Ever Realm Chronicles - a Sofia the First fanfic
Chapter 34: Everything Changes
December 27, 1885
It was a Sunday afternoon at Ornburgh Castle. Outside of the castle, Everett, Candice, and Rachel were waiting for Makayla's flying carriage to arrive from Enchancia. In a few minutes, the carriage landed in the castle courtyard. As John the carriage driver helped Makayla off the carriage, Everett, Candice, and Rachel walked up.
"Welcome home, Makayla," Everett greeted with a smile.
"Thank you, King Everett," Makayla smiled back as she turned to Candice and Rachel. "Queen Candice, Princess Rachel."
"Have a good holiday?" Candice asked Makayla.
"The best, Queen Candice," Makayla happily reported. "It was nice seeing my aunt and uncle again."
"That's good to hear," Rachel smiled. "Family is everything."
"Indeed it is, Princess," Makayla smiled back as she gently patted Rachel's shoulder as Rachel stepped back for a moment.
"Anything wrong, Princess?" Makayla asked, concerned.
"It's nothing, Miss Anderson," Rachel responded. "I'm still recovering from the Wassailia holiday."
"Rachel put in overtime this year," Everett revealed. "It was her turn to host the annual Prince and Princess Holiday Ball."
"And a fine job she did, too," Candice praised. "Everybody was very impressed."
As Everett, Candice, and Makayla walked into the castle having a pleasant conversation, Rachel held back for a moment.
"Curious," Rachel thought to herself. "When Miss Anderson touched my shoulder, I got the impression I was dealing with a different person, somebody I hadn't encountered before. I'm sure I'm just imagining things."
"Rachel," Candice beaconed.
"Coming, Mom," Rachel responded as she followed Candice, Everett, and Makayla into the castle.
Far away from Ornburgh, Rerana Sharpe and Elisena Frost watched the events at Ornburgh Castle through a crystal ball.
"Miss Anderson has arrived home at Ornburgh Castle," Rerana said with a wicked smile. "Soon, our plan will spring into action."
"Too bad Miss Anderson doesn't know she's been brainwashed," Elisena mocked. "She has no memory of being captured or the instructions we placed into her unconscious mind."
"And when the time is right, those instructions will kick in," Rerana laughed.
A few hours later, back at Ornburgh Castle, Rachel walked into the castle library where Makayla was putting away some books.
"Is there anything I can help you with, Princess?" Makayla asked.
"I'm just looking for some light reading," Rachel answered. "I'll get something from the literature section."
"Of course, Princess," Makayla acknowledged as she continued putting away books.
As Rachel went through the literature section, she felt somebody behind her. Rachel turned around to see Makayla standing there. Makayla was holding a wand.
"Princess Rachel," Makayla said in a cold voice. "I must kill you now. The WRF demands it."
"But why?" Rachel wanted to know.
"Your death will disrupt Ever Realm royalty," Makayla explained. "It will send a strong message - don't underestimate the WRF."
As Makayla pointed her wand at Rachel, Rachel suddenly ducked behind a tall bookshelf.
"Running is pointless, Princess," Makayla pointed out. "You will die, regardless of you trying to avoid it."
"You're not yourself," Rachel said. "You're under some kind of mind control."
"That is correct, Princess," Makayla confirmed. "Now I must carry out my instructions. Goodbye, Princess."
Rachel suddenly gave Makayla a very intense hypnotic stare.
"What are you doing?" Makayla wanted to know.
"I am Princess Rachel, and you will obey me," Rachel said in a calm and collected voice. "You will obey me."
"What is happening?" Makayla asked, confused, as the mind control slowly started to wear off.
"You will obey me," Rachel directed. "You ... will ... obey me!"
As the mind control started to leave Makayla, Rachel quickly grabbed Makayla's wand.
"What is happening, Princess?" Makayla asked as her mind regained control of itself. "The last thing I remember is being in an alley in Dunwiddie."
"Are you alright, Rachel?" a woman's voice came from behind Rachel. Rachel turned to see Scarlett and Doc standing there.
"I'm fine," Rachel reported. "Miss Anderson has been the victim of WRF mind control. She's free of it now. Doc, would you give her an examination, just to be on the safe side?"
"Of course, Princess," Doc agreed as she gently led Makayla out of the library. Rachel then reached into her pocket and activated a small device.
