Sofia, Amber, and James were all studying in Sofia's room for an upcoming test at Royal Prep. It was their final test of the year.
"I don't get why we have to learn math." Amber sighed. "It's not like we'll ever use it…"
James looked at his sister reproachfully. "Amber, you know it's our final for the year. If we don't do well on it, we'll get a zero."
Sofia looked between them, confused, and said, "Zero? But I thought Royal Prep didn't give out zeroes?"
"They do, Sofia," said Amber, nodding. "But more important than some zero, this test is the last one before summer, and this summer is going to be a lot of fun. Right,?"
"Well, I have some good news," said Sofia.
"What is it, Sofia?" asked James.
"Mom sighed us up for the Buttercup Troop!"
Sophia beamed, and Amber could not help but smile back. Then she sighed. "Let's take a break… laughed.
Just then, Baileywick came into the room. "Princess Sofia! Princess Amber! Prince James!" he called. "It's dinnertime, and your parents are waiting for you!"
The royal children put down their books and went into the dining room, grateful for the interruption.
As they walked into the room, Roland greeted them, smiling warmly. "Hello children. How are you?"
"We're fine, Father," said Amber. James and Sofia nodded in agreement.
"Good," Roland said. "Now let's eat."
They nodded and sat down.
"What have you been up to this afternoon?" asked Miranda.
"Studying," said James. "We have our final math test tomorrow. Even though some of us don't seem to think it's important," he added, shooting Amber a sharp look.
Amber shrugged. "I just don't see how I'll ever use math as a princess or a queen."
The king and queen shared an amused look. "You'd be surprised," said Miranda.
"I know you'll do your best tomorrow," said Roland, "all of you." And the way he said it, Sofia knew he said it not as an order but because he believed in them.
After dinner, they decided they had studied enough and got ready for bed.
"Good night, Amber," Sofia said. "Good night, James."
"Good night, Sofia," James and Amber chorused.
Sofia entered her room and saw Clover, Mia, Robin and Whatnaught waiting for her.
"Hello, everyone."
Clover hopped onto her bed. "Hi, Princess," he said and waved a paw in greeting.
Sofia smiled and stroked Clover's fur. "Hi, Clover."
Then she climbed into bed and soon fell asleep, warm and happy, surrounded by her animal friends.
In the morning, Sofia got dressed and met Amber and James. "Good morning!"
James smiled greeted her, "Good morning, Sofia. Ready for the test?"
She nodded, determined, and they left for Royal Prep.
School went by quickly, and after what felt like no time at all, it was the end of the day. Sofia stretched her arms and let out a sigh of relief once the test was over. She thought she had done well, thanks to her study session with James and Amber the night before. What's more, it was time for summer break, and she was so excited to spend it with her friends!
After school, Sofia, James, and Amber were entering the castle just as Cedric was walking towards his chambers. That was when the Royal Sorcerer tripped on a bump in the rug. As he landed on the floor, his wand blasted a light towards Sofia, who collapsed as soon as it hit her.
"Sofia!" Amber and James cried, helping Sofia up. Sofia blinked at them, confused.
"Who's Sofia?" she asked.
For a moment, neither James nor Amber said anything, stunned. Finally, Amber spoke: "James, we have to get Sofia to her room."
James nodded and said, "Good thinking, Amber."
As they slowly walked up the stairs, Sofia said, "Do I know you two?"
"We'll tell you as soon as we get to your bedroom," Amber softly replied.
When they reached Sofia's room, they guided Sofia straight to her bed. Once Sofia was sitting down comfortably, Amber began to explain. "I'm Amber. I'm your sister, and this is James, your brother."
"You two are my brother and sister?" Sofia echoed.
"James, go get Mom and Dad, fast!" Amber ordered. "I'll stay with Sofia."
James went out of Sofia's room to find their mother and father, bumping into Baileywick along the way.
"Baileywick, where are Mom and Dad?" James asked.
"They should be back soon," Baileywick said. "They went to sign the papers for the Buttercup Troop. Is something wrong, Prince James?"
"Yes, Baileywick," James said, panicked. "It's Sofia. She can't remember who she is, or who we are!"
"How did it happen?" Baileywick asked as they went to Sofia's room.
"We were coming in from school when Cedric tripped on the rug," James recounted. "His wand blasted a light at Sofia and she collapsed. When we helped her back up and asked her if she was alright, she didn't even know her name!"
"Oh dear," said Baileywick, looking very worried indeed.
-later that evening-
Sofia was laughing.
"Me, a princess?" she chuckled. "Good one, Mom!"
The king and queen had been found and filled in on the situation. Sofia had, thankfully, recognized her mother, but she was having trouble believing much of anything else.
"It's true, sweetheart," Miranda insisted. "Just look at what you're wearing."
Sofia looked down at her dress and gasped.
