Sofia & Hugo

The engagement party

Today was a very special day. Why, you might ask? Because my sister, Queen Amber was engaged yesterday. And today is her engagement party.
I wasn't particularly surprised by her choice in groom, she had always fancied Desmond. She partnered with him in all the school projects, and hung out with him after school.
Now, ten years later, she was going to be married to him, and of course, being Amber, she invited our whole old school. Every single person from Royal Prep was expected to be in our castle tonight.
I jumped when I heard Baileywick in the hallway, his voice rather raspy than it used to be. Servants padded down the stairs instantly. Probably hanging decorations. Enchanchia balls always went overboard. I remember one
wassalia they hung a billion dollar chandelier of every precious gem in our realm.
I shook my head, looking around my old room, my eyes landing on the dusty rabbit bed.
Clover, my dearest friend, who was also a rabbit, had come with me to Ever-realm academy. He hadn't liked the rooms as much, and always made comments about how there was no garden. So, he stayed back at Enchanchia with my parents. I didn't see him as much as I used too, even though I visited my parents castle three times a week. Even though this was his home, he was usually at Vivian's house, where his favorite dragon Crackle was. They had an enchanted garden. It wasn't just enchanting, but was actually enchanted. There were flowers that sang, bushes with berries that had magical properties, and spider Lillie's that erupted into fireworks. Clover loved it over there, he said.
But I always thought it was because of Crackle. Not that Clover would ever admit it.
So no, I didn't see my old friends as much as I used too.
But today I would. I was looking forward to seeing Princess Zooey. Nope, make that Queen Zooey. She had probably inherited her throne on her eighteenth birthday. Oh my gosh. I had forgotten to mail her a birthday letter..
And I would be seeing her tonight. She must think me a terrible friend. I rushed out the door, not caring I was in only nightclothes.
"Baileywick!" I yelled urgently, who I could hear his cane in the distance.
"Princess Sofia?" He called raspily from the library.
I pulled open the doors, looking around. He was hanging streamers, on his top toes.
"Oh Baileywick, let me handle that." I got on the table with him, but I wasn't tall enough to reach.
"That's quite okay Princess, I almost got it."
He wobbled and once he got the streamers in place he stumbled backwards and I quickly balanced him.
"Baileywick." I nursed my forehead creases.
"You should've retired by now." I said honestly.
Baileywick looked offended, of course he did, as he dusted a few pieces of hair off his chest.
"I'm fine, really Princess Sofia."
"Sofia." I corrected for at least the millionth time, sighing.
"What did you need me for?" He took his time to get his pocket watch out, stressing over the time.
"Where's Madam Collete?" I pressed my hands together. "I haven't seen her in ages and I need this dress for my friend because it was her birthday, and she inherited the throne and I forgot and.." Bailywick ticked his tongue to stop my rant.
"I'll get right on that, and when it's done I will put in on your bed." His nose wrinkled at he looked at my improper attire. "Princess, maybe change before walking along the castle. We have over 3,000 guests tonight. He sighed, as if I was just a little girl again.
I shook my head and nodded. "Right." I turned and left for my room, calling thank you.

It had been about an hour before the dress was made. I saw it as I came out of the restroom from my shower. I sighed in relief and opened my bedroom windows, touching my amulet to summon my bird friends.
"Mia?" I asked to the wind. "Robin?" I tapped the window seel, watching as not one, but five birds came around. Mia and Robin, but the rest I didn't recognize.
"Sofia!" Robin chorused, flapping her wings.
"Hey guys." I looked at each of them.
Mia giggled and perched on my sill. "These are mine and Robins hatchlings. This is Miko." A purple bird with vibrant head and beak colors chirped, but didn't talk himself. "Jewel." Robin said as the blue bird stuck her wing out in a small wave. "And Ballorant." A grayish blue bird opened its eyes a little wider in greeting. I smiled.
"It's nice to meet you all. I can't belive I hadn't seen the children." Another thing I hadn't caught up on. I frowned on the inside.
"What do you need Sofia?" Mia said, tilting her beak.
"I need this dress and note delivered to Princess Zooey before the party." I cringed. "Can you do that?"
"Of course we can!" Robin said and pushed her kids upward to grab my gift.
I watched the birds flap away, my heart clenching.

A few minutes later, I went into my closet, my fingers brushing against all my dresses that are much too small for me now, but eventually the sizes got bigger, bigger, and perfect. I held the dress up to me. It was a regal wine color. Probably something Amber would wear. I put it down, looking at the next. The next was a blue one, filled with snowflakes. That one would be a dress for the holidays. Finally, the next one I picked up was a dark shade of purple. It had gloves that fit it perfectly. It reminded me of my favorite dress from my childhood. Yet, this one was more regal. I hadn't been in a gown like this for a long time.
I held the dress up to me, the ombré purple reflected the light from the window shades. I shrugged into it, sucking in a breath as it hugged my chest. The cleavage was something i wish I could've contained, and the length fell to my feet. I put on heels, and some earrings. It looked a little better, I guess.

The bell chimed throughout the castle, and I knew they were letting guests in now. I breathed in longly, finding the courage to walk out. Already seeing a familiar face in my hallway - Vivian. I shrieked and ran to her, tripping on the heels instantly and ending up on the floor with her. She laughed, fixing her hair.
Her bangs were longer, and hair was up in a bun. She looked amazing.
"Oh my gosh, you're so pretty, Viv." I got up, extending a hand.
"You too, Sofia. Clover and Crackle are in the kitchens." She shook her head, smiling. She couldn't do anything about that, I knew.
"Of course." I linked arms with her and walked down the stairs with her.

The person at the bottom of the stairs made my heartbeat speed. I hadn't expected to see him first of all people. I didn't even expect him to be here, but he was invited. He was just staring up the stairs. There was Prince Hugo.