Six days.
Six days since Sofia had gone missing. Six days since he had been placed in the Enchancia stables.
Minimus neighed sadly at James who began to pet his mane in an effort to console him.
"Dad said you need to help Sof when she gets back," the young prince smiled softly at the conversation he had with Roland that morning. "Minimus, you'll be like a therapy flying horse for her."
Minimus wished he could say something to James, but to James all it would be is neighing.
He was worried about Sofia, more than he had ever been.
James seemed to notice the worry in his eyes and felt his heart sink in sympathy for Minimus.
He knew the horse and Sofia had been together for months, enjoying the other's company when it was time for Flying Derby practice.
He grabbed a carrot from nearby, gently giving it to Minimus in an attempt to make the horse a little bit happier.
"I know, Minimus. We're all worried about Sof. She'll be okay though," he spoke gently.
The family, including himself, were getting better sleep with the knowledge of what happened to the youngest princess.
But it broke his heart when Miranda or Roland would look into Sofia's room and it still lacked the little girl's presence.
He still kept Sofia's hat. He planned to keep it at least until she returned.
When he went to school, it stayed in his bag.
When he was home, it was under his pillow.
The Dunwiddie villagers had Sofia in their thoughts and prayers which James was thankful for.
Even holding a vigil for her the previous night with the children leaving Sofia dolls and other items near the castle steps.
The entire community had banded together for the young princess, a sight to behold for the royal family.
James and Amber knew Sofia was widely loved, but they had truly seen it shine through the villagers.
The dolls she had been given, which Amber had laughed about the previous night, would put Hildegard's collection to shame.
Hildegard still put a bitter taste in James' mouth as she complained about Sofia so often that Amber had ditched her as a friend two days before.
She had to bite her tongue often to keep from saying something improper to Hildegard.
Luckily, she had taken the time to talk to Vivian, who had been missing Sofia as well.
James found it a little silly how Vivian's dragon Crackle missed Clover.
Though he was sympathetic to Vivian who had burst into tears when she first learned of Sofia's kidnapping.
It made sense to him. Sofia had been Vivian's first friend at Royal Prep after rumors had been spread about her for so long.
They were friends for two months before Sofia was kidnapped.
James looked up, feeling Minimus nuzzle him as if he understood that the young prince dearly missed his little sister.
James smiled, petting Minimus.
"Thanks, Minimus. Hopefully we can both see Sofia soon, " he sighed.
The horse neighed in agreement.
...
Mia wasn't sure if she could forgive Clover if he came back. While she did say he did ridiculous things all the time once, getting Sofia involved in said ridiculousness had her flapping her wings furiously.
She and Robin hadn't been told of Sofia's disappearance until three days ago.
By Rex of all animals as he was burying one of Sofia's dolls he'd taken from her room.
They both had been shocked when they found out, though Mia leaned more towards anger.
She wished Clover would've thought of more than himself. There were so many reasons leaving wasn't a good idea, but he went and did it anyway.
Sofia was facing consequences for his actions.
At only eight years old.
The birds couldn't imagine what she was going through.
They both just hoped she was safe, and that she would be home soon. Everyone missed her, including them.
They had even picked out a gown for her to wear when she came back.
It wasn't her everyday gown but one from her closet.
Robin had been quieter than Mia about Sofia's absence.
A quiet state of sadness and worry. Where Mia had been talkative about her anger, Robin barely spoke on the subject, especially the first day after they found out.
They mostly spent their days flying around in the hopes of spotting Sofia from afar.
A caw from Wormwood stopped the bluebird and robin in their tracks.
"I see you heard about the princess," Wormwood scoffed. "Cedric's been trying to find a spell to locate her easily."
"Really? How's it coming along?" Robin spoke as the three landed.
Mia's eyes widened in hope, though she didn't say anything to him, cleaning her feathers as she listened.
"Cedric's got it but it'll be awhile," Wormwood sighed. "Whoever the hell's driving that wagon is testing my master's patience. Sure it may seem like he doesn't give a shit about her but the truth is, he does. Cedric misses the little pest and frankly so do I."
