A Hugfia Miracle

Ch. 18: A Quiet Walk

Sofia blew out a breath, her hair blowing out, fanning across her shoulders in the slight wind. Avalor had perfect weather.

Hugo had healed enough to walk in the past four days, but every now and then, he would stumble so Sofia was responsible for keeping an eye on him. Mateo fed them his potion regularly every evening so they would heal faster and efficiently. Sofia wished she didn't have to drink it- it tasted like what she imagined sweaty socks would be like.

"The trees are so green here," Sofia said, walking slowly to match Hugo's pace. That morning, Hugo was feeling sick of the workshop so they decided to explore the grounds where it was safe. Most of the small island that Elena's palace was atop of was taken up by the building, but there were small trails ringing the walls. Whatever greenery there was before the bridge was beautiful and glowed in the sunlight. "It's beautiful."

"Yeah," Hugo agreed.

Sofia looked at him and saw him looking at her. She rolled her eyes and gasped when she saw a flower that was the perfect shade of purple. She ran her fingers across its petals and sighed when it felt as soft as her castle pillows.

Hugo reached out and plucked it off the bush and stuck it in her hair. "I heard there was a fountain nearby," he shrugged. After a moment of him catching his breath, they moved on through the trail. Sofia's hand was gently touching Hugo's, being careful not to press him too tight. He's become so fragile. Her heart burned at the thought of the terrorists coming for them again.

"Here we are," Hugo whispered, gazing at awe to a black metal gate.

Sofia tilted her head curiously. "This is the place?"

Hugo nodded with a large smile and let go of the princess' hand. He moved to the gate and unlatched it from the growing vines. He pushed it open and Sofia could clearly see that the ground was no longer grassy. It was of uneven stone that was slick from the...Sofia gasped. There was a waterfall pouring into a small pond, the water splashing onto the stones.

Hugo took off his shoes and slowly stepped on the rocks, beckoning for Sofia to follow him. Sofia took off her slippers and stepped up onto the stone, squeaking when it nearly made her fall. It was so cold but refreshing. They slowly walked toward the pond, sitting on the edge of the stone ridge, dipping their toes into the cold water.

Sofia giggled and couldn't help but think of taking a swim in the small pond. No, she shook her head. Hugo wouldn't be able to handle swimming any more than he could walk.

They sat in silence for a few awkward seconds, admiring the beauty of the sun peeking down and casting beautiful dots over the rocks. Sofia glanced at Hugo's face and saw that the sun was casting a shimmer over his eyes that made them look alluring. And dangerous.

Sofia didn't notice it in time, but Hugo's smile grew dangerously. Sofia's eyes widened and it was too late-

Hugo reached out and pushed her into the pond. Sofia gurgled and her head popped out the surface, spitting out the water and laughing. The cold was seeping into every inch of her body but she couldn't seem to feel it. Hugo laughed and Sofia knew she shouldn't pull in Hugo's body.

But she did it anyways.

Sofia wrapped her hands around Hugo's ankles and Hugo gasped before plunging in. Sofia knew it was okay whether he could swim or not because the floor of the small pond was just below her floating toes. Hugo popped his head out and wrapped his hands around Sofia, hugging her close.

Sofia laughed into his shoulder. Then she shuddered from the cold.

Hugo immediately noticed and his strong arms lifted her back up onto the edge of the stone. "Sorry," he said sheepishly. "I would offer you my shirt but there's no point." He pointed at his soaked towel of a shirt.

Sofia shook her head humorously and leaned forward so their noses were nearly touching. "I'm just glad you took me here." She motioned to everything around them. "It's absolutely beautiful."

Hugo's eyes didn't leave the princess' face when she continued talking. Sofia paused after a few sentences and then frowned at her fiance. "What is it?"

Hugo shook his head and his perfect teeth glimmered when he smiled. "Nothing. Nothing could be more beautiful than the sight in front of me."

Sofia's frown deepened and she looked around, trying to look for the sight Hugo was talking about.

Hugo grabbed her wrist and grabbed her neck, turning her head back to face him. Her eyes were wide with confusion, especially as Hugo pulled her neck a bit downwards so her eyes were at his level.

"You are beautiful," he clarified, holding in his laughter when Sofia's face turned a bright red. "I meant that nothing could be more beautiful than you."

Sofia's lips formed the shape of an O and she blushed as red as a tomato. "Oops," she squeaked.

Hugo shook his head and let out a laugh. Then he suddenly kicked off the bottom of the pond and quickly pressed his lips against Sofia's. Sofia gasped and leaned in, her knees now plunged deep into the water. Hugo's hand braced the edge of the stone surface as he pressed against her, holding her neck close to him.

He felt like he was floating- and he literally was. Suddenly, something lifted him up from the bottom of the pond. Hugo exclaimed and broke the kiss, looking down through the clear water to see what was moving his feet around. He saw a manta ray and it was- smiling at him? Blub blub blub, it's mouth said. Then all of a sudden, a translation popped into his head. The manta ray had said Go on. I'll help you kiss your girl.

Hugo gasped and smiled when the manta ray lifted him up a few more inches. It reminded him of the carpet when Aladdin and Jasmine had their first kiss. Oh well, he thought, laughing at Sofia's absurd expression.

He shrugged and decided to tell her about Mr. Manta Ray later. His lips pressed against hers again and the manta ray hummed the song, A Whole New World underneath the water, bubbles floating up and popping against Hugo's shirt.

"I love you," Hugo mumbled against Sofia's lips. Sofia hummed in response and deepened their kiss, her arms wrapping around his neck. Her soaked dress felt hot all of a sudden and she knew the sun was now shining on her. Or it was just Hugo's body heat. How was he always warm? How did he not get cold yet?

Anyways, Hugo's lips were now softer compared to when they were in the 'torture chamber'. Sofia smiled, glad those dark times were over. She ran her hands through Hugo's wet hair and moved closer to the edge of the stone when Hugo's hands held her waist firmly.

"So cool," a deep voice rumbled from the bottom of the pond.

Sofia gasped in horror and broke their kiss, frowning at the now visible manta ray. She glanced up at Hugo, then down at the creature.

She pointed shakily at the manta ray. "You knew he was there the entire time?" she asked Hugo.

Hugo nodded and then frowned, as if the idea of translating an animal's language suddenly was foreign to him. Then his eyes widened. "How was I able to understand him?"

Sofia blew out an exasperated sigh, wrapping her fingers around her amulet. "I really don't know."