The Newest Princess - a Sofia the First fanfic
The Newest Princess (Chapter 6)
Notes: this chapter is for Ryshinki who requested an additional chapter for "The Newest Princess". This chapter begins as Cedric is caught trying to steal Lucinda's amulet, and then goes on to cover Calista's reaction to Cedric's crime. This chapter also features Dorrie and Candice from my stories "Dorrie", "Dorrie: Book Two", and "Enchancia Castle".
Caught
Inside Enchancia Castle, Queen Miranda raced up as a guard stepped into the hallway.
"What's happening?" Queen Miranda wanted to know.
"Our royal sorcerer just tried to steal Princess Lucinda's amulet" the guard announced. "He was caught red handed".
"Oh my God!" Miranda exclaimed in shock. "Is Lucinda okay?".
"Yes, my Queen" the guard answered.
At that point, some other guards were dragging Cedric away as King Roland raced up. The guards informed Roland of what had just happened.
"Take Cedric to the castle dungeon" Roland ordered. "I'll contact the magical authorities and tell them what has happened".
Standing nearby was fourteen-year-old Candice Cooper who had just witnessed what had happened.
"Oh my God!" Candice thought to herself in shock. "Calista is going to be devastated when she hears this".
Candice looked down the hall to see her sister, Dorrie, entering an empty room. Candice knew immediately what Dorrie was up to - contacting Scarlett to tell her what had just happened. Candice then looked up a stairway leading to the guest rooms, and knew what she had to do.
Delivering bad news
In a few minutes, Candice found herself at the door of one of the guest rooms. The guest room was being occupied by eleven-year-old Calista, Cedric's niece. Since Calista was attending nearby Hexley Hall, she had been given permission to stay at Enclancia Castle since her Uncle Cedric was the royal sorcerer. It was now summer, and Calista had opted to spend the summer at Enchancia Castle.
Candice knocked on the door of the guest room. In a few moments, Calista opened the door.
"Candice!" Calista happily exclaimed. "Please, come in".
As Candice walked into the guest room, Calista could tell that there was something wrong by the expression on Candice's face.
"What's ... wrong?" Calista asked Candice, concerned.
"I have some very bad news for you" Candice quietly started. "It would be best if you sat down".
"Did something happen to my Mom?" Calista asked, worried, as she sat down.
"No - your mother is fine" Candice reassured Calista.
"Then what's going on?" Calista wanted to know.
"There's no easy way of telling you this, Calista" Candice started. "So I might as well just come out and say it. Your Uncle Cedric has been caught trying to steal Princess Lucinda's amulet. He's been taken to the dungeon".
"There must be some mistake" Calista said, not wanting to believe what Candice had just told her.
"If that were only the case" Candice said, with tears forming in her eyes. "I'm afraid it's true. Your Uncle Cedric was caught trying to steal Princess Lucinda's amulet. I don't need to tell you how serious an offense that is. I'm so sorry, Calista".
Calista leaned forward in the chair she was sitting in, and started sobbing.
"Why?!" Calista sobbed in despair. "Why, Uncle Ceddy?! Why?!".
Candice knelt down next to Calista, and held Calista as she sobbed in Candice's arms. Calista sobbed until she could sob no more. Calista then looked up at Candice.
"I have to see Princess Lucinda - to apologize" Calista sadly announced. "Then, I have to see King Roland".
"I'll come with you" Candice gently said.
Making amends
Lucinda was in her room in the castle. As she sat in a chair going over what had happened, she heard a knock at her door.
"Come in" Lucinda invited.
The door opened, and in walked Candice and Calista.
"Calista would like to have a word with you, if that's okay?" Candice announced.
"Come here, Calista" Lucinda gently directed.
"I'm so sorry, Princess Lucinda" Calista sobbed as she fell to her knees. "I'm so sorry for what my Uncle did to you. And I am so very ashamed, Princess".
"What's this Princess stuff?" Lucinda smiled as she helped Calista to her feet. "We're friends, you and I. It's Lucinda to you - always has been, always will be".
"That is most kind of you, Princess ... I mean, Lucinda" Calista said in a timid voice. "I'm so sorry for what my Uncle did. Here you are, still grieving over the loss of your parents, and my Uncle pulls this! I am sorry, and ashamed".
"It was Cedric's crime, not yours" Lucinda gently said as she put her hand on Calista's shoulder in a show of support. "You mustn't blame yourself. I won't have you being ashamed for something you didn't do".
Lucinda then hugged Calista, as Candice looked at the touching scene, and smiled.
"I have to see King Roland now" Calista said to Lucinda.
"I already said I'd go with her" Candice revealed to Lucinda.
"I'll go with you as well" Lucinda smiled at Calista.
As Calista, Candice, and Lucinda walked to Roland's study, Calista became sadder and sadder. In her mind, Calista sung the following song to herself:
"A million thoughts in my head. Should I let my heart keep listening? I know it's time to say goodbye. So hard to let go".
A tear then rolled down Calista's cheek as she, Candice, and Lucinda found themselves at the door of Roland's study. Candice then knocked on the door.
