Sorcerer's Apprentice

Song:

Reflection

By:

Mulan from...Mulan. ;)

Moving on.

And those of you asking about Ubos, Lydia gave Roland a copy of him. :) LOL

xxx

Royal Prep let out all of a couple of hours ago. Students were already in their carriages and on their way home by the time teachers turned from the chalkboards. The day dragged on especially long for James and Sofia. Sorcery class left them bummed. The test coming up on friday bore down on them heftily. Tomatoes, candy, beets, and even a lady bug. Not once throughout the class could they turn a rock into a ruby. Using lunch to practice got them absolutely nowhere. It was starting to get old fast. James and Sofia began working as soon as they got home in hopes of finishing in time to goof around. They messed up the spell so many times Baileywick was seeing red. Asking Lydia was tempting. Too bad Roland grounded her from using magic. Pitfall grades are no laughing matter. Not that she was in the mood for teaching anyone anything.

Monday afternoon faded to Tuesday morning which swiftly dropped into the afternoon all over again. Amber was on her way to her room to finish the rest of her homework before dinner, when shrill curse words stopped her in her tracks. She poked her head around the corner. The East Wing Library door was cracked open. Incoherent shouts echoed into the hall, making Amber's skin crawl. Whatever beast was held up inside there was angry. "STUPID...IDIOTIC...MORONIC...GRAH!" Very angry.

"Lydia?" Amber tiptoed inside. She crossed the foyer, tempted to run back out as the curses got louder. Amber edged half her body in, just in case she needs to run. "Whoa…" Her mouth and eyes widened as her head swayed left to right. Maps, books, and papers were scattered everywhere. Red marks crossing out errors in report, circles at certain crucial points on maps, books bursting with colorful tabs. "Don't tell me...Lydia must have been in here ALL NIGHT!" The work tables were completely overrun with geographical models. The palaces of Weiling, Kaldun, Enchancia, Corinthia, and Friezenburg with their vast expenditures of land. "These...these are amazing." Amber was beyond words. The models were absolutely breathtaking. The cascading cities, villages, and farmlands of Weiling. Friezenburg's wealth of mountains and springs. The figurines in uniforms representing a class of citizens were adorable beyond describing. "These are simply divine."

"I sure hope so…" A paint and glue splattered Lydia sauntered with a box of supplies. Her off shoulder maroon shirt was covered in paper shavings. The folded cuffs at her elbows had been stained by paint thinner. He black trousers and boots were stained by spatters. "These are my key to bringing my history and geography grades up to at least B's."

"If you get less than an A I'll be furious." Amber supported her. She rifled in the box, finding a figure of the Queen of Corinthia. "Did you make all of these?"

"No. The figures I borrowed from the attic. The maps and models, yes." She set the box down, shifting her stiff shoulders. "I don't think I ever made it to my room."

"It shows." Amber pinched strands of hair. "You're a mess." She dusted paper and glitters off her.

"It'll be worth it." Lydia sat down for the first time in hours. The couch was like a cloud against her. "Hopefully Dad will consider giving me my wand back after this."

"Looking at all these books and maps," Amber climbed beside Lydia, cringing at the mess, "I bet having a wand to flip the pages will make life easier."

"Funny thing, it's not about making life easier." Though she wouldn't mind a spell or two to ease her sore muscles. "I don't mind putting my nose in a book for an hour...or 18." She muttered bashfully.

"Really? Then how come I've seen you orbiting books?"

"That's only in emergencies or when I'm in a rush. If I use magic all the time I'll hinder myself more than help myself." She lied back, folding her hands behind her back. "At least that's what Fauna taught me."

"I see." She thought that made sense. "Then why are you so anxious to get your wand back?"

"I dunno. I feel naked without it." She touched her chest, searching for that familiar, elongated lump.

"Is that why you were yelling?" Lydia raised a curious brow. Amber pointed a thumb to the cracked door. "I heard you yelling from the hallway."

Lydia really has to work on her vociferous mutterings. She crossed her legs, letting her head tilt to the ceiling. "Cedric." Summed up Lydia's issues in a nutshell.

"Honestly, if he's such a problem, Daddy can get rid of him." Amber proposed as if it weren't a problem.

"No. I don't want him gone." Yet. She doesn't want him gone yet. "He's just a pain in my rear. Like you, Sofia, and James are."

"HEY!"

Lydia pat her on the back, lunging to her feet. "Come on. Dinner's about ready."

"Hold on!" Lydia was already on her way to change. Amber was not going to let that slide. "Who are you calling a pain?! I'm the most loveable one here!"

"Uh-huh..."

xxx

Eezeyal hid himself in Lydia's room, admiring the night casting a glow on the harbor. It made the neighboring forest glisten. The scenery often went ignored time to time. Eezeyal scouted for a flying book who was long overdue to return home. It wasn't like Ubos to stay gone without a word. Eezeyal hoped he was alright.

"You look like a bird in need of advice." Mia and Robin fluttered to the sill beside Eezeyal. they were a welcomed distraction. "You okay, Eezeyal? You look sad." Robin tilted her head.

"There you are!" A voice snapped before Eezeyal could so much as breathe. Clover squeezed through a hole he discovered behind Lydia's Wardrobe. "You are one hard desert fowl to find." Eezeyal wasn't sure how that's possible. Where've you been, Eez? I thought we were going blueberry picking." He rubbed his rumbling tummy. He was in dire need of blueberries

"Sorry 'bout that, Clover." Eezeyal landed to the floor. "I guess I lost track of time."

Clover knew that tone. Someone's ruffled his feather something fierce. "What's up? You and Lydia have a fight?"

"Nothin' like that." He reassured the worried bunny. "Ubos never came home last night."

"The talking book paling with Lydia?" Mia chirped.

"Yeah him."

After Ubos revealed himself to Sofia at her Derby race, he made a personally unanimous decision that her animal friends be let in on his secret. Sofia happily shared her tale leading to her ability to speak with animals. The power her Amulet possesses. Unknown to her, she's barely scratched the surface. Ubos did not wish to create a rift between her or Lydia. Both carry tremendous secrets. Both can be trusted.

"Wormwood rubbed him the wrong way yesterday and he took off."

"What'd he want?" Robin snarled disdainfully. There is no love lost between her and Wormwood. His attack on them for trying to help Sofia left a nasty taste in her mouth.

"Puttin' it out there he knows Ubos's secret."

"How'd he find out?" Mia gasped.

"Rat bird was spyin' in Lyndor and caught Liddy talkin' to him."

"Seriously. Lydia needs to be more careful where she talks to people." Clover heatedly curled fluffy paws to his hips. "Or...things in this case."

"She's already kickin' herself." Eezeyal saw that boot paddling her a mile away. "Besides, Lydia ain't worried about him. Neither am I."

"Then who are you guys worried about?" Robin pressed him, wanting Eezeyal to know he can confide in them.

