Overnight (A Sofia The First story)

Chapter I

I invite my beloved stepsister into a long overdue embrace. Her familiar, delicate lavender scent fills my senses. "Oh, how I've missed you!" Amber lovingly whispers as a tear slides down her cheek.

"I missed you as well, how was your trip?" I inquire. Amber has been gone for three years exploring the new kingdoms, studying the stars, and indulging herself on a quest for new fashion.

"Oh, Sofia! I loved every minute of it!" She smiles, "I am disappointed that I missed you grow up. Look at you! You are sixteen and practically a woman." My cheeks flush with color. "I brought my beautiful sister home a surprise."

"Amber, you didn't have to get me anything. The best gift is reuniting with you."

Amber smiles, now 19 winters old, she is even more radiant than ever. Her flawless snow-white completion glimmers in the sunlight from the library window. Her lips are delicately painted with a light rose color, and her golden hair elegantly flows down her shoulders. She models a luxurious dress that I do not recognize. It's bold coral and turquoise color complements each other in a way that could leave anyone breathless. The style of her gown is unlike any I have ever seen in Enchancia.

"I am curious as to who the mysterious man you traveled with is." I casually mention. "In your letters, you mentioned him a number of times."

"Sofia," Amber answers, her eyes sparkle with excitement. "He was just someone that kept me company." I can tell from her smirk that there is more.

She gives me one more hug and strides away. Gifting me with a mischievous grin on her way out. "I wonder what she got you!" Clover impatiently exclaims, munching on a stolen carrot.

"I guess we'll have to wait and see." I giggle. "It is so nice to have Amber back." Tough James and I have grown extremely close in her absence, nothing has been the same without her around.

I journey back to my chambers, exhausted from a long day of flying derby practice. I've been roaming these halls since I was a young girl. Now, eight years later, I still find myself getting lost. I find my room just as I left it. With elegant designs in the woodwork, and extravagant decorations hanging on the walls. I've always had an eye for the simple things in life. I've never needed much to flourish. I am constantly surrounded by breathtaking architecture, and high-class people, I've never quite felt at home. I'm not beautiful like the things and people around me. I take rest on my window seat, peacefully gazing at the busy village below me. I often wonder what it would have been like if Mother had not found King Roland, or if he would not have fallen in love with her beauty. I think that I would be content with practically nothing. Happy to be free of worry and responsibility. I dislike flaunting around kingdoms, showing off shiny diamonds and jewels.

A soft, genital knock pulls me back to reality. "Come in." I permit. My large oak door squeaks open, as my mother creeps in, greeting me with a warm smile.

"Hi, darling!" My mother greets. "I brought you a little gift." She excitingly giggles, as she drapes a breathtaking gown on the edge of my bed.

"A little gift?!" I gasp, in awe of its beauty. "Mom you really didn't have to!"

"Isn't it just marvels?" She exclaims, excitement gleaming in her eyes. "I really thought that you would like it."

"I love it. How could I not?!" I shake my head. "Mom, I don't deserve to wear this."

"Nonsense sweetheart. In fact, I am hoping that you would wear it for the ball tonight. There are many fine suitors interested in your hand Sofia. Perhaps you can consider your options tonight."

I nod, not wanting to get into yet another fight with her. She knows Hugo has been perusing me, yet she acts as though he is not even a contender. He is the one I wish to be with. Why can't she see that?

My mother gently shuts my door as she departs from my chambers. There is still many hours of sunlight left before sundown, yet mother insists I being to prepare for the banquet right away. I rest in my velvet-lined stool, gazing into my reflection. I have endured sixteen winters, yet I have not retrieved dazzling elegance that Amber so easily possesses, and I have not inherited the beautiful radiance from my mother. I have nothing significantly appealing about my appearance. I truly am just a plain commoner dressed in ravishing clothes.

"Hey, Sof! Look what I got!" Clover excitingly announces. Quickly, I wipe a stray tear from my cheek.

"What?" I clear my throat.

"Is everything alright Princess?" He asks in a serious tone.

"Of course," I lie softly. "I'm just happy Amber's back."

"Those were happy tears?" Clover asks?

I nod. "Now what did you want to show me?"

He reaches behind him and shows me dozens of veggies he swiped from the kitchen. "Banquets should be held more often. You should see what else I found."

"That's impressive Clover." I giggle. "I'll sneak you something from dinner."

"That's why you're my best friend." He gratefully sniffles hoping off.

I pick up my silver brush, and stroke through my light brown hair. My peaceful waves twirl down my shoulders.

I stand and gaze at my new, luxurious gown. It's radiant colors and delicate beading leaves me speechless. Its lavish silk fabric glides across my skin like water. My maids lace up the back of my dress, so tight I can hardly breathe. I neatly place my sparkling tiara on the top of my head as my maid Genevieve finishes unwrinkling the skirt of my garment.

"You look lovely your highness." She smiles, stepping back.

"Thank you Gen. You are dismissed, enjoy your evening."

She curtseys, and quietly leaves my chambers. I am once again alone. The sky grows darker by the moment and stars are beginning to peek out of the clouds. In the distanced horizon, I see dozens of carriage arriving at the castle, each with bolder, and more decorative designs than the next.

My brother peers into my doorway, greeting me with a warm smile. "Are you ready?" He impatiently asks me. I nod and we link arms, strolling down the palace halls. "You're shaking Sofia," James whispers, slowing down his walking pace. "why are you so nerves? You've been to plenty of balls before."

"I know," I sigh. "I am still not comfortable with everyone staring at me. In addition, Mother has instructed me to dance with every prince that asks me."

"What's wrong with that? You love to dance." He asks.

"I don't want to dance with strangers, let alone stuffy princes." I giggle.

"Speaking of stuffy princes," James smirks, nudging me playfully "Hugo was asking about you at derby practice today." I feel my cheeks flush with color.

"What did he say?" I quietly ask. "I felt as though he was avoiding me."

"That's absurd." My brother reassures. "You can ask him tonight at the ball."

"He's coming tonight?" I stop and face James, my heart begins to race.

"Of course, why wouldn't he? Just be yourself, and try to relax. Keep an open mind. Maybe the stuffy strangers won't be so bad if you give them a chance. Don't worry about the dances Sofia, it'll be fine." We link arms once more. I am so lucky to have such a fantastic step brother. I take a deep breath and whisper my gratitude as we enter the dining hall.