Sofia's POV
Derby competition day
The day had finally come, all those practice that we had train for the past few weeks are gonna dump straight right into this competition. The derby stadium soon filled with royals, bourgeoisie and citizens that are all excited for the competition
"Ok, Sofia. You have done this many times." I mumble as I place my hand on my chest
There were royal's schools all over the globe attending this competition. To be honest, everyone here looks very experienced even the girls. Eventhough there aren't many girls competing with us today, maybe most of them are still in that 'only boys should do derby' mind.
"Sofia how are you feeling?" asked Daxton as he stood beside me with his arm crossed
"Nervous" I replied as I look over to the bleachers
I could tell Daxton was just staring at me without saying a word until I then broke the silence
"What about you?" I asked as I turn to him
"Who me? I um- feeling nervous as well" said Daxton as he clearly look all nervous
He then took a big breath before looking around the tent "We are definitely facing much more students today. Well this competition considers as the nationals right?"
"Hmm I guessing it is" I said as I take a look at the riders "Since we are all from different schools around the globe"
"I know you'll do well" Daxton they gave me a soft smile with a slight nod
"Thanks, same to you and Hugo and also the rest of our team" I said as I suddenly realised that Hugo isn't with Daxton "Umm where's Hugo though?"
Daxton then suddenly notice that Hugo isn't here as he look around the tent "I don't know. I haven't seen him"
"Well he might show up soon, I think" I said as I look around the tent once more
"Maybe..." said Daxton as he stared into my eyes "Do you maybe wanna take a walk outside? Since we still have a lot of time till it's our time to shine" he then smiled
"Sure, I love to. That could help me release my anxiousness" I replied with a smile as he returned a soft, pleasant smile.
As we took a walk around the stadium. Daxton then tried to make some funny jokes just to release my anxiousness for the competition later.
"Hey look!" Daxton then pointed into the sky "The first badge has begun"
"Have you ever notice that whenever you're nervous about comepeting or performing in the beginning, but once you step on the track or stage everything on your mind just suddenly turn blank" I said as I look at the racers fly across the sky and into the loops "Like your goal is to finish what you have started in the beginning, whatever worries you have during that time it will just turn into nothing"
"Speaking of it.... I do" said Daxton "Since you realise this point..... Don't be nervous about the race. Okay? I know you'll do great, don't stress yourself " he then placed both hand on my shoulder with a smile
I then giggle a little as I push his hand away "Didn't know you could say such thing"
He then look with his head tilted to the side but then end up smiling "Why? Can't I cheered you up?"
"It's kinda weird coming from you" I said with a smiled "The Daxton I know always say something stupid when he's not supposed to, especially this kind of time" I then laugh
"Excuse me" said Daxton as he look at me "I'm trying to be kind here"
"Ok ok, I'm sorry for assaulting you" I said as I laugh
"Nah, I was just joking" said Daxton as he push my my forehead with his fingers
"Stop doing that will ya?" I asked as I rubbed my forehead
"Never" he then placed a smirk on his face which only make me roll my eyes
We then walk back to the tent to get ready for the competition. As a man would always come in and calling out the names of the royals who are gonna be competing next.
"Oh my gosh, you guys are here" said Hugo as he walk towards the both of us
"Where have you been?" I asked as I look at him up and down
"Some group of Arantia's students pulled me to take their photo" said Hugo as he took he's things
"That long?" asked Daxton
Hugo then nodded as he continued "Later on a couple came towards me to take some photo and slowly I became a camera man for all of those people who wanted to take a photo"
I then started laughing as I put on my derby hat "Why not you help me and Daxton to take a photo as well?" I said jokingly
"No, I had enough of taking photos" he said as he shook he's head
"Princess Aleeya, Princess Sienna, Princess Sofia, Princess Kenedith and Princess Amirah. You're up next" said the man
"Ooo look there's a Sienna here" I said as I elbowed Daxton
"Ha ha, what a coincidence " said Daxton in awkward tone
"Good luck Sofia" said Hugo as he gave me a smile and a thumbs up
"Go and win it!" said Daxton with a grin
I then nodded with a smile as I left the tent to fetch Minimus from the stables. As me and Minimus walk out and went to the start, people started cheering as the riders gave each other some good luck words
"Welcome everyone to the one and only princess racers round" said the commentator "Only two princesses are able to compete in the semi final with the rest of semi finalist princes "
As soon as he finished speaking, silence then filled the air as we were all concentrating on when the gun is gonna be shot.