"No one in particular." Eezeyal lied. If Lydia doesn't get her wand back soon, they sure will have to worry about that feather duster bugging them. There is by no means this week can get any worse.

xxx

"I have an announcement!" Sofia bubbly captured everyone's attention. "Until my magic test on Friday, I am going to be Mr. Ceedric's apprentice!" Lydia choked on her flavored water, plugging her nose.

"That's great, Honey!" Miranda congratulated.

"Why Cedric?" Amber snorted.

"There has to be someone better." James derided.

"Exactly…" Lydia trailed off, cleaning her wet nose, "What I was thinking?" She choked. And someone safer!

"Well, since Lydia's grounded from using magic, I thought I'd ask Mr. Ceedric."

A dumbbell hit Lydia, imprinted stupid on her forehead. How in Madame Mim's rats nest did she not see this coming? Of all the times to get grounded! "There is no way he was keen on helping you." Lydia was deadset on that notion.

"Not at first. But when I offered to help clean his workshop, he was all for the idea." Cedric's workshop was a mess. A two person job - one having the organizational habits of a chimp. "I start tomorrow."

"Cedric may not be perfect," Roland began. That is the biggest understatement! Lydia scoffed mentally. "But I have faith you'll ace your test this friday."

"Thanks, Dad."

Lydia boisterously cleared her throat. "Not that I'm doubting Cedric possesses a pin's head of generosity," As generous as Scrooge McDuck, "But I find it hard to believe he went for you helping him without arguing the issue more."

"Give him some credit, Lydia." Miranda pleaded. "Cedric is recluse, but he is very accommodating."

"When there's something in it for him." Lydia mumbled under her breath. She didn't buy it. Not one bit. The timing is too perfect. Cedric has a plan. And it's hanging around Sofia's neck. So that's his game.

"Princess Lydia!" Three people beckoned her from the banquet hall entrance. A blond woman in an emerald green dress, a pair of silver rimmed glasses - Professor Minerva. A curly haired man in red and purple robes, feather from his puffy hat - Professor Ganiru. And shorter portly gentleman with a silver receding hairline - Profess Heathcliff. "May we have a moment of your time." Minerva implored. The plank was stretched above waking water. Time to see if she sinks or swims. Lydia set her fork of meat down, excusing herself for the moment. Roland, Miranda, and the kids pretended to nonchalantly sip their drinks and eat their food. Peering out of corners of their eyes, ears strained to decipher the whispers. They got nothing. The suspense was killing them.

"Aren't those her teachers?" Sofia whispered to James and Amber across the table.

"Yeah…" Amber recognized them. "That is Professor Minerva - Art teacher. Professor Ganiru - History teacher."

"That one there is Heathcliff." James gestured with his fork. "He's a geography buff."

"I wonder what they're talking about."

"Probably about her projects in the library." Miranda answered, dabbing a handkerchief to her saucy lips.

"What projects?" Roland leaned on an elbow with interest.

"For her History and Geography classes, Lydia created several models of five different kingdoms. Enchancia included." Roland blinked in noteable disbelief. Several, as in, more than one. Now that he thought about it, he saw a light in one of the libraries on his way to bed.

"You saw them too?!" Amber beamed excitedly.

"I saw the rough drawings for them." She shook her head, blown away by the details still fresh in her memory. "It would seem Professor Minerva showed interest in them. Did Lydia finish them?"

"She was putting last minute touches when I saw them." Amber shrugged. "I hope they turned out okay."

"I think we're about to find out." Roland discretely motioned his head.

"We look forward to tomorrow." Ganiru handed Lydia three sheets of parchment.

"So do I. Thank you." Lydia nodded her head. Heathcliff and Ganiru bowed, Minerva curtsied, and the three left to let the royal family enjoy their meals.

"What's new?" Sofia crooned, folding hands under her chin and batting her eyes adorably. Those folded papers had her jumping.

"Horse watering prices have gone down five pieces." Lydia jocularly countered, about to enjoy her broccoli. Amber and James growled agitatedly.

"Lydiaaa…!" Sofia whined, shaking her arm. The broccoli dropped in the cheezy sauce. "What-do-the-papers-say?!" Lydia will either talk or that flavored water was going on her head.

"Easy, easy! That's my good arm!" Lydia loved it when Sofia pouted. It was cute. "Here…" She let Sofia read the papers first. Amber and James got on their knees, stretching forward. Miranda and Roland moved in, antsy themselves at what was hidden in those folds. The emblems referred to her art, history, and geography classes. Opening them, they were brief reports on the projects she filled the library with. "YOU GOT A'S ON ALL OF THEM!" Sofia cheered ecstatically.

"NO WAY!" James and Amber nearly slipped into their salad plates.

"The professors were impressed with her work, and the reports she submitted with them!" Lydia turned red with modesty, basking in her glory by eating. "Isn't that great, Dad?!"

Sofia handed the papers to Lydia who passed them to Roland. He skimmed the letter grades to read the notes left. Night and day compared to what he received before. History is a C. Geography is an A. And her Art is an A. Miranda, James, and Amber's prying stares coaxed him to read them aloud. "The professors express their irresolutions of your seriousness of your classes, and are proud to have been proven wrong." He smiled in pride himself. "They hope to see similar dedication in the future."

"And they'll have it." She promised. "Does this mean I get my wand back?"

"Not quite yet, Lydia. There are other grades that need improving." Lydia smacked her forehead to the table. Always a catch. "And I have the perfect opportunity. King Magnus's visit."

"Great." She tossed her hands. She knew where this was going. King Magnus is rumored to not be as aggravating as Alexander or Abraham. But the man has been known to test a holy man's patience. "So I have to help you entertain one of the most notoriously boastful kings in all the lands before I get back what's mine?"

"Consider it a personal assurance for me." By Lydia's furrowed brow, Roland kept the riddles to a minimum. "I am pleased by your hard work, but I need to know you're serious."

"Ex-cuse me!" She shrieked.

"In cohesion to your outstanding work, you will demonstrate your Diplomacy upon King Magnus's visit."

Diplomacy during a dinner party? Is he for real? What's to be diplomatic about while people are stuffing their faces? "What is he visiting for? Land rights?"

"He is merely coming to stay with us for a couple days." He bobbed a hand, asking her to calm down. "There is much Diplomacy that can be had during his stay. Sometimes it's not all negotiating and politics. It can be simple in itself."

"Contrary to popular belief." She hissed. This night is the second worst of her life. Sofia as Cedric's apprentice, and a test to get back what's hers. And she had to promise to no magic. Why do I have to be a girl of my word? One problem at a time. Magnus is days away. Cedric, on the other hand, is a hall and stairway away. "Can I be excused? I need to check on Eezeyal." She didn't wait for permission. She was already out the door.

