Saving Prince James: A James and Sofia Love Story

Set in an alternate universe, James is now 20 and usurped his father as king and conquered every kingdom to create an empire, but he has lived his years as a lonely king with only power and wealth to keep him company. When Cedric summons a banished Sofia, 18, to the castle to secretly save the kingdoms and James, something stirs in James's heart the moment he sees a grown and blossomed Sofia. Can a banished princess save the kingdoms and can a ruthless prince find his way into the heart of a princess he once lost?

Chapter 2: Return To Enchancia

Sofia

Sofia sat across her mother in the royal carriage that arrived for them a day after Fake Cedric's visit while Amber was asleep beside their mother.

Earlier this morning, a palace guard named Michelson arrived to their estate and stated that James has demanded for their presence at the castle. He was kind enough to allow Amber's request of letting them get properly dressed up first.

"Sofia!" Sofia's mind wondered back to this morning's events, "you have to look your best since we're going to see James after all these years. Now stop your squirming and sit still."

Amber brushed Sofia's hair into a half up-do so roughly that she was willing to just let her wavy hair remain a mess and go to James in a raggedy old commoner's dress.

"Why do we even have to look our best?" Sofia complained, her voice growing hard and bitter, "It's James we're going to see, remember? It's not like our appearance will change anything about what he's done or what he might do."

"I know Sofia," Amber's voice became soft and kind, "but I want to prove to him that even though he left us on our own, we survived well without the royal money and we still looked like princesses. I mean look at me, I worked with dirt but I'm still beautiful too."

When Amber only heard Sofia let out a small laugh, she asked gently, "Sofia, are you sure about this? Returning back to Enchancia where James is? You know you didn't have to agree to this, you don't have to save that monster if you don't want to."

"I know… I just want to see if there is anything in him that might be worth saving. If there isn't, then I'll know for sure and I can walk away. If there is, then I'll do whatever it takes to save James and the kingdoms."

Amber let out a heavy sigh, "If you're certain about this, I trust your judgment and support you. It's James that I don't trust anymore. After everything he's done, I just don't think it's a good idea for us to return to Enchancia."

"I know… but thank you for caring Amber," Sofia said, giving Amber's hand a tight squeeze.

Moments later, when Amber deemed them all perfectly dressed for their grand return to Enchancia's court, they left on a carriage carried by four white flying horses. The three women were dressed in their best gowns, which, since they were cut off from all royal expenses, didn't look like much. Amber was dressed in a light lace yellow gown and had her hair tastefully curled while Sofia had on her favorite modest purple satin dress she and Amber made together last year. Their mother had on a cream orange colored dress that Amber chose for her and had her hair done into a simple bun.

In the carriage, Sofia looked over at the young guard beside her. He must have been no older than 21 and he had a soft, gentleness about him. When he looked at her and gave her a smile, she saw that his eyes was a warm brown.

He's quite handsome, Sofia thought. She liked how his wavy dark brown hair was light against the rushing air and she noticed how tall and built he was for someone in the royal guard. For someone so tall and muscular, he should be a knight, not a guard.

Stop it Sofia, her mind scolded, you should be thinking about how you are going to save James and the kingdoms!

And for the remainder of the long ride to the palace, her mind was filled with questions with the exception of the occasional glance at Sir Michelson. Sofia understood that it was her decision to return and possibly save James, but what she didn't understand was why did he call them all back? What possible reason did James have to demand they return?

"Sir Michelson, may I ask you a question?" Sofia asked him just before they arrived to the castle, thinking that he might have some information.

"You may, Your Highness."

"Do you know why James called us to the palace?"

Michelson gave Sofia a sympathetic look, "I am sorry Your Highness, but no I do not. I was simply ordered by Lord Baileywick to escort you back to the palace as quickly as possible."

"Oh…." Sofia said, her mind still at unrest and filling with more questions. When I get there, what's going to happen? I told Amber that if I see something redeeming in him, I will save him. But how am I going to do that? It's been years since I've seen James. He's changed so much and the last time I've seen him, he was someone I hardly recognized. What if there is nothing in him to save, do I just walk away?

