Chapter Eighteen

Miranda smiled when she saw Sofia, James, and Amber coming back to the castle. "Welcome back, you three! Did you have fun?"

"Yes we did," Sofia smiled. "We saw my friends, and we even stopped and looked around our old house."

"That's wonderful, honey."

"Yes, and Lucinda even put together a party with the village kids for me."

"Well, they wanted to do something special for you while you were recovering," Miranda smiled, remembering some of the letters the children had written while Sofia was recovering.

"And they did! It was really nice," Sofia smiled.

"I'm glad you had fun," Roland smiled. He gave Sofia a hug. "Sofia, Violet has your bath ready for you."

"You mean I get to do one without help this time?" Sofia grinned.

"That's right. But one of us will be outside the door if you need help. Just call for us if you need anything."

"Okay. It's going to be wonderful to take a bath by myself again!"

"Yes, but just be careful," Amber said as Sofia went into the bathroom.

Sofia nodded with a smile before getting undressed. For once since the attack, she could no longer see bruises on her body if she looked into the mirror.

That had put a smile on her face. But as she got in the tub, she started frowning a little. She couldn't tell Amber of the dream she had the previous night.

Of them both and Maxwell like it was straight out of Elsa and Anna's story.

"It's going to be all right," she murmured as she took up a washcloth. "I'll tell Amber when I'm out of here, and we're in her room or my room."

Don't keep your feelings bottled up, Miranda had said. She remembered how she had slapped Felix in front of the family, and his parents. Felix was doing better, according to his latest note to her, and she was happy she didn't have to worry about him anymore. Now, she only had to worry about Maxwell, Samuel, and all the other princes she hadn't gotten apologies from yet.

Especially Maxwell.

He didn't seem to care about her at all, holding a grudge against her for winning the Flying Derby race. While it was true Hugo had done the same thing, he never attacked her or threatened to kill her.

Twice. In letter form.

However, she knew Hugo was one of the people who wanted to protect her now, and she was all right around him. He even asked if he could come over and check up on her sometimes. She had agreed, but only if the family stayed close by. She trusted him not to take advantage of her or hurt her while she was still recovering, but she wasn't ready to be alone with a boy other than James, even if he was one she trusted.

Soon, she was out of the tub and dried off. She'd asked for something loose fitting so she could get it on easily following her first bath by herself, and even Miranda and Amber agreed. They knew she could probably put on one of her regular gowns by herself, but they didn't want to take any chances.

Especially when she was still adjusting to walking distances.

"Easy now!" Amber giggled as she came inside. "I don't want you to slip when you just got out of the tub."

"Amber!" Sofia groaned playfully. "I'm not a fragile princess anymore!"

"I know, but I'm only helping you if you need something to grab onto," Amber smiled, keeping her steady as she pulled her dress on.

"Thanks, Amber," Sofia smiled. She turned around a few moments later. "Well?"

"Sofia, you look wonderful!"

"Amber's right," James agreed as he came in and sat next to her on the bed. His smile turned into a smirk. "Too bad your dress is on backwards!"

"What?" Sofia gasped, looking down at her dress.

"Don't worry, Sof; just walk backwards and hope no one notices!"

"It's not backwards, Sofia," Amber smirked as she pushed James onto the bed. "And now, for a new physical therapy exercise: get James!"

"Now that physical therapy exercise I like!" Sofia giggled.

"Oh come on! Did you have to include me as a physical therapy exercise?!" James groaned playfully as Sofia crawled to his side.

She giggled as he tried to swat her away before seeing Amber hold James down so he wouldn't move.

"I think it's fair," Sofia grinned. "Besides, like Amber said, this is a new physical therapy exercise!"

"I thought you were working on making your legs stronger!" James protested.

"I thought I'd do something different today!" Sofia giggled.

"That's always a good idea," they heard Roland's voice in the doorway.

"Dad! Make them stop!" James pleaded.

"I think you deserve it," Miranda smirked. "I thought you said something about having Sofia walk backwards and hope no one noticed!"

"He said her dress was on backwards!" Amber smirked.

"Oh he definitely deserves it!" Roland chuckled. "As a small punishment."