"What's that about?" James spoke past food in his mouth.

xxx

First he plays her by pretending to care about her being ground, when in fact he's more troubled about his reputation. Now he's hired on Sofia - holder of the most powerful amulet in the world - as his apprentice while Lydia's wand is out of commission. Lydia's fist was inches from pounding Cedric's door in. A burning smell snuck in her nose. She sniffed her clothes thinking arts and crafts products passed from her skin to her uniform. Her eyes widened horrified seeing smoke slithering climbing from under Cedric's door.

"Cedric? Hey! Cedric, you there?!" She rapped boorishly on the door. She put her ear to the door. Heat brushed her cheek like a feather. "CEDRIC! HOLD ON!" She grasped the handle and rammed her shoulder. On the second charge the door burst open. A cloud of grey smoke exploded in her face. A haze burned her eyes. Ahen tingles choked her. "CEDRIC!" She coughed dryly. She swatted at the cloud. The smoke was too thick. She crouched close to the ground. A breath of fresh air filled her lungs. From below she saw the stack coming from a stairway leading to a lower level of Cedric's tower. Lydia snatched a wand from Cedric's spare wand bin. "Sorry, Dad! APERI!" She swirled the wand. The windows flew open. The smoke escaped to the flowing air. Lydia put the wand back and ran down the stairs.

"AND OUT YOU GO!" A tidal wave of water fell from the ceiling. Hissing steam extinguished a furious fire. Lydia was soaked head to toe. Hair, clothes, and boots weighed down sopping wet. She spat a trickle to the flood at her feet. "Princess Lydia?" Lydia stiffly turned her glare to the man and bird in the corner. Bone dry - lucky them. "What are you doing in here?"

"Apparently…" She wrung out her skirt, "Taking my second shower of the day! Possibly the year!" She ripped off her blazer, ringing that out. Her hand froze at her headband. Cedric noticed the pause. It baffled him. "What the heck are you doing down here anyway?" Lydia took it off, shaking her head like a dog.

"What. A man can't have hobbies?" Cedric ran his thumb up the wind. Hot air blew from the tip.

"Hmph!" Lydia held out her blazer. The funnel air dried the drenched clothing on contact. She lowered the blazer. She squinted letting it dry her face and hair. Cedric trailed the dryer lower, running side to side. The burned Enchancia model on a table raised red flags. There's her smoke alarm. "Let me guess. While burning the fake castle down, you decided to take the actual one with you?"

"Moron!" He thumped his wand to her skull. "I was in the middle of something and got carried away." He killed the wand, sheathing it in his sleeve.

Lydia dusted her dried clothing, petting her frizzy hair flat. "Don't suppose it has anything to do with Sofia being your apprentice." A rancor allegation instead of an inquiry. Cedric's lips split ear to ear in a malicious grin. "Sorry I asked." She groaned, buttoning her blazer. She straightened her headband.

"And what do you intend to do about it?" He puffed his chest challengingly, folding his hands behind his back.

"First you tell me why you added schoolteacher to your resume?" She leaned a shoulder to the wall, scrunching her nose. "And don't say out of the goodness of your heart. You and I know that doesn't exist."

"Is this because I hurt your feelings yesterday?"

"Cedric!" She snarled.

"Why ask what you know the answer too?" He approached in steady stride. "And - forgive my saying," He came so close Lydia winced at his breath, "Are currently powerless to intercede?" Lydia was starting to really regret being grounded right now. She diverted her searing eyes to the floor, fighting the urge to punch him in the nose. Why does he irritate me so much? "I should be showing you a bit more gratitude."

"For the sake of the argument: may I ask why?" She breathed exasperated.

"You, My Dear Princess, broke your oath of no magic to rescue me." Lydia swallowed a massive lump that exploded in her stomach. "Aperi, I believe, is the spell you used…" He became cross, putting hands on his hips, "After breaking down my door!" He snarled.

"I-I wasn't doing it for you! I was doing it for Sofia! The castle!" She'd sound real convincing if her voice wasn't shaking. "She's looking forward to her lessons with you, and I'm not one to let her be disappointed."

"Even if her teacher is plotting the acquisition of her precious amulet?"

"I'm not worried about her." Lydia approached him, lifting on her toes to lessen their distance in height. "She's seven, but she's proven to be smarter than both of us." She hissed. "In spite of being in the dark."

"Not even her blissful ignorance can keep me from what is mine." Cedric warned.

"Then you'll have me to deal with, and you'll consider Sofia a gift from heaven."

Cedric suddenly snapped fingers to her collar. Lydia tensed, clawing his dangling sleeves. "I wonder if that saint knows what a devil her sister is." He muttered in an ominous growl.

"She's known since she could walk." Lydia growled back.

Cedric bobbed his head, sucking his dry lips. Sofia doesn't seem the type to miss things like that. Cedric edged themselves apart. No calling for beginning a fight where one not be. He fixed her collar to order, smoothing wrinkles that wedged extensively past the shirt. "Thank you for your help, Princess Lydia." Cedric stepped to the side, sweeping an arm to the stairs. "Forgive me for keeping you."

Lydia strolled past Cedric, desperately wanting fresh air. "Thanks for the dryer."

"Always happy to help!" He yelled. The door closed, leaving Cedric to stew in his swelling abhorrence for that girl. "Why does she irritate me so much?"

xxx

Today was the longest tuesday of Lydia's life. No wand to pass the time, projects that cost her an entire night's sleep, Sofia becoming Cedric's Apprentice, and now a proud king on his way to be their guest. Seriously. Being a Princess sounds more regal and miraculous in books. In actuality it's a series of migraines playing one after the other. A long winding, inclining and declining road of responsibilities, obligations, and - the ever popular - duties. A night's sleep is a blink and a breath. The madness starts all over again.

"So when Dad asked for Ubos, what'd you do?" Sofia, in her sky blue nightgown, sat Indian Style with Lydia on the bed.

"Ubos helped me conjure a copy and I gave that to him." Lydia quickly summed up while playing with Sofia's soft hair. She always had lustrous hair. "I feel bad, but I'd feel worse locking Ubos in a box."

"Where is Ubos?" Sofia moved only her eyes, not wanting to mess up Lydia. "I haven't seen him in a while."

"That's what'd I'd like to know." She jadedly replied. "He disappeared yesterday with barely two words, and I haven't seen him since."

"Is everything alright?"

"Not sure. Ubos will tell me when he's ready." Sofia was glad to hear her say that.

Lydia's had a knack for telling when someone's upset. Sort of a sense she developed. How is a question not even she can answer. But, despite knowing, she never pries. She lets the waters calm, draws you closer, and eases in. Effective whenever Jade, Ruby, and Sofia got into arguments. This quirk is hereditary.

Ubos aside, Sofia saw by Lydia scrunching and flattening scowl that there's a whole nother issue bothering her. "Are you mad that I went to Mr. Ceedric?" Sofia gloomily pranced her doll.

