"Ooh rose petals." Sofia exclaimed as the petals fell on her. She looked behind and saw Roland her new dad smiling at her.
"Sofia, I want you to feel at home here. I know it can be a bit intimidating. If you have any questions I insist you find me." Roland said with a smile.
Sofia was at a loss of what to say. She loved wearing the pink dress and being her mother's flower girl at the wedding. "Oh ok, but I don't want to bother you."
"It's no bother at all. In fact, when we get to the castle, I insist on giving you a tour." Roland shot the young girl an easy smile.
Sofia felt star struck, she knew her new dad was trying to be nice, and she appreciated that. However, she could not easily forget Roland was the one who ordered her father to go out to sea the trip he never returned from. When Sofia and her mother got the news, they both were beyond devastated.
It wasn't until the 5 were in the carriage did a conversation start.
"But Daddy, you promised me a tea party when we got back." Amber cleared her throat.
"I'd love to have a tea party with you Amber. We can chat girl to girl." Miranda said after Roland had prompted her.
Amber pouted and frowned. "Daddy!"
"I'm sorry Amber, I did promise you that party after I get Sofia introduced." Roland chuckled lightly.
Sofia saw Ambers disappointment. "Maybe afterwards I can join. I hosted many tea parties in the village."
"This is a royal tea party. It will be very different. I hope you can keep up." Amber sniffed.
"Im a fast learner." Sofia grinned.
*
"Are you ready to see your room?" Roland asked Sofia.
"Your Majesty you're needed right now." A tall thin man said quickly.
"Sofia, this is Baileywhick, the castle steward. Im sorry, have Miranda deal with it and walk her through my protocals. Got that?" Roland growled softly.
"Yes sir!" Baileywhick saluted then ran off.
"Now, this room once belonged to my older sister Matilda. I hope you enjoy it." Roland opened the doors.
"This is my room?" Sofia gasled
Roland chuckled. "No, this is your room."
He opened another door to reveal a spacious room that held a huge canopy bed, a dresser, vanity, play area and a window seat.
"Whoa, its so huge." Sofia gasped
"I hope you feel at home here. If you need anything, just pull this cord." Roland gestured to a cord that came from the ceiling.
"In here is your closet for all of your outfits, shoes and tiaras." Roland continued.
"Whoa!" Sofia gasped.
"Have a good sleep Sofia." Roland wanted to hug the girl but settled for patting the girls head.
"Thanks your Majesty."
"No need for formalities, we're family now. Did you need something?" Roland paused when he saw the girl hesitating.
"Umm..is Mom busy?" Sofia asked shyly
"Wait right here, Ill go get her." Roland smiled before leaving the room.
*
"Miranda? Are you ok?" Roland asked when he came into their room.
"Baileywhick just walked me through a your protocals. Whew, that was tiring!" Minranda smiled warily.
"Sofia wanted to see you before going to bed. She seems very shy of me." Roland sighed.
"She will warm up to you soon. You worry too much. I know she loves necklaces. Maybe if you gave her a necklace, she'll warm up faster." Miranda suggested before leaving the room.
"My Queen!" Baileywhick bowed.
"Ok, that will take some getting used to. Please just call me Miranda." Miranda smiled.
"Can I do something for you?" Baileywhick asked
"Im afraid I dont know the way to Sofias room." Miranda blushed
"I will escort you." Baileywhick smiled.
"Thank you. Sofia?" Miranda knocked on the door.
"Hold on Mom!" Sofia called as she slipped into her new nightgown.
She opened the door. "Hi."
"Sofia, what do you think?" Miranda asked
"About what?" She asked
"Your new life? What so you think?"
"It sure is different and big. I just feel a bit out of place here. What if I cant do anything right?" Sofia admitted
"You will learn, Roland enrolled you into Royal Prep school." Miranda stated.
"Why cant I go to the Dunwiddie school like I used to?" Sofia whinned
"You are a princess now. You must learn the royal ways to represent the best of your kingdom." Miranda smiled.
"I dont know Mom." Sofia sighed.
"Now you'd better get to sleep dont want you to be late." Miranda said as she walked to the door.
Sofia looked around the room and shrank a bit. "This is way too big for a villiage girl like me."
She looked over to her window seat and brightened.
She only hoped she had good dreams from now on. Only her mother knew about the nightmares Sofia had ever since her father died.
*
"Sofia!" Edward exclaimed.
"Dad!" Sofia cried and ran up to the man. "Can you teach me to sail now?"
"Sofia, you are a too young. Im sorry but the king insisted I leave. I need to meet with the emporer of Wei Ling." Edward stated.
"Dad, cant I come with you? I always wanted to see Wei-Ling!"
"Maybe next time Sofia." Edward kissed the girls head and left.
"Come back soon my love." Miranda kissed him long and gentle.
"Anything for you my dear." Edward winked.
Sofia saw him sail out, but his boat went under a huge wave. "Daddy, no!"
The young girl sat up straight to find herself in an unfamiliar room.
Sofia felt scared at first until she lit a match and remembered she just moved into the castle!
Feeling uneasy, Sofia got dressed in her first royal outfit. She lit a match and went to find the library. Whenever Sofia had a nightmare, her mother would read to her.
The young girl grinned when she saw the library door. She opened it and was surprised to foind Roland in the room.