Ever Realm Chronicles - a Sofia the First fanfic

Songs in this chapter: "That's How You Know" from Disney's "Enchanted"; "Royal Prep" from "Sofia the First: Once Upon a Princess"; "Cut to the Feeling" from "Leap!"/"Ballerina".

Chapter 9: Things Falling Into Place

December 2, 1871

It was a Saturday morning at Enchancia Castle. Since it was now December, things were being set up for Wassailia. But Wassailia planning was not the only thing going on at the castle. A valued member of the staff was returning to the castle after being away for a few months.

As everybody made themselves ready to welcome home the staff member, Hikari and Gatomon walked up to Violet.

"Who's returning?" Hikari asked Violet, curious.

"My daughter," Violet answered happily.

"But Dorrie is already here," Hikari pointed out, confused.

"I meant to say, my other daughter, Candice," Violet smiled.

"You have another daughter?" Hikari asked, taken off guard.

"Oh, yes," Violet happily answered. "She's been away with Prince Everett of Ornburgh for the past few months on an archaeological dig. The two of them love history. It will be lovely having Candice back. You'll like her, Princess Hikari. She's a lot like Dorrie."

"Then I look forward to meeting her," Hikari smiled.

A short while later, everybody gathered at the top of the front steps to the castle. A flying carriage landed in the courtyard as Baileywick stepped forward.

"Miss Candice Cooper," Baileywick announced. "A Lady of the House of Cosmarune, and a royal magician of Enchancia."

"Say what?" Hikari asked under her breath, impressed by Candice's titles.

"Candice, along with Dorrie, is a member of the House of Cosmarune," Amber explained. "The House of Cosmarune is a house of witch and warlock nobility. Dorrie and Candice are also the royal magicians of Enchancia, along with Abby and Calista."

"Wow!" Hikari exclaimed, impressed.

As Candice stepped off of the carriage with Creamy following, Hikari noticed that Candice was the same age as Dorrie. Hikari also noticed that in almost every respect, Candice was a twin to Dorrie. The only differences were that Dorrie had brown hair and Candice had blond hair and that Candice wore glasses.

Candice walked up to the top of the stairs where Violet and Dorrie hugged Candice.

"Oh, Candice," Violet smiled in joy. "It's good to have you back, and just in time for the holidays."

"Good to be back, Mom," Candice smiled back.

"Have a good time?" Dorrie asked Candice.

"The best!" Candice happily exclaimed, before turning back to Violet. "Everett will be dropping by this afternoon. He has something he wants to talk to you about."

"Any idea what he wants to talk to me about?" Violet asked, curious.

"I'll let Everett explain," Candice answered.

At that moment, King Roland, Queen Miranda, and the royal family walked up.

"It's good to have you back home," Roland smiled at Candice.

"Thank you, King Roland" Candice smiled back. "It's good to be back. I can be ready to return to work at a moment's notice."

"Just like your sister," Roland happily remarked. "Always ready to pitch in. However, you've just returned. Spend some time with your mother and sister. In fact, I'm giving you, your mother, and your sister the day off ... with pay."

"That's quite generous, King Roland," Violet said to Roland. "Thank you."

"You're quite welcome," Roland smiled.

"Family is everything," Miranda happily said to Violet, before turning to Candice. "And speaking of family, we have a new princess with us."

"I know, ma'am," Candice beamed. "Dorrie wrote me and told me about Princess Hikari."

Miranda then motioned Hikari to come over, followed by Gatomon.

"Candice, this is my new daughter, Hikari, and her friend, Gatomon," Miranda announced.

"A pleasure to meet you, Princess Hikari," Candice smiled as she curtsied. "And a pleasure to meet you, Gatomon."

"It's my pleasure to meet you, Lady Candice," Hikari smiled back as she curtsied.

"Just call me Candice, Princess Hikari," Candice happily said as Dorrie stepped forward.

"Candice and I, while each having the title of Lady, only use the title during official business," Dorrie explained. "Other times, the two of us are quite informal."

Everybody then walked into the castle, having a pleasant conversation as they walked inside.

That afternoon

As Violet was walking to her office, Miranda walked beside Violet.

"I hear Prince Everett wants to speak to you," Miranda happily observed. "Any idea what he wants to discuss?"

"I have a pretty good idea, milady," Violet smiled. "Candice and Prince Everett are as close as Dorrie and Prince Frederick are. It can only be one thing he wants to talk about."

"And how are you going to handle it?" Miranda asked, curious.

"He's a fine young man," Violet happily responded. "He has nothing to worry about from me."

In a little while, as Violet sat in her office, a knock came at the door.

"Come in," Violet invited.

The door opened, and in walked Prince Everett of Ornburgh. Everett was only a year younger than his brother, Frederick.

