Chapter 1
Once Upon a Time…
There on a podium sat a book with of a diamond crown under it was two amulets: one was oval with a pink gem inside and the other was diamond with a blue gem.
Suddenly, three similarly dressed fairies with three different colors: Flora, Fauna and Merryweather flew over the book. Flora, tapped the book with her magic wand as it opened up to bridge with a castle at the end and the three flew through…
Once upon a time, in the magical Kingdom of Enchancia, there lived two young girls named Sofia and her little sister Madeline," the blue fairy Merryweather began. "Madeline and Sofia led a simple life working at the village shoe shop with their mother, Miranda."
"One fateful day, they were summoned by King Roland the 2nd, who needed a new pair of royal slippers. "Fauna continued.
"Oh, I hope they're blue!" Merryweather interrupted.
"No, red!" Flora interjected.
"We'll see." Fauna declared, stopping the small quarrel.
"Sofia, Madeline and their mother arrived at the castle," Flora narrated. "The Sofia and Madeline were very excited to meet the King."
"Miranda placed a slipper on the King's foot." Merryweather continued.
"It was a perfect fit. and so were they." Flora continued. "King Roland and Miranda were soon married."
"And what seemed like a storybook ending... was really a storybook Beginning." Merryweather declared as the story soon continued on it's own…
The Night Before the Wedding
In the village of Dunwitty, in a small room above a dress and shoe shop, Miranda was very busy getting things prepared. Her visit to the castle to provide a new pair of shoes for King Roland had a very unexpected outcome. It had been love at first sight for her and the king, and he had then proposed to her in due course. Miranda had said yes immediately, but now that she was back at her home, the consequences of her decision were starting to dawn on her.
Miranda was just a simple shoe/dressmaker. Could she really make it as a queen? Any kind of royal needed to show decorum and leadership. Was Miranda capable of doing those things? And then there was Sofia and Madeline. Uprooting them from their village and their home so that they could go live in the castle would be a very big change for them. However, Miranda was sure that her daughters would be able to rise to the occasion. She loved Roland, and even though they had only just met she wanted to be with him forever.
The wedding was scheduled for the next morning. Miranda had asked Sofia and Madeline to be her flower girls, and they had enthusiastically agreed. At the moment, Miranda was trying on her wedding dress one last time.
"Hey, mom." Sofia walked in along with Madeline. "Wow, you look amazing!"
"Thanks, dear." Miranda smiled. "I hope the king likes it."
"He'll love it." Sofia declared. "It's going to be the best wedding ever, you'll see!"
"Yes, we will." Miranda chuckled.
"Mama," Madeline realized. "What will happen to our shoe and dress shop? We-We'll still get to run it, right Mom?"
"No, Madeline." Miranda shock her head. "After the wedding, the three of us will be moving into the castle, and we won't be working at the shop anymore."
"Oh." Madeline said quietly looking a bit downhearted.
"But, Mom," Sofia interrupted. "What about Lily Oaks? I'm going into the second grade this year, and Madeline's going into the first grade."
"No more Lily Oaks, I'm afraid." Miranda told her. "You'll both be going to a new school this school year."
"Okay, mom." Sofia and Madeline both said sadly.
Miranda could tell that Sofia and Madeline were both a little sad about leaving Lily Oaks, so she decided to do something to cheer them up.
"Tell you what." She smiled. "Why don't the two of you go and play with your friends? Then when you come back, I'll make the pair of you your favorite dinner. How does that sound?"
"Great!" Sofia smiled.
"Yay! Th-thanks mama! "Madeline smiled.
"For you two, anything." Miranda smiled at them. "Have fun, darlings."
"See you at dinner!" Sofia waved before turning to Madeline. "Come on Maddie, let's go," after calling her sister by her nickname grabbed her hand and the two ran off.
As Sofia, Madeline, left the room, Miranda eased out of her wedding dress, hanging it in her closet.
Later on, that night after dinner, Miranda waited as Sofia and Madeline got settled into the bed that they shared, so that she could tuck them in before settling into her own bed directly next to theirs.
"I guess tomorrow's the big day, huh mom?" Sofia mused.
"Yes, everything's going to change. "Madeline added.
"Not everything, girls." Miranda smiled. "You both will always have me, and each other. Now let's get some sleep. We've got a big day ahead of us tomorrow, and we're all going to need our rest."
