Sofia's Choice

Secrets Revealed

Clio and Sofia return to the palace.

"So, the Mystic Isles are real?" Clio asks as she sits on one of her couches.

"Yes," Sofia responds sitting on the one across from Clio.

"And that bracelet you always wear lets you contact those who live on the Isles?"

"Only those who have their own bracelet."

"What about your amulet? Vivian says it's magical."

Sofia looks down at her amulet and grasps it.

"What's wrong?" Clio asks her friend.

"It's just that I am afraid," Sofia grasps the amulet even harder.

"Of what?" Clio asks putting her hand on Sofia's free one.

"If I tell others too much they will want one also, I can't take it off and when people try to take it bad things can happen," Sofia turns away.

"What kind of bad things?" Clio stands up and walks to face Sofia.

"I just want to leave it at that, I know that you share everything with Hildegard and if Hildy finds out she will want my amulet," Sofia looks at Clio.

"Sofia, I need to tell you something," Clio says turning away from Sofia.

"What is it?" Sofia asks as she stands up and puts her hand on Clio's shoulder.

"Hildy and I have grown apart, she has started to go back to her old ways. She is trying to take me away from Performing Arts Academy and go to her school."

"I'm sorry," Sofia says.

"I will tell you one thing though," Clio turns to Sofia.

"What's that?"

"Ever since you became a princess I have looked up to you, your kindness, your encouragement, your courage to do what is right even when others don't like it, and even doing what you love no matter what others say, I wish I could be more like you."

"Why didn't you say anything until now?"

"Because I never wanted to let Hildegard down, she and Amber were my first friends at Royal Prep. You changed Amber for the better, but the only thing that you changed about Hildegard was her humbleness and for a short time willingness to let me be myself."

"So, you're not friends with Hildegard anymore?"

"Well, we are occasionally friends but not like we were, you taught me to be myself and follow my heart. Hildegard didn't like that. I don't tell Hildegard things when I know what she will do."

"So, I can trust you with my secrets?" Sofia asks.

"Sofia, you are my best friend, I will never tell anyone anything like this without your permission."

"Okay," Sofia sees the sincerity in Clio's eyes, "My amulet is called the 'Amulet of Avalor' it has a prophecy."

"What is it?" Clio asks.

"For each deed performed for better or worse, a power is granted a blessing or curse."

"Meaning?"

"Good deeds like helping an animal gives me the power to talk to animals but if I do something bad like act arrogant then I will be cursed until I break the spell."

"What kind of curse?"

"It happens many different ways, once I acted so arrogant that I started to croak when I talked, but when Amber stole my amulet she released a really evil princess who wanted to take over our kingdom."

Clio looks at Sofia, "I understand and don't worry your secret is safe with me."

The ground rumbles and Sofia runs out onto the balcony, "Looks like your workers are here."

Clio runs to Sofia's side.

"Those are the giants, dwarfs, and gnomes who will help rebuild the villages that were destroyed?"

"Yep," Sofia says.

"Come on, I will introduce you to some of them," Sofia says.

"Are you sure about this Sofia? I have heard stories about giants, dwarfs, and gnomes," Clio says as they fly towards the squad of workers.

"How many of the stories about Vivian were true?" Sofia asks.

"None, she was just shy."

"Sometimes the things we hear are not correct, one thing about being royal is not assuming," Sofia says.

"I see your point," Clio responds.

"Hi Giz," Sofia says to the giant.

"Princess Sofia, how are you?" Giz says as he helps one of the dwarfs up the ladder.

"Busy, thanks for helping fix Corinthia," Sofia says.

"Anything for the best protector," the giant says, "Why, who is this?"

"This is Clio, she is the princess of Corinthia," Sofia introduces Clio to the giant.

"Nice to meet you," Clio gives a curtsy.

"Pleasure is all mine Princess," Giz says.

"Clio, do you want to oversee the construction of the village?" Sofia asks her friend.

"Me? I don't really know anything about building houses or anything," Clio says.

"You don't have to build Princess, that is why we are here, all you have to do is tell us what the village looked like before the damage and if you want to make any changes to let us know what you want to change," Giz says.

"Then, I would love to," Clio smiles.

"Giz, can you gather everyone so I can make an announcement?" Sofia asks.

"Anything for you Princess Sofia," Giz says, "Everyone gather round, the Princess has an announcement!"

Everyone who came to help rebuild gives their attention to Sofia. Giz places his hand on the ground so Sofia can use it as a platform so everyone can see her.

"Thank you," Sofia says climbing onto the giant's hand,"Come on Clio, it's okay," Sofia reaches her hand out.

"Okay," Clio says taking her best friend's hand and stands along side Sofia as Giz lifts his hand up.

"Hi everyone, I'm Sofia, Protector of the Ever Realm I want to thank you all for coming to help rebuild Corinthia and to introduce your new leader, Princess Clio of Corinthia," Sofia says as loudly as she can so everyone can hear her.

The audience cheers.

Sofia looks at the sky, "The sun is going down, I better get home, Giz and the other creatures will help you with whatever you need and you always know I'm just a letter away," Sofia says to Clio as she mounts Minimus who is flying next to the giant's hand.

"Okay," Clio gives a shy smile.