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 12: The Trapped Spirit
Sofia
On the day before the ball, both Sofia and Amber were in Madame Collette's workshop with Ruby and Jade so that Madame Collette can create a dress for them. Late in the afternoon, the entire room was covered with small, discarded pieces of colorful fabric and ribbons.
"Oh!" Amber said excitedly while she waved her new green lace fan. "That color is so wonderful on you, Ruby!"
Sofia could see Ruby break into a big smile as she stood on the raised dais in a simple but beautiful burgundy gown that made her figure look incredible. The ends of her sleeves and her fitted bodice are specked with small white rhinestones while her flowing multilayered skirt was intricately designed with dark colors. Amber was right when she said that the color looked wonderful on Ruby, it made her chocolate skin glow.
"Don't you agree, Sofia?" Amber asked her. All around her, her sister and old friends laughed and talked happily.
But Sofia couldn't reply. All Sofia could do was just nod to her sister as she gushed on and on about their dresses. Her mind was still somewhat upset about how things went down between Sofia and her friends last night.
Upon visiting them, Sofia couldn't help but notice how much her old friends have changed over the years; they seem to be more solemn and melancholy. Their eyes held so little light and were so heavy with such sad emotions that they didn't seem like the old, happy friends that she once knew. And when she left their home, she could feel how guarded they were and Sofia was sure that their hearts are now hardened into stones. Nothing was the same between them….
Things didn't go over so well either when Sofia returned back to the castle with James and Blue.
Following the massive uproar of her secret trip into the village, Sofia was immediately tackled by her sister when she stepped through the castle's doors. And then she was lectured and scolded by Amber after being hugged and kissed repeatedly. Sofia's ears still ring with all of Amber's reprimanding.
And hearing how hurt Amber was at Sofia's secret escape, Sofia felt so guilty seeing her sister's tears and damaged expression.
But after a short period of apologizing with one another, Amber for not being of any help for Sofia and Sofia for running away, the two made amends and simply hugged it out. And in the end, Amber made sure that Sofia promised to at least tell her what is bothering her and that if Sofia was to ever run away again, that she must bring Amber along with her which made them both burst into laughter.
"Really?" Ruby said as she turned to look at herself in the three panel mirror. Ruby's voice bringing Sofia back from her thoughts.
"Oh, totally!" Jade complimented. "Amber was right when she said that burgundy would look great on you!"
From where she sat in the room, Sofia couldn't help but feel as if she was no longer part of this small foursome. As respectfully as she could manage, Sofia sat just a bit away from her old friends and older sister.
When Ruby and Jade first arrived at the castle this morning, there was already a deep awkwardness and tension that surrounded Sofia and her village friends due to their rejection of becoming Sofia's ladies-in-waiting and their collective hatred for James. It seems that it caused some sort of strain or rift within their friendship.
Sofia understands that their anger towards James is justified because he did do horrible things towards almost everyone in his empire. But she's trying to save him for the better, and she can see how much he's already changing; she can see how hard he's trying. She just wants them to see the same good in him that she sees.
And Sofia knew that she can never tell them that she has feelings for the same guy who is responsible for so many deaths, especially her friends' parent's deaths. That despite how much his hands are coated in blood, they would never understand how she could possibly be in love with him. Sofia is certain that her old friends and even her sister would never understand her feelings towards James. They would simply look at her as if she was crazy because she is attracted to her stepbrother, the murderous king. There was only one person who she could talk to….
"And Jade, your dress is getting along so well!" Amber turned and gushed to Jade as some of Madame Collette's assistants finished sewing the last bits of Ruby's dress. Amber's loud squeals almost made Sofia jump from her seat, Sofia was surprised at herself that she didn't even realizd she retuned to her deep thoughts. "The brown lace was a perfect addition to that beige dress!"
Jade stood on the other raised dais in her unfinished silky brown and beige gown that made her look like a graceful duchess. The structure of her dress was similar to that of Ruby's in exception for her long sleeves and rhinestones. Jade's dress was fitted with ruffles around her low neckline and short sleeves, her light beige skirt flowed with a top layer of dark brown soft lace.
"Well, it was your idea to add it, so of course it would look great," Jade said bashfully as she ran her hands down the lace.