"Why should I be upset?" Lydia quizzed, denying the boiling kettle. She linked and finished Sofia's braided crown. She stroked the bangs, and fixed the hair past the ear. "You needed someone to teach you magic. I'm out of commission until King Mag Nut leaves." She showed Sofia a box of hair ornaments.

"King Magnus." Sofia chided the blatant mispronunciation. She picked the lilacs.

"Potato." Lydia plucked a lilac, interlacing it in the woven hairs. "Still don't know how Dad plans to test my diplomacy at dinner."

"Whatever it is, I'm sure you'll be great."

"That helps." Lydia dressed the crown sides, then adorned her tiara. "There you go. How do you like it?" Lydia held up a mirror. Sofia struck a pose, stroking hairs and the pins. She giggled like a cherub, dancing and bouncing. "Knew you would."

"I find her to be absolutely lovely."

"UBOS!" Sofia and Lydia flinched.

Ubos closed the window behind him, minding to latch it closed. "Good evening, Princesses."

"Welcome back, Ubos!" Sofia exuberantly welcomed.

"Where have you been?" Lydia sternly asked.

"Out, about, and basking in the glory that is Enchancia." Ubos inhaled and exhaled with a pleased moan. "The fresh air within this kingdom's borders rejuvenate an old tone."

"It wasn't the glory of Enchancia," She air quoted the brazen facade, "That sent you charging out the window!" Wormwood sent him running. But where Ubos went is something Lydia will find out about later when Sofia isn't around. "Do you not have the slightest idea of how worried I've been?"

"Lydia, please, don't be upset." Sofia implored. She crawled up behind Lydia, running her tiny fingers through Lydia's smooth locks. "I'm sure Mr. Ubos didn't mean to scare you."

"Maybe not." She slouched low enough for Sofia to work Lydia's hair in parts. She snuck a hard scowl. Ubos went rigid like a wooden plank. "But I'd at least like to know if you were able to clear your head while you were gone."

"I was." He humbly responded, landing in Lydia's lap. "I went to Mystic Meadows to visit an old friend of mine."

"What's Mystic Meadows?" Sofia draped to Lydia's shoulders.

"A retirement community for the best of the best Sorcerers." Lydia dreamily hummed. "I hope I'll get to retire there one day."

Sofia tugged Lydia's ears. "Not before you become my Royal Sorceress!" She decreed.

"Never before." Lydia pulled Sofia's cheek. Ubos gazed charmed by the sisters. Watching them interact, giggling as they toyed with one another's hair. It was heartwarming to witness. "Hey. You have school in the morning." Lydia noted the magic clock on her wall. Roland let her keep it so she doesn't stay up too late studying. "Better hurry up. Don't want you to be too tired for your magic lessons."

"Ooh…" Sofia lied flat on her stomach miserably. Cedric wasn't going to begin training her until after school. So she's going to dread the day. "I JUST GO THE GREATEST IDEA!" She pounced Lydia and Ubos to the bed. "For your Dance Class! Go see Professor Popov!"

Lydia grimaced. Chills scrolled her skin remembering the way he scrutinized her. Professor was that strange dance teacher who put her in the hot seat not too long ago. All because Lydia went to see Lydia tryout for flying derby. The Librarian, Mrs. Higgins, was around to keep him tame. Being alone with him was enough to make her bed sick.

"I don't think that's a good idea." Lydia groaned on her stomach, propped up by her elbows. More than one reason.

"It's a great idea!" Sofia plopped on Lydia's back. "One class with him, and you'll be dancing circles around everyone!" A prince James guarantee. "Please, Lydia! Please!" Sofia bobbed Lydia's head wildly.

"Um...Lydia…" Ubos nudged her. "I think you've lost."

"I always do." Lydia admitted shamefully. "ALRIGHT, ALRIGHT!"

"YAY!" Sofia cheered victoriously.

"What a pushover." Ubos sniggered. Lydia smushed him into the covers.

xxx

"EXCELLENT!" Popov bellowed. Lydia was frightened onto a beanbag chair. Popov towered with knuckles on his hips. "First de new girl comes to Popov, now de new Princess?" Popov had a twinkle in his eye. "By de time I am finished with you, your feet will be danshing to de shtars uund beyond!"

"I'll settle for the ground for now." Lydia laughed nervously. Ubos and Eezeyal hid in the rafters. They were anxious to see where this would lead.

Popov had two free periods to commit to either augmenting his lesson plans, perfecting his own dance, or simply attributing time to himself in general. He was more than glad to help Lydia with her dancing dilemma. Especially after her gave her such a rough time when they first met.

"My grade in dance has...declined." Lydia used a less than efficient term. "I need to perform a dance that will bring it up."

"Den you have come to de perfect place!" Popov lent her a hand, escorting her to the center of the empty dance hall. "De waltz - PEW! De tango - passe! No dance will suit you until you learn grace, posture, and POISE!" He spun around, ending in a kneel to Lydia. "Up-up-up!" Popov pulled her in. "Head up, shoulders back, chest out, your hand in mine, the other here…"

"S-Slow down!" Popov's jump into the lesson flustered her.

"Feet apart like so." He scooted her feet with his. Lydia's head was scrambling to keep her posture and comprehend what he was showing her. She wasn't even sure what dance they would be doing. "And now, de music!" He tapped his feet twice. Instruments in the corner levitated off the floor. Invisible minstrels took them up. The strings and winds floated at the ready. "UUND…" Lydia swallowed a massive lump. Her heart was pounding. Mind in a haze. Popov stepped back in the lead step, "1, 2, 3-1, 2, 3-1, 2, 3-,1, 2, 3," He counted stepping forward and back. He was gliding on water, while Lydia was stumbling on rocks. He'd moved back. She'd move against him and jerk in the groove. When he came to spin she tripped on her boot. "Look in my eye...careful of your feet...follow-follow.

Eezeyal and Ubos could barely watch. It was terrible. Lydia was stepping on Popov's toes and hers. "Tell me, Eezeyal…" Ubos cringed. "Her dancing…"

"A duck with no equilibrium has better grace." Eezeyal hesitantly confessed.

"SHTOP-SHTOP-SHTOP!" Popov spun right like a top right back into the bean bag chair. Lydia's whole head was spinning. "Zis will never do!" Popov scolded. "You move like a wooden plank tossed in waves! You must follow my lead!" Lydia rubbed the back of her neck embarrassed. Sneaking a glancing to her spectators, their stiffness confirmed it was worse than she thought. "Up-up-up!" He curled a hand.

"Aw man…" Lydia regretted taking his hand again. The second he had her in stance she broke out in a nervous sweat. Ubos and Eezeyal shrank in a corner. They couldn't look.