"Thank you for seeing me, ma'am," Everett started. "I have something I would like to talk to you about."

"Please have a seat," Violet warmly offered as Everett sat down.

"You see, ma'am," Everett started, nervous, "well ... Candice and I ... well ... have feelings for each other. We have for some time now. And I was hoping ..."

"That I'd give you permission to ask for Candice's hand in marriage?" Violet finished with a smile.

"How did you know?" Everett asked, astonished.

"I'm a mother," Violet happily acknowledged. "A mother knows these things. You and Candice are as close as Dorrie and Frederick are. And, you and Candice have my blessing."

"Thank you, ma'am," Everett said, overjoyed.

"I know you'll be a good husband to Candice," Violet smiled. "I wish the two of you all the best that life has to offer."

As Violet and Everett had a pleasant conversation, the two did not know that somebody had been listening on the other side of the door. That somebody was ... Dorrie.

In the castle sitting room, Candice, James, and Vivian were having a pleasant conversation of their own when Dorrie walked up.

"I know it was wrong of me," Dorrie confessed to Candice. "But, I was listening on the other side of the door when Mom and Everett were talking."

"And?" Candice asked, curious and nervous.

"Mom said yes!" Dorrie exclaimed gleefully.

"Alright!" Candice exclaimed in relief.

"Congratulations, Candice," Vivian smiled.

"Yes, congratulations," James also smiled while he began to sing. "How does she know you love her? How does she know she's yours?"

At that point, Vivian joined in. "How does she know that you love her? How do you show her you love her? How does she know that you really, really, truly love her? How does she know that you love her? How do you show her you love her? How does she know that you really, really, truly love her?"

Dorrie and Candice then joined in as well.

(Dorrie) "It's not enough to take the one you love for granted. You must remind her or she'll be inclined to say. How do I know he loves me? How do I know he's mine?"

(Candice) "Well, does he leave a little note to tell you that you're on his mind? Send you yellow flowers when the sky is gray, hey? He'll find a new way to show you, a little bit every day. That's how you know. That's how you know he's your love."

(James) "You got to show her you need her. Don't treat her like a mind reader. Each day do something to lead her to believe you love her."

(Candice) "Everybody wants to live happily ever after. Everybody wants to know their true love is true. How do you know he loves you? How do you know he's yours?"

(Dorrie) "Well, does he take you out dancing just so he can hold you close? Dedicate a song with words meant just for you? Ooh. He'll find his own way to tell you, with the little things he'll do. That's how you know. That's how you know he's your love. He's your love."

(Candice) "That's how you know he loves you. That's how you know it's true. Because he'll wear your favorite color just so he can match your eyes. Plan a private picnic by the fire's glow, oh. His heart will be yours forever. Something every day will show." (All) "That's how you know. That's how you know. That's how you know. That's how you know. That's how you know. That's how you know." (Candice) "He's your love."

(James) "That's how she knows that you love her." (Vivian) "That's how you show her you love her." (Candice) "That's how you know." (James) "You got to show her you need her. Don't treat her like a mind reader." (Candice) "That's how you know." (James / Vivian / Dorrie) "How does she know that you love her? How do you show her you love her?" (Candice) "He's your love." (James / Vivian / Dorrie) "It's not enough to take the one you love for granted."

James, Vivian, Dorrie, and Candice then laughed in happiness.

December 3, 1871

Sofia and Lucinda were getting ready to go on some official business as the royal sorceresses of Enchancia. As they walked down a hallway, they came across Dorrie.

"Good morning, Dorrie," Sofia smiled.

"Good morning Sofia, Lucinda," Dorrie smiled back.

"Lucy and I have to go off for an hour or two," Sofia announced as she handed some papers to Dorrie. "Please make sure my father gets these. Lucy and I would deliver these ourselves, but we have to go to the Ministry of Magic for a meeting. And, I think it's time my father found out about your other responsibilities."

"Understood," Dorrie acknowledged. "I'll get these to King Roland immediately."

In a few minutes, Dorrie found herself at the door of Roland's study. Dorrie then knocked on the door.

"Enter," Roland invited.

Dorrie walked in and closed the door behind her.

"I have some papers for you, King Roland," Dorrie announced, "from your friends at Warehouse Ten."

"Dorrie?!" Roland asked, shocked. "You know about Warehouse Ten?!"

"Candice and I both do," Dorrie admitted. "Like Princess Sofia and Princess Lucinda, Candice and I are also Regents at the warehouse."

"Well, it's a small kingdom, isn't it?" Roland chuckled. "Please, have a seat, Dorrie."

"Thank you, sir," Dorrie smiled as she sat down, and Roland started reading the papers.

"I see by these papers that the warehouse has acquired a few new paranormal artifacts," Roland observed.

