Chapter Text
Inside Cedric's tower, Sofia was busy helping her mentor with a potion. Gathering ingredients and adding as instructed, whilst he stirred.
The princess dropped a single dragon scale into the cauldron; blowing a strand of her hair out of her face as she did so. She had been growing it out, and although she liked this new length, she had to admit it could be bothersome.
The sorcerer chuckled. "Having a bit of trouble are we?" he teased.
She rolled her eyes playfully at him, "I'll be fine. Besides, my hair's not nearly as long as Rapunzel's and she manages just fine," She thought a moment, "In fact maybe if my hair gets any longer, I could ask her to show me a few of her moves. It might come in handy with being a Protector."
"Yes well, so long as you never use it on me."
"No promises." she teased.
He smiled, watching as she carefully added another ingredient into the brew.
"Well, I imagine you'll be going on a lot more of those missions of yours once school let's out for the year." he commented.
She shrugged, "Maybe. Though I hope not too many. I'd like to be able to take a break this summer."
"I would think so, after surviving your first year at Ever Realm Academy."
"It was definitely a lot more challenging than Royal Prep ever was," she sighed. "Honestly I'm not sure how I'm going to make it through next year, especially with all my other duties..."
Indeed the young girl had quite the plate on her hands. Though she'd handled it well thus far, it hadn't been without a fair amount of difficulty.
"You'll be alright," Cedric assured her with confidence. "Just need to take each thing one at a time as it comes. For the moment though, let's just focus on one of your duties. Apprentice to Cedric the Great." he suggested, grinning widely.
She returned the sentiment. "Sounds amazing."
Meanwhile out in the gardens, James was preoccupied practicing his sword play. Alternatively parrying, and lunging at an invisible opponent with his wooden practice sword.
"Brilliant!" he declared, before sheathing his weapon "I'm definitely ready for tomorrow."
He had been looking forward to the Chivalry Hall's Student Tournament ever since it's announcement a little over a month ago. It was an annual tradition held near the end of the school year. Where the students, divided by their grade, were given a chance to compete with their fellow knights in training; and show off what they'd learned throughout the year.
Like his sisters at EA, James had excelled in his chosen field of study. So he was really looking forward to his parents being there to watch him compete.
"Is everything ready Baileywick?"
The boy turned at the sound of his father's voice, and saw the servants packing bags into the flying coach.
Curious, he headed over.
"You're all set, your majesty," the steward assured, after checking the list once more.
Roland nodded in approval, "Great."
"Hey dad,"
"Oh, hello James." the king turned around to see his son.
"Are you going somewhere?" James asked, eyeing the coach.
"Yes. Your mother and I are attending a meeting in the kingdom of Contrivia tomorrow morning," he explained, watching as the servants finished packing the last of their belongings. "It's a long ways, even by flying coach. So we'll need to leave today and stay the night over there."
"Oh okay. Well, you'll be back in time for my tournament right?"
"Oh..." remorseful sound escaping the man as he turned to face his son. "Um, actually James... I'm afraid your mother and I won't be able to make it."
"What!?" the prince cried, aghast. "But you were there at those speeches Sofia and Amber gave at Ever Realm Academy!"
"And we would be there for your tournament too if we could," Roland assured, "But we've already made a commitment to this meeting long before; and unfortunately it just happened to coincide with your tournament."
James pouted, unsatisfied with that excuse.
"Don't worry, your sisters and Baileywick will still be there. Maybe even Cedric too, if you can convince him." Roland added, trying to cheer him up.
The prince shrugged "I guess that's alright..."
"I'd better get your mother." Roland announced, "We'll need to head out soon."
"Okay. You guys have a safe trip then." he said, before walking off.
Dejectedly James walked through the gardens. Swinging his wooden sword back and forth lazily. Though he knew it couldn't be helped, it still felt unfair. Amber had been able to show her progress in becoming the future queen. Sofia, though not fully sure of Amber's vision for her, had still done well her first year too. Not to mention she had already proven herself to be a capable protector.
He had really been hoping to show his parents how well he was doing in his own journey to become a knight...
The sound of excited barking brought him out of his melancholy. Looking up, a smile returned to his face as he saw his dog Rex bounding up to him.
"Hey boy!" he said happily, petting the canine's head as he stood up on his hind legs to lick his face.
The prince laughed, "Guess you wanna play, huh?" he inquired, scratching his pet behind the ear.
