Tales from the Castle - a Sofia the First fanfic
Chapter 7: Wassailia at Enchancia Castle
Notes: This chapter takes place during the time Sofia, Amber, and James are children. Blossom2014 sent me this short story on behalf of her sister, Buttercup. I was given permission to rewrite it. However, since I like the bulk of this story, I just set it a year after the episode "Holiday in Enchancia", did some minor editing, and changed Christmas to Wassailia to reflect what was experienced in "Holiday in Enchancia". We hope you enjoy reading this chapter.
Sofia in bed with the flu
It was two days before Sofia's second Wassailia at the castle.
Miranda placed a damp towel on Sofia's head. Sofia was sick with the flu. She had played in the snow for too long and got sick. Miranda sighed heavily as she looked out the window. "Sofia's sick and Roland's away two days before Wassailia" Miranda sadly said as she watched the snow fall.
Sofia thrashed about in her sleep."Water, please" Sofia requested. Miranda picked up the half full glass on the bedside table and gave it to Sofia. Sofia drank some water before returning it to her bedside table. "When is Dad coming back?" Sofia asked sleepily.
"I don't know, honey," Miranda told her truthfully. She hoped it was soon though. Sofia quickly went back to sleep, and Miranda lost herself in her thoughts.
On the road
"Your Majesty, all the roads are impassable" the coachman told Roland. Roland looked out the carriage window. Everything was blanketed with snow.
"What if we fly?" he asked. He couldn't miss Wassailia with Miranda, Sofia, James, and Amber.
"It would be very dangerous, Your Majesty" the coachman answered.
"It's a risk we'll have to take. We can't miss Wassailia" Roland said. The coachman went back to his post and prepared to fly back to the castle.
"If I hadn't have had to attend that gathering of kingdom rulers, I would be home now" Roland thought to himself.
Back at the castle
Amber entered Sofia's room. "Mom, why don't you go take a break? I'll stay here and watch over Sofia for you".
Miranda smiled.
"Oh, Amber, I couldn't ask you to that. I'm fine" Miranda told Amber.
"You're not asking me - I'm offering. Please go rest. It's almost Wassailia. I'd hate for you to get sick too" Amber said as she pulled the queen to her feet. Miranda chuckled as she let her step-daughter lead her out of the room. Miranda went to her chambers and decided to take a nap. Amber hopped up on Sofia's window seat and began reading the book she brought with her. Amber was really bored because Sofia was sick and James went on a play date with another Prince.
Amber awoke with a start. "Oh no! I fell asleep. Mom will be so disappointed" Amber thought as she looked over at Sofia. Sofia was still asleep. Amber was relieved. Amber continued to read her book when Baileywick entered the room.
"Princess Amber, dinner is ready. Your mother is waiting in the dining room for you," he announced.
"Oh Baileywick, can you ask Mom to have dinner up here with me? I don't really want to leave Sofia" Amber requested. Baileywick nodded, bowed, and left the room.
Ten minutes later, Miranda and Amber were having dinner in Sofia's room. They laughed and talked as they enjoyed their meal. "Mom?" Sofia croaked hoarsely. Miranda and Amber looked up.
"Yes, Sofia?" Miranda asked.
"I'm hungry" Sofia said quietly. Miranda smiled and rang the bell at Sofia's bedside. Sofia hadn't eaten in two days, and Miranda was happy that Sofia's appetite had returned. Baileywick then came into the room.
"Yes, Your Highness?" Baileywick asked after he bowed.
"Can you bring up a plate of food for Sofia?" Miranda asked. Meanwhile, Amber was busy telling Sofia about everything she had missed. Sofia was sitting up and smiling.
"Does your head hurt?" Miranda asked Sofia, a bit concerned. Sofia shook her head no before going back to her conversation.
A few minutes later Baileywick came back with Sofia's food.
"Prince James is back from his play date and he is in his room. He has asked to be left alone" Baileywick reported.
Miranda nodded at Baileywick. She'd see what was up with James later. Sofia ate all the food on her plate before going back to sleep. Amber left and so did Miranda. Miranda headed straight for James' bedroom.
"James?" Miranda asked as she knocked on the door.
"Go away!" James yelled angrily.
"James! You open this door now!" Miranda yelled while banging on the door. The door opened to reveal a teary James. Miranda scooped him up into her arms. "What's wrong, James? Did something happen on your play date?" she asked as her anger from before melted into concern. James shook his head no and he wiped away his tears.
"I came back and nobody was in the dining room. Baileywick said you and Amber were in Sofia's room and Dad isn't back yet. I'm just sad" he sobbed into Miranda shoulder.
"Oh James, I'm sorry we weren't there when you came back. I hope your dad gets back soon too" Miranda said hugging James tightly. James smiled a little. "Go wash your face and get ready for bed. Tomorrow's Wassailia Eve" Miranda said bravely. Truthfully, she was also sad. She wished Roland was back but she couldn't cry in front of the kids - she had to be strong for all of them. James smiled brightly.
"Can we put up the tree tomorrow?" he asked hopefully.
"Sure, and Sofia's feeling much better so maybe she'll help us," Miranda told him happily. James hugged her one last time before heading to the bathroom to wash his face. Miranda went to her and Roland's bedroom and fell onto the bed. She curled up into a ball and cried. She prayed Roland was safe wherever he was.
Wassailia Eve at the castle
The next day all three Royal children were up and playing. Miranda smiled at them as one of the gardeners brought an evergreen tree into the sitting room for them to decorate. Sofia watched the tree in awe. She loved Wassailia. One of the maids brought a box of ornaments for the queen. "This year we're doing silver and blue, Your Highness," she said setting the box down.
"Thank you, Amy" Miranda said with a smile. She opened the box and the children crowded around. They all helped to decorate the tree. "Who wants to put the star on the tree?" Miranda asked holding up the crystal star.
"I think Sofia should put the star on the tree" Amber said smiling at Sofia who coughed weakly.
"Yeah, let Sofia put the star on the tree" James said pushing Sofia towards Miranda. Sofia smiled as she reached for the star.
"How am I going to reach up there?" Sofia questioned hoarsely.
"Maybe I can help" a voice said from the doorway. Everybody turned to the source of the voice - it was Roland. Amber and James rushed up to Roland. Roland hugged them, then hugged Miranda. He then gently lifted Sofia and helped her place the star on the tree. Afterward, Sofia turned in his arms and hugged him.
"I'm glad you're back, Dad" Sofia told him.
"I'm glad too" Roland said setting Sofia down. Sofia was so happy - this was perfect. She was better and her dad was back safely. This was turning into the best Wassailia Eve ever.