Besides Sofia's and Amber's dress, Amber was also in control of the construction of Ruby's and Jade's dresses. Early in the plans of the ball, Amber made sure that their dresses were on the very top of the to-do list and made sure that she was in control of its construction. And within just a week, Madame Collette had it finished. Well, only Sofia's because Amber continued to add more lavish details into her dress so that it would better match the ball's simple autumn theme she chose. Originally, Amber wanted to have a massive and extravagant masquerade ball because the day of the ball was just before All Hallows' Eve but Sofia managed to convince her to just have a simple ball because of the upcoming holiday.
"I know. I am just on a roll today." Amber giggled at the compliment.
Despite the warm and friendly atmosphere that surrounded the workroom, Sofia still felt outside of her formerly close-knit group. And even though she was sitting just outside of their conversation, she still felt like an outsider.
Sofia…. Sofia…. A voice in her head called. Sofia…. Sofia…. We need to talk…. I need your help….
It was the same voice that she heard yesterday morning and when she returned back to the castle after her breakdown and late night sneak out.
It was the voice that helped her last night.
It was the voice that comforted her.
It was the voice of the late Queen Anne.
Sofia, come to your room. We need to talk…. I need to explain some things to you!
Sofia could hear the urgency and panic in the former queen's voice, and she knew that she needed to see Queen Anne.
"Ah!" Sofia said suddenly, earning curious looks from everyone in the room. "Um… Excuse me, I just remembered that I need to… um go… and…."
Can I just say that I need to go feed Blue? Will they believe that?
Thinking it over, Sofia remembered how, after the debacle, Amber allowed Sofia to keep her new baby bunny but only in the royal zoo, where Blue can be properly cared for and socialize with other bunnies like him.
No, they won't…. Blue's in the zoo with the keeper and caretakers, there's no point in trying to feed him if there are already others to do that.
"Sofia, what is it?" Amber asked gently.
Think! Sofia! Think!
"I… uh… promised James that I would come by once in a while to check up on him. So… I need to go just for a bit," Sofia somewhat lied. She really did promised that to James, but not until a little later in the day.
Sofia could see how tense and rigid both Jade and Ruby became the moment Sofia said James's name, and she immediately regretted putting his name out there like that. She just wanted the both of them to feel relaxed and at peace here in the castle, even if the person responsible for their misery was just on the other side of the castle.
"Alright," Amber said quizzically. "Just remember to meet us down at the garden's gazebo for our late afternoon tea at two. I expect you there promptly at two. If you're even a minute late, I will hunt you down."
Along with the sisterly hugs and scolding after her secret escape, Amber was going to ensure that she always knew exactly where she is at all times and was practically going to refuse to allow her out of her sight. But just before her precautions got out of hand, Sofia managed to convince her overly protective sister that she just need some time alone once in a while.
With a mask of small, joking laughs to calm Amber down, Sofia reassured her that she'll be there on time and promptly left the room. But the closer she got to the door, the guiltier she felt at leaving her two best friends behind. Just as she made it outside of the room, she felt a warm hand on her arm. Looking over, she saw Cyrus looking at her worryingly.
To be respectful to Jade and Ruby, Amber had their two personal guards stand post outside of Madame Collette's workroom.
"Is everything alright?" Cyrus's handsome face looked concernly into her eyes.
"Yes, why do you ask?"
Pulling her over to the side, he looked down at her with skeptical eyes. "Sofia, I've been watching you the entire time and saw how depressed you looked in there. So tell. What's wrong?"
"Fine," she sighed, thinking that if she told him just a little bit of the truth, then she can get away faster. "I feel like I don't belong with the group anymore, so I just wanted to go see James and see how he's doing. And along the way, try to recollect myself."
Sofia carefully watched Cyrus's eyes to see if he would relent and let her go off to Queen Anne.
"Is that really it?"
"Yes, so can I please go before I explode?" Sofia asked playfully, hoping to keep the urgency from her voice. "I just need this quiet walk really. I just used James as an excuse.
"Do you want me to go with you and keep you company?" Cyrus asked, shocking her at how earnest and eager his voice was.
"No, it's okay. I actually want to be alone." With a soft pat on his forearm, Sofia tried to calmly walk away and towards her room, so that she wouldn't draw any attention.
With the voices around her now quiet and low, her mind returned to the events of last night.
Quickly after she left Ruby's house, all Sofia could remember was hopping on Lilac and being launched into the air. The only thing she remembers was just how hot her tears felt as they rushed down her face because of the helplessness and abandonment that gripped her. She didn't even realize that Lilac was close to landing until she heard the alarms raging and saw lights swaying back and forth around the castle. In a panic, she didn't know what to do. She was certain that someone probably found out about her disappearance and, at the moment, she didn't want to be found. She just wanted to stay hidden for just a bit longer.
