All rights belong to Disney, Disney Junior, Craig Gerber, Jamie Mitchell, J.K. Rowling, Warner Brothers, Patrick Doyle, J.M. Rollie, Monty Python, Christopher Marlowe, and, for most of the songs and a few original characters, myself.

Sofia the First

I was a girl in the village, doing all right, then I became a princess overnight! Now I gotta figure out how to do it right! So much to learn and see. Up at the castle with my new family, in a school that's just for royalty. A whole enchanted world is waiting for me. I'm so excited to be Sofia the First! I'm finding out what being royal's all about. Sofia the First! Making my way, it's an adventure every day, Sofia. It's gonna be my time, Sofia, to show them all that I'm Sofia the First!

—

Season 5

Episode 110: The Tri-School Open House—August 19-20, 1841

Sofia

When I stepped out of my suite's walk-in closet and looked over my room once more, the day fell onto me. So much had happened yesterday. I defeated a crystal sorceress, told my friends about my amulet, and became a true Protector.

My eyes lowered to the amulet around my neck. I'd learned what being trapped in there was like. It had been a strange, almost weightless feeling, but I knew I was alive. But I also felt its kind spirit enter me in a warm rush. I had heard its voice in my mind, a voice of an older child like me, and somehow familiar. I pushed my magic into the spirit and restored the energy Vor tried to overpower.

The amulet had changed again. My reflection gazed back at me from the amulet for the first time in a year. The last time I'd seen it was when my amulet bore the spirit of Elena.

A peach tint now touched the amulet, the same color as my natural magic. I had used the amulet's powers for years. Now the amulet had some of my magic in return.

We saved the realms together. I couldn't give away the amulet now; its spirit mattered to me. For once, I had to say we were friends.

My eyes drifted to my reading desk and the looming stack of flyers from the Royal School Fair.

Seven flyers composed the stack, and all felt like twenty pounds weighing down my gut. Whatever school I'd pick would be where I'd stay for six years. Twice as long as my time in Royal Prep.

"I'm going with Ever Realm Academy," I lifted the purple flyer. Its jewel-shaped emblem stood out to me. I told Amber it would be my decision for now. I ought to stick with it. "It's the easy choice," I narrowed my eyes. But was it the right one?

The scepters felt heavy in my hand, the challenges tightened the back of my neck.

I returned the flyer to the stack as my eyes trailed down.

Performing Arts Academy with Vivian would be fun. So would the School of Adventure, Chivalry Hall, and so many others. I hadn't even gotten to explore the tent for the Institute for Science and Alchemy.

"Why can't I decide?" I laid the Ever Realm Academy flyer back on the stack. "All I have to do is pick one," I took the stack off the desk and spread the flyers over the floor so the emblems circled around me.

"Come on, Sofia," I knelt in the middle of them all. "All you've got to do is choose. Just pick a school, it's easy to do," I lifted the Ever Realm Academy flyer, but let it flop back to the floor. "Go on, Sofia, really, you've got nothing to lose." Except lessons that could matter and fun with friends. "They all just want to know what you're gonna do," I slouched over, face cupped in my hands. "Yes, they really wanna know just what you're gonna do…" What was the best choice for everyone? Who could help me?

Clover's rabbit door thunked open behind me.

"Hey, Sof!" He hopped towards me. "What's with all the flags?" His eyes scanned the floor, then lifted to me. "And what's with the sad face?"

"I don't know," I gripped my bangs. "I have to pick a royal secondary school, and I have seven to choose from. Every one of them seems great for me, my siblings and friends are all going to different ones, they all want me to go wherever they are, and I have to make the right choice and make everyone happy—"

"Whoa, whoa, whoa!" He leaned back and waved his paw. "Slow down there. There are seven schools," he started to pace, "Your royal friends are going to different schools, and they all want you with them. You like all the options, but you gotta pick one," he lifted a front toe. "And you're worried the wrong move will lead to disaster, aren't you?"

"I just want to do what's best for everyone," I ran a hand through my bangs.

"Best for everyone," he rubbed his whiskers. "Including yourself?"

The question stopped me.

Amber, James, and my friends hovered in my mind.

"I never thought about myself," I swallowed. "I just don't want to upset anybody."

"This is about you, Sof," he held up his paw. "Not anybody else. Hmm...Well, I've never had to have a royal school selected," he began in a smooth, jazzy tone.

The bedroom became a dark space broken by a few multicolored spotlights.

"But maybe all you need is an outsider's perspective," he sang from the shadows. "Forget about your friends and your family. Just listen to me and my single decree. All you gotta do is think of you and only you…to…cut them down to size," he snapped his claws, "Cut them down to size. Just think of you, that's all you gotta do to cut them down to size."

The flyers rose from the floor and grew until they were six feet tall. They bounced back and forth in a circle that bore down on me.

"What do you mean?" I tried to back away from the flyers.

"Think about your passions and skills that make your drive," he made a muscle. "Let those be the guides to help you decide. Don't look at me, pretend that I'm a figure in your mind," he swept his paws across his face. "Think of your true desires. They will cut them down to size! Cut them down to size," he slid around behind the flyers, "Cut them down to size, just think of you, that's all you gotta do to cut them down to size."

"But I'm interested in everything!" I threw out my arms.

"How about a different tactic?" he scratched his double chin. "If picking one is far too tough, shrink them down to one. Get rid of all the meh to find the one that you find fun," he hopped behind the flyers. "Throw out everything that's just okay," he knocked on them, "And you will realize you have cut this heavy pile down to size!" He jumped back as a flyer wobbled and nearly fell over. "Cut them down to size, cut them down to size. Slice the stack in two," he made a karate-chop, "That's all you gotta do to cut them down to size."

"Think about what I like the least," I stared over the flyers and the path emerged from the fog. "Sewing's a fun hobby, but I wouldn't go to a school about it," I knocked on the Royal Fashions flyer, which fell backwards and disappeared in a light shower of sparkles. "I don't do sports all the time," I gave the Corinthian Sports School flyer a kick, and it toppled and vanished. "An adventure school would be too much," I shoved the School for Adventure flyer. Then, my eyes went to the flyer for the Performing Arts Academy. Vivian was going there. But performing arts never sparkled for me. "And I can always play with Vivian on weekends," I pushed the Performing Arts Academy flyer.

The space turned back into my bedroom, and the flyers shrunk back to normal. It was just Ever Realm Academy, Chivalry Hall, and the Institute for Science and Alchemy.

My neck was still tight, but not as much as it had been before.

"Whoa!" Clover clapped his paws to his face. "You cut them down to size," he stacked the rejects, "You cut them down to size, I knew that you would carry it through and cut them down to size!" He kicked the pile away. "You cut them down to three," he lined up the remaining flyers, "So, what's it gonna be? You cut them down to three, so, what do you like the least?" He sashayed behind them. "You cut them down to size, you cut them down to size, you thought of you, that's all you had to do, and you cut them down to size!" He threw back his head. "Yeah!"

"Wait a minute," the fog rose up again. "These three stand out the same."

"Let's talk through them," Clover hopped to my side.

"Ever Realm Academy is a general continuation of Royal Prep," I pointed to the purple flyer. "It's all about teaching the next generation of kings, queens, and royal advisors. Amber's going there. It's the one I'm going with for now if nothing else stands out." I had to learn everything about being a princess.

"So, you like it because it's safe?" He traced over it.

"I don't think it'll be easy…" I pulled back.

"Hey," he waved his paw, "It's nice to have something in case the other two don't work. What about this school?" He picked up Chivalry Hall's flyer.

"Chivalry Hall is the school for those learning how to be knights," I pointed to the flyer. "It would give me a new aspect of adventure without making it overwhelming. And I'd like to keep an eye on James just in case," I recalled his misadventures as a squire.