"This is a small device from the planet of Wataria," Rachel explained. "It blocks crystal balls from eavesdropping on me. What are you doing here, Scarlett?"
"I got a vision you were in danger," Scarlett revealed. "I got here as fast as I could. I'm glad you were able to handle the situation. But, I'm confused. The only person I've encountered who had hypnotic abilities like yours was ... The Master."
"I'm ashamed to say The Master is a Privoran like me and my birth parents," Rachel confessed. "Privorans have hypnotic abilities in addition to other powers. Our hypnotic abilities are one reason the Time Lords mistrusted us, never mind we never used our hypnotic abilities for evil. The Master didn't do us any favors when he used his powers for evil."
"Then The Master not only is a renegade Time Lord but also a renegade Privoran," Scarlett thought out loud.
"Yes, Scarlett," Rachel confirmed.
Far away, Rerana Sharpe and Elisena Frost were puzzled by why they were no longer able to receive crystal ball images of Rachel.
"Curious," Rerana said as she looked at Elisena. "The Princess appears to not only have an ability to cut through our mind control, but she also appears to have an ability to block us from looking in on her."
"That makes her dangerous!" Elisena exclaimed in anger.
"Very dangerous," Rerana agreed. "It looks like we've underestimated her. All the more reason to get rid of her once and for all."
That night, in King Everett's study, Everett, Candice, Scarlett, Doc, Rachel, and Makayla were gathered.
"King Everett, Queen Candice," Makayla started. "In light of recent events, you'll have my written resignation by morning. You won't want a threat in the royal household."
"You're not a threat," Everett gently said. "You're an innocent victim."
"And we're not going to throw an innocent victim out the door," Candice added in a reassuring voice.
"But the fact that I was mind controlled ..." Makayla pointed out.
"The mind control has been broken," Doc revealed. "I've done a complete examination of Miss Anderson, and the mind control is no longer an issue. In the cases I've seen, once such a mind control is broken, it's gone forever. She or anybody here has nothing to worry about from this point forward."
"That's good to know," Makayla said, relieved.
"You will stay, won't you?" Everett asked Makayla, hopeful. "Officially, this incident never happened."
"I will stay, King Everett, as long as it's okay with Princess Rachel," Makayla answered. "I wouldn't want to make her uncomfortable."
"You were an innocent victim in all of this," Rachel pointed out. "You're free of the mind control now, and I enjoy having you around. Please stay."
"Then I'll stay, Princess," Makayla smiled. "If I may ask, how did you break the mind control?"
"Princess Rachel has some advanced abilities," Scarlett spoke up. "She's still exploring what she can do. We would appreciate it if you would keep that fact to yourself, a state secret as it were."
"I will of course stay silent on this, Queen Scarlett," Makayla promised before turning to Rachel. "What were we talking about again, Princess?" Makayla winked, feigning ignorance.
"Then everything is settled," Everett happily approved. "You should get some sleep, Miss Anderson. I imagine you're worn out after recent events."
"Thank you, King Everett," Makayla gratefully said as she left. "I'll see you in the morning."
As soon as Makayla left, Candice turned to Rachel. "Is your blocker still activated?"
"Yes, Mom," Rachel acknowledged. "I wouldn't want the WRF to be eavesdropping."
"Good," Candice happily acknowledged.
"The WRF obviously has its sights on Rachel," Scarlett pointed out. "We must proceed with caution."
"Agreed, Scarlett," Everett acknowledged as he turned to Rachel. "I'll have to ask you to stay within the walls of the castle, at least for the time being."
"Of course, Dad," Rachel agreed. "You're looking out for my safety. I think I'll go to bed for the night. If all of you will excuse me?"
"Of course, sweetheart," Candice smiled as she hugged Rachel. "See you in the morning."
As Rachel left the study, Scarlett turned to Everett, Candice, and Doc. "You know of course that Rachel's Time Lord heritage is going to become public sooner or later."
"I realize that my friend," Everett acknowledged. "But, Candice and I would like to have Rachel live a somewhat normal life, at least for now. We owe it to her for what the WRF has put her through."
Scarlett, Candice, and Doc nodded their heads in agreement.
"I hope nobody with a crystal ball just heard that," Everett hoped, nervous.