And then, just before Lilac had landed down a few miles away from the stables, Sofia heard the same female voice in her head calling out to her. It told her to go to the busts and hide behind the large green leaf wall. Compelled by her panic and need to be alone, she just listened and, as quietly as she could so that no attention would come to her, she rushed Lilac away from the stables and towards the busts.
Subtly landing down, Sofia slumped off of the purple horse and returned to crying and wallowing in her own sadness. After all of her tears failed her, she just hugged her legs to her chest and sat depressingly beside her animals in silence.
That is until she saw a soft white light begin to draw near her and it soon formed itself into a beautiful woman dressed in a light, pastel yellow gown. And immediately, Sofia recognized her because of all of her paintings that decorated the castle halls. It was Queen Anne, King Roland II's first wife and mother to James and Amber.
Sofia didn't know what to do; she was speechless to see the late queen standing before her. In the bright moonlight, Sofia could see the same green eyes that James and Amber shares with her. She was a great and stunning beauty to behold.
"Sofia…." Queen Anne seemed to have said.
Her voice was so airy and light, almost like gentle bells that was swaying in the wind. There was a regal elegance in her voice, but it also held a tight and powerful command that fitted a queen.
"Queen Anne?"
"Yes…." She smiled at her. Sofia could see how gently amused her smiled was, as if she was probably delighted by Sofia's shocked expression.
"H-h-how are you – wh-why are you here? A-are you a ghost?"
"Yes, dear, I am a ghost."
"Wha – how? What?" Sofia stuttered, confused at what was happening around her.
This can't be happening! How is it even possible that the ghost of Queen Anne is standing – or rather floating – right before me?
"But I don't have enough time to explain it to you right now. I only have enough time to talk to you and make sure that you're alright because I can't see you cry like this. I know that you feel helpless and all alone right now," she said, leaning down and gently patting Sofia's hand.
"H-h-how do you know that?" Sofia asked, stunned at how Queen Anne knew could possibly know that. She didn't know how it was possible, but Queen Anne's hand felt warm against her skin despite the fact that she has been dead for sixteen years now.
"Sofia, I've been watching over you, James, and Amber for years now. I've been trying to protect you all."
"Protect us? Why?"
"There's not enough time to explain that right now, dear." Queen Anne sadly said with another pat.
"Wha-?"
"Sofia, tell me. Tell me what's wrong," the former queen looked right into her eyes. "I'd bet you that I know and understand a lot more than you think."
But Sofia was highly reluctant to speak with the queen, ghost or not. Here she was, someone who was offering Sofia the help and ear she wanted from everyone else around her, but she found it hard to even say what was wrong.
And after several silent minutes of not speaking, Sofia could hear the impatience in Queen Anne's voice. "Sofia, you're crying right now because you're confused about your feelings for James and you think that you can't tell anyone because you believe that they just won't understand. Half of you think that it's wrong to have these feelings because James is your stepbrother right?"
Sofia could remember how speechless she was. To hear this possible ghost talk about the very things she hasn't told anyone was astounding and frightening at the same time. She was so astonished that all she could do was nod in reply to the former queen's question.
"H-how… do you…."
Gently laughing, Queen Anne moved and sat down in front of Sofia. "It's alright Sofia. Come on, you can talk to me."
And upon hearing that, Sofia mentally shook herself and tried to find where her voice went. "You know, you sounded like Amber when you said that."
"Well, I think Amber sounds a lot more like me. That was somewhat my catchphrase whenever they refused to talk to me when they were younger." The late queen laughed softly. "So, come on Sofia, talk to me. Tell me why you're so upset right now."
And without any further pressure, Sofia poured out her entire soul to the queen, thankful that there was someone who she was able to talk to and somewhat understand what she's feeling. Sofia enjoyed how Queen Anne was like the motherly figure she's been missing since her own mother was forced home for her own protection. Queen Anne was the perfect listener, paying the perfect amount of attention and asking the right question at the right time. She was so encouraging and attentive that it was hard for Sofia to even stop talking because of the kind and gentle air around Queen Anne.