"So he says he misses her but calls her a pest," Mia muttered to Robin.
"At least they're being helpful," Robin responded, whispering back.
Wormwood cleared his throat as the two birds looked back at the raven.
Now they weren't fans of him for the times he would peck or scratch Sofia but at least his master was doing something to help.
"I hope something gets figured out soon," Robin spoke to him, "I can't imagine how scared Sofia is."
Mia nodded sadly, pressing close to Robin, "if it hadn't been for Clover running away, she wouldn't be in this mess."
"You mean it was furball's fault!?" Wormwood asked.
"You mean you didn't know?"
"No. I assumed that the princess got kidnapped alone."
Robin shook her head, "Clover ran away and joined the magic show because he thought Sofia didn't need him, and Sofia went looking for him," she explained.
"Out of all the dumbass things for him to do," Wormwood grumbled. "The princess was only busy. She could've made time for him just like Cedric does for me."
"Exactly! Thank you!" Mia huffed.
Robin put her wing on Mia for a moment, signaling the smaller bird to calm down.
"There's nothing we can do about it now, though. All we can do is keep looking for them and waiting," she reasoned, "though I may have some things to say to Clover when they get back."
Wormwood nodded in agreement, flying off upon hearing Cedric call for him.
As soon as he began flying off, Mia and Robin took off into the sky to look once more.
They couldn't find Sofia but flying seemed to be calming Mia down.
Robin was grateful for that.
She just hoped Sofia was alright wherever she was.
…
Clover was starting to have a distaste for the spotlight.
Sure he enjoyed the attention and everyone coming to see him but every time he would spot a little girl in the audience, she made him think of Sofia who had woken up crying from a nightmare.
He had helped soothe her, though it had taken a while.
He wished she didn't have to suffer the way that she did, but he was okay with helping her when she needed it.
That very morning she told him she was going to leave the wagon to bathe and wash her clothes.
Even if it meant she had to stay in her undershirt and bloomers for most of the day.
He just hoped Boswell would be reasonable.
The more he thought of that man, the angrier he would get.
Clover wanted to desperately claw him.
He would if it wouldn't put him or Sofia in more trouble.
"Thank you! Thank you!" Boswell cheered. "Mr. Cuddles and I hope you had a great show."
Mr. Cuddles. Clover was even starting to have a distaste for it too.
As they left the stage and went back to the wagon, Clover noticed Sofia's clothing hanging out to dry.
"Looks like Sof accidentally fell in the pond she must've been using," Clover muttered, noticing her undershirt and bloomers.
He prayed she found something to cover herself up with before he and Boswell were to come in.
Otherwise, he assumed Boswell would likely throw a fit.
Boswell watched the crowd dissipate, glad for the money he had received from yet another performance.
Clover couldn't understand why the money was important enough to the magician that he would kidnap a child to keep it going.
It was nonsensical to say the least.
As Boswell counted the money that would mostly be used for himself and not the child he kidnapped, Clover hopped to the wagon steps, scratching at the door.
The rabbit heard a bit of movement before the door opened. He looked up to see Sofia using another blanket he didn't know they had as a skirt, lacking nothing to cover up her nipples.
"Before you scold, it was my fault. I fell into the pond I was using and didn't want to get in trouble so I had to improvise," Sofia explained, looking down at her feet. "Please don't be mad."
He shook his head, "I saw your clothes outside, kid. I just hope Boswell isn't mad." She seemed to stiffen at the thought, and Clover could understand why. He looked back down to avoid making her feel self-conscious, "you may want to close the door before Boswell thinks you're trying to escape or something."
Sofia nodded, closing the door.
Her amulet swung around her neck as she sprinted back to her corner.
"You think Boswell will spend some of his money on me?" Sofia hoped innocently.
"I'm not sure, Sof. We can hope though," he responded. He smiled at her gently.
He hoped Boswell would be a little nicer, but he wasn't very sure of it.
Clover noticed Sofia shift a little as Boswell came inside.