"Okay, mom." Sofia and Madeline both said as they nodded, resting their heads on their pillows. The two girls soon fell asleep, and Miranda joined them not long after.
Wedding Day at the Castle
The next morning, at the castle, Baileywick and the staff were getting everything ready for the Royal Wedding.
"Well, your majesty, today is the big day." Baileywick said to Roland.
"Yes, indeed it is Baileywick." Roland nodded. "I just hope Queen Miranda, Sofia, and Madeline will be happy here."
"I know they will, sir." Baileywick nodded.
Meanwhile, Miranda had to wake early for the wedding. First, she made breakfast for herself, Sofia, and Madeline. Then, she donned her wedding dress. A knock on the door a few minutes later announced the arrival of her bridesmaids, Ruby and Jade's mothers.
"Just in time, ladies." Miranda smiled.
"Oh Miranda, we wouldn't miss your wedding for the world." Helen smiled in return.
"Sofia, Madeline, go on upstairs and get changed, please." Miranda told them.
"Okay, mom/mama." Sofia and Madeline said unison with a smile.
As the two girls made their way upstairs, Helen turned to Miranda and asked, "So do Sofia and Madeline know that you and Roland will be going on your honeymoon after the wedding?"
"No, I haven't told them yet." Miranda admitted, heaving a sigh. "I haven't even considered where they'll be staying. The castle will be too new for them..."
"Well, Ruby is having Jade over for a sleepover tonight. "Helen noted. "Sofia and Madeline are both more than welcome to join them, and then stay with us until you and Roland return."
"That's a great idea, Helen. Thank you." Miranda smiled with relief.
Just then, Sofia and Madeline came back down the stairs dressed in their flower girl dresses with Sofia wearing pink and purple and Madeline wearing blue and yellow, and each with a flower tucked behind their right ear.
"Good news, girls." Miranda smiled. "The two of you will be going over to Ruby's house tonight for a sleepover with her and Jade, and then you both will stay with them for the weekend while I go on a little trip with King Roland."
"That's great." Sofia smiled.
"Really great!" Madeline added.
Looking over at the clock on the wall Helen said, "Alright ladies, it's time for us to leave for the wedding."
"Everyone, move out!" Madeline said they girls and women giggled as they all came out.
Walking outside, they all climbed into the royal carriage that was waiting to take them to the castle. As they rode down the village streets, the villagers cheered for Miranda as they passed, offering her congratulations and wishes of good luck with the wedding. After a short trip, the carriage came to a stop in front of the castle steps. As they stepped out of the carriage, Sofia gazed up in awe at her surroundings.
"Are we-we really going to be living here, ma-mama?" Madeline asked.
"Yes, we are." Miranda smiled.
"It's so big." Sofia stared.
"Come on, now." Miranda smiled. "There'll be plenty of time for sightseeing later."
As they walked up the steps, the group was met by Baileywick.
"Greetings, ladies, if you all will follow me this way, please," he offered.
The females followed Baileywick to the castle ballroom, where the wedding was being held. Miranda smiled as she saw Roland looking handsome in a blue suit waiting for her, and Roland eagerly returned the smile. Sofia waved to two of her future stepsiblings James who was dressed in the same blue suit as his father, and Amber who was standing next to their father wearing a green flower girl dress. James waved back, but Amber barely looked at Sofia and Madeline.
As Miranda, Sofia, Madeline, Helen, and Alice walked down the stairs, they were greeted by Sofia and Madeline's third and oldest future stepsibling Matilda wearing a magenta bride's maid dress.
"Hi Princess Matilda." Madeline smiled. "I love your dress. It's so pretty."
"Thank you, Madeline. I like yours's and Sofia's dresses as well." Madeline smiled.
Turning to Miranda, Matilda continued, "Miranda, that dress is absolutely beautiful on you. Dad won't be able to take his eyes off of you."
"Why thank you Matilda." Miranda smiled.
"I also wanted to thank you for making me one of your bride's maids." Matilda added.
"Oh, there's no need to thank me Matilda." Miranda said. "I wouldn't have had it any other way. I only wish that Amber could have agreed to walk down the aisle with you, Sofia, and Madeline."
"As do I." Madeline said, glancing down the aisle at Amber.
"Why doesn't Amber want to walk with us?" Sofia asked. "Is it because of me and Madeline?"