"So, it seems to me that you were so frightened at how fast James was taking your guy's new relationship that you just had to run away." Queen Anne said after Sofia finished. "I think you ran because you just weren't ready to hear him say 'I love you' so quickly because it happened right after you realized that you liked James as more than a brother. Plus, I think that the stress and burden of being the sole savior of the kingdoms and of James just got to you and made you practically stir-crazy within that castle."
And soon, relief and satisfaction spread over Sofia when she heard Queen Anne say exactly what Sofia has been feeling. But she couldn't help but hear how hard her tone became when she said "that castle." It was as if there was a dark part of the castle that only Queen Anne knew about and hated it with every fiber of her being.
But Sofia wasn't able to ask as to why because she was too shocked to learn that Queen Anne is able to understand Blue and Lilac. She began to talk and converse with them the way Sofia normally does with all of the animals around her. Queen Anne was gentle and loving towards them, and even thanked them for caring for Sofia during her time of need. And soon, their conversation included Lilac and Blue, where they tried to cheer and comfort Sofia and help her understand what exactly she was feeling towards James. All three of them helped her realize that she can and maybe someday will love James the way he loves her.
Their conversation drew long and well, but as the moon reached high into the night sky, Queen Anne suddenly had to leave.
"Wait!" Sofia softly whimpered, reaching out to the queen. "You're the only person I feel like I can talk to, the only one that understands what I'm going through. You can't leave."
"Sofia…." Queen Anne looked at her with gentle and caring eyes. "I'm a spirit within this castle, bound by it because…." The queen's voice faded as Sofia noticed how cold and distant her eyes started to look.
"Because what?"
"Ah," Queen Anne said in a somewhat pitched voice, like she was brought back from whatever dark thoughts clouded her mind. "That's for another time, dear. I need to go, but you will see me again."
Sofia was sad to see her go, even if she was reassured that Queen Anne and her will see each other again. She didn't even try to hide her sadness from showing on her face. Queen Anne is this new friend who understood her to the very core and now she was watching her disappear. Literally.
"Sofia, you're a very special girl." Sofia could already see Queen Anne beginning to fade and shimmer away. "You were the only one who could hear and see me within that castle. So you will see me again… but don't tell anyone that you saw me, it'll only put you and all others in danger…." Queen Anne then fully faded away and left as Sofia felt tears begin to fall down her cheeks, just before she heard James rush towards her and embrace her into his arms.
Sofia absentmindedly turned another corner down the royal suites hallway, her mind filled with only Queen Anne and what she might reveal to her when she gets to her room. But just as she made her way down the hall, she suddenly felt herself pulled into a nearby room so fast that her hair rushed into her face and blocked her eyesight.
Her mind was so occupied that she didn't even register what was happening until she found herself staring up into a familiar pair of emerald green eyes.
"James," Sofia said, sounding breathless even though she didn't even run or sprint. She then felt his arm tighten around her waist at the sound of his name. Looking around her, she saw that he had his right arm possessively around her while the other pulled the door shut and placed itself flat above her head. Behind him, Sofia recognized James's simple sitting area and his massive bed, realizing that he pulled her into his bedroom.
"Hi," he smiled down at her as the arm around her waist tugged her body closer to him. So close that it made Sofia's cheeks slightly burn and blush.
"Hi…?" Sofia said apprehensively. "James, what are you doing here? You're supposed to be in the library and trying to finish all of your paperwork."
During their quiet time together behind the green wall near the royal busts, Sofia admitted to James that her two closest friends actually despise him and will be arriving in the morning for their dress fitting. So just to keep the peace for the day, she and Baileywick had James isolated into the library early this morning and kept him busy with all of the paperwork left undone after yesterday's unforeseen event.
"I'm taking a break," James answered back with a childish smile. "I managed to finish half of that massive pile you and Baileywick gave me."
"If you finished half of it, then why aren't you back there trying to finish the rest? And why am I here?" Sofia raised a brow at him like a mother would do to her misbehaving child.
"Because I missed you," James said, his voice suddenly turning serious. He lowered his head just a bit so that his forehead rested on top of hers.
"James," Sofia said playfully, knowing that her heart was now beating as fast as a humming bird's wings and hoping that she could disguise it so that it wouldn't show in her voice. "You saw me this morning."
"Yeah, this morning." Thankfully, James's voice returned to its childish tone. James pulled back and looked down at her. Sofia even saw him puff his cheeks just a bit, like he was pouting or something. "It's one in the afternoon now, Sofia."
