Ever Realm Chronicles - a Sofia the First fanfic

Chapter 28: Five Years

Welcome to Chapter 28 of "Ever Realm Chronicles". Just to let everybody know, Chapter 28 will bring "Ever Realm Chronicles" into Princess Rachel's time.

November 21, 1877

It was a Sunday afternoon at Ornburgh Castle. In Candice's office, Candice was writing in her diary.

Queen Candice's Personal Diary: November 21, 1877.

It's hard to believe that five years have passed since the announcement was made. That Thursday day in 1872 when King Roland and Queen Miranda announced to the Ever Realm their plans for the future. It's like it was yesterday.

November 21, 1872

It was a Thursday morning at Enchancia Castle. Sofia was preparing to return to High Hope Dance Academy, and Dorrie and Candice were preparing to return to Ornburgh. As Sofia, Dorrie, and Candice were talking, Baileywick walked up to them.

"Princess Sofia," Baileywick began. "Your parents have called a family meeting in King Roland's study. They have an announcement to make."

"What kind of announcement?" Sofia asked, curious.

"Your parents will explain that when you arrive," Baileywick explained as he turned to Dorrie and Candice. "The two of you are requested there as well, along with your mother and your sisters."

"Of course, Mister Baileywick," Dorrie acknowledged.

Baileywick, Sofia, Dorrie, and Candice walked to Roland's study. Baileywick then knocked on the door.

"Enter," Roland invited.

Baileywick, Sofia, Dorrie, and Candice opened the door and walked into the study. Upon entering, the three noticed Roland and Miranda sitting down, along with Amber, James, Lucinda, Hikari, Violet, Bethany, and Louise.

"Please, sit down, Baileywick, ladies," Miranda said to Baileywick, Sofia, Dorrie, and Candice. Sofia sat with her family, while Dorrie and Candice sat with Violet, Bethany, and Louise, and Baileywick sat in a nearby chair.

"What's going on, Mom?" Candice whispered to Violet.

"History," Violet whispered back with a smile.

"I suppose you're wondering why we've called you here?" Roland started. "Miranda and I have been discussing this for a while now. I could go on and on with a big speech, but Miranda has taught me that it is better to get straight to the point."

"Why are we here, Daddy?" Amber wanted to know.

"Because your mother and I are retiring," Roland revealed as the royal family gasped. "It is time to pass the kingdom along to the next generation. Amber, after the appropriate arrangements have been made, you will be crowned as Queen of Enchancia."

"Congratulations, Sis," James smiled as he and Amber hugged. "I'm very happy for you."

"Thank you, James," Amber acknowledged, touched.

"Baileywick, Violet, Bethany, and Louise," Roland began. "I trust you'll handle the arrangements for Amber's coronation?" Roland asked.

"You may count on us, King Roland," Baileywick responded in a reassuring voice.

"Dorrie? Candice?" Roland asked. "I trust the two of you will personally deliver the news to Ornburgh?"

"We would be honored, King Roland," Dorrie promised on behalf of herself and Candice.

Amber looked concerned as she thought about becoming Queen.

"Daddy, Mother," Amber started, "I will keep with royal tradition. Being the firstborn child, I will ascend to the throne and become Queen of Enchancia. It's just that ..."

"Amber?" Miranda gently asked.

"My heart is torn," Amber sadly admitted. "While I must follow Enchancian royal tradition, I'm in love with Gilbert. But I can't have both."

"Your mother and I have been discussing this," Roland revealed as he came over and gently put his hand on Amber's shoulder. "You'll be Queen for a one-year trial period as it were. After a year, if your feelings for Gilbert haven't changed, you may leave the throne to marry Gilbert just before he becomes King of Sadonia. By that time, James will have completed his knight certification and will be available to ascend to the throne here in Enchancia."

"Oh, Daddy!" Amber hugged Roland in joy.

"See," Miranda smiled at Amber. "You can have both worlds."

"You're the best parents ever!" Amber happily said to Roland and Miranda.

"And you're a fine daughter," Roland praised.

"With you being Queen for a year, Enchancian royal tradition will be satisfied, and your heart's desire will be satisfied," Miranda happily pointed out.

"James?" Amber asked. "Are you okay with this plan?"

"All I've ever wanted is your happiness," James smiled. "If you decide to marry Gilbert and become his Queen in Sadonia, you'll have my full support."

"And you becoming King?" Amber wondered.

"I'll be available if the need arises," James promised.