Matilda shook her head and said, "No Sofia it's not because of you and Madeline. Amber is just really attached to our dad and wanted to stay beside him rather than walk down the aisle, that's all."
"Oh, okay." Sofia said understandingly.
At that moment they were joined by Ruby, Jade, Kate and Lizzy. Still standing with Matilda, Miranda watched Sofia and Madeline as they talked with their best friends.
"Miss Miranda, it's time for me to walk you down the Aisle." Baileywick declared.
"Okay, just a minute, please." Miranda said. "Helen, Alice, Matilda, Sofia, Madeline, Jade and Ruby. Kate Lizzy, places, please."
The girls formed a line that would follow Miranda and Baileywick. Sofia went first followed by Madeline. As she walked, Sofia couldn't help feeling nervous about what would come after the wedding, and she knew that Madeline was too. Their mother and Roland would be leaving for their honeymoon right after the wedding. Sofia was a little nervous about the prospect of her and Madeline not seeing their mother for so long. They had slept over with their friends for one night every so often, but they had never been away from their mother for an entire weekend before. For the moment, Sofia decided to put her fears aside, so as not to ruin their mother's big day.
Standing in line waiting for their signal to start walking, Sofia glanced over at Madeline and noticed her fidgeting with the flowers placing her hand on Madeline's arm, Sofia asked. "Madeline, you are doing alright?"
"I'm n-n-nervous, Sofia." Madeline said. "What if I fall as I'm walking down the aisle?"
"You won't fall, Madeline, I promise." Sofia said to her normally fearless. "I'll be right beside you; we have practiced this over, over and over; just remember. What did you say to the tiger at the circus?"
Madeline raised her head proudly. "Poo-Poo."
Sofia giggled as did Madeline."Okay, Sofia." Madeline said, taking a deep breath.
Hearing the music start to play, Sofia said. "Alright, there's the signal. Come on Madeline, time to start walking."
As they walked, she, Madeline, Ruby and Jade Kate AND Lizzy reached into their baskets and flung flowers at either side of the pews as Miranda reached the altar. The local vicar officiated the ceremony.
"Ladies and gentlemen," he announced. "We are here today to join King Roland Miranda in holy matrimony. Do you, King Roland, take Miranda to be your lawful wedded wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, till death do you part?"
"I do." Roland smiled.
"And do you, Miranda, take King Roland to be your lawful wedded husband, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, till death do you part?" The vicar continued.
"I do." Miranda declared.
"Then, by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife." The Vicar declared. "You may now kiss the bride."
The newly married couple embraced in a kiss. The crowd cheered, none more so than Sofia and Madeline.
The post-wedding dance was a solemn, dignified affair. The guests danced slowly to regal-sounding music. Sofia and Madeline were a little bored with it. As Miranda and Roland danced, Roland asked a question.
"What will become of Sofia and Madeline during our honeymoon?" He asked. "I assume you've made arrangements?"
"Of course. Miranda nodded. "They'll be staying at my friend Helen's with her daughter for the weekend."
"I see." Roland nodded. "Well thought out, my queen."
"I really am a queen now, aren't I?" Miranda smiled. "It'll take some getting used to."
"Take all the time you need." Roland smiled back.
Sitting at a table off to the side from the dance floor, Madeline heaved a sigh and asked. "Sofia, why can't we-we dance with mama too?"
"Because we can't Madeline. This is mom and King Roland's first dance together as husband and wife." Sofia said, walking over to the table and retrieving a book from the bag at Madeline's feet. "Here, read your book that I packed for you. It will be good practice for you."
"Thanks, Sofia." Madeline said as she opened her book. and looked at the pictures.
Stepping away from the table, Sofia went to stand next to Matilda and said, "Sorry about Madeline. She's just not used to having someone else dancing with mom. She doesn't like sitting around either."
"No need to say you're sorry Sofia. I know how my younger sisters and brothers can be." Matilda said as she turned to check on her own siblings. "James Roland MacArthur, back away from that wedding cake right now, and Amber Marie MacArthur, don't even think about interrupting mom and dad's first dance! Come over her and finish your dinner, please."
Turning back to Sofia, Matilda smiled sheepishly as she said. "Sorry."
"That's alright, Princess Matilda." Sofia said. "I'm just glad that Maddie is at least sitting quietly," Sofia's face then turned to a little more concern. "For right now."
