Overnight (A Sofia The First story)

Chapter IV

I return to my chambers after a long, eventful morning. The glorious golden sunrays accompanying the peaceful red and orange falling leaves is a breathtaking sight. Resting on my window seat is a tattered brown shoelace tied in a bow. It is just a simple way for my mother and me, to remind each other how much we care. The tradition started when I was first learning how to tie a bow. She gave me an old shoelace to practice on while she was working with clients. I finally learned how and surprised her with it. Ever since we have been giving it back and forth to each other whenever the other is feeling sad. I haven't seen it in years, I didn't even know she brought it to the castle when we moved. She has been beyond an amazing parent to me all my life. Guilt rushes through my entire being. I have blamed my mother for so much since my father left us. I know now that it was not her fault, she did not deserve my criticism.

I wash my face and run my silver brush through my wavy golden-brown hair. I clean myself off and change into a simple yet elegant dress. After placing my tiara on my head and readjusting my amulet, I am presentable. I step out of my peaceful room and down the extravagant hall to find my mother.

"Sofia!" Amber calls from across the foyer. "Where have you been?" She looks disappointed, "We have been looking for you everywhere." I meet my sister at the end of the hallway, reluctant to reveal where I spent my morning.

"If I may your highnesses," August chirps in our of nowhere. Where did he come from? "Princess Sofia has been assisting me in the kitchen." My face bursts with color. First is honest with me, and now he is willing to lie for me? I don't even know what to say. I gratefully smile at him as he exits as quickly as he appeared.

"Hmm" Amber mutters skeptically. "Walk with me, sister," She says linking my arm to hers. "I know that I have been gone for a very long time, Mother and Father have told me that it has been difficult for you. They say that you seem lonely."

"That's silly," I reassure her. "I have James."

"Yes but you need friends!" She says with excitement.

"I have friends Amber," I say. "You needn't worry about me."

"I am not talking about animal friends," Amber says in a concerned tone. "You need real friends- female friends, ones you can talk to."

I smile. "Thank you for caring about me so much. It has been difficult since you left, I cant talk to James the way I am able to you." She hugs me as we arrive at the gardens.

"Do you remember how I promised you a surprise?" Amber asks, her eyes full of cheer. I nod my head, unsure of what she has planned. "Well, we planned on revealing it at the ball last night but you retired so early." I feel a light tap on my shoulder and I turn around.

"Lani!" I cry jumping into my best friend's arms.

Princess Lei-Lani is the next in line to rule the beautiful tropical island of Hakalo. We met as young girls when her ship left her stranded in Enchancia. Over the years we have visited each other many times, and have developed a strong bond. Though we live far apart, we remain the best of friends.

I have not seen Lani in almost two years. I have missed her greatly. Her warm presence and radiant cheer have brought me through many tough times.

I stand facing my dearest friend. Her soft chocolate brown hair falls down to her hips in perfect waves. Lani's skin glows bronze as her coconut colored eyes sparkle with potential. Her very essence is that of a cool tropical breeze on a warm summer day. 

"Within a short amount of time, I have been reunited with two of my favorite women," I say smiling at Amber and Lani. "-I have missed you both greatly."

Amber dismisses herself as I question Lani about how long she is able to stay in Enchancea. "Only for about 14 nights. After that, I must return to my island." She reluctantly says.

"I understand." I sigh. "we have been apart for two winters-you must fill me in on all that has happened in my absence." Together we walk into the garden, admiring the breathtaking autumn colors.

"Well Sofia, not long after you and your family left from your visit, a large tsunami swept over my island, destroying our crops and consuming our huts. Alongside the villagers, I spent many months rebuilding the Hakalo village. Seeing all of my islander's work together with the willingness to help and care for one another was an amazing experience. I now see my island as one tightknit family - this disaster helped me to cultivate a new appreciation for the community my ancestors worked so hard to build."

"Wow Lani," I say "I can see that you are developing into the incredible ruler everyone knew you would become. "

"Thanks, Sof" she continues. "after my village was rebuilt, a few voyagers sailed out on a spontaneous adventure. My heart was heavy and my head was unclear, so I decided to join them."  Lei-Lani's eyes explode with enthusiasm. "Sofia, I have sailed across the sea and witnessed so many beautiful and captivating cultures. I have developed and incorporated so many of the skills I have learned from other successful rulers. I want to do everything in my power to become a wise chief for my people.  Above all else, I love my Island."

"You never fail to amaze me, Lani. I have no doubt in my mind that your villagers will have the best chief Hakalo has ever known. What happened to fuel your passion and determination?" I ask.

Lani looks at the ground for a long moment before once again meeting my eyes. "Two years ago I was fully prepared to give up all claim to my throne. For a short time, I was dangerously blinded by love. My judgment was clouded, and I could see nothing but the relationship he and I shared. Now, looking back, I see how nieve and foolish I was. I have sworn to put my Island before my own happiness."

"I'm sorry to hear about your heartbreak," I say to my best friend. "But why is it that you cannot be happy and with him? So many kings and queens are able to maintain happy kingdom and be surrounded by the people they love."

"I know Sofia," she sighs "I wish it were that easy. The one that I love...loved has a kingdom of his own. It was not meant to be, and I have come to except that." I embrace my friend. It pains me to see her heart ache so much. "Enough about me, Sofia what have you been up to?"

"Nothing quite as exciting as you." I laugh. "I have been focusing so much of my time at royal prep. Because I do not have a strong foundation when it comes to my studies, I fell behind the rest of the class. I will not inherit a kingdom like you or James. I feel lost when trying to find a place where I belong." I feel silly telling Lani about my ordinary life when her's is so exciting and eventful.

"From my experience I have found that perhaps it is when one is most lost they discover the greatest joy." My dear friend smiles at me. I hope she is right. For I feel very lost at the moment, and could use some joy in my life.

"It is getting cold Sofia" Lani says shivering in the harsh autumn wind. " let us go inside"
She follows me into the extravagant palace walls. It seems like so long ago when the young, lost girl came here seeking her pearl. I am so grateful that fate brought her to me. I am beyond blessed for her constant friendship and support. I do not deserve her, and neither does that boy who broke her heart. I pray she finds all the love and happiness she desires.