Queen Candice's Personal Diary: November 21, 1877 (Continued).

Amber's coronation was held in January of 1873 so everybody in Enchancia could celebrate Wassailia. The coronation was low key taking into consideration that Amber might be leaving in a year. Indeed, when a year passed, Amber's feelings toward Gilbert had not changed, so Amber decided to leave the throne to marry Gilbert. It was at that time that James stepped in and became King, with his wife Vivian becoming Queen. A coronation was held for James and Vivian in February of 1874. But here I am jumping forward a bit too fast. Other things happened before Enchancia changed hands in 1873 and 1874.

Nanny McPhee became excellent security for the Wendarby Institute. Nothing escaped her watch, especially the occasional spy from the Witch Revolutionary Front who would come around to spy from a distance.

December 10, 1872

It was a Tuesday morning in the Village of Wendarby. On the outskirts of the Wendarby Institute, a white-skinned woman with short brown hair was standing on one side of a stone fence looking onto the property of the Institute. Suddenly, Nanny McPhee appeared behind the woman.

"If I might ask, who are you and what are you doing here?" Nanny McPhee wanted to know.

"Esme Dellavo," the woman responded. "I've just moved to the village, and I found myself passing by your fine institute of magical learning."

"The Wendarby Institute is indeed a fine institution," Nanny McPhee agreed. "Might I see your identity papers?"

"Why for?" Esme asked.

"I'm security for the Institute, and in light of recent circumstances, one can't be too careful," Nanny McPhee explained. "Your papers, please."

Esma searched around her jacket, but could not find the papers. Esma then gave a sheepish grin. "I don't seem to have them."

"Every law-abiding citizen of the Ever Realm has identity papers, and is required to carry them at all times," Nanny McPhee pointed out. "How is it you're without your papers?"

"None of your business!" Esma snapped as she brought out her wand. "I don't have to answer to goodie goodies like you! I'll be leaving now!"

"I think not," Nanny McPhee countered as she raised her staff and slammed it into the ground, causing a shockwave that knocked Esma over. Inside the Institute, Phoebe Figalilly was meeting with Headmaster Merlin when they both felt the shockwave.

"It would appear Nanny McPhee has caught an intruder," Phoebe observed.

"Indeed," Merlin agreed. "She's a formidable opponent."

Back where Nanny McPhee and Esma were, two guards on horseback raced up.

"This woman says her name is Esme Dellavo," Nanny McPhee said to the two guards. "She doesn't have identity papers on her, and when push came to shove, she threatened me with a wand."

"Esme Dellavo, you say?" one of the guards asked Nanny McPhee. "Seems like I've seen that name on a list of wanted witches from the Witch Revolutionary Front."

"You need to come with us," the other guard directed Esma. "Drop your wand, or it will be taken by force."

"I'd like to see you try," Esme laughed in amusement.

At that moment, Paythos, a Hurpent from the Kingdom of Serpathia, walked up. He had a Serpentine look but depending on his mood could walk on either two legs with human-looking feet and a short tail hanging down from his lower abdomen, or his tail could elongate and absorb into his legs as his arms would be absorbed into his upper body allowing him to slither and crawl like a snake. Today, Paythos was in his human-type form.

"Constable Paythos," the first guard acknowledged.

"What is the problem here?" Paythos wanted to know.

"We have a suspected member of the Witch Revolutionary Front," the other guard explained. "She's refusing to cooperate with us."

"It would be in your best interest if you cooperated, ma'am," Paythos instructed Esme. "These two guards are armed with wands, and I have my own ways of dealing with threats to the community."

"Of that, I have no doubt," Esme had to acknowledge as she looked at Paythos' Serpentine features. At that same moment, the two guards pulled out their wands. "You win this round," Esme said in defeat as she handed over her wand.

"Take her to the station," Paythos instructed the two guards.

"Yes, Constable," the two guards acknowledged as they escorted Esme away. Paythos then walked over to Nanny McPhee.

"A pleasure as always, Nanny McPhee," Paythos greeted.

"Paythos," Nanny McPhee acknowledged. "I want to thank you and your two guards for your quick response."

"You're very welcome," Paythos smiled. "With the Witch Revolutionary Front around, we can't be too careful these days."

Queen Candice's Personal Diary: November 21, 1877 (Continued).

Meanwhile, over at Enchancia Castle, Faith was teaching Bethany and Louise an inside trick that Faith had learned over the years.

December 15, 1872

It was a Sunday afternoon at Enchancia Castle. In a quiet part of the castle, Faith, Bethany, and Louise were standing outside of a locked door.