"Not to worry, Everett," Candice said in a reassuring voice. "I have the same kind of device that Rachel has, and it's turned on. Nobody outside of this room heard what was just said."
December 31, 1885
It was a Thursday afternoon at Ornburgh Castle. In Everett's study, Everett, Candice, Cedric, and Rachel were gathered.
"It's been a few days, and not a peep out of the WRF," Everett noted. "I think we can attend tonight's New Year's celebration in the village, but with precautions. Cedric, I want you to stick close to Rachel. Be prepared in case the WRF attempts something against Rachel."
"Yes, King Everett," Cedric acknowledged. "I will look after Princess Rachel."
"I feel a little strange having a bodyguard," Rachel admitted.
"A necessary precaution, Princess," Cedric pointed out. "After all, the WRF has threatened your life, and you are second in line of Ornburgh royal succession."
"It shall be an honor having you at my side, Mister Cedric," Rachel gratefully said.
"Then it's settled," Everett acknowledged. "We'll leave for the village at seven tonight."
That night, everybody in the village had a grand time celebrating the new year. A little after Midnight, everybody started to return home when there was a huge explosion in the middle of the village. Everett, Candice, Rachel, and Cedric raced over along with some villagers. As they arrived, they noticed a large group of WRF witches standing there ... including Rerana Sharpe and Elisena Frost.
"Ah! There you are!" Rerana sneered at Rachel.
"Stay where you are," Cedric ordered as he stepped forward with his wand drawn.
"And who are you?" Elisena mocked.
"I am Cedric, Royal Sorcerer of Ornburgh," Cedric responded.
"Another goodie goodie," Rerana said in disgust. "I have ways of dealing with interfering goodie goodies!"
Rerana raised her wand and fired a powerful blast at Cedric, causing him to fall backward.
"Mister Cedric!" Rachel cried out in shock before turning to Rerana. "You'll pay for that, swamp hag!"
"Ooh!" Rerana mocked. "Little teen princess is going to make me pay."
At that moment, more villagers arrived. In a few moments, the villagers gathered started circling the WRF witches.
"You made a big mistake coming to Ornburgh!" Everett snapped. "We don't take kindly to outsiders coming in and causing trouble."
"I'm a Protector of the Ever Realm," Rachel announced. "All of you are under arrest."
"We'll see about that," Rerana sneered as a clash between the WRF witches and the villagers started.
In a few moments, shots rang out from armed villagers, sending the WRF witches running for cover.
"What is it with rubes and guns?" Elisena asked in disdain.
"Witches! Open fire!" Rerana ordered.
A fierce firefight soon erupted between the witches and the villagers. Candice quickly transformed into her White Maleficent form and started firing on the witches with her staff. Everett pulled out a wand and started firing, joined by Cedric. As this was taking place, Rachel and Rerana faced off with one another.
"Princess," Rerana grinned with an evil look on her face.
"Batach!" Rachel spat.
"Nobody calls me that and lives to tell the tale!" Rerana exclaimed in anger as she and Rachel clashed.
Punches were exchanged between Rerana and Rachel. As the two fought, Ornburg soldiers raced up and started firing their weapons at the WRF witches. The witches started to retreat.
"Looks like your side has won the day," Rerara admitted in disgust. "I'll see you around. Then again, maybe not."
Rerana then pulled out a knife and stabbed Rachel just below the shoulder. Rerana then laughed as she disappeared in a puff of smoke.
"Rachel!" Candice cried out in panic as she quickly kneeled next to Rachel.
"Well ... this bites!" Rachel said in pain as a glow started forming around her.
"Are ... you regenerating?" Candice whispered.
"You'll see," Rachel said as the glowing around her intensified. In a few moments, Rachel's wound was completely healed, and the glowing faded. Candice and Everett looked to see that Rachel looked exactly as she had before.
"How?" Everett asked, puzzled. "You look the same as before."
"We Privorans have a trick," Rachel explained as she got up. "We can use our powers to heal ourselves without the need for a full-blown regeneration. In that way, we save regenerations for when they are truly needed."
"Amazing," Cedric said in awe. "I don't know what you did, but it was simply amazing."
"How did Princess Rachel do that?" a woman in the crowd wanted to know.
"Rachel is different from us," Everett explained to the crowd. "Please don't damn her for that."