"Now…" Popov pressed on her hip to signal which way they'd be going, "1, 2, 3-1, 2, 3-1, 2, 3-1, 2, 3..." Lydia rebound off his torso. She'd step on his toes, trip on the flat surface, and completely lose the floor beneath her. "Do not go against the tide! Flow with it!" He reared her boorishly in a turn. Lydia stumbled to move into the next step. It must be the room. Lydia was getting unbearably hot. The world is spinning again. Stop...watching…! "UUND...END!" Popov, at some point, lifted Lydia and sat her on a stool. Lydia blinked confusedly. She barely noticed the dance was over. "Why do you not trust Popov to lead?"

"It's not about trust!" Lydia lunged to her feet. "I just...I hate dancing." She hugged her elbows. Popov cupped his cheeks, screaming like a famous portrait. "Don't get me wrong. There's nothing bad about it. I just...don't like it…" Her cheeks reddened.

It struck popov. The tight, knocking knees. Arms restraining herself. Toes tapping and twisting. He chuckled in realization. "Den I will see you tomorrow."

"Huh?" Lydia, Ubos, and Eezeyal were tossed in a loop.

Popov guided Lydia to the door. "Come back tomorrow, and Popov will have a cure for you." He scooted her out. Ubos and Eezeyal snuck passed.

"A...cure. But-" Popov slammed the door. "Umm…what?"

"I wonder what Professor Popov has in mind?" Ubos inquired. He must confess his intrigue.

"I dunno." Eezeyal perched to Lydia's shoulder. "But I doubt there's a cure for left feet." Lydia growled and flicked his beak. The day was a bust anyway. Maybe Lydia can make it home in time to at least get a breath of what to expect when Magnus arrives.

xxx

Coming home didn't help in the least. The foyer hallway seemed to protract on and on for an extra mile. The sense the suits of armor turned a head to absorb her humiliation. Ubos and Eezeyal went with Clover, Mia, and Robin to relax by the water and let Lydia work off her frustrations. Lydia must have combed through books on Rudistan for hours on end. According to Baileywick and Professor Ganiru, relations between Rudistan and Enchancia were solid. Magnus, for all his boastings, is a good and benevolent king. Roland, for the most part, enjoys his company. Lydia spent the whole day trying to wrap her head around his visit. Roland refused to mention why King Magnus was coming, and what they were going to be discussing during his stay. On top of that, the Fairies are being cryptic as to what she's supposed to learn from improving grades.

"All I've learned so far, is that Dad would look pretty stupid if his eldest daughter failed!" She spat. She shoved the ballroom doors open. Wide, open, perfect to echo her battering thoughts. "I think I'll just stay in here for a while." She closed the doors behind her. Her boots clopped loudly on the floor. They were loud in the open hall. She reached inside her blazer. The vacantness grasped by her fingers crashed the reality like a boat on rocks. "Oh...right...DAD has it!" She kicked at her stupidity. The number of profanities she could scream grew by the second. "THIS IS COMPLETELY STUPID!" Without her wand, how in Jafar's name is she supposed to vent? How can she break something and repair it? "WHY DID IT HAVE TO EVEN BE TAKEN?! IT WAS A MISTAKE! I'M FRICKIN' HUMAN!" So to speak, but human. She slips, she picks herself up and gets right back to it. Roland didn't need to take the wand. He could have given her a warning. "PFFT! Guess Abraham's letter had a more profound effect than I gave it credit." She spat. In a fury she tore off her headband. "That stupid king!" He eyes flared red and orange. "I SHOULD HAVE BURNED HIM TO ASHES!" In his place, a three barrels of wine incinerated to ash. "Oops…" Lydia cringed. She finally noticed the headband in her hand. Lydia cupped a hand beside her mouth and blew. A pine green and mint blue breath spiraled to the ash pile. The barrels and the wine inside literally went in reverse, regenerating to their glory. Maybe a bit of a charred taste will be added.

Lydia nonchalantly slipped the headband back on. "Ugh…" She released that much needed breath. In that aspect, she was able to calm down and reach an epiphany. She isn't mad at Roland. She shouldn't be blaming Roland. This isn't the first time he's seen her grades anyway. They've been falling because of her partiality to magic. "This is utterly pathetic. Getting grounded...having my wand taken...FAILING! What Princess fails at her studies?!" Belle wasn't a failure. Cinderella sure wasn't. Princess Merida is a rowdy one, but she's successful. Even Mulan, who's not even a princess, succeeds at life. Lydia's a sorceress! Not a princess! She never wanted to be a princess. Making models and doing art - any moron with half a mind can do that. And after that pitiful dance lesson… "I'm not cut out for this…" Lydia verbally kicked herself. "Man...I stink as a princess." Lydia plopped to her knees. She met the gaze of her pitiful marble reflection. The shadow of King Roland loomed over her.

"Look at me…" She stroked hair strands from her defeated face. "I will never pass for a perfect bride, or a perfect Princess." A tiara materialized to her reflections head. "Can it be, I'm not meant to play this part?" She turned from the reflection, rising to her feet. "As I've seen," The figures of all who doubt and dislike her surrounded her,"That if I were truly to be myself," She stroked her headband, feeling a tear draw near, "I would break my family's heart." Lydia opened a hand at her thigh, slowly running fingers through a sheet of light. The lights glittered and sparkled, taking the dead eyed shape of Lydia. The two touched right palms, gliding in a clockwise circle. "Who is that girl I see," Lydia stopped and spun. She dropped back with a leg in the air. The image caught her and rebound her, placing her back to its chest, "Staring straight back at me?" The image touched her at the waist. Lydia placed her hand to it. "Why is my reflection," Lydia and the image glided in side step across the ballroom, "Someone I don't know?" She twisted forward, waltzing to and fro with her shadow. "Somehow I cannot hide," The image twirled her by the hand, "Who I am," The pair met hands above,"Though I've tried." They slowly brought the hands down between them, touching foreheads. "When will my reflection show," Lydia solemnly met the expressionless eyes of her shadow,"Who I am," She wrapped her arms to her shadow, and squeezed,"IN...SIII...DE?!" The shadow burst into shimmering lights, sprinkling to Lydia, and fading on the wind. "When will my reflection show," She gazed at her empty hands,"Who I am...inside?" Lydia sadly slumped in a chair, hugging the backrest.

"BRAVO!" Applause howled from the kitchen. Lydia turned bright red. Chef Andre, Gwen, and Professor Yuri animatedly bellowed her praises, asking for an encore. Lydia went rigid as wood. H-how long have they been standing there?! "Bravo! Excellent! Pure beauty!" Yuri blew her numerous kisses, wrapping himself in what he had pleasure of bearing witness to. "That is the sort of dancing passion I vish to see in class!" He kissed both her cheeks.

"YECK!" She wiped the spit off her cheeks. "Um...thanks, Professor. But-"

"Your execution needs vork, and you're a little stiff." Yuri shook her by the shoulders. "But you put in put in good effort. I'm raising your grade to a D+." Lydia felt a bell smack her in the accomplishments. D+. Not passing, not failing. Roland should be happy about that. Maybe not. But hey, she can hope. "Come our class on Monday, I hope you will show similar passion."

