Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The day started as any other normal day in the kingdom of Enchancia. Princess Sofia walked down the street with her sister, Princess Amber, her brother, Prince James, and her two best friends, Ruby, and Jade. The five of them roamed the streets of Dunwiddie Village in search of dress stores, bakeries, toy shops, and anything else two ten-year-olds and three nine-year-olds would want to shop for.

“Aw, man! It feels like we’ve been walking around for centuries! We’re never going to find that old shop that Sofia wants to go to!” James whined, resting on a wheelbarrow.

“Oh please, quit your whining, James! Remember we’re doing this for our sister and because we want to see if the store is as whimsical as Sofia said it looked in the paper advertisement she found.” Amber reminded him.

Sofia giggled. “Yeah! A-and be careful on that wheelbarrow James...you might fa—James was sent down an alley where said wheelbarrow was resting– James!”

“W-Well don’t just stand there! Help Me!” James called, rolling further down into the alley.

“Oh! Come on guys, we’ve got to catch him! He’ll get hurt!” Ruby shouted, running after James.

The rest of the girls followed behind Ruby. Finally, the wheelbarrow came to an abrupt stop, crashing into a nearby wall. James groaned as he sat up and shoved the wheelbarrow off his back. He groaned, massaging the crown of his head.

“Ouch…Well, that’s one way to crown the king...” James mumbled.

The girls finally made it down the hill. Unable to find where James landed, Jade called out his name.

“James! James, where are you? Are you alright?” She called.

James stood and looked around at his surroundings. He noticed a dimly lit light at the end of the alleyway, seemingly a shop. He raised a brow as he approached it and read the sign above. James looked behind him to see his sisters and friends looking for him. He waved to them.

“Down here! Hey, come here! You might wanna take a look at this!” He shouted.

The girls looked at him and ran down to him. Sofia helped dust the dirt off of her brother's suit.

“Finally, there you are! Now what were you looking at?” She asked.

“Old Man Winder’s Toy Shop.” James read. “That’s the store you wanted to go to, right?”

“Mhm...Yes, it is. Hey guys, look! James and I found the store!”

Everyone looked up at the worn-out old sign hanging above the shop’s door, creaking as it was swung by the wind. The colors were faded, seemingly due to aging over time. Sofia and the girls frowned.

“Sofia, I thought you said that this place would be filled with colorful delight. All we’re seeing is a place filled with creepiness and fright...” Amber grimaced.
“Um…W-Well let’s just go in any way! Maybe it’s livelier on the inside?” Sofia guessed.

“I sure hope so. Otherwise, I just wasted my time crashing down a hill in a wheelbarrow and finding it for nothing.” James scoffed.

“James…” Amber warned.

Sofia grabbed her siblings’ hands, Jade grabbed Ruby’s, and they all entered the store together. Upon entering the store, the children noticed many vintage toys and artifacts. Across the room sat a peculiar old man with a wandering eye and withered hands…

“Hello, children, look around and thou shall see all the prized treasures of thee…” The old man said, his voice raspy and low. “Come thy children, come forth to thee, and ye shall see the extraordinary.”

The man beckoned the children to come to him. The children timidly approached the counter. Sofia gulped before she spoke.

“H-Hello, I’m Princess Sofia, sir…This is my sister, Princess Amber, and my brother, Prince James. These are my friends R-Ruby and Jade, " she introduced. “A-and we’re quite sorry we don’t want any troub-”

“Oh, that’s alright young lady!” The old man interrupted, his wrinkled face forming a smile. “How can I help thee?”

“Oh, we just wanted to have a look around and maybe buy a few things. Our mother gave us some money.” Amber answered.

“Ah yes, Queen Miranda, such a lovely woman. By the way, Sofia? I’ve got something for you. Go and open that big black cabinet in the back…”

Sofia chuckled and smiled nervously. She nodded and obeyed, walking to the black polished cabinet. Sofia took a deep breath, grasping the handles and flinging the doors open.

Sofia gasped upon seeing a big doll that looked exactly like her. She could talk and was even almost Sofia’s size.

“Wow! She’s so beautiful. Every little detail on her is correct too! Is she mine?” she asked.

“I cannot answer thou art’s question. But I'm sure she can, " The old man said, gesturing to the doll.

“Hi! I’m Princess Sofie! Will you be my special friend?” The doll said.

“Aw…Amber? Can I have her please?” Sofia begged, playing with the doll’s hair.

Amber looked at the man with suspicion and back at Sofia. She placed her hands on her hips and sighed.

“Well…although I think it’s a little weird that he made it look EXACTLY like you, I suppose we have enough money to get her. How much do I owe you sir” she asked, pulling some money out of her purse.

“No charge at all, Princess. She can have her. It’s been here for months, but nobody ever came to retrieve it,” The old man explained. “She’s been waiting here just for you Sofia…”

The man looked at Sofia and grabbed an airbrush and some paint. He touched up the blushing on Sofie’s face. He smirked.

“You know, I don’t get out much, But I know how you look anywhere, princess…Anyone would.” The old man said.

“Right…” Sofia mumbled.

The children looked at each other. The man was starting to creep them out...Something about his seemingly harmless and nice demeanor felt off. Amber and James knew it.

The old man dusted off the doll’s dress and handed Sofie to Sofia. Sofia carefully grabbed the doll and clutched it tightly in her arms.

“I’ll be your special friend Sofie! I bet you're excited that you're coming home with me.” she giggled.

“Great, can we go now? It’s getting late and this is getting creepier by the minute” James sighed, looking out of the shop’s window.

“Ok! Ok! We can go now. Thank you, mister?” Sofia paused.

“Just call me Church…Bye now. Have a good day.” Church smirked.

The children left the shop and started walking back up the hill. Once at the top, Sofia and her siblings sat on a bench and waited for their parents to pick them up. Sofia sat the doll next to her and her friends.

“He was such a weirdo…Any way, how do you like your twin, Sofia?” Jade asked.

“I love her! It’s just…How did he get every little thing about me correct?” Sofia wondered. “Oh well, maybe fame just gets to my head sometimes.”

Eventually, the children then heard the whinnying of their flying horses. Their parents, King Roland, and Queen Miranda had finally arrived to get them. Ruby and Jade got up and walked back to their homes, waving to the trio.

“Bye everyone! Bye, Sofia!” They called, waving as they parted their ways.

The children got into the coach with their parents and smiled at them.

“Hello, children. Oh my, What a big doll Sofia! I’m guessing that somebody had a good shopping day, huh?” Miranda smiled.

“Yes, I did! She’s so sweet, look.” Sofia smiled, pressing her doll’s button.

“Sofia is my best friend!” Sofie said.

Sofia giggled, wrapping both her arms around her plastic replica. Sofia felt very lucky to have her. Little did she know, she’d regret thinking that thought later…

“You know, we found that doll in some old toy store down an alleyway. And it was with some strange old man who oddly knew what Sofia looked like…every detail too.” Amber said.

“Well, that’s not too surprising, honey. Everyone in the tri-kingdom area knows you and your siblings” Roland said, gently caressing his daughter’s hair.

“Yes, But Dad, he said he never gets out much but would still know how Sofia looked anywhere” James recalled.

The parents simply shrugged. Maybe it was a coincidence?

Once they got home, Sofia grabbed Sofie and immediately leaped out of the coach, running into the castle.

“Slow down Sofia, I know you're excited, but we don’t want you getting hurt, sweetheart!” Roland chuckled.

Amber and James giggled and followed behind Sofia. The family walked to the dining room for dinner. The siblings sat together, along with Sofie. The castle steward, Baileywick, announced dinner as the maids served the food.

The children talked amongst themselves as they ate. Sofia talked to her doll. After they ate, the clock struck nine. It was the children’s bedtime.

“I’m sleepy…” Sofie said.

“Me too…Let’s get ready for bed, sweet girl.” Sofia yawned, taking Sofie in her arms.

She walked upstairs as her siblings followed closely behind. Though the King and Queen thought that the doll was just a tad bit suspicious, they laughed it off. As long as it kept Sofia happy, they didn’t mind Sofie’s presence.