"That's fair right?" Sofia giggled.

"Not to me!" James protested.

Even Sofia was smiling. She liked this kind of physical therapy better than what she'd been doing. It exercised her fingers rather than her legs.

In a few minutes, they let James up and as he caught his breath, Sofia took a few steps toward Miranda, and hugged her.

"I know, Sofia, it's good to practice now and then, but you need a little fun break too!" Miranda smiled as she hugged Sofia with one arm, then reached out to muss James' hair as he sat up.

"Just don't use me next time as practice," James smirked.

"I won't!" Sofia giggled. She looked up at Miranda. "Mom? I need to talk to Amber about something. Can we have a moment?"

"Of course sweetheart," Miranda smiled, kissing her cheek.

"Is everything all right?" Roland asked.

"Everything's fine, Dad; Amber and I just need some sister time," Sofia smiled.

"Well, okay, but let us know if you need anything," James said before he left.

"We will," Sofia promised.

As the family had left, Sofia sat down on her bed, playing with the chain of her amulet.

"Sofia? You okay?" Amber asked softly. She remembered how easily nervous Sofia would get and patted her back. "Whatever you need to say, we'll take it slowly."

"Thanks," Sofia smiled. "It's just I was catching up on our Arendelle unit the night before last night and must've fallen asleep."

"I did it during our unit on Rapunzel's kingdom. That's perfectly normal."

"But the dream I had wasn't normal. It actually scared me."

"Do you want to tell us about it?" Miranda asked. "Amber and I are both here for you, you know."

"And if you want us to bring back James and Daddy, just say the word," Amber agreed.

"Thanks, guys," Sofia smiled. Her smile widened when Miranda slipped Trèfle and Maryanne into her lap.

"Just in case," Miranda smiled.

"Good idea.".

"Now how did your dream start?" Amber asked.

"It's kinda a long story," Sofia admitted.

"We're in no rush sweetheart," Miranda smiled, kissing her cheek. "Take all the time you need."

"It started like it always did, me going over to congratulate those boys," Sofia started. "They always ganged up on me, but this time, there were only five of them hurting me."

"That's good, isn't it?" Amber asked. "Felix isn't part of that group anymore."

"Well, yes, but I'd dreamed that Maxwell had Elsa's ice powers," Sofia continued. "He froze me in place as he and the other boys hit me. He froze my mouth shut so I couldn't scream as he cut my hair. Then he froze my heart and I turned to ice. That was when they finally took me outside, and watched as I melted in the sunlight."

"I'm going to write Queen Elsa a letter to come here and do that to Maxwell and his worthless friends!" Amber fumed.

"First, Amber, as tempting an idea as that is, you know that won't solve anything," Miranda cut in, "True, it'll make you and Sofia feel better, but you know you don't want to sink to their level. Second, Sofia, that was only a dream, and you know that dreams can't hurt you."

"I know," Sofia sniffed. "But it still scared me."

"Even if it did, you know it wasn't real."

"But Maxwell's real Mom and so are his friends. But unlike them, he not only hates me, he's threatened to kill me."

"That's true. Unfortunately," Amber sighed. "James and I don't know why he has a grudge against Sofia but every letter of his, we've burned so she can't see them."

"I wondered why you were having the fires lit every night," Miranda smirked. "At first I thought you and James were always in the mood for Chef Andre's s'mores and a cheery night in front of the fire, which I thought Sofia would like too, but now I see that you had a different reason for doing that."

"We even read some of the letters," Amber continued. "Some of the letters were full of obscenities, and James and I had to rip them up, then burn them, then wash our eyes out with soap."

"I'm sorry, Amber," Sofia sniffled as she hugged Trèfle and Maryanne, then leaned close to Miranda.

"Not as sorry as James and I are for keeping this from you," Amber said as she leaned into the hug too.

Miranda stroked her daughters' hair, knowing it would console them both.

"Mom, you sure you and Dad have to be in an alliance with the kingdom of Redwell?" Sofia asked.

"We could just pretend they're not," Amber added.

"Well, if Enchancia was ever in trouble from invaders, we'd want all available kingdoms to help us," Miranda reasoned, "And yes, that would include Redwell too."

