As the school day went, Sofia thought about Royal Prep and Lily Oaks. She had heard her parents arguing over which school was suitable for her. The though of choosing between one or the other was hard. As much as she loved Royal Prep, Sofia would miss Lily oaks, and the new friends she had made. She could only hope she would not have to make such a decision anytime soon. After school, Sofia asked the coach men to take her to Alex's village so she could give Timmy her thank you card. As they soared above the village, Sofia spotted Timmy in the local park. "Land down there, please!" She called. The carriage landed just a few feet away from the perplexed Timmy. "Sofia?" Timmy gasped. "What are you doing here?" "I just wanted to give you something." Sofia declared, handing him the card. "Here" "What is it?" Timmy asked. "A thank you card." Sofia smiled. "For you." "Me?" Timmy gaped. "What for?" "You admitted you were the one starting all those fights." Sofia reminded him. "And you told me why you were bullying me. So, thanks." "You're welcome." Timmy said solemnly. "I... got your apology letter at my house. Do you want to come with me to get it?" "Sure." Sofia smiled. "Great." Timmy smiled back. "I'd like you to meet my parents, while you're at it. They've always wanted to meet royalty." "Lead the way, then." Sofia offered. "Please wait here." She told the coachman. "This won't take too long."

As they walked to Timmy's house, Timmy noticed the look on Sofia's face. "Sofia, what's wrong?" He asked. "You look like you're thinking about something." "I am." Sofia nodded. "I'm thinking about being in two schools." "Why, what school do you go to right now?" Timmy asked. "Royal Prep." Sofia answered. "Why? "Well, which school do you like best?"" Timmy asked. "Well, Royal Prep helps me learn how to be a princess." Sofia mused. "But I'd forgotten how nice it is to go to a school like Lily Oaks, with regular kids." "Well, the next time you're at Lily Oaks, maybe we can play after school." Timmy suggested. "I'd like that." Sofia smiled. "Thanks, Timmy." They soon reached Timmy's house. "Mom, dad, I'm home!" Timmy called. "And I brought a friend." "A friend?" Annette asked. "Who might it be?" "I want to meet Sofia." Timmy announced. "The princess?" Joe gasped. "But I thought-" "It's all been cleared up." Timmy announced. "We're friends now." "Okay then." Joe nodded. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Sofia." "And an honor!" Annette squealed. "Just think, Joe: Royalty, in our house!" "Please, you're embarrassing me." Sofia said humbly. "Just treat me like any other guest." "Of course, prince- I mean, Sofia." Joe agreed. "Let's go upstairs." Timmy suggested. "I'll give you my apology card." They went up to Timmy's room, where he fished out the handwritten apology. "Thanks, Timmy." Sofia. "Want to stay for dinner?" Timmy asked. "I can't." Sofia shook her head. "I've got to get back and have dinner with my family. Tell you what, why don't you come by the castle tomorrow, and we can play." "Me?" Timmy gaped. "At the castle. Well, I'll have to ask my folks, but... sure!" "Great." Sofia smiled.

"Come on, I'll walk with you back to the park." Timmy offered. "Thanks, Timmy." Sofia smiled. "As they went back downstairs, Joe said "Sofia, the next time you're in town, you and your dad Alex can stop by and we can have dinner together." "Thank you, sir." Sofia nodded. "I'll let my dad know." "Mom and dad, would it be okay if I walked Sofia back to the park?" Timmy asked. "That's where her ride's waiting." "Okay son, but be back for dinner, okay." Annette declared. "Okay." Timmy nodded. As they were walking back to the Park they passed by Alex's store. "It looks like my dad could use some help." Sofia noted. "But Sofia, what about your family?" Timmy asked. "Come with me." Sofia grinned. "I have a plan." As they got to the park, Sofia said "Coachman. can you tell my family I'll be home late? My dad needs some help at the store." "As you wish, Princess Sofia." The coachman bowed. As the coachman. take off' Sofia said "Let's go and help my dad." "What about your Princess dress?" Timmy pointed out. "Oh, don't worry." Sofia shrugged. "It'll be fine." As they walked back to Alex's store, Timmy open the door for Sofia. "After you, Sofia." He offered. "Thanks, Timmy." Sofia smiled. "Dad, do you need any help?" "Sure do." Alex smiled. "Can you get some apples and bananas ready please." "Sure, dad." Sofia smiled. "Allow me to help you, Sofia." Timmy offered, getting a shopping bag and holding it open. As Sofia put three apples and four bananas in the bag and handed it to Alex who brought it up, Sofia said "What is this dad" "Apples and bananas are half price today." Alex declared. "So I need you and Timmy to work together with no fighting." "Dad, me and Timmy are fin-" Sofia started. "Later Sofia, please." Alex cut her off. "Let's just get it done, okay?" Timmy suggested. Back at the castle, Miranda was outside when the coachman came in. "Ray, where's Sofia?" She asked. "Princess Sofia is helping at her father's store, ma'am." Ray announced. So she won't be home until a little after Dinner."