As the time passed, Sofia and Matilda continued to talk while keeping watchful eyes on their own siblings. After the festivities wound down, the happy couple prepared to leave.
"You two be good for Mrs. Hanshaw, okay Sofia, okay Madeline?" Miranda asked.
"We will, mom/mama." Sofia and Madeline nodded. "See you soon."
Miranda hugged her daughters tightly and kissed them on the forehead.
"Not soon enough." She smiled.
After Miranda and Roland departed, Helen took Sofia, Madeline, and Ruby to her house. That night, Sofia and Madeline tried to sleep, but couldn't.
"What's wrong, Sofia? Madeline?" Ruby asked.
"Mom said we won't be working in the shop anymore, now that she's a queen." Sofia admitted.
"But you'll still be going to Lily Oaks, right?" Ruby asked.
"No." Madeline shook her head. "We'll be going to a new school."
"Oh," Ruby said. "But look on the bright side. You're both going to be princesses! And you both get a new dad!"
"As long as he's not like our old dad," Sofia said under her breath.
"Huh?" Ruby asked.
"Oh, nothing." Sofia lied. "Let's get some sleep."
"Alright," Ruby said while sharing a glance with Jade.
Sofia tossed and turned, but eventually went to sleep along with Madeline as both girls worry about their upcoming new life persisted, though. Strange dreams about their new home and school haunted her and Madeline until morning.
1 month later
As Sofia and Madeline looked out of their house's single bedroom's window, Sofia holding a doll with brown hair and Madeline holding a book.
"Sofia, Madeline, it's time to go!" Miranda called. "The coach is waiting!"
"Coming, mom!" The girls chorused.
Sofia ran out of the room, but Madeline stopped to grab the heart shape picture She made of her, Sofia, and their mother and soon followed Sofia out of their old bedroom. As they stepped outside, they found the entire village cheering for them.
Sofia and Madeline joined their mother in the royal carriage. Unbeknownst to them, a handful of nearby animals hitched a ride as they started moving.
As the carriage moved down the streets, it was chased by Sofia and Madeline's best friends, Jade and Ruby.
"Good luck, Sofia and Madeline!" Jade called.
"Don't forget about us!" Ruby yelled.
"Bye, Jade!" Sofia waved.
"By-bye, Ruby!" Madeline waved too.
As they left the village for the castle, Sofia asked her mother a question.
"What do you think our room at the castle's going to be like?" She inquired.
"I hope our is-is so big it fit all thr-three of us!" Madeline added.
"Girls, now that we're living in the castle, You two will have your own bedroom," Miranda declared with a smile.
"Yes!" The three females cheered in unison.
As they neared the castle, they encountered a large crowd of people, who had come just to see the new members of the royal family. A number of doves were released, and two pairs of specially trained birds placed tiaras on Sofia and Madeline, who had changed into new royal gowns enroute. Two girls smiled, brightly at the new people they were to meet in their new lives.
King Roland and his own children, Matilda, James and Amber, watched their new family approach.
"Uh-oh." James smirked, as Sofia and Madeline neared them. "Looks like someone's not gonna be the fairest in the land anymore."
Amber hid a scowl behind her fan. Matilda nudged her sister slightly as a sign to behave. Amber rolled her eyes but said nothing back.
"Amber, James, I trust you will do your best to make your new Sisters feel Welcome." King Roland told his offspring.
"Of course, father." Amber said dully.
"Matilda," Roland added. "You will look after all of them."
Matilda smiled. "Of, course I will dad."
"Your majesty." Sofia and Madeline said in unison as they curtsied, then giggled lightly.
"King Roland the second." Miranda said warmly as she smiled as she walked up to her new husband.
"Queen Miranda." Roland replied just as warm, kissing his new wife's hand.
"Hey there!" Sofia said to her new siblings. Madeline waved her ne siblings.
"Good Morrow Sofia." James replied. "Madeline."
"Great Morrow, Prince James!" Sofia smiled, as both girls curtsied.
"Princess A-Amber, Princess M-M-Matilda, Sofia and I are so excited we're going to be sisters!", Madeline squealed despite her stutter.
"Stepsisters." Amber corrected her. Standing behind Amber Matilda scowled at her sister's words.
Matilda then gently rubbed Sofia and Madeline's heads. "But loving sisters none the less."