"Including one found by Candice while she was away with Prince Everett," Dorrie pointed out.

"Do Frederick and Everett know about the warehouse?" Roland asked, curious.

"No," Dorrie admitted. "That's a secret that can only be kept by those directly involved with the warehouse. Candice and I wish we could tell Frederick and Everett. But, sometimes, things have to be kept secret ... even from loved ones."

"I understand," Roland gently said as he walked over and gently placed his hand on Dorrie's shoulder. "As King, I've had to keep my fair share of secrets from my family for security reasons. I know it can weigh on one's mind. Just know that such secrets are designed to keep those around us safe."

"Yes, sir," Dorrie acknowledged.

"So, where are Sofia and Lucinda off to?" Roland asked, trying to lighten the mood.

"A meeting at the Ministry of Magic," Dorrie answered. "Probably connected to their roles as the royal sorceresses of Enchancia. If it had been Auror Office business, Candice and I would have heard something about it."

"Ah, yes," Roland smiled. "I keep forgetting that along with Sofia and Lucinda, you and Candice are also investigators for the Auror Office."

"Since Candice and I are witches of the House of Cosmarune, and two of the royal magicians of Enchancia, we were invited to join," Dorrie admitted. "And that's something we've been able to tell Frederick and Everett about."

"Speaking of Everett, I hear congratulations are in order," Roland happily said. "In fact, arrangements for Everett's family to come here for a special dinner are being planned as we speak. I look forward to seeing Everett propose to Candice. They are a nice couple."

"It's nice to see Candice happy," Dorrie remarked. "Life hasn't always been easy for her. Because she was a clone of me created by Maleficent to steal Danika's amulet, some people have looked at Candice with suspicion, never mind her good nature took over and she went against Maleficent and her plans."

"Sadly, there will always be those with closed minds," Roland admitted. "However, Candice has proven herself to be a good and caring person to the vast majority of people out there. She's a credit to the castle and the kingdom, as you are."

Dorrie smiled in appreciation at Roland's complement.

Meanwhile, at the Ministry of Magic, Sofia and Lucinda had just arrived by way of the Floo Network when a woman walked up to them.

"Princess Sofia, Princess Lucinda," the woman greeted. "If the two of you will follow me, I'll take you to Lord Asmoth's office."

"Lord Asmoth?" Lucinda asked, taken off guard. "I didn't know we were here to see Lord Asmoth."

"He's quite proud of the two of you," the woman smiled at Lucinda and Sofia. "I'll let him explain what is going on."

The woman led Lucinda and Sofia to Lord Asmoth's office. The office had a nameplate on the door which read Lord Asmoth: Superintendent of Magical Instruction.

"Lord Asmoth," the woman announced. "Princess Sofia and Princess Lucinda are here as you requested."

"Show them in," Lord Asmoth happily acknowledged.

"Lord Asmoth," Sofia and Lucinda greeted as they walked into the office.

"Please, sit down," Lord Asmoth directed as Sofia and Lucinda each took a chair. Asmoth then sat down in his chair.

"What is this all about, Lord Asmoth?" Sofia asked, curious.

"We were going to do this on Halloween, but there was that business with the Witch Revolutionary Front kidnapping children, so we decided to postpone it to another time. Then the illness struck, so we had to further postpone it."

"Postpone what, Lord Asmoth?" Lucinda wanted to know.

"To upgrade your official sorceress status to adult level, since the two of you are now eighteen," Asmoth happily announced. "Congratulations, ladies. You've done fine work over the past few years, and this is your reward."

"Thank you, Lord Asmoth," Sofia and Lucinda responded, pleased.

"There's just the matter of issuing your certificates," Asmoth started. "I'd do it myself, but somebody has requested the honor of handing them to you herself."

In a few moments, a puff of gray smoke appeared in Asmoth's office. Out of the smoke stepped ... Lydia.

"Lydia!" Sofia and Lucinda exclaimed in glee.

"I'm so proud of the two of you," Lydia smiled at Sofia and Lucinda. "You're now adult sorceresses. Sofia and Lucinda, step forward."

Sofia and Lucinda stepped forward as Lydia brought out two certificates.

"It is my honor to confer onto each of you the rank of adult sorceress, with all the rights and responsibilities associated with that rank," Lydia happily announced. "Here are your official certificates."

"Thank you, Lydia," Sofia and Lucinda acknowledged, deeply honored, as they accepted the certificates.

"You're welcome, ladies," Lydia smiled. "You make a sister very proud."

Sofia and Lucinda smiled at Lydia's praise as Lord Asmoth smiled at the touching scene.