"Princess, I see you hung your clothes out to dry," the magician smiled, ignoring her uncomfortableness. "Please try to get them in by tonight."
"Everyone's mad at you aren't they?" Sofia asked.
"Well if it wasn't for your little boyfriend..."
"I don't see Hugo that way."
Boswell rolled his eyes.
"Whatever," he spoke, "just make sure you get your stuff by tonight."
"Yes sir," Sofia sighed.
Clover nuzzled against her as Boswell had left.
"I'm glad he didn't get angry," the rabbit sounded relieved.
Sofia nodded, though she was curious as to why he was so calm.
Boswell hadn't snapped at her like normal and there wasn't a threat to hurt her.
Maybe he had a good performance day.
If so, she was glad.
A good performance might've saved her from his wrath for the day.
By nightfall her clothes were dry but Sofia didn't want to put them on just yet.
Clover nudged her gently, causing her to giggle.
It was just the two of them staring out the window of the wagon before Sofia looked closer to one of the trees.
Another floating lantern hung from a tree branch, giving off a small glow.
She gasped, whispering to Clover, "do you see it?"
He nodded, his eyes focused on the glowing object.
She stared at it, considering what to do.
She needed to get it before the wagon would leave the next morning. Standing up, she looked around.
Not seeing Boswell, Sofia sighed in relief as she climbed out of the window of the wagon that she forgot to lock earlier in the day.
"Sof, what are you doing?" Clover whispered, shocked as she climbed past the curtain.
"I'll be back in just a second. Keep an eye out for Boswell, will you?" She didn't leave much room for an argument.
Clover sighed, nodding as she left. His kid was too innocent for what she was going through.
Sofia landed in the grass, standing up to get rid of any dirt she may have come in contact with.
She made her way toward the lantern slowly, keeping her eyes on the ground half of the time to keep herself from tripping like she had with the first one.
She looked up occasionally, watching as the lantern became more visible.
Once her family crest was in her view, Sofia gently took the lantern off the tree branch and noticed a note inside.
Unlike last time, however, she went back to the wagon as she didn't want to worry Clover.
She crept back to the wagon, lantern in hand.
Climbing inside, she landed swiftly and quietly beside Clover once more.
"Another lantern kid?" Clover smiled.
"Yeah. Another note too," Sofia yawned. She took the note and unrolled it. "Looks like it's from James. You don't mind if I read it do you?"
Clover shook his head, "go right on ahead, kid. I wanna know what it says anyways."
He nestled close to Sofia, ready to listen.
"'Dear Sof, Everything's been different since you've been gone. Before you think that it's all your fault, it's not your fault. When you get back, we're all going to help you heal from this because we love you.'" Sofia paused as she wiped away the tears forming in her eyes. "'Mom and Dad have been worried sick about you. Especially Dad. The day you disappeared, he found Minimus wondering alone and decided to keep him into the stables until you get back just so you wouldn't be scared.'"
Clover noticed tears streaming down her cheeks as he began nuzzling against her. "Sof? Did his letter get to you?"
"No. It's just what if I'm not the same sister James remembers? I flinch at loud noises and don't like the dark. Do you think he and Amber will love me again? I don't want them to think I'm a baby."
He sighed, "kid, your siblings will always love you. He said it right there. They wouldn't help you if they didn't love you."
"But what if-" she started.
He stopped her before she could continue, "there are no what if's, Sof. They love you, and they always will."
Sofia started to cry at his words as Clover hopped into her lap and let her sob in his fur.
"It's alright, kid," he soothed her, leaning into her as she cried. He knew she must be missing home a lot. He did too, even though home was still with her, it was different.
Sofia was homesick and Clover wished he could do something about it.
He wasn't sure what he could do, though, other than comfort her like he had been.
Boswell would pay one day for hurting his kid, that he promised himself.
"Sorry Clover," Sofia sniffed, realizing she had gotten his fur wet with her tears. "I didn't mean to."
"Sof, you shouldn't have to apologize," Clover assured. "This is all Boswell's fault."