"This is... And I'm... But I can't be! I'm just a village girl! I don't know anything about being royalty! I'd be a terrible princess!"
"Calm down, Sofia," Roland told her. "You are quite a fine princess. Now, I know this is a lot to take in, but don't worry. I'm sure it'll all come back to you. But for now, let's get you to the royal physician."
Sofia took a deep, steadying breath and nodded. "Okay."
The royal physician, Dr. Carlo, looked Sofia over. He then spoke with Roland and Miranda privately.
"It seems to be a simple case of amnesia," he told them. "Sometimes it will go away on its own, and sometimes the memory can be jogged. Then again," he added, frowning doubtfully, "there's magic involved, so it might not be that easy."
"We'll have to try and jog her memory," Miranda declared.
"And just to be sure, I'll have Cedric look into finding a magical remedy," said Roland.
After leaving the infirmary, Sofia was led back to her room by Baileywick. Everything she saw was so unfamiliar. The idea that she was a princess seemed impossible, but everyone was so sure that was what she was. Perhaps it was true.
Climbing into her bed, Sofia tossed and turned, eventually falling into a troubled sleep.
The next morning, she awoke to Clover and the others standing over her.
"Good mornin', princess!" Clover boomed.
"Aaaah!" Sofia squealed. "Talking animals!"
"Why are you so surprised, Sofia?" Mia asked.
"Wait, you know me?" said Sofia.
"Of course we know you," Robin declared. "We're your friends."
"How can you be talking to me?" Sofia asked.
"Your amulet, kid." Clover pointed to the purple amulet hanging from Sofia's neck. "It lets you talk to animals."
"Really?" Sofia gasped.
"You should know that, Sofia," Robin stated.
"I don't know what I know," Sofia sighed. "I've lost my memory. I don't know anything about this castle, or being a princess, or even you. I mean, you all seem like nice animals..."
Mia smiled. "Because we are."
"Well, Clover's a little mouthy," Robin said, smirking.
"Not helping, Robin," Clover growled. "The point is, kid, we're your friends, and we're gonna help you through this, any way we can."
"Oh, thank you!" Sofia smiled and hugged Clover tightly.
"You forgot I'm not much of a hugger, too," Clover groaned.
"Sorry," said Sofia, quickly releasing the rabbit and smiling sheepishly.
Sofia got dressed and went to the dining hall.
"Good morning, Sofia," Miranda greeted.
"Hi Mom!" Sofia replied.
"Are you ready to go to Royal Prep?" asked Roland.
Sofia just looked at him, confused. "What's Royal Prep?"
"Royal Prep is the school where all the princes and princesses go," James said with his mouth full.
"James," Baileywick chided. "Manners."
"Sorry Baileywick," James gulped.
"Are you sure I'm ready?" Sofia asked.
"Yes, sweetheart," Miranda said warmly, trying to comfort her daughter. "We know you're ready."
"Time for school," Baileywick announced.
James, Amber and Sofia nodded and stood up from the table to leave.
"Are you sure Sofia is going to be alright, Miranda?" Roland asked, heart clenched with worry.
"Only time will tell..." Miranda replied, and she could not help but feel a little worried herself.
After arriving at Royal Prep, Sofia walked into the classroom.
"Hi," said Vivian, waving to Sofia.
Sofia nervously glanced at Vivian then rushed over to an empty seat, leaving Vivian confused and a little hurt.
"What's wrong with Sofia?" Vivian asked Amber.
"It's kind of a long story," Amber whispered. "I'll tell you at recess."
Meanwhile, back at the castle, Roland entered Cedric's workshop.
"Something I can help you with, Your Majesty?" Cedric asked.
"As a matter of fact, there is," Roland declared. "According to James and Amber, when you tripped yesterday, you accidentally cast a spell on Sofia that made lose her recent memory."
"Oh, my!" Cedric gasped. "Did I really do that?"
Roland nodded sternly. "Yes. And I need you to find a way to undo it."
Cedric bowed. "I'll get on it immediately, Your Highness."
"Good." Roland smiled. "Do try and hurry, Cedric.
As Roland closed the door, Cedric turned to Wormwood.
"What a happy accident we have here!" he said, smirking. "Without her memories, it will be all the easier to trick Sofia to giving me her amulet. Wormy, victory is at hand!"
Wormwood cawed triumphantly.
Back at Royal Prep, it was recess, and Amber had told Vivian everything.
"She really doesn't remember?" Vivian gasped.
"I'm afraid not." Amber sighed. "Our parents are hoping we might be able to jog her memory, though."
"How?" Vivian asked.
"By reminding her of her life as a princess," said Amber. "And you could help. Tell her about all the things you've done together."
"Do you really think that'll work?" Vivian asked, unsure.
Amber shrugged. "It's worth a try."