December 4, 1871

It was early evening at Enchancia Castle. In the ballroom of the castle, King Roland, Queen Miranda, Sofia, Lucinda, Amber, James, Hikari, along with Candice, Violet, and Dorrie, were seated at a long table. Also at the long table was Prince Everett, along with his parents, King Jonathan and Queen Mira. Everett's brother (Prince Frederick) and Everett's young teenage sister (Princess Lissa) were also seated at the long table. Among those doing serving duty at the table was eighteen-year-old Abby Murphy.

"I wasn't able to attend when Frederick asked Dorrie to marry him," Lissa confessed. "I was feeling a bit under the weather at the time."

"We're glad you're here tonight, Princess Lissa," Candice smiled.

At that moment, Roland stood up.

"We are gathered here tonight for a special event," Roland announced. "I now turn this over to Prince Everett of Ornburgh."

"Thank you, King Roland," Everett acknowledged in gratitude. Everett then walked over to Candice. "My dear Candice, who I have known from childhood. You are everything to me - my sky, my stars, the air I breathe. I love you with all my heart." Everett then knelt down on one knee. "You and I have become one over the years. We so enjoy each other's company, and I want to take that to the next level. Candice, will you marry me?"

"Oh yes, Everett," Candice smiled in happiness as she hugged Everett. "Oh, yes."

Everett then brought out a small jewelry box and opened it. From the box, Everett produced a lovely engagement ring, and gently placed it on Candice's finger. Everybody clapped at the touching scene.

"Your Majesties," Baileywick announced as he entered the ballroom. "We have a visitor - Queen Scarlett of Cinnibar."

Scarlett then walked into the ballroom.

"I come here tonight to give Everett and Candice, as well as Frederick and Dorrie, my most sincere best wishes," Scarlett smiled. "May they have a long and happy life together."

"Thank you, Scarlett," Candice smiled in appreciation.

"I am also here to release Dorrie, Candice, Violet, and Abby from their vow of secrecy," Scarlett announced. "The four of them have been working for me to assure the safety of the Enchancian royal family, a job which they have carried out magnificently. To assist them, I gave them each a magical amulet of their own. It is time for Dorrie, Candice, Violet, and Abby to wear their amulets proudly in the open. Dorrie, Candice, Violet, Abby - please make your amulets visible."

Dorrie and Candice waved their hands over their amulets, which were invisible. In a few moments, their amulets became visible. Each amulet was citrine in color.

"Dorrie's amulet is called the Amulet of Cosmarune," Scarlett informed those in the ballroom. "And Candice's amulet is called the Amulet of Valorage - a cross between Valor and Courage."

Violet and Abby then waved their hands over their amulets, which were invisible. In a few moments, Violet's and Abby's amulets became visible. Violet's amulet was ruby red in color, and Abby's amulet was dark blue in color.

"Violet's amulet is called the Amulet of Allegiance," Scarlett revealed. "And Abby's amulet is called the Amulet of Asbron - a mix of Astrape and Bronte, the twin goddesses of Lightning and Thunder from Greek mythology."

"The four of you are blessed to have such amulets," Lissa happily said to Dorrie, Candice, Violet, and Abby.

"Indeed," Roland smiled in agreement, before turning to Scarlet. "Please join us, Scarlett."

"I would be honored, Roland," Scarlett happily accepted.

Scarlett sat down at the table, and a fine meal and pleasant conversation followed. It was a wonderful night that would always be remembered.

December 5, 1871

It was now Wednesday morning. At Royal Prep, school was starting up again for the first time since the illness had struck the Ever Realm. In the courtyard of the school, Hikari stepped off of a royal flying carriage. As Hikari stepped off of the carriage, she heard a woman's voice call out.

"Princess Hikari!" the voice cheerfully called out.

"Up here, dear," another woman's voice happily called out.

Hikari looked up to see Miss Flora, Miss Fauna, and Miss Merryweather floating above her.

"Welcome to the Royal Preparatory Academy," Miss Flora smiled. "I'm Flora. And this is Fauna and this is ..."

"... Merryweather," Miss Merryweather cut in. "We're the headmistresses ..."

"... of Royal Prep," Miss Flora continued.

"We're so excited you're here," Miss Fauna happily greeted Hikari. "We're always looking for a few good princesses."

"I'm not sure I'm ready for this," Hikari said, nervous. "I've just become a princess."

"That's what we're here for," Miss Flora said in a reassuring voice as she took Hikari's hand, and started singing. "When someone new enrolls here at good ol' Royal Prep. They're at that great beginning. They're taking that first step."

"Your lessons will commence here," Miss Fauna continued, "once you step through this door."

"So why not come and join us," Merryweather invited as she hustled Hikari into the school, "and see what lies in store?"

Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather then started showing Hikari around the school.

(Flora) "You'll learn the art of manners of royal protocol. And when to bow and curtsy for functions big and small."