"Yes sir! THANK YOU!" Lydia shook his hand. Yuri, Chef Andre, and Gwen let Lydia get back to her work. Lydia couldn't contain it. The door closed, "AWESOME! WOO! I'M QUEEN OF THE WORLD!"

"Where was I for this inauguration?" Baileywick playfully intruded on her moment. "Good news, I presume?"

"I am going to be getting my wand back faster than lightning!" Lydia boasted. "Professor Yuri raised my Dance grade to a D+." Baileywick lifted an incredulous brow. "I know, I know. But it's better than an F."

"True. Though I doubt King Roland will reinstate your wand for it." Lydia lost wind her sails all over again. She hated it when Baileywick was right. She'd need a C before Roland so much as considered letting her look at the wand. And if he learns about her self dance, he'll hit the roof. "Anyway, would you care to fetch Cedric with me?"

"Why do you need me?"

"Cedric has a soft spot for you. He's less likely to throw me out if you're with me."

"FIRST OF ALL: I'm not your wingman!" Cedric and soft spot-PAH! She's as much his soft spot as he is hers. "And second: I'd throw you out too if you came in snarky!"

"See! You both think alike!" Baileywick moved her along. "Which is how I know he won't toss me with you around."

"HOLD ON! I NEVER AGREED-BAILEYWICK!" Lydia protested long after being shoved out the door.

xxx

Going back to the morning, Sofia was hardly able to sit still she was so excited. Her first magic lesson with Cedric begins right after school. Thank the stars today was going to be an early day. The Fairies allowed for the school to let out around one so the teachers will not be kept too late during one of their meetings. Another notch in Sofia's tiara. The faster school ends, the sooner Cedric can begin. All she has to do is help him clean his workshop and he'll help her ace her magic test on Friday. The clock needed to hurry up.

As expected, Sofia's excitement slowed the school day torturously. It doesn't help when one constantly glances at the clock every five minutes. The bell rang for school to end and she was already in her coach. She almost abandoned James and Amber she was in such a rush. Sofia left burn marks on the carpet racing to her room. She paused a moment when she caught Lydia hiding away in the ballroom. She figured Lydia was busy with something and continued on her way.

Halfway to her room, Sofia thought of something brilliant. Lydia has a spare sorcerer's robe in her closet from Halloween a few years back. She wondered if Lydia kept it. Sofia's luck was holding up. The purple robe and pink undergown were perfect. The hat was in good shape too. She giggled all the way to Cedric's tower. She was happy, nervous, and excited all at once.

Cedric eagerly welcomed his young apprentice into his workshop. He was glad Sofia showed enthusiasm toward the craft. Unfortunately there was the importance of his invisibility potion that demanded his attention. In the meantime, Sofia was to help clean up. She adamantly began sweeping while admiring his work. The care Cedric was taking in reading the ingredients. Reminds her of Lydia. Cedric's counting the Emu Eyelashing, careful not to put one too many or less in the cauldron. By all results he was going to be done. However, the end result was a swelling bubble bursting in confetti.

The spell was an abject failure. Sofia was impressed by the confetti. Cedric, on the other hand, want to throw the cauldron out the window. Seeing he was getting nowhere, he lived up to his promise and proceeded to teacher Sofia how to turn a rock into a ruby. A simple enough spell for a royal sorcerer of his impeccable caliber. He has a sour relationship with father, but one thing Goodwin taught him was that slow and steady does the trick. Something most young wand wavers neglect. Cedric instructed her to read the spell carefully. As he's experienced, missing a single step can have hazardous results. It was no surprise when Sofia performed the spell. Cedric would be more surprised if she failed it.

"I did it...I really DID IT!" Sofia cheered.

"Yes, well, it's a simple enough spell." Cedric shrugged indifferently. He didn't understand why she'd be excited of a minor achievement.

"You're a really good teacher, Mr. Ceedric." Sofia complimented.

That went right over Cedric's head. "I...I am?" He must have been hearing things. No one thinks he's a good anything. Sofia's young. She must not know any better.

Cedric's door opening kind of killed the mood. "Cedric. Sofia?" Baileywick gasped seeing Sofia in the workshop. Lydia was on his coattails. The pair wrinkled Cedric's brow. "What are you doing here?"

"Learning magic." Sofia proudly showed him the wand.

Lydia almost forgot about her lessons. "How is that coming, by the way?" She asked.

"Great!" Sofia showed Lydia the ruby. "See! I turned the rock into a ruby!"

"Not bad, Sofie!" Lydia studiously inspected the ruby. A curator would be impressed. "Near flawless. Hexley Hall would be lucky to have you." She tossed it up and down.

"Then she'll have to teach Cedric when she's done." Baileywick slyly disparaged.

"Very funny, Baileywick." Cedric groaned. "What do you two want?"

"I have no idea." Lydia tediously pointed a thumb to Baileywick. "This guy here dragged me here in hopes of appealing to your better nature." She used that as loosely as possible.

"This oughta be rich." Cedric smirked.

"King Roland needs you right away." Baileywick swept his hands toward the door.

Cedric lost three shades of color. The lump he swallowed was riddled with nails. "The king?" His voice cracked.

"What's wrong? It's just Dad." Lydia remarked.

"Yes-yes, right! Only...gulp...Dad…" Cedric packed a green bag, handed it to Sofia, and was out the door.

"How odd."

xxx

Roland and Miranda waited in the courtyard. Their attention was grabbed by the grim, yet charming decor on the castle's roof perimeter. The castle has been refurbished on several occassion. Although, the gargoyles safeguarding the ancestral home invited an ill ambiance to the stone walls. It needed to be welcoming, cheerful, out of this world. King Magnus was arriving in a matter of hours. Roland had not time to order new statues, so Cedric was his get rich quick scheme - so to speak.

"Sofia!" Miranda beamed. "How's the apprenticing going?"

"Great, Mom! Mr. Ceedric is really helping learn my magic spells."

"Lydia," Roland beckoned, "Yuri tells me he witnessed a beautiful dance by you in the ballroom."

Lydia broke out in a sweat. "He did?! What else did he tell you?" Please don't tell he knows about the projection! That was an accident. But Roland is a man about promises. And Lydia promised no magic. AT ALL!

"Only that he looks forward to Monday." Lydia released a held breath. Cedric caught her before she hit the ground. Thank Goodness! "Cedric…" Roland motioned a finger. Cedric dropped Lydia and rushed to Roland.

"Ye-yes, Your majesty!" He squeaked, keeping his back hunched.

"As you know, King Magnus is...coming to stay with us." Much to his chagrin. And Lydia's. "He's always BRAGGING about how great his Kingdom is. SO, I want the castle to look its VERY BEST!" He couldn't stress how important this was to him. Hypocrite. Lydia folded her arms. Why should I take the high road when he's sticking to the middle? She snarled. "Could you transform these gloomy old gargoyles into something more...inviting?"