"Okay Louise, your turn," Faith instructed as Louise started picking the lock with a lock pick. "Feel your way through it."

Louise gently used the lock pick and felt her way around the lock. In a few moments, the lock on the door released.

"Excellent job, Louise," Bethany praised.

"Indeed," Faith smiled. "The two of you now have the ability to pick a lock. You'll find it a useful skill should the need arise."

"Thank you, Faith," Bethany smiled as she hugged Faith.

"Yes, thank you," Louise happily added as she joined in the hug.

"That feels nice," Faith smiled in appreciation.

"We have a surprise for you, Faith," Bethany announced.

"What kind of surprise?" Faith asked, curious.

"Chef Andre has offered to teach us how to make cookies," Louise happily added.

"I remember cooking with my birth mother many, many years ago," Faith recalled. "It was always a nice time. Making cookies sounds great."

"Let's go down to the kitchen, then," Bethany suggested.

As Faith, Bethany, and Louise happily walked toward the castle kitchen, Scarlett and Violet watched from a distance.

"Your new daughters are wonderful people," Scarlett praised. "They're letting Faith be a child again ... even if just for a little while."

"Be assured that Faith will always have that option," Violet promised. "There are always going to be children around in some form or another. While I haven't been given specifics, I have been told by Voyager Command that Dorrie and Frederick, and Candice and Everett, will eventually have children of their own."

"That's wonderful, Violet," Scarlett smiled in happiness. "Their children will be blessed having you as a grandmother."

Queen Candice's Personal Diary: November 21, 1877 (Continued).

Bethany and Louise continued their Peculiar studies under Alma Peregrine.

December 16, 1872

It was a Monday afternoon at the Wendarby Institute. Classes had ended for the day, and it was time for Bethany and Louise to have their Peculiar study session with Alma Peregrine. As they walked into the room where the study session was to take place, Bethany and Louise found Alma waiting for them.

"Ah!" Alma smiled. "There you are, ladies."

"Good afternoon, Miss Peregrine," Bethany and Louise happily greeted.

"We have a gift," Bethany announced.

"Oh, my!" Alma exclaimed in delight.

"A warm loaf of bread and a jar of raspberry jam," Louise revealed.

"And who do we have to thank for this wonderful surprise?" Alma wondered.

"Miss Figalilly, ma'am," Bethany answered.

"A wonderful woman," Alma remarked, pleased. "A true credit to this institution. Let's say we enjoy this wonderful gift before it goes cold."

Bethany, Louise, and Alma enjoyed the bread and jam. Afterward, the three walked outside where some flowers had been freshly planted.

"Your lesson today will involve your plant control abilities," Alma explained to Bethany and Louise. "You'll each pick a flower and make it grow."

"Yes, Miss Peregrine," Bethany acknowledged as she selected a flower.

"Concentrate and see if you can make the flower grow in size," Alma instructed Bethany.

Bethany concentrated and managed to make the flower grow about five inches.

"Not bad for a first attempt," Alma praised, before turning to Louise. "You try, now."

Louise picked a flower and concentrated. In a few moments, Louise managed to make her flower grow about four inches.

"Again, not bad for a first attempt," Alma said in a reassuring voice. "The two of you have a lot of training to do, but eventually you'll get there."

Bethany and Louise smiled at the encouragement.

Queen Candice's Personal Diary: November 21, 1877 (Continued).

Bethany and Louise, under Alma's instruction, learned over time to use their Peculiar abilities. By the time 1874 had come around, Bethany and Louise had mastered their Peculiar abilities. In Enchancia, the beginning of 1874 marked a time of change. Amber had left the throne to marry Gilbert. James and Vivian then became King and Queen of Enchancia. With the transition period over, King Roland, Queen Miranda, Princess Hikari, and Gatomon moved to their own castle in Enchancia, leaving Enchancia Castle and the kingdom in the capable hands of James and Vivian. Baileywick went with Roland, Miranda, Hikari, and Gatomon. Adair Starwell, who had been trained over the past few years by Baileywick, became the new Royal Steward of Enchancia.

In June of 1874, both Sofia and Lucinda got married. Sofia married Prince Zandar of Tangu, and Lucinda married Prince Marrick of Ladarvia. With Sofia gone from Enchancia Castle, Princess Faith took over Sofia's job as Story Keeper and moved into Enchancia Castle so she could be close to the Secret Library. Now that Sofia and Lucinda were each married, that left Enchancia without their Royal Sorceresses. King James then had a very wonderful idea. Since Queen Vivian came from a magical family and had been well-trained in the use of magic, James appointed her as the new Royal Sorceress of Enchancia. Vivian quickly had some ideas of her own.

