Overnight (A Sofia The First story)

Chapter III

I awake to the glorious golden rays sparkling through my window. I was unable to peacefully rest throughout the dark lonely night. My mind relentlessly chased unfulfilled dreams and bitter sparks of sensibility. I crave an environment in which I will not be treated as a superior.

It is so very easy to lose sight of what is truly important to you when so many burdens cloud your perception. I became lost in the glamours life that the palace could give me, now as I creep into adulthood I pursue a relationship with the one person I hate the most; myself.

During my restless slumber I concluded that in order to journey on a path of self-discovery, I must begin with the basics, where it all began. I have only ever felt a sense of true belonging in my younger years.

Apart from me, my family is occupied with royal duties they must attend to this morning. The castle atmosphere is dark and quiet today, no one will notice my absence.

I drowsily crawl out of my extravagant canopy bed and plant my petite feet on the cold marble floor. In my lavish closet, crowded with regal and elegant gowns, I find a charming, simple dress amongst the glimmering rest. I pull my wavy locks to the back of my head and tuck my amulet underneath my attire.

Many of the help is cleaning the castle from the ball last night. It was an undoubtedly magnificent event that so many enjoyed. Following the encounter with that man, I lost my will to dance. I retired to my chambers and drowned myself in thoughts and tears. My head is full of unanswered questions.

With a basket in my hand, a warn cloke, and a tattered scarf draped around my neck, I make my way down the winding corners and empty hallways to the servants quarters. With each echoing step I take, I fade deeper and deeper into the shadows. How ungrateful it is for me to wish to escape my privileged, luxurious lifestyle. Yet no matter how hard I try, I have an empty void deep within my soul, slowly ripping me apart.

Unnoticed, I slip out of the castle doors and down the winding paths to Dunwiddie. I have been away from the villagers for such a long time, it is my hopes that no one will recognize me.

The village is crowded with friendly people, smiling and visiting with their friends. I step into the bakery and a warm comforting aroma dances all around me. "Excuse me," I say to the tall man at the counter "I was wondering if you still made a Sugar Plumb Tart?"

"Of course Miss, Its a personal favorite of mine." the baker replies, handing me the pastry.

"It's my favorite as well," I smile, hanging him coins from my small velvet sack. "My father and I would get them every week." I hold the pastry in my hands as I stare down at the golden band resting on my finger. Though his face has become a blur, I can still distinctly remember his soft-spoken voice. I will never forget his comforting words or the way he called me his little sugar plumb. Some memories will stay with me for as long as I live.

I step back into the harsh autumn weather. A chilly breeze sends shivers down my spine. I mindlessly wander around the village streets, aching for a sense of clarity.

I find myself at the last place I called my home. I glide my hands across the door, feeling every grain and indent. I push open the heavy mahogany door and hear the familiar ringing of the bell. I am suddenly surrounded by the overwhelming leather sent followed by the sound of pounding nails. My stomach leaps as I absorb all of the aspects I once loved about this simple shop. I stare at the old oak floors and admire all the dents and imperfections.

Memories flood into my mind some good, but many bad. I seem to idolize my past, however looking back I realize that I have a tendency to crave what I cannot have. I see cracks and indents on the walls from where my father punched and threw things. Though he was a kind and loving father, he was not always an ideal husband. He had a strong opinion and a short temper. I was very young, yet old enough to know when my mother was hurt, mentally and physically. My mother has never talked about my father to me, so it has been easy to disregard and forget the bad. It is much happier to cling to the beautiful lies, rather than the ugly truth. I did indeed find the clarity I so desperately longed for, in an unexpected way.

Quicky, I turn around to leave, consequently colliding with a tall sturdy fellow. "Watch where you're goin'!" The boy mutters softly.

He begins to walk off "I'm sorry," I reply, scattering to pick up my astray items. After hearing my voice he turns around and walks back towards me.

"Princess Sofia?" He asks in disbelieve. "What are you doing here?" The crowded little shoe store becomes deathly still.

"Just call me Sofia." I sigh, so much for unnoticed. He extends his large, callused hand down to me and he pulls me back on my feet. "Thanks, Augustus," I mutter as I stride out of the shop. He knocked me to the floor and blew my cover. I don't know August very well, but I do know that he is an exquisite chef. We've only had a handful of conversations, and from what I've heard he has tall walls guarding his kind and gentle soul.

"Sofia wait!" August calls from behind me. "What are you doing out here alone? And why are you dressed like that?" Reluctantly, I stop and face him, his bright sea green eyes staring into mine.

"I just needed a break," I whisper

"From what?" Augustus laughs. "You have everything you could ever ask for."

"Not everything!" I hiss. Trying to remain calm, I take a deep breath and attempt to reach some sort of understanding "I'm not trying to be ungrateful, I just miss my old life at times. Yes, I gained much, but at what cost?" I roll my eyes "I wouldn't expect you to understand." I mutter under my breath walking up the now deserted village street.

Gus pauses for a minute before following me. His long strides make it easy for him to catch up with me. "What is that suppose to mean?" He asks his tall figure looking down at me.

"I don't know..." I sign "I am just so confused, desperately asking questions that no one has the answers to. Or at least unwilling to talk about."

"The castle can be a strange place at times, I understand why you're frustrated," August says.

"Thank you for saying that, I'm glad I am not going insane." I laugh.  "I feel as though no one is being honest with me, that's one thing I miss about the villages. Everyone would be genuine and blunt with one another."

"Anytime you need some honesty, come find me," Gus whispers as we reach the castle.

We go our separate ways, and I travel to my chambers. Looking at myself, I realize that I really do look like a mess. I brush my wavy hair and put on a more sophisticated dress. It has been an eventful day, full of self-discovery and promise. If nothing else, I think I may have made a new friend.