Another Princess for the Notch

Moving on.

To those who wanted blue ribbon bunny, that will come after the Lezard chapters. Promise.

xxx

Warm water doused a blissfully moaning Minimus head to toe. Pleasant tingles scaled his skin, making him shiver when the warmth died with the flowing breeze. Purple mane flattened to his thick neck, and tail soaked to the bone. Hooves trotting restlessly in the hay riddled puddles flooding the wash area outside Royal Preps stables. "Oh! That felt so nice!" He purred, melting to the ground. Minimus absolutely loved having warm water poured over him. Just the sweet, cleansing feeling of half the dirt and grime washing off him freed an odd weight off his wings. Another round washed the second set of grime, and gave him a new set of tingles. "Ah-ha-ha! This is heavenly! Oh, don't let this end!" He rolled over on his back, flutterkicking his legs in the air.

"Easy there, Minimus!" Lydia giggled, sloshing through the mud in her heavy, brown boots. She set a circular wooden basin down, throwing soap and brushes inside. "I still have the wash you!" She adjusted her blue overalls, tightening the straps to her waist. The white undershirt was slightly dirty from her rubbing against Minimus while bringing him outside. "And I'd appreciate you not creating a bigger and dirtier job for me!" In other words, she'd love it if he would stop rolling around like Rex when James has a treat.

"OOH!" Minimus darted up and back on his hooves. "Did you bring the lavender soap? Huh-huh! Did ya?!" He bounced like a show pony about to get his first apple. Thankfully he shook the extra dirt loose.

"Lavender and mango." Lydia showed him the bottles she emptied into the basin. "Your favorites, according to Sofia." She winked.

"She knows me so well!" Minimus gushed dreamily. Lydia began pumping water into her tub. The soap mixed in, casting a sweet and tangy aroma that had Minimus watering at the mouth. The extra soap meant to go on him got him dancing on his tip-hooves. He is the first to admit being one of very few winged horses who loves baths. Smelling good is the icing on the cake. "Thanks for covering for Sofia today. I know you're busy."

"No problem. I was happy she asked." Lydia scratched Minimus behind the ear. "Gives me the perfect excuse to hang out with you." Minimus leaned into her nails, moaning ecstatically. The nails were dancing in all the right spots. Lydia's made trips to the school in the past, but hasn't always found time to visit him in the stables.

As he is her Flying Derby horse, Sir Gilliam has instructed Sofia that Minimus will be her overall responsibility as far as cleaning and feeding him during practice and race weeks. The rest of the time, or in instances where the horses health is a factor, he will be the general caretaker. Sofia agreed to wash and feed him Fridays through Sundays, and has been diligent in her duties. Saturday is Minimus's bath days. His second most favorite day of the week. Mondays are his special coated treat days. However, this time around, Sofia left early on a hike with her Buttercup Troop. A hike that took a lot of arm twisting by Miranda before Roland agreed to let her go. Thank goodness Baileywick has Mountaineer on his resume. Lydia, somehow, never figured him for a scout.

"To be honest, I'm actually not busy at all for the next week." She stated in a matter of surprise. She led Minimus into the basin. Perfect fit for the small pony. "My studies are on hold so I can prep for my magic test next week."

"Sofia was telling me about that! Are you nervous?" Lydia inhaled to reply, "Because I would be sweating like a pig if I was going to be tested. You know, now that I've said that, and thinking about the loads and loads of questions and problems they'll be bearing down on you," Lydia's lips buttoned deadpanned."I think I'm sweating right now! TELL ME THIS IS WATER!" Minimus shot to his back hooves, cringing as if he saw a mouse. Lydia blinked as the skepticism flew from her scope. Sofia warned her Minimus a lack of self-esteem causes him to evolve into a hypochondriac. Although she was kinder with her words.

"How about that bath?" Lydia poured the desired soaps up and down Minimus, dousing him with another bucket to work up a lather. She dipped her wand and heat up the water for his delicate hooves. "Might help restore your faith I'm using water and not bodily fluids." She snapped on a pair of gloves.