"What's wrong with gargoyles?" Lydia liked them. "They've been protectors of castles since Medieval Scotland."

"True, Lydia. But for the time being, I need flare." Lydia scowled, rolling her eyes. So this is where Amber gets it from. What exactly do the Fairies or Roland expect her to learn? Double Standards are not her cup of tea.

"O-O-OF COURSE, Your Majesty!" Cedric cleared his high pitch throat. "How about...um...golden horses! I know just the spell!"

"Great."

Cedric waddled in a tizzy to Sofia. Lydia leaned into his ear. "You alright? You're sweating." She dabbed a cloth on his brow.

"It's a li'l hot out here!" He whimpered. It does feel warm. But Lydia can't shake the sense Cedric's melting under the spotlight. That sounds familiar. "Wand." He ordered Sofia.

"Wand." She handed it to him.

Cedric aligned himself to get a good aim at the gargoyles. He sniffled and huffed, struggling to gain a breath. "Aero Equisiam!" That's not- The spell connected with the horse, stunting Lydia's mental protest. In place of a golden horse, the gargoyle was brought to life as a stout pegasus.

"I'M FREE! YIPPIE!" The newly livened pegasus dove off the ledge. Everyone hit the dirt. The pegasus climbed the air, making his grand escape. He laughed like a maniac until he was gone from sight.

"Cedric...what gives?!" Lydia whispered. "You used the wrong spell."

"I realize that!" He mumbled heatedly.

"CEDRIC!" Roland whined. Cedric froze. "You were supposed to turn the gargoyles into horses. Not bring them to life."

"F-F-FORGIVE ME, YOUR MAJESTY!" Cedric whirled his wand in a flush. "I'll get it right this time."

"No. Don't bother." Roland meandered past him.

"Please, Your Majesty, give me another chance!"

"Not every sorcerer can be as gifted as your father." Roland stated. A prick in Lydia's chest ignited a disgust. That was insensitive and careless. Her fingers curled into a fist. Amber gets that from him too. "We'll just clean up the castle and hope Magnus doesn't look...up."

"But…" Cedric voiced died as Roland and Baileywick took their leave.

"Lydia, Sofia, don't be late to dinner." Miranda requested.

"Okay, Mom." The pair responded. They weren't concerned with the visiting king or dinner. Cedric looked like a puppy who had his favorite toy shredded.

xxx

Sofia and Lydia walked Cedric back to his workshop. The utter embarrassment weighed him down. He tripped on every other step before slumping to his work table. Lydia tried to get him situated, sadden by his defeated aura. Meanwhile, Sofia returned to cleaning up his workshop.

"Come on, Cedric. Don't let what Dad said get you down." Lydia implored.

"I'm not down." He pursed his lips.

"Well you're not up either." She muttered. The guy was a ship and he's sinking fast. Wormwood stayed in the rafter to keep from going with him.

"I'm sorry your spell didn't work right." Sofia tried to lift his spirits. It worked fine. Lydia mumbled in her head. He used the wrong one.

"You missed a spot by the potion cabinet!" Cedric abruptly guided her from his pity bubble. Now if only he could get rid of Lydia. Then he'd be set.

"So...your father was a royal sorcerer too?" She gently eased in on the sour subject. Sofia wasn't going to give up.

"YOU haven't heard of Goodwin the Great?" Cedric gestured to the portrait of Goodwin and Winifred. "Greatest sorcerer to ever wave a wand?"

Lydia dropped like a rock then shot back to her feet. "HOLD ON A SEC! BACK UP!" She planted her palms, gazing in disbelief at the picture. She rifled in Cedric's desk, borrowing his scope. She carefully analyzed the painting top to bottom, and the subjects head to toe. Cedric had Goodwin's hair and Winifred's nose. "He's the spitting image of them!" She glanced between them several times before smushing Cedric's cheeks together. "You - Cedric the Sorcerer of Enchancia - are the FLESH and BLOOD of THE Goodwin?!"

Cedric groaned drearily, sinking in the wake of his misery. "Yes, yes, I know. Cedric the Screw up related to Goodwin the Greatest." He placed sluggish cheeks of his knuckles. "I've heard it all before." Lydia felt that knot in her stomach when she's stepped on a landmine. Karma is a witch.

"Goodwin the Great?" Sofia tapped her chin. Ubos mentioned him yesterday. "Hey! Isn't that-"

"SSH!" Lydia capped her mouth.

"OOPS!"

"What?" Cedric grunted curtly.

"Just…" Lydia scooted Sofia back to her sweeping, "Sofia and I know someone who's an old friend of your dad's."

"I bet father just SINGS my praises to him." Cedric hid his misery inside his folded arms.

"Cedric, please, stop beating yourself up." She subconsciously ran a hand up and down his back. She hated seeing him like this. Geez, and I thought I had daddy issues.

Sofia got caught up in the conversation she accidentally bumped the cabinet with her broom. A vanilla gold bottle fell and opened. A cloud of smoke wafted around her. "Whoa...I feel funny?" She wobbled woozily. Cedric and Lydia turned to see what's wrong. Sofia shrank in green cloud, emerging as a purple lizard.

"PRINCESS SOFIA!" Cedric panicked.

"What the heck happened?!" Lydia shrieked.

"The vial spilt contains essence of lizard. Highly potent, not to be tampered with!" Cedric studied Sofia, searching for any damages. She was fine. "Do not worry, Princess Sofia. Just hold still." Cedric gave himself some room. Lydia stepped with him. "Lizardo Chango!" Cedric commanded the spell. Sofia was lifted in the air, and popped back into her human self.

"Phew…" Lydia held her chest.

"Thank you!" Sofia ran and hugged Cedric.

"That was quick thinking." Lydia praised him. "I didn't even know about that spell."

"It's...a simple enough spell." Cedric eased free of Sofia's hug, rising to his feet. "I learned it the first week of sorcery school."

"You're so good at magic, Mr. Ceedric." Sofia assured him. "Why couldn't you turn the gargoyles into golden horses?"

"Seriously." Lydia would like an answer to that one. "You turned Lyndor's grass into a sponge."

"Oh, I don't know." Cedric nibbled on his lower lip. "Whenever I'm around King Roland I get a li'l...well…" He tensed.

"Well...what?" Sofia and Lydia chirped.

"NERVOUS! There! I said it!" He folded his arms.

Lydia thought his behavior seemed familiar. That's exactly what happened with Popov. She knows how to dance, and is good with music. But...audiences make her lose focus. She's never even performed in front of Eezeyal. She was fine letting everyone think she was left footed. "My C in music, and my (former) F in Dance. I have those because…" She sheepishly blushed, playing with buttons on her cuffs. "I don't like to sing or dance in front of everyone."