"Well, I can't say I'm that happy she went all the way there without telling me." Miranda seethed. "But at least I know she won't be getting into trouble. I'd better go tell Roland about this." "I'd be happy to that for you, ma'am." Ray offered. "No, it's fine." Miranda declined. "It's probably better that he hear it from me, anyway." "Very good, ma'am." Ray nodded. "Sofia requested that I return to pick her up, anyway." Back at Alex's store, Sofia and Timmy were putting out the apples and bananas. Alex's special offer ensured the customers would remove them just as quickly. Before long, not a single apple or banana was left. "Not a bad day's profit." Alex smiled, counting his earnings. "Thanks for the help, you two." "You're welcome, sir." Timmy nodded. "Anytime, dad." Sofia smiled. "Here's a little something for being such good helpers." Alex pulled out a pair of golden delicious apples from under the counter. "I always keep a couple spare for just such an occasion!" "Great!" Timmy cheered. "Thanks, dad!" Sofia chuckled. After they ate the apples, Sofia noticed the sun beginning to set. "Oh, dear." She realized. "I'd better get going!" "Do you want me to walk you home?" Alex asked. "That's okay." Sofia declared. "The royal carriage is waiting for me in the park." "Then I'll escort you there." Alex smiled. "Me too." Timmy declared. Once they made their way back to the park, Sofia gave Alex a hug. "See you soon!" "Not soon enough, sweetheart." Alex smiled. "By the way, Timmy parents asked if we could come to their house for dinner sometime." Sofia remembered. "Can me?" "Sure we can." Alex nodded. "Bye, Sofia." Timmy smiled. "Remember what I said." Sofia grinned. "Feel free to come by the castle whenever you like. Just say my name at the gate, and they'll let you right." "I'll do it sometime." Timmy smiled. Sofia got into the carriage. As it took off, she waved at Alex and Timmy, who waved back.

Sofia hoped her parents weren't too mad that she was late getting home. As ray landed the carriage, Sofia saw Miranda waiting for her. "Hi, mom." Sofia smiled. "Sofia, the next time you help your father, send us a note." Miranda said sternly. "Because right now you're late for the Royal dinner." "Mom, it's only 5;40.'" Sofia protested. "Sofia, King Bald rick and Queen Ada are here." Miranda told her. "So please go wash up and change your dress." "Sure, Mom." Sofia nodded. As she ran inside and up the stairs and into her bedroom, Roland asked "Miranda, where is Sofia?" "I sent her upstairs to change her dress." Miranda declared. After changing, Sofia went to the dining room. "There you are, Sofia." Amber noted. "What took you so long?" James asked. "I thought you were just delivering a card." "There were... a few delays." Sofia noted. "Timmy wanted me to come to his house to get his apology notice, then we went to my village dad's store, where he asked us to help out..." "Sounds like you've had a busy day." Amber noted. At that moment, King Bald rick and Queen Ada entered the room. "And these are our children." Roland announced. "Amber, James and Sofia." "Hello, your majesties." The children chorused. "Good evening, children." Ada nodded curtly. "Such manners." Baldrics smiled. As they ate dinner, they engaged in conversation with the visiting royals. Mostly small talk, their kingdoms, their subjects, etc. All too soon, the dinner was over. Pausing to thank their hosts, Baldric and Ada departed. Not long after that, it was time for bed. "Sorry I was almost late, mom." Sofia apologized. "That's okay, Sofia." Miranda smiled. "Helping others is always the right thing to do. I'm proud of you." "Thanks, mom." Sofia smiled. "Goodnight, Sofia." Miranda kissed her forehead. "Night, mom." Sofia yawned. As she left the room, Miranda turned off the light. Sofia fell asleep soon after.