"I like Mr. Ceedric better than Mr. Boswell anyway."
Clover let out a small laugh, "at this point I do too, kid."
He glanced back over to the window, thinking to himself on whether or not she had locked it.
He definitely didn't want that to get her caught with Boswell. The magician may have been nice for the day, but that didn't mean he would stay that way.
It was assumed that Sofia saw his look, getting up to lock the window and returning to her corner just as Boswell walked in.
"Good. You brought your clothes in before anyone noticed them," the magician smiled. "Since I've had a good performance today, I might get you a little something."
"You mean it?" Sofia asked.
The magician nodded, "but don't expect this to be a typical thing."
Sofia nodded her head quickly, "thank you, sir."
She was elated at the idea of anything that differed from what had become routine in the wagon.
A book or maybe two or three.
It could be anything. She didn't care.
"You're welcome. Is there anything you deserve?" Boswell glanced at her twinkling eyes, rolling his eyes.
"I'm not sure," she spoke, "I'd love anything."
She didn't know what specifically she could ask for. She was just glad he was being nice enough to do this.
Sofia watched as Boswell nodded softly at her.
"We'll talk more about it in the morning. That way you'll have plenty of time to decide on what you want," Boswell yawned, taking Clover in his arms. "I'll be taking Mr. Cuddles with me tonight just to give you a break."
"But he's my friend," Sofia frowned.
Clover spoke softly to her, "it's alright, kid."
He wanted to soothe her.
She gave him a look, showing that she heard him. She didn't want to nod, thinking Boswell would take that as submission.
If he knew she could understand Clover, he'd put her in his act for sure.
But that would also get him caught. She didn't want that when he was being so nice to her.
"I wouldn't protest if I were you," Boswell scoffed. "You wouldn't want your opportunity to get something taken away do you?"
"No sir," Sofia reasoned.
He nodded, "good. I'll bring him back in here tomorrow."
With that, he and Clover left, leaving Sofia in the dark wagon.
She whimpered softly, only to smile at the glow of the lanterns that surrounded her.
With a sigh, she covered herself up and went to sleep.
Amber sighed, looking around. Miranda stood beside her, her arm around her.
Usually there were guards everywhere, but the only ones around now were the two at the front entrance. All of the others had been sent out across the land in hopes of finding Sofia.
Amber felt kinda bad for the ones that were out there looking for her sister.
But Roland had insisted that until Sofia was found alive or dead, the family prayed it wouldn't come to that, the search for her remained.
Amber leaned into Miranda.
"Mother? What will things be like when Sofia comes back?" She asked softly.
"A little different," Miranda sighed. "Sofia will need to heal from this but we'll help her."
"You mean she'll be broken?"
Miranda stopped for a moment, "broken can be fixed." She smiled down at her daughter, "Sofia will be alright but it will take time."
Amber nodded, "school is so different without her." She sighed, thinking about how things had changed with Hildegard.
Miranda heard her sigh and hugged her close. "James told me about Hildegard. You two had a falling out?"
"Over Sofia," Amber muttered.
Miranda nodded sympathetically, "some people are just selfish. They don't think about how things affect other people."
Amber rolled her eyes, "Hildegard doesn't have any respect for what's going on. She's more worried about her dad spending money on guards instead of herself. I'm surprised James didn't get in much trouble," she let out a small laugh as she remembered her brother yelling at Hildegard.
Miranda couldn't help but laugh too.
When it came to Sofia, James was as protective of her as a big brother could be.
She tightened her arm around Amber for a moment in a slight hug.
She wasn't sure what was going to happen when Sofia came home, what she was going to be like, but she was glad that Sofia would have her siblings at her side.
Her eyes looked up as Roland placed an arm around her waist.
Miranda smiled warmly at her husband before noticing a bracelet in his hand.
"I had it made before Sofia disappeared," Roland sighed.
Miranda leaned into him quietly. She knew Roland was having a harder time with things than he was able to let on around the children.