"And I suppose we'd have to help Redwell if they were in trouble," Amber sighed.

"That's right. We may not like Maxwell, but we shouldn't judge the kingdom because of one person."

"Okay. I may hate Maxwell but not his kingdom," Sofia smiled.

"That's my girl." Miranda kissed her cheek. "You want Amber to stay with you tonight?"

"Maybe a little. She'll keep the nightmares away."

"That's what I do," Amber smiled.

"And you do a wonderful job," Miranda smiled.

Amber hugged Miranda as she left before joining Sofia on her bed.

"You know since we have a few extra flowers like the one Hugo gave you, I can braid your hair like Princess Anna's," Amber grinned.

"Amber, Hugo and I are just friends," Sofia blushed. "But I'd love the braids."

"Oh but you're blushing! How long have you crushed on him?"

"After the flying crown race."

"And at least Hugo's one of the few boys you trust," Miranda smiled. "He also wrote a few letters while you were recovering, telling you that he'd help you with physical therapy if you needed it, and he'd protect you."

"So did Desmond, Khalid, and Zandar," Amber smiled. "You saw how they stayed by Sofia while we were at her special Student Art Night. I mean, of course, they kept their distance so she'd be more comfortable, but they were still close enough if she needed someone to help her."

Sofia smiled. It was nice that there were a few boys that she could trust.

"Mom I thought you left," Sofia frowned.

"Sofia, I won't leave until you're ready," Miranda smiled. "Unless you and Amber need some private sister time."

"Please," Amber smiled. "Sorry Mom."

"Don't apologize, Amber, I know you want to help Sofia too. Just call for me if you need me."

"We will," Sofia promised, Amber nodding at her side.

As Miranda left, Amber started braiding Sofia's hair as her cheeks turned crimson.

"Hugo on your mind?" Amber teased.

"Amber!" Sofia groaned playfully. "He's just one of the few boys I can trust. Maybe I like him a little bit."

"A little bit? Sofia, your cheeks were pink when we came home from the Flying Crown."

"I was flushed with excitement over winning my first race like that?"

"Maybe so, but I know the look of a princess who's in love or who has a crush," Amber smiled, knowing that Hildegard had the same look on her face at least once a month.

"Maybe Hugo and I talked a little before the Flying Crown race, but that was just to boost his confidence," Sofia admitted, "Then he took me for a walk around the stables after the race so we could visit with Minimus and Electra and congratulate them. And before you say anything, we took James with us too, so he could congratulate them too."

"Now you ruined the possibility of me guessing that you have a crush on Hugo!"

"I do!" Sofia giggled. "I don't wanna feel weird around him." She fiddled with her amulet. "But I didn't realize my feelings for him until he came to visit me weeks ago. When Hugo started to comfort me in the stables, I felt my cheeks burning."

"You have a crush!" Amber squealed. "Looks like the baby of the family is growing up!"

"Maybe, but I want to wait a little while before I think about him as more than a friend."

"That's a good idea. But Hugo is one of the nice princes, and he's a friend, so that's two good things about him."

"And at least James likes him too, so he doesn't have to worry about me," Sofia added, knowing that James had been watching her and Hugo as they walked around Royal Prep following the Flying Crown race. He stayed close, but he didn't interfere with the conversation they were having.

"He's just watching out for you," Amber smiled. "He trusts you, but you know how older siblings are."

Sofia giggled in response, smiling softly. It felt nice to talk to Amber about things without feeling embarrassed.

Amber noticed her smile and began to finish braiding her hair. Even if it still wasn't at its original length, it was better than how it looked after Maxwell had chopped off Sofia's hair.

"I'm so happy your hair's back to its normal length," she smiled. "I could have braided it when it was a little shorter, of course, but it wouldn't look the same."

"And there were so many choppy-looking pieces and pieces that were long, and others were too short to do anything with," Sofia's smile faded. "Maxwell really did a job on it, but at least Mr. Cedric's potion was able to help me get it back to its original length...fifteen days later!"

"Well, Cedric said it would take at least ten days to get it back to normal when he first gave it to you, but that was just a rough estimate, But you were faithful about taking the potion twice a day like he said, and now your hair's back to its original length!"