"Enter" King Roland invited.
Calista, Candice, and Lucinda entered Roland's study to discover Roland and Miranda sitting down.
"King Roland" Candice began, "Calista would like to talk to you".
"What may I do for you, Calista?" Roland gently asked.
"King Roland, Queen Miranda" Calista started, "I'm so very sorry about what my Uncle Cedric has done. I'll contact my Mom, and then I'll leave Enchancia Castle as soon as possible".
"Why would you leave, Calista?" Roland asked, shocked.
"I would be a reminder of my Uncle" Calista explained. "So, I'll do the honorable thing and leave as soon as possible".
"I won't hear of it" Roland said.
"And neither will I" Miranda added.
"But how could you look at me without thinking of my Uncle Cedric?" Calista asked. "I would be a constant reminder".
"The crime was your Uncle's, not yours" Roland gently pointed out. "I won't have you leaving over something that wasn't your fault. We've come to love you very much".
"You're a part of this extended family of ours" Miranda added. "The castle wouldn't be the same without you".
"Please stay" Roland urged.
"If you're sure?" Calista wanted to know.
"I'm quite sure" Roland smiled at Calista.
"Thank you, King Roland" Calista said, gratefully.
"Calista, Lucinda, Candice" Miranda started, "I was just about to take a walk in the gardens. I'd like it if the three of you would join me".
"Candice will join you shortly" Roland said to Miranda. "I need to talk to her first".
"Of course, Rollie" Miranda smiled as she, Calista, and Lucinda left.
"What may I do for you, sir?" Candice asked Roland.
"I'm having you and Dorrie report here at three this afternoon" Roland answered. "There's something I need to discuss with the two of you".
"Of course, sir" Candice acknowledged.
Things moving into place
It was coming up on three in the afternoon. Dorrie and Candice walked to Roland's study, and found the door opened. Roland looked up from some paperwork he had been doing.
"Come in, ladies" Roland smiled at Dorrie and Candice. "And close the door behind you".
Dorrie closed the door, and she and Candice then stood before Roland.
"With the unfortunate incident involving Cedric, we need to start thinking about a replacement for him" Roland announced. "If your agreeable, I'd like to request that the two of you replace him".
Dorrie and Candice talked to each other for a few moments, and then turned back to Roland.
"Candice and I appreciate the offer very much, sir" Dorrie responded. "However, the two of us are happy as we are - being the royal magicians of Enchancia. We find it to be a most rewarding career, being able to bring joy to the people through entertainment".
"We respectfully request you find another candidate or candidates" Candice added.
"Is there anybody the two of you have in mind?" Roland asked Dorrie and Candice.
Again, Dorrie and Candice talked to each other for a few moments.
"Princess Sofia and Princess Lucinda" Dorrie answered. "Princess Sofia has become an expert in magic over the past few years, and Princess Lucinda's powers are well known. The two of them would do you proud as the royal sorceresses of Enchancia".
"Then consider it done" Roland agreed. "However, because of your unselfish nature, I believe you and Candice deserve to be rewarded. Once Sofia and Lucinda are installed as the royal sorceresses, you and Candice will become known as the royal magicians of Encancia ... and sorceresses-in-waiting. The two of you will be available during times that Sofia and Lucinda need additional help".
"You honor us, sir" Dorrie said in awe.
"Thank you, sir" Candice happily added.
"You honor me by being here, and providing such fine service" Roland smiled at Dorrie and Candice. "Meanwhile, I'd like to get your opinion on something".
"Of course, sir" Dorrie gladly complied.
Introductions
Twenty-four hours had passed since Dorrie and Candice had met with King Roland. It was now time for Lucinda's introduction ceremony.
Baileywick stepped forward. "Ladies and Gentlemen! I present to you Her Royal Highness, Princess Lucinda of Enchancia!"
All eyes turned to the top of the staircase. Standing there was Lucinda, dressed in a beautiful dark blue gown, and wearing a lovely silver tiara. And around her neck was the Amulet of Tlara. Lucinda did a curtsy, and slowly walked down the stairs. At the bottom of the stairs, Lucinda was met by Sofia, Roland, Miranda, Amber, and James.
"May I have this dance, young lady?" Roland asked Lucinda.
"Yes ... Dad" Lucinda replied.
As the two danced, they smiled at each other. Lucinda felt at home now.
The night progressed. At one point, Roland stepped forward to make an announcement as he motioned for Lucinda and Sofia to stand next to him.
"As many of you know" Roland started, "we are now in need of a new sorcerer. And I have come to a decision about about who will fill the position."
Everybody in the great hall was all attention at this point.
"I have decided that two people will now fill the position" Roland announced. "These two people are my daughters, Lucinda and Sofia. They will now have the joint title of Official Royal Sorceresses!"
Everybody in the room clapped loudly, happy with the decision, as Sofia and Lucinda smiled at each other.