"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to fly-OOOH!" Minimus regressed into putty, plopping fish legged in the basin. Lydia dug her fingers with mild aggression in his back. Alternating her looping hands in one general spot, working the soap and loosening a few sore muscles. The dirt beneath Minimus' lavender coat rose and stained the foaming bubbles. Lydia scratched at Minimus's hide, rubbing the tail between her palms. She zig-zagged her fingers back up and worked a lather in the mane, at his ears, and under his neck. "OH-HO-HO MAMA! YES, YES ,YES!" Minimus entire body flew into a spasm. She was hitting all the right places. He shook half the water out of the basin. His wings flapped so hard he almost took off with the basin. Lydia placed a hand under his wing while her other hand scrubbed the full length. "Sofia said you were good, but OOOHHH…" Minimus rolled on his back. The second her fingers touched his sides and stomach he was mewling like a donkey. "Oh, please, tell me you're not done yet!"

"I've still got your legs, if that counts." She giggled. Minimus spanned his legs, letting her have at them to her heart's content. "Oh Minimus." She laughed, throwing water over him. "Sofia forgot to mention what a ham you are."

"Horses are sponges for pampering." Lydia and Minimus yelped and spun to the cheery voice. A young girl around Lydia's age gasped and flinched back. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to startle you!" Her olive green eyes gleamed. Minimus snagged a cloth by his teeth and covered himself. "I just...heard voices from inside the stable and…" Thinking of the stables brought attention to her maroon dress. Hay decided to stick to the silken fibers. "I'm really sorry!" She nervously picked at the hay. "I should have announced myself first." She propped hand to her shoulder length black curls, adjusting the purple pair of bows stretching a ribbon across those curls.

"No, no! You're fine!" Lydia dried her hands and arms. "I just wasn't expecting anyone to be around today!" She erected a finger for Minimus to wait a moment. He had no complaints. He was going to soak in the mango, lavender goodness for as long as he can. Lydia hexed the brush so it would scrub him while she spoke with the mysterious young lady. "Well, no one except the teachers. They have staff meetings and triple check the school is well maintained every weekend."

The girl was briefly distracted by the self-moving brush. She's no stranger to magic. Household items working on their own are a particular fascination. "I guess you can't accuse the instructors for lack of due diligence."

"I don't think anyone would dare try." Lydia paused to inwardly fawn over the jewel at her collar. The rest of the dress was cute. Why can't my dress be like this one? A simple but elegant dress. "Have you seen the teachers when you challenge them?"

"I sure have." She clamped her arms, playfully shivering. "Professor Popov is scary when you step on his tap shoes."

"I think he's a kitten compared to Meryweather."

The girl accepted that proclamation as a challenge. "What if you anger them both?" She arched a snarky brow with a smirk.

"The fabric of reality can only withstand so much." She put on her best serious face. The two girls broke in a small laughing fit. Barely two minutes of each other's time and they wanted to invite one another for tea. "Best small talk I've ever had."

"If you consider this small talk I'd love to be there when you break the ice." A subtle hint. Lydia graciously accepted the hook.

"Here comes one of my more less delicate ice breakers." She helped the girl pick stray hay from the her hair, and the periwinkle crop collar strap. "What brings you by today?" Lydia created a gap so she wouldn't ruin her dress.

"I was actually looking for Sir Gilliam. He was helping take care of my horse for the week." Her pearl colored bracelets and string bead necklace glistened. Something about her seemed familiar to Lydia.

"Sir Gilliam and Miss Fauna took the horses to the vet for their routine check ups. They won't be back for a while."

"I see…" The girl curled knuckles under her chin. She chose an inopportune time. "Um...what are you up to?" Inopportune timing to get her hose, but at least she has someone to talk to for the time being. She folded her hands behind her back. "This the one who passed the vet requirements." She joked.

