DISC: I DO NOT own any of the characters from Sofia the First. They belong to their respective creators. I'm just borrowing them. I do however own anyone you don't recognize. I also don't own any characters from Aladdin.

Enjoy!

"True Sisters"

Chapter 9

"Miranda, King Rolland?"

The couple looked up from the conversation they had been having.

"How's Sofia?" Miranda wasted no time in asking.

"She's doing well. She's still in pain and feeling sick, but it's normal. Amber did a wonderful job helping her. You two may come back and see her," Emily consented.

"Thank you for everything," Miranda smiled.

"You're welcome," with that, Emily lead them to the recovery ward. As the couple stepped inside, a precious sight met their eyes.

"Rollie, look…" Miranda pointed to where Sofia was lying. Her head was resting on Amber's chest and the older girl had a protective arm around her. "Isn't that the most precious thing?"

Rolland nodded.

"I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it for myself," he commented. He stepped towards one of two chairs next to Sofia's bed with his wife following. Sitting down, he reached out to rest a hand on Sofia's free hand, but reached too far to the left. As a result, a cup of water fell off the table. Thud!

"Rollie…shh! You'll wake them up," Miranda chastised. She sighed as she saw Amber's eyes opening. She prayed Sofia would stay asleep.

"Mother? Da…Daddy?" Amber yawned as she spoke.

"Hi, sweet girl," Miranda greeted her eldest daughter, "You did a fantastic job."

"Your mother's right, Amber," Rolland chimed in. He made sure to speak quietly so he didn't wake Sofia. "You were really there for your sister."

"It wasn't easy," she admitted with a frown.

"The right thing is often hard to do," her mother reached out and ruffled her hair. "But you did it and it meant the world to Sofia."

Amber nodded.

"Are you hungry, honey?" Her father asked.

"A little," Amber admitted. She frowned, "I don't want to leave her."

"It'll be okay," her father assured his eldest daughter, "your Mom will stay with her. We'll be back in no time."

Amber hesitated. Finally, she gently pulled her arm from around her sister's shoulders while their mother helped Sofia settle without hurting herself. Bending down, Amber whispered, "I'll be back, Sof. I love you," she kissed her cheek and stood. Taking her father's hand the two left.

Sighing to herself, Miranda shook her head. She was prouder of Amber than she had ever been in the last year and a half. Her thoughts were interrupted when Sofia let out a painful moan.

"Am…Amber?" Was the first name that left her mouth, followed by a whimper.

"Shh, no, sweetheart. It's Mommy," Miranda ran a hand through her youngest daughter's hair before her hand rested on her shoulder.

"Mama?" Sofia asked, still out of it.

Miranda smiled to herself.

"Yes, honey, you're okay," she resumed stroking Sofia's hair.

"Mom?" Sofia's eyes were open and alert now. Glancing around, she started to panic when she didn't see Amber there. "Wha-where's Amber?" Her voice was full of distress and fear.

"Sofia, it's okay. Take a deep breath," her mother gently instructed.

Sofia did so, succeeding on the second attempt.

"That's my girl. Amber went to get something to eat with your Dad. She'll be back."

"Okay," Sofia sighed with relief.

"Are you thirsty?" Her mother asked.

"A little," Sofia admitted.

Miranda poured her a new cup of water and held it while she sipped.

"I'm done," Sofia announced.

"Okay. I want you to know you did a great job today."

"Thanks. I was so scared," Sofia admitted.

"And that's okay. Amber was really there for you today," her mother commented.

"Yeah, she really was," Sofia agreed.

A few minutes of comfortable silence fell between mother and daughter.

"Mom?" Sofia broke it.

"Yeah, honey?"

"Is it okay if Amber stays with me tonight? Baileywick can stay with us," she added.

"We need to ask Emily if that's okay," her mother answered. "If it's not allowed, I will."

"Okay," Sofia frowned.

Just then, Emily entered the room.

"How are you feeling?" she gently asked.

"I still hurt," Sofia admitted.