"Why would we damn her?" a man in the crowd wanted to know. "Princess Rachel has always been an exceptional young woman. Just how exceptional we didn't know until now."
"Then ... you're not ... scared of me?" Rachel asked the crowd.
Everybody in the crowd shook their head no as they smiled at Rachel.
"We'll issue an official statement tomorrow," Everett announced. "At that time, all will be explained. Meanwhile, I suggest we all return to our homes. It's been a trying night."
Everett, Candice, Rachel, and Cedric climbed aboard the royal carriage and started to make their way back to Ornburgh Castle. As they rode along, Cedric turned to Everett.
"Pardon me for asking, King Everett," Cedric started. "But what exactly is Princess Rachel?"
"Have you heard of The Doctor?" Everett asked.
"Yes I have, my King," Cedric answered. "Everybody in the Ever Realm knows of The Doctor."
"Well, Rachel is a member of his race," Everett explained.
"Your Eminence," Cedric said to Rachel in awe.
"Please, let's not go overboard," Rachel requested. "I'm just Rachel."
"As you wish, Princess," Cedric acknowledged.
"Things are going to change, aren't they, Mom?" Rachel asked Candice, uneasy.
"Yes, they are," Candice answered. "But, I wouldn't worry. People in the Ever Realm are an understanding bunch."
A little while later, at Ornburgh Castle, both Rachel and Cedric had retired for the night. Everett and Candice were sitting in Everett's study when Commissioner Spencer appeared out of thin air.
"Just a moment, Diana," Candice cautioned as she activated her device which blocked crystal balls from spying on people. "There, we're free to talk now."
"I'm just here to assure both of you that everything is going according to plan," Diana said in a reassuring voice. "Rachel will be accepted here in the Ever Realm for who she is, so there's nothing to worry about."
Candice and Everett sighed in relief.
"It goes without saying that Voyagers are to remain a secret," Diana cautioned.
"Of course, Diana," Everett agreed.
"How will current events affect Cedric's eventual recruitment as a Voyager?" Candice wanted to know.
"While the time is still not right to tell Cedric about Voyagers, the revelation that Rachel is a Time Lady will open his eyes to new possibilities," Diana answered. "That will help when the time comes."
"Then that would appear to be that then," Candice acknowledged.
"Just one more thing," Diana added. "Very shortly, Ornburgh Castle will have a new resident - a young girl. You'll meet her soon enough. You'll know her when she arrives. Just let things play out and everything will be fine."
"Then we'll be ready for her," Everett promised.
"I'd better be getting back to Voyager Command," Diana said as she opened the cover of her Omni and adjusted the dials. "Good night, and Happy New Year."
Diana then pressed a button on her Omni and disappeared into thin air.
January 1, 1886
It was now Friday afternoon at Ornburgh Castle. Everett had released an official statement about the events of the previous night, and about who Rachel really was. In another part of the Ever Realm, Rerana Sharpe and Elisena Frost were reviewing the news about Rachel.
"What do we do now, Rerana?" Elisena asked, concerned.
"Obviously, Little Miss Princess can't be killed," Rerana said in disgust. "Who knew she was a Time Lord, or Time Lady, or whatever the hell they're called?!"
"That makes her dangerous," Elisena pointed out.
"Not as dangerous as we can be," Rerana said with a wicked smile. "I want a list of soft targets inside Ornburgh. I'll pick one from that list and we shall have our revenge for last night's outrage against us."
At Ornburgh Castle, Rachel was sitting in her bedroom when a knock came at her door.
"Come in," Rachel invited.
Rachel's door opened, and in walked a blond-haired white-skinned woman in her 20s. The woman was Greta, Rachel's maid.
"Begging your pardon, Princess," Greta began. "You've been in your room all day. I was wondering if there is anything I can get you?"
"I'm alright, Greta," Rachel responded. "Things have changed, and I'm figuring out what direction to take from this point forward."
"You are Princess Rachel of Ornburgh," Greta reminded Rachel. "Nothing will change that. You will always have the love and respect of our kingdom."
"Even if I'm not of the Ever Realm?" Rachel asked.
"You're of the same race as The Doctor," Greta gently pointed out. "That's one more remarkable thing about you, Princess."
"Thank you, Greta," Rachel responded, gratefully. "You're a kind woman."