June 15, 1874

It was a Monday afternoon at Enchancia Castle. Seventeen-year-old Calista had just arrived back at the castle from attending school at Hexley Hall. As she entered the castle, Adair Starwell was waiting for Calista.

"Calista," Adair smiled. "Have a good day at school?"

"Yes, Miss Starwell," Calista cheerfully answered.

"Good," Adair responded, pleased. "Queen Vivian wants to see you in her study."

"Have I done something wrong?" Calista asked, concerned.

"Not at all," Adair said in a reassuring voice. "You've done everything right. I'll take you up to Queen Vivian's study."

In a few minutes, Adair and Calista arrived at the door to Vivian's study. Adair then knocked at the door.

"Enter," Vivian invited.

Adair opened the door to Vivian's study, and the two walked inside.

"Miss Calista reporting as requested, My Queen," Adair announced.

"Excellent," Vivian smiled. "I have something I want to discuss with Calista."

"I'll leave the two of you alone to talk, My Queen," Adair acknowledged as she left, closing the door behind her.

"Please have a seat, Calista," Vivian invited.

"Yes, ma'am," Calista acknowledged as she sat down.

"As you know, King James appointed me to be the new Royal Sorceress of Enchancia yesterday," Vivian started. "For the longest time, the Royal Sorceress of Enchancia was a shared position, thanks to Sofia and Lucinda. That is a tradition I would like to keep intact. Therefore, I will be sharing the position with another."

"Who did you have in mind, ma'am?" Calista asked, curious.

"You," Vivian happily answered.

"Me?!" Calista exclaimed, taken off guard. "I'm only seventeen, ma'am."

"And you're one of the brightest young spell casters of your age," Vivian praised. "I would be very honored if you would share the position with me. What do you say?"

"I accept, ma'am," Calista happily responded.

"Excellent!" Vivian exclaimed in glee. "You and I are going to make a fine team."

"I am, or now was, a Royal Magician of Enchancia, ma'am," Calista pointed out.

"I've been giving that some thought," Vivian revealed. "We'll need a replacement magician. I was thinking that Doc would do nicely. She's come far in her magical studies these past few years."

"That's an excellent idea, ma'am," Calista approved.

"I was also thinking of creating an Enchancian office of royal magic," Vivian explained. "Putting everybody under one roof as it were. You and I as Royal Sorceresses. Abby and Doc as Royal Magicians. And Bethany and Louise as Royal Percuilars. Everything would be streamlined in that way."

"An excellent plan, ma'am," Calista again approved.

Queen Candice's Personal Diary: November 21, 1877 (Continued).

And so began a new royal magical era in Enchancia. Vivian and Calista became popular Royal Sorceresses as Sofia and Lucinda had before them. Of course, Cordelia was a very proud mother - Calista was now a Royal Sorceress. Abby and Doc thrived as the Royal Magicians. And Bethany and Louise thrived as the Royal Percuilars (in fact, because of their ability to control plants, Bethany and Louise were often called in to help solve problems with farmers' fields, which freed up Vivian and Calista to do other magical duties. Because of this, Bethany and Louise were rewarded with the secondary titles of Sorceresses-in-Waiting, titles that Dorrie and I held until we became princesses).

Here in Ornburgh, 1876 brought changes to the kingdom. King Jonathan and Queen Mira retired as King and Queen of Ornburgh, while Frederick and Dorrie moved to Enchancia as a doctor and nurse. It was at that time that Everett and I became King and Queen of Ornburgh. In addition to being Queen, I also gained another position - being head of Ornburgh Intelligence when the previous head of intelligence retired. After we became King and Queen, Jonathan, Mira, and their daughter Lissa moved to a castle of their own in Ornburgh.

The Royal Steward of Ornburgh retired when Jonathan and Mira retired so that left Everett and I the task of choosing a new Royal Steward. Everett and I both agreed there was only one logical choice for the position - Violet. Mom, of course, wasn't sure at first, having had many years at Enchancia Castle. But she eventually accepted the position, and she, Bethany, and Louise moved to Ornburgh Castle. At Enchancia Castle, Abby became the new head maid. Elizabeth and Marie joined Doc as Royal Magicians of Enchancia, and the three were also given Sorceresses-in-Waiting status.