"You'll hurt for about a week," Emily explained.

"Dr. Hartfield?" Miranda asked.

"Yes?" the woman turned to face the queen.

"Sofia was wondering if her sister could stay with her tonight. Baileywick, our castle Stewart can stay with them as the supervising adult."

Emily frowned and shook her head.

"I'm really sorry, but that's against the rules. Amber's welcome to stay until nine and then she has to go home."

"Ba-but you broke the rules and let her stay before. Why is this any different?" Sofia demanded.

Miranda squeezed her free hand to let her daughter know to relax.

"No minors are allowed to stay with their siblings overnight. I'm so sorry, sweetie. I'll be back to check on you later. Try to get some rest," with that, Emily left.

Sofia turned her eyes upon her mother, tears welling up.

"Mom? Can't you do something?" she asked.

"I'm sorry, honey. You know how I feel about rules. If it makes you feel any better, when you come home in a few days, you and Amber can have a sleepover."

Sofia nodded as she fought back tears. In truth, her mother's offer didn't help her now.

"Try to get some sleep," her mother suggested, "I'm not leaving you."

"Thanks," Sofia softly said as her lower lip trembled. Lying back down, she faced away from her mother. Closing her eyes, she let the tears fall.

*****

It wasn't long before Amber and Rolland returned. Rolland handed a box of food to his wife, while Amber resumed her spot next to her sister. She set something down on the table before turning her attention to Sofia. Gently, carefully, she lay down next to her, wrapping her arm around her again.

"We have a problem," Miranda revealed to her husband.

"What's going on?" Rolland frowned.

"Let's talk out here," she set the food down and led the way out of the room.

A few minutes after they were gone, Sofia's eyes opened. She recognized the touch and relaxed immediately. Once she was fully awake, what had happened before she had fallen asleep came back to her. Before she knew what was happening, she was crying into Amber's shoulder.

"Hey, hey, Sofia, it's okay, I'm back. It's okay, shh, shh…" Amber soothed.

"No, it's not!" Sofia tearfully contradicted her sister. "They won't let you stay tonight!"

Amber frowned.

"I'll talk to Daddy," she told her.

"It won't do any good! Mom already said she won't go against the rules!" Sofia started coughing as she let out another sob.

"Sofia, try and calm down," Amber advised. "You're gonna end up-" her sentence was interrupted by Sofia suddenly heaving. Grabbing the bucket, Amber had it underneath of her sister's chin with seconds to spare. She soothed her until she was done. "Can I move it?"

"Yeah," Sofia shakily replied. She took a deep breath as more tears came. "Amber, I don't wanna stay here alone!"

"You won't be alone. Mom will be with you," Amber reminded her.

"I want you with me," Sofia protested.

"I know. There might be a way we can fix it."

"How?" Sofia sniffed just as their parents returned.

"Sofia…what happened?" Miranda rushed to the bed. She put a hand on the nine-year-old's shoulder. To her surprise and shock, Sofia jerked away.

"Sofia!" her mother scolded.

Sofia ignored her.

"Sofia's upset," Amber explained, "she didn't mean it. Listen, is there any way she could recover at home after tonight? Emily works for us anyway."

Miranda thought about her daughter's idea even as she felt the sting of Sofia's rejection.

"I can ask," Rolland piped up. "I'll be right back," with that, he left.

"Sofia?" Miranda tried again.

"What?" Sofia snapped.

"Are you angry with me?" her mother inquired.

Sofia didn't answer, which gave her mother the answer.

"It's not my fault Amber can't stay tonight. You won't be alone. I'm going to stay with you."

"I want Dad to do it," Sofia stated.

Amber caught the hurt that flashed across their mother's face.

"Sof…" she began, trying to smooth things over. She knew her sister was afraid, in pain and angry, but she didn't have the right to take it out on their mother.

"Amber, it's okay," their mother assured her, "Sofia has a right to request whoever she wants right now."

"But she-" Amber tried.

"Sweet girl, it's really okay," Miranda reached out and patted Amber's shoulder.

