Hello, fantastic people!

A bunch of you have asked for a James chapter - and here it is!

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I regretfully released Sofia from our kiss and watched as she hurried to meet her family in the carriage.

I didn't envy her, the choice she was faced with was a complicated one.

On one hand, she could stay in Enchancia and we could be together, get married, and rule the kingdom side by side; but she would lose her family and be unhappy.

On the other hand, she could go back to Hacilith with her family and we could write until we were able to see each other again. However, her mother would most likely do everything in her power to keep her from getting my letters and force her to marry someone else, and we would both be unhappy.

There had to be a way that we could be together and have everyone accept it.

She had the makings of a true leader, a queen, and I couldn't let someone as amazing as Sofia be taken away from me because of her mother's pride and hatred.

Miranda had gone too far.

She had judged me unfairly, lied to her daughters, and was trying to force Sofia into choosing something she accused me of doing; all because of a misunderstanding twenty years ago that, now that uncle Reginald and aunt Julianne were gone, could never truly be reconciled.

I admit I had been raised in a life of opportunity and wealth, but that didn't make me a materialistic monster. That was more Amber's attitude. If I had to step down to be with Sofia, I would. I never asked to be heir to the throne, it wasn't my fault that uncle Reginald abdicated, and I didn't appreciate Miranda telling anyone that I would choose money and power over love.

I love my kingdom and its people, but I could find other ways to serve them if need be. My love for Sofia was stronger.

Miranda needed to get to know me. She needed to see that I was serious about her daughter, but how? They were probably already packed and sitting at the docks.

"James, follow me," my father instructed, breaking me out of my mental turmoil.

I nodded and followed him to his study, knowing what the conversation was going to be about before it even started.

"James, do you understand the severity of the situation you have brought upon yourself?" he sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose and slumping in his chair.

"Yes, I believe I do. What should I do, father?" I asked, standing across from him.

"Do you love Sofia?" he asked bluntly, meeting my gaze.

I sighed thoughtfully, running my hands through my hair.

"Yeah, I do. I want her to be happy with whichever decision she makes, even if it means returning with her family," I gave him a weak smile and turned my gaze to the floor.

She deserved all the happiness in the world. As strong as she was I knew she could overcome anything, but I wasn't so sure about myself.

If she returned to Hacilith and was kept away from me, there was a chance I would do something I would regret.

"I can't tell you what to do, James. It's obvious you have fallen for Sofia, so go get her. As the future king, you will be met with a plethora of obstacles. If you can't find a way to convince your future mother-in-law to let you marry your wife then maybe you're not ready to lead the kingdom" He teased, his hazel eyes dancing playfully, but he was right.

I couldn't stand the idea that I would never see her again, in the few short hours I had with her she had stolen my heart as well as my first kiss.

She wouldn't be taken away from me without a fight.

"I'm going to marry her, father. Count on it!" I exclaimed, jumping out of my seat and bounding towards the door.

"I know you will son," my father chuckled as I exited the room.

I ran to my room and found the gold jewelry box my grandmother had left me. I took care of opening it and found the blue velvet ring box I was looking for.

My heart hummed as I imagined the delicate diamond and sapphire ring on Sofia's finger. All I had to do was convince her parents to allow me to ask her to be mine without them disowning her and keeping her from her sisters.

That was all.

I groaned and fell back on my bed. I needed a plan. If I went over there unprepared it would worsen the situation.

How could I get them to sit down and talk to me?

Aggravated, I slammed my palms on the bed and sat up.

Laying here worrying about plans was a waste of time.

I headed to the stables to get Sampson, formulating my speech as I walked.

"Lady Miranda, Patrick, I love your daughter, and I want, more than anything, to marry her. I'm going to be King and can provide her, and the rest of you if you will allow me, with a comfortable, happy life..." I rehearsed, not caring that I was openly talking to myself in broad daylight.

I will go up to the door, knock, and...what? Push my way in? Hopefully, it wouldn't come to that. Hopefully, they would allow me in. I would ask to come in and speak to them civilly.

I mounted Sampson, took a deep breath, and began my journey to Nightingale.

Patrick was sitting on the marble staircase with his elbows on his knees and his hands in his hair, a worried expression etched on his face.

"Patrick? what's going on?" I asked, dismounting Sampson cautiously. This wasn't part of the plan.

"James! Thank goodness, I was starting to worry that there wasn't going to be a Nightingale left for your father! Do you mind telling me what on earth happened today?" he rushed over to me, pointing towards the house.

"Where are Miranda and Sofia? We all need to sit down and talk." I patted him on the shoulder.

"The last time I heard them they were yelling in Sofia's room, but I couldn't understand what they were arguing about. Hannah and Laura are hiding from them in the barn," He looked at the house fearfully, "What do you say we go save our girls from each other?" he smiled, returning my pat.

"Wait, so you're okay with me being with Sofia?" I gasped shocked.

"I'm okay seeing my daughter happier than she's ever been. You should have seen her this morning getting ready for your date, she's never been that excited about anything," he shook his head at the memory, "I may not be ready to see my little girl go off and get married just yet, but I am glad she found someone who makes her happy and can provide for her. I know her mother is against her marrying for advantage, but she can't stop you two if you're serious," He gave me a stern look and I gulped.

"I-I am sir, I love your daughter very much. I came here intending on giving a big speech about why I want to marry her. I even brought a ring," I beamed, fishing the box out of my pocket and showing him.

"I'm happy for you two, it's the banshee inside you're going to have to go to battle with. I can only imagine what they are arguing about, but judging by that rock in your hand I'm starting to get a clearer picture," Patrick sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose as my father had before.

I did my best not to laugh out loud at the resemblance. It was no wonder Sofia and I got along so well.

"To battle, sir?" I asked facing the house once again.

"To battle, your majesty. May the odds be ever in your favor," He answered facing the house as well.

Half the battle was over, I had her father and sisters on my side. It was time to face the boss.