Back here in Ornburgh, later in 1876, Mom married King Erik of Corona and became Queen of Corona. Being a working woman, Mom stayed on as Royal Steward of Corona during the day. However, that meant we would need a co-Royal Steward for night and weekend activities here at Corona Castle. I came up with the idea of asking an old friend - Indigo. At first, Indigo wasn't sure about the idea, but her parents urged her to accept the offer, pleased that their daughter would be moving up in the Ever Realm. So, to make a long story short, Indigo became co-Royal Steward of Ornburgh and moved into Ornburgh Castle.

Mom, Bethany, and Louise love life in Corona, and Mom uses the Floo Network to travel between Corona and Ornburgh. It took Mom a little time to get used to being Erik's Queen, and it also took a little time for Bethany and Louise to get used to the idea of being princesses. However, the people of Corona quickly fell in love with Mom, Bethany, and Louise, which made for an easy transition.

In 1877, a new face appeared at Ornburgh Castle - our dear Rachel. It's been a little over a month since she came into our lives, and she's already settling in nicely. She met our extended family, and then there was her official welcoming ball. However, between meeting our extended family, and her ball, there was one more meeting she had, this time with close friends of the family.

October 21, 1877

It was a late Sunday afternoon in the Kingdom of Enchancia. In the skies above Enchancia, a royal flying carriage from Ornburgh was making its way to the castle where King Roland, Queen Miranda, Hikari, and Gatomon lived. Aboard the flying carriage, Everett, Candice, and seven-year-old Rachel sat taking in the scenery.

"Enjoying the ride, Rachel?" Everett wanted to know.

"Oh, yes, Dad," Rachel happily answered. "I've never been in a flying carriage before. This is really quite wonderful."

"We're glad you're enjoying it," Candice smiled at Rachel. "You'll be flying regularly once you start attending Royal Prep and Hexley Hall."

"A new home ... and education," Rachel started. "This is all ... quite incredible."

"King Roland and Queen Miranda's castle coming up," the male driver of the carriage announced.

"I hope I'm presentable?" Rachel asked, worried.

"You're very presentable, sweetheart," Everett said in a reassuring voice.

"King Roland and Queen Miranda are going to love you," Candice said as she hugged Rachel.

In a few minutes, the flying carriage from Ornburgh landed in the courtyard of King Roland and Queen Miranda's castle. Waiting for the carriage were Roland, Miranda, eighteen-year-old Hikari, Gatomon, and Baileywick. As Everett, Candice, and Rachel stepped off of the carriage, Bailetwick stepped forward.

"King Everett, Queen Candice, and Princess Rachel of Ornburgh," Baileywick announced.

"Nice to see you again, Mister Baileywick," Candice happily greeted.

"And it's good to see you again, Queen Candice," Baileywick smiled as Roland, Miranda, Hikari, and Gatomon walked up.

"Everett," Roland greeted.

"Roland," Everett greeted back.

"Candice," Miranda smiled as she and Candice hugged each other.

"Queen Miranda," Candice smiled back.

"Isn't it time you started calling us Roland and Miranda?" Miranda urged. "You're an adult now, and a queen."

"Yes, Queen ... I mean, Miranda," Candice acknowledged as Hikari and Gatomon walked up.

"Queen Candice," Hikari greeted as she and Gatomon curtsied.

"What's this Queen Candice stuff?" Candice cheerfully asked. "Since we're being on a first-name basis, it's just Candice to you."

"Yes, Candice," Hikari smiled as Gatomon walked over to Rachel.

"I'm Gatomon," Gatomon greeted. "I hope you're not scared of me?"

"Not at all," Rachel said in a reassuring voice. "I think you're incredible."

"Thank you," Gatomon said, gratefully. "I take it you've encountered magical creatures before?"

"Yes," Rachel acknowledged. "Mom very recently showed me her White Maleficent form."

"So, you must be Rachel?" Roland asked as he and Miranda walked up to Rachel. "A pleasure to meet you."

"The pleasure is mine, sir, ma'am," Rachel said as she curtsied.

"We're all friends here," Miranda happily pointed out to Rachel. "No need to curtsy to us."

"Thank you, ma'am," Rachel responded, pleased.

As Roland, Everett, Rachel, Hikari, Gatomon, and Baileywick walked together talking, Candice and Miranda hung back.

"Candice?" Miranda asked. "You know that Roland, Hikari, and I are now Voyagers. Does Rachel know that you, Everett, and most of your family are Voyagers?"