(Fauna) "You'll read books of fact and fiction, of poetry and prose. You'll learn to give a royal speech while perfectly composed."

(Flora, Fauna, Merryweather) "At Royal Prep, step by step, you'll gain wisdom and pep. So heed the call, come be all you can be. Every task, every test. Just give it your best. And we'll do the rest, you'll see. And don't forget our motto to which you'll be true. Rule over others as you'd have them rule over you. You're taking your first step at Royal Prep."

(Flora) "We'll explore enchanted objects, each creature, every charm. So spells of evil magic will never do you harm."

(Merryweather) "In arts and crafts, you'll draw and paint or maybe work with wood. You'll learn to fence, as well as dance for footwork, both are good."

(Flora, Fauna, Merryweather, as well as some suits of armor which suddenly came alive) "At Royal Prep, step by step, you'll gain wisdom and pep. So heed the call, come be all you can be. Every task, every test. Just give it your best. And we'll do the rest, you'll see. And don't forget our motto to which you'll be true. Rule over others as you'd have them rule over you."

(Flora, Fauna, Merryweather, suits of armor) "We're royal all the way. At good old RPA. It's step by step with wisdom, grace, and pep. At Royal Prep!"

With that, the singing came to a stop as the suits of armor stood off to one side and froze in place.

"It's time for your first class, my dear," Miss Flora gently said as she led Hikari down a hall and into a classroom. As Flora and Hikari walked into the classroom, Flora walked up to the teacher who was teaching the class - Miss Elodie. "Princess Gloriana," Miss Flora addressed Miss Elodie, "this is our newest student, Princess Hikari of Enchancia."

"It's a pleasure to have you here," Miss Elodie smiled at Hikari. "Please, take a seat."

As Hikari looked around the classroom, she smiled when she saw a familiar face - Princess Elsie of Yensid. Elsie waved Hikari over and pointed out an empty desk and chair next to Elsie. At that same moment, Miss Elodie walked Miss Flora out into the hall.

"I thought we were going to do the Princess Gloriana thing gradually?" Miss Elodie whispered to Miss Flora.

"You're a princess now," Flora gently whispered to Miss Elodie. "This is a royal school, and you should be recognized for your new royal rank."

"I'm still getting used to it," Miss Elodie whispered back, unsure of herself.

"You're nervous," Flora whispered in understanding. "That's to be expected. But you're the same person you've always been, except you now have the title of princess. It's an honor well deserved."

"Time for me to step up to the plate as it were," Miss Elodie admitted in a whisper, still nervous.

"You'll do fine," Flora whispered in encouragement. "Now go in there and do what you do best."

With that, Miss Elodie walked back into the classroom.

"As some of you know, while we've been gone, I have discovered some news about myself," Miss Elodie said to the class. "It turns out I am the youngest daughter of Annora, the witch queen. With that comes an official title for myself - Princess Gloriana of the House of Scorpella. You may address me as Princess Gloriana."

The students in the classroom stood and clapped in honor of Miss Elodie. As the students clapped, Miss Elodie smiled, touched by the tribute.

Meanwhile, at Hexley Hall, twelve-year-old Lisa Elodie walked into a classroom where eleven-year-old Kiera, eleven-year-old Catalina, and eleven-year-old Samantha "Sam" Cook were standing.

"Princess on deck!" Catalina announced as Lisa entered.

"Oh, please," Lisa smiled. "I'm still the same old Lisa."

"Just trying to lighten the mood," Kiera smiled back.

"I know," Lisa happily acknowledged.

"So, how does it feel to be a princess?" Sam asked Lisa, curious.

"Strange," Lisa admitted. "I was a commoner, and now I'm ... a princess. It's like waking up from a dream, and finding out it's all real."

"I'm sure you'll get used to it before you know it," Professor Silvia Sage-Moto said to Lisa in a reassuring voice as she walked in. "All of us here are so very proud of you."

Lisa smiled at the compliment.

December 8, 1871

It was early Saturday afternoon at Enchancia Castle. The big day had arrived - the official introduction of not only Miss Elodie and Lisa as princesses, but also the official introduction of Hikari as Enchancia's newest princess.

Royalty and nobility from far and wide had gathered at Enchancia Castle for the double event. In a dressing room in the castle, Miss Elodie and Lisa had each changed into a fancy gown with the help of Dorrie and Candice.

"You look wonderful, princesses," Dorrie praised.

"I hope I don't look nervous?" Miss Elodie asked, concerned. "Here I am, a teacher at Royal Prep who gets young princes and princesses ready for such displays, and here I am nervous."

"You look fine, Princess Gloriana," Candice said in a reassuring tone. "If you're nervous, it doesn't show."