"Really now, James," Sofia began, firmly placing her hands on his chest so that she can try and gently push him away. "I need to return back to Amber and the others before they miss me and think I ran away again."
"Then why were you down this hall if you need to go back to Madame Collette's workshop?" James asked cheekly, a teasing smile breaking on his lips.
"Uh…." Sofia began, trying to think of a quick excuse. "I was just going to run by my room and grab a small sweater because Amber planned to have tea in the gazebo. It's a bit chilly outside in this late autumn weather."
Sofia knew that she cannot tell James or anyone else about Queen Anne, her warning still echoing in her head. But she didn't feel right about lying to them all, least of all James. She was sure that he wouldn't even believe her or just think that she's crazy. Heck, she doesn't even know if she, herself, has gone crazy from all of this.
"Liar," James said flatly, making Sofia's heart beat even ten times faster than it already was from having to come up with a quick lie. "You came all the way over here just to see me, right?" James smirked down at her.
With a quiet sigh, Sofia could feel her heart heartbeat calmed down just a bit after hearing James's tease. "No," Sofia said bluntly after she regained herself. "James, you were in the library and that is on the opposite side of the bedrooms. And I didn't even know you were here, James."
"I know, but I was hoping that the reason you were down here was because you wanted to see me, Sofia," James said with a shrug of his shoulders. "And, you did promise to see me later today remember?"
"James," Sofia began. "I did wanted to go see how you were doing, but I didn't feel right leaving Jade and Ruby. I just reunited with them after being back at the castle after all of these months now, so I just chose to remain with them instead of going off to see how you were doing, James."
James didn't reply a single word, he just continued to pout and Sofia could tell by the look in his eyes and how purposefully nonchalant his tone was earlier that he was a bit hurt by her comment, even if it was just lightly teasing.
"James…" Sofia said even softer, gently cupping his cheeks and pulling his face closer towards hers. Sofia didn't understand how he could be hurt simply by the fact that she chose to stay with her friends instead of running off to see him. She didn't like that he was behaving so possessively, she wasn't his property nor was she an item he had to keep with him at all times. "Look, it's not that I am favoring –"
"I know…" James whispered, gently closing the space between them and returned his forehead back to hers. "You're only choosing them out of respect for them. I get it."
Sofia could feel her annoyance at James dwindled just enough where it was replaced with a swelling love that quickly made her heart thump and beat fast. She knew that it was because of her feelings for him that is making her heart react like this but…. She wants to know what exactly about James is making her react like this.
Maybe it was his close proximity to her.
Maybe it was how deep and thick his voice was when he whispered to her.
Maybe it was the way his eyes danced whenever they looked at her and only her.
Maybe it was that fact that if she were to lift her head a little, then their lips would touch and she can feel him again.
Maybe it was James in general. Him as a person. Not a king. Not a monster. Just James.
This thoughtful, caring person who is willing to change for the better in order to redeem himself in his people's eyes and for her.
Impulsively, Sofia pulled James even closer than he already was and kissed him. To Sofia, it was like she was just letting their lips remember how wonderful it felt to return to their match and try to convey the love between them into this kiss. While there was a need that flowed between them, it didn't consume them and turn this innocent, loving kiss into something more. It was just nice and sweet.
James didn't even crush her against him and the door like he normally would whenever their kiss turned passionate. No, he just held her gently and kept one of his hand securely at the small of her back while the other remained on the door.
And while she wanted to remain in this kiss with him, in the back of her mind, Sofia knew that she needed to break it and go to her room quickly so that she can return back to Amber and the others.
Pulling away, Sofia and James remained where they stood and let the love continue to float around them. Subtly looking over at his clock, Sofia saw that only about forty-five minutes has past. She still had more than enough time to go and talk to Queen Anne and make it back on time for tea with the others.
"Is this your way of apologizing?" James spoke first, teasing her while nipping her nose with another soft kiss.
"Funny, James." Sofia tried to hide her smile while pulling out of his arms. "I need to go and get my sweater. And you need to get back to the library so you can finish up all of that paperwork," Sofia said somewhat sternly, jokingly poking James in the chest while she turned to peak out his door to make sure that no one else was around. "It's all clear. I'll leave first, okay?"
Just as she was about to step one foot outside of his room, James suddenly pulled her back inside and kissed her hard. And just as quickly as it began, the kiss was over in a matter of seconds. Behind her, she heard the familiar click of the doors shutting again.