"Everett and I want to give Rachel time to settle in," Candice explained. "Eventually, when the time is right, we'll explain to Rachel who we are."

"Sounds like a good plan," Miranda approved. "You're becoming a fine mother."

"Miranda?" Candice wanted to know. "I've only been Rachel's mother for a short time. I'm rapidly finding out that parenting is a series of winging-it moments."

"Oh, my!" Miranda snickered. "You've discovered our secret. Winging-it is what parenting is all about. You'll get used to it, you'll see. You've had a fine upbringing. Fall back on that."

"You've always been a wise woman," Candice pointed out.

"High praise," Miranda smiled, pleased. "I'm honored."

Everybody entered the castle sitting room and sat down. Then a pleasant conversation took place.

"Last year was a banner year for royalty," Roland observed, talking to Everett, Candice, and Rachel. "Ornburgh got itself a new king and queen. Tangu got itself a new sultan and sultana with Zandar and Sofia. And Ladarvia got itself a new king and queen with Marrick and Lucinda."

"And Gilbert and Amber are doing well as king and queen of Sadonia," Miranda happily added.

"Not to mention that we have a new princess with Rachel," Roland winked at Rachel.

"I just hope I live up to everybody's expectations," Rachel hoped.

"You'll do fine, Rachel," Miranda said in a reassuring voice. "Just be yourself, and everything will be fine."

"Miranda's absolutely right," Roland agreed

Rachel smiled at Miranda and Roland's encouragement as a maid walked into the room.

"Cook says supper will be ready in thirty minutes King Roland, Queen Miranda," the maid reported.

"Excellent," Roland acknowledged, pleased, as the maid left.

The group spent some more time talking, then made their way to the dining room. As the group sat down, supper was served by a few male servants.

"Candice," Roland started, "we have a surprise for you. We're serving a meal you're well acquainted with - 'No Peek' Beef Tips."

"Thank you, Roland," Candice acknowledged, pleased. "It was one of the first recipes that Mom taught Dorrie, Timothy, and me to make. It really brings back happy memories."

"Timothy?" Rachel asked, curious.

"A friend that Dorrie and I know," Candice explained. "He's training to be a chef at Enchancia Castle. He's really quite gifted."

A servant placed a plate of beef tips and noodles in front of Rachel. As she smelled the aroma coming from the plate, Rachel smiled and happily said "Very nice."

"Very nice is a phrase we've noticed Rachel using," Candice whispered to Miranda. "She uses it when she's very pleased with something."

"How sweet," Miranda whispered back. "It's nice seeing Rachel happy, especially after what you've told me she's been through."

"Mom?" Rachel asked Candice. "Could you teach me how to make this?"

"I'd be happy to," Candice answered, pleased.

"It turns out our Rachel is a good cook," Everett explained.

"I would help my birth mom prepare meals," Rachel revealed. "Cooking has been a part of my life for a long time."

Queen Candice's Personal Diary: November 21, 1877 (Continued).

The supper went quite well. Everybody got to know Rachel better, and agreed she was one of the finest girls they had ever met. That Monday, Rachel started school at Royal Prep. Everett and I had warned her in advance about the grand tour that the headmistresses treated new students to. Rachel made it through the singing and dancing quite well and was quite impressed.

On that Tuesday, Rachel started her magical schooling at Hexley Hall. We were all quite pleased when she was sorted into Pepperton House. It was then decided that Rachel should take some magical classes at the Wendarby Institute as well. Since Wendarby allows students to choose their house, Rachel decided to join Cosmarune House (and, of course, Mom, Dorrie, and I quickly approved her request to join Cosmarune). Since Rachel is in the very early stages of her magical training, it was decided to have her go to Hexley and Wendarby on Tuesdays and Thursdays to ease her into magical training. As she becomes better with her magical skills, we'll eventually have her go to Hexley and Wendarby on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

On Friday, October 26th, Everett and I threw an official ball for Rachel. King Roland and Queen Miranda showed up, along with other past and present Ever Realm royalty. Mom, King Eric, Bethany, and Louise showed up, along with Amber, Graham, James, Vivian, Sofia, Zandar, Lucinda, Graham, Ruby, and Jade. Everybody instantly fell in love with Rachel.

Scarlett also showed up at the ball, along with Faith and Skylar. After the ball, Scarlett met with Rachel, Everett, and me.