Sofia said that she would walk away, but can she really do that despite all that has happened? James was someone she loved, how can she leave someone who held such an important part of her heart?

"Don't worry Your Highness," Michelson said, seeing her distraught expression and breaking her from her thoughts, "speaking for all of the guards, we are all here to protect you, Princess Amber, and the Queen Mother."

"What do you mean?" asked Queen Miranda.

"Your Majesty, even though all of the guards are under King James's power, we all still support you and your daughters. In all honesty, we all are willing to die to protect you from him. Many of the palace guards did not like how King James took power by killing one of the greatest kings Enchancia has ever had."

"Thank you, Sir Michelson, but let's hope it does not result in something puts you all in danger." said the queen.

"Yes of course, Your Majesty. So does did that make you feel any better Princess Sofia?"

Sofia looked at Michelson and saw in his positive eyes that he was making the effort to ease Sofia's nerves. Touched, she replied, "yes, Sir Michelson, that did."

Looking out of the window, Sofia saw the fast approaching castle and was a bit shocked to notice that nothing new was added to the exterior of the castle.

Once they all landed, almost immediately they were greeted by Baileywick. "Your Majesties!" he said, looking all too happy, "welcome back!"

"Baileywick! Oh how I've missed you!" Amber said, rushing out of the carriage and hugging him tightly.

"It's good to see you, Baileywick," said the queen, joining Amber by her side.

Sofia was last being helped out of the carriage by Michelson and thanked the handsome guard for escorting them back safely.

"It was my pleasure, Your Highness." Michelson said, bowing low. "I'm always around, so just call for me if you ever need anything." Standing up right, he suddenly took her right hand and gently kissed it, making her cheeks burn.

Too embarrassed to reply, she simply nodded and rushed off to join her mother and sister as they were making their way into the castle. Looking behind her, she saw a blushing Michelson with a goofy smile and waving at her, and with a tiny laugh, she waved back before turning around.

Within the walls of the castle, Sofia was baffled to see that everything remained the same and took in the old familiarity of it all. The old grand entrance way, doors, and the large towers remained. The hallways still hung past monarchs' portraits and even the old stain glass window of the royal family was still intact. She would have figured that from James's past personality, he would have gone on a mad dash to change everything and make a new castle based on his preferences. So why did he keep everything the same?

As Baileywick was leading them towards the throne room, he whispered, "I apologize that I was unable to escort you three here myself. King James forbids me from leaving the castle grounds."

"It's alright Baileywick," said Queen Miranda, "we understand. I'm just happy that you're alive and well."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," he said with a small smile.

Looking at Baileywick out of the corners of her eyes, Sofia got a good look at his face and noticed that he has dark circles under his eyes and his cheeks are so hollow now. He doesn't look like the old Baileywick she once knew. He appeared so thin and old, his hair fully gray and his eyes still held some light in them but not like they once did.

Stopping in front of the throne room's massive doors, Baileywick whispered to Sofia, "Princess Sofia, please save King James. I know this is a lot of pressure to put on you, but please help him. There is still good in him somewhere, I just know it."

"I'll try…," Sofia said to reassure both Baileywick and herself, steeling herself just before the doors opened and entering in a single line with Sofia last to see a smiling James sitting on the throne.

He's grown so much, Sofia thought.

Walking slowly towards her stepbrother, she looked him over and saw how much James's outer appearance has matured. His shoulders were broad and his body was lean, as if he spent all his time just exercising and she couldn't help but noticed how muscular his arms looked through his royal uniform. She saw that he cut his hair short, unlike how he had it when they were younger, and had it stylishly combed away from his face.

Getting a good look at his face now, Sofia was almost stunned to see how handsome he was. His face was strong and chiseled, just like any young king's should be, but there was something about it that made Sofia's heart skip a beat. Maybe it was because how his face was hard and serious, that every inch of him just screamed solid muscles and yet there was still a youthfulness about him.

For anyone else, it would be hard to believe that someone so young looking could live up to all of the tales of the murderous king, but for Sofia, she witnessed it all firsthand at what he was capable of. It was only his eyes that could give her answers that she is after, that if she should stay and try to save him or not.