"Yes, but, this is actually my little sister's favorite horse." She tickled Minimus' belly. He fluttered his legs, trying not to laugh too hard. "She was supposed to wash and feed him this weekend but got caught up in her Buttercup Troop hike. So I offered to fill in for today."

"That's nice of you." She admired. She bent over and gave Minimus's ears a good scratch. "Shiny, soft coat…" She let her fingers comb through his thick mane and tail, "Strong, well kept hair. He's a healthy, good looking horse. He's lucky to have owners who love him."

"Sofia spoils this guy rotten." Minimus snorted gruffly, gusting her hair. "Sorry! It's true!" Minimus didn't appreciate her assumption and flipped on his stomach, turning his back to her. "He's also deceivingly sensitive." She playfully insulted. Minimus sputtered huffily.

"My sister always tries to get out of her duties." The girl dried her hands. "Ends up falling on my shoulders so mom and dad won't raise their voices."

"She sounds like my other little sister." Lydia grit her teeth, shaking her head annoyed. "That girl hates work. Won't even move a chair back into place."

"I think it builds character." The girl shrugged.

"Then you must do a lot of work. Your character is very uplifting."

"Thank you! That's...really nice of you!" She blushed, chortling bashfully. "You must work hard too. You seem diligent." She gestured to the mewling horses soaking in the bath.

"Nah. I just do what needs to be done." She modestly declined. I like her. Lydia's mind declared. The feeling seemed to be mutual. And throughout this conversation she had yet to get a name with the new face. "I'm Lydia." She extended a hand.

"My name is Rochelle!" The two vehemently shook hands. "It's nice to meet you, Lydia."

"Likewise…" Lydia can't help it. Rochelle is pretty, funny, and wonderful - thus far - and yet...Lydia can't get over why she looked so familiar. It's in her face. Something about her face jumped out at her.

"Well...I should get going...and let you get back to work." She sighed dismally. She walked backwards, glimpsing between the ground and Lydia. "I'll come pick up my horse from Sir Gilliam tomorrow." She turned on her heels.

Lydia was saddened she had to leave so soon. Gwen, Adelea, and Alauna aside, it isn't often she gets to talk with people her age outside her normal loop. "UM…!" Rochelle raised a brow at her. "I'm almost finished with Minimus. And I haven't eaten lunch yet…" Her cheeks flushed pink she directed thumbs toward the school, "Care to join me in the cafeteria? I know how to make smoothies." She tempted, bouncing her brow.

"What's a smoothie?" Rochelle beamed ardently. Her legs sprinted on their own to Lydia. "I've never had one before. Are they good?"

"Do you like an assortment of fruits mixed together?" She quizzed.

"That's my favorite snack."

"Then you'll love 'em!"

"YAY! I can't wait!" She pranced.

"Me neither!" Lydia and Rochelle joined hands. Minimus pouted, blowing bubbles in the water. So much for his relaxing bath.

xxx

Lydia threw her work cloths in the school's laundry room. She hosed herself down before putting her puffy maroon shirt and black pants on. She'll need to take a three hour long shower to remove the Minimus smell. No amount of tangerine wash was going to exhume the odor. Rochelle practically skipped after Lydia to the cafeteria. Lydia couldn't help laughing at her. One would think she's being shown Atlantis the way she's prancing. Rochelle admitted that she tried to contain herself. She possesses an inane quirk that sends her into a hailstorm of hyperness when introduced to something new. No matter how big, small, or insignificant it may sound to the other person. Lydia can appreciate that. After all, Lydia does tend to get a little too excited when the Knights stop by the castle for a debriefing. SHe loves a man in uniform. Rochelle's taste in men involves guys in tights. Major Robin Hood fan.

