A Magical Evening (Chapter 9)
I want to thank MissBloodRaven and Sprite Heartfilia for ideas which were used in this chapter.
A few weeks had passed, and James and Amber's birthday was rapidly approaching. Invitations had been sent out. While most of those invited had accepted, some turned down the invitation.
Prince Khalid, Princess Maya, and Princess Leena had been banned from attending by their father, King Nasir. Hildegard and Cleo's parents had returned the invitations that had been sent out to the two, with a note saying not to bother their families again. Prince Hugo, as well as Princess Penelope, were downright rude.
Prince Hugo had returned his invitation with the following note: "I don't associate with a family who supports deviant behavior". Princess Penelope, meanwhile, had returned her invitation with the following note: "I do not attend parties in a castle where two women live who practice unlady-like behavior. Some of us were raised to be proper, and don't wish to be exposed to those who are not proper".
Sofia hid herself away in her bedroom, saddened that some would not be coming to James and Amber's birthday party. As Sofia sat in her bedroom, a knock came at the door.
"Come in" Sofia invited.
The door to Sofia's bedroom opened, and in walked Amber.
"Are you going to stay in your room forever, Sofia?" Amber asked, concerned.
"I'm responsible for some people not coming to yours and James' upcoming birthday party" Sofia sadly replied. "I'm trying to keep a low profile. I don't want to cause anymore damage".
"Sofia" Amber gently said as she put her arm around Sofia. "Please don't blame yourself. If some people can't accept you and Lucinda, then that's their problem".
"But I've ruined your upcoming birthday" Sofia sadly pointed out.
"We knew that Hildegard, Cleo, Khalid, Maya, and Leena wouldn't be able to attend before hand" Amber reassured Sofia. "As for Hugo and Penelope, I'm actually happy they will not be attending. James and I don't need two people who are so rude. On the bright side, we have people coming who are our friends - Vivian, Zandar, Jin, Jun, Desmond, Mae, Matilda, Arsinoe, Ruby, and Jade. Everybody here is going to have a wonderful time. Please say you'll attend".
"Only if I won't cause any damage" Sofia replied.
"Sofia - these are our friends" Amber reassured Sofia. "They would love to see you. And James and I very much want you and Lucinda to attend. It wouldn't be the same without the two of you".
"Then I accept your gracious offer" Sofia smiled.
"Good!" Amber exclaimed in glee. "We're going to have so much fun!".
The next day, Sofia walked out to the castle stable. As Sofia walked into the stable, she passed the stall where Lyra the unicorn was.
"Good morning, Princess Sofia" Lyra greeted.
"Good morning, Lyra" Sofia greeted back. "How are you doing today?".
"Fine, Princess" Lyra answered. "And you?".
"I'm doing okay under the circumstances" Sofia replied.
"Keep your chin up Princess" Lyra smiled. "All is not lost. You still have those who love you very much".
"Thank you, Lyra" Sofia smiled.
Sofia walked further into the stable until she came to the stall that Minimus was in. Over the years, Minimus had grown into a fine full sized flying horse.
"Ah! Sofia!" Minimus grinned at Sofia. "Your looking lovely today".
"Thank you, kind sir" Sofia smiled as she hugged her faithful friend.
"What can I do for you today, Sofia?" Minimus asked.
"I was thinking about flying today - just you and me" Sofia answered with a smile.
"It would be my honor, Sofia" Minimus smiled back.
Sofia climbed aboard Minimus. In a few moments, Minimus and Sofia made their way to the castle courtyard. Minimus then stretched his wings and took off. As Minimus and Sofia flew around the castle, the two friends had a fine time flying and talking to each other.
A few miles away, in a large barn, Lucinda was meeting with a number of her witch friends.
"I thank you all for coming" Lucinda gratefully said. "I wasn't sure if you would come now that Sofia and mine's relationship is out in the open".
"We all admire you very much, Lucinda" one of the witches spoke up in a supportive manner. "If you and Princess Sofia are happy together, then we're happy for you".
The other witches in the barn nodded their heads in agreement.
"What can we do for you?" Another witch asked Lucinda.
"I have this nagging feeling in the pit of my stomach that Cedric will try something sooner or later" Lucinda answered. "When that time comes, I will need your help like I have never needed it before".
"And you will have it" one of the witches said as the other witches clapped.
"Whenever you need us, we'll be there" another witch said.
"Thank you, my sisters" Lucinda said with gratitude.
At that moment, Lucinda's mother, Marla, walked up.
"The stage is set, and the orchestra is ready" Marla started. "When Cedric shows up, we'll pounce on him".