"Got it," Clover laid the flyer down. "What about the third option?"

"That's the Institute for Science and Alchemy," I lifted the yellow flyer. "It's for those interested in magic classes."

"Magic classes?" His eyes lit up. "Do students there have animal helpers?"

"I'd bring you to school every day," I nodded. "Going there would also help my adventuring without pushing it too far," I laid the flyer next to Chivalry Hall's. Thinking over those two, Chivalry Hall seemed more strenuous. "And now that I've accepted my magic, I'm ready to get into it more."

"Okay," he paced. "Ever Realm Academy will come in handy around princess stuff, Chivalry Hall will help adventures, both schools have family. I love fun, but I understand going for something more useful. ISA—can I call it ISA? The Institute for Science and Alchemy is kind of a mouthful. And not the good kind of mouthful."

"You can call it ISA," I giggled.

"ISA has stuff you like, and it'll help you, too," his eyes focused on its flyer. "I don't want to push my hopes in your way, but that's the school I'd pick."

"Because I'd bring you with me?" I scratched his ears.

"Well, yeah," he batted away my hand. "And it seems like a good combo of work and fun. If we keep getting rid of schools you like the least," he returned to the flyers, "What are the drawbacks of each one?"

"Ever Realm Academy's what I need to become a princess, and Amber really wants me to go with her," I lowered my eyes. "But if I'm picking for pleasure, then Chivalry Hall and ISA would have to come first."

"So this is about necessity," he shook the flyer. "I'll roll with that," he lowered it.

"Chivalry Hall sounds fun, it'll teach a little etiquette, but it might still overwhelm, and I'm not sure about being with a bunch of boys for a long time," I clutched my hand. "And ISA's got everything except Amber and James."

"You'll have me," Clover patted my hand.

"You're right," I picked up the flyers. The three options were still stuck. "I'll tell Amber and James I've narrowed it down," I stood up. "Maybe they can help."

"See you later, Sof!" He waved.

"Bye!" I hurried down the hall, and found the twins at the foot of the staircase.

"Good morning, Sofia," Amber lifted her head. "You took a while to get changed."

"I was trying to find my secondary school," I headed downstairs.

"Did you find one?" James darted forward. "What is it?"

"I didn't find one," I held up the flyers.

"You're down to three choices," Amber stared. "I know the one I would pick," she raised a finger. "Ever Realm Academy. It's what you need as a princess, and as my future royal advisor. Not to mention we should go to the same school," she batted her eyes. "And you did pick it at the school fair."

"I was thinking of Chivalry Hall," James broke in. "It'd be like continuing Flying Derby. You could become the lieutenant to my First Knight."

"Riding flying horses is fun," Amber put a finger to her chin, "But what about the tea parties? And learning about foreign kingdoms?"

"Sofia, you want to go somewhere exciting, don't you?" James turned to me.

"Yes," I raised my shoulders.

"Well, go adventuring with me at Chivalry Hall!" He threw out his arms.

"Are you trying to tell me Ever Realm Academy is boring?" Amber stuck her head in. "Because we'll learn quite a lot of compelling royal history there. Great tales of derring-do and all that."

"Yeah, right," James waved her off. "At Chivalry Hall, we'll make those tales!"

"Or you'll get eaten by a dragon," Amber tutted. "School should be safe and meaningful, not a potential danger zone."

"Chivalry Hall's not a danger zone!" James gripped his hands. "We'll be supervised by real knights!"

"But what's most important?" Amber drew out her fan. "Learning to rule properly, or clanging around in a metal suit?"

"Fighting off evil's better than just sitting on a puffy chair," James's voice lowered.

"Sofia knows that Daddy wants her to be safe," Amber's mouth clenched. "He's planned for her to undertake an important duty for the throne. And the best way she can do it is if she goes to Ever Realm Academy with me."

"She can still do it if she's with me at Chivalry Hall!" James thrust towards her.

"That is enough," Baileywick strode forward and pushed the twins apart. "You two should go to your rooms."

The twins grumbled, but followed his instructions.

"I'm sorry you had to be part of that," Baileywick shook his head. "What was going on?"

"I'm having trouble deciding what secondary school to go to," I gripped my flyers. "I'm down to three schools, but that got Amber and James into that argument." A new idea clicked. "Where do you think I should go?"

"Are those school flyers?" he bent over. "My, my," he pored over the flags.

"What is it?" I stepped back.

"You picked the Tri-School Alliance," he smiled. "Ever Realm Academy, Chivalry Hall, and the Institute for Science and Alchemy work together to ensure well-rounded royal educations. Picking one wouldn't mean giving up the other two, but rather concentrating in a single area. You can take crossover courses that connect to the other two schools. But you can only take one crossover course each year," he raised a finger.

The schools were connected? "That sounds a lot better," I breathed out. "Which school do you think I should focus on?"

"I'd advise you go to Ever Realm Academy with a few Chivalry Hall electives—no," he shook his head. "You're too much of an adventurer. You should go to Chivalry Hall, but take an elective with Ever Realm Academy. Those two schools are particularly connected out of the trio."

"Thanks, Baileywick," I smiled. Who to ask next?

"Thank you for asking for my advice," Mr. Cedric raised his nose when I went to his workshop after breakfast. "I'm delighted you're considering the Institute for Science and Alchemy."

I had a feeling he'd say that. "Baileywick, Amber, and James think I should pick Ever Realm Academy or Chivalry Hall," I looked at the flyers. "Why do you pick ISA?"

"It's obvious," he twirled his wand. "You may wear a tiara, but you were born a sorcerer. The Institute for Science and Alchemy will give you proper magical education."

"What about crossover courses?" I cocked my head.

"You don't need Ever Realm Academy; you know the princess rules," he threw up his hand. "Take electives in Chivalry Hall to help your studies in Defense Against the Dark Arts."

Defense Against the Dark Arts? "Is that what it sounds like?" I stepped back.

"Yes," he raised his shoulders. "It involves learning about curses and dangerous creatures. In short, you're going to need it."

If I put Ever Realm Academy in the back, that would let me focus on the subjects I really enjoyed. "But if I go to ISA, I won't be with Amber and James."

"But you went to Royal Prep before you got to know them, didn't you?" He lifted his wand. "Going to ISA will be easier than you think."

"I hope so," I gathered up my flyers. "Thanks for giving me your input," I headed for the door. The only ones left were Mum and Dad.

I hurried into the throne room.

"Hello, Sofia," Mum smiled as I approached her chair. "What are those papers?"

"They're flyers from the Royal School Fair," I handed them to her. "I'm trying to pick a school."

Dad leaned over Mum's shoulder. "You picked the Tri-School Alliance."

"Baileywick told me. I was wondering where I should focus," my eyes trailed to the rug.

"I had a hard time choosing secondary schools, too," Dad returned to me. "I ended up deciding on Ever Realm Academy with a lot of Chivalry Hall electives."

"Baileywick suggested I do that," I raised a finger. "Before he switched them around."

"If I were Baileywick," he pulled his hand in front of him, "I would've stuck with the first thought. It's important that you focus on your royal lessons, and while I appreciate you learning the skills to defend the kingdom, I don't want you in changing rooms full of princes when you start looking like Miranda."

"I know what you mean," I chuckled.

"I've never been to these royal schools," Mum spoke up, "But I know being a princess is important to you, so, maybe Ever Realm Academy with a Chivalry Hall elective one year and an ISA elective the next year."

"And I've received a letter from the headmistresses at Royal Prep," Dad pulled out a scroll of parchment. "There's going to be an open house around the Tri-School Alliance tomorrow."

"There is?" I stood on my toes.

"Royal and nobility primary school alumni who want to come to any of the schools will be oriented into each building," he nodded. "Lunch will be provided on the schools' green, and you'll be home for dinner."