"Amber, James, Matilda, I know there aren't many fairy tales about kind loving stepmothers", Miranda said as she approached her new stepchildren. "But I hope to change that". She handed them three small patches. "These are for you. I made them myself."
Madeline and Sofia remembered how their mother was working late at night and surprisingly still full energy in the morning.
"It's our family crest", James noticed.
"That's right, James", Miranda agreed. "Because that's what all of this is really about, becoming a new family".
"Sofia, Madeline, welcome to the Family", King Roland smiled.
"All hail queen Miranda, Princess Sofia and Princess Madeline!" Baileywick, the castle steward declared.
The crowd cheered as the new royal members smiled. At that moment, Cedric, the royal sorcerer, came out of the royal procession.
"Roje flora!" He chanted, pointing his wand to the sky. A burst of magic flew out, and it started to rain. The crowd gasped. However, the royal guard took out umbrellas over the royal family.
"Cedric, I said flowers, not showers", Roland told Cedric testily.
"Oh, excuse me Your Majesty", Cedric apologized. "I'm still breaking in my new wand". Sari stepped closer to Cedric and whispered, "Just take a deep breath Ced, and stop messing with your wand before something else happens."
"That's Cedric, our royal sorcerer," Roland told Sofia and Madeline, "He comes from a long line of royal sorcerers, so we're stuck with him. The lady with brown hair next to him is his girlfriend and our other royal sorceress Sari. She too comes from a long line of royal sorcerers and is very gifted."
Clumsily, Cedric patted the back of his wand, sending out another magic burst that flew behind him, ricocheted off a door, and into the sky. The rain was then replaced by a shower of rose petals.
"Ooh, rose petals." Sofia said, holding her hands out in awe.
"A-amazing!" Madeline cheered.
The crowd cheered again with some trying to catch the petals.
"Should we wave?" Madeline asked.
"Yes, you should both wave." Amber replied curtly.
"Right." Sofia started waving. "Hi!"
"Hello!" Madeline called.
Soon after, they entered the castle. Sofia, Madeline walked with Amber, Sofia curtsying to each member of staff they passed.
"We don't have to curtsy unless they're royalty," Amber told them, with the air of explaining the simplest thing in the world.
"Oh, right", Sofia blushed.
Matilda glared as she began to scold her sister, "Amber, I think that I am going to have to have a long talk with you before bedtime tonight."
"I-I-I think it's going to take us a while to get the hang of things ar-ar-around here", Madeline mused.
"Just follow my lead and you two will be okay", Amber sniffed.
"Great", Sofia smiled, walking ahead of Amber.
"That means I lead and the rest of you follow," their new stepsister said haughtily, moving ahead of them.
"Oh, okay", Sofia shrugged, "Following."
Madeline frowned but continued. "I pr-pr-prefer to march."
Amber rolled her eye. "Well, then…," Amber started to walk away. "You won't last too long."
Matilda growled as she ran after her sister, "That is IT Amber Marie MacArthur! You come back her right now and walk with your new sisters."
As Sofia looked confused as Madeline looked upset. She then stomped her foot. "Poo-Poo."
Sofia looked at her little sister. "Madeline."
Madeline folded her arms. "She-she is a bad crown."
Sofia glared at her sister as and grabbed her along to tour the castle, now alone.
Matilda chased after Amber ordering her to stop.
Amber said, "Ha! You aren't the boss of me."
Matilda stopped in front of Amber as she replied, "Oh that's where you are wrong Amber. I am yours's and James's older sister, which means that I most certainly can tell you what you should and shouldn't do. And technically since I am the oldest you should have to follow AFTER ME."
Amber folded her arms and pouted. Matilda nodded. "Whether you like it or not, they are your new sisters. You lose them you lose your whole family." Amber didn't say a word or change. Matilda sighed. "Go on to your room for now. Be lucky I don't tell father of your behavior and there will be no dessert for you tonight young lady."
Amber took out her fan aggressively but walked away as Matilda sighed with exasperation as she shook her head.
Suddenly as Madeline and Sofia passed the throne room doors, Sofia stopped to look at something causing Madeline to stop as well.
"Sofia, w-w-why did you two stop?" Madeline asked.
Sofia said nothing. When Madeline was about to ask again, she heard it.
"Oh, do be careful mate," one man said to other. "That's the new princesses' thrones."