"Thank you for that," Miss Elodie said, relieved, before turning to Lisa. "And how are you doing, my precious one?"

"A bit nervous, but I think I'll be okay," Lisa answered. "The crash course you gave me about being a princess helped a lot. You're a fine teacher, and a fine mother."

Miss Elodie smiled at Lisa's praise as a knock came at the door.

"Enter," Dorrie called out.

The door opened, and in walked Violet.

"They're ready for you, princesses," Violet reported.

"Time to be off, then," Miss Elodie said to Lisa as the two, followed by Violet, Dorrie, and Candice walked into the hall and headed toward a fancy staircase that led to the castle ballroom.

"Go down there and show them who you are," Violet winked at Miss Elodie and Lisa as they stood at the top of the stairs.

"Introducing Princess Gloriana and Princess Lisa of the House of Scorpella," Baileywick announced from the ballroom.

A song started playing in both Miss Elodie's and Lisa's heads as they held hands and slowly walked down the stairs.

"I had a dream, or was it real? We crossed the line and it was on. Can't make it stop, give me all you got."

"Take me to emotion, I want to go all the way. Show me devotion and take me all the way. Take, take me all the way."

"I wanna cut through the clouds, break the ceiling. I wanna dance on the roof, you and me alone. I wanna cut to the feeling, oh yeah. I wanna cut to the feeling, oh yeah. I wanna play where you play with the angels. I wanna cut to the feeling. I wanna cut to the feeling. I wanna cut to the feeling."

As Miss Elodie and Lisa slowly and gracefully made their way down the stairs into the ballroom, everybody clapped in awe at the magnificent sight. Miss Elodie and Lisa were met at the bottom of the stairs by Queen Annora and Princess Fidelia.

"The two of you look lovely," Queen Annora said to Miss Elodie and Lisa with pride.

"I promised myself I wasn't going to cry, but I can't help it," Princess Fidelia said with tears of happiness forming in her eyes. "The two of you are a wonderful sight."

"Thank you mother, Fidelia," Miss Elodie smiled.

"Thank you, grandmother, Aunt Fidelia," Lisa happily added as King Roland walked up.

"Princess Gloriana, Princess Lisa - welcome to the fold," Roland said with pride.

As Violet, Dorrie, and Candice watched the happy scene from the top of the stairs, they heard a girl's voice from behind them.

"Don't the two of them look lovely?" the girl's voice asked.

Violet, Dorrie, and Candice turned around to see eleven-year-old Hikari standing there.

"Sorry," Hikari apologized, "but I wanted to see Princess Gloriana and Princess Lisa make their grand entrance."

"No problem, Princess Hikari," Violet smiled. "But now it's time to get you ready for your grand entrance. Dorrie and Candice will take you to your room and get you ready."

"You'll be in fine hands, Princess," Dorrie happily said.

"Dorrie and I have been looking forward to this," Candice cheerfully added.

Violet happily watched as Dorrie and Candice walked Hikari to her room. As they walked, the three had a pleasant conversation. It was a beautiful thing to watch.

About an hour later, Dorrie and Candice had finished getting Hikari ready.

"You look lovely, Princess Hikari," Dorrie smiled as she adjusted Hikari's tiara.

"Looking good, Princess," Candice smiled in approval.

At that moment, a knock came at the door.

"Come in," Hikari invited.

The door opened, and in walked Violet.

"Everybody is ready for you in the ballroom, Princess," Violet announced to Hikari.

"I'm ready," Hikari acknowledged.

Dorrie, Candice, and Violet walked Hikari into the hallway. Waiting in the hallway were a group of castle maids who were lined up at attention. As Hikari walked down the hallway, the maids smiled at Hikari.

"You look lovely, Princess," one of the maids remarked to Hikari.

"The prettiest princess in the castle," another maid remarked to Hikari.

Hikari smiled in gratitude at the kind comments. As Hikari made her way toward the stairs leading down to the ballroom, Violet, Dorrie, and Candice watched in pride.

"I hope she'll be okay?" Violet said to Dorrie and Candice about Hikari. "This is all so new for her."

"She'll be fine, Mom," Dorrie smiled.

"She has the love of her new family, and that will take her far," Candice happily added.

Hikari appeared at the top of the stairs leading to the ballroom. Baileywick saw Hikari and stepped forward.

"All hail Princess Hikari!" Baileywick announced as trumpets started playing.

Everybody looked up to the top of the stairs where Hikari stood, dressed in a sparkling pink gown, and wearing her Heart of Enchancia amulet. Everybody gasped in delight at the sight of the beautiful young princess.

Hikari curtsied, then gracefully made her way down the stairs where Roland, Miranda, Sofia, Lucinda, Amber, James, Lydia, Tilly, and The Grand Queen were waiting. As Hikari reached the bottom of the stairs, Roland walked up to her.

