Sofia the protected

chapter 22

The morning of the anniversary ball.

I tumble from my bed when my sister Amber comes into my room and pushes me onto the floor. "Rude,"I say rubbing sleep krusteaz for my eyes.

"You have to be out of the house today," Amber says matter-of-factly.

" Why is that again." I yawn sleepily.

"I'm Throwing a surprise anniversary party for Mom and Dad and the last time I threw a party you and Rex destroyed all the decorations.

"Yeah sorry about that. But it really was Rex's fault."

"I know. But it would still be nice if you got out of the castle today."Amber smiled at me. "Breakfast is in 5. And it's your favorite." She says making her way out of the door.

2 minutes later at 8 golden Berry pancakes later I'm getting up from the breakfast table when Bailiwick taps me on the shoulder.

"Prince James you have received an invitation from Princess Vivian and I quote " hang out today."

"Thanks, Bailiwick. Do you think it'd be all right if I bring Rex?"

" The itinerary she briefly mentioned includes many outdoor activities so I believe that will not be a problem."

" Great let her know I'm coming." This is perfect. Rex and I get out of the castle. And I get to see Vivian. As I'm walking up the stairs my eyes land upon the hallway mirror. That's when I noticed my cheeks are tinged slightly pink. I quickly turned the other way and make my way into my bedroom to change I put on a tan-colored shirt and some pants slacks. Then I throw on a green sweater. I pulled the whole outfit together by meticulously combing my hair. Typically I just get up and throw some clothes on but I have the strange urge to want to look nice today. I look in the mirror to see that I sufficiently don't look monstrous. No Bed Head my teeth are brushed what an achievement.

5 minutes later I have Rex on the leash and I'm hopping into a carriage to head over to Vivian's.

Flying over her castle I see a large garden behind it sprawling for a few miles. Even way up here I can smell the sweetness. Faintly but it's there.

As the carriage descends I see Vivian pull open the door and walk onto the palace steps to greet me. She's wearing a pink summer dress. The Three-quarter length Sleeve dress has minimal trimmings. But as I get closer I saw an adorable green Vine pattern. The only jewelry she's wearing it's an emerald green necklace. I smile when I see it. The simple style of the dress compliments her. The A-line skirt just brushes her calves.

She smiled shyly but warmly and waves. "Hi, James."

" Hey, Viv. What do you want to do today?"She looks startled at the nickname but doesn't comment.

" I thought perhaps we could go for a stroll in the garden." Rex walks up to her and licks her hand. Vivian turns her attention to the dog and crouches down to be on his level. Rex gives her a big kiss and then runs back to my side. Vivian topples over laughing. She lands on her backside but is still smiling. I extend my hand out of her up but she doesn't take it. When she stood up again she smiles and gestures for us to go inside.

She leaves me through the castle to The Back Garden. It truly is a wonderful place. Vivian shows me all the musical flowers. Her smile is so intent as she shows me each plant.

On such a nice sunny day in the garden with Vivian and Rex, I can't help but feel very calm. And hungry. I feel hungry.

I see a blueberry bush just to the right of me and took a few berries. As I throw them into the air and catch them in my mouth I hear Vivian yell "James no!" In my mouth, there's an odd taste and then suddenly I feel very warm.

"James that was a likein Berry. This is very bad."Vivian starts wringing her hands and prices one hand to her forehead.

I look up end see Vivian standing in front of me. "You're so beautiful." I reach out to take her hand. Her cheeks go pink and she's clearly startled. " And you're so cute when you're flustered. Also u you play as well as an angel. Music must have been your first language. Because you are the conductor of my heart."Vivian politely pushes my hand away and continues walking. I don't know why but I feel a huge desire to have her in my arms. It's no it's not a desire it's a need.

" Where are you going? I'll come too."I flote after her while the way I look like an idiot.

"I'm looking for the blues berry bush to fix you."She yells over her shoulder as she jogs down the path.

" Fix me? But I feel fine."I say jogging after her.

Vivian turns around to face me." Yeah but you're not fine you're under a love spell," Vivian answers frankly.

"I'm not under a love spell, I really like you," I say trying to take her hand again.

"Ep!" Vivian jumps at the touch of my hand. "James you ate a liken berry. Did Sofia ever tell you what happened when Clover ate one?"

"No, but your hair is really pretty Vivian."I reached out with my right hand and roughled her hair a little bit. My palm is almost the size of her entire head. Cute.

Vivian runs ahead a little bit and soup sound pick up a blueberry. When she stands We are eye-to-eye. "Vivian there's something I'd like to ask you." I place my hand on her shoulders.

"You see I really like you and I have for a long time. And I was wondering if..."My eyes taper down to her lips and I start to lean in.

All of a sudden Vivian pushes a berry into my mouth. It only takes a second for the warmth to leave the world. It only takes a second more for me to figure out what happened.

"Vivian you save me thank you."I lean in to kiss her only to get another berry in my face.

"Viv I'm back to normal."I laugh.

"You are?"Emerald eyes look up at me through Berry stains hands.

"Yes, Viv. I'm all good. Thanks for not taking advantage of the situation.("I know Cleo sure Wood have.") That was really embarrassing."I say my hands still on her shoulders.

"But Vivian I do really like you, I want you to know that."

" You do?" Her emerald eyes go wide.

" Yeah." I put my hands in my pockets aware their presence on her shoulders might be making her uncomfortable.

Faster than I can almost register what's happening she reaches up on tiptoe and kisses me on the cheek." I like u too."She Whispers in my ear. "I have for a long time."She adds.

"Yeah, same. I've liked you ever since RPA but I was way too shy to do anything about it back then. On Valentine's Day, I got you that necklace but chickened out at the last second so I just put it in your locker. In the end, I was too shy to give it to you in person."

" I know." Vivian giggled walking along beside me.

" What do you mean you know?"I stare at her aghast.

"I saw you do it. But I was just as shy as you were."Vivian giggled quite a pleasant sound.

"Gosh, we were awful." I slung my arm around her shoulder Then I hesitated a moment waiting for her to push me off or stiffen. When she didn't we resumed our walk. 

"Hey, where did Rex Go?"