Sofia and Madeline watched as the two men brought in three thrones that were pink, purple and blue.
"Madeline I can't believe this is happening to us." Sofia said in wonderment, while Madeline nodded in agreement.
At that moment, the two girls bumped into Cedric and Sari. Madeline almost lost her balance, but Sari caught her in the nick of time.
"Why don't the pair of you watch where you two are dawdling?" Cedric huffed.
"Sorry, Mr. Ceedric", Sofia apologized.
"It's Cedric", Cedric corrected her.
From beside him Sari said, "Cedric, be nice please." Turning to Sofia and Madeline, Sari continued, "I apologize for my boyfriend, he can be a bit corky with children. And I am terribly sorry that he almost knocked you down Princess Madeline."
"It's okay Mi-mi-miss Sari," Madeline smiled, "It-it-it is amazing meet a real-life sorcerer and sorceress, right Sofia?"
"That flower trick was a-amazing," Sofia marveled.
"If by amazing, you mean a complete waste of my talents, then yes thank you very much," Cedric replied. "I should be out slaying dragons and battling ogres. But no! Instead, King Roland has me doing party tricks when I should be..."
At that moment Baileywick cleared his throat, interrupting the rambling sorcerer.
"Oh, why do I even bother?" Cedric huffed before disappearing in a large puff of green smoke.
"Urgh, that man," Sari said shaking her head, "I swear that I will see to it that he is nicer to you two from now on. As for now, I must say good-bye to you all."
That having been said, Sari disappeared in a small puff of red smoke.
Giggling softly Matilda came back to the throne room after seeing the site, "Don't worry, you'll get used to Cedric, and Sari is extremely nice as you both just witnessed." Gesturing her hand towards Baileywick, Matilda continued, "And this is Baileywick, the castle steward."
"Thank you, Princess Matilda," Baileywick said with a bow. Turning to Sofia and Madeline Baileywick continued, "Ladies, as the castle steward, it is my responsibility to make sure that everything in the castle is where it should be when it should be, and the four of you should have been in the Banquet Hall thirty seconds ago."
"Oh, right," Sofia smiled.
"Off you all go then," Baileywick said, spurring them on.
"Yes sir," Madeline giggled.
"Yes Baileywick," Matilda said with a smile as she walked her sisters to the dining room.
Shortly after, the royal family were sat at the dinner table.
"Madeline what fork or knife do we use?" Sofia asked.
"Let me let find out." Madeline suggested as she grabbed a fork.
"Sofia? Madeline?" King Roland said suddenly, causing both girls to yelp in surprise.
"Yes, your M-M-Majesty?" Madeline asked.
"Call me Roland. or you with the Crown, or Dad." Roland joked. "It's a tradition to provide an official welcome to every new Member of the royal Family; for your mother it was the wedding, but for you two we will be throwing a royal ball in your two honor at the week's end."
"Brillant!" James cheered through a mouthful of food.
"James, manners." Baileywick admonished him.
"Sorry Baileywick." James gulped.
"A ball, just for us two?" Sofia gasped.
"Father, why didn't I get a ball?" Amber asked.
"You did, Amber." Roland informed her. "When you and your brother were born and so did Matilda."
"You don't remember? James snickered.
"Of course, you remember mine," Matilda joked.
"Sofia and Madeline, it will your royal debut." Roland continued. "You and Madeline and I shall dance the 1st Waltz. Sofia will be first."
"Oh, Rollie, You're so sweet." Miranda gushed.
"We have to dance?" Sofia and Madeline said together.
Madeline remembered their last time at Lily oaks School. There was School dance, Sofia and Madeline were sick that day. Madeline was a little better (but not by much), and the school dance was that night and Madeline had taken her sister place. It didn't turn out as well as their mom had hoped for. Madeline near threw up and had a coughing fit. Miranda took her home almost 20 minutes into the dance.
"Why what better way to let everyone know in the tri-kingdom area that Princess Sofia and princess Madeline have arrived?" Roland smiled.
Sofia and Madeline looked at each other with worry in their eyes.
Having been watching Amber for a few minutes, Matilda said. "Oh, I almost forgot, Dad, Mom, Amber was being a little snippety towards Sofia and Madeline before we came to dinner."
Amber glared at her older sister. "You said you wouldn't tell."
"You're lucky I'm not telling her what you said," Matilda whispered.