"Are you ready, Hikari?" Roland asked with a smile.

"Ready, Dad," Hikari smiled back.

Roland and Hikari walked out onto the dance floor. In a few moments, the musicians in the ballroom started playing, and Roland and Hikari started dancing. The two danced wonderfully together, and everybody in the ballroom smiled at the touching scene.

"Welcome home, Hikari," Roland smiled.

"Thank you, Dad," Hikari happily responded.

(End of Chapter 9).

Behind the scenes

In this edition of "Behind the scenes", I'll feature a list of Regents connected to Warehouse Ten (suggested by Brigade701).

Currently active:

* Duchess Matilda of Enchancia (A.K.A. Duchess Tilly)

* King Roland the Second of Enchancia

* Lady Candice Cosmarune-Cooper

* Lady Colette Cosmarune

* Lady Dorrie Cosmarune-Cooper

* Lady Violet Cosmarune-Cooper

* Malcolm (from Chapter 8 of "Ever Realm Chronicles")

* Nigel (Head Regent)

* Princess Lucinda of Enchancia

* Princess Nella of Castlehaven

* Princess Sofia of Enchancia

* Queen Scarlett of Cinnibar

* Serafina Rosario (Queen Miranda's older sister)

* Sir Garrett of Castlehaven

* The Doctor (from "Doctor Who")

Retired:

* Eleanor Lewis (former Head Regent of Warehouse Ten)

* The Grand Queen of Enchancia (King Roland the Second's mother)

Author's notes

Catalina and Kiera are originally from "Tangled: The Series" (also known as "Rapunzel's Tangled Adventure"). Readers of my story "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia" will remember that Catalina (Red) and Kiera (Angry) showed up in Enchancia and are now living at Enchancia Castle. Readers of "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia" will note that here in "Ever Realm Chronicles", the two are now using their real names of Catalina and Kiera at the request of Brigade701.

Creamy is a character created for Candice by Jolly Roger Brat. Creamy is used in this story with the permission of Jolly Roger Brat. Readers of my story "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia" will remember that King Roland is no longer allergic to Creamy, and Creamy is now allowed inside Enchancia Castle.

Danika, Professor Silvia Sage-Moto, and Samantha "Sam" Cook are characters created by MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury and are used in this story with the permission of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury.

Floo Network, and Ministry of Magic, are from "Harry Potter".

Gloriana is the first name for Miss Elodie that Jolly Roger Brat came up with for use in Jolly Roger Brat's stories as well as in my stories.

Hikari is an alternate universe version of Hikari from "Digimon: Digital Monsters". Having Hikari appear in this story was the idea of Shaddowridder221. I decided to use Hikari's original Japanese name of Hikari to avoid confusion with Princess Kari from "Sofia the First".

Lord Asmoth is an original character of mine and is from my stories "Sisters" and "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia". Meanwhile, Lord Asmoth's title of Superintendent of Magical Instruction was the idea of Brigade701.

Lydia is from GradGirl2010's stories "My Sister's Keeper", "My Sister's Teacher", and "My Sister's Acceptance", and is used in my stories with the permission of GradGirl2010. Readers of my stories will remember that Lydia (in my stories) is Queen of the Kingdom of Lacorinth (being married to King Graham of Lacorinth), and is also the royal sorceress of Lacorinth.

Maleficent is from (in order of appearance) "Sleeping Beauty", "Maleficent", "Disney Descendants", and "Maleficent: Mistress of Evil".

Princess Elsie of Yensid is a character created by dbug27 and is used in this story with permission from dbug27. Princess Elsie is from dbug27's story "a special princess".

Princess Nella and Sir Garrett are grown-up versions of the same characters from "Nella the Princess Knight".

Queen Mira of Ornburgh, and Mira, Royal Detective (from "Mira, Royal Detective"), are two different characters who are not related in any way, shape, or form.

The House of Cosmarune: as readers of "Dorrie", "Dorrie: Book Two", and "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia" will remember, the House of Cosmarune is the magical house that Dorrie, Candice, Violet, Abby, and Scarlett's Royal Steward (Colette) belong to. The House of Cosmarune was originally created by Skyrimfan for Skyrimfan's stories "Lucinda the First" and "Rise to Power: Queen of Corona". Skyrimfan has given me permission to use the House of Cosmarune in my stories, and I have given Skyrimfan permission to use Dorrie and Candice in "Lucinda the First" and "Rise to Power: Queen of Corona".

The Kingdom of Castlehaven is from "Nella the Princess Knight".

The Kingdom of Cinnibar is a kingdom created by Jake H Voronkov and is used in my stories with permission from Jake H Voronkov.