The two girls passed the time walking to the cafeteria talking about their hobbies, favorite foods, what sort of music they liked. Lydia never pegged Rochelle for a yodeler fan. Aren't very many of those. Apparently it is an acquired taste of music. Rochelle's also a lover of sculpting and art. Her parents are constantly getting upset with her because her ceramics mess scales the walls to the ceilings. Dont' even get her started when she had to make a figure out of marble. The walls in her art room are still being replastered after a year. A barrage of arrows looked like they passed through. Lydia can relate to parents lacking appreciation for the destruction that comes with a passion. Whenever she has to practice a new spell, or create a concoction, a mess tends to lurk in the cloud of clutter orbiting her before creating its ground zero. Hence my mommy dearest is buckling down on a ban on magic anywhere but her room.

Entering the cafeteria, the girls were thrown slightly aback by the grand banquet hall. Lydia's shocked her random turns haven't brought her to this area yet. The young Royals have a nice place to eat.

The food line was open. The cafeteria workers already had prepped food to serve to the teachers during their meetings. A neat sign stating they were out to lunch left Lydia and Rochelle free to gorge. Lydia setup mixing bowls, sugar, salt, and other items needed for her creation. Rochelle helped gather up her favorite fruits for the unique concoction known as the smoothie. Her tastebuds were watering just thinking about the drinks. Are they sweet? Do they taste like thee fruit in them? Why are they called smoothies? How come ice and yogurt is used? Questions spiraling in a tizzy. She was hoping Lydia would just conjure one up instead of making it by hand.

"Before you ask," Lydia tied a bandanna to her head, and looped an apron around her neck, "Smoothies taste better by hand than by wand." Nevertheless, she waved her wand, levitating the ice. Sharp swipes down and sideways and a thrust, and the ice was diced to shavings. "Though it does help when the cook doesn't like hammers."

"Butterfingers?" Rochelle leaned on her hands and elbows.

"You have no idea." Lydia groaned. She clapped her hands, startling Rochelle. "Shall we begin? Pick your poisons."

"Sure. Uhh…" Rochelle debated amongst the assortment of ripe fruits. "Blueberry, pomegranate, and...I guess that'll be it for now."

"Blueberry pomegranate smoothie for the Lady," Lydia twirled a wrist, dipping into a bow, "As she wishes." Rochelle giggled charmed.

Lydia started with putting blueberries in one bowl, and scooping pomegranate seeds into another. She poured water over them, shuffling them to get them clean while she preps. She moved on to pouring the yogurt into a small bowl. Followed by a quarter cup of sugar, a pinch of salt. In a separate bowl she added the blueberries and pomegranate, grounding them together. She put all of her ingredients together with the yogurt, added the ice, placed a lid and start to shake the bowl vigorously. She had Rochelle laughing when she broke out in song and dance. Lydia opened the bowl to a coagulated mess. Rochelle leaned over, lured by the mouthwatering scent and taste. A dark purplish mix twisted the initial fantasy she had. Lydia erected two index fingers. She wasn't quite done yet. Spinach, cinnamon, and beige leaflets were ground into flakes. Added a splash of milk and a paste was made. Lydia proceeded to add milk to the larger batch, and then what she had ground. She then started to whisk it - darting about the bowl to let the flavors mesh - and smoothed it out. Now, she was finished.

Rochelle set the two cup near her. She froze to twist her face in disgust of the odd muck inside the bowl. Suddenly he desire for this so called smoothie was dramatically disintegrated. Her imagination created the delusion it would grow eyes and a mouth and try to eat her brains. Like those brain sponges in the mermaid tales. Lydia carefully shoveled the concoction into the cups, minding to not make an even bigger mess than she already has. It poured like a flowing liquid compared to the thick muck it was a couple minutes ago. Whipped cream was offered as the topper. Rochelle let Lydia do as she pleased. She wasn't sure she'd like it. Which makes her feel guilty Lydia went through the trouble of making it.

Whipped cream, a cherry, straws added - the smoothies were complete. Lydia slid Rochelle hers, while she sat and vehemently indulged in her own. Rochelle eye balled it like a foreign object. Specks of the spinach, the cinnamon. Sounds less appetizing when she thinks about what's in it. "Mmm…" Lydia's cheeks flushed. "That's delicious."