A few days later, Timmy, accompanied by his parents, travelled to castle Enchancia. They were greeted at the gate by a guard. "Ah, young master Timmy and his parents." The guard noted. "Do come in." At his parents' suggestion, Timmy had written a letter to inform Sofia of his arrival. Miranda was waiting for them as they approached. "Joe, Annette." Miranda smiled. "Welcome." "It's a honor to be here, your majesty." Joe bowed. "Truly." Annette added. "Hi, Timmy." Sofia smiled. "Hey, Sofia." Timmy waved. "Ready to have some fun?" Sofia asked. "You bet!" Timmy grinned. As the two children raced off, Miranda turned to Joe and Annette. "While they're busy having fun, would you care to join me for a spot of tea?" She asked. "Tea with a queen..." Joe gasped. "Pinch me, I'm dreaming." Annette sighed. Meanwhile, Timmy and Sofia were racing through the castle. Amber and James had already left with their friends, and Roland was currently visiting another kingdom, so the two children had the run of the place. "So, what are we going to play, anyway?" Alex asked. "I was thinking we could play pirates." Sofia smiled. "Pirates?" Alex repeated. "Yeah." Sofia nodded. "There's this tree house in the courtyard that makes a great pirate ship. And the royal wardrobe has plenty of pirate style clothes. Actually, they've every kind of clothes" "Really?" Alex asked. "Okay then, let's do it!" After a quick visit to the royal wardrobe (Delayed a tad by Timmy gaping at the sheer size of it), they travelled to the tree house and began their game. "Arrr!" Sofia pretended. "You'll beaver catch me, Long John Timmy!" "We'll see about that, captain Sofia!" Timmy chuckled. They played their pirate game for almost an hour, culminating with Sofia making Timmy "walk the plank" (The plank being a bench on the path), and moving on to a quick game of flying horseshoes, which Timmy won. "Good arm, Timmy!" Sofia smiled. "Thanks." Timmy said proudly. Eventually, their play date came to an end, and Timmy and his parents departed. "The tea was lovely, your majesty." Joe told Miranda. "Just splendid!" Annette gushed. "I'm glad you enjoyed it." Miranda smiled indulgently. "Feel free to come back any time." "See you soon, Sofa." Timmy smiled. "You got it, Timmy." Sofia smiled. As Timmy and his family departed, Sofia privately noted that it was a lot more fun being with Timmy when they were outside of school. At Lily Oaks, their lessons took up most of the day, and it took longer to get home on foot then it did by flying carriage. 'Maybe Royal Prep is the way to go, after all...' She mused.

Later that night, Sofia and her family were having dinner together. "Mom, dad?" Sofia piped up. "I've made my mind up." "Made you mind up about what, Sweetheart?" Roland asked. "About the two Schools." Sofia declared. "I'd like to go to Royal Prep full time again." "I thought you liked Lily Oaks?" Miranda inquired. "I do." Sofia nodded. "But the lessons are longer, and it takes me and dad longer to get home. I can still visit dad's village on the weekends, helping out at his store and playing with my new Friends." "Are you sure Sofia?" Roland wanted her to be certain. "Yes, dad, I'm sure." Sofia nodded. "Lily Oaks is okay and everything, but villager dress isn't my thing anymore. I'm Princess now. I have Amber, James, my Royal Prep friends..." "But, Sofia, what about Timmy and Ruby and Jade?" Amber asked. "I can still see them when I stay at dad's on the weekends." Sofia noted. "And they can come to the castle whenever they like. Right, mom?" "Of course, Sofia." Miranda smiled. "And just so you know, your mother never replaced Alex. She loves your blood father more than me and you more than either one of us. Remember this." Roland added. "I will" Sofia promised.

The next day, Sofia went to Alex's store, to tell him the news. "I've decided to go back to Royal Prep full time." She declared. "But don't worry. I can still stay with you in the weekends." "Whatever makes you happy, sweetheart." Alex smiled. "That's all I really want for you." "Thanks, dad." Sofia hugged. Sofia then went to break the news to Timmy and her other new friends. "So you're going back, huh?" Timmy asked. "Yeah." Sofia nodded. "Being a princess is who I am, now. And part of being a princess is learning how. If I'm not at Royal Prep full time, I'll never a good princess." "I guess that makes sense." Timmy shrugged. "But I'll still be coming here on weekends." Sofia assured him. "And you can all come to the castle whenever you like." The kids cheered. "My folks will love that." Timmy smirked. "They haven't stopped bragging' to the neighbor's about having tea with your mom!" Sofia giggled. "I'll miss being at normal school." She noted. "But being at Royal Prep isn't just best for me, it's best for Enchancia. I need to learn how to be a good princess, so I can guide Enchancia alongside my family. But I can always make time for a little fun with my new friends." "Now that sounds good." Timmy smiled. "Speaking' of which, how about we all have a little fun right now?" "Like maybe, tag?" Sofia offered. "You got it!" Timmy chuckled. After a rousing game of tag, the time had come for Sofia to return home. "See you guys next weekend?" Sofia asked. "You got it." Timmy grinned.