The King and Queen came in to tuck their eldest into bed and kiss them goodnight. They stopped by Amber's room first, tucking her in and planting a kiss on her forehead.

“Goodnight, Mother, Goodnight Daddy…” Amber smiled, falling asleep.

Then James’ room, tucking him in and planting a gentle kiss on his forehead before ruffling his hair.

“Night Mom, Night Dad. Oh, and make sure Sofia is alright for me…” James yawned.

“Of course, son…Sweet dreams." Roland said, leaving his son to sleep.

As they walked to their youngest daughter’s room, they overheard a rather strange conversation between Sofia and Sofie coming from the room. Miranda pressed her ear to the door to listen.

“Do you promise to be my best friend forever?” Sofie asked.

“I promise,” Sofia said.

“And you promise that you’ll do anything I say and take me everywhere with you?”

“Yes, I promise Sofie.”

The parents decided to intervene, walking into Sofia’s room. The things that Sofie was saying worried them. They chuckled softly as they watched Sofia dress her doll in a pink nightgown, similar to hers.

“I love you!” Sofie said.

“I love you too Sofie,” Sofia responded, kissing Sofie’s cheek. “Oh, hi mom, hi dad!”

“Well, don’t you two look just darling in your matching gowns?” Miranda cooed.

“Thank you! I let her borrow mine. It fits perfectly.” Sofia said, placing Sofie on her bed.

“Honey, we heard you and your little friend talking. Did she make you promise to do anything she told you to do and to never leave her?” Roland asked, stroking Sofia’s hair.

“Yes, she did. But Dad, it’s just our vows of friendship! Sofie said that she’d leave if I didn’t promise!” Sofia frowned, tucking in the doll.

The parents looked at each other and sighed. They laid Sofia down in her bed.

“Sofia, dolls can’t leave or walk for that matter. Besides, I’ve always told you never to agree with anything that sounds like a bad idea. Whether someone you knew told you to or not. It’s called blackmailing…” Miranda explained.

“Oh, I understand now. I won’t do it again and I’ll make sure Sofie doesn’t do it again.” Sofia promised, her parents tucking her in.

“Good, we don’t want her having a bad influence on you. Most of all, we don’t want you hurting yourself or others either.” Roland added.

“Alright…Goodnight Mom, Goodnight Dad” Sofia yawned.

The couple kissed their daughter’s forehead before turning and leaving. Sofia turned Sofie on her side and smiled at her.

“Night Sofie, I'm happy that I found you…” She whispered.

“Sofia, give me a hug,” Sofie said.

Sofia smiled and nodded. Sofia wrapped Sofie in a tight hug, slowly drifting off to sleep. After that night, Things would never be the same…

Chapter Text

The next morning, the children got up and got ready for school. Sofia had gotten up extra early to get herself and Sofie ready. She opened the door to her closet, walked in, and sat Sofie on her bench.

“Sofie, I'm taking you to Royal Prep with me today! But since you're a princess like me, we need to get you the proper dress for one. I’ll give you this one! It used to be mine when I first became a princess, but now it’s too small for me. Come on, let’s get you ready.” Sofia said, changing Sofie into her dress.

As Sofia brushed Sofie’s hair, she thought now would be a good time to bring up their conversation from last night.

“Sofie, about our little talk last night, you heard what Mom and Dad said right? You can’t say things like that anymore. Mom said stuff like that could get me hurt or in trouble.” She explained.

“But Sofia, you know I would never hurt you! I only enlist these boundaries so that we’ll stay best friends forever. It’d break my little heart if you ever crossed my boundaries! You don’t want me to be sad, do you?” Sofie asked, her tone solemn.

“No! No! No! Of course, not Sofie. Don’t worry, I promise I’ll listen…” Sofia assured.

“Good…”

Sofia placed a dainty little tiara on Sofie's head and smiled. She thought she looked so pretty just like a real princess.

“There…You look amazing! Let’s go, we don’t want to miss breakfast.” Sofia said, taking Sofie downstairs.

As Sofia walked downstairs, she realized that she and Sofie were a little bit too early as she entered the dining hall. The maids were still setting the table, Baileywick was inspecting the work being done, and her family was still getting ready.

“Guess we’re early! You sit here Sofie.” Sofia said, placing Sofie in a chair.

Baileywick smiled at the princess and approached her.

“Well, good morning, Princess Sofia! Someone’s an early bird today, hm?” He asked.

“Yeah, I’m only up early because I wanted to get my doll, Sofie, ready. Doesn’t she look beautiful?” Sofia asked.

“Yes, very nice! Just like you.” Baileywick smiled, gently pinching Sofia’s cheek.

To the royal children, Baileywick was just like an uncle, and a good family friend to the king. When Sofie picked up on that fact, she hated it… When Baileywick walked away, Sofie got up and followed behind him when Sofia wasn’t looking.

Sofie hid behind a column in the hallway. Just as Baileywick walked by, she stuck her little foot out and tripped him. Baileywick gasped as he landed on the ground, sitting up.

Sofie smirked at him sinisterly. Baileywick’s eyes widened in shock.

“W-What the hell?!…” He gasped.

“Shut up and listen to me, you old fuck… I don’t know who you think you are, or what you’re trying to do, but you’d better stay the hell away from Sofia. She’s MY special friend…not yours. Talk to her again, and you will be unemployed for a long…long…time if you catch my drift. Understood?” Sofie asked.

Baileywick, paralyzed in fear, simply nodded slowly and got up. He ran back into the dining hall. The royal family gathered in the dining hall and took their seats.

“Sofie! She's gone!” Sofia cried.

“Oh Sofia, don't make a fuss. I'm sure she just fell on the floor. I'll help you look.” Amber said, getting up from the table.

“Be quick girls, you still need to eat breakfast before school.” Roland said.

The girls nodded and got up from the table to look for the lost doll. Sofia ran into the hallway to look there. She found Sofie lying on the floor and ran to her.

Sofia picked Sofie up and hugged her close.

“There you are! I thought I lost you, silly girl!” She giggled.

Sofia walked back into the room with Sofie clutched tightly in her arms.

“Found her.” She smiled, seating Sofie in her chair before sitting on her own.

“Oh good, now let's eat! I'm starving.” Amber said, sitting back down next to Sofia.

After breakfast, the children got into the flying coach and waved goodbye to their parents as they sat down. The coach took off and they headed to The Royal Preparatory Academy. Once they got to school, they exited the coach. Reaching the gates, they met their friends, Princess Hildegard, and Princess Clio.

“Good Morrow, Sofia, Amber.” They greeted, curtsying before them.

“Morning, ladies!” Amber grinned.

“Sofia, who’s your friend?” Hildegard asked,

“Say hello to our friends, tell Hildy and Clio your name!” Sofia said.

“Hi, I’m Sofie! And I like you.” Sofie responded.

The doll was bluffing like hell, but she wouldn’t dare let her best friend know that.

“How sweet, she likes me already!”

“Oh Hildy, stop bragging! It’s just one of her enchanted catchphrases!” Clio giggled.

The school administrator fairies, Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather, met all the children at the school gates to lead them to class.

“Good morning, children! Time to come in.” Flora smiled.

“Oh Sofia, what a pretty doll! She won’t be a distraction, will she?” Fauna asked.

“Of course not, Miss Fauna! She knows we're here to learn, I promise she’ll be quiet.” Sofia smiled.

“Alright, dear. Let’s get a move on, children!”

The fairies quickly ushered the children into the building, walking them to their first class of the day. As the children sat down, they talked amongst themselves. Clio tapped Amber’s shoulder.

“Amber, that thing is quite impressive! How’d they get her to look so much like Sofe?” she asked.

“Oh, uhm…Our mother sent the dollmaker a picture of her! Yeah, right Sofia?” Amber chuckled.

“Huh? Oh! Yes, yes, she did.” Sofia nodded.

