AN: Sorry for the delay in writing. This one is kinda big compared to my other chapters, but hopefully I'll get to update a few more within the next couple of days. Thanks for the wonderful reviews!
"Princess? You look a little tired?" Baileywick grabbed Sofia's lavender coronation dress from her closet. Sofia patted her mouth as she yawned. Staying up helping Cedric left her tired for her big day. She rubbed her eyes, trying to bring them to life.
"It's okay, Baileywick. I'll be alright." She groaned softly. She really wanted to fall over on top her bed. Baileywick smiled before stiffening up again.
"Here, princess, why don't you sit down for a minute while I go grab something that will wake you right up!" He instructed before hurrying out the door. Sofia walked over to the coronation dress. It looked just like a marshmallow. She carefully put it on, lacing up the front of the corset. The dress was really heavy. She walked over and twirled in front of the mirror, almost falling over from the weight. Luckily she caught herself in time. She walked over to her bed and fell down onto the sheets. Maybe she wasn't up for this at all.
After a few minutes more passed, Baileywick walked back in the room with a breakfast tray. On it was a small stack of blueberry pancakes and a warm coffee. Sofia perked up. She didn't care how old she was, blueberry pancakes were always the best thing to wake up to. Small rises of steam were visible against the soft fluff of the pancake's surface. The smell of the coco beans coming from the cup almost held its own supply of caffeine, giving Sofia just enough energy to want to chow down her breakfast.
Baileywick placed the tray on the bed next to her. He straightened his jacket while Sofia took no hesitation to start munching down her food.
"One of the guests has already arrived." He spoke quickly. Sofia turned to him with her cheeks full of the pancakes. He couldn't help but smile a little. Some things were never going to change. He was relieved about that too. After this, Sofia would have to mature way too quickly and he wouldn't want her to lose that charm she had.
"My sister?" Sofia swallowed down the food. Amber was always early to a party. She hoped this would be no exception.
"Sorry, princess. She won't be arriving until this afternoon. Prince Teegan has arrived. Perhaps you would like to meet his acquaintance since the two of you will be working very closely until James returns." He explained.
"Oh...right." She hinted disappointment in her tone. After finishing her coffee, Baileywick took the tray and hurried away.
Sofia ran to her window to see if Clover was anywhere near her. Though it didn't surprise her, she still felt dismay from his lack of presence. She straightened back up, careful not to fall over onto her backside. This dress was going to take some getting use to. She'll have to walk around in it for a bit.
Carefully trotting down the hallway, she made it to the main hall. She practiced shifting her weight between her hips, but nothing seemed to work. I'll just stand really still and not dance at all. She resolved. She'll just be all regal and 'queen-like' for tonight.
Queen.
That was going to take some time getting used to.
Sofia fumbled around in the main hall, lost deep in her thoughts. It took her a moment to realize she wasn't alone in the room. A loud rough clearing of phlegm almost made her scream in fright. She whipped around, almost losing balance again, to see the prince standing by the doorway, staring at her intently. He was quite handsome, green eyes, dark brown hair that hung past his ears. His royal garments were fitted tight to his figure, displaying an assortment of muscular limbs. Sofia felt herself flush with embarrassment. She backed up a little, tripping on the back end of her dress. She landed backwards onto her bottom, but quickly placed her hands in her lap as if to make it like she meant to gracefully do that.
"You alright, princess?" He strided over to her.
"Yeah, just sitting here." She smiled, covering up her fall. He extended his hand out to help her up. She quickly placed her hand in his and bounced up onto her feet.
"I'm Prince Teegan of the Kingdom of Randida," He kissed the back of her hand, "And it's a pleasure to meet you, Princess Sofia of Enchancia." Sofia giggled as she slowly removed her hand from his.
"Pleasure to meet you too, Prince Teegan. I'm glad you could come here." She patted down her hair into place, fixing up her looks.
"I heard you wanted to make me your advisor during your reign until your brother returns," He puffed out his chest a little, "am I right?"
"Yes. I would be honored if I could have some help during this time. Though I know Randida is neutral in the war and I don't want to ruin that status by having you work with me." Sofia changed her voice a bit to sound more professional.