"What classes will we be taking?" I stepped forward.

"The letter just says there will be flyers of the schedule outside as soon as you come in," he read over the parchment. "And you all should bring your school bags with you to collect your new textbooks."

"Got it," I raised my head. "I'll go and think this over."

I returned to my room to see Clover sprawled upon his cushion. "Clover!" I called.

He jerked upright with a snort. "What-what is it? Did you find your school?"

"Not yet," I held up a finger, "But I've got good news."

"Really?" He hopped down from his cushion. "Is there carrot cake for dessert?"

"The three schools I picked are part of the Tri-School Alliance," I showed him the flyers. "All I have to do is pick the school I want to focus on, then I'll take a crossover course with another school."

"No way," he clapped his paws to his face. "You can go to all of them?"

"Pretty much," I held up my hands. "But I'll have to pick one. Fortunately, there's going to be an open house tomorrow at the Tri-School Alliance, where I'll go with James and Amber to find which school fits me best."

"Familiars aren't invited to the open house, are they?" He leaned forward.

"I don't think so," I stroked his ears.

"Oh well," he slouched. "Do you have any more ideas?"

"I'll take a class at Chivalry Hall, but it'll be a crossover class," I laid the Chivalry Hall flyer facedown on the floor.

"That cuts it down to two!" he raised two front toes.

"Ever Realm Academy's more supported," my eyes lifted, "But Mr. Cedric made good points for ISA."

"What'd he say?" Clover straightened.

"I should go there because I've always been a wizard," I began. "He wants me to be a full-fledged sorcerer, and be ready for any magical danger."

"Smart points," he rubbed his whiskers. "So, ISA and Ever Realm Academy are tied, and you'll be going to an open house tomorrow to figure out which one you really like," he settled it. "Then you'll pick an elective for the loser!"

"That's the plan," I nodded. I would lean Ever Realm Academy.

"Just remember to keep your thoughts in mind," he held up a front toe, "This decision is yours."

That would be harder than it sounded.

—

Amber

The morning breeze ruffled the back of my hair as I sat next to Sofia and across from James in the coach. We were going to be together, even though James was going to a different school!

"The Tri-School Alliance seems close to Royal Prep," Sofia leaned out to the ocean far below.

"Speaking of the alliance," I leaned back, "Have you found the school?"

"Not yet," she turned to me, "But I got it down to two."

"The Institute for Science and Alchemy didn't stand much of a chance," I fluttered my fan.

"Actually," she held up a finger, "I decided to stick Chivalry Hall to electives."

"You're not picking Chivalry Hall?" James's eyes popped.

"I'd just like to go to a school with more girls, where I won't have too many adventures," she raised her hands.

Did Sofia just say she didn't want too many adventures? We were thinking more and more alike.

The coach sailed past a rocky coastline, up to a stretch of grass-topped hills, and headed towards a landing.

Three large manor houses rose into view beneath us, each of a different style.

The tallest and most pristine of the houses stood high on its rock. It was a solid lavender, its flags waving high in the wind. A grand staircase was cut out of the rock, leading up to a platform and statue-flanked double doors.

Smack in the middle was a square blue mansion wider than it was tall.

Two thick paths spread from its side entrances to its flanking schools.

The last and oldest-looking of the houses seemed carved out of a mountain.

A circular field ringed by bleachers jutted from its side, past two large rocks filed into plateaus.

A long green stretched out in front of all three houses.

Many coaches already stood upon the green and emptied out their students.

White-canopied picnic tables dotted the grass around them.

The coachman lowered us next to Jun and Jin's pagoda carriage.

"Thanks for the ride!" Sofia hopped out.

"Let's get our schedules," James climbed out after her. "I hope Chivalry Hall's the first one to have orientation."

"I have a feeling it'll be ladies first," I shook my head as I slipped out last.

"Hi, Sofia!" Jun waved as she stood in front of her coach with Jin. "Hi, Amber!"

"Good morning, Jun," I curtsied to her. "Are you looking forward to the open house?"

"I would like to see the schools and get a sense of the electives," she nodded.

"Me, too," I smiled.

"Hey, James," Jin came up to him. "How's it going?"

"Great. I can't wait to see Chivalry Hall for the first time," he pumped his fist.

"Hi, you guys," Sofia curtsied. "Can we get our schedules?"

"Absolutely," Jin strode ahead on his short legs. "They should be somewhere right in front of everything."

"Come on, students!" A familiar maternal voice called above us.

I raised my head to see Headmistress Fauna of Royal Prep waving her wand to shepherd us forward. She must've come to guide us through the full transition into secondary school.

"Good morning, Miss Fauna!" Sofia waved up. "I'm glad to see you at the open house."

"The same to you, Princess Sofia," Fauna returned her smile. "Enjoy your day."

As we drew forward, we noticed a large cluster of old classmates, who lined up in front of a stand where a stack of papers lay. As the kids took papers from the stack, the line shrunk.

"Ever Realm Academy has orientation first," Mae whispered to Penelope as they darted by with their schedules.

Wonderful! I formed a clump with Sofia and Jun behind the boys.

"Amber!" A familiar girl's voice called.

"Sofia!" Another voice joined hers.

Hildegarde and Clio scurried up.

"I didn't know you were going to be at the open house," I smiled.

"We decided to attend in case it gave us new ideas about where to go," Hildegarde curtsied. "The School of Royal Fashions seemed fun at first, then I discovered it actually required sewing. But if these three schools don't work, there I am," she sighed down.

"Don't worry, Hildy," I took her shoulder. "Ever Realm Academy might be what you're looking for." If she was with me, she wouldn't have to worry about Clio.

Once the boys passed, each of us took a sheet of parchment with a list of events, locations, and times.

"We're gonna be doing a lot of walking around," Jin shook his head at the schedule.

"Come on," James pulled him to the marble staircase. "Let's get the Ever Realm Academy orientation over with."

I followed them up the stairs. After at least thirty steps, I climbed onto the platform to find the statues beside the deep plum doors were of a king and queen.

In front of the doors stood a woman with perfectly-kept raven curls, wearing an elegant sea-blue gown. Pearls hung from her head, ears, and neck. "Welcome to Ever Realm Academy," she spread out her arms with a smile. "I am Duchess Calla, the headmistress. Ever Realm Academy is an ancient school," she pushed the great double doors open, "Devoted to educating all the great royals and royal advisors. First off," Calla led us into a long, wide hall of busts, pedestals, and portraits, "We have our grand entrance hall of royals." She pointed to one of many arched doorways flanking the hall, each marked with two sets of Roman numerals. "This is the first floor of classrooms," she held out her hand to the door. "Your class here today, Royal Etiquette, will be in Room X on the second floor."

Royal Etiquette? This would be a great start. I knew all about royal manners and customs!

Two other long halls forked in from the left and right, meeting the entrance hall at a tall, thick staircase flanked by regal statues.

"These side halls compose the rest of the first floor," Calla pointed them out as she approached the staircase.

We climbed after her to a wide stretch of space walled in periwinkle. While the first floor was three halls, this was a single, true floor ringed by classrooms. Room II X lay straight ahead to the right.

"Ever Realm Academy looks a lot like Royal Prep," Sofia stared around.

"Doesn't it feel like home?" I put a warm hand on her shoulder.

"I guess so," she shrugged.

—

Sofia

We headed into the Royal Etiquette classroom, which was laid out like a traditional classroom at Royal Prep. Four rows of desks filled the classroom, with a podium shaped like an Ionic column in the front.

Everyone filled the plush thrones behind the desks, while Duchess Calla stepped up to the podium.

"Before we begin," she waved her hand forward, "I would like a volunteer to hand out textbooks for this course. Would anyone like to step up?"