“Oh, well it’s not THAT impressive. I have twelve dolls that look like me. What can I say? The fans love me.” Hildegard smirked, tossing her hair. “The only difference with mine is, they’re all on display because I don’t play with dolls anymore. Speaking Of, Amber, isn’t your sister a little too old to be playing with dolls?” The girl whispered.

Amber frowned, crossing her arms in disappointment.

“Hildy, come on… She just turned nine a few days ago, give her a break. Besides, it’s none of your business, Sofia loves that doll. And anything that makes my sister happy, makes me happy.” She answered.

Sofia smiled, it always made her happy when Amber stood up for her. She was also happy and Sofie was already making friends on her first day of school. Unbeknownst to the young princess, her darling little doll was coming up with ways to kill all of them…

As class began, Sofia took notes and from time to time, would explain the subject topics to Sofie. Both were getting bored until Prince Hugo, Sofia’s crush, came in. He was tardy, as usual, but it’s not like it mattered. As long as Hugo made it in time to participate in the class assignments, he’d be forgiven. Hugo took his seat next to Sofia and Sofie.

“Hi Sofia, S2.” He greeted, shaking Sofia’s hand.

“S2?” Sofia giggled.

“Yeah, meaning Sofia two!”

“Oh ok! Amber got her for me. Her name is Sofie! You know, I love her, but I think she gets a little jealous sometimes. She says she never wants me to leave her and to obey her at all times. I don’t know, maybe she just longs for love and attention, like any doll would.”

“I guess so. But she’ll never love you as much as I-I do… Boyfriend and Girlfriend?” Hugo asked, placing a flower on Sofia’s desk.

Sofia gasped, picking up the orchid. It was her favorite flower, how could she say no to him? Sofia smiled and nodded.

“Of course, I will! Sofie look, isn’t it lovely?” she asked, holding the flower in front of Sofie’s face.

It pissed her off, but on the bright side, now she had another victim to add to the list. Baileywick, Amber, and Hugo…

The boy raised his hand. Fauna turned around and looked at him.

“Yes Prince Hugo?” She asked.

“May I use the bathroom, Miss Fauna?” Hugo asked.

“Of course, just be quick.”

Hugo nodded and got up, walking out to the bathroom. When Sofia wasn’t paying attention, Sofie slipped away and followed behind the prince. After Hugo did his business, he washed his hands. Sofie walked into the bathroom, grinning sinisterly.

“Three is even better than two! Don’t you think, Hugo?” She spoke.

Hugo flinched upon hearing her voice. The boy turned around to face the doll, raising a brow.

“What are you doing here S2?... I’d better get you back to Sofia. Come on…” Hugo said, walking over to Sofie.

Her eyes widened as Hugo tried to pick her up.

“Don’t touch me, fuck face!” Sofie shouted, kicking Hugo right in his crotch.

“Ow!” The prince cried, falling to the ground.

Hugo gripped his crotch in agony, looking at the doll in pure terror. Sofie approached him and sat on top of his stomach, grabbing both his ears.

“I’ll never love Sofia as much as you?” She quoted. “Nice try, but that’s false…”

“What? G-Get off me! You're no doll! Who the fuck are you?!” Hugo huffed, trying his best to shove Sofie off.

The doll gripped his earlobes tight. Sofie leaned in closer to Hugo.

“Call me, Church!” She smirked, pulling hard on the boy’s ears.

Hugo screamed, he shouted, but nothing he did got Sofie to stop. Sofie pulled until she eventually ripped off the cartilage. Hugo screamed louder, the doll shushed him with her bloody hands, gagging the boy with a cloth. Breathing heavily, Hugo passed out and bled out onto the floor.

Sofie smiled. She tossed the pieces of his ears into a nearby trash can. After cleaning herself up, she walked back to the classroom and quietly took her seat next to Sofia. Sofia looked to her side and smiled at Sofie, wrapping an arm around her. As class continued, Miss Fauna noticed that Hugo hadn’t returned from the bathroom. Feeling worried, she enlisted the help of a student to find him.

“James, would you be a dear and go check on Hugo for me?” The teacher asked.

“Sure, Miss Fauna. I’ll be right back.” James smiled, exiting the room.

“Thank you, dear.”

James made his way to the boy's bathroom. He knocked before going inside. When he didn’t get a response, he opened the door and walked in.

“Hugo? Are you in h-” James paused, noticing Hugo's body on the bathroom floor.

James’ eyes widened as he gagged, letting out a blood-curdling scream. The class flinched upon hearing the boy’s cry. Everyone got up from their seats and ran in the direction of the sound. When they reached the bathroom, they stared in shock, seeing James on the floor sobbing, trying to resuscitate Hugo.

“Hugo? Hugo?!” Sofia gasped.

The girl sobbed uncontrollably, backing into the wall. The Fairies rushed in and moved James aside, slowly sitting Hugo up. The boy was still warm, luckily, he wasn’t dead. Instead, he was suffering severe blood loss. Noticing the pieces of his ears were missing, a girl gasped as she looked into the trash can.

“G-Guys… There’s e-earlobes in the t-trash can!” The girl cried, pointing to the flesh.

The teachers gasped at the sight. Miss Flora notified Sir Gillium, The flying derby coach, of the accident. In a flash, the man mounted a horse and went into town to notify the proper authorities. Sofia was devastated. She wanted so badly for Hugo to be alright. For now, she could only hope… She watched as the nurses lifted Hugo’s unconscious body into the carriage and rode away to the hospital.

Sofia cried in her sister’s arms. Amber gently rubbed Sofia’s back to calm her.

“There, There… He’s going to be alright Sofia. Here, maybe she’ll help you relax, hm?” Amber asked, placing Sofie in Sofia’s arms.

Sofia sniffled, hugging the doll close. Moments later, the children were ushered to the gymnasium for an important assembly about said accident. As they entered, they saw three constables, Constable Belinda, Constable William, and Detective Kurt.

Amber squeezed Sofia’s hand upon seeing her frightened expression. She knew Sofia was fearful of going to jail, but it wasn’t her fault…

The real culprit was being hugged tightly in Sofia’s arms, wearing a fake plastic smile on her face. Constable William cleared his throat and stood.

“Good morning, Royal Preparatory School… Today, there was an attempted homicide on school grounds.” He said. “Now, I know you’re young, but you're also suspects…”

Sofia gulped. Suspects… Just thinking of the word made her nervous. Detective Kurt pulled out a scroll, listing the names of the suspects.

“I call to the stand, Princess Sofia B. Winslow, Prince James Winslow, and Prince Axel Anderson…” He read.

Sofia began to hyperventilate. She could feel the tears welling up in her eyes as Amber gently rubbed her back. She'd never hurt anyone. How could she be a suspect?

“Calm down, Calm down… it's alright. You won't be harmed. They just want to ask you some questions.” Amber explained.

Sofia nodded as Detective Kurt approached her. He took Sofie out of her arms.

“Hey! Give her back!” Sofia pouted.

“Sorry, Princess, but this doll of yours could be evidence. And you’re one of the suspects…” Detective Kurt said.

“But that’s not fair! How can a doll be evidence? Sofia didn’t even do anything!” Amber protested.

“Well, I'm sorry, but it’s not up to you to decide. Princess Sofia, come with me.”

Sofia sighed, getting up and following the constables. She and her brother got into the coach with Axel, and they were on their way to the Department of Constables. Once they arrived, the children were seated in the waiting room. Sofia watched Detective Kurt drag Sofie into the evidence depository. She frowned and crossed her arms in disappointment. James noticed his sister’s solemn expression and put an arm around her.

“Hey, don’t worry, baby sis. You’ll get her back. Maybe even after questioning.” James assured.

“I hope so. Sofie didn’t do anything! She doesn’t even deserve to be in here…” Sofia pouted.

Meanwhile, Detective Kurt unlocked the door to the depository. As he walked inside, he approached a table and tossed Sofie onto it.

“Ow! That hurts! That wasn’t very nice…” The doll said.

“Oh, shut up. I’ll return to deal with you later, Dolly Dearest.” Detective Kurt smirked, leaving and closing the door behind him.