"I have two other announcements" Roland continued as he motioned Dorrie and Candice to come forward. "As all of you know, Dorrie and Candice Cosmarune-Cooper, in addition to their housekeeping duties here at the castle, are also the royal magicians of Enchancia. It is my great pleasure to announce tonight that in addition to being the royal magicians, they are now designated sorceresses-in-waiting. They will be available to assist Princesses Lucinda and Sofia when the need arises".
Everybody in the room clapped, happy for Dorrie and Candice, as Calista and her mother, Cordelia, looked on. Queen Miranda then walked over.
"May I borrow your daughter for a few minutes?" Miranda asked Cordelia.
"Of course, Queen Miranda" Cordelia agreed.
"My other announcement concerns Calista" Roland spoke up as Miranda brought Calista forward. "With the blessing of Dorrie and Candice, Calista is, effective immediately, a royal magician of Enchancia, who will help Dorrie and Candice as they entertain the people of Enchancia with their magic. I see a bright future for Calista, and I will be watching her progress with great interest".
Everybody in the room clapped, happy for Calista. Cordelia then walked up, and hugged Calista with pride.
"I'm a royal magician, Mom" Calista said, with tears of happiness in her eyes.
"I'm so proud of you, my precious one" Cordelia happily acknowledged.
August
The royal family was preparing for a summer vacation to Merroway Cove. As the royal carriage was getting ready to leave for the Floating Palace, Dorrie and Candice walked up to Sofia and Lucinda.
"Don't you worry about a thing, you two" Dorrie said to Sofia and Lucinda.
"Dorrie and I will look after your sorceress duties while you're away on vacation" Candice added. "You just go and have a good time".
"Thank you, guys" Sofia smiled at Dorrie and Candice.
"I'm looking forward to seeing Marroway Cove, and meeting the merpeople" Lucinda happily added.
"We're ready to depart" Baileywick announced as he walked up.
Sofia and Lucinda climbed aboard the royal carriage.
"Give our regards to Oona, Cora, and Queen Emmaline" Dorrie requested of Sofia.
"I will" Sofia smiled.
In a few moments, the royal carriage departed on it's way to the Floating Palace.
"Well, the royal family is off" Violet said as she walked up. "What are your plans for today?".
"Candice and I have to attend to the village garden" Dorrie announced.
"Dorrie and I will sprinkle some grow fast powder on the garden, and then we're off to see Calista's first solo performance as a royal magician" Candice added.
A little more than an hour later, people were gathered in the village square when a man walked up, and addressed the crowd.
"As part of our summer entertainment series here in the village, I am proud to present Calista, one of the three royal magicians of Enchancia" the man happily announced.
A puff of smoke appeared, and out of the smoke walked Calista. Everybody clapped in awe as Dorrie and Candice watched from the back of the crowd.
"Nice entrance" Dorrie said of Calista.
"I'm impressed" Candice said in awe.
"Hello, everybody" Calista greeted the crowd. "Since this is my first solo performance, please forgive me if some things don't go as planned".
"You'll be fine, love" a man shouted out in encouragement.
"You can do it" a woman happily said.
Calista took off her red hat (the same red hat that Merlin had given her) and waved her wand over it. In a few moments, a flock of doves flew out of the hat and took flight. Everybody in the crowd clapped, impressed with the trick.
"Thank you" Calista said to the crowd, pleased she had made them happy.
Calista continued to do magic tricks, with the crowd clapping in approval at each trick.
"She's really quite good" a woman's voice came from behind Dorrie and Candice.
Dorrie and Candice turned around to see Mrs. Hanshaw standing there.
"It's good to see you" Dorrie smiled at Mrs. Hanshaw.
"It's good to see the two of you as well" Mrs. Hanshaw smiled back at Dorrie and Candice. "How's Lucinda doing?".
"She's settling into royal life" Candice answered. "She and the rest of the royal family are away on a summer trip to Merroway Cove".
"I hear it's beautiful there" Mrs. Hanshaw remarked.
"It is" Dorrie happily agreed.
The crowd once again clapped as Calista performed another magic trick.
"Can the two of you come over to my house after the show?" Mrs. Hanshaw asked Dorrie and Candice. "I've just made some pies, and I know Ruby and Jade would love to see you".
"We'd enjoy that" Candice smiled.
"And bring Calista along" Mrs. Hanshaw requested.
"We will" Dorrie promised.
As Mrs. Hanshaw left, Dorrie and Candice continued to watch Calista's performance. With each trick, Calista's confidence was growing, and the crowd was enjoying every moment of it.
Dorrie and Candice smiled at each other. Calista was becoming a hit as a royal magician, and Lucinda was settling in as a member of the royal family. Everything was going the way it should, and the future was bright.
Author's notes
Calista and Cordelia are originally from the "Sofia the First" episode "Gone with the Wand".
The Scarlett Warrior (A.K.A. Scarlett) (A.K.A. Queen Scarlett) (A.K.A. Queen Scarlett Katherine Felchenerow) is a character created by Ben10Man (previously Jacob Voronkov), and is used in my stories with permission from Ben10Man.
The song that Calista sings to herself is the same song that Mal sings in "Disney Descendants" just before the Family Day scene.