"I needed that for the road," James smiled mischievously down at her. Sofia was certain that his smile was because of her shocked expression.
Gathering her scattered brain, Sofia felt herself blush again and glared back up at him. "What road? You're only going to the castle's library!"
Her comment only made James laugh at her and smile even bigger. "Yes, but I needed it. And, you know, I think I'm going to need another one just to finish that monster of paperwork." James cupped his hands around her face and began to bend down, trying to capture her lips with his own.
"Oh, no you don't." Sofia swatted his hands away and put her hands on her hips, furiously staring at James. "James, you-you –" Sofia angrily stuttered, embarrassed at herself for letting the kiss scattering her brain around like it was a leaf in the wind.
"Okay, okay." James held his hands up in surrender, but Sofia could still see the ghost of a laugh lingering on his lips. "Sorry. I won't try to sneak another kiss on you like that while you're trying to leave."
Sofia didn't like that he was smiling at her like he won some sort of game between them, she wanted to get him back for stealing a kiss from her like that. If it's a game he wants to play, then she'll just have to play it better than him.
"Good." Sofia turned and walked towards the door, peaking her head out again. "Wait, James, come here," she said with her head still outside of the door. To her own ears, she heard her voice sound urgent and she was certain that James heard it too.
"What? What is it?" James's voice sounding worried. Behind her, she heard him rush forward and closer to her.
Just as he made it close enough that she felt his warmth on her back, she swiveled around and crushed her lips towards his, kissing him harder and more passionately than how he kissed her just moments before. She wanted to get him back for the kiss. She wanted this kiss to make him breathless. She wanted him to be as addicted to her lips as she is to his. She… she just wanted to see the need and want in his eyes…. To know that he wanted her as much as she wanted him….
And while his kiss was short and fast, she made hers linger and last until she began to hear a groan vibrating from his throat and felt his arms begin to circle her waist. Quickly grabbing his hands so that he couldn't press her towards him, she teasingly pulled away from him and whispered in his ear, "payback."
With that, she ran out into the hallway and dashed towards her room. Far enough from his room, Sofia heard James's laugh. Slowing to a stop, she turning around and saw him leaning against his doorframe, smiling at her with a playful and endearing glint. Feeling another blush growing on her cheeks, Sofia stuck her tongue out at him before returning a smile to him.
But apparently James took that as an invitation because he began to make his way towards her. With a shake of her head, Sofia pointed in the direction of the library as sternly as she could, but it was hard to do with the butterflies that were playing in her stomach. James's hands rose in surrender and he continued to smile at her as he turned in the direction of the library.
Certain that he was gone, Sofia walked quickly to her room and immediately saw Queen Anne floating in the center of her room, waiting for her.
"Queen Anne," Sofia said, smiling as she locked the door behind her. "Sorry for taking so long… er… something came up…."
Giggling, Queen Anne smiled back at Sofia. "Yes, well I certainly know exactly what that 'something' is."
Seeing her smiling face in the bright autumn light, Sofia could see how much she looked just like James and Amber. She almost looked like an older version of Amber, but with the softer features of James when he's laughing.
"Erm…. Yes well…" Sofia coughed, embarrassed that the mother of the man Sofia was possibly in love with knew about their secret kisses.
"Oh, it's alright Sofia," Queen Anne waved it off with another gentle laugh. "It has been so long since I've seen him smile and laugh like that. If you can keep it up, then I absolutely approve of your relationship with him. So there is no need to worry about me."
"Well… um, thank you…" Sofia blushed again. "But… it's just – were you watching us?"
"Oh!" Queen Anne laughed with a blush. "Dear, no. You see, since I am a spirit of this castle, I am able to sort of see what happens within this castle without any problems. I was actually scanning for you and just stumbled upon you and James. It wasn't on purpose, I promise you."
"Can you turn this power of yours off?" Sofia respectfully asked as she made her way towards a chair.
"Yes and no," the queen said as she followed Sofia to her sitting area. "I can adjust it to a person so that I am not able to see what happens to them but not the entire castle. I need to make sure I know what happens within this castle at all times. If you wish, I can turn it off only on you so that I cannot see what happens to you."
"That's very kind of you, Queen Anne. I would like that very much," Sofia smiled. "But can I ask why exactly you need this power?"