Sofie scoffed and sat up. She took a look around at her surroundings before caressing her neck.

“Damn, pig. why’d he throw me like that?” Sofie sighed, hopping down from the table. “Perhaps I’ll have to show him what it feels like to be rough handled…”

Sofie ran out of the room and into the hallway. She looked around for anything she could use to behead Detective Kurt. She scurried further down the hallway and into the armory room.

Meanwhile, each of the children were put into separate interrogation rooms. Sofia in room number one, James in number two, and Axel in three. Constable Belinda and William started with Sofia.

“State your full name, birthday, and whereabouts today at nine-forty…” Constable William instructed.

“Princess Sofia Cordova Balthazar Winslow, October 6th, 1896, and I was in history class at nine forty today.” Sofia answered, fidgeting with the pearls on her dress.

“Thank you, dear. Now, how close are you to Prince Hugo?” Constable Belinda asked.

“Close! He’s my third closest best friend next to Princess Vivian and my doll, Sofie.”

“I see…”

After the interrogations, the children were sent back into the waiting room. Sofia rested her head on her brother’s shoulder and slept until their innocence was determined. Sofie on the other hand, ran into Detective Kurt’s office, sword in hand. She sat on his desk and waited for him.

The man entered the room, flinching at her sight. Detective Kurt sighed, placing his coffee on the table.

“What are you doing in here, Dolly Dearest?... I thought I put you in the evidence room.” He said.

“Hi! Want to play fencing?” Sofie asked.

“No, I want you to shut up. Now get over here…”

“I want to play!” Sofie said.

“Shut up…” Detective Kurt gritted.

“I want to play!”

“Shut up!”

“I want to play…” Sofie repeated.

“That’s it. I’m going to tear you to shreds!” Detective Kurt growled, grabbing the doll.

“Get your fucking hands off me!”

Sofie kicked Detective Kurt in the stomach, sending him backward and into his filing cabinet. He hit his head and grunted upon impact. The detective’s vision was blurred. But through those wavy lines, he saw Sofie approaching him with the sword.

“What’s…wrong with you?!...” Detective Kurt asked, a single tear rolling down his face.

“YOU’RE what’s wrong with me, Punk…” Sofie smirked, lining the weapon up to the man’s neck.

He shook his head frantically before Sofie chopped it off in one swipe… She smiled as his head rolled onto the ground. She picked it up and mocked it.

“Dolly Dearest has a strong arm, hm? Like Anne Boleyn and her executioner!” Sofie giggled, dropping his head back onto the ground. “Gee, I’d better get back to Sofia…”

Sofie cleaned herself up before heading back to the evidence depository. Constable Belinda entered the room and looked around for the doll.

“Now, where is that little thing?” she wondered, checking underneath every surface.

After searching, she finally spotted Sofie sitting on the table. Constable Belinda smiled, picking the doll up. She scanned it with her eyes and checked for any incriminating stains on Sofie’s dress. When she found nothing, she sighed in relief.

“All good, Thank goodness… It seems that Kurt was just being a jerk to a little girl for no reason! Well, let's give you back to Sofia then, little miss.” Constable Belinda chuckled, carrying Sofie out of the room.

Meanwhile, Axel and James talked amongst themselves until the Constables returned. They smiled as Constable Belinda approached them with a smile on her face and Sofia’s doll in her hands. James gently shook his sister awake and pointed to the woman. Sofia rubbed her eyes and sat up.

“Sofie!” She grinned, stretching her arms out for the doll.

Constable Belinda carefully placed Sofie in Sofia’s arms and chuckled softly as the girl hugged her.

“Good news, children. You were found innocent! I knew you all were from the start. What ten-year-old is capable of such a horrific deed anyway?” Constable Belinda said.

“That’s exactly what I thought. But, what about my brother? I want whoever was responsible for this executed and I request to go see him!” Axel huffed.

“Let us handle that, young Prince. You're much too young to meddle in such things… Rest assured, we will find the culprit and he will get justice. I promise.”

Suddenly, the children heard a shriek. It had come from Detective Kurt’s office. Constable Williams then came running down the hallway in a fit of panic.

“Constable Williams!” They chorused.

“What is going on? What’s the matter with you?!” Another constable asked.

“D-Detective Kurt has been b-beheaded! Beheaded! There’s blood everywhere, a sword on the ground, a-and his head!” Constable Williams cried.

“What?! B-But how?! No one else was back there and the children were in here the whole time!” Constable Belinda said.

“I don’t know, but obviously there’s a malicious and ruthless murderer on the loose, and you need to get those children out of here and back to their homes…”

“Right away, William. O-Ok children, get into the flying coach and go home. Our coachman will fly you there… Stay safe and stay inside. A curfew will be in place by six-thirty. Goodbye...”

The children slowly nodded, running out of the department. They entered the coach and flew home. Once James and Sofia arrived home, Sofia rushed straight past her parents and sister and up to her room, sniffling and crying. She wasn’t in the mood for small talk, or her parents pawing and bothering her. Being interrogated and nearly losing a friend was enough for one day.

“Poor baby…” Miranda sympathized, watching her daughter flee.

Sofia skipped dinner. After what she saw in that bathroom, she felt too sick to eat anything. Instead, she changed into her nightgown, brushed her hair, and got into bed, falling asleep. Sofie laid beside her with a sly smile on her face.

The next day, Sofia got up and got ready for school. She figured she’d leave Sofie at home because she felt it was right. Why? She didn’t know… She just couldn’t put her finger on it. Sofia kissed Sofie's cheek before leaving.

“Sorry, you can’t come today. I have to go to school now, Sofie. Oh, and after school, I’m going by the hospital to check on Hugo. So, I might be home late. Be good, and I’ll be back soon.” She said, leaving the room.

After Sofia was gone, Sofie shrugged and got up from the bed. She walked to the window seat and stared out of the window, watching as Sofia and her siblings departed from the castle. She sat bored until Clover, Sofia’s bunny, hopped into the room. Sofie smirked before speaking.

“Hello…” she said.

“Hey, Princes- Wait… Sofia already left for school.” Clover said.

“Correct…”

“Then, who are you?” Clover asked.

“Call me, Church, and you are?” Sofie wondered.

“Clover Rabbit, Sofia’s best friend.”

Sofie’s eyes widened as she hopped down from the window seat, approaching Clover.

“Correction, I’M Sofia’s best friend! And someday, I’m going to take her far away from here and be her TRUE friend. But it’s a secret! Don’t tell her!” Sofie said.

“Wait a minute, I know who you are! Back when I lived in the village when your business was still booming, you manipulated young children with your dolls! You made them do bad things… Terrible things to their friends and family. All because you wanted their souls! When they declined, you murdered them… And their families…” Clover grimaced.

“That’s right! But now, I just happen to be a super hyper-fixated Princess Sofia admirer! I’ve always wanted to meet the Princess. But she always skipped her way past my alleyway… So first, I built Sofie, I know dolls would always pique a little girl’s interest. Then, I set up a wheelbarrow at the top of the hill to my store, knowing James would take a rest on it and come rolling down said hill, leading Sofia right into my grasp… Now, she’ll have to come to me. But if not, she’ll die along with the rest of you worthless morsels!” Sofie smirked.

“Oh my god… I-I’ve got to tell Sofia!”

“Oh, you're not going anywhere, bunny boy! I’m afraid you know too much now. Goodbye, Clover…” Sofie snarled, grabbing Clover by the ears.

Sofie then tightly gripped Clover’s neck and snapped it... She tossed Clover’s mangled body underneath Sofia’s bed.

“Hmph… Run and tell that, Clover…” Sofie teased.

After school, the coach picked up Sofia and her siblings and rode to the hospital. Once there, Sofia got out and waved goodbye to her siblings as she entered the building. She approached the front desk and rang the small bell on the counter.

“Oh, good evening, Princess Sofia! What can I do for you, dear?” asked the receptionist.

“Hi, I’m here to see Prince Hugo Anderson. I’m a friend. Can you tell me what room he’s in please?” Sofia asked.

“Of Course! Room 109, down the hallway there, sweetheart.”