Rochelle lifted a skeptical brow, then glanced back at her own smoothie. When she gave it a second thought, it doesn't look bad. Smells pretty good. And Lydia doesn't seemed turned off. If she says so...She licked her dry lips. Her lips shaped to the straw. The contents touched her tongue. Her mind exploded. Stars sparkled in her eyes as they rolled in the back of her head. "This...is...amazing!" She rasped.

"Told you." Lydia winked. "And you doubted me."

"I didn't doubt you." Doubt is such a strong and negative word. "I doubted the logic of adding fruits and vegetables together." Lydia hummed her skepticism, rolling her eyes. "I'm sorry I doubted the creative mind of Lydia." Rochelle bowed to her mastery of fruits, ice, and yogurt.

"Apology accepted." Lydia shrugged.

"Although, I am curious of how one tastes when conjured by wand." Rochelle tapped Lydia's wand.

"Imagine cardboard with a fruity aftertaste."

"Ew!"

"Exactly. Learned that one the hard way at Hexley."

"You went to Hexley?" Rochelle chirped. She bobbed her head. Makes sense. "Explains your fluid motions with the wand. They have a cooking class?"

"The school teaches us that magic doesn't solve all your problems. True achievement comes from your own hands." She flashed her wiggling appendages. Merlin himself recited those very same words to King Arthur before the crown sat upon his head. "Cooking - pastries mostly - are my favorite dish. I don't like magic getting in the way of that."

"Understandable. My mom feels the same way when the gardner offers to tend to her garden." Rochelle shook her head, mourning for that gardener. "One does not impeded upon Pamela when she is gardening. It's her stress reliever."

Pamela? The name was lightning to her skull. There is more than one Pamela in the world. Lydia knit her brow. Rochelle….almost...nah! Couldn't be! "My Dad's stress reliever is the jiggly-wiggly pudding Chef Andre makes. No one stands in the way of Roland and his pudding."

"Roland?" Rochelle chimed, licking cream from her lip.

"Something wrong?" Lydia noticed the quirk in her voice.

"Nothing just…" Rochelle tiched her cheek, "The King of Enchancia's name is also Roland." Tension squeezed Lydia's chest. "That's a strange coincidence." She treaded.

"Only if your mom bearing the same name as the Queen of Friezenburg is a coincidence as well."

"That's…" Rochelle scoffed, losing her breath. Her throat ran dry. "That's not a coincidence...either." And so the awkwardness sets in. A stifling silence clung to the air. Rochelle and Lydia, in a deadlock of blank stares, shying back and forth. "I'm sorry." Rochelle waved her hands, stopping themselves before they got too far ahead. "We introduced ourselves right?" She swayed a finger.

"I...thought we did…" Lydia leaned back.

The cafeteria doors burst open. "Rochelle! There you are!" A gruff voice bellowed. Lydia's smoothie nearly dropped like her jaw at the portly man trudging into the cafeteria. His long hair and beard touching to his royal dark blue robes. "Sir Gilliam has returned with Attica. We can saddle her up and-" The man stopped aghast at Lydia, burning red with anger. King Abraham, ruler of Friezenbrug, locked his fiery crosshairs on her. Lucky her. Lydia was afraid she'd have to hide her rancor toward his presence. "What in the 99 kingdoms are you doing with my daughter?!" He roared.

"I'm minding my own business having a smoothie! And daughter?!" Lydia looped back to Rochelle who froze like a deer in a torchlight. "King Abraham is your father?!" She wasn't appalled or angry or anything. Just...really disappointed by how small the world is. "That makes...Pamela - QUEEN PAMELA-"

"My mom." Rochelle shot to her feet, strutting anxiously to Lydia. Jaw dropped she pointed at Lydia as if she was an alien. "That MUST make you King Roland II daughter! You're the Sorcerer Princess! PRINCESS SOFIA IS YOUR SISTER!" She screamed shocked,

"You're Hildegard's big sister!" Lydia tugged at her hair. THAT'S IT! The epiphany struck her like a gong. No wonder Rochelle's face bothered her. Rochelle is the mirror image of Hildegard. Only...nicer.