"It's easy to be kind to a fine young woman like you," Greta smiled as she spied something new in Rachel's room - a cylindrical object in the corner of the room. "Your machine, Princess?"
"Yes," Rachel confirmed. "Since my secret is out, I figured I'd park my Tardis in my room - keeping it close as it were."
"Very good, Princess," Greta approved as a knock came at Rachel's door.
"Come in," Rachel invited.
The door opened, and in walked Cedric.
"I suggest you come downstairs, Princess," Cedric announced. "Tributes are arriving for you from all over the Ever Realm."
"What?!" Rachel asked, taken off guard.
"You're the Ever Realm's newest celebrity," Cedric smiled. "People wish to show their respect."
"I'll take my leave of you Princess, Mr. Cedric," Greta said as she left.
As Rachel and Cedric walked downstairs, Cedric turned to Rachel.
"Might I ask a question, Princess?" Cedric requested.
"Of course," Rachel agreed.
"When you came across me in Bukaria, you used your machine, didn't you?" Cedric inquired.
"Yes," Rachel confirmed. "My Tardis took me and my friends there, and that's when we discovered you. I'm sorry for the deception. At the time, the fact that I was a Time Lady was classified above top secret."
"I completely understand, Princess," Cedric acknowledged. "I'm just happy things worked out the way they did. It gave me a new life."
"And it gave me a new friend," Rachel smiled at Cedric.
"I'm honored you think of me as a friend, Princess," Cedric smiled back.
As Rachel and Cedric walked into a large room, they noticed male servants putting a variety of gifts on a large table. The gifts were from many Ever Realm royal families.
"Oh my!" Rachel exclaimed in awe.
"Quite the haul," Everett smiled as he and Candice walked up.
"I'll write thank you notes to everybody as soon as possible," Rachel announced.
"That's already being taken care of," Candice revealed. "Our Royal Correspondence Office is already on top of it."
As Rachel looked at the various gifts on the table, a white-skinned brown-haired woman walked into the room with a white-skinned blond-haired eight-year-old girl. The woman was Captain Susanne Reinhard, head of the castle guard.
"King Everett," Susanne greeted. "We rounded up some WRF witches, and this girl was among them. She's been held against her will by the WRF."
"Come forward, young one," Everett directed in a reassuring voice. "What is your name?"
"Kerstin Meygium, my King," the girl answered as she curtsied.
"Where are your parents, Miss Meygium?" Everett asked.
"Dead," Kerstin sadly answered. "Murdered by the WRF when they wouldn't join their ranks."
"Do you have any other family?" Candice gently asked.
"No, my Queen," Kerstin responded. "My mother and father were the only family I had."
"Are you a witchlet?" Rachel wanted to know.
"Yes, my Princess," Kerstin answered. "I'm a good witchlet."
"I can see that," Rachel smiled.
"This is the girl we've been told about," Candice whispered to Everett.
"King Everett," Susanne started. "This young lady has been through quite an ordeal. I thought I'd bring her to you before anything is decided. Her story is not unlike Princess Rachel's ordeal with the WRF."
"Yes," Everett admitted. "But how to proceed?"
"There's always the local orphanage," Susanne suggested.
"That won't be necessary," Cedric said as he stepped forward. "I won't have this girl being taken to an orphanage. If she'll have me, I'd like to adopt her."
"You ... want to ... adopt ... me?" Kerstin asked, not believing her ears.
"Yes, dear one," Cedric smiled. "I'd love to have you as a daughter. And I'd also love to have you as an apprentice. With the proper training, you'll become a fine sorceress. What do you say?"
"I say yes!" Kerstin happily responded.
"Then that's settled," Everett smiled. "I'll see to the arrangements first thing Monday morning. Welcome to Ornburgh Castle, Kerstin. We'll get a room set up for you immediately."
"Thank you, my King," Kerstin gratefully acknowledged.
"Allow me to show you around the castle, Kerstin," Cedric said in a welcoming tone of voice as he gently put his arm around Kerstin.
"Thank you ... Dad," Kristin smiled.
"You're welcome, my dear one," Cedric happily responded. "You're going to make a fine addition to my family. The Villanova family has a proud history of being sorcerers and sorceresses. And you are going to make a fine addition to our family."
That evening, Kerstin was settling into her new room when a knock came at her door. Kerstin got up and opened the door. Standing there was Rachel.