The Kingdom of Yensid is a kingdom created by dbug27 and is used in this story with permission from dbug27.

The Scarlett Warrior (A.K.A. Scarlett) (A.K.A. Queen Scarlett) (A.K.A. Queen Scarlett Katherine Felchenerow) is a character created by Jake H Voronkov and is used in my stories with permission from Jake H Voronkov. Meanwhile, the character of Colette (A.K.A. Lady Colette Cosmarune) is a character that I and Jake H Voronkov created and is based on Bayonetta from the video game "Bayonetta" (please note that Colette, and Madam Collette of Enchancia Castle, are two different characters who are not related in any way, shape, or form).

Warehouse Ten is from my stories "Dorrie", "Dorrie: Book Two", "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia", "Changes", and "Enchancia Castle". It is a warehouse housing paranormal artifacts that existed before the current Warehouse 13 (as seen in the TV series "Warehouse 13").

"We were going to do this on Halloween, but there was that business with the Witch Revolutionary Front kidnapping children, so we decided to postpone it to another time. Then the illness struck, so we had to further postpone it" - the business with the Witch Revolutionary Front is a reference to events seen in Chapter 3 of "Ever Realm Chronicles".

Disclaimer

"Bayonetta" and everything associated with it © PlatinumGames, Sega, and Nintendo.

Creamy and the other original ideas from Jolly Roger Brat are the property of Jolly Roger Brat and are used in my stories with the permission of Jolly Roger Brat (under an agreement that the two of us may use things from each other's "Sofia the First" fan fiction stories).

Danika, Professor Silvia Sage-Moto, Samantha "Sam" Cook, and the other original ideas from MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury are the property of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury and are used in this story with the permission of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury.

"Digimon: Digital Monsters" and everything associated with it © Akiyoshi Hongo, Bandai, and Toei Animation.

"Disney Descendants" and everything associated with it © Disney.

"Doctor Who" and everything associated with it © BBC.

"Enchanted" and everything associated with it © Walt Disney Pictures, Josephson Entertainment, Andalasia Productions, and Right Coast Productions.

"Harry Potter" and everything associated with it © J. K. Rowling, Bloomsbury Publishing, Arthur A. Levine Books, Little Brown, Heyday Films, 1492 Pictures, Patalex IV Productions, and Warner Brothers Pictures.

"Leap!" and everything associated with it © Gaumont, L'Atelier Animation, Quad, Main Journey, Caramel Films, M6 Films, Telefilm Canada, Sodec, Radio Canada, Canal+, Cine+, W9, 6ter, Entertainment One, and Lionsgate (the movie was released in the United States as "Leap!". In Canada, France, England, and other parts of the world, the movie was released as "Ballerina").

Lydia is the property of GradGirl2010 and is used in my stories with the permission of GradGirl2010.

"Maleficent" and everything associated with it © Walt Disney Pictures and Roth Films.

"Maleficent: Mistress of Evil" and everything associated with it © Walt Disney Pictures and Roth Films.

"Mira, Royal Detective" and everything associated with it © Wild Canary Animation, Technicolor Animation Productions, and Disney-ABC Domestic Television.

"Nella the Princess Knight" and everything associated with it © Christine Ricci, Brown Bag Films, Channel 5, and Nick Jr.

Princess Elsie of Yensid and the other original ideas from dbug27 are the property of dbug27 and are used in this story with the permission of dbug27.

"Rapunzel's Tangled Adventure" and everything associated with it © Disney.

"Sleeping Beauty" and everything associated with it © Disney.

"Sofia the First" and everything associated with it © Craig Gerber, Jamie Mitchell, Disney Television Animation, Toiion Animation Studios, Team TO, and Disney-ABC Domestic Television.

"Tangled: The Series" and everything associated with it © Disney.

The House of Cosmarune, and everything associated with it, is the property of Skyrimfan and is used in this story with the permission of Skyrimfan.

The Scarlett Warrior and the other original ideas from Jake H Voronkov are the property of Jake H Voronkov and are used in my stories with the permission of Jake H Voronkov.

"Warehouse 13" and everything associated with it © Universal Cable Productions, NBC Universal Television Distribution, and SyFy.

I only own Abby Cosmarune-Murphy, Candice Cosmarune-Cooper, Dorrie Cosmarune-Cooper, Eleanor Lewis, King Jonathan, Lord Asmoth, Malcolm, Prince Everett, Princess Fidelia, Princess Lissa, Queen Annora, Queen Mira, Serafina Rosario, the Amulet of Allegiance, the Amulet of Asbron, the Amulet of Cosmarune, the Amulet of Valorage, the Heart of Enchancia amulet, the House of Scorpella, and the Witch Revolutionary Front.