"I will, Duchess Calla," I pushed myself up from my seat in front.

"My apologies," she giggled with a hand to her mouth. "One of the young fellows, please," she held out her arm. "A delicate princess like you shouldn't do this sort of heavy work."

Right. I wasn't a shoemaker anymore. I sat back down.

James stood up and approached the podium, which was stacked with deep pink and cobalt books.

"Thank you," she handed him a tall stack of pink books. "Prince—"

"James of Enchancia," he grunted a little under the books, and half-wobbled down the rows, letting the girls pick up their books.

Amber and I took two pink books from the stack.

"Oh my gosh," Amber flipped hers open. "We're reading 1002 Tiaras! Even more about being a princess!"

I sat down beside her with my own copy, and flipped it open to its table of contents. There was a whole chapter on table-setting and dining, another large one about all the known kingdoms, and one called Advanced Princess Behavior.

"Another volunteer for the blue books, please?" Duchess Calla raised her hand.

I tried to rise from my seat, but Amber gave me a look. Maybe I didn't know everything about being a princess yet.

Vaughan stood up and strode forward.

"And you are?" She handed him the stack.

"Squire Vaughan," he took the stack well and passed the books to the boys.

When the books were handed out and Vaughan returned to his seat, Duchess Calla drew a thin white wand.

Teacups, saucers, and four trays of biscuits popped upon the desks.

Duchess Calla walked down the rows of desks and traced us over.

"I didn't get your name, Princess," her eyes narrowed on me. "You are?"

"I'm Princess Sofia," I raised my teacup with a pinky up.

"Pay closer attention to your posture," she raised her neck higher.

Oh. Why did I always forget that? I copied Amber's erect frame.

James tried to take a handful of the biscuits on his desk, but Desmond swiped the tray and passed it around his half of the room.

"Thanks," I took a biscuit from him.

"Thank you very much, Prince Desmond," Amber picked hers up with the tips of her fingers. "You are far too kind."

I needed to talk fancier, too?

"Sofia, your posture," Amber poked my shoulder.

I jerked straight. "Sorry." I really didn't have it all down.

Then, yells and clatters burst through the door.

Duchess Calla jerked around. "What was that?" She strode over to the door and threw it open.

We climbed out of our seats and crept behind her.

When Duchess Calla poked out her head, a small, furry black creature leapt onto her face. "Eek!" She tried to seize it, but it scampered from her face to her head. "Get off me, you vile creature!"

The "vile creature" slid down her dress, left her completely devoid of pearls, then leapt in front of James's chest with a snap.

James looked down at his waistcoat. "My pin!"

Sure enough, his gold sun pin was gone, leaving behind a thin tear.

"Aah!" Amber's hands flew up as the shape pounced on her head and jumped off with her tiara. "Get back here, you—whatever you are! Return my tiara!"

The creature bounced down the corridor, going from person to person. Buckles, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, all gone. Necklaces…an idea struck in me. If this creature was after shiny things…

"Wow!" I raised my voice and shook my amulet. "Look at my necklace! It's covered in jewels, and it's really sparkly!"

The creature halted as it pickpocketed a purse, jumped from the fourth-year's kilt, and darted right towards me.

I bent down, my amulet shining in the light, and my arms outstretched. As the creature bounded forward, I seized its plump, furry body. "Gotcha!"

It gave a squeak of surprise. It had tiny, flat webbed claws, and a duck-like bill, which made it greatly resemble a platypus.

"Niffler!" A voice shouted down the hall. "Where are you, you little bugger—"

I jerked around to see a hobgoblin standing in the doorway, his long fingers on his hips. He wore a tight black robe like a waistcoat under a starched white shirt, his thin dark hair combed tight on either side of his head.

His bespectacled, beady eyes caught the form in my hands. "Excellent!" He clapped his hands and strode forward. "Well done catching that niffler," he lowered his hands. "Some troublemaker let that creature loose. Excuse my lack of an introduction," he bowed. "I am Professor Warwick, the Beasts teacher at the Institute for Science and Alchemy. Now, flip him over and shake him out."

My eyes jumped back down to the fuzzy creature.

"Not to worry, you won't hurt him," he waved his thin hand.

Here it went. I flipped the niffler upside-down and gave him a light shake.

Gold, silver, and bronze coins tinkled out of a patch in his stomach; he was some kind of marsupial. I shook him harder, and more treasure came out. All right then. I took a deep breath and flapped him up and down as if he were a wet dress.

Jewelry, coins, even bars of gold and silver showered out of him.

Students and teachers gathered around the scene, bending down to retrieve lost riches.

"Now tickle his belly, that'll help," Warwick's dark eyes brightened.

I reached my free hand to the niffler's stomach and danced my fingers over him.

He gave quick chitters, and more coins rained down from his pouch.

I shook him until nothing else came out. "Can I—flip him back up?"

"Yes," he gave a sharp nod.

I turned the niffler upright to find he was as healthy as before, though a bit lighter.

"There you go, nothing to fear," Warwick took him from my hands. "You are—"

"Princess Sofia," I smiled. "I'm an incoming first-year."

"You're rather good with magical creatures, Princess Sofia," he gazed at me over the wriggling niffler in his hands. "Did you use your tiara as bait?"

"My—necklace, actually," I chuckled.

"Even better," he stuffed the niffler into his robe. "Well, incoming first-years," he scanned everyone in the hall, "You just had a look at a Beasts lesson. I assure you my true classes are under my control, and I will find whoever released that thief. I hope you will face no more magical fiascos." With that, he turned around and marched off.

"What—just—happened?" Amber's eyes were frozen in a bulge.

"I think an ISA student let out that niffler as a practical joke," the best answer came to my mind.

"Well, I hope I don't run into a niffler again," she straightened her tiara.

"That one was kind of cute," I raised my hand. And the "lesson" was…fun.

"Let's just go to Chivalry Hall and get that over with," she checked her schedule and headed forward.

"Do you think there'll be an ISA prank there, too?" James turned to her as he fiddled with his pin.

"No," she raised her nose in the air.

—

James

We headed down the steps and across the green to the door of Chivalry Hall.

A familiar stout knight stood in front of it.

"Sir Finnegan?" I stared him over. "I didn't know you were a teacher here."

"I taught you to be a knight, didn't I?" He thrust a thumb at his barrel chest. "I work here when I don't have to go on a quest. Welcome to Chivalry Hall, lads and lasses," he strode away. "We're going to the green for archery."

Archery? Not as cool as fencing, but better than sitting at a desk.

Desmond's back tightened as he remembered his failures at sports.

A long row of targets stretched down a lawn, and a few yards away from each target was a bow next to a quiver of arrows.

"Wow," I gaped over the spread. Would we be shooting with real arrows?

Judging by Desmond's tight expression as he stood beside me, he feared the same thing, too.

"These are sticky arrows," Finnegan strode up to a quiver and pulled an arrow out, "No one will get hurt when your arrows fly in the wrong directions. Everyone pick a quiver," he swept his arm out. "I'll help you handle your bows the first time around. Once you know how to do it, it's up to you."

"What do knights need bows and arrows for?" Jin headed to a quiver.

"You can tie a rope to an arrow and shoot it into a tower to climb up," I picked up the quiver next to his. "Or you can set an arrow on fire and shoot it over a wall."

"Cool," he picked up his bow and looped his quiver over his shoulder.

"I don't know how well I'll do this," Desmond turned down to his bow. "You saw how bad I was in the tent."

"There's less sweat now that you'll be in ISA," I gave him a smile. "This'll be for fun."

"Right," he lifted the bow. "Wait a second," his eyes brightened. "This bow and quiver are a lot lighter than that spear and lance," he slipped them on. "I wish Sir Finnegan had archery in the tent."