His eyes were sad, and as Miranda looked at him, her eyes began to reflect the same sadness.
Amber noticed the bracelet and smiled sadly. "Daddy, may I see that?"
Roland nodded softly. "Just be careful. I had it made as a surprise for Sofia."
She nodded. She would always be careful.
He handed it to her, and she reached out, gently taking it in her hands.
The bracelet was silver and as Amber looked at it, she noticed an engraving on it.
She pulled it closer to her, closing one eye so she could see it better.
Amber couldn't help but smile, noticing her name after her father's.
Clearly Roland had it made to show his, her, and James' love for the youngest member of the family before she went missing.
Tears pricked at her eyes as she stared at it.
They all loved Sofia. They always would.
She wished she could tell her that.
"Daddy, can you read what you put on here?" Amber asked, her voice breaking. "Please."
She reached her arm out, handing the bracelet back up to her father.
Miranda tightened her arm in support around Amber after hearing her voice.
She knew Sofia's disappearance affected her but never thought it'd be that emotionally.
Roland smiled at his wife and oldest daughter before clearing his throat.
He took a deep breath, staring at the bracelet.
He stared at the engraved letters, his heart in his throat.
Usually he held it together around the children, but after six days, he was having a very hard time.
Amber seemed to notice as her father's normally strong posture broke in front of her.
"It says," he spoke, "'Everyday you brighten our lives no matter what.'" He had to stop for a moment, feeling his voice waver as he thought about his missing daughter.
Miranda leaned close to him, pulling Amber closer with her.
"Sofia always did," Amber smiled. "I should've known by the sun and moon charms."
"It's alright if you didn't notice them at first sweetheart," Miranda smiled.
She nodded. She wished Sofia was home, more than anything.
She wondered where Sofia was now, and whether the magician was treating her okay.
Nothing could match up to what Sofia received at home, but she hoped things weren't too bad.
She especially hoped that Sofia wasn't too traumatized, being too afraid to be near their father.
Cedric Amber would understand, but if Sofia's trauma included Roland, her heart would break.
She knew Sofia would have trouble, but she also knew the entire family, plus Baileywick and Cedric, would be there for her.
She glanced up at her father, who was trying to keep himself together.
She hugged his leg, looking up as Roland gave her a smile.
He kissed her forehead affectionately, hearing Amber laugh despite the heartache in her voice.
Amber yawned as she smiled up at him.
She felt Miranda's arm still around her back, and she leaned in to hug her mother gently.
The entire family needed each other's support, though Amber knew no one would need it more than Sofia when she returned.
"Rollie, why don't you carry Amber to bed?" Miranda suggested. "I'll get her nightgown ready."
"But I'm not tired!" Amber yawned.
Miranda chuckled, "your yawning says otherwise."
She knelt down enough to hug her daughter completely before standing up once more.
"Alright young lady, time for bed," Roland smiled, taking Amber in his arms.
"You did the same thing with Sofia after her welcome ball," Amber reminisced, taking the bracelet from his hand before it fell. "I never heard her put up such a fuss."
He smiled, "I remember that." He secured her in his arms completely.
"Do you think she thinks about us?" Amber asked him suddenly, "do you think she worries about us like we worry about her?"
"I'm sure she does. She probably worries that when she comes back, you and James might think she's a baby because she's afraid of the dark."
"We would never think that Daddy. Especially if it's that magician's fault Sofia has to be in the dark alone."
He smiled, "I'm glad. Sofia is going to need a lot of support from all of us."
She nodded, "I'll always be there for her. I promise."
Amber yawned, unable to keep her eyes open as Roland waked her inside the castle.
She spotted Sofia's portrait that was done a month after her sister became a princess, hiding a giggle as she remembered Sofia's compliments of her aching feet after standing for hours.
She smiled. Sofia always had interesting things to say about things like that, and it had, at one point, reminded Amber of the fact that Sofia hadn't grown up the same way she did.
She thought to herself, making a mental note to ask Sofia to tell her some stories from life in the village once she got home. Sofia had told her a few stories here and there, but not many.