“Thank you!”

“You’re Welcome!” The receptionist waved.

Sofia walked to the room. As she reached Hugo’s room, she exhaled deeply while reading the numbers on his door. She hadn’t seen him since yesterday. Sofia hoped that he wouldn’t be as pale as he was on the day of the accident as she turned the knob to Hugo’s door and entered his room.

As Sofia entered, she smiled at Hugo’s peaceful state. He wasn’t as pale anymore, but he had bandages on his ears. She slowly approached the boy’s bed and gently shook him awake.

“Hugo?” Sofia whispered.

Hugo slowly opened his eyes and looked at Sofia. Instantly, his eyes were filled with fear as he quickly sat up and shoved her away in his drowsy state.

“No! Y-You get away from me! Stay away from me!” He cried.

“Woah! Woah! Hugo, calm down! It’s me, Sofia! Flying Derby Sofia!” Sofia gasped, getting up and dusting off her dress.

Hugo blinked and stared at Sofia for a moment. Once he finally caught his breath and calmed down, Hugo sat back and relaxed his body. Sofia gently rested her hand on his shoulder, easing him further.

“There, See? Why did you get so scared of me?... A-and who did this to you?” she asked.

“D-Doll…” Hugo slurred. “Sofie d-did this to m-me…”

“Oh Hugo, don’t be ridiculous! Sofie is a doll. She can’t walk!... O-Or can she? You're not trying to tease me again, are you?” Sofia wondered.

“Sofia, you’ve got to believe me! Please!”

“B-But how can I when you’re always lying to somebody? Or me for that matter?!”

“Sofia, please just hear me out…Yesterday, Sofie followed me to the bathroom. I didn’t notice until she came in and just stood there staring at me… Then when I tried to bring her back to you, she pinned me to the ground and said that I didn’t love you as much as she does. Whatever that means… T-Then she tore my ears off.” Hugo explained.

Sofia looked into Hugo’s eyes, she knew he was telling the truth. Normally when Hugo lied, he’d look to the right, and lightly chuckle. But this time, he remained in eye contact with Sofia, and he wasn’t chuckling at anything.

“Y-You’re serious… You know what, I believe you. Look, you just focus on resting. I’ll handle Sofie when I get home.” Sofia assured, gently stroking Hugo’s hair.

Hugo nodded softly, slowly falling asleep. Once Hugo fell back asleep, Sofia slowly crept out of the room and closed the door behind her. The hospital’s carriage drove her home. The whole ride home, Sofia was so angry. She could not believe that her own doll could be responsible for such a horrible thing!

When Sofia arrived, she ran straight for her room. Sofia entered her room and approached Sofie. The doll was motionless, she couldn’t believe she was about to do this…

“Sofie… Talk to me, tell me the truth. Did you or did you not try to kill Hugo? Be very careful with your answer! Because when I asked Hugo, it seemed like he wasn’t lying…” Sofia said.

“I’m afraid I don’t understand what you're referencing, Sofia!” Sofie giggled.

“Don’t do that shit, Sofie! You know EXACTLY what I'm talking about!”

“I want to play!”

“Don’t play stupid with me! I know what! -” Sofia paused, the strong smell of blood in her nose.

It was the most disgusting thing she ever smelt in her life… Sofia looked at Sofie and gulped deeply. She noticed the scent was coming from underneath her bed as she slowly approached it. Before Sofia looked under, she looked up at Sofie.

“What. Did. You. Do?” She whispered, kneeling down to the bed.

Sofia lifted the sheet up and looked under her bed to find Clover’s mangled, deformed dead body. Her jaw dropped… But no sob came out, just a shocked whimper. Sofia slowly dragged out her dead friend and looked at Sofie.

“What the fuck did you do to him, you little bitch?!” She shouted, snatching Sofie off of the bed and shaking her violently.

“Don’t you raise your voice at me, you little shit!” Sofie growled, slapping Sofia in the face. “Now you listen here, YOU made a promise to listen to and obey me! So that’s exactly what the fuck you are going to do…”

Sofie tightly grabbed Sofia’s face and squeezed it tightly.

“Understood, Sofia?” She gritted.

“Ow! Ow! Yes, I-I understand! Just let me go and tell me what you did to Clover!” Sofia yelped.

“I broke the little fucker’s neck because he heard too much… And he was going to try and get you out of my grasp. But guess what? Didn’t work! You know why? Because you can never leave me or desert me! If you do, then you’re fucking dead to me!... Literally…” Sofie warned.

“Alright! You win! J-Just please let me go! Right now!”

Sofie smiled as she slowly loosened her grip on Sofia’s face, allowing her hand to fall.

“Good… Now, let’s go play…” she said.

“Fine… Let's go.” Sofia frowned, picking up Sofie. “But what about Clover?”

“Don’t worry about him! We’ll get rid of him later… Now let’s get out of here…”

Sofia reluctantly nodded as she opened the door to her room and left. She walked downstairs quietly so as to not raise any concerns or suspicions. Sofia opened the castle’s back door and went out to the royal lawn. She sat on the garden swing and looked at Sofie.

“Well, we’re outside where no one can see or hear us… What do you want to do?” Sofia asked, nervously twiddling her fingers.

“I think I want to go to the village.” Sofie answered.

“But isn’t it a little late for that?”

“Sofia, What’d I say?”

Sofia sighed but nodded reluctantly again before standing and dusting off her gown.

“Fine, we can go. But you can walk on your own right? I mean you can get really heavy, being so big and all… It really wears out my arms…” She sighed.

“Yes, sure I could. But, since you’re such a strong little girl, I’m sure you can handle it…” Sofie smirked.

Sofia scoffed before picking up the doll and walking back into the castle and to the front doors. She made her way outside and walked to the village. They walked until they reached the dark alleyway again.

“Let’s go down there, Sofia. It looks scary… Go on, Move it!” Sofie demanded.

Sofia obeyed, slowly heading down into the alley.

Chapter Text

As they continued down the alleyway, the two were greeted by the old toy store again. Sofie looked at Sofia and smirked.

“Go on, Go in…” She said.

For a moment, Sofia hesitated as her hand hovered over the doorknob. But she knew that she would get hurt if she didn’t. So, Sofia nodded and entered the store quietly.

“Hello?... Mister Church, it’s me, Princess Sofia.” She said.

Church came out from behind a curtain at the back of the store, in his workshop.

“I know…” He smirked.

“W-Wait what? But. how did you know that if I just came in?” Sofia asked.

Sofia’s eyes widened as both Sofie’s and Church’s mouths moved in sync.

“Like I said before, I know who you are anywhere…And I mean anywhere. Isn’t that right, Sofie?” he asked.

“That’s right…” Sofie answered.

“Wait, so this whole time it was you doing all this to me?! The ear incident, the cop, a-and my rabbit?” Sofia gasped. “I-I can’t believe you! Why would you d-do this to my friends?!”

Church smirked and approached Sofia before he began to explain his story.

“Well, ever since you became a princess and showed your kindness throughout the village, I always admired your actions… I thought you were the greatest princess in all of Enchancia. So, one day I decided that since I was such a BIG fan of you, I would steal you away from your family and be your only friend, YOUR ONLY FAMILY, forever…But, with all of them in the way, it’d be too hard for me to try and get you myself. So, I built and enlisted Sofie to claim you for me!” Church explained, laughing maniacally.

“B-But how did you even do that?! Was Sofie ever even alive?” Sofia asked.

“Hell no, child. Sofie was always just a stupid doll I used for a conduit of black magic… That’s how I controlled her, made her talk, and all that. But now that you're here, I haven’t got to do that anymo– Where are you going?!”

Sofia bolted to the shop's door and turned around.

“I’m going home to protect my family! I’m taking Sofie with me, so you can’t use her for evil anymore!” Sofia cried, running out of the door.

Church smirked and leaned back in a chair, crossing his arms.

“Fine then… I’ll give you a head start, Princess.” He chuckled.