"Maybe you can take an archery elective here," I took the firing stance with my bow. "You did start off wanting that knightly heroism."

"I can help you," Sofia chimed in on his opposite side. "I'm looking for electives here, too."

"Excellent start, Desmond," Finnegan came behind him. "Very good form, Sofia," he went in front of her and strode to the side of the green. "One, two, three, fire!"

Arrows zipped everywhere.

Desmond's hit the bottom of the target, while Jin's struck his target's pole.

Hildegarde's and Amber's were firmly in the grass.

Sofia and I hit the red circles around the center, while Vaughan and Vance both hit bulls-eye.

"That was better than I thought," Desmond pulled out another arrow and aimed it higher.

"Good," Finnegan clapped his hands. "Though some of you could do with a bit more effort," his eye went to Amber and Hildegarde. "Just because you're not attending Chivalry Hall, doesn't mean you can slack. Now," he turned around, "Time to see the inside of Chivalry Hall."

We lowered the archery equipment.

Finnegan led us back to the school and pushed the doors open.

Chivalry Hall was much plainer than Ever Realm Academy, aside from the suits of armor.

"Most of the classes are outside. The building has classrooms and spare stables in case of bad weather," Finnegan clanked us along. "There's a ballroom on the top floor, used for the big classes, and whenever this school hosts the Tri-School Ball."

A school ball? Well, things couldn't be perfect. Still, if most of the classes were outside on the green, that would be good enough.

Sofia raised her hand.

"Yes, Princess Sofia?" Finnegan pointed her out.

"How does the school have jousts in bad weather?" She lowered her hand.

"We move the horses to the spare stables," he held out his arm, "And we joust in the main stables—they're the perfect size." He gestured to a door. "This is the history class, that's the troubadour class…"

"So," I clapped Desmond on the back, "Archery elective?"

"Definitely," he nodded.

"It's nice knowing you can do more stuff," Sofia's eyes twinkled. "Even if it can make you indecisive," her mouth fell.

"But you're picking a crossover class here, aren't you?" I offered support.

"I'm not sure what I'll take," she lifted her eyes. "I like a lot of knightly sports."

"You're really good at fencing," I held up my hand.

"That's true," she nodded with a smile. "I could drop my tutoring."

"Fencing also has special manners, if you pick ISA," Desmond caught her tension. "You'd still have royal etiquette."

"Thanks," her smile brightened.

"Wait," Amber gripped her hands, "Are you actually considering going to that school of tiara-stealing creatures and—whoop!" She fell onto her rear as a flying broomstick shot between her and Sofia. "Witches' brooms?"

Finnegan jerked up. "What was that?"

Another broom whizzed after it, both going after what appeared to be a flicker of gold, which zipped up a staircase.

Two hard-looking balls smacked down the hall, knocking over suits of armor with crashes and clatters.

Four brooms soared after the balls, and above them shook four thick, short rods. The rods struck the balls away from the brooms—and the balls shattered the glass covers of several paintings.

"What do we do?" Amber pushed herself up.

"After those brooms!" Sofia charged up the staircase, with Desmond and Jun right behind.

"Are magic brooms supposed to fly on their own with balls and bats like that?" I hurried after them, followed by Jin and Amber.

"No," Sofia jerked to me over her shoulder. "I think someone jinxed them."

"The same person who let out that—niffler?" Amber's face froze.

"Maybe," her eyes narrowed on a broom after the tiny spark of gold. "Let's mount the brooms."

"They're out of control!" Amber threw out her hand.

"If we get on the brooms, we might be able to overpower the jinx," Sofia bounded into the hall. "Everyone pick a position—I'm going after that gold thing."

"Me, too," Jun followed her.

"So, we're going to hit the big balls!" I grinned at Amber.

"And sabotage even more school property," she shook her face in her hand.

Sofia and Jun's brooms zoomed low, close together on what had to be a very small ball of gold.

Sofia snagged her broom by the handle and pulled herself up, while Jun just snagged the tail of hers before it soared high again.

"Whoa-whoa-whoa!" Jun's feet kicked in the air.

"Push yourself to the middle of the broom!" Sofia turned to her.

"I'll—try," she heaved herself forward. "Got it! Ah!" She stomach-planted on the broom as it jerked to the right.

A broom with a bat zipped low, following a ball that enjoyed striking the sabatons of the suits of armor, knocking the suits off their feet and toppling them sideways in a domino effect.

I grabbed the broom as its bat halted to whack the ball—right into a bust. There went a marble nose.

I hoisted myself up and grabbed the bat. The broom still jolted out of control, but the bat yielded in my hand.

Desmond, Amber, and Jin grabbed their brooms and bats, and we all spun and zigzagged down the hall.

Sofia and Jun drew back up to the gold object.

"Do you want to get it?" Sofia turned back to Jun.

"No thanks," she shook her head. "This broom's a lot to handle."

Sofia leaned forward, reached out a hand, and caught a tiny, winged ball.

The brooms suddenly halted and dropped to the ground.

But the balls were still moving.

I rubbed my knee with one hand as I whacked a ball. "What happened?"

"I think grabbing this ended the game," Sofia held up her ball.

Tweet! The screech of a whistle swiveled our heads.

A thin woman with a pineapple of purple hair strode forward. "No Quidditch in the halls!" She drew a wand from her jacket, and with sparkling pops, the bats, broomsticks, and balls disappeared. What was Quidditch?

Amber stepped forward. "Who are you?"

"I am Madam Kite, the coach and referee at the Institute for Science and Alchemy," the woman pocketed her wand. "Can you tell me why the Seeker and Beater equipment went missing?"

"Madam Kite," Amber looked into her goggle-clad eyes, "We're just a group of incoming first-years. The brooms, balls, and bats were flying on their own when we saw them. It was my sister's idea to ride the brooms to try to control things," she shot Sofia a look.

"They stopped when I grabbed the ball that ended the game," she chimed in.

"I saw," Kite lifted her head. "You should move along."

"We will, Madam Kite," Sofia nodded, and her eyes went to the only upright grandfather clock in the hall. "We'll be late for ISA's orientation."

"Come with me, then," Kite strode along. "I'll excuse you to the headmaster."

Who was he?

—

Sofia

Madam Kite led us down rocky steps to a bridge-like path to a worn wooden door flanked by gargoyles.

A strikingly familiar blue-clad figure stood before the door.

As Madam Kite hurried us across the path and to our waiting group of fellow students, the figure came into full recognition.

"Hi, Merlin," a smile spread across my face.

"Hello, Princess Sofia," Merlin smiled down. "I didn't expect you to be late to an orientation of a magic school."

"These students discovered and halted the lost Quidditch supplies," Kite stepped forward. "It seems someone jinxed them to play a game on their own. If your young friend hadn't climbed on a broom and caught the Snitch, Chivalry Hall would be an even greater mess than it is now."

That little winged ball was a Snitch?

"Thank you very much for doing so, Princess Sofia," Merlin gave me a nod. "Madam Kite, you can check on the state of the balls and brooms. I will lead these future first-years on their orientation." He led us forward through the doors, and into a dim, stony hall.

At first sight, ISA brought Hexley Hall to mind. Pedestals topped with enchanted objects flanked us, and moving portraits hung on the walls.

Merlin led us up a flight of stairs to a new corridor, and stopped us by a room next to a rattling wardrobe. A plaque on the room's door read Defense Against the Dark Arts. This was the class Mr. Cedric told me about.

Merlin knocked on the door, and it quickly opened to reveal a warm-faced young woman with strawberry blonde hair.

"Hello, Dahlia," Merlin smiled. "Is the classroom arranged?"

"Professor Waller and I got it all ready this morning," she nodded.