Whenever Sofia was supposed to come home, Amber wanted to wrap her sister in her arms and never let her go.
Just not to the extent of Miranda and Roland.
Things were going to be different, and not just Sofia, that was something the family had silently agreed on.
But they would have to wait until she came home to cross that bridge.
For now, Amber opened her eyes and playfully fussed while Miranda stripped her out of her dress and placed into her nightgown.
"You're the most prettiest princess ever!" Sofia giggled.
Amber smiled at the memory. Sofia had said it out of the blue but at the time had made her night after a stressful day.
Tears pricked at her eyes. She missed Sofia more than ever as she thought back on the memories of their time together.
She took a sharp breath to hopefully keep herself from crying, at least while Miranda was around.
But as her motherly instincts would have it, Miranda did noticed, smoothing down the bottom of Amber's nightgown.
Her own eyes were glassy as she glanced at Amber, crouching down and beckoning the young princess into a hug silently.
Amber nearly flung herself into her mother's arms the moment Miranda opened them to her.
It was just what she needed before bedtime.
A mother's touch. Even if she was staining Miranda's gown with her tears.
Her arms stayed wrapped around her mother, Miranda's wrapped around her, as she sobbed.
Miranda let out a few silent tears, but tried to quickly wipe them away.
"You miss Sofia too?" Amber asked.
"Of course I do," Miranda sniffed. "Amber, when your sister was born, Sofia was a little miracle. She had some problems after being born, but she fought through them."
Amber nodded, acting like she understood, "but she got through it?"
Miranda nodded softly. "She did." She carried Amber to her bed, holding back tears. "I can't imagine what that magician's done to my little girl but once he's back in Enchancia, I'm going to let him have it."
Amber nodded. She knew her mother was upset just not the extent of it.
She wished she could join Miranda in whatever would happen to the magician.
"Can I join you in your anger?" Amber requested. "Because that man took away my little sister and I want him to pay."
"Of course," Miranda spoke, "I think there's enough anger in this castle for a whole village."
Amber let out a small laugh, "I think the entire village has enough anger for a village too. They really banded together for her yesterday."
Miranda nodded, tucking Amber in who yawned. Seeing her asleep, she stepped out of her room.
And went into Sofia's where the gifts from her vigil were piled up on her bed.
She smiled at the gifts, remembering how much everyone in the village has always loved Sofia.
She sighed, wishing her daughter was there to see it.
Sofia would've been in shock knowing all those gifts were for her.
She smiled at the thought. She missed her daughter more than she could say.
She hoped Sofia would come home safe. She didn't care how her little girl acted, just how she'd be sure that Sofia was loved.
She wished she could see her daughter, wherever she was, just so she could see that she was safe.
She wished she could hug her, comfort her, and wipe away her tears.
She wanted to make sure that magician couldn't hurt anyone else, and have Sofia home safe.
Even if it meant his death.
Miranda didn't care anymore.
As long as Sofia, and any other children, were safe. If he was willing to kidnap a princess, she wondered how he would act towards any other children.
A small squeak from Sofia's door stopped her thought as Miranda looked towards the door and saw James.
"Couldn't sleep?" Miranda smiled.
He shook his head. He hadn't been sleeping well since Sofia went missing.
"I couldn't, so I decided to go for a walk around the castle," he told her.
"Come here." Miranda held her arms out as James sprinted towards them. "Sofia's all on our minds lately. In fact Amber just asked me tonight if she could join my anger."
"You mean we get to see the son of a bitch executed?"
"James language!"
"Sorry," he spoke sheepishly.
"It's alright. Though I can't disagree with what you called him," she spoke.
James couldn't help but laugh. Sure he learned some of that coarse language from the guards but if Miranda had to appreciate his name calling of Boswell then it had to be something.
He glanced towards Sofia's window, wondering if she had seen any of the lanterns.
If she did, he would be thrilled to see them upon her return.
He smiled at the thought. He was glad to have the comfort of Miranda at the moment, not wanting to be alone to think.