//------------------------------// // The Princess and the Amulet // Story: Sofia the First: Hooves and Hearts // by Fluffy Master //------------------------------// Baileywick was the pony who showed her to her room, Sofia stepped into the huge room looking around in awe. It was huge – much bigger than she imagined, Baileywick was standing at the door, waiting for her reaction. She turned to him; her ears pointed back as she frowned. “Are all rooms this big?” She asked. “It’s there a room that’s a little smaller than I could have?” “Well, it would depend on the room, I do believe this is the average size for a Princess suite.” He explained. “Okay – this seems too much for me. I’m only small, do I really need a room this big?” She frowned, Baileywick smiled softly. “I know this is going to getting used to Princess, but you should also be told you can rearrange and decorate this room however you like,” Baileywick explained, Sofia still felt unsure about it all. “Would you like an explanation of what each area is?” “Yes please.” She nodded, Baileywick cleared his throat and began to point out each section of the room. “So, you have your canopy bed, window seat, reading nook, and your closet is here.” Baileywick approached another pair of large double doors and opened them. Sofia followed and stared into the forest of outfits that lay within. “That is a lot of gowns.” She commented. “And shoes-” “Well, you will have a lot of choices.” Baileywick smiled, Sofia didn’t voice the fact she would rather prefer less choice “And finally, this bell if you need anything just pull this rope, and Somepony will come and help you. Don’t be afraid to ask for anything, we are here to serve you after all.” “Okay, thank you Baileywick.” Sofia smiled. “Anytime Princess, I will leave you to settle in.” Baileywick headed to the doors. “Good evening Princess Sofia.” “Night,” Sofia said as he closed the door. Sofia frowned and turned to look at the room again. She approached her case and saddlebag that had been neatly placed on the floor at the end of her bed. She opened up her saddlebag and pulled out the painting of her father and carefully put him on her bedside table. “This is pretty scary Papa, I’m not sure I can do this.” Sofia looked around her room again and sighed. She pushed open her doors again and trotted into the hall, it was empty and silent. Her ears fell back, and she began to search for her mother. “Sofia?” She froze in the hall, turning to find King Roland looking down at her in surprise. He was even more confused when she began to cry. “Oh Sofia, come on, let's go to your mother.” He lifted her up and put her on his back and he hurried to the drawing-room where he and Miranda had been relaxing. His new wife stood quickly when she noticed the crying Sofia on his back. “Oh, my darling.” Miranda held her daughter close, as Roland got a tissue to wipe away her tears. Sofia sniffed sadly. “Do you want to talk about it?” Miranda asked, Sofia shook her head. “Was it just a bit too much all at once?” Sofia nodded; Miranda nuzzled her lightly. Sofia glanced up to see Roland rubbing her back with a sad smile. “How are you feeling right now?” He asked, Sofia sniffed. “Better.” She replied. “I’m glad.” He smiled. “You’re not in this alone.” Sofia nodded and relaxed into her mother, Miranda smiled lightly, kissing her forehead. “And, well this is actually the perfect time to give you what I found for you.” Sofia looked at him confused. Sofia looked at the Amulet the king held up, it was a rich purple and seemed to shimmer with some internal magic. “It’s beautiful,” Sofia whispered. “I’m glad. This is a very special amulet, so I need you to promise never to take it off.” Roland said, putting it around her neck. Sofia smiled and looked up at him. “Thank you.” She said. “Your very welcome.” Roland smiled; Miranda kissed her daughters head. “How about we head back to your room sweetie?” Miranda offered; Sofia nodded. Miranda walked her back to her room. Sofia felt a little better the second time she entered her room, calling back night to her mother. Sofia sighed and looked down at the amulet with a smile. “Maybe being a princess won’t be that bad.” She decided softly, before looking at her large bed, with a small frown. She grabbed a blanket and a pillow, carrying them over to the window seat. It wouldn’t hurt to sleep there for tonight. ~*~*~*~ Amber sat at her vanity, brushing her mane with a frown, spotting her brother enter from her mirror. “So, what did you think of her?” She asked. “Nothing much – I am still confused in what father sees in our stepmother.” James shook his head. “And you?” “I think my thoughts on her are clear. Did you see her coat? And not to mention she just looks big – I know Headmistress Flora is always on about how each race is built differently, but she will just ruin the image.” Amber huffed and put her brush down. “Goodness knows what school will be like tomorrow! I am dreading it already.” “I don’t think we have to worry about school,” James told her. “She seems shy, so I think we can count on her not speaking too much. Maybe stick to the back of the class.” “That is true,” Amber agreed. “But maybe we could play a few harmless pranks on her on the first day, just to let it sink in she will never be one of us.” “There’s the enchanted swing – I have a reputation of getting new students to give it a try,” James told her. “It wouldn’t be to left field for me to persuade her to try it either.” Amber smiled. “Genius, tomorrow should be a lot of fun!” Amber chuckled. “Good night James.” “Night, Amber.” James left, closing his twin's bedroom doors behind him.