"Oh, I came because I wanted to help. Not to worry, my princess." He lightly patted her back, causing her to lose balance again and fall forward. She let out a small squeal before hitting the ground. Teegan bent down and helped her back up again.
"Sorry about that! This dress seems to have you in a bit of a mess. Why not change?"
"The seamstress stayed up all night finishing this dress, I'd feel bad if I didn't wear it." She re-ruffled parts of the skirt portion.
"That's...rather kind of you. I better leave you be then before I end up breaking something on you," He smiled, "I will see you tonight for your coronation." He did a small bow before leaving the room. Sofia nodded her head slowly and waved to him as he left.
Once Teegan was out of sight, Sofia walked over to the guest list on the table. Pretty much everyone that attended Amber's coronation was on the list. However, there was a lack of a guest that she wanted to attend hers that wasn't at Amber's.
It took her a good half hour, but she and her dress finally made it to Cedric's tower in one piece. The door flew open wide before she even got a chance to knock on the old wood. Cedric stood in the doorway, with his arms crossed.
"How did you know it was me?" She placed her hands behind her, squeaking her voice back into it's old cute sound.
"Oh, please. You practically grunted every step of the way up my tower. I was about ready to come down and carry you up myself." Cedric turned back into his room and walked over to his table.
"That would've made it easier."
"Yes, which is why I decided against it," He narrowed his eyes at her. She couldn't help but laugh. Cedric sat down in his stool, "What is it that you so desperately wanted to tell me that you climbed up all those stairs in that thing you call a dress?"
"Well, I would like you to come to my coronation tonight," She quickly put her hand up before he could protest, "And you cannot say no, because unlike the relationship you and Amber have, I view you as one of my best friends. And I want my best friend coming to my coronation. Plus you are the royal sorcerer. It would be out of place if the royal sorcerer didn't show up to watch his new boss get crowned Queen." She placed her hand back down by her side. She looked to see Cedric sitting there, almost dumbfounded. She tilted her head.
"Best friend? You consider me one of your best friends?" He spoke quietly.
"Mhm," She hummed, "So, you better be there," She turned to leave, but paused before going, "Actually, do you mind if I stay here a little bit? Climbing back down all those stairs is going to be a hassle."
Cedric let out a disapproving sigh, "Fine, stay. Go organize my books or something if you get bored. I took them all out of place again last night." Sofia raised the skirt of her dress a little and walked over to the bookshelf. Cedric watched her start at his books. Why? Why did she have to be like this to him? After all, she was his best friend too.
Mid afternoon rolled around and Sofia successfully made it back down the stairs of Cedric's tower just in time to start greeting guests for her party. She was relieved to see Amber, who was hand in hand with Khalid, finally show up. Yet still shocked by how late she was. According to the stories by Amber, life as queen was magnificent and hard to leave. By the time all the royals arrived, the tables were stocked with food and the chairs were laid out across the ballroom floor.
Baileywick came to grab Sofia and pulled her into position to be crowned. All the guests settled into their chairs. Even Clover had hopped into the room and settled himself underneath a chair to watch her. Sofia felt her nerves tense up. She really wanted to throw up. Baileywick gave her a reassuring nod.
Sofia walked down the row and up to her father who stood there with the crown. A large book was placed on a golden pedestal next to him. He read from it, line by line. His voice boomed throughout the hallway. Each word felt real, reminding her just how real this decision was.
The crown was placed on top her head, sealing the deal. The guest erupted with cheers and applause. Sofia turned around and looked out at everyone. It was official now. Servers quickly cleared away the chairs, making the dance floor visible again. Royals started eating the fine cuisine that was prepared while others danced to the music from the band.
It was enchanting in its own way. Sofia admired the guests all showing up for her. Part of her was now like them. She felt a hand tap her side. Prince Teegan extended his hand in front of him.
"May I have this dance, my queen?" He asked.
"Of course," She placed her hand in his. Carefully stepping to not trip on her dress, she spun around with her new advisor. He was charmingly skilled in the dance steps. Every time she felt herself losing her balance, he was quick to pull her right up again. By the time the fifth song rolled around, Sofia felt herself getting light headed from all the spinning, "Hey, I'm going to excuse myself." She gently rubbed her forehead.