Just then, Rolland returned.

"Well, everything's arranged. Sofia's coming home tomorrow after lunch. Emily will watch her there for the next few days."

"That's great!" Amber smiled at the news.

"Thanks, Dad," Sofia gave him a sincere smile.

"You're welcome, sweetheart. Now Amber and I will stay until nine and then we need to go home. You'll be fine with your Mom."

"Actually, Dad, would you stay with me? Please?" Sofia asked.

Rolland was taken aback. He knew Sofia loved him, there was no doubt about that.

"Of course. Are you sure you wouldn't rather have your Mom?"

"I'm sure," Sofia replied. With that, she closed her eyes and fell asleep in her sister's arms.

Rolland glanced up and frowned when he saw the look of hurt on his wife's face.

"Miranda, honey, what happened?"

"It doesn't matter," his wife tried. "Sofia's recovery is the most important thing. She and I will work things out. We always do."

"Be that as it may, I still would like to know what happened," her husband insisted. "Let's talk in the hallway." He turned to Amber, "Mom and I will be back."

"Okay," Amber mumbled, half asleep herself.

Once out of their girls' earshot, Rolland pulled Miranda into a hug.

"Sweetie, talk to me," he gently requested.

"Sofia's mad at me," Miranda explained. "She's really upset because Amber can't stay tonight and she's' taking it out on me."

"I'll talk to her tonight," he offered.

"Rollie, that's sweet, but we need to work this out ourselves," Miranda said as a few tears fell. "She's never pushed me away before…"

"Honey, I'm sorry," Rolland comforted his wife as best he could. He just prayed she and Sofia would work things out soon.

******

Sofia's eyes opened suddenly a few hours later. She went to sit up, but was stopped by a familiar hand.

"Sof, no. You need to lie down."

"Amber," she breathed in relief.

"I'm still here. Mom and I are leaving in a few minutes though. It's almost nine," she informed her.

Sofia nodded. She could feel a new set of tears coming.

"I really don't want you to leave," she softly said.

"I know. I don't want to leave. But you'll see me tomorrow. And tomorrow night, we'll have a low key sleepover," her sister gently hugged her.

"Okay," Sofia replied. She let a few tears fall, but managed to blink the rest back.

"Get some more rest tonight," her mother advised. "Before you know it, tomorrow will come and you'll be coming home. I love you," she kissed Sofia's forehead. Taking a risk, she reached her arms out.

Sofia hugged back halfheartedly.

"I love you too," she said.

"Take care of her," Miranda turned her attention to Rolland.

"I will," he promised. He embraced his wife and then Amber. "Take care of your Mom tonight," he whispered in her ear.

"I will," Amber replied. "I love you, Daddy."

"I love you too, sweetheart," he smiled at her.

"Come on, my sweet girl," Miranda glanced at Amber.

"Okay," Amber gave Sofia 1 more hug, stood and left with their mother.

Once they were gone, Rolland got comfortable in the chair Miranda had occupied for the last few hours.

"Are you thirsty, honey?" he asked.

"No," Sofia replied. "Dad, I'm really sleepy still."

"Get some more sleep then. I'll be right here. If I have to go anywhere, I'll wake you up and tell you."

"Thanks," Sofia yawned, "I love you, Dad."

"I love you too," he assured her. Reaching over to the table, he pulled something off of it and handed it to her. "Here. Amber bought her for you."

Sofia took the present and smiled. The bear was purple with rainbow designs on her tummy.

"She's cute," Sofia commented. Hugging the bear close, she let sleep find her a few minutes later.

******

Meanwhile, back at the castle, Amber and Miranda had just arrived.

"Mom!" James ran into the foyer and threw his arms around his mother's waist. "How's Sof?"

"She's gonna be just fine," Miranda hugged her son back and ruffled his hair. "She's coming home tomorrow afternoon."

"All right!" the boy cheered. Turning to Amber, he raised his eyebrows when he saw her new shirt. "Nice shirt."