"I'm glad. But Maxwell won't leave my mind."

"Don't worry Sofia. If he ever shows up here again, I'll protect you," Amber assured.

"If Felix doesn't first!" Sofia giggled. "I just hope he's okay. King William said he was sick a few days ago."

"He'll be all right. We got a letter from him telling us that he's had a cold, and Queen Charlotte took Felicity to his grandmother's house until he's feeling better."

"Should we have James write him another story?"

"If he wants to," Amber agreed.

"Thank you for the braids," Sofia smiled. "And everything before them." She sighed. "Amber, I wish I was fully healed, not just partly."

Amber hugged her sympathetically. "Sofia, the doctors said that'll take years emotionally and physically. None of us want you to rush it."

"I also wonder about Minimus sometimes," Sofia admitted. "He saw everything Felix and the princes did to me, and he's scared of people, except for the family, our friends, and Sir Gilliam. I also wonder how he feels about me not wanting to be in Flying Derby anymore. I know he was nervous when we started, but he's come a long way since then." She paused and sighed. "Now he's back to being nervous around everyone again."

"We could always talk to Sir Gilliam again," Amber suggested. "Minimus has also been pretty happy in the stables here in the castle, and he's got his own horse friends. And you know James and I were working with him too."

"But how will he react when I tell him that Felix isn't someone he should worry about anymore?" Sofia asked.

He'll be surprised. That's for sure," Amber grinned. "But he won't be scared."

Sofia sighed in relief in response to her reassurance. Like her, Minimus was different since the attack. Yet they still have each other.

Even if Sofia had to quit Flying Derby due to her trauma.

"And if you ever feel like racing on Minimus again, you can do it for fun," Amber suggested. "No crowds, no sexist sore losers, just you, Minimus, our friends, and their horses."

Sofia actually smiled at the thought. "I might try that when I'm good and ready,"

She wanted to. She had to.

For both Minimus and herself as a step towards healing from her trauma.

She didn't care how long that would take.

"Did I tell you Daddy's getting me a flying horse of my own?" Amber continued. "She's coming tomorrow, and I'm also having my own racing outfit made."

"What's it look like?" Sofia asked.

"Green and yellow, mostly," Amber started. "But I asked if it could have a special patch on the shoulder."

"What is it?" Sofia asked.

"It's a picture of you in a heart," Amber smiled. "That way, you can still participate in Flying Derby and not be on a horse."

Sofia smiled at the idea. She especially couldn't wait for Minimus to have another friend in the stables to talk too if she wasn't there.

"Have you thought of any names yet?" Sofia wondered.

"Not yet," Amber grinned. "I won't be able to decide until I see her tomorrow."

"Well, whatever the name is, I'm sure she'll love it. And I hope she's nice."

"Daddy assured me that she is. And at least I know how to ride her, and James and I can teach her how to race, so when I join the Flying Derby team, she'll be prepared."

ofia felt relief at the news. Amber's flying horse, no matter what her name would be, would be nice so she wouldn't have to worry whenever she wanted to visit her.

As the girls slept in Sofia's room, Sofia felt calmer than what she had been in a long time.

She hoped she'd like Amber's new horse. And hopefully, Minimus would be all right around her. And it was so nice of Amber to put a patch with her picture on it on her new riding outfit.

Her sister didn't have to do any of it but she did to make her feel better.

In the morning Sofia yawned, stretching her legs before she noticed that Amber had already left the room.

She got herself ready for the day, putting on another loose-fitting gown, and went down to the dining hall.

She knew she could wear a regular gown again, but she decided that if she wanted to visit Minimus and the horse, she'd wear something loose-fitting, especially since James offered to do what they'd done with Amber since she was showing interest in joining the Flying Derby, and just let her sit on Minimus.

Amber greeted her with a hug, and Sofia smiled as she looked her riding outfit over. It was just as Amber had said it would look, with a green helmet and jacket, green boots, and dark yellow pants. Her smile widened when she saw the heart patch with her picture on it.

"Amber, you look wonderful," Sofia smiled. "And that patch is so nice!"

