knew the seagull well enough but all seagulls couldn't help themselves but to snag a meal. Feeling bad that his food was taken she offered up some of what was left over of hers. He took it without looking at her and ate, still avoiding all eye contact. She tilted her head. It was very obvious to her what he was doing but not why.

"Mr. Cedric...did I say something or do something wrong?"

"What?" Now he was looking at her, confused by her statement. "No never. How could you say that?"

"Because you aren't looking at me...except for right now."

He couldn't win either way, no matter what he did. If he looked, he hated himself if he didn't, she thought he hated her. "Sofia...I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend you."

She brightened instantly. "So you aren't mad?"

"Not at you, of course not."

"Wonderful. Would you like to come swim with us after you're done eating?"

"Umm...shouldn't you wait fifteen minutes before swimming after having a meal?"

"Mr. Cedric that's poppycock," She stated, hands on her hips, attempting to mock his accent.

He chuckled a little at her little impression of him then sobered up. "Well...I can't join you... even if I wanted to."

She waited until he was done eating but stood there, trying to understand what he meant but then she put it together. "Oh you can't swim, is that it?"

He placed one hand on her mouth then looked around her. "Shh! Don't say it so loud!"

Sofia went red as if she already had a sunburn just on her face. His hands were on her lips and it made her feel strange, like she had when he whispered to her. He released his hand instantly, putting them behind his back but Sofia took them in hers tightly.

"There's no need to be ashamed. I'll teach you, it's easy."

She was not going to take no for an answer and practically dragged him metaphorically kicking and screaming down to the water. Since he was so tall, he was able to go even in the mid shallow end up to his hips. It wasn't as cold as he thought it would be but it wasn't warm. Sofia directed Cedric carefully on how to do basic swim maneuvers. Instead of everyone jeering at him or picking on him they were all supportive of him and tried to help. If he sank but a little there was always someone to help him. When he finally got it, he felt accomplished and the look on Sofia's face made it all worth it.

"There you go! You're doing it! I'm so proud of you!"

He scratched the side of his face, a light blush dabbled his cheek. "Yes...um...you're as good a teacher as you are a student it seems."

"I learned from the best," She replied with a wink.

Amber was sleeping on her lounge chair, lightly snoring but still being fanned. Thankfully she was asleep because if she was awake, she'd be appalled and outraged at the way they were looking at each other right now, specifically the way Cedric was looking at her sister- like she was the most special, perfect thing in his world...and what was worse for Amber was, that was the truth.