Boom
Once the gun has been shoted our horses then started running forward for take off
"Princess Kenedith is taking the lead following with Princess Aleeya behind her" said the commentator
"Come on Minimus hyah!" I said as Minimus flew faster towards the first obstacle
"Oh ! Princess Sofia is now passing Princess Aleeya. And now Princess Sofia taking in second " said the commentator in exaggeration
Minimus and I then speed faster as we cross the trees that will pop up spontaneously as we finally caught up behind the lead rider back
"Go Minimus go!" I said as I rein Minimus
"Going!" said Minimus as he flap his wings faster until we arrive at the steeple
Minimus then climb up the tower as fast as he could as I then pull the robes of the bell which make a ding sound
"Princess Kenedith is still taking the lead but with Princess Sofia behind her and here comes Princess Aleeya!" said the commentator still with an exaggeration tone
"Come on Minimus just crossed the finish line!" I said as I rein Minimus once more as he flap his wings faster till we were side by side with the lead rider
"Princess Sofia and Princess Aleeya are now side by side with Princess Kenedith! Princess Sofia is now taking the lead no its Princess Aleeya."
"Minimus full speed" I said as Minimus gave all his strength as we finally crossed the finish line
"Princess Sofia had finally crossed the finish line first and coming in second Princess Aleeya. Congratulations to the both of them who will be competing in the semi final" said the commentator as the crowd cheered
"You did great Minimus!" I said as I touch his muzzle
"We are totally made to pair up" said Minimus as he land on the ground
"Congratulations" I said as I shake Princess Aleeya hand as she congratulated me as well
"Great job to you too" I then gave my hand to Princess Kenedith as she look at my hand for a few second before shaking
"Congratulations to you and you too" said Princess Kenedith with a slight smile
We then fly back to the stables as we place our horses back into their stall
"Here" I said as I grab a basket of fruits and vegetables to Minimus "Eat well, we're gonna use all that energy for later"
"Sofia! Congratulations on making semi final!" said Hugo as he walk in to give me a hug
"Thank you" I said as I hug back
"You did amazing" said Hugo as he gave me a smile
"Yea that was kinda stressing to watch" said Daxton as he took he's horse out
I then started laughing "Good luck to you two as well. Hope the both of you make it into the semi finals" I said as I wave at them
"Will do so" said Hugo as he took Electra out
Hugo and Daxton then walk out of the stables leaving me and some riders and their horses in the stables.
I then walk out of the stables leaving Minimus to rest so that we could compete in the next round. As soon as I stood out of the stables a lot bang then came from the derby stadium, the riders then started flying above air. I then soon spotted Hugo and Daxton who was flying behind two riders.
As soon as they reach the second obstacle which is those spontaneous appearing trees. The lead rider then face some difficulties while passing which makes the second rider, Hugo and Daxton to go pass him
Daxton's horse then speed up and went pass Hugo and the current lead rider which also making Daxton the current lead rider now. And with that Hugo then speed up as well until he is behind Daxton. Their horse then climb up the steeple followed by another rider who then pull the rope of the bell which make it sound, as he catch up onto Hugo and Daxton
Daxton then finally cross the finish line with Hugo a few inches behind him
"And Prince Daxton make it to the semi final along with Prince Hugo!" said the commentator.
As soon as they land back at the stable. I quickly run to them as I gave the both of them one big hug
"Oh my gosh! Congratulations!" I said as I hug them both
"Thanks" said Daxton as he hug the both of us
Hugo just smiled as he then put his arm around us which our hugs turn into a group hug
"Do you guys want to grab a drink together?" I asked as I pulled away
"Sure, I could use a break right now since we have a 30 minute break before we have to get back for the semi final round" said Hugo as he place his hand behind his head
"Well there's a mini buffet station there. We can grab some snacks too" said Daxton as he point towards one of the tents
I then nod my head before the three of us walk towards the buffet station to grab some snacks and a drink just to boots up our energy.
"I can't believe she told me that" said Daxton as he eat his food
"Well she's not wrong" I replied
"I agree" said Hugo as he laugh
"But I don't do anything crazy when something serious is going on" said Daxton
"Technically you do and especially in a serious moment" said Hugo
I then went into my thoughts as the both of them continued the topic. Suddenly I remember what Daxton told me this morning when I was all nervous about the race
"Speaking of it.... I do" said Daxton "Since you realise this point..... Don't be nervous about the race. Okay? I know you'll do great, don't stress yourself" he then placed both hand on my shoulder with a smile
Well he maybe could be serious in some situations. But really, my heart suddenly felt soft at the way when he look into my eyes with that smile and that very soft voice of his
"Sofia? " then someone called
I then came back to reality as I look at him
"Stop staring while smiling like a dork will ya?" said Hugo as he look at me weirdly "Wait-"
"I was smiling?" I then interrupted Hugo
"Yea, you were smiling like something nice happen to you" said Daxton
"Well I did read about it before.... Could you be in love?" said Hugo as he look at me all shock but at the same time he looks kinda well a bit sad
"In love? No way" I said as I look at him "Why are you reading that kind of book though ?"