Sofia ran through the village, shoving past everyone in her way. She reached the castle and ran upstairs to her room. Firstly, she checked Sofie’s body for any wicked charms. Sofia found a glowing crimson red and purple star shaped stone and removed it from the doll’s back. She tossed the charm out of the window, hoping it’d break upon impact with the ground. Then, Sofia cleaned up the remains of her rabbit, tears rolling down her cheeks as she did so.

Sofia placed him in an old shoe box for his burial. However, she couldn’t do it right then. She was running out of time and Church would be on his way soon. Sofia grabbed Sofie and ran to her closet. She opened the door and went all the way to the back of her closet, hiding Sofie behind some dresses.

“Stay here, you’ll be safe for now… I’ll deal with you later…” Sofia said.

Sofia patted the doll’s head before she turned and left, closing the closet door behind her. Suddenly, she flinched as she heard her brother yelling and shouting.
She ran to her door and peeked her head out to check for Church, but there was no sign of him…

“Ahh! Get off! Get them off me!” James shrieked.

Without hesitation, Sofia ran down the hall and into her brother’s room, meeting Amber halfway.

“Sofia, James sounds like he’s in trouble! I think someone is trying to hurt him!” Amber cried, grabbing Sofia’s hand and running into James’ room.

Upon entering, the girls were met with the sight of all of their brother squirming and kicking as his knight figures gathered around and on top of him, jabbing and slashing at him with their tiny swords as sinister high-pitched giggles left their mouths while an evil Jester puppet held one of the swords above James’ eye.

Turns out Sofia was wrong… The charm was familiar; she found it in a book in sorcery class once. The book said that the charm had to be broken in order for the curse to fall. But didn’t it break on impact? Sofia thought. She’d find out later.

Amber and Sofia kicked the small figures out of the way to get their brother. While Sofa helped her brother up, Amber grabbed the puppet and threw it off James before smashing its face in with her foot.

James panted heavily, his hand on his fast-beating heart. His sisters ran to him and hugged him. They all walked to the bathroom to bandage him up.

“W-What even happened back there?!” Amber asked.

“I don’t even know! I-I was just playing with them and all of a sudden, they just sprang to life and pinned me to the ground!” James explained.

“It’s Church… H-He’s here, and he must have the charm!” Sofia realized.

“Who?” The twins asked.

“Church! Remember, that weird man from the toy store? He cursed us and Sofie with an evil charm that controls inanimate things! Sofie did all the things that happened this week with the help of Church controlling that charm!”

“Are you serious?! I-I knew there was something weird about him and that doll!” Amber huffed.

“Yes, and we have to find him, and stop him… For good. Follow me!” Sofia ordered.

Amber and James nodded as they followed Sofia to their parents' room. When they entered, they found that the room was empty. The children groaned.

“Ugh, no! No! No! Mother and Daddy aren’t here?!” Amber whimpered.

“Oh, that’s right! They had to leave for that meeting and dinner with the Duke of Ramblingham this evening! They must’ve left already…” Sofia said.

“You know what that means, it’s up to US to save our kingdom before this situation gets out of hand.” James added.

“He’s right… Amber, you grab dad’s pocketknife that he keeps in the nightstand, search the castle, and stay on guard.”

“Me?!”

“Yes, YOU, Amber. And we don’t have time for any of your complaints or whining. So, I don’t want to hear it.” Sofia sighed.

“Fine, Fine… But I won’t like it!” Amber groaned.

“And James, you go to the library and find a book on black magic and how to defeat it forever. As for me, I need to protect myself. I’m going to go find an adult.”

The twins nodded and they and Sofia parted ways. Sofia tied her auburn brown curls into a ponytail as she made her way to their sorcerer, Cedric’s, tower. As she walked up the stairs, she felt worried… What if Cedric wouldn’t help her? What if he was actually HELPING Church? Sofia thought, timidly knocking on the door. Cedric groaned but reluctantly answered.

“Princess Sofia, what are you doing here? It’s awfully late!” He complained, allowing the princess in.

“Mister Cedric, I really need your help!” Sofia cried.

Cedric sighed but pulled out a stool for Sofia to sit. She sat down.

“Now, let me guess, you need some kind of magic spell that’ll fix whatever problem you could possibly have now, right?” Cedric guessed.

“Something like that… Remember when I brought Sofie home about three days ago?” Sofia asked.

“How could I not? You two were practically inseparable.”

“Well, she was given to me by this man named Church. And it turns out he was using her for black magic to get closer to me and-”

“Wait a minute, did you say Church? Old man, raspy voice, wandering eye, withered hands, and looks around sixty five years old?” Cedric asked.

“Yes! H-How did you know that?” Sofia asked.

“I knew him from Hexley Hall. He used to be a teacher, until he was kicked out…”

“For practicing black magic, right?”

“Yes, Princess. Banished forever… But, I never knew he lived here in Enchancia.” Cedric replied. “Oh, and you said something about him wanting to get closer to you, correct?”

“Yes. He’s a full-on super fan of me! He even threatened to kidnap me! Now, since I said no to that, he’s using a wicked charm to control all the toys in the castle and trying to kill everyone to get to me!” Sofia explained.

“There, There, Princess. I’ll help you, but only because the king and queen wouldn’t want to come home to a cursed castle and a missing daughter…” Cedric said.

“Thank you, Mister Cedric! I-I don’t know what I would’ve done without you!”

“Yeah, Yeah, don’t make a big deal of it…” Cedric smirked, patting his young apprentice’s head.

Suddenly, the two heard Amber’s loud shriek.

“Amber! Cedric, come on!” Sofia cried, grabbing Cedric’s hand as she ran.

The two ran into Amber’s room. The eldest princess lay on the floor, tears in her eyes, and a big gash on her leg.

“Amber, what happened to you?!” Sofia gasped, running to her sister.

“Some man came in a-and slashed my leg open! It really hurts, Sofia! I couldn’t see who it was, but- “

“Amber, it was Church! What’d he say to you?! And where’s James?” Sofia interrupted.

“I don’t know, But Church told me that when he finds you, he means business, and he was NOT joking!” Amber sniffled.

“Ok… Cedric, heal my sister’s leg up, please. I’m going to go find James, catch up with me when you can.”

Cedric nodded, waving his wand and healing Amber’s leg. He helped her up and the two began to walk down the hallway.
33
Sofia ran down the hallway, frantically searching for her brother. He was nowhere to be found. This made her even more nervous.

“Shit… Shit… Shit...” Sofia whimpered, timidly walking downstairs.

Once downstairs, Sofia started to run down another hallway. Suddenly, an arm reached out of the hallway storage closet, grabbing Sofia’s wrist and quickly pulling her into the room.

“Gah! Get off m!- J-James? What the hell?!” She cried, snatching her arm back. “Why would you do that knowing damn well that we’re under attack?! AND mom and dad aren’t home!” She huffed.

“Sorry, Sofe! I had to hide… I pulled you in here with me to keep you safe from Church.” James explained.

“Well, next time, don’t do it like that! You scared me… Besides, we can’t hide here forever. We need to go. If Church is looking for me, that means he’s probably headed to my room! That’s where Sofie is, his vessel! Let’s go!” Sofia cried, taking her brother’s hand and running out.

The two ran back upstairs, meeting up with Mister Cedric and Amber.

“To my room, come on!” Sofia directed.

They all gathered behind the young princess, following her to her room. When they reached Sofia’s room, she was the first to walk in. They all slowly entered after her. Sure enough, when they entered, it was evident that Church had already beaten them to it as the closet door was already opened. However, they heard rummaging coming from inside, meaning he hadn’t found what he was looking for just yet…

“Creep…” James scoffed.

“Don’t I know it… Now, shut up before he hears us!” Sofia whispered

They all approached the closet and peeked inside to see what Church was up to. They saw he had stolen a few of Sofia’s tiaras, dresses, shoes, and stuffed it all into a suitcase with her initials on it.

“There! Now she’ll be comfy on our long journey to my home!” Church cackled. “She’s never coming back here! She’s my friend… MINE!... Now, where’s that doll?”