"Thank you, Sofia," Amber smiled. "Now, come meet Saffron, my horse!"

"Saffron? That almost sounds like a boy's name."

"I know it's a little strange but don't worry, you'll get used to her."

"How did you decide the name anyway?" Sofia wondered, taking Amber's hand as a precaution so she wouldn't fall.

"James was playing a song in the stables like he always does," Amber smirked. "The song had the lyrics 'I'm just mad about saffron, saffron's mad about me'. When she heard that, her ears perked right up. Since she seemed to like the line, I decided, why not, and named her Saffron."

"Well, James does have a way with words!" Sofia giggled.

"And lucky for him, I like that song!" Amber laughed with her.

When they had reached the stables, Sofia took a deep breath. Now wasn't the time to be afraid. Especially when meeting Saffron.

Amber noticed her expression, stroking her hair.

"It's going to be all right, Sofia," she assured her, "I'll be right with you the whole time. Saffron's really gentle and very well behaved, and the horses all like her."

Sofia smiled a little. It helped to hear that Saffron was well behaved and gentle, but she still wanted to take it slowly around her, at least at first.

"Saffron," Amber softly called to her, "there's someone I want you to meet."

Sofia stayed close by Amber as Saffron came up to them, but she still tried to reach out to her. "Hello, Saffron," she murmured. "I'm Sofia."

"Well, hello, Sofia," Saffron smiled. "It's nice to meet you. The horses told me how nervous you are around horses, but you don't have to be scared around me."

Though Amber mostly heard neighs from Saffron, she had to smile as Sofia talked to her horse. Any powers that the amulet had given her sister would only be known between the two of them, no one else.

Sofia didn't have to keep that a secret anymore.

"Saffron!" Sofia giggled. "Stop that! I'm ticklish!"

Amber smiled as she watched Sofia back away. She knew Saffron was just trying to be friendly as she nuzzled Sofia, and she wanted to make a positive first impression.

Sofia smiled as she felt Amber catch her. It was wonderful to smile and laugh around the horses again!

"Saffron tried to tickle you?" Amber grinned.

"I get ticklish easily. You know that," Sofia smirked. "But I'm glad it's just us and the horses. I don't feel all the way better but I've calmed down well enough."

Amber smiled. At least Sofia was calm around Saffron, and that was good enough for her. "Do you want to sit on her?" she offered.

"No, not right now," Sofia shook her head, her smile fading a little. "Maybe when James is here with us."

"That's all right. Let's just sit down and get to know Saffron for now."

Sofia nodded, sitting on one side of Saffron while Amber sat on the other. It was just the two of them as Sofia started to feel sleepy.

Amber held a finger to her lips to keep from laughing. She let Sofia rest her eyes before hearing James' footsteps.

"Sof? Amber?" James called.

"We're with Saffron!" Amber called back.

James came up to them and saw Sofia leaning against Amber, and that her eyes were shut. "Maybe we should let Sof rest and let her sit on Saffron later," he suggested.

"You're right. Sofia has lots of time to get used to Saffron, and I wanted to let her meet her."

"No. I'm fine. I was just resting my eyes," Sofia yawned before she stood up and hugged her brother. "James!"

"What did you do Sof? Not get any sleep last night?" James teased.

"I did. It's just the hay looked like a nice resting spot."

"No wonder. You're covered in it!"

Sofia smirked and threw a small handful of hay at James, who tossed a small handful of hay back at her.

"Okay, before you two start a hay fight, or get me involved," Amber smirked as they put the hay down, "Why don't we let Sofia sit on Saffron, that is, if she wants to."

"Okay," Sofia agreed. "Just so long as we don't go flying."

"Don't worry, Sof," James smiled. "We didn't take Amber flying the first time she sat on Minimus, remember? We just walked with them until she got the feel of being on him."

Sofia smiled at the memory. "You're right. We did." She looked around as she sat on Saffron's saddle. "It just feels a little..."

"Unnerving?" Amber guessed as she held the reins.

"Yeah. To be on a horse since everything happened."

"James and I knew you'd be that way so we're taking it slowly."

"But what if something goes wrong or I have a panic attack?" Sofia frowned.

