Sofia the First: Stepmomster

Family Fun

Amber propped her chin on her elbow and her eyes wandered off into the greenery. It was a bright beautiful afternoon with sunlight shining through the rows of trees and dewdrop sparkling like crystal orbs on the grass.

But Amber felt anything but bright. Neither did her usually energetic twin brother who sat next to her on the coach. Both the twins tried to avoid locking eyes with their stepmother, who sat facing them with Sofia beside her.

Sofia pointed out the various flowers and trees and named as many as possible and each time, Miranda would praise her.

"That one over there is meddlesome myrtle!" she said joyfully, "I learned this from my trips with the Buttercups."

"Oh, Sofia, you are always so smart and attentive, just the right traits of a true queen."

Amber began to feel belittled by Miranda's remarks and tried to listen instead to the rhythmic clopping of the horses' hooves against the ground. She tried to immerse herself in this foreign naturey world of chirping birds and the smell of earthy soil, but found it incomparable to the comfort and pleasantness of a palace. Why listen to birds when you can listen to a royal orchestra? And why inhale the dirt when you can inhale the fragrance of tonight's royal feast in the kitchen?

Amber ached with the thought of not just her palace, but of Hildegard's. All the princesses were there, with the exception of Amber and Sofia, especially the popular ones. They were probably painting dainty roses on their fans, having tea parties, and dressing up. It would be embarrassing later to explain to Hildegard that she had missed these things for a simple trip outside.

While Amber's thoughts ran on, the coach came to a halt.

Miranda and Sofia stepped out of the coach first, the chauffeur guiding them down. Then the twins stepped out reluctantly.

Before them was a clear spot with bright green grass stretching for miles. The dews glistened majestically under the sun, but Amber saw no beauty in such a place.

"So, is this the place we were going to have some 'family fun' at?" Amber asked grouchily.

"Don't be ridiculous, Amber. I promise you you'll have fun." Miranda said, trying to lift her spirits.

Sofia picked out a spot for a picnic and everyone settled together with their slices of gooseberry pie and goblets of grape juice. Usually, James would strike up a conversation about one of his latest ideas for when he becomes king, but he did no such thing.

Sofia sliced pieces of pie for everyone.

"Thank you Sofia," said Miranda. "Willingness to serve her people is another trait of a true queen."

"Mom and I used to go here all the time," Sofia said, looking up at her mother, who looked back down lovingly. "The pie and juice taste amazing, but they tasted even better when we picked out the berries."

Amber and James chewed silently and both chose to ignore Sofia.

Miranda was becoming more and more impatient with their stubbornness. "Would you guys like more pie?" she asked, suppressing her boiling anger.

Again, neither replied.

"What's wrong, you guys?" Sofia asked. "You can tell Mom anything."

"Go ahead. Keep gloating about having a mom," Amber jeered. "I bet she let you do anything just because you're her real daughter. Meanwhile, she won't even let me go to a friend's palace."

Sofia gasped and James suddenly looked up. When Amber realized her words, it was already too late.

But Miranda said nothing. She merely looked at them, looking mildly surprised.

James suddenly joined in. "Yeah, and you wouldn't let me go to Zandar's place! All the princes were invited and they're probably firing cannons right now! This is your idea of fun? A lame picnic in the dirt?"

Miranda's body stiffened up and a weak smile was plastered on her face. "I think we should be going now. Come on, let's clean up." Her voice was calm but Amber noticed her fingers trembling as she picked up plates and cups.

In the carriage, Sofia glanced at her brother and sister worriedly. Miranda turned to her and whispered something in her ear.

"Sofia, I will make sure you become queen and our bloodline continues for generations instead of those brats."