“No! He’s got all my stuff, and now he’s off to find Sofie!” Sofia cried.

“Not on my watch! Let's go in...” Cedric said, tightly gripping his wand.

Sofia and her family rushed into the closet, cornering the elderly man as he grabbed the doll. Church slowly turned around to reveal his withered old face, his mouth forming into a sinister smirk.

‘Well, well, well… Look who finally decided to join us!” He said. “Sofia, are you ready to join me, darling?”

“I’m not going anywhere with you! Put the doll down… Now.” Sofia demanded.

“Yeah, that’s not happening, short stuff! Now, come along, my friend. I’ve got everything you’ll need all packed! Even your little friend here… Don’t waste my time!”

Sofia frowned, lowering her head. She didn’t know what to do. She felt so helpless. Just then, an idea popped into her head as she glanced up at the man.

“I’ll go with you…” She muttered.

Amber looked up at her sister, shocked and confused.

“Sofia? What are you? -”

“I said I’m going with him! That’s the only way this is going to end…” Sofia interrupted.

“There we go. See, that wasn’t so hard. Was it? Now, come on, princess… Join me and we’ll be best friends FOREVER.” Church smirked.

Sofia nodded.

“Fine. But first, give me my doll.” She said, holding her arms out.

Church sighed but nodded, reluctantly placing Sofie in Sofia’s arms. The girl smiled.

“Don’t worry, you’re safe now.” Sofia whispered. “Now, Cedric! Cast the spell! Quickly!”

Cedric raised his wand and pointed it at Church. Beginning to chant the spell of death. Church began to rise up and black smoke and flames circled around him.

“Gah! It burns! S-S-Sofia, stop them! Why a-aren’t you helping me?! I thought we were friends!” He shouted.

“We were NEVER friends; you overly obsessed fan freak! You killed and harmed my friends and family… I would never have left with you!” Sofia sneered.

Church huffed and growled in pain as the black magic he once possessed left his body along with his soul. He screamed in pain as he began to burn, the flames engulfing him.

“D-Damn you!... Damn you all to hell! All I ever wanted, was a FUCKING FRIEND…” Church cried, his body turning to ash as he was dragged down to hell.

The children gasped in horror when it was over. Amber and James ran to Sofia, who was crying and sniffling, and hugged her tightly. They didn’t let go. They had almost lost their sister to an evil witch doctor, and didn’t intend on letting it happen again. Sofia hugged them back, nuzzling her head into their shoulders.

Sofia looked up and wiped her eyes before turning to Cedric and smiling at him. Suddenly, she got up and ran to him. The princess hugged the sorcerer as well. Cedric was surprised at the sudden action but gently hugged her back.

“W-We couldn’t have done it without you. Thank you, Cedric… You’re the greatest sorcerer ever.” Sofia said.

Cedric smiled and patted her head.

“And you are the greatest sorcerer in training I could ask for, princess.” He chuckled.

The group looked to Sofie, who lay lifeless on the ground. Sofia approached her and sat her upright.

“What are you going to do with her, Sofe? His spirit might still be out there even if he’s dead. You can’t just keep her.” James said.

Sofia’s frown returned as she looked to the doll and back to her siblings. She nodded reluctantly.

“Ok… We can get rid of it. But I want a minute alone with her. Please?” she asked.

“Alright, Sofia. But only a minute. Come on, guys…” Amber said, leaving the closet.

Cedric and James followed her out. Sofia sat down next to the doll, putting an arm around her. She could feel the tears coming back in her eyes.

“You were a good friend… Well, when it was really you and not Church that is. I-I don’t want to do this, Sofie. But you have to understand, you were used as a vessel for Church to control for who knows how long! A-And I can’t risk him coming back and hurting me or my family again… So, if you’d like to say anything before, we get rid of you, you better say it now.” Sofia sniffled, wiping the tears from her face.

Sofia noticed the button on the doll’s back and pressed it.

“You’re my best friend.” Sofie responded, her voice box warbled.

Sofia smiled and hugged Sofie.

“Well, you’re my best friend too…” She said, cuddling the doll close to her heart.

The princess got up and carried the doll out of the closet. Cedric and her siblings looked up to her as she laid Sofie on the ground. Sofia sat next to her sister on the bed and leaned her head on Amber’s shoulder.

“I'm ready to let go now…” she muttered.

Cedric nodded, pointing his wand at Sofie

“Disappearo!” He said.

As Sofie vanished, never to be seen again, Sofia cried harder as Amber and James gently rubbed her back to comfort her. At least she’s safe now. Mom and Dad will never know… They thought to themselves. After a few moments of silence, their parents arrived home from their meeting. The children ran downstairs to greet them.

“Mom! Dad!” Sofia cried, running into her parents’ arms.

“Oh! What’s this, tears?...” Miranda asked. “Sofia, what’s wrong, sweetheart?”

“S-Sofie… She broke and we had to throw her away…”

“It’s true, Mother. Poor little sis was devastated..” Amber added.

“Aw, don’t be upset, dear. Maybe we can get you a new doll. In fact, me and your father had planned to surprise you for your birthday and-”

“No, it’s alright… nothing will replace her. It’s late. I think I’ll just eat dinner and go to bed…” Sofia frowned.

“Very well, dear. You go on ahead.” Miranda said, sending her daughter on her way.

Later, the family ate dinner in silence that night. No conversation was made, no jokes were cracked, not even smiles. Afterwards, Sofia went up to her room and her parents tucked her in. She slept tightly hugging a pillow that night. Clover was gone, so was Sofie. She wanted both her friends back… both by her side again.

The next morning, Sofia woke up late and got ready. For what? She didn’t know… It’s not like she had anything to look forward to anyway. As Sofia combed her hair at her vanity, she noticed Amber in the corner of her eye. She turned to her sister who had a rabbit in her arms, exactly like Clover.

“I-Is this for me?” Sofia gasped, approaching Amber.

“Yes! He’s for you. I found him hiding in a bush outside. Oh, and after breakfast, we’ve got another surprise for you.” Amber smiled, placing the animal in her sister’s arms.

“What is it?”

“Well, if I told you, it wouldn’t be a surprise now would it?”

Amber smirked and patted Sofia’s back and walked away. Sofia looked around, making sure the coast was clear. She placed the rabbit on the floor in front of her and sat down on her knees.

“Clover, Is that you?” Sofia asked.

“Of course kid! I’ve been reincarnated. I could never leave my favorite princess!” Clover smiled.

“That’s great! It’s so wonderful to have my blue ribbon bunny back!”

“And I’m happy to be back with you, kid!”

“Sofia! Come on down, honey.” Miranda called.

“Oh! Breakfast. I have to go, but I’ll be back in a little bit. Maybe I’ll bring back some blueberries! See you later, Clover.” Sofia said, running out of her room.

“See you around, Sofe!” Clover waved.

Sofia ran downstairs and into the dining room, taking her seat.

“Morning!” She smiled.

“Well, someone’s happy this morning! You must’ve liked your first surprise, huh?” Roland asked.

“Yes I loved it! But, how’d you know? I never told you that Clover passed away.” Sofia said.

“Well, James and I found a shoe box labeled ‘Clover’. So, out of respect, we didn’t open it. But we did show it to mom and dad so he could have a proper burial” Amber explained.

“Then, Amber found another bunny hopping around outside. He looked exactly like Clover and we thought it’d make you happy.” James added.

“Well, thank you. I really appreciate it.” Sofia said.

“Of course, darling. Now, eat up! We’ve got to be on time if we’re going to pick up your last surprise.” Roland said.

Sofia chuckled and nodded, starting to eat her breakfast. Afterwards, the family gathered in the coach and headed for the village.

“So, where are we going?” Sofia asked.

“Annette’s Toy Wonders. But don’t worry, her store is nothing like that creepy old mercantile we went to.” Amber answered.

“Say, what happened to that man? It’s like he just gave you a doll and then vanished right after…” Miranda said.

“He died.” James blurted.

“Yep, resting in… Well, something…” Amber smirked nervously.

“Old age finally caught up to him I guess.” Sofia added.