"You like someone do you?" Daxton then look at him
"N-no I just found it in the library so why not read it?" said Hugo "Well look at the time we got to get ready for the race"
We did not push the topic any further as we went back to the stable to get ready
"Minimus you don't think I'm in love right?" I asked as I put on the gears on him
"Well why are you asking that? Do you have a crush on Hugo or Daxton?" Minimus asked
"Well I don't think so..." I then explained to him what happen at the buffet station about me smiling while thinking about those words and expression that Daxton gave me
Minimus then started laughing "I believe you do like him. Who smiles when their 'friend' talk to them like this and to be precise nobody would rethink what their 'friend' would tell them if they are some kind of important stuff"
"Well that's kinda important" I said
"There you have it, you like him" Minimus say as he gave me the eye smirk
"I don't think so... but I'll see" I said
"Sofia are you talking to someone?" said Hugo as he came out from nowhere
"Uhh no, I was just umm talking to Minimus you know umm how nervous I'll get right?" I said which hoping that he would buy that lie
"Well that's kinda nice" said Hugo with a grin "Both of you could calm down together" he then jokingly said
"Minimus don't worry, Sofia here is great. Well of course you know that...you guys umm have been together for years" said Hugo as he touches Minimus's muzzle
"He's nice too. I like it " said Minimus who is now enjoying the way Hugo touches his muzzle
The semi finals for the race started as only 5 riders out of 10 would make it to the finals. And I was one of the lucky one that went into the final alongside with Hugo and Daxton. Even though in the semi final I was in fourth while Hugo and Daxton were in second and third. We then got to rest for a few minutes before going into finals.
"Ahhh finally finals!" said Daxton as he took a seat beside his horse
"After this we are able to go back home" said Hugo
"And we'll be attending Owen William's concert tomorrow" I said in excitement
"Yay how fun" said Daxton in a not so excited tone
We then gather back outside at the starting point as the commentator is explaining something that I couldn't care much. And as the gun go off, we then went forward to take off
"There we have Prince Isaiah in the lead with Prince Hugo behind him followed by Prince Daxton" said the commentator
"Sofia they are fast" said Minimus as he flap his wings faster
"We can do it! Trust yourself" I said as I rein Minimus
Minimus then went faster then before as we catch up onto Daxton who was now a few inches in front of us
"Prince Isaiah still have the lead as Princess Sofia is now passing by Prince Daxton" said the commentator in exaggeration
"Hyah!" I said as I rein Minimus once more which makes him speed up as we pass by the second obstacle which were sandbags swigging left to right in mid air
"There's Hugo and another guy" I said as Minimus went forward
We then went pass some hoops that will change it's shape anytime. Minimus and I were kinda lucky to passed that round hoop before it changes into another shape.
"There's the steeple" I said as I rein Minimus just for him to go faster
"Going up" said Minimus as he climb up the steeple
"Now tuck those wings!" I said as I pull the bell's rope
Now just to go pass the finish line...
"Prince Daxton is now catching up on Princess Sofia as Prince Isaiah still have the lead"
"Minimus let's do this" I said
"No no no, you're crazy" said Minimus who is still focusing on the race
"Come on" I pleaded
"Brace yourself Sofia!" said Minimus as I got ready
I then rein Minimus once again as he spin in circle like a bullet hitting it's target
"What's that now?! Princess Sofia is trying something that we have never seen in a derby race before. She has now passed by Prince Hugo and she just only need to pass by Prince Isaiah just to win the race and......" the commentator describe
"..... Prince Isaiah still crosses the finish line first which lead Princess Sofia a few inches late. And Prince Hugo came in third! Lady and gentlement once again the champions of the National Derby race! " said the Commentator as the crowd went wild
"Oh My Gosh Sofia. That stunt you pulled was dangerous but awesome! Your lucky nothing happen " said Hugo as he gave me a hug "Congratulations to you too!"
"Congratulations to you too Hugo!" I said while jumping in excitement
"Congratulations to the both of you" said Prince Isaiah as he then look towards me "Not bad for a Princess" he said with a smirk
"Uhh- thanks" I then gave him a smile as he nodded his head returning with a smile
"You two are awesome!" said Daxton as he came over to give us a hug "And Sofia, you're one dangerous person I've ever met"
"Well you guys have actually saw me do that stunt a few time though" I said
"Umm well you technically failed that few times" said Daxton
"But I did passed when I was competing with Hugo" I said
"That's only one time" said Hugo
"But at least your safe right?" said Daxton as he look into my eye with that warm smile of his before pulling me into another hug
Hugo stood there looking at us silently as he soon then broke it "Yea.... I'm just gonna go.... Not gonna interrupt you two" with that Hugo then walk towards the ceromony place as he leave the both of us behind
"You're acting weird" I said "But I'm fine with it" I then laugh
"Let's go there, the ceromony is gonna take place soon" said Daxton as we walked there together
I could feel my heart beating very fast as I was alone with Daxton. Maybe because I've gotten second place? Or I'll just have to accept the fact that I like him, like like like him. Which I totally doubt it.
Amber then came down as she was checking if I was injured or anything and with mom and dad who was now telling about how dangerous that stunt was. James was just standing beside asking about how did I do it, do I feel dizzy after that and many more questions to go. All I could say I'm very happy on what happen today and maybe still need to confirm about this whole Daxton thing.