"Then we'll stop and let you get off Saffron until you feel better," Amber smiled.

"And if you want to, you can ride Minimus first, then ride on Saffron," James added. "Or if you want, you and I can do what we did when you first learned to ride. Remember, I was behind you on Echo, and I taught you how to fly him."

Sofia smiled as she remembered that. She recalled the picture of them from the special Student Art Night. "Okay," she said at last. "Bit I think I'll try sitting on Minimus first, if it's okay with you."

"Of course it is," Amber smiled. "We're trying to help Minimus too."

"He'll be happy to see you again Sof," James added.

As Sofia was helped off Saffron, she ran towards Minimus' stable, being very careful not to alarm him.

Only to feel him lick her cheek, causing her to giggle.

"Sofia! It's good to see you again!" Minimus smiled.

"It's good to see you too, Minimus," Sofia smiled back. "And it's good to see you so calm around Amber, James, and the family. I know you're calm around Sir Gilliam too."

"They all help me, and the other horses talk to me too. James even had some of his friends over, and they were helping me too."

Sofia smiled as she remembered James, Hugo, Khalid, Desmond, and Zandar at the castle a few weeks ago. They had taken turns riding Minimus to help him get over his fear, and they had even had a sleepover in the observatory, telling Sofia that they'd keep the noise down to a dull roar, but they'd still help her if she needed anything. Sofia had declined, saying that Amber would be with her, and James deserved to have some fun with his friends, rather than spend time worrying about her.

"It's good that you're getting over your fear," she smiled. "I started walking again since our last visit but my fear's still strong. The doctors say that'll last probably for years."

Minimus nuzzled against her. "At least you don't have to worry about Felix anymore. I'm just sorry I couldn't protect you."

"Minimus, you don't have to be sorry. Everything happened with Felix and those boys so quickly that there was no time for you to do much of anything."

"I should have called for someone, or ran to those boys and started kicking them."

"First, I think you might be a little too small to hurt those boys very seriously," Sofia admitted, "But at least Amber heard you shouting, or rather, neighing, and she followed the sound and found us."

"Almost as if your amulet summoned her," Minimus joked.

Sofia giggled in agreement before hearing her siblings' footsteps. Before she could say anything, she felt James' hands around her waist, lifting her up to Minimus's saddle.

"Just let us know if and when you want to get off, Sof," James grinned as he helped her into the saddle. "We're sorry to surprise you like that, but we know you wanted to try riding Minimus again."

At the same time, Amber was stroking Minimus' nose. "It's all right, Minimus," she murmured. "It's just us and Sofia. You know none of us are going to hurt you. Everything's going to be just fine. You're safe with us."

Minimus relaxed when he heard Amber's soothing voice, and James humming softly as he led him forward with Sofia on his back.

Sofia relaxed the moment she head James' humming, stroking her fingers in Minimus' mane. She forgot how calming it was just to sit back and not have to worry about anything.

Especially not walking long distances or Maxwell and the other princes.

"You're doing a wonderful job, Sofia," Amber smiled as she watched Sofia relax. She slipped Minimus a carrot she'd brought with her. "So are you, Minimus."

"I want to do everything I can to help you, Sofia," Minimus muttered. "I want to be there for you, just like all our friends are."

"You are here for me," Sofia smiled. "You tried to get help when this happened, and you work as hard as I do to get better."

Despite only hearing Minimus neigh, Amber had to smile at the interaction between the two friends. They both seemed happier than they had been in weeks and she was determined to keep it that way.

...

"Maxie what are you doing?"

Maxwell looked up from where he'd been staging a plan with his toy knights and one of Susanna's dolls, noticing his big sister towards the door of his bedroom.

"Just playing," Maxwell smiled. "You see King Maximus, because it's a cool name, and his knights found this princess and they were planning to do stuff."

"Oh really?" Susanna asked, opening the door and sitting beside him. "Maxie, are you still mad about Princess Sofia?"

"Why would you say that? Just because I've been pulled out of school away from my friends and I'm being sent to reform school for giving that commoner princess what she deserved..."

"Nobody deserves to have done to them what you did to Princess Sofia, Maxwell! How would you like it if somebody cut off your hair?"