“Oh!... Well, rest in peace to him I guess.” Roland said.

The children smiled awkwardly at each other and sat back in their seats. They had just dodged a bullet there. They’d have been cooked if their parents found out about the events that went down last night. Soon, they arrived at the store and parked the coach in front of it.

“We’ll wait here. You three can go on in.” Miranda said.

“Yes, Mother. Let’s go, Sofia.” Amber said, taking her sister’s hand.

The three of them got out of the coach and entered the store. Sofia observed it closely. The store appeared much more friendlier, brighter colors, and a well painted sign hanging above the counter. She smiled as she and her siblings approached the counter.

A young woman, no older than 25, came out from behind a shelf and approached the children, a bright smile on her face. Sofia thought to herself, That must be Annette.

“Ah, the royal children, Welcome! What can I do for you all today?” The woman asked.

“Hi, Annette. We were just wondering if our special order was ready?” Amber asked.

“Oh? You want it early? I thought it was supposed to be for little Sofia’s Birthd-”

“Shh! It was, but we thought it’d be nice to surprise her now.” James said.

“Oh! Alright. Yes, it’s ready. I’ll go get it.” Annette chuckled, walking behind a curtain to her workbench.

The twins led their sister over to a chair and sat her down.

“Ok Sofia, stay put and cover your eyes. No peeking!” Amber giggled.

“Seriously, Sofe, no peeking!” James warned.

“I’m not! I’m not!” Sofia obeyed, covering her eyes.

Annette came back out with a beige box in hand. She placed it on Sofia's lap.

“Ok, you can open your eyes, sweetheart.” She said,

Sofia removed her hands from her eyes and looked down at the box in her lap. She removed the purple ribbon from the box and lifted the lid.

“Sofie! It’s really her!” Sofia smiled, lifting the doll out of the box.

“Yeah! We know how sad you were last night… You went through a lot in just a few days. So, we thought why not let you have an early birthday present?” James explained.

“Does she still talk?”

“Yes. There’s a pull string on her back… What are you waiting for? Try it!” Amber chuckled.

Sofia nodded and pulled the string.

“Hi, I’m Princess Sofia! Let’s be friends.” Sofie said.

Chapter Text

Sofia giggled and looked up at the woman and smiled.

“Thank you! This is one of the best surprises I’ve ever got!” She squealed.

“You’re very welcome, princess! Come back anytime you want. Goodbye!” Annette said, waving as the children left.

Their parents smiled as the children gathered back into the coach. They noticed the big smile on their youngest daughter’s face as she pulled the doll’s string again.

“You’re my best friend.” Sofie said.

Sofia smiled and hugged the doll close.

“You’re mine too.” She said,

“Aw… I’m glad we could make you feel better, sweetie.” Roland said.

“We’re gonna go home and we’re gonna play with Clover, have tea parties, and stay up all night! You guys are the best family I could ask for. Thank you...” Sofia said.

The family chuckled as they headed back to the castle. When they arrived, Sofia ran upstairs to her room. She looked around and noticed Clover sleeping on his pillow. She giggled and approached him.

“Clover, wake up. I have something to show you.” Sofia whispered, joining him on her window seat.

Clover yawned and slowly opened his eyes, flinching at the sight of Sofie.

“Gah! Sofia what the fu! -”

“No, No, No! Clover, it’s ok. I promise, Sofie’s a good doll this time.” Sofia assured him.

“I seriously hope so…” Clover frowned, stretching and sitting up on his pillow.

“Don’t worry. I swear she’s completely fine. Look.”

Sofia pulled the doll’s string again.

“I love my animal friends!” Sofie said.

“See? She likes you. So, do you wanna play with us?” Sofia asked.

“I’ve been waiting for you to ask me that all day. Let’s go, princess!” Clover said.

Sofia and Clover ran outside to the castle lawn. She, Clover and Sofie drew on the stones with chalk, had a picnic, and played hide and seek. Later, Sofia went back inside and set up a tea party for her and Sofie, as promised. Amber peeked into her sister’s room, smiling at the two friends enjoying themselves.

“Hi, Sofia. Are you guys having fun there?” Amber asked.

“Hi Amber! Yes, we are. Why don’t you join us? I know how much you enjoy tea parties.” Sofia offered.

Amber giggled and nodded, joining her sister at the table. Sofie gave her a plate of cookies and poured her tea. As the sisters clinked teacups, they smiled at each other.

“This is nice. We haven’t had a tea party like this in a while. Especially with our dolls or anything.” Amber said.

“I’m glad we got to do this. I’m especially glad that everyone is getting along with Sofie again.” Sofia added.

Amber pulled the doll’s string.

“I love having tea parties! Especially with my sister Amber.” Sofie said.

“Aw, that’s really sweet. You know, maybe daddy should consider making me a doll like this for MY birthday.” Amber smirked.

“Oh, Amber.” Sofia smiled, helping Sofie with her teacup.

Later, the family sat down for dinner. The atmosphere was no longer as tense and thick as it was the other night. Sofia took a seat at the table, sitting Sofie next to her.

“So, how’s the rest of your day been, sis?” James asked.

“It was A-mazing! This has been the best day ever.” Sofia answered.

“That’s wonderful, dear! Now, let’s dig in. You little scholars need to be in bed early tonight. You’ve already missed one day of school today, we can’t have you all missing another.” Miranda said, taking a sip of her water.

“Yes, Mom.” The children nodded, eating their food.

After they finished their dinner, the children talked amongst themselves until the clock struck 9pm. Sofia took Sofie in her arms and pulled her string.

“I’m getting tired…” She said,

“Me too.” Sofia yawned.

“You know what that means, bedtime. Kiss me and your mother goodnight, brush your teeth, and get to bed.” Roland said.

The children obeyed and got up from their seats, approaching their parents. They kissed their mother and father on the cheek. They’re parents hugged them and smiled.

“Goodnight, Mom, Goodnight Dad” The twins chorused, leaving the dining room.

“Night, Mom, Night Dad! Oh, Sofie says goodnight too.” Sofia said.

The couple chuckled and kissed their youngest daughter on the forehead and gently stroked her hair.

“Goodnight girls…” Miranda said.

Sofia walked back up to her room. She placed her doll on her bed while she changed into her nightgown. When she was done, Sofia dressed Sofie into her nightgown.

“Wait here, I’m going to go brush my teeth. Then I’ll come back and brush your hair.” Sofia said, walking to the bathroom.

The princess brushed her teeth and gargled. Sofia took a seat at her vanity and began brushing her hair as Clover hopped in and sat on her bed. She took notice of him and grinned.

“Hi, Clover. Sleepover tonight?” Sofia offered.

“You know it, kid! It’ll be fun. I’ve missed these things!” Clover answered.

“Alright, you just get comfortable on your pillow, and I’ll be there in just a minute.”

Sofia grabbed her doll and propped her up on the vanity chair.

“Hold still, Sofie. I’m gonna brush your hair now.” She said, running the brush through her doll’s auburn curls.

When Sofia finished, she smiled and hugged her. She placed Sofie back on her bed next to Clover and climbed in alongside them. After tucking in the twins, Roland and Miranda came in and tucked Sofia into bed.

“There we go, darling. Snug as a bug.” Roland chuckled.

“Clover and Sofie too…” Miranda added.

“Thank you again for doing all this for me. I couldn’t ask for a better family. I love you.” Sofia yawned, rubbing her eyes.

“We love you too, dear. Get some rest, we’ll see you in the morning.”

The couple kissed her on the forehead again before leaving her to sleep. Sofia looked at her doll and rabbit, smiling at them.

“That goes for you guys too. You’re both the greatest friends in the world and you’ll never know how happy I am to have you guys back.

“Me too, Sofe… Me too.” Clover smiled, eventually falling asleep

Sofia patted both friends on the head and hugged them close

“Goodnight, guys…” She said, closing her eyes and drifting off to sleep.

With yesterday’s events put behind her and Church dead and gone, Sofia slept soundly, knowing that she was safe and everything would be peaceful from now on…