"Wow...um...small world." Rochelle's voice dried.

"No...kidding." Lydia replied in a trance. She can't believe the rotten luck. Or blessing. Whatever the next few minutes breed. Either way, somehow someone in the vast, vast universe had a twisted sense of humor. Hildegard led to her by Amber. Cecily suckering her into the same room with Pamela and Irene. And now she is sharing smoothies with Rochelle, Hildegard's older sister, and daddy dearest has walked in on them. All roads lead to Friezenburg. And boy was it getting cold. Lydia veered back around to Abraham, trapped in awe of this strange series of coincidences. "This is turning into an awkward moment."

"Indeed." Abraham huffed. "It would benefit everyone if you went home for the day."

Lydia wasn't going to argue about that. She'll happily be the one to leave first. She turned to Rochelle, not wanting to forget her manners. "Princess Rochelle," Lydia curtsied, bowing her head, "It's been a pleasure. Lovely meeting you."

"L-likewise…" Rochelle returned the curtsey. The formality by Lydia threw her aback. A twinge of hurt pricked her chest. That's...a 180.

"King Abraham. Good day." In a puff of smoke, Lydia vanished.

Rochelle blinked astonished. She glanced shocked at her father who seemed altruistic by Lydia's departure. "That was the girl you, mom, and Hildegard hate?" She snapped. The Lydia she constantly hears about is a rude, disrespectful brat with no regard for authority. That she...abuses her role and uses magic to tarnish traditions. She's pretty sure Hildegard blamed her for global warming. Abraham opened his mouth to excuse his behavior. Rochelle snatched her smoothie, storming for the door. "Remind me to meet people before I hear your biased biography of them!"

The door slammed before Abraham could plead her ear. He growled in the back of his throat. "First Irene, and now Rochelle." He shook his head. "How many does this girl plan to fool?"

xxx

Lydia nearly crash landed Spirit on the stretch she drove him in so fast. She promised him a bucket of his favorite oats as an apology. For now, she needed to find the best place to clear her head and vent. She's infuriated, happy, befuddled, and aggravated all at once. She was sharing smoothies with...the daughter of a man who hates her guts...AND SHE LIKES HER! She really likes Rochelle. Who knows what Abraham has told her about me! Lydia snorted resentfully. Bet she's already formed her own ignorant theories about me! Guess she should stick a fork in this relationship before she starts missing her.

Before Lydia's sub conscious ranting caught up to her conscious thought, she was in the gardens being swarmed by Buttercup Troops. "HI, LYDIA!" Jade and Ruby jumped her, snaring her in huge hugs. "Where've you been?"

"Helping Sofia with Minimus." She shrugged.

"Thanks again for that." Sofia cupped her hands.

"No problem. I take it the hike went well." She raised a brow to Roland.

"Better than I originally conceived." Roland shifted uncomfortably. He labeled Sofia incapable of going on a hike because of how young she is. His daughters have a sublime way of proving his preconceptions wrong. "Save for a few minor skin irritations. What about you?" Roland tilted her chin. "You look flushed. See a ghost."

"I met someone interesting today!" Interesting meaning another picture to add to her dart wall. "But before I get into that," She clicked her tongue, pointing disturbed at Baileywick in a wheelchair, "Should I be concerned?"

"Let's just say I'll be careful about what flowers to touch from now on." Baileywick winked to Sofia. She laughed at him. Lydia will take that. She will take it. Because, regardless of what led to it, Baileywick still had a better day than her. And she's still got a test to study for.

Not one of my best chapters. I'm actually a little disappointed in this one.

Work kills my creativity. Oh well. I have plans for Rochelle. This was a necessary evil. I will come back in the next chapter. Woop-woop.

To be continued.