Sofia the protected

Chapter 2

At lunchtime, Amber was engrossed in the search for Sophia. But she was not in the dining hall. Amber did however here whispers about a certain redhead princess in the library. This would be the third day in a row Sophia skipped lunch to study.

Amber was pleased that Sophia was taking initiative with school work but enough was enough. Sophia was already getting excellent grades. Though she was fighting for them.

Amber decided to go to the library to find Sophia. She could hear her own heels click on the marble floor. She can see her shadow dance on the wall beside her. Electricity had been invented but Ever Realm Academy used candles for lighting in the name of tradition. And so Amber's shadow danced on. Amber loves tradition but she also thought there was a place for improvement. This was one example.

Amber came across the two wooden pillars that mark the entrance to the library. The dark wood and red velvet chairs made Amber feel sleepy.

She felt elated when she saw her sister bent over a pile of books holding her head and muttering something.

"Oh, Sophia" Amber called, using the full extension of her arm to wave.

"Shh. Amber, we are in a library."Sophia put one finger over her mouth as she spoke. Then immediately went back to studying.

"You know our friends are starting to believe that your existence is a myth."

Unfortunately, it was a running joke that Amber's little sister Sophia was nothing but the figment of imagination. Or a shared delusion among multiple people who have claimed to see her. Of course, we all know this was false but it seemed funny to joke about it anyway.

"Can't Amber. If I don't keep my grades up."

" Sophia I didn't ask you to do anything."

"You were about to."

Amber turned on her heel and left feeling defeated. Normally she would not give up so easily. But she had tried for 3 days in a row and now is at the end of her rope.

Amber was seriously worried for her sister. She did not remember the last time she saw Sophia's smile. And she simply could not express how much that worried her. She hoped against hope that seeing their old friends tomorrow would lift her little sister's spirits.

Time skip after dinner

Just as predicted the second the food was off Sophia's plate she headed to bed. Amber then proceeded to discuss her concerns with her parents.

" Sofia has really been struggling lately." 

"I've always been a little concerned about Sophia going to Ever Realm. She became a princess later in life. This stuff doesn't come as easy to her."Queen Miranda spoke softly holding King Roland's hand.

"I have come to expect the impossible from the child" King Roland stated matter-of-factly.

"Not a child anymore Daddy," Amber said. The pride of how far Sofia had to come, shining through her words.

"If only Sophia had the same stamina for curtsying as she did learning to ride a flying horse," James spoke as he reached for another helping of mashed potatoes. "She was so bruised and battered by the end of the week." James chortled. "But she never once hesitated to get back on the horse. That made me feel proud that she was my little sister."

The entire room was quiet listening to James as he very rarely spits out sentimental stuff.

"That's it."Queen Miranda stood up in her excitement.

"What's it? Do you have an idea to fix Sophia?"Amber asked hopefully.

"I think I do. But I want to run it by her first."  Miranda stood and picked up the front of her skirt. She hurriedly made her way to Sophia's room.

Time skip Friday afternoon

Sophia staggered into her room barely awake. Today she had to deal with a pop quiz and a protector mission.

Her ears barely registered clovers voice."Oh, Soph, you look awful. You think you're getting sick?"

"I'll just lie down for a moment."Sophia flopped backward on her bed arms sprawled. Within moments the world was gone.

James POV

James was standing at the entrance to the castle with the rest of his family. He was wearing a stuffy green and white suit. He reached his right hand and pulled out his collar attempting to give himself a chance to breathe.

He fixed his eyes on the sky. There are several carriages in the distance. Some he could make out the horses others were mere specks in the sky.

James felt a jolt of excitement when the first carriage landed.
     Out hops a raven-haired girl wearing a green ball gown. The light fabric of the skirt was moved by the breeze. James watched as the girl tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. The necklace she was wearing caught his eye. It was a circular Emerald medallion. And he recognized it immediately.

   " Vivian?" James Breathed out the words. He didn't have much time to process because the second Carriage landed.

The royal family of Corinthia elegantly floated out of the carriage and towards the two other royal families.

Princess Cleo exudes confidence. Her outfit however whispered fun. She wore a wide-brimmed hat that shaded her face. Her sandals were laced all the way up to her knees. And her dress was the color of the pink in her cheeks.

   James was starting to wonder if he was going to be the only male at this party. It's not that he didn't like his sister or their friends. He did, like them that is. But he did not want to sit and listen to how adorable his friends were. Or have to braid someone's hair. He had to do that one or else die of boredom. It was almost worse.

To James's relief, the next few carriages were in fact boys. Prince Hugo of Wellshire Prince Desmond of fidèllueur.
    The next to arrive was hildegard she walked out and shouted hello to Amber, who ran up and hugged her around the neck.

   When Xander arrived James expected him to run up and give him a high five. Instead, Xandar sauntered up to Hildegarde and kissed her hand. "Bleck." James thought.

Finally, the last carriage arrives. Elena shouted waving. Her grandparents blushed at her Indignant manor. Isabel smiled shyly at James. As she walked past to greet his parents he caught the scent of the sea clinging to her hair. Probably from the long boat ride to Enchancia.

The greetings were boisterous and the introductions warm. Almost simultaneously Hugo and Elena looked around.

" Where is Sofia?"Elena asked some real concern in her voice.

" That's what I was wondering," Hugo spoke scratching the back of his head awkwardly.

" I don't know," Bailiwick answered taking his handkerchief and wiping his forehead.

"I'll go look for her." James volunteered.

" I'll come too," Hugo spoke quickly his body rigid.

"Oh, I can't wait to see Sofia again. I'll help" Elena brought her hands together and twirling forward to offer her services to help find his little sister.

"Well, it's settled then children you can do whatever you want until dinner. Everyone else right this way."