His green eyes… the very same ones that she enjoyed to look at when she was younger. Half of her didn't want to look, afraid of what she'll see in them, but the other half wanted to, just to see if there was at least some small spark of light in them. She lifted her gaze and saw that James was looking right at her, his face perfectly poised as if he was trying to mask all emotions, but then when they made eye contact, his mask just slightly broke and in between those tiny cracks, she saw a small, miniscule spark of light in his eyes.

James

She's even more beautiful in person, James thought as he marveled at Sofia.

As she was making her way to him, he tried to drink in every detail of her. From how her hair looked even more rich and lush and sun kissed as it waved behind her, how her red lips looked full and tender, and how her eyes appeared even more blue than they did in the crystal ball. They shined so bright that they could put all the stars to shame.

And he couldn't help but notice how her purple dress hugged each and every one of her curves, giving her an hourglass shape. That was something he didn't notice in the crystal ball and despite himself, he couldn't help but run his eyes over her tiny waist and developed chest. Her matured body looked so good in his eyes, her dress showed just enough to be tasteful and yet teasing.

Where are you looking at? That's your little sister for crying out loud! He cursed at himself but… she was simply too beautiful to be real.

He wanted so badly to touch her, to make sure that she wouldn't disappear and vanish before his eyes like she does in his dreams, to have her in his arms and keep her there, and… and… to kiss her?

Where did that come from? James thought. He's never had that thought before. Sure he's noticed her lips but never had he thought of kissing her. But…yes, he wanted to. To press his lips against hers, to feel how soft they might be, and suddenly it wasn't her blossomed body that he couldn't rip his eyes from, it was her lips and eyes. They called to him and he just wanted to stare at it all day.

The closer she got to him, the faster his heart beat and as she stopped in front of him, he noticed that her blue eyes still shined like the sky but they weren't the same as he remembered them. They weren't full of the innocence and honesty he was used to seeing, they've changed… and he was taken aback by the hardness in them.

And suddenly, last night's dream appeared in his thoughts.

For so long, whenever a 7 or 13 year old version of Sofia would appear, he would try his hardest to reach for her outreached hand, but she would always disappear and leave him in the dark. Last night's dream was different though. Instead, this Sofia was from the crystal ball that showed up and this time, he managed to reach her. Her arms wrapped around him and he wasn't in the dark anymore, she was his light and saved him from the dark recesses of his mind.

Maybe that was a sign, a sign to keep Sofia beside him. James didn't understand his new need to have her next to him, he just knew that he needed her by his side. Would she agree to it though? Would she even want to be next to the man who killed her father? Next to a monster like him?

They bowed low and Baileywick announced them one by one. "Your Majesty, I present to you, Her Majesty, Queen Miranda, The Queen Mother and Their Highnesses, Princess Amber and Princess Sofia."

Pushing all thoughts from his mind, James's usual false smile returned. "Welcome back. I presume your journey was enjoyable?"

"Yes it was James," the queen replied.

"And how are you all adjusting to life in the countryside?"

"Just fine, thank you for asking."

And their conversation continued like that. James would ask simple questions about their lives and what they have been up to, and only Queen Miranda or Amber would reply to him. Sofia just stood there and looked at him, like she was searching in his eyes for something…. Throughout his conversation with his mother and twin sister, he never broke eye contact with Sofia and as she stared long and hard into his eyes, and he tried to figure out just what she was trying to find in him so that he could give it to her.

"James," Sofia's small yet firm voice broke through, echoing throughout the silenced room.

Her voice…, he thought. It sounds the same, but different at the same time. It had the same airiness to it, so light that it could flow with the wind and just fly away. Yet, there was something strong in it, a strength that could be found in a warrior goddess.

"Enough with all of the small talk, already. Just tell us why you called us here." She stared at him, unblinking and reserved.

Normally, anyone who would talk to him like that, they would be immediately imprisoned and later sent to be killed. But maybe it was the way she held her head high and looked him right in the eye, as if daring him to call the guards, that didn't make him send for the guards. Her boldness almost made him break out into a real smile, something he hasn't done in years.

