*Just a friendly disclaimer. I don't own any rights to Sofia the First. Sofia the First and the characters herein is/are the property of Disney and are not my intellectual property. There is no financial gain made from this nor will any be sought. This is for entertainment purposes only.

Chapter 2

THE WAY YOU LOOK TONIGHT

Sofia picked out the new gown she had made for her homecoming ball; it reflected how she had matured over the years. It was made of a light silk, deep plum in color, and floor length; it gathered in three separate tiers that gave the dress volume; the straps were lilac colored and u shaped so that it dipped far down onto her exposed back, they draped loosely over her shoulders revealing her collarbones and the slightest bit of cleavage; the bodice itself was fitted to her womanly curves but loose enough that she could comfortably dance the night away. She pulled half of her auburn hair back, tied it up loosely and slightly teased it for height she left the rest of her tresses to freely cascade down her back and left her side-swept bangs gracing her face. She gave herself a once-over; glancing over her shoulder into the mirror to make sure everything was in its proper place. She readjusted her tiara one last time and made her way to the ballroom.

She normally wasn't one to care about balls, but this was one dear to her heart. She was going to get to see all her friends and family after being away for so long. To someone like Sofia friends and family meant everything. For once she was glad her sister insisted on throwing a party. She let Amber make all the arrangements, except for her gown. She had learned how to sew over the years and with the aid of a little magic, that she learned from Cedric, she had made her own gown just for the occasion.

"Oh Sofia! Wherever did you get your gown? It's absolutely phenomenal!" Amber inquired as she circled Sofia.

"I made it."

Amber stood there gawking. "Oh my! Sofia your skills have only gotten better over the years! I might have to get you to make me a gown." She beamed touching the skirt delicately.

"Oh Amber..." Sofia smiled and shook her head at her sister; she was the same as ever.

"What? I mean it, this work is exceptional! Trust me Sofia, I mean who else would know an amazing gown when she saw one, but me?" Amber tittered, bringing out her fan for effect. "Enough conversation, lets get into the ballroom! Everyone is waiting!"she finished dragging Sofia along behind her towards the grand ballroom. "Oh everyone is going to be here tonight Sofia, isn't it exciting! I even invited a few new princes we haven't met from the Western kingdoms." She whispered, winking over at Sofia as she sashayed into the room.

Yep, same old Amber. She hasn't changed one bit. Sofia thought to herself as she walked into the ballroom. Sofia looked around the room, taking it all in slowly. She saw her mother and father in one corner talking to King Aaron and King Garrick, and in the middle of the room was the Princes and Princesses; Amber, James, Hildegard, Clio, Jun, Jin, Zandar, Khalid, Maya, Leena, Vivian, Desmond, Hugo and Axel all stood in a circle the girls flirting with the boys. Jade, Ruby, Lucinda, Mateo the Royal wizard from Alavor, and Princess Elena were there as well standing a few feet away from the Royals talking amongst themselves - of course there were a lot more people who filled the ballroom to its capacity, but Sofia made her way to her friends first.

"It's Sofia!" Ruby yelled jumping up and down, accidentally spilling her punch all over Lucinda. "Oops, sorry Lucinda!" The witch sighed and rolled her eyes, promptly pulled out her wand, gave it a flick and was dry again. Everyone turned with Ruby's jubilant yell, and all eyes were on Sofia. She gave a small smile and scanned the room again, and found her father walking over to her.

"Everyone's attention please?" His voice boomed around the room. "As everyone knows; we are here tonight to celebrate Sofia's return home after a long world tour. During her time away she has made many new alliances for our kingdoms and expanded trade and commerce as well. Tonight we not only celebrate the joy we have in her return home, but we commemorate those alliances and honor her great work as an ambassador for our kingdoms." He smiled down at his daughter, making her blush; she wasn't expecting all of this. "So, with that being said, let us raise our glasses to Sofia." He finished raising his champagne flute high into the air above his head. The entire room mimicked his movement, raising their glasses as well.

"To Sofia!" The room boomed with the voices of many nations.

"Now, let us rejoice and dance the night away. Maestro!" Roland exclaimed waving his hand towards the band set up in the back of the ballroom. Music filled the air and everyone grabbed a partner and began dancing. King Roland turned to his daughter "Sofia your Mother and I are very proud of you. Make sure you enjoy yourself tonight. It's all for you, sweetheart." He said pulling her into a hug.