October 26, 1877

"I've been looking forward to this meeting ever since I first heard about you," Scarlett smiled at Rachel.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Queen Scarlett," Rachel acknowledged as she curtsied.

"There's no need to curtsy in my presence," Scarlett instructed. "My friends simply call me Scarlett. And I'd very much like to consider you a friend."

"I'd like that, Queen ... I mean, Scarlett," Rachel smiled.

"Excellent!" Scarlett happily acknowledged as she brought out a small pouch from her pocket. "I've had this set aside for a long time now. I never realized who it was meant for ... until now. I give it to you, from one friend to another."

"Thank you, Scarlett," Rachel happily said as she opened the pouch and discovered an amulet with a rose quartz gemstone. "Oh, my!" Rachel gasped. "This is beautiful. But it's too expensive for me to take."

"Please, accept it," Scarlett urged. "I'd really love to know it is in the right hands. And I know yours are the right hands."

"Scarlett doesn't just give gifts to anybody," Candice pointed out to Rachel. "Only to those she deems worthy."

"Then I accept, Scarlett," Rachel agreed as she put the amulet on. The amulet then glowed for a few moments, before returning to normal. "What just happened?" Rachel wanted to know, taken off guard.

"Your amulet is magical," Scarlett explained. "With each deed performed, for better or worse, a power is granted, a blessing or curse. Simply put, each time you do a good deed, the amulet will give you a special power. However, if you do something that might be considered wrong, the amulet will curse you until you set things right."

"Then I will always strive to be good," Rachel promised. "What should I call this amulet?"

"That's an interesting question," Scarlett pondered. "Past amulets have always been named in advance. The amulet of this or the amulet of that. Yours is unnamed. What do you want to call it?"

Rachel thought for a few moments before coming up with a name. "How about ... the Amulet of Delphtor?"

"In honor of your birth parents," Scarlett noted with a smile. "A wonderful name for your amulet. And a wonderful way to keep the memory of your birth parents alive."

"What a wonderful tribute," Everett approved.

"You make them proud," Candice smiled as she hugged Rachel.

"Scarlett?" Rachel began. "Speaking about my birth parents, I have a favor to ask ... if it's allowed?"

"What's on your mind, Rachel?" Scarlett wanted to know.

"You are well known throughout the Ever Realm," Rachel responded. "You're a great warrior. I would like to be trained in the fighting arts. Would you teach me?"

"Why do you want to be trained, Rachel?" Scarlett asked, curious.

"I had to watch from the woods as my birth parents were murdered by the Witch Revolutionary Front," Rachel explained. "I was helpless. There was nothing I could do. I don't want to feel that weak, that helpless ever again!"

"Oh, Rachel," Candice said in sympathy as she and Everett comforted Rachel.

"Rachel has made a request of me," Scarlett said to Candice and Everett. "I wouldn't dream of doing it without your permission."

"Then you have our permission," Everett agreed. "Rachel should be trained in the fighting arts, for her protection."

"And her peace of mind," Candice added.

"Then we'll come up with a schedule that works for all of us," Scarlett announced. "Rachel, it shall be an honor training you."

Queen Candice's Personal Diary: November 21, 1877 (Continued).

So, that's where we stand right now. Rachel is doing well in learning the fighting arts from Scarlett, and is doing well at school. Everett and I are proud to have Rachel as a daughter. She constantly amazes us with her ability to bounce back from the tragedy she faced. As Mom pointed out to me, Rachel could have turned out cold and unfeeling. Instead, Rachel is friendly and welcoming and takes her responsibilities as a princess with a seriousness you don't often see in a girl her age.

Rachel is going to be all right, and I look forward to seeing her grow into the fine woman I know she'll become.

(End of Chapter 28).

Behind the scenes

In this installment of "Behind the scenes", we have a recipe supplied by jolly roger brat. It is the 'No Peek' Beef Tips mentioned in this chapter. Thank you jolly roger brat for this wonderful recipe.

When Dorrie, Candice, and Timothy came to Enchancia Castle and started working in the kitchen, one of the first recipes Violet taught them was for a very simple 'set it and forget it' meal. It's among one of the royal family's favorite meals, and one of the first ones that Amber, James, and Sofia also helped with when they started helping in the kitchen.

Violet's 'No Peek' Beef Tips

2 pounds stew meat
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 packet of brown gravy
1 envelope beefy onion soup mix
1 soup can of water

Mix all ingredients together in a 13x9 pan and cover with foil. Don't grease the pan. Bake at 300 for 3 hours. NO PEEKING!