Amber ignored him.

"Where's Baileywick?" Miranda asked.

"In the kitchen. He's helping round up all the ducks," James smirked.

"Ducks?" his mother raised her eyebrows.

"Cedric," James said simply.

Miranda nodded. She accepted Amber's hug and hugged back.

"It's getting late. You two need to get ready for bed. Go on and I'll be up to say good night in a few minutes," with that, she left.

James frowned. Turning to his twin he asked, "What's up with Mom?"

"Come to my room and I'll explain there," Amber lead the way. Closing the door, she sat on her bed while James plopped himself in her spinning chair.

"So what's up?"

"Sofia hurt her feelings."

"What!" James exclaimed. "I didn't think Sof was capable of hurting anyone."

Amber rolled her eyes.

"She's not perfect," she reminded him.

"I know. That would be you," he quipped.

Amber shook her head.

"No, I'm not. I'm far from it," Amber softly said.

James frowned at the sudden look of regret on his sister's face.

"I was just joking," he assured her.

"I know. Anyway, Emily wouldn't let me stay with Sofia tonight and Sofia got mad at Mom because she didn't try to fight the rule. Mom was supposed to stay with her, but Sof asked Daddy to do it at the last minute. I've never seen Mom so hurt before."

"Wow…" James shook his head.

"I know Sofia didn't mean it. She was afraid and upset. I hope they work things out," Amber sighed.

"Me too," James agreed. "Well, I'm gonna get ready for bed. Night, sis," he stood and made his way to the door. Turning back, he added, "You really helped Sofia today. You surprised me. I didn't think you would go through with it."

Amber glared at him.

""Was that supposed to be a compliment?" she shot back.

"Yeah," he replied. Hesitating for a second, he took the plunge. Going over to where Amber was standing, he hugged her.

Amber hugged back, taken aback by her brother's actions.

"What was that for?" she asked as they pulled away.

James shrugged.

"Just because. Night," with that, he was gone.

Shaking her head, Amber got her own pj's on. Sometimes she couldn't figure James out. Despite this, she wouldn't have her brother any other way. A soft knock on her door made her jump.

"Amber, may I come in?" her mother's voice sounded from the other side.

"Yes!" Amber called back. She climbed into bed just as her mother entered the room.

"Hey, sweet girl. I wanted to say goodnight. I love you," she kissed Amber's forehead, knelt down and hugged her.

"I love you too," Amber replied. "Sofia will come around. I don't think she meant what she said."

"I know," her mother softly replied. Mother and eldest daughter stayed that way for the next few minutes. Pulling away, Miranda made sure Amber was warm enough, stood and left the room. "If you need me, I'll be across the hall."

"Okay," Amber said. "Mom?"

"Yes?" Miranda turned around to face her.

"Do you think Sofia will be okay tonight? She was really scared to stay," Amber frowned.

"She'll be fine," her mother assured her. "Sweet dreams, honey."

Amber closed her eyes, pulled her plush unicorn close and fell asleep soon afterwards. She just hoped her sister was getting some rest.

********

A fearful scream broke the silence of the castle a few hours later. Amber shot up in bed, shaking, tears running down her face. She shivered as the shaking continued.

"SOFIA!" she shouted.

It wasn't long before footsteps could be heard coming towards her door.

"Amber? What happened, my sweet girl?"

"Ma-Mom?" Amber asked, her voice shaking with fear.

"I'm right here," she assured her. Sitting down on the bed, she pulled the girl into her arms. "Was it another nightmare?"

"Yes!" Amber sobbed into her mother's shoulder. "It was horrible! Sofia was trapped! I tried to get to her, but I couldn't!"

"Shh, shh, Sofia's okay, honey. She's coming home tomorrow," her mother planted a kiss on her cheek.

"Mom, please stay?" Amber begged.

"Of course I will," she ran a hand through Amber's hair as she continued to comfort her. Humming softly, Miranda was successful in getting Amber back to sleep. Lying down with her, she wondered how long it would take before things were back to normal…