"Well, that would bring me to the point as to why I called you here" the late queen said with a serious and solemn tone. "Sofia, there is an evil within this castle. It is the very reason James is the way he is; it's trying to control him and seize power. I need this gift of mine so that I can monitor what it's up to."
"What?" Sofia gasped. "An evil? Here?"
Nodding, Queen Anne continued on. "Sofia, that evil is the reason I am dead. After I learned of my husband's affair, I grew depressed and when I was weak, it took control of my mind, just like it is trying to do with James. It made me go insane and convinced me to commit suicide. Now, that evil has trapped me within this castle and cursed me from telling anyone of its true identity."
"True identity?"
"Yes, this evil is a living person, Sofia. Here within this castle. It put a spell on my soul and tried to hide me away so that no one can see me."
"But I can see you."
"Exactly!" Queen Anne smiled just a bit. "Sofia, that amulet around your neck is the very reason why you can see me."
"My amulet?" Sofia asked, unconsciously taking her amulet into her hands.
"Yes. You see, that amulet is a very special thing; it grants whichever princess that wears it a gift with every good deed she does. Right now, it's protecting you from this evil within the castle, that's why you can see me because it's nullified the curse it placed on me. It's given you the ability to see me. The amulet also protects every princess that has ever worn it from all evil, physical or not."
"So, it's protecting me from that evil right now?" Sofia said as she looked down at her amulet. "What does it even want?"
"It wants to fully control James so that it can gain power and rule his empire. That evil made James murder Roland and everyone that has ever tried to stop James, and forced him into building this empire so that one day, when it deems that James is of no use anymore, it can take his power and rule with absolute power."
"So, James has been innocent this entire time? He didn't do any of those horrible things?" Sofia said, relief filling her heart at hearing that James has been a victim of some mind-controlling evil entity within this castle.
"Yes and no," Queen Anne said with another solemn expression. "That evil only amplified James's hurt and anger from finding out about Roland's affair and made it so that only James would have blood spilled on his hands, not the evil being. It wants to make James the monster so that when it would ascend the throne, it would look like the hero."
"Then how do we stop it? How do we free James from its grasp?"
"That's where you and your amulet comes in." Queen Anne smiled at Sofia and gently took her hands into her own. "Sofia, there is another aspect to that amulet of yours. It protects every princess that has ever worn it. And her true love. Right now, you are protecting James."
"Th-that means…" Sofia stuttered, astonished at what she was hearing. "James…. He's my…. That I am…. We're each other's… true love?"
"Yes dear." Queen Anne looked at Sofia and smiled hopefully at her. "Haven't you noticed, that whenever you are around James, he's not out trying to conquer other lands and kingdoms? That he's not as angry or crazy all of the time? It's because he's your true love and the amulet only protects the princess's true love. The evil's grip on James is weakening because you and the amulet are protecting him from its influence."
Sofia didn't know what to think. She was speechless to actually hear that James is her true love. Just yesterday, she wasn't even sure if she could love him the way he loved her, she was completely unsure of herself and if she could ever fall in love with him. She wanted to love him, she was ready to, but it was only her fear and uncertainty that her love for him wasn't enough to match his love for her.
But it seems that now, with actual validation, she was meant to fall in love with him, to love him with every fiber of her heart. Sofia couldn't help but smile to herself. It was as if this fact healed and cured some fear in her heart for her; that maybe, with this, she can actually say those three words she was so afraid of.
Oh my gosh, that's it! It wasn't that I wasn't ready to say it to James, I was just afraid that our love wasn't something special! I was just afraid that I might say it to someone that wasn't my true love, the one person who was only meant to hear it from me. All this time, I've been subconsciously saving those words for my true love and now…. Sofia couldn't help the fit of sheer joy that radiated off of her, making her burst out into happy laughter. I can actually say it to him now!
"He's my true love," Sofia said through her giggles. "He's my true love and I'm his."
On the other side of the small, round table, Sofia could hear Queen Anne gently laugh with her. "Yes, dear, you and James are meant to be," Queen Anne lightly squeezed Sofia's hands. "You and James were always meant to be."
Hearing it again, Sofia's bliss surged and grew, turning her into a giggling mess of joy and heartfelt happiness.
But it didn't last for long.
"Sofia," the late queen's voice turning serious, "that evil still resides in this castle and I need you to defeat it."
"What?"
"Dear, even if you remain by James's side his entire life, that evil's power is great. It can try and influence other people within this castle and try to make them hurt everyone we've ever loved. But you and your amulet can defeat it."