"Thanks Dad." She said looking up at him, pulling away.

"Go see your friends now." He nodded over towards the group of dancing Royals. Sofia smiled, nodded and made her way over to her friends.

Ruby and Jade ran to her and wrapped her in a hug. "We're so glad your home!" "We missed you so much!" Sofia laughed and hugged them back.

"I missed you as well! It's good to be home!"

She made her rounds, telling everyone about the distant lands she visited and how different they were from the Eastern kingdoms. Everyone commented on how beautiful she looked and how amazing her dress was; the Princesses in particular were all green with envy of her gown. She danced with her friends and danced with several of the princes. Prince Hugo was one particularly fond of her new look.

"My dear Sofia you are the most beautiful woman here; Sofia you are amazing; Dearest Sofia you are full of surprises. Sofia you are so talented." It made her feel ill; he was like a lost puppy following her, doting on her and caressing her hand, shoulders or face when he could. She finally had enough of it and slipped away from her friends to the outer perimeter of the ballroom. She let out a sigh of relief. She had managed to evade his detection and slip away unnoticed. She leaned up against the wall and looked around the room.

She had seen everyone she had wanted to see, all except one. Where was her sorcerer? She knew he hated balls as well, but he knew she wanted him there, he was after all one of her dearest friends. She pursed her lips and slipped out onto the balcony, maybe he was outside away from all the chit chat. She let out another sigh; Maybe he left and went back to his tower already... She leaned out over the balcony trying to see if there was any light coming from the tower, but was incapable of seeing from the angle and distance. She decided to slip away from the party for a while and find the sorcerer. Everyone was having such fun, no one would notice she was gone for a bit. She made her way down the balcony steps to the breezeway from the castle garden and Cedric's tower.

She made her way toward his tower, walking along the trees that lined the castle wall. She looked up into the night sky. Oh how I missed Enchancia! Even the sky! It's so beautiful, I could stay out all night stargazing. She lost herself in her thoughts and paused to lean up against a large oak tree to gaze into the night sky.

"There you are, I looked all over for you!"

Ugh... Hugo had found her. She tore her eyes from the beauty above and turned her sight to the direction of his voice. But he was already upon her. "Sofia, what are you doing out here? We still have half the night left to dance away together." He said smiling down at her. He leaned a hand up against the large tree trunk and loomed over her. "Or did you mean to lure me out here so we could be alone?" He almost whispered caressing her face with his other hand.

"Hugo." She exasperated rolling her eyes, pushing his hand off her face.

"Aw, come on Sofia, you can't deny you that you missed me. You've been flirting with me all night too. It's not nice to tease me, all you had to do was tell me." He cooed wrapping his hand around her waist.

"Hugo this isn't funny. Let me go." She stated, trying to push away from him.

"Oh, playing hard to get huh? You changed a lot while you were away Princess. Did you have me in mind when you chose this dress?" He laughed as he leaned in towards her. "I like it." He whispered his lips grazing her neck.

"Hugo! Get off of me!" She seethed, trying to push him off of her. He grabbed both of her wrist in one hand and held them above her.

"Cut it out Sofia, I promise I'll be gentle." His lips were on her now, running over her chest and neck. Tears ran down her face. This wasn't how she envisioned this night, not at all. It certainly wasn't how she had imagined losing her innocence either.

"Please Hugo, I don't want this, please stop." She begged wriggling beneath him, trying to escape his grasp. He ignored her, his free hand roaming over her body. She cried.

"Sometimes I envy your naivete." Cedric's voice echoed in her mind. "You're a woman now..."

He was right... she thought. She was a woman now and people noticed... Had she brought this upon herself? "That's what I meant earlier! You're going to be the death of me, and you've only been back one day!" Cedric's words berated her mind as Hugo's hands continued to roam her curves.

Did I do this to myself? Did I lead Hugo on?

"...create problems for people who you consider friends... not everyone may see it as friendly and innocent as you." Cedric's words wouldn't stop entering her mind. Hugo pulled her hair at the base of her neck, tilting her head back, and kissed her lips.

"Please, stop..." She whimpered between his assaults on her lips, pressing her eyes shut. Still he ignored her and abandoned her lips for her ear.

"I told you, it's okay Sofia. I won't hurt-" Hugo's words were cut off though, she felt his lips back away from her skin. Sofia opened her eyes to see what he was doing, maybe she could make a run for it.

"I believe the Princess asked you to let her go..."