Meat is super tender and delicious. Serve with mashed potatoes or noodles.

Author's notes

Alma Peregrine and Peculiars are from "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children".

Doc McStuffins is based on the same character from "Doc McStuffins" but adapted for the "Sofia the First" universe. Having Doc appear in "Ever Realm Chronicles" was the idea of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury.

Elizabeth West-Chadwick, Marie Perkins, and Timothy O'Toole are characters created by MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury and are used in this story with the permission of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury.

Floo Network is from "Harry Potter".

High Hope Dance Academy is originally from "Sky Dancers", but has been adapted for use in the "Sofia the First" universe. Having Sofia attend High Hope Dance Academy was the idea of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury.

Hikari and Gatomon are alternate universe versions of Hikari and Gatomon from "Digimon: Digital Monsters". Having Hikari and Gatomon 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".

King Erik Fitzherbert of Corona 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 King Erik Fitzherbert 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".

Nanny McPhee is an earlier version of the same character from "Nanny McPhee" and "Nanny McPhee Returns".

Paythos is a character created by Brigade701 and is used in my stories with the permission of Brigade701. Having Paythos appear in this chapter was the idea of Brigade701.

Phoebe Figalilly is a younger version of Phoebe Figalilly from "Nanny and the Professor".

Princess Faith (Queen Scarlett's adopted daughter) is an earlier version of Faith seen in the "Torchwood" episodes "Dead Man Walking" and "Fragments".

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

Queen Scarlett's daughter, Skylar, is an original character created by Jake H Voronkov for my stories (the fact that Scarlett's daughter, and Elena of Avalor's Jaguin, share the same name is simply an interesting quirk of fate).

The Kingdom of Corona is from "Tangled", and also from "Tangled: The Series" (also known as "Rapunzel's Tangled Adventure").

The Kingdom of Ladarvia is a kingdom I created for my stories.

The Kingdom of Ornburgh is where Prince Frederick and his family live. The kingdom was never given a name in "Sofia the First", so I named it Ornburgh.

The Kingdom of Sardonia is a kingdom I created for my stories.

The Kingdom of Serpathia is a kingdom created by Brigade701 and is used in my stories with permission from Brigade701.

The Kingdom of Tangu is from "Sofia the First".

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.

Voyager and Voyager Command are from the "Voyagers!" TV series.

Disclaimer

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

"Doc McStuffins" and everything associated with it © Brown Bag Films, and Disney.

"Elena of Avalor" and everything associated with it © Craig Gerber, Disney Television Animation, Team TO, and Disney-ABC Domestic Television.

Elizabeth West-Chadwick, Marie Perkins, Timothy O'Toole, 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.

"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.

King Erik Fitzherbert of Corona is the property of Skyrimfan and is used in my stories with the permission of Skyrimfan.

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

"Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children" and everything associated with it © Chernin Entertainment, Tim Burton Productions, TSG Entertainment, Scope Pictures, St. Petersburg Clearwater Film Commission, Ingenious, and 20th Century Fox.

"Nanny and the Professor" and everything associated with it © ABC-TV and 20th Century-Fox Television.

"Nanny McPhee" and everything associated with it © StudioCanal, Working Title Films, Three Strange Angels, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Nanny McPhee Productions, United International Pictures, Universal Pictures, and Mars Distribution.

"Nanny McPhee Returns" (A.K.A. "Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang") and everything associated with it © StudioCanal, Relativity Media, Working Title Films, Three Strange Angels, and Universal Pictures.

Paythos and the other original ideas from Brigade701 are the property of Brigade701 and are used in my stories with the permission of Brigade701.

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

"Sky Dancers" and everything associated with it © Galoob, Abrams Gentile Entertainment Inc, Gaumont Multimedia (now Xilam Animation), and Play Along Toys.

"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" and everything associated with it © Disney.

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

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.

"Torchwood" and everything associated with it © BBC.

"Voyagers!" and everything associated with it © James D. Parriot Productions, Universal Television (MCA), and Scholastic Productions.

I only own Abby Murphy, Adair Starwell, Bethany, Enchancian office of royal magic, Esme Dellavo, Gilbert, King Jonathan, Louise, Ornburgh Intelligence, Princess Lissa, Princess Rachel, Queen Mira, Sorceresses-in-Waiting, the Amulet of Delphtor, the Kingdom of Ladarvia, the Kingdom of Sardonia, the Village of Wendarby, the Wendarby Institute, and the Witch Revolutionary Front (WRF).