"I'd hate it, and I'd want someone to help me..." Maxwell muttered softly as he pictured the scene in his head.

"I'm sorry; I didn't quite catch that," Susanna frowned.

"I said I'd hate it! I'd want someone to help me!" Maxwell shouted as Peter and Susan came running up to investigate the noise.

"Kids what's going on?" Susan asked.

"All I did was ask Maxie about Princess Sofia and he got upset," Susanna frowned.

"If that stupid Felix had given me a few more minutes with the commoner, she wouldn't be here," Maxwell scoffed. "She only got to be a princess because her mom was desperate to marry the first guy she met just so they could get out of the poor house."

"That's it," Susan frowned. "Maxwell, before we work on your new letter to Princess Sofia, I'm going to do what I should have done a long time ago!"

"Remember, Mom, horsewhipping is illegal now," Susanna whispered, recognizing the look on her face.

"But it's fine when I use my hand," Susan whispered back. She turned to Peter and raised her voice. "Peter, while Maxwell and I are in our room, could you find the largest bar of soap we have?"

"Of course," Peter nodded.

"You're going to wash those words right out of his mouth?" Susanna couldn't help but laugh, remembering the song she'd sung during a school music program.

"Exactly," Susan smiled. "You really are good with words, Suzie! And I remember you singing that song!"

"I know I'm in big trouble, but I've got to say it," Maxwell murmured, "You're as good as Prince James when it comes to words."

Susanna wasn't in the mood for flattery from her little brother. His nasty attitude lately was getting on her last nerves. Even she had her doubts about Sofia at first but she would never hurt her.

"Suzie, you want to help with your brother's punishment?" Susan asked.

Susanna glared at Maxwell. "Yes, Mom. Yes I do."

"And Peter, you will not quote a certain holiday movie while the punishment is going on!" Susan continued, knowing how much Peter liked quoting movies to make the kids feel better when they were upset.

Peter smirked as he recalled the movie that she was referring to. But then his expression hardened. "I don't intend to do anything like that this time. Maxwell is in serious trouble, and I'm not going to make him laugh this time."

"So how do you want to do this: wash his mouth out with soap, or spank him, or both at once?" Susanna asked.

She had seen Maxwell get punished before but it was usually over minor things like spilled ink on Susan's rug or accidentally cutting Susanna's hair while playing pretend.

Except those were usually swats or having him apologize for what he had done. Sometimes soap in his mouth if needed but never a spanking.

"Susanna, you'll be in charge of spanking Maxwell," Susan muttered, gently stroking her daughter's hair. "Do it until you get a few tears but don't make him sore."

I'll do my best, Mom," Susanna promised. She turned to Maxwell and pointed to the bed, where she saw the huge pile of pillows on it. "Maxie, you know the drill," she continued, "lay on your stomach and grip the bedpost with both hands and no reaching back once we start, or we start over. But if you feel like you have to sneeze or have an itch, let me know and we pause so you can take care of it. And, if it's okay with Mom and Dad, since this is my first time doing this punishment, you are allowed to be fully clothed."

Peter and Susan nodded in agreement. "That's fine with me, " Peter agreed.

"However you want to do it is fine, Suzie," Susan agreed, "And it is your first time doling this punishment out."

Maxwell paled as he placed his hands on the bedpost. The thought of being spanked was always humiliating but he knew that he deserved it this time.

At least his sister had the idea of keeping him clothed, having tears appear in his eyes on the first smack. Susanna seemed to be releasing more and more of her frustration with each smack.

"Oh, you're sorry, are you?" Susanna said as she smacked him again and heard his muffled cries in the pillows. "Are you sorry for how you treated Princess Sofia? Are you sorry that you made her suffer so much? Or are you just sorry that you're being punished for all of this?"

"Samuel and Dexter were doing that too!" Maxwell wailed.

"And I suppose that if Samuel and Dexter jumped off a cliff, you'd do that too!" Susanna countered as she smacked him again. "Mom and Dad have told you a million times to stay away from them, but you never listen!"

While it broke her heart to hear her baby brother cry, Susanna knew it had to be done as she noticed the looks in their parents' eyes.