Vivian walked over to Sofia, who recoiled slightly at her approach. Vivian noted that this was how their first meeting had gone, only with the roles reversed.
"Hello, Sofia," Vivian greeted, smiling kindly. "I'm your friend, Vivian."
"I don't remember you," Sofia said quietly. "Sorry."
"Well, I remember you." Vivian grinned. "We worked together on a dream castle project; you came over to my castle, we sang a song, and you helped me overcome my shyness."
Sofia shook her head. "Sorry, it doesn't ring a bell."
"That's okay," Vivian said patiently. "We're still friends, even if you don't remember me. Do you want to play?"
"I guess..." Sofia agreed, somewhat reluctantly.
After school, James had an idea.
"Sofia, wanna go meet your flying horse, Minimus?"
"I have a flying horse?" Sofia gasped.
James nodded. "Yep. You're also on the school's flying derby team with me."
"Wow, really?" said Sofia in wonder.
"Really!"
As they made their way to the stables, they were met by Sir Gilliam.
"Prince James, Princess Sofia," he said, nodding to each of the young royals. "Right on time for practice."
"Sorry, but... do I know you?" Sofia asked.
"Princess Sofia, is there something wrong?" Sir Gilliam asked.
"I'm afraid Sofia lost her memories, Sir Gilliam," James explained. "And we're trying to help her remember that she's really a princess, so we aren't going to be practicing today. I'm just showing Sofia her horse.
"Of course, Prince James," said Sir Gilliam and gestured toward the stables. "Go right ahead."
"Thanks, Sir Gilliam," James replied with a smile. "Come on, Sof, let's go meet Minimus. You're gonna love him."
"Sure," said Sofia eagerly as she went into the stables with her brother.
"Okay Sofia, this is Minimus," James said, showing Sofia the purple flying pony. "You and him won the school flying derby tryout together."
"I thought princesses couldn't try out?" Sofia asked.
"You did," James pointed out. "And you did great."
"Um, James?" Sofia asked. "Would it be okay if I got to know Minimus by myself, please?"
"Okay, Sofia," said James. "I have to go and check on my horse, anyways."
"Thanks, James."
As James left, Minimus said, "Hey Sofia."
"Hi, Minimus," said Sofia, and she stroked his mane. "Something happened yesterday, and I don't remember much about being a princess. But I can tell just by looking at you that you're a great horse."
"Aw, thanks, Sofia," said Minimus, chuckling.
As she kept stroking, an image flashed through her mind of her and Minimus flying through a tower's windows and ringing a bell.
"Are you okay?" Minimus asked.
"I'm fine." Sofia rubbed her head. "Just fine." She held up a carrot she had brought with her. "Want some?"
"Yes, please!" Minimus agreed, taking a bite.
Sofia sat with Minimus for a while, enjoying his company, until James called that it was time to go.
"See you later, Minimus," Sofia whispered.
When they returned to the castle, James brought Sofia to the trolls' cave.
"Trolls?" Sofia asked. "Really?"
"Really," said James, smiling. "And you helped them to settle a misunderstanding from years ago, so they could come up at night."
"I did that?" Sofia gasped, astounded.
As they entered the cave, they were greeted by Gnarly and Teeny.
"Hello, Sofia!" Gnarly grinned.
Teeny waved. "Hi."
Sofia was a little put off at first, but the trolls won her over just as they did the first time they met - through music. As they had fun, Sofia saw another image, of herself, the trolls, and many others in the castle observatory. Like the last vision, it vanished as quickly as it appeared.
"Everything okay, Sof?" James asked.
Sofia put on a smile. "I'm fine, James."
"Good, 'cause we've gotta get back to the castle. Our guests will have arrived by now."
As they entered the castle lobby, Sofia saw Ruby, Jade and Lucinda.
"Ruby, Jade!" she cheered, relieved to see two familiar faces.
"We've been told everything," Jade explained. "We thought we'd come by and help jog your memory."
"Thanks, girls." Sofia smiled earnestly, before seeing Lucinda. "Who's this?"
"This is one of your newest friends, Lucinda the witch," Ruby declared.
"I'm friends with a witch?" Sofia gasped.
"A good witch," Jade added. "Trust me."
"Hi, Sofia," said Lucinda. "I heard about what happened. Maybe I could try to fix it."
"Okay..." Sofia agreed, even though she felt somewhat hesitant.
Lucinda took her wand and waved it toward Sofia, but nothing happened.
"So much for that," Lucinda sighed.
"That's alright," said Sofia. She smiled encouragingly. "You did your best."
Suddenly, two more flashes of memory raced through her mind, of Lucinda and Sofia flying on a broom, and Sofia dancing with Ruby and Jade in the castle observatory.
'Maybe that did help,' Sofia thought.