Rex spun around a few times then crouched down. Wagging his tail enthusiastically, to show his approval.
"Why not, I could use the distraction."
Reaching for a ball lying conveniently on the ground, he held it up enticingly before throwing it with the command, "Fetch!"
James and Rex played happily near the castles maze for a while. The boy's mind feeling a bit more at ease about the situation, though he still carried a small tinge of disappointment.
He was now entertaining them by throwing the ball up into the sky; and watching with amusement as Rex repeatedly caught it midair.
On one particular throw, the ball traveled just a little too high. Rex missing it and falling to the ground just as it sailed behind a hedge instead.
"Oops! Sorry about that." James apologized whilst patting his furry friend.
Rex seemed no worse for the wear after his tumble, and merely wagged his tail in expectation of another throw.
His master laughed, "Don't worry, I'll get it," rounding the corner to retrieve the toy.
"Huh?" his face twisted into confusion as he found a gate covered with a few locks. He gave a quick tug, it wouldn't budge.
Examining the top of the hedge he determined that it wasn't too high, and decided to merely climb over it.
Swiftly he completed his task, feeling rather pleased with himself at how easy it had been. This knight training was definitely coming in handy. Looking around he saw the ground was rather unkempt; even boasting a pile of the last remains of some unknown decaying vegetable.
Right behind that pile was the only other thing of note. An old well, upon which sat his ball.
He retrieved his prize, and then got a better look at it's landing place. Perplexed to see it was not the traditional kind of well, used for retrieving water. But instead bore the face of a sun. It's eyes closed.
Suddenly those eyes popped open.
"Ahh!" The boy flinched, stepping back.
"Give me your riches..."
"Huh?"
"...and I'll grant you three wishes."
"What?", the boy stared at the device in confusion. Still recovering from his shock.
"Hello Prince James,"it's amicable greeting somewhat offset by it's creepy monotone, "Do you have a wish for me to grant?"
"A wish?..."
"Three wishes, to be exact." It clarified, before warning ominously. "But be careful what you wish for."
Having finished his stupor, James leaned over curiously. He didn't doubt the verity of it's words. After all, Enchancia was well known as a magical kingdom; with many mysteries to be uncovered. Plus, he remembered the phrase sung in it's beloved anthem ...your wishes all come true here, if they're made in wishing wells..."
But if it was a wishing well, and he only had three wishes. What should he spend them on?
Honestly, there wasn't much that came to mind. James was pretty content with what he already had, and he knew whatever he lacked could be obtained easily from his parents. So what would he need a wishing well for?
Wait! There was one thing his parents couldn't give him...
Reaching into his pockets he pulled out a small gold coin.
"I wish...that my parents would be able to come watch me at my tournament tomorrow."
He tossed the coin in, and a magical ring of white emitted forth.
"Your wish has been granted."
Pleased with that, James left to resume his game with Rex.
Meanwhile, within the bedroom of the king and queen, the bed glowed with a peculiar light. A figure began taking shape, until the former queen now lay under the covers.
Lorelei stirred, fluttering her eyes open. A bit surprised by just how well she felt. Her labor had been long and difficult. The last thing she could recall before drifting off was an intense pain in her abdomen, and the awareness of feeling very sleepy...
But there was something else too, she smiled as she recalled the sight of her newborn children snuggled up next to her on either side.
Her little twins. Their precious miracles.
She wanted to see her babies right now.
Sitting up, she looked over and frowned when she noticed the little cradles for them were not in their room.
Perhaps the midwife had relocated them to the nursery so she could rest...
Well, she had rested quite enough, and now wanted to hold her babies.
Quickly, she got out of bed, and headed to the closet to find a dress. Strange, why did all of these seem too big for her?
At last she found an old favorite, the gold dress; tucked away in the back for some reason. Slipping it on, she noted that it smelled a bit musty, but decided to bear it and just have it cleaned later.
Had she'd been more aware of her surroundings. Perhaps she may have noticed how different things were in her room. But one track eagerness to see her children, led her on obliviously.
Stepping out, she traversed the halls. Odd, when did they put this painting here? And wasn't that table mahogany?
Before long she spotted Marcie. The maid happily dusting a vase, seemingly unaware of her presence.
"Excuse me Marcie," Lorelei began with a smile.
The maid turned, then went sheet white at the vision before her.
"Have you seen Rol..."
Lorelei didn't get to finish though, as the other woman let forth a blood curdling scream. Stepping back and causing the vase to fall with a crash.