"Hello, Kerstin," Rachel smiled. "May I come in?"
"Yes, please, Princess," Kerstin smiled back as Rachel walked in.
"I have a welcome to the castle gift for you," Rachel announced as she handed a bag to Kerstin. "I thought you would enjoy these."
Kerstin opened the bag and discovered a variety of sweets including chocolate and hard candies.
"Thank you, Princess," Kerstin gleamed in happiness. "But, I couldn't possibly accept these. I'd be taking from you."
"There's plenty," Rachel said in a reassuring voice. "Once Ever Realm royalty found out who I really am, they showered me with gifts. There's more than I can possibly use. So I figured I'd share my good fortune with you."
"Then, I accept," Kerstin said in appreciation. "I heard the maids talking. You're of the same race as The Doctor?"
"Yes," Rachel confirmed.
"I'm honored to be in the presence of a Time Lady," Kerstin said in awe.
"And I'm honored to be in the presence of a fellow survivor," Rachel said as she gently put her hand on Kerstin's shoulder. "I know what it's like to be wronged by the WRF - to have loved ones taken from you. You're not alone, Kerstin. If you need to talk, I'm here."
"I appreciate that, Princess Rachel," Kerstin said, touched.
"It's Rachel to you," Rachel smiled.
"Yes, Princess ... I mean, Rachel," Kerstin acknowledged as the two sat down on Kerstin's bed. The two then talked as only fellow survivors of the WRF could.
As they talked, Rachel showed such kindness to Kerstin. That kindness didn't go unnoticed by Rachel's Tardis. As Candice was putting away some clothes in Rachel's room, Candice looked over at Rachel's Tardis. A glow surrounded the Tardis, then faded away. The Tardis door opened and Candice walked inside.
"Oh my!" Candice exclaimed in awe.
An hour later, Rachel walked into her room to discover Candice waiting for her.
"Mom?" Rachel asked. "What may I do for you?"
"Your Tardis noticed the kindness you just extended to Kerstin," Candice said with pride. "Your Tardis has a special gift for you. Step inside."
Rachel stepped into her Tardis followed by Candice. The Tardis control room had completely changed. It was now a large circular room with cobalt blue walls and light strips on the walls. The Tardis console, however, was the same as before.
"Wow!" Rachel exclaimed in awe.
Rachel then started examining the new control room. There was a large viewscreen along with touchscreens at various points on the walls. Rachel put her hand on one of the touchscreens and a digital control panel appeared with an opening at the bottom.
"A food replicator!" Rachel exclaimed in delight.
"The other touchscreens are engineering, communications, and scanning touchscreens," Candice revealed.
"Amazing," Rachel said in awe.
"My gift to you," a woman's voice came from within the control room.
"Who are you?" Rachel wanted to know.
"The Tardis," the woman's voice answered. "I now have a vocal interface. No more talking to you through beeps."
"The Tardis and I wanted to surprise you with her new ability," Candice smiled.
"This is absolutely wonderful," Rachel smiled back before turning her attention to the Tardis. "What do I call you?"
"You may call me Vida, short for Vocal Intelligence Data Access," the Tardis answered.
"I like that," Rachel happily approved.
As Rachel and Vida had a pleasant conversation, Candice smiled at the happy scene.
January 16, 1886
It was a Saturday morning at Ornburgh Castle. In Cedric's workshop, Cedric was teaching some potion-making techniques to Kerstin. Cedric's adoption of Kerstin had gone through, and Cedric and Kerstin were now father and daughter.
"I'd continue with how to make a magical enhancement potion, but I'd need to have fireweed for that," Cedric explained. "It's on order, so I'll have some in a few days."
"Actually, now you have some," Makayla smiled as she walked in holding a small bottle.
"How?" Cedric wanted to know, pleased but taken off guard at the same time.
"When I was at the Wendarby Institute, in addition to being an assistant librarian, I also taught herbology," Makayla revealed. "I brought my herbology supplies when I came to Ornburgh Castle."
"Thank you for the fireweed," Cedric said in a grateful tone of voice.
"You're very welcome, Mister Cedric," Makayla happily responded. "May I watch?"
"Kerstin and I would be delighted to have you," Cedric smiled as he turned to Kerstin. "Now that we have some fireweed, I can teach you how to make a magical enhancement potion. Such a potion allows you to use magic over a longer than normal period of time - especially useful during battle."