"That's why?" Sofia titled her head. Over the years she's caught Lydia dancing and singing. She always wondered why she pretended not to.

"Whenever people are staring, like at our duel, I know they're waiting for me to screw up. So...I freeze up and wait for it to be over."

"And that, My Dear, is the cost to being great!" Cedric scolded her. It's bad enough she's grounded, he refused to let her wallow in pity. "Merlin, King Arthur, King Roland, and Queen Eleanor - what do they have in common?" Lydia and Sofia shook their heads with no answer. "All are of great virtue and respect. However, amid that respect is the secret hope that flaws will be made apparent. They are aware of this."

"How do they deal with it?"

"By reminding themselves that they are not here to impress others, or win favors. They are here because they worked towards it. And," He touched to fingers to her brow, "Must continue doing so or risk granting satisfaction to naysayers."

"I...I think I understand. In that case…" The cost of being great. Cedric had the potential of being great. Lydia and Sofia exchanged smiles. They were thinking the same thing. Sofia and Lydia grabbed his hands, "Sofia and I are going to help score points with Dad. By the time we're done, he'll think you're Goodwin in disguise."

"And why would you two do that?" Cedric retracted his hands.

"Because you're our friend." Sofia chimed.

"F-Friend?" Cedric stammered stunned, glancing to Lydia.

"WELL…!" Lydia blushed. "Friend as in…" She scratched the back of her head, then turned away so he wouldn't see her red cheeks, "I can't stand the thought of my alleged rival being perceived as a fool!" Cedric found those words to be familiar.

"We've got to clean up for dinner!" Sofia dragged Lydia to spare her the faltering protest. "See you tomorrow Mr. Ceedric." The girls left Cedric in his astonishment.

"It's...Cedric." Lydia...thinks we're...friends? He smiled brightly.

xxx

Loud, obnoxious laughter flooded the banquet hall. The rotund King of Rudistan, Magnus, sat opposite of Roland. His stomach jiggled the harder he laughed. If he could keep food from his bushy, red/brown beard, Lydia and Amber might not be tempted to leave dinner early. The fact the Magnus hadn't looked up on arrival already brightened Roland's day. Magnus leaving will make his year.

"You should have been there, Roland!" Magnus hooted. "My chef prepared the finest food I'd ever tasted."

"I'm sure he did." Roland restricted his answers to sort, sweet, and urging Magnus to move on.

"And the jesters were so funny, the guests couldn't stop laughing!" He laughed himself, jingling the medals on his blue uniform.

"I'm sure they couldn't."

"ANND our Royal Sorcerer, Greylock," Lydia nearly choked on her ham, "Put on the most incredible display of magic I'd ever seen."

"Greylock the Grand if your Royal Sorcerer?!" Lydia inadvertently blurted. She was careful to not get food on her sapphire gown.

"Indeed he is. Do you know of him?" Magnus handed her the conversation.

"I did a report on him for Hexley! He's a legend there! The King of Prank Day!"

"Greylock will be pleased to know he has a fan." Magnus chuckled. "By the by, Princess Lydia, how are your magic studies coming along?"

"They're coming along great."

"But she is currently putting them aside to tend to her royal duties." Roland swiftly added. Lydia disdainfully scrunched her nose.

"My nephew is studying Alchemy. Maybe he can give you a few pointers for your potions. He's quite the accomplished alchemist, and is a straight A student.."

"I'm sure he is." Lydia resisted rolling her eyes. She saw why Roland responded the way he did. "But I'm afraid Alchemy and Sorcery are two different crafts."

"How so?"

"Alchemy has to obey laws of equivalent exchange. Sorcery can bend them."

"Are you saying my nephew is limited? That he is less than you?"

Roland sat up straight to counter before things got out of hand. "Not at all." Lydia beat him to the punch. "I'm saying your nephew is good role model." "Alchemy is mentally and physically straining. More so than sorcery. To be honorary in academics as well - I have another person to look up to.."

"That's...that's wonderful of you to say." Magnus raised his glass to her. "Thank you, Princess." Lydia bowed her head. She snuck a snarky smirk to Roland, hiding it by drinking her sparkling water.

"Mr. Ceedric is a great sorcerer too." Sofia threw out there.

"Sofia…!" Roland scolded.

"He's one of the best. No offense, Lydia."

"None taken. And I have to agree."

"Are they talking about Goodwin the Great's son?" Magnus glistened at this bit of news.

"Yes." Roland cleared his throat. "But Cedric's not nearly as talented-"

"Dad, please, don't be so modest for Cedric." Lydia decided to initiate her own insert for his. "Cedric's no Goodwin, but he is good with a wand."

"We should have him put on a show for everyone." Sofia insisted.

"No! No! I don't think-"

"That's a splendid idea!" Magnus adamantly agreed. "It should be the night after tomorrow."

"But-"

"But NOTHING!" Magnus wasn't letting Roland get in a single protest.

Roland released a defeated breath. "The night after tomorrow it is then."

"I can't wait to tell Mr. Ceedric!" Sofia cooed.

"Tell me how he reacts." Lydia ruffled her hair. "Excuse me, everyone. I need to feed Eezeyal." Lydia gathered two bowls of fruit and excused herself.

"Princess Lydia," Magnus rose and bowed, "A pleasure."

Lydia set the bowls down and curtsied, "The pleasure was mine. Please enjoy the rest of your meal." She grabbed the bowls and left. Lydia was 20 feet from the banquet hall when Roland tapped her shoulder. "Hi, Dad. Something wrong?"

"Why would you do that?" He snarled.

"Do what?"

"Why would you and Sofia conspire to have Cedric put on a show?"

"That was all Sofia's idea. I just ran with it." Lydia stated firstly. She locked harsh glares with him. "And I got my chance to prove myself. Why shouldn't Cedric have one?"

"Because Cedric isn't the Princess of Enchancia."

"But he is YOUR royal sorcerer. It should be made known how great he can be instead of his King berating him to others."

Roland exhaled irksomely, rubbing his thumb and index finger on his twitching brow. "Lydia, I appreciate you and Cedric are friends," Why does everyone keep saying that? She ground her teeth. "But Cedric...he's...he's not like his father Goodwin." He took care not to berate Cedric, as she says he's done.

"I'm sure Cedric's not as great as Goodwin. No one is." She has no qualms saying so. Although, she's far from done with Roland. "Just as I'm sure you're not as great as your father, either." Roland's shoulders dropped. An imaginary hand slapped him across the face. It's hard to believe she just said that. "Hurts when it's thrown back at you, doesn't it?" Lydia approached, stepping on her tiptoes to pierce Roland's kingly pride with her blue daggers. "Maybe its not MY diplomacy that needs work...Hypocrite." Roland's eyes widened. Mouth gaping. Lydia let it end there and proceeded to her room.

Roland just stood there, Lydia's words echoing in his mind.

To be continued