Just be honest with her James, he thought, slightly laughing to himself, you already know that she can tell if you're lying.

"Very well," James said, smiling, "Baileywick, send for Cedric and have him bring with his crystal ball."

"Yes Your Majesty," Baileywick said with a bow, dashing out of the room and quickly reentered with Cedric behind him.

"Cedric, show the images from yesterday." James said to him as he placed his crystal at the bottom of the dais.

The crystal began to light up and projected images from yesterday, of Sofia and her family outside of their estate, but when the image of Sofia laughing with that boy appeared, all the joy in him vanished and was replaced with a growing anger. He was more mad at himself for not being the cause of her laugh, to not be there in person to see how her eyes shined whenever she laughed or smiled, but James still wanted to beat that boy, to pound his face in because he caused his Sofia to laugh.

"You see, yesterday, I had Cedric show me how you all were doing in the countryside. I just wanted to see what you all have been up to since I exiled you guys and do a little checkup. I saw that you have a business now? Is that correct?" he said, hearing an edge in his voice.

"Yes, we've already told you that Mom and I have a shoe repair business and Amber sells flowers."

"Is it really only you and Mom?" the edge in his voice growing harder. "Or is there also someone else?"

"Just where is this going James?" Amber spoke up, her impatience obvious.

"I just want to know who else they share their business with, that's all," he said. James could feel his anger growing out of control and breaking his patience. From the pit of his stomach, his rage fumed from within him, his hands clenching and turning his knuckles white.

Why? James thought, why does it bother me so much? Why can't I take the idea that she might have a suitor? Shouldn't I be happy that she's found a guy that might make her happy?

"What do you mean? Mom and I are the only ones who own it." And right there, his temper broke.

"Oh really?! Then. Who. Is. This!" James had Cedric stop at the image he saved yesterday, of Sofia sitting close to that dark haired boy on the front seat of the carriage. "Hmm? Answer me Sofia!"

He took joy in seeing her taken aback by his anger, but only for a short while because he saw how quickly her shocked expression turned angry. Her brows furrowed, her lips frowned, and she stared daggers at him.

"I don't have to answer you, James," she answered coolly, "not when you're yelling at me like a madman."

"What?!" James nearly got out of his seat on the throne just to stand nose to nose with Sofia.

"Now James," he barely heard his mother say, "calm down just a bit."

"Don't!" he screamed, turning to glare at his mother, "I want to hear it from Sofia, herself!"

James felt it. His anger was becoming uncontrollable and it was getting the best of him…. He didn't understand when his anger became like this, it just happened and now it was explosive. Unleashed like a crazed animal, every word they uttered just fed it and he knew that it was inevitable that one of them would be bitten and hurt.

"James!" Amber and Sofia yelled.

"Don't yell at mom!" Amber screamed.

"Shut it Amber!"

"No!"

"James," began his mom, "please–"

Not wanting to hear any more of his mom's voice, James yelled, "Guards! Shut Queen Miranda up and send her back to her home in the countryside!"

"Stop it James!" Sofia screamed. Both Sofia and Amber ran to their mother's side, blocking the approaching guards.

"Then tell me who he is!"

"Why?" Sofia glared at him, "why does it matter to you?!"

Why won't you tell me? James thought. Fed up with her, he decided to threaten it out of her. "If you don't tell me who he is, I'm going to send mom somewhere you'll never find her."

"What?!" all three women exclaimed, shocked at his sudden threat.

"Sofia, I'm serious! Tell me who he is!"

"Sofia…. Don't tell him anything," Amber hissed. "If you think that threatening us will get you anywhere, you are so wrong!"

"Fine!" James spat, "then watch as mom is dragged away!"


Well, chapter two is up and ready! This is a little shorter than I wanted, but I'm saving the juicy bits for the next chapters. ;) Thank you to all of those who reviewed and gave me good tips, I took it all to heart and made adjustments to this chapter. I hope you all like it. Again, this is my first fan fic series, so give HONEST and MATURE reviews and comments please.

Thanks :)