As Sofia ran to tell her dad that she was leaving, she once again saw a long line. "Oh no, not again." Sofia groaned. "I promised Mom I'd be back soon, but dad needs my help. I better send a letter home." Sofia ran into her dad's house, got some Paper and ink, and wrote: Mom and dad, have dinner without me. I am helping my dad at his store. I know it's a school night but my dad needs help. See you later. Love, Sofia. As she ran out of the door to the flying carriage, Roy said "Princess Sofia, it's almost time to leave." "Can you take this back home for me?" Sofia asked. "My dad needs some help." "As you wish, Princess Sofia." Ray nodded. Sofia ran back to her father's store, where the customers were fighting over the remaining stock. "Dad, where are you?" Sofia called. "No time to talk, Sofia." Alex said quickly. "I need to keep the customers in line here." "Let me try." Sofia offered, standing on a stool. "Everyone please stop!" The customers stopped fighting, turning to Sofia. "Thank you." Sofia smiled. "Now please, can you all get in one line and wait?" As the customers obeyed, "Thank you." Sofia smiled, hopping down from the stool. "Okay dad, what do you need me to do" "Sofia, it's getting late." Alex declared. "You should be head on home." "Dad, mom always told me helping others is the right thing to do." Sofia retorted. "And besides, I already sent them a letter, so please just say what you want me to do and I will get it done." "Okay then." Alex sighed. "You can help me at the till." closing "You got it, dad." Sofia smiled. Sofia helped served the customers, always being sure to say "thank you" and "please come again" and always being polite, which the customers loved. Eventually, closing time came, and Sofia had to depart for the castle. "Great work today, sweetheart." Alex smiled. "Thanks, dad." Sofia giggled. "It was nothing." "I wouldn't say that." Alex chuckled. "You've got a real way with people. The way you got them to calm down was terrific. That's my little future rumor." Alex ruffled Sofia's hair. "Dad...!" Sofia said, embarrassed. "Time you got back to the castle." Alex noted, kissing Sofia's forehead. "Say 'hi' to the royals for me." "You got it, dad." Sofia smiled. As Sofia walked to the returned carriage, she thought 'Looks like I made the right decision, after all. Being a princess does come in handy.' As the carriage arrived home, Sofia saw Amber and Princess Vivian. "Vivian, is everything okay?" Sofia asked. "Yes, Sofia." Vivian smiled. "Where were you, anyway? I came by here at around two to plan our play date on Saturday." "I'm sorry, Vivian." Sofia apologized. "I was helping my dad at his store." "Funny, I was thinking of stopping by there." Vivian declared "But when I saw the long line, I thought you would be here at the castle." "But I was actually at the store." Sofia chuckled. "I managed to get the customers into one line. I only had to ask once." "Wow, Sofia." Amber said, impressed. "You do get a way with common folk, don't you?" "That's what dad said." Sofia chuckled. "So, are we still on for this weekend?" Vivian asked. "Sorry Vivian." Sofia shook her head "I won't be able to make it, because I'll be with my dad this weekend." "Oh, okay." Vivian nodded. "Then how about Monday, after school?" "That sounds good." Sofia smiled. "You could even meet my new friends." "Can't wait." Vivian smiled. "See you at school tomorrow." "Bye, Vivian." Sofia waved, as Vivian got in her royal carriage, and headed for home. "Sofia, come on." Amber offered. "I'll get the royal cook to fix your dinner. You go to the dining room, okay?" "Thanks, Amber." Sofia smiled. As she entered the castle, Sofia bumped into her mother. "You're late." Miranda declared. "Sorry, mom." Sofia sighed. "I just..." "I know." Miranda smiled. "I got your note. Very considerate of you, to send it to us. Just like a real princess, you put other's needs first, but also managed your prior commitments." "Thanks, mom." Sofia smiled. "You've missed dinner, I'm afraid." Miranda declared. "Oh, that's okay." Sofia said. "Amber went to ask the cooks to make some for me." "My, my." Miranda smiled. "You both take charge of the situation. You're going to be such fine princess, I'm sure." "Thanks, mom." Sofia smiled. Sofia shared a late dinner with her mother and Amber, then headed off for bed. As she laid her head on her pillows, she realized she had made the right choice. As important as her past was, she had to think about the future, and Royal Prep would teach her all she needed to know to prepare her for that future. Alex and her friends in the village also served an important purpose; They would keep her grounded, so she would always remember where she came from, and retain a connection with the people her family ruled. Before she went to sleep, she looked to a plant by her bedside, the Amulet glowed, and a sunflower bloomed instantly. Life is good she thought. As she fell asleep, Sofia realized that she had the best of both worlds, and she couldn't be happier about it.