"Splendid," he strode us into a wide but simple room. "Students," he gestured to us, then to her, "This is Dahlia, a fourth-year and one of the teaching assistants at this school."

"You should form a group right here," she ushered us into a clump in the middle of the room.

A tall mannequin stood in the center of the room, clad in a black robe, one of its hands curled around a gnarled staff.

Beside the mannequin was a standing chalkboard displaying a wand movement below the word Expelliarmus.

"We must be turning those rags into a ballgown," Hildegarde pointed to the mannequin.

"I'm afraid not, Princess Hildegarde," Merlin stopped at the mannequin's other side. "Today, you will be learning a new spell; Expelliarmus, the Disarming Charm," he pointed across the mannequin to the chalkboard. "Allow me to demonstrate," he strode in front of us, his staff forward. "Expelliarmus!"

A flash of red light fired from his staff, threw the mannequin backwards, and the gnarled staff flew from the mannequin's hand to clatter into a corner.

Gasps spread across the room.

"As you can see," he stuck the mannequin back upright and hovered its staff into its hand, "The Disarming Charm sends an opponent's weapon out of their hand. Itis one of the advanced incantations for underclassmen," he lowered his staff, "But as you may face dark forces threatening you and your kingdoms, it is always a good spell to learn. Now, it is time for you to try it out yourselves," he spread out his arms. "Line up and send that staff out of that mannequin's hand. When you have your turn, go to the back of the line." He twirled his staff.

Practice wands appeared in our hands.

I took the spot in front, with Desmond and Jun right behind. "Expelliarmus!" I pointed my wand at the mannequin.

Red light fired out of my wand—square into my solar plexus. The blast threw me twenty feet back and spread-eagled onto the floor with a thud.

"Are you all right?" Amber spun around as I slowly pushed myself up.

"I think so," I winced.

"Don't worry about getting it right your first try," Merlin pushed up his glasses. "Everyone gets a spell wrong when they start practicing magic."

Good thing I'd had experience with that already. I limped to the back of the line.

Desmond's face paled and tightened as he stepped forward. "Expelliarmus!" His voice was caught between a shout and a quiver.

The mannequin's staff popped out of its hand and landed right in front of him.

"Wow," he stuffed the staff back into the mannequin's hold and followed me to the rear of the line.

"Good job," I gave him a thumbs-up.

Jun came forward next. "Expelliarmus!"

Red light struck the chest of the mannequin, which teetered and fell over.

Zandar got the mannequin to hover and vibrate in midair.

Vivian made it wobble, but it stopped upright.

James only made its staff grow bigger.

Hugo's spell snapped off the arms of the mannequin, but Merlin fixed it up.

Jin inflated the mannequin, but Dahlia let out its air.

Clio uncoiled the mannequin's staff, while Amber made its robes rustle.

Hildegarde only shot out a few ruby pink sparkles.

"Well," Merlin clapped his hands, "We have quite a spread of magical ability. Before Dahlia shows you a few more defensive charms, let me remind you that confidence is the best way to improve one's spell-casting."

Hildegarde raised her hand with her disapproved look.

"Yes, Hildegarde?" Merlin's sharp eye caught her face.

"Why do we all have to learn these spells?" She flicked her fingers. "We're royalty, not sorcerers. Besides, most princesses don't need to defend themselves."

"This school does not see the gender role divisions of the other elite academies," Merlin's face pursed. "In fact, magic is a gift stronger and more frequent in women."

That explained why most of the girls in my year were better at alchemy than the boys. Jun, Vivian, and I were just the most prominent examples.

"And unlike the other elite academies, the staff at this institute does not let status blind us to what matters most; potential," he lifted a firm finger.

"All right," Hildegarde half-folded. "What are these next spells?"

"The next charm you'll be learning is a useful parlor trick," Dahlia pointed her wand to the floor. "Nuagio!"

Thick gray fog poured out of her wand and filled the classroom.

Everyone was a barely discernible shape.

"Clarito!" Her voice pierced the clouds, and they lifted back into water vapor. "That was the Fogging Charm," she pocketed her wand. "As you saw, it summons thick mist that is intended to hide the caster if they need to flee, and confuses their pursuers. Parlor magicians cast this charm at a smaller scale with brighter smoke, but it certainly isn't limited to the stages of royal courts. As before, line up and give it your best try."

After lunch, Amber, James, and I gathered in a small group on the green with the others.

"What did you think of this morning?" I looked over them.

"You were right to have the headmistresses show we can change our choices," Hildegarde pointed to me. "I thought I'd attend the School of Royal Fashions, but now I see Ever Realm Academy is my secondary school."

Amber's mouth dropped open. "You want to go to school with me?"

"As I said," she raised her hand, "I don't want to makeclothes. And yes," she took her shoulder, "I want to be with you."

Amber pulled her into a hug.

"I've changed my mind, too," Zandar turned to Desmond and James. "The place for me is the School for Adventure."

"Weekend fun, then?" James shook his hand.

"Yeah," he let go of his hand. "Weekend fun."

"I was torn between the School for Adventure and the Corinthian Sports School," Hugo held out his hand. "But Chivalry Hall has both activities."

Hugo would be in the school next door? Warmth trickled to my face. "I hope I'll see you in my elective class."

"What about you, Sofia?" Amber turned to me.

"I'm…still tied," I fiddled with my fingers.

"How can you be tied?" She threw out her arm. "I know how much family and being a princess matter to you. How could flying on a broomstick and waving a wand be as important?"

"I just want to consider—"

An enormous and strangely hot shadow lowered over us.

"That's an odd cloud," Clio raised her eyes.

I followed her gaze to see a jagged shape in front of the sun.

As the shape dropped towards us, the late noon sunlight illuminated shining orange scales, red-leather bat wings, a club tail, and four very large claws. Judging by its dull coloration, this dragon was a male.

"That's not a cloud, Clio," I pulled her away from the shape. "Dragon!"

"Dragon?" She yanked herself away.

The dragon swooped down, and before I could go further, he snatched up Clio and Hildegarde in one claw, and Amber and me in the other.

My bag dropped to the ground as he lifted us into the air.

"Hildy!" Clio screamed. "What's the crossover class?"

"Emergency Training," Hildegarde kept her face firm. "Do you think this is part of the class?"

"What do you mean?" Amber stared down at the shrinking ground. "You think the teachers got a dragon to grab us? Why would they—" Her eyes jumped forward. "This crossover class must be a team-up between Ever Realm Academy and Chivalry Hall! Everyone, calm down," she raised her head. "We're going to be rescued."

Should we just settle down and be fine with it? "I don't think we can risk it," I turned to her. "We might be in real trouble."

"But there's no other way to get free of this dragon other than waiting to be saved," her eyes went from the dragon's chin to the ground.

Maybe she was right. My eyes lowered to my amulet. It stirred an idea in me. If this wasn't a drill… "I want to be a pygmy dragon."

My amulet glowed with warm white light, and I shrunk into a fluttering, scaly form above the dragon's grip.

Hildegarde's eyes widened, and Clio was a carp.

I flew in front of the dragon's snout. "I want to be a queen dragon!"

The dragon seemed to shrink.

My snout lengthened, fins stretched from my head, and my wings expanded.

"Who-who are you?" The dragon whimpered.

"Hand me the other princesses," my voice boomed deep from my throat.

"Here," he shoved out his claws, and I took the other girls from him. "Don't breathe fire at me."

"Thank you," I kept my voice in a menacing act. This was almost fun.

The dragon turned tail and zipped off.

I flew back to the green, Amber, Clio, and Hildegarde safe in my hands.

Sir Finnegan and the boys rushed forward.

"Stand back," Finnegan marched towards me and drew his sword. "I'll handle this beast."

I lowered Amber, Clio, and Hildegarde to the grass. There was only one thing to do. "I wish to be myself again," I put a claw to the scales above my heart.

