Sofia the First: Stepmomster

Business Trip

"Dad, do you really have to go?" James wailed.

"Yes, Daddy. Do you really?" Amber cried.

"Amber, James, don't you fret. I'll only be gone for a jiffy. Just a quick business trip. I have some things to discuss with other kings afar," King Roland assured the twins.

"Have a safe trip, dad!" Sofia chirruped as she embraced her stepfather warmly.

Queen Miranda planted a quick kiss on her husband's cheek.

"About how long will you be gone, Rolie?" she asked.

"About a fortnight, darling. Now I must take leave," he stated, keeping an eye on the impatient chauffeur waiting outside.

The queen and her children watched King Roland outside the palace doors as he clambered up into the golden coach led by a pair of white, winged horses. He took his seat in the coach and turned around to wave goodbye happily once more. Then, the coach went soaring gracefully into the blue evening sky, King Roland becoming smaller and smaller.

The jeweled palace doors were closed slowly by the guards, making a depressing, creaking noise.

"Since Dad is gone, does that mean I get to be king again?" James asked excitedly, his eyes sparkling.

"No, silly," Amber butted in,"because I will be queen."

Miranda rolled her eyes playfully at the twins' silly argument. Their father promises them such high positions that require lots of responsibility, but it never ends well.

"You guys, Mom is in charge, remember?" Sofia reminded her siblings.

"Right," Amber said sheepishly.

"Ah, your majesties, there you are. Dinner is ready so if you may please enter the dining room," Baileywick announced.

Miranda thanked him and being the sweet, little angel she was, Sofia did as well, but Amber and James, pampered and forgetful of their manners, did not. Miranda shook her head softly at their unacceptable behavior.

The royal family sat in their seats around the table. James' eyes widened at the sight of the food placed on the table: roasted golden chicken, soups and broths, ham, and tin, golden-rimmed goblets filled with the finest juice of the kingdom.

The entire family noticed how quiet and awkward it was without King Roland. Amber didn't have anyone to show off her jewelry to, James didn't have anyone to tell his exciting adventures to, and Miranda didn't have anyone to talk about family plans.

Eating utensils clattered against plates and bowls and James bit loudly into his chicken leg, but no one talked. To try to break the silence, Miranda added, "Children, what about we play games and tell stories in the garden or in my room? Does that sound fun to you?"

"I would love to, Mom," Sofia replied.

"I would if I had time, Mom, but I was wondering if I could stay over at Zandar's tomorrow?" James inquired.

"And may I stay over at Hildegard's?" Amber asked.

"I'm sorry, children, but you'll have to wait for next time. I think this is a good opportunity to become closer as a blended family. Tomorrow we'll go to Juneberry Park."

Amber and James looked at each other dishearteningly, while Sofia's eyes twinkled joyfully.