Susan looked shocked by the anger she was expressing while Peter, who was holding the soap, seemed to be proud of her even if it was for the wrong reason.

After a few more smacks, Susanna finally let him up. "All right, Maxwell, the first part of your punishment is over. Now, go with Mom for part two. But I'm coming into the bathroom with you for a minute."

Maxwell nodded, since he was crying too hard to reply. He watched as Susanna folded one of the softest bath towels and laid it on the toilet seat.

"That's a good idea," Susan smiled. "He can have something soft to sit on while we wash his mouth out with soap."

Peter nodded in agreement. "Yes, and I think I'll let you handle this part, Susan," he said as he reached out for Susanna, who was starting to tremble a little. "It's all right," he murmured as he led her out. "You did just fine. Now, let's get you calmed down."

"I didn't mean to. I'm sorry," Susanna croaked, holding back a sob.

Peter patted her back, shushing her gently. Susanna was a sensitive soul, never wanting to hurt anyone even if she had the choice to.

Especially not her baby brother.

"I know," he murmured, taking her in his arms and rocking her. "But we both know Maxwell had that coming, and it had to be done. He's got to learn that he can't act like that."

"I'm sorry, Daddy..." Susanna whimpered.

"For what?" Peter asked, "We always tell Maxwell that he can't behave like that, and he ignores us. And you know this isn't the first time he's been in trouble for his behavior. Of course, this time it was much worse..."

"But that wasn't what you and Mom taught me when he was born."

"Princess Susanna of Redwell, as queen sometimes you'll have to make those kinds of decisions. Even if it hurts the ones you love."

"Okay," Susanna sniffed. "But Maxie is going to hate me."

"If he gets mad, he's got nobody to blame but himself," Peter murmured. "You did the right thing. One day, Maxwell will realize that."

"I hope you're right," Susanna sighed as she leaned against him, "I just hope his new time in Prescott Remedial Prep will help him too."

When Maxwell came out of the bathroom with Susan, he still had the soap in his mouth, looking sadly at his sister. He looked regretful for what he did.

But she nor their parents were going to force him to like Sofia if he didn't want to.

"All right now, Maxwell," Susan started, "As much as I'd like to have you start your apology letter right now, I think you deserve some rest. You can start your letter in the morning. That will give you some time to recover from what happened today."

Maxwell nodded, but before he left, he gave Susanna a hug.

"I love you too, Maxie, and I hope one day you'll learn how to behave and be a good boy again," Susanna murmured.

"We all do," Peter added. "You don't have to like Princess Sofia or be her friend but you have to respect her."

Maxwell nodded, having been a little too far ahead to hear the first of his father's words.

"Do you think we were too harsh with him?" Susan asked.

"No," Susanna shook her head. "I may not like what I had to do, but it had to be done. I don't like how the people at school look at me for what Maxwell did. They managed to stop talking about it after a while, but while the charming comments stopped, the memories are still there."

"Memories? Of what?" Peter asked.

"Oh not being trusted by any other older brother or sister in fear Maxwell will hurt their little brother or sister," Susanna grumbled. "Especially not being trusted by Prince Axel."

"Prince Axel?"

"Sofia's friend Hugo's brother. He knows that I'm not responsible for what happened, and he's tried to protect me from the other students and their comments."

"Oh, yes, you told me about him after the original attack," Peter smiled. "You said he was shocked at first, but he believed you when you said you weren't responsible for what happened."

"He's very nice!" Susanna smiled, holding back a yawn. "In fact, he offered to take me to his little brother's derby race in a few weeks."

"Is that so?" Susan smiled. "Good for you sweetheart."

"And maybe we'll see Princess Sofia there," Susanna continued, "I know, she won't be racing, but Axel told me that he watched Princess Amber's first race against Purple Point, and he said she was really good. I only say this because one of my friends saw her at the race, and Sofia looked much better. Of course, that was before Maxwell cut her hair, but I thought I'd thought I'd go and see how she's doing now."

"That's a wonderful idea," Susan smiled.

"Indeed it is, " Peter smiled, "but for now, go get some rest. And don't worry; everything's going to be all right."