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The moon hung high over Enchancia, casting a gentle glow over the castle turrets. In Sofia’s bedroom, warm candlelight flickered against the walls, and the soft scent of lavender tea lingered in the air. Fluffy pillows were piled into a cozy fort, and an enchanted fireplace crackled gently nearby. Plushies of bunnies, unicorns, and even a tiny dragon lined the perimeter, watching over the two princesses nestled inside.
Princess Sofia, her auburn hair tucked behind one ear, was curled up in her favorite lavender pajamas, hugging Clover the rabbit plush. Across from her, Princess Amber sat with perfect posture—still wearing a pink satin sleep gown trimmed with gold thread and a matching silk headband.
“Alright,” Amber said, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “We’ve played charades, told ghost stories, and raided the royal kitchen. What’s next on the sleepover agenda?”
Sofia gave her sister a mischievous look. “Want to see something weird I can do?”
Amber raised an eyebrow, curious. “Weirder than when you tried to talk to that duck with a hairbrush as a wand?”
“Hey, that was one time—and it worked!” Sofia laughed. “But no. This is something I bet you can’t do.”
Amber crossed her arms. “Try me.”
Sofia grinned and shifted in place. “I can lick my elbow.”
Amber scoffed. “That’s physically impossible. I read it in Royal Anatomy for Young Ladies.”
With a determined glint in her eye, Sofia twisted her arm back, stuck out her tongue, and—after a moment of effort—boop! her tongue touched the tip of her elbow.
Amber’s mouth dropped open. “No… no way! Do it again!”
Sofia did.
Amber sat up straight. “I have never been more personally attacked by a body trick. I must try this.”
And so she did.
Amber twisted her neck, tried the other arm, even stood on her tiptoes for no reason at all—but no matter what, her elbow remained frustratingly untouchable.
“I look ridiculous, don’t I?” she panted.
Sofia collapsed into giggles. “Just a little.”
Amber grinned, then grabbed a pillow and whacked Sofia with it. A brief giggle-filled pillow fight followed, with feathers flying until both girls collapsed onto the bed, out of breath and smiling.
After a few moments of quiet, Amber’s voice softened. “Hey… can I tell you something?”
Sofia turned to face her. “Of course.”
Amber hesitated, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of the blanket. “Promise not to laugh?”
“I pinky promise.”
Amber took a breath. “I think I have a crush on Prince Desmond.”
Sofia’s eyes widened. “Desmond? That’s so sweet! He’s really nice.”
Amber nodded, a slight blush on her cheeks. “He always holds the door open and says ‘excuse me’ when he sneezes. And he gave me his muffin at the royal brunch last week because he knew I liked blueberry.”
Sofia smiled. “That’s definitely crush-worthy.”
Amber looked up. “What about you? Anyone royal on your mind?”
Sofia hesitated a moment, then gave a shy smile. “Prince Hugo.”
Amber gasped. “Hugo? The derby prince with the wind-swept hair and dramatic entrances?”
Sofia giggled. “That’s the one. He used to be kind of arrogant, but he’s really changed. Last week, when we were training for the flying derby, I got nervous during a loop and almost fell—but he flew right beside me and helped guide me back.”
Amber swooned theatrically. “Ohhh, Hugo the hero. I see the appeal.”
The girls lay side by side, staring at the ceiling where enchanted star-lights twinkled, mimicking the real night sky.
“Do you think they like us back?” Sofia asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Amber smiled. “I think we’re both pretty great, so… maybe.”
A knock at the door interrupted the quiet. It creaked open and Baileywick peeked in.
“Just checking in, Princesses. Everything alright?”
“Everything’s perfect, Baileywick,” Sofia said, grinning.
The steward gave a small smile. “Very well. Goodnight.”
As the door closed again, Sofia turned to Amber. “Best sleepover ever?”
Amber reached for her stuffed unicorn and snuggled closer under the blankets. “Absolutely. Even if I can’t lick my elbow.”
They both laughed softly as the stars above winked down on them, holding their secrets for now.