After spending some time with Ruby, Jade and Lucinda, Sofia decided to go to bed. As she walked down the corridor, Cedric stepped in front of her, blocking in her way.
"Hello Sofia," Cedric said, smirking.
"Who a-are you...?" Sofia asked nervously.
"I'm Cedric, the royal sorcerer," Cedric declared.
"Hello, Mr. Seedrick."
"It's Cedric," corrected the sorcerer, and then he mumbled, "Even after losing her memory, she still can't get my name right..."
"What's wrong Mr. Seedrick?" Sofia asked.
"Nothing!" Cedric smiled blithely and then leaned forward, peering at her necklace. "My my...What a pretty amulet you have...May I see it?"
"Sur-" Sofia started to say, reaching for the amulet, but suddenly she saw another vision, this time of Roland giving her the amulet.
'You must promise never to take it off,' Roland was saying.
"Sorry, I promised I wouldn't take it off." Sofia grasped the amulet in her hand, covering it completely from view. "And my mom says a broken promise can never be glued back together."
"How annoyingly correct," Cedric groaned. "Then a good evening to you, Princess Sofia."
Cedric stalked off, cursing his misfortune under his breath. "I'll get that amulet one day," he growled.
Sofia went to her room, where she found the animals waiting for her.
"How's the memory situation?" Clover asked. "You remember anything?"
"Maybe." Sofia shrugged. "I kept getting these... flashes, seeing things I've forgotten."
Even as she said that, there was another flash. This time, Sofia saw herself on a parade float with Clover.
"Did you just...?" Robin asked.
Sofia nodded. "Yes!"
"What did you see?" said Mia, leaning forward curiously.
"I saw... me and Clover… on a float of some kind," Sofia answered.
"Yeah, that was after we won the best pet in the kingdom contest," Clover preened. "Good times, good times..."
"This is great, Sofia!" Robin declared. "It means you're starting to remember!"
"Won't be long 'til you remember everything, kid!" Clover said, beaming.
"I hope so," whispered Sofia. She frowned. "Maybe then, I won't feel so... out of place here."
Shortly after, Sofia climbed into bed and fell asleep.
The next morning, Sofia's family told her of her other exploits since becoming a princess: how she had taken sorcery lessons with Cedric to help him put on a show, been to a royal sleepover, and passed the Princess Test with flying colors.
"Wow," Sofia gasped. "I really did all that?"
"Yes, you did, Sofia," replied the king.
"And we're very proud of you," said Miranda.
"You're not just a great princess," Amber added. "You're a great sister, too. You've helped me more than I can say."
"Me too, Sof." James grinned. "You're the best!"
After breakfast, Sofia wandered into the garden and sat on a bench to think over what she had learned about her time as a princess.
"So many people think I'm a great person and a great princess," she mused. "Maybe they're right. Maybe... I really am princess material. If only I could get my memory back, I'd know for sure..."
As Sofia said this, she absently stroked her amulet. The amulet started to glow.
"What the...?" Sofia gasped, and she felt the warm light flow up into her forehead.
Suddenly, countless images flashed before her mind's eye.
"I remember," Sofia whispered. "I remember everything!"
Sofia rushed into the castle to look for her parents, whom she finally found in the study.
"Mom, Dad!" she exclaimed. "I've got my memory back!"
"Oh, that's wonderful, sweetheart!" said Miranda, sweeping her daughter into her arms.
"How did you do it?" Roland asked.
"It just came to me," said Sofia.
Amber and James, drawn by the sound of the commotion, entered the room.
"What's going on?" Amber asked.
"I got my memory back!" said Sofia.
"Really?" said Amber.
"Everything?" added James.
"Every little thing." Sofia grinned. "Even what we had for dessert last Tuesday: jiggly-wiggly pudding!"
As the royal family came together in a hug, Cedric entered the room.
"Ah, there you are, Princess Sofia." He smirked. "I may have a spell that can restore your memory, if you'll just come with me..."
"No need, Cedric," Roland declared. "Sofia's memory has come back. We don't require a spell anymore."
"Oh, how wonderful," said Cedric, through teeth bared in a false smile. As he left the room, he grumbled," Merlin's mushrooms!"
That night, Sofia was escorted to bed by Baileywick.
"Good night, Princess Sofia," he said. "And if I may say so, it's good to have you back."
Sofia grinned. "Thanks, Baileywick."
As Baileywick left the room, the animals came in.
"Great to see everything turned out okay, kid," said Clover.
Sofia nodded, remembering how terrible she had felt not knowing anyone at the castle or Royal Prep. But then a warm feeling of pride surged within her as she thought about the wonderful things she and her friends had accomplished since she arrived, which her time without her memories had helped put into perspective.
Maybe Cedric's accident was a blessing in disguise. Even so, she was glad it was not permanent.
"Me too, Clover," she replied. "Me too."