"How?"
"You need to find out who this evil is and kill it at the source." Queen Anne looked Sofia in the eyes, gently touching her large, purple gem. "This amulet is a part of you, Sofia. It will lend you all the power you need to defeat it and finally end this chaos. It's bound to you, trust it." Suddenly, she looked up at the door, alert. "Sofia, I need to go. I've run out of time."
"Wait –"
"Don't worry, I'll talk to you again soon." And with that, she disappeared right before Sofia's eyes in a haze of pastel, yellow mist.
Now alone in her room, Sofia remain seated on her chair, completely overwhelmed with what she was just told by Queen Anne's spirit. One half of her was overjoyed at learning that she and James are soul mates, but the other half was scared beyond all thought that there was an evil inside her very own castle that is trying to control James.
And yet, among all of her rambled and overstressed thoughts, somewhere in the back of her mind, she remembered to go to her closet and get a coat to take back to her late afternoon tea with Amber, Ruby, and Jade. Her clock on the wall told her it was a little close to being two, and she knew that Amber and her friends were probably making their way towards the garden's gazebo right about now.
Taking the long way to the garden, Sofia allowed her mind to wander again until she found herself right outside the library's door.
And without another single thought, she quickly burst through the doors, knowing the she'd find him all alone in the library, head down and concentrating at the long table with large piles of paperwork. She saw his head immediately lift at the loud sound of the library's door opening and closing.
"Sofia?" James asked, surprise registering all over his face as he got up from his seat.
At the sound of his voice saying her name, Sofia flung herself at James and wrapped her arms around his neck, holding him tightly to her as if he was her anchor. And instantly, she felt his arms close around her, crushing her to him. Sofia was on the tips of her toes as she buried her face into the crook of his neck and took in his familiar musky cologne, her new favorite scent.
Sofia didn't understand it, but she just knew that even in all of this complete and utter craziness, it was James that she needed right now. She just needed his warm arms around her, holding her steady so that she wouldn't teeter off the edge.
"Hey," Sofia heard James say as she felt him soothingly run his hand up and down her back. "What's wrong?"
Sofia just shook her head and held onto James tighter, enjoying how warm he felt to her. "Just hold me, James."
And without another word, she felt James's arms tighten harder and held her to him. Sofia liked it; to her it felt like some reassurance from him and as seconds turned by, she couldn't help the little smile that broke out on her face because she knew, this is where she belonged.
Chapter 12! Woo!
Hi everyone, I know it's been a really long time since I've uploaded anything. I feel completely terrible about that, but I had to put my health first. Good news though, I am getting better. I'm not fully recovered though, but I'm getting there. Thank you to everyone that sent me get well PM's and reviews. I loved them. You all are absolutely the best!
Now for the challenge:
Top four reviewers (sorry but I was only able to give it to those with a username and account on fanfic): vXxBlackRabbitxXv, Niagara14301, Canderemy, CartoonNerd12
Her name was going to be Duchess Ophelia, a native of Enchancia and a former flame of James. Remember when James was a big manwhore and had a lot of one night stands? Well she was his longest lasting one nighters, she lasted about six months. Originally, I was going to introduce her at the ball as some crasher, who wanted to get James back and try to claim the crown as his queen. Somehow she managed to snag a room at the castle and stay for about a good month, and during that entire she tried to seduce James into wanting her back, but James wouldn't have it. All the while, Sofia gets really jealous and hurt from learning about James's promiscuous past, but this would have led to alot more fluff and steamy JamesFia moments. Anyway, later on, Ophelia would then find out about James and Sofia's secret relationship and try to kill Sofia with poison. Sofia gets sick and is nearly on her death bed until Cedric cures her by James's order. James then has Ophelia imprisoned and questioned. This is where I would have revealed that she has been working with the voice in James's head this entire time, that it promised her James's love if she could kill Sofia. James then had her executed but all isn't well because then, who is the voice in James's head? That's all I got for this character of mine, I took her out because I felt like she didn't really fit well with where I'm trying to take this story. Oh, well...
As always, thank you for being such loyal readers and followers. I absolutely adore you and your reviews. Lots of hugs and kisses to you all. I promise I'll try and post a new chapter soon but please keep in mind that I am still recovering and it may take longer than usual. Thank you for understanding and being so patient with me and my health. Just keep on reading and reviewing, it does my heart good to read how much you all like my story.
Thanks :)