The scales sparkled, and everything expanded around me.

Sir Finnegan dropped his sword with a clang. "Princess Sofia?"

"It's all right," I dropped my hand. "I turned into a dragon to save everyone."

"Sofia," he pulled himself together, "That was Emergency Training class."

My stomach dropped.

"The dragon was going to drop you off at a plateau, and I'd lead my students to come get you," he gestured to the armored boys behind him.

"Congratulations, Sofia," James rolled his eyes as he joined Sir Finnegan with my bag in his hand. "We were supposed to learn what being a hero is like, but you had to do it for us."

"James is right," Amber came forward. "While I appreciate you saving me, you should remember what's expected of your role as a princess when we're not in real danger. Why couldn't you have known to wait for the knights like we did?"

Sir Finnegan stayed stuck in his spot. "I believe," his eyes went to me, "If you're going to Ever Realm Academy, you should discuss this…incident with the headmistress. I'll alert her before you," he clankedoff.

James shoved my bag in my arms with a growl as Amber crossed her arms.

Glares shot at me as I scurried to the staircase leading up the cliff.

I threw open the doors and hurried down the hall, one so similar to Royal Prep's. I'd thought getting stuck in trick dancing shoes during my first royal dance lesson was my worst school experience. But that memory had now been surpassed. Why had I overreacted? Exposed my secret to three schools? Flunked a test in front of them? What would Duchess Calla tell me? How could I explain it to her? My thoughts petrified to clarity as my feet finally stopped in front of an arched door of geometric glass bearing a gold placard with the words Headmistress's Office. I took a last breath and opened the door into a round, sunny-walled office decorated in the usual portraits and busts.

But Duchess Calla wasn't the one in front of the desk.

A petite, plump woman in a green dress hovered in her place.

"Miss Fauna?" I drew forward.

"Sir Finnegan told me and Duchess Calla how you handled the surprise test," she held out her hand. "I thought, since you know me as your headmistress, I should be the one to talk to you. And because I know about your supplementary magic," she gestured to my amulet.

How did she—the memory of her spell book and Miss Nettle rushed back. If Miss Nettle knew about my amulet, the headmistresses had to have learned about it years ago.

"This whole situation must be very hard for you," she lowered her eyes behind her glasses. "If there's anything you want to say, you can tell me."

The dam burst. "I screwed up everything," I gripped my hands. "I thought I learned all about being a princess, but I don't know something obvious like waiting for a knight or prince to rescue me. I thought the drill was a real emergency, and I humiliated myself in front of everyone. How I can learn to do it right?"

But Fauna's eyes glistened above a smile. "Sofia, ever since you first arrived at Royal Prep, I knew you would make a wonderful princess."

"But I ruined everything," I dropped my hands.

"There's nothing wrong with you," she patted my shoulder. "You're just different."

"Because I wasn't born into royalty?" The truth held my gut.

"Yes," she gave a sharp nod. "But that's only the beginning of what makes you unique."

"I know I'm a wizard," I held my hands.

"Not just that," her eyes drifted to my bag. "It's time you got the princess guide you need." She flicked her wand, and a periwinkle volume swirled out of sparkles.

"1002 Tiaras: A Consort Companion," I read its title aloud as it floated into my hands. "This is about…securing my status. What does this have to do with my magic?"

"If you open the book to where I've marked it, you'll find out," she pointed to the ribbon. "Your magic and status together will guide you to your destiny."

"My destiny?" What Tilly told me about? "Do you know what I'll have to do?"

"Not exactly," her eyes trailed away. "But I know someone needs your help, and he won't mind if you break a few princess rules to rescue him."

I guided my fingers to the spot, but the world outside stopped me. "Will I hand this back if I don't go to Ever Realm Academy?"

"You should keep it," Fauna shook her head. "No matter what school you go to, that book will come in handy. Consider it a parting gift from Royal Prep."

"Thank you, Miss Fauna," I wrapped her in a hug.

Two knocks struck behind the door.

She pulled away. "Come in."

The door opened, and a familiar fourth-year stepped through.

"Hi, Dahlia," I gave her a smile.

"You're the one who cast that crazy Disarming Charm, right?" Her eyes glinted. "And did that amazing dragon self-Transfiguration?"

"Yeah," a slab of a boulder weighed down my back again. "I'm Princess Sofia."

"Merlin would like to talk to you," her eyes drifted to the door.

"I'll go see him," I shoved my book into my bag and looped my arm through its handles.

As Dahlia turned around and opened the door, I looked back at Fauna.

"Farewell, Princess Sofia," she wiped her eyes. "Just remember," she held up a finger, "Something may look like a jewel, but that doesn't mean it is."

What did she mean? "Goodbye, Miss Fauna," I gave her one last wave. "Have a great year."

Dahlia and I walked out of Ever Realm Academy, across the green, and down the stone steps into ISA.

Dahlia pushed open the doors.

At least Merlin would be easy on me. I stepped through the doors into the ISA entrance hall.

The students around the hall stared at me. Then, they broke into applause.

"That was the best dragon transformation ever!" A boy pumped his fist.

"Did Madam Kite say you'd make a good Seeker?" A girl with flat braids clapped her hands.

"Are you a real wizard?"

"That was way better than a boring sword fight!"

"—And Warwick said, 'that's how you catch a niffler!'"

Even professors began to clap as they guided the crowds back into their classrooms.

"Surprise," Dahlia chuckled.

I kept blinking at the scene, but a smile rose to my face. My feet lightened as I followed her, then came to her side. I traced the walls as I walked on with her.

With the magical relics on display and the rattling wardrobe, ISA was nothing like Royal Prep. I had to go to Ever Realm Academy and continue the royal life I started. Ever Realm Academy was where I would learn how to be a true princess, royal advisor, and maybe more. Amber was there, and she wanted me to be with her so much. But the lesson with the niffler floated back to me. Then the broom flight through Chivalry Hall. Professor Warwick. Madam Kite. Dahlia and Merlin. The chatter and cheers around me. But I had to learn to be a princess, I—I remembered Ever Realm Academy tent. The class with Duchess Calla. The sense of discomfort around the school sharpened. It seemed best, but…

Clover's words floated back to me. "This decision is yours."

Mr. Cedric joined him. "You may wear a tiara, but you were born a sorcerer."

Dahlia and I stopped outside a tall door with an owl knocker.

As Dahlia dropped the knocker, I reached into my bag and pulled out two flyers. Stared over their shapes again, recalled their lessons.

"Something may look like a jewel, but that doesn't mean it is," I recalled what Fauna had said, and it clicked in me.

Ever Realm Academy seemed wonderful, but all the fun and wonder was in ISA. It welcomed the side of me that had existed before Mum married the king. I could do what I wanted without worrying about being real royalty. I might even learn the skills that would lead me to my true destiny. But if I made this choice, Amber would be so angry. I'd be going to a school all by myself again. Still, this was the school I wanted. I wouldn't forget who I was.

I laid the Institute for Science and Alchemy flyer over the one for Ever Realm Academy. The old weight lifted from me. It would be all right now.

The headmaster's door opened. "Hello, Sofia," Merlin smiled at me. "Thank you for bringing her here, Dahlia," he lifted his eyes to her.

"My pleasure," she nodded. "Should I wait out here?"

"You can return to your class," he waved her off.

"Thank you," she gave a bow and hurried away.

Merlin turned down to me. "Come inside my office."

I followed him into a blue-walled room with an old-looking desk and a large birdhouse.

Merlin plopped down in the cobalt-cushioned armchair behind the desk. "I heard of two magical mishaps that happened at the open house," he pushed up his spectacles. "While you were handling the dragon, I discovered three Hexley Hall students were behind the pranks. It seems they wanted to show they were superior to royal Muggles."