"I have a better idea, why don't we go up on the top of the stairs and talk. Less people up there." He pointed to the top of the stairs over by the area where there was no railings. Sofia shrugged her shoulders and nodded in agreement. Once again being careful, he lead her up the stairs and over to the edge of the balcony area that out looked the ballroom. Each of the colorful dresses twirled with the music. The ladies almost looked like flowers.
"Having a good time?" Prince Teegan broke her trance state.
"Oh yes. This is very enjoyable." She admitted as she turned her back to the ballroom.
"You don't have to act all that professional around me. If we are going to work together, I'd like to know the real you a little more." He smiled stepping towards her.
"R-really?" She could feel her feet taking a step back from him.
"This is pretty nerve-wrecking for me as well. Living in a strange new kingdom, not knowing anyone. I figure the faster we become friends, the better." He pushed Sofia's hair behind her ear. She took another step back.
"You're right, that would be scary." The thought of how he might've felt never crossed her mind. Guilt over took her. Maybe she should've tried spending more time with him today instead of hiding up in Cedric's tower.
Her dress shifted on her. She turned to see it was hanging off the side of the balcony. Quickly, she stepped forward to regain her footing.
"Ghah!" It was too late. The weight of the dress knocked her off her balance.
"Sofia!" Prince Teegan cried out. He reached his hand out to catch her, but she slipped through his attempted grab. She felt her feet leave the balcony floor.
The room hushed silent in that second, watching the new queen fall from the top. Sofia closed her eyes. She'd survive the fall, but maybe if she could just not imagine the pain of the impact...
She felt herself land in someone's arms. Thankfully, it was soft; the poofy dress playing a part in it. Her head bounced back up from the force of the fall. Nothing was bruised or broken. Lucky for her that someone caught her. She looked up at her rescuer.
"Oh. Thank you, Mr. Cedric." A smile grew across her face at the fact that he hadn't left the party yet. Cedric quickly placed her down onto her feet and turned away.
"Yes, well, hope you're not hurt, prince-I mean-my queen." He mumbled quickly. Prince Teegan was there by her side. How he got down the stairs so fast, Sofia will never know.
"Sofia, are you okay?" He started lightly rubbing her arm. She casually shied away from his touch.
"Y-yeah. I think so." She checked her dress over.
"You, royal sorcerer. Well done catching the queen. Think you could do another favor?" Prince Teegan hollered over at Cedric who was trying to make his escape from the party.
"Yes, your majesty?" Cedric half turned to Teegan.
"Can you conjure up a different dress for the queen? I feel this one seems to bring her more harm than do her justice." He placed his arm out in front of him to instruct Cedric. Cedric looked around at all the royals staring at him. Everyone of royal status, wearing their fancy clothes, with their high expectations, staring at him. Waiting. King Roland, Queen Miranda, and Queen Amber stood in a line next to each other at the head table. Anticipating his trick.
Cedric let out a small chuckle. He really wanted to disappear. When he reached down into his pocket for his wand, he felt the Amulet of Sumil. His heart skipped a beat at the thought of some random advisor of evil nature magically appearing before them due to his nerves. Instead, he straightened himself up. He positioned himself directly at Sofia. She still looks so innocent, so sweet, so pure. He imagined a dress for her in his head. Something similar to her purple dress she adored to wear as a kid. Yet, with a twist of magic at the thought of her in her apprentice robes. Right? That's what he was imagining her in?
Sofia watched Cedric raise his wand. She could tell he was nervous. All he needed to do was say the spell right. She took a few steps towards him, getting closer so he wouldn't accidentally hit someone else.
"Vestium Chan-gee-ah!" Cedric sputtered the last part, tripping on his words. Sofia held her breath as the spell crashed up against her body. Immediately the weight of the dress was gone. But something else felt wrong. Like she was really cold all of a sudden.
Sofia looked down at her new gown.
Which didn't exist.
Sofia stood in the middle of the ballroom floor now. All eyes on her. Her first night as queen.
And she was naked.