As Makyala watched Cedric make the potion, their eyes met for a moment. They then smiled at each other. It was a sign that a romantic relationship might be in the cards someday.
In another part of the castle, Rachel and Sofia were sitting in the castle sitting room.
"So, how are you doing now that everybody knows you're a Time Lady?" Sofia asked, curious.
"So far, so good," Rachel answered. "There were, however, some awkward moments at school when I came back from vacation. Students at Hexley and Wendarby started trying to treat me like some kind of god. Then at Royal Prep, the headmistresses wanted to address me as Your Eminence. Just when I thought I had being a princess down pat."
"Well, you're now the newest celebrity," Sofia smiled.
"Yes," Rachel admitted.
"It will become old hat to everybody before you know it," Sofia gently advised. "Just give it time."
"You're right, of course," Rachel agreed.
"I'm glad we agree," Sofia smiled, practically channeling Queen Miranda. "Meanwhile, what's going on in the ballroom?"
"Mister Cedric's family are coming for a visit this afternoon," Rachel answered. "They want to meet Kerstin."
"It's interesting to think of Cedric as a parent," Sofia remarked. "In the old days, he wasn't especially fond of children. He sort of put up with us. But, people change over time. And Cedric has certainly changed over the years. I'm happy for him."
"As am I," Rachel smiled back.
"Meanwhile, for today's lesson," Sofia said. "I think it's time you learned about advanced Auror investigative techniques. It will give you a leg up when you eventually become an Auror."
That afternoon, Cedric's family arrived at Ornburgh Castle. Cedric and Kristen were waiting in the courtyard along with Everett, Candice, Rachel, and Sofia.
"It was nice of you to stay this afternoon, Sultana Sofia," Cedric smiled. "I know my family will be happy to see you, especially my mother."
"I was happy to, Cedric," Sofia smiled. "It will be nice to see your family again. And I'm quite proud of you. You've become a fine man and a fine father."
"Why, thank you, Sultana," Cedric acknowledged, pleased. "I'm truly honored."
"It's praise well deserved," Sofia happily said.
At that moment, a few flying carriages landed in the courtyard. From the carriages stepped Goodwyn, Winifred, Corbett, Cordelia, Calista, and Constance.
"Sultana Sofia?" Winifred asked, pleased. "Is that really you?"
"Yes, Winifred," Sofia smiled as the two hugged. "I was here teaching Princess Rachel about being an Auror, and I decided to stay for your arrival."
"It's good to see you again, Sultana," Winifred smiled back.
"Just Sofia to you, old friend," Sofia kindly instructed.
Goodwyn walked up to Rachel. "Your Eminence," Goodwyn acknowledgedas he bowed.
"Please, Princess will do just fine," Rachel instructed.
"Understood, Princess Rachel," Goodwyn acknowledged as he turned toward Cedric. "So, may I have the honor of meeting my new granddaughter?"
"Hello, Grandfather," Kerstin smiled. "I hope you don't mind me calling you Grandfather?"
"Do I mind?" Goodwyn happily asked. "I rather enjoy it. I'll enjoy getting to know you better."
"What a fine girl," Winifred smiled as she walked up. "I'm so pleased to meet you, Kerstin."
"The pleasure is mine, Grandmother," Kerstin smiled back as the two hugged.
"Kerstin, this is my brother, Corbett," Cedric announced.
"A pleasure to meet you, sir," Kerstin happily acknowledged.
"The pleasure is all mine, Kerstin," Corbett said as he gently kissed Kerstin's hand.
"This is my sister, Cordelia, and her daughter, Calista," Cedric announced as Cordelia and Calista stepped forward.
"What a pretty girl," Cordelia praised Kerstin.
"Thank you, ma'am," Kerstin acknowledged, pleased.
"Welcome to the family," Calista smiled at Kerstin.
"Thank you, ma'am," Kerstin smiled back.
"And this is my other sister, Constance," Cedric introduced Kerstin to Constance.
"Ma'am," Kerstin acknowledged.
"What a fine girl," Constance praised Kerstin. "You're going to make a fine Villanova."
"If all of you will follow the servants to the ballroom, we've prepaired a celebration meal and a place where you may talk," Everett announced.