Those three were probably Elliot, Amy, and Kurt.

With a flick of his wand, Merlin sent a tall, four-legged stool behind me. "Professor Warwick told me you caught the niffler. And you heard Madam Kite tell me how you broke the jinx on the brooms."

"I just did what felt right," I sat on the stool.

"And I'm sure you heard how you impressed the ISA students and staff," Merlin chuckled into his beard. "Now, that dragon incident," his face firmed.

Uh oh.

"It seems this was all a matter of lack of instruction and mistaken assumption," he twirled his wand. "You didn't know you were part of a drill, and Sir Finnegan and Duchess Calla weren't informed of your abilities. While you acted inappropriately for a proper princess, your use of your amulet was exactly what you should have done as a sorceress."

Merlin knew about my amulet? He was a famous old wizard, so I shouldn't have been surprised. "Sir Finnegan did say knights and alchemists have worked together for centuries," my eyes drifted down. "So, my dragon incident wasn't a disaster?" I raised my eyes.

"No, it was not," he shook his head with a smile. "I will clear it up with Sir Finnegan and Duchess Calla, and I'm sure everyone will forgive you."

"Thanks so much," I pushed myself up from the stool. Then, I stopped. "There's one more thing."

"What is it?" His eyes brightened.

"I thought I'd pick Ever Realm Academy," I opened my bag, "But after all that's happened, I see I'm meant for your school."

"So, you want your books," Merlin rolled up the sleeves of his robe. "Easy-peasy!" He swept his wand in an arc and conjured brand-new tomes.

"Wow," I gathered up the books and stuffed in my Ever Realm Academy flyer with them. "I don't know how to thank you."

"Just attend your classes on time," Merlin smiled.

"I wouldn't want to miss any of them," I nodded and dashed out of the office. As I hurried back down the halls, students and staff cheered once more. I pulled out my ISA flyer and waved it with a grin.

"She's one of our first-years!" Madam Kite shouted.

As the hullaballoo rose around me, I burst out the doors and up the steps onto the green.

Amber and James stood some feet away, the Enchancian coach a few yards behind them.

"Sofia," Amber spun around as I headed towards her. "I'm so sorry about what happened," she hurried forward. "James and I really overreacted."

James nodded down with a sigh.

"We just wanted you to know how to be a true princess," Amber laid a hand on my shoulder.

"I understand," I gave her a smile.

"So, Ever Realm Academy it is?" Her eyes brightened as she raised her hand.

"Actually," my eyes drifted down to my flyer, "I've decided to go to ISA."

Her face went blank. "What?"

"I have to go where I'll always be accepted," I held the flyer close. "And before I was a princess, I was a wizard."

"But you need to learn everything about being royalty!" She sputtered. "About being my advisor! I need you with me so I can become the best queen of Enchancia!"

A Consort Companion suddenly gained weight in my bag. If Miss Fauna was right, I wouldn't be who Amber wanted.

"I can still do all that outside of school," I lifted my eyes. "And you'll have Hildegarde, remember?"

"You promised you'd go to Ever Realm Academy with me," she pointed a sharp finger upon her chest.

"I know," I sighed down. "But it's my school, and this is what's best for me." And maybe for at least one other person.

"I am not speaking to you until tomorrow," she stormed off to the coach.

"Amber…" I reached out my hand. I'd have to let her stew through this.

When the coach landed in front of the castle gates, Amber strode out first, her nose in the air.

I took the rear to avoid any more trouble.

"Welcome back," Baileywick stepped towards us as we passed through the main doors. "How was the open house?"

"Hello, Baileywick," Amber paused. "Is dinner ready in the banquet hall?"

"Not for thirty minutes," he lifted his pocket-watch.

"Good," she marched upstairs.

His eyes turned down to us, his face tense. "Did things not go well?"

"Yeah," James fiddled with his fingers. "Sofia kind of ruined the Emergency Training class by turning into a dragon to save the princesses."

"I thought we were in real trouble," I threw out my arm.

"Well," Baileywick's eyes traced between us. "While customs are important, one should be self-sufficient in an emergency."

"And I picked ISA instead of Ever Realm Academy," my mouth tightened.

Baileywick halted for a moment. "I'm…glad to hear you made your choice," his eyes brightened.

"Amber's taken it pretty hard," my eyes drifted up the steps.

"Sometimes things don't go as you hoped," he gazed down with a sigh.

"I'm going to my room to play with Clover," I moved past him and James. "See you at dinner." I knew he'd love it when he found out we were going to school together. The reminder made my choice a little less lonely. My mind returned to the blue book in my bag. Clover knew a lot about princesses. How would he handle me being different from most of them?

—

Clover

Clicking of heels drew behind the bedroom doors, and the doors opened.

"Hi, Clover," Sofia stepped into the room.

I jumped down from the window seat. "How'd the open house go?"

"All right," she headed for the reading nook. "Some of it was stressful, but some of it was fun."

"Did you find the school?" I hopped after her.

"I did," she plopped her bag on the table.

"What is it?" I stood on my hind legs.

"I'll show you," she stepped into her walk-in closet.

She was gonna dress up to show her school? She had to be going to Ever Realm Academy. "I know what you're gonna wear," I held up my paw. "You're putting on your new Merroway Cove dress."

"I'm not telling!" She called through the door.

Did Sofia change her mind about Chivalry Hall? "You're wearing your Protector habit—no, your dressy Derby coat!"

"You'll see," her sly smile was audible.

What was she gonna wear? If she picked ISA…no, she wouldn't pick ISA. Would she? I shut my eyes. "You're wearing your explorer habit…your crystal gown…"

"I'm all down," her voice was closer.

I opened my eyes to see her in her sorceress robes. "Yes!" I bounded into her arms. "We're going to school together!" I halted. "But you won't be with your family."

"I'll have you," she scratched my ears.

"I hope I didn't force you into this," my eyes drifted down.

"Don't worry," she lowered me to the floor. "I just remembered who I was, and that it was my decision. Just what you said," she gave me a proud smile.

"I guess I haven't lost my helping touch after all." I raised my head. Then, my grin dropped. "What about Ever Realm Academy?"

"I thought I had to pick it because I needed to be royalty," Sofia held out her hand. "But I realized it didn't feel right with who I am. I will take Royal Magic there, though."

"Is Amber okay with you going to sorcery school?" She sounded like she had strong demands.

"She's…not too happy," she sighed. "But Hildegarde's going to Ever Realm Academy, and that'll make it easier for her." She stood up. "Do you want to see my new books?"

"Definitely!" I scampered after her to the reading nook. "What'll we be doing?"

"We'll have enchanted gardening," she pulled out a blue book, "But I'd like to look at this first."

"1002 Tiaras: A Consort Companion," I read the title aloud. So, King Roland wasn't the only one who wanted Sofia to legitimize her status. "Where'd you get this?"

"Miss Fauna gave it to me as a parting gift," she flipped the book open to a ribbon sticking out. "She said it'll help me find my destiny."

A page with a picture of a horrified frog squatting inside a crown lay in front of the illustration were the words Royal Curses.

"I thought you'd break some big spell for your happy ending," I stroked my whiskers.

"You did?" She jerked up her head. "But you know so much about princesses."

"That's right," I raised my paws. "And your adventures told me you're in the Belle mold. I just wasn't sure my hunch was right."

"Do you know what spell I'll be breaking?" She drew her arms in.

"Nah," I shook my head. "But I'll try to figure it out."

A gong echoed into the room.

"Time to show everyone my big decision," she looked back at me.

"See you soon, Sof," I waved her goodbye. "You don't regret picking ISA over Ever Realm Academy, do you?"

She paused. "No," a warm firmness came to her eyes as she opened the door.

The End

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