Looking over at Amber, Roland said. "Amber Marie MacArthur, you and I will most certainly be talking after dinner."
"But Daddy." Amber said. "I just—"
"Not another word Amber." Roland said sternly. "Now finish your dinner."
At that word Matilda added. "Oh, and Dad, Amber can't have dessert tonight."
Considering this, Roland said. "Matilda, I..."
"No Matilda is right Rollie." Miranda interrupted. "Amber did a bad thing, so she has to be punished for it."
"You're both right." Roland said. "I'm sorry Amber, but since you chose to give your new sisters a hard time, you will have no dessert for one week."
Scowling Amber said. "But Daddy, why are you taking Mother and Matilda's side? It isn't fair."
"That's enough Amber." Roland said. "Please go and wait for me in your bedroom."
"Fine." Amber said as she rose from her seat and left the dining room.
Madeline and Sofia looked guilty, but Matilda winked at her new sisters with comfort.
After dinner, Matilda proceeded to give them a tour of the castle. Sofia and Madeline were amazed by everything that they saw, everything was all so big, and grand to them.
Once the tour was completed, Matilda took Sofia and Madeline to meet up with Baileywick so that he could show them to their bedrooms. After guiding them down a few hallways, were led to their new room by Baileywick who brought them to a tall single door, through which was a set of double doors. Grasping the door handles Baileywick opened the doors, revealing a large and luxurious room.
"This is our room?" Sofia gasped.
"No, dears", Baileywick chuckled, "This is just your room, Sofia".
Baileywick opened another door revealing a massive bedroom with elegant windows, perfectly crafted toys, and a royal large-sized bed.
"It's so huge", Sofia gaped.
"Seems like your standard princess suite to me", Baileywick replied. "You've got your canopy beds, window seat, playing area, reading nook...", He opened another door, revealing a massive wardrobe of regal clothing. "Here you'll find all your gowns and royal accessories".
"Wow", Sofia gasped.
"Indeed", Baileywick continued, "Now, if you need anything at all, at any time of day, all you have do is ring this bell", he then told them and pulling on the tasseled bell ringer. Barely a second later, a maid entered through the doorway.
"Yes, ma'ams", She stood ready to serve. "You rang?"
"Do you need anything?" Baileywick asked the girls.
"I don't know", Sofia shrugged.
"Do we?" Madeline asked.
"Well, when you know what you need, you know what to do", Baileywick smiled as he ushered the maid out of the room. "Now Princess Madeline if you, and Princess Sofia will please follow me next door to the door on your right I will now show you to your room."
Walking out of the bedroom Baileywick led them to the bedroom next door, and opened the doors for Sofia and Madeline.
"You've got your canopy beds, window seat, playing area, reading nook...", He opened another door, revealing a massive wardrobe of regal clothing. "Here you'll find all your gowns and royal accessories".
Baileywick cleared his throat slightly before speaking up, "Now just like in your sister's room, Princess Madeline, you also have a bell that you can ring if you need anything, and it is located to the right of your closet door," Baileywick continued. "There is also a special door that connects your room to Princess Sofia's room, just in case you need her."
"Wow," Sofia and Madeline replied together with identical smiles on their faces.
"Now unless there is anything else that either of you require, then I will bid you good evening, Princess Sofia", Baileywick declared, "Princess Madeline".
Stepping out of the room, Baileywick pulled the doors shut behind him.
"Night!" Sofia and Madeline called together.
The two girls looked around the room.
"Wow, it is… s-something." Madeline declared in awe
"You took the words right out of my mouth." Sofia agreed.
Madeline said, "I wonder who came up with the idea of putting a door between our rooms for us?"
Sofia said, " It was probably mom since she knows that there are certain nights when you don't like to sleep by yourself, like when there's a thunderstorm. AND Beside the door will make it easier for me to check in on you since you do sometimes like to wonder off during the night."
Madeline said, "No I don't Sofia!"
Crossing her arms Sofia said, "Yes you do Maddie, like that one time during our sleepover with Ruby and Jade. I let you sleep in our bed, and when I woke up at around two a.m. you were already out the door. If mom I hadn't awake by my scream. who knows what could have happened?"