"Thank you, King Everett," Goodwyn acknowledged, pleased.
As the servants led the Villanova family to the ballroom, a man in an Ornburgh military uniform walked up to Candice and whispered something in her ear.
"Candice?" Everett asked.
"We've better get to the situation room," Candice announced before turning to Sofia. "Ornburgh Intelligence and Tangu Intelligence have a close working relationship. As Sultana of Tangu, you should be in on this."
"Let's go," Everett directed, followed by Candice, Rachel, and Sofia.
In a few moments, the four arrived at the situation room where some Ornburgh Intelligence personnel were gathered. One of the personnel, a man, walked up to Everett, Candice, Rachel, and Sofia.
"My King, my Queen, my Princess, my Sultana," the man started. "The WRF have attacked the Village of Koltenburg. There has been heavy destruction, a number of injuries … and a number of deaths."
Candice, Rachel, and Sofia gasped in horror as Everett banged his fist against a table in anger.
(To be continued in Chapter 35).
Behind the scenes
In this installment of "Behind the Scenes", we'll take a look at our newest character, Kristen Meygium-Villanova. Kristen is a young witch who was born to Alatar and Belladonna Meygium near the Ornburgh Village of Koltenburg (a coal mining community). Alatar (Kristen's father) was a local doctor, and Belladonna (Kristen's mother) ran a local potions shop. Alatar and Belladonna were murdered by the WRF when they refused to join the ranks of the WRF. Kristen was then taken captive by the WRF until her rescue in this chapter.
Kristen's full name is Kristen Esme Meygium-Villanova. Kristen will be attending both Hexley Hall (as a member of Pepperton House) and the Wendarby Institute (as a member of Cosmarune House). Since Kristen is now a Villanova, that makes her a noble and therefore makes her eligable to attend Royal Prep under current Royal Prep rules.
It will be discovered that Kristen is a powerful young witch, on the same level that Calista was when she was Kristen's age.
Among Kristen's favorite pastimes is cooking, a love she got from her birth mother. Look for Rachel to take Kristen under her wing and teach Kristen additional cooking skills.
Author's notes
Auror is from "Harry Potter".
Commissioner Diana Spencer originally appeared in Chapter 49 of my story "Dorrie". See that chapter for her origins as a Voyager.
Dottie "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.
In regard to Cedric and his family, they never had a last name in "Sofia the First", so I gave them the last name of Villanova effective with this chapter of "Ever Realm Chronicles".
Makayla and her aunt and uncle are characters created by Going on and on and on, and are used in my stories with the permission of Going on and on and on. Having Makayla appear in this chapter was based on an idea by ciaramaglianina11.
Omni, Voyager Command and Voyagers are from the "Voyagers!" TV series.
Rubes: an insulting term for people considered uncultured.
Tardis, The Doctor, The Master, Time Lady, and Time Lord are all from "Doctor Who".
The Kingdom of Bukaria is a kingdom I created for this story.
The Kingdom of Ornburgh is where Prince Frederick and his family lived in "Sofia the First". The kingdom was never given a name in "Sofia the First", so I named it Ornburgh.
The Kingdom of Tangu is from "Sofia the First".
The Scarlett Warrior (A.K.A. Priscilla) (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.
Disclaimer
"Doc McStuffins" and everything associated with it © Brown Bag Films, and Disney.
"Doctor Who" and everything associated with it © BBC.
"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.
Makayla, her aunt, her uncle, and the other original ideas from Going on and on and on are the property of Going on and on and on, and are used in my stories with the permission of Going on and on and on.
"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.
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.
"Voyagers!" and everything associated with it © James D. Parriot Productions, Universal Television (MCA), and Scholastic Productions.
I only own Alatar Meygium, Belladonna Meygium, Captain Susanne Reinhard, Cosmarune House, Constance Villanova, Corbett Villanova, Elisena Frost, Fireweed, Greta, John, King Everett Beckenbauer, Kristen Meygium-Villanova, Pepperton House, Princess Rachel Beckenbauer, Privorans, Queen Candice Beckenbauer, Rerana Sharpe, the Kingdom of Bukaria, the planet of Wataria, the Prince and Princess Holiday Ball, the Village of Koltenburg, the Wendarby Institute, the Witch Revolutionary Front (WRF), and Vida.