Seeing a frown begin to form on her sister's face, Sofia quickly pulled Madeline into a hug, "I'm sorry Madeline. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings. It's just that with everything that's happened lately. It was a good memory… for me at least." Sofia sighed as did Madeline with regret. "What happening?" Sofia asked aloud.
Soon Sofia began to sing as she let go of her sister…
"Everything seems crazy big and we're feeling unsteady. Mom says we'll be just fine, but I don't think I'm ready. New school, new friends, new family; and a ball where they want us to dance. We're just two little girls from a small, small town. In this world, we don't stand a chance."
Sofia stood as she looked at Madeline's new town castle.
"I'm not ready to be princess. I don't have what it takes. I'm too short for gowns, I look bad in crowns and I'm gonna make a bagillion mistakes.
Looked through Madeline's drawer, seeing that that just made her feel worse.
"I'm too average to be princess. I respectfully refuse. I don't know the rules, we don't want the jewels and these feet were made for comfortable shoes. I'm ready to be a princess.'
Madeline looked at her sister with worry. "But Sofia," causing Sofia to turn to her little sister. "If your-your to not ready, I'm not even close." So, Madeline began to sing.
"I've ever known is village, my life like simple keys. Three was only three and that was fine with, but things just changed so suddenly. I would also play in the mud with no care. Now, I'll wear gown and fancy crown that I bet will not fit me. Mama is so happy and guess a new families grand. But I don't if I can be me."
Madeline looked at her fancy toy but did not feel great.
"I'm too loud to be princess. To this I say 'poo-poo'. I don't know the rules, I don't want the jewels and those fancies shoes will be tore up in two. I'm ready to be a princess."
Sofia and Madeline walked to the closet with the gowns and crown.
"Shelves bursting with trinkets. that we're afraid to touch!"
Madeline soon closed the closet with fright.
Sofia grabbed all the toys with worry instead of enjoyment.
"Fancy toys and ginormous pillows. It's all much!"
Madeline still looked frightened.
"Too much!"
The girls soon ran out of Madeline's room and in the whole.
"Too much!"
The girls ran through the hall afraid and overwhelmed.
"We're not ready to be princesses. One look, and that seems clear!"
"Cancel our debut,"
"Keep your royal crew and if we ever find mom's room."
"We're outta here!"
The girls feel to the floor saddened as Madeline cuddled into her sister.
"Sofia, not a noble name."
"Madeline, even my wave is lame."
"We're not ready to be princesses."
Suddenly the heard a door open. The two girls turned to the noise and saw their mother in her purple nightgown.
"Sofia? Madeline? What are you two doing out here?"
"Oh, mom/mama." They said together, as they ran to their mother as she embraced her daughters. She soon escorted the two into her bedroom.
"What's the matter, Sweethearts?" Miranda asked, as she had Sofia sit on her left side and Madeline on the right on a small couch.
"We don't want a Royal Ball." Sofia declared.
"No. mama, we do not," Madeline said as she pouted. "It-it-it is too much."
"Oh, girls, I've never known either of you to turn down a party." Miranda said in surprise. "Especially one thrown just for the two of you."
"But mama we-we-we don't know anything about being a princess." Madeline said as they both took off their crowns as placed them to the side. "And we don't know how to d-d-dance. What if one of us trips and everyone laughs at us like that night at the school dance."
"And I will not happy if they do." Madeline added.
"You'll both do fine." Miranda assured them. "And besides, the school dance you were both sick. Plus, no one never laughs at a princess. "
"Says who?" Sofia asked.
"Come here, you two." Miranda said as she embraced her daughters. "Just try the best you two can." She put the crowns back on their heads. "And if it's not good enough for all of those Stuffy duke and Duchesses, then that's then problem. Mmm-hmm?" Miranda hugged her two girls close to her.
"Sofia, Madeline." Roland stepped forward causing the two girls to look at her. "I have something for the both of you. Consider it a welcome gift." Roland produced two amulets: one blue, and one purple. Both girls gasped in delight and awe.
"They're b-beautiful." Madeline whispered.
"These are two very Special Amulets." Roland told them, as he put the Purple one around Sofia's neck, and the blue one around Madeline's. "You must both promise never to take them off. That way you will never lose them."
"We promise." Sofia and Madeline said in unison.
"And now, you two best run off to bed", Roland smiled. "You both have princess school in the morning".
"Princess School?" Madeline asked. This should be both interesting, and terrifying at the same time. So much for making the feel better.