14This story is inspired by Daisy Montana's story, Sofia the First: Here Comes the Princess Bride. I own nothing except Nighlock.
Only a few days. Only a few days left till the coronation. It had been many years since Vor's defeat. Since Sofia defeated the ultimate evil. Since then, everyone had grown up. James abdicated his right to the throne to become a knight. Desmond became king of his kingdom, and had two years asked for Amber's hand in marriage. Knowing someone had to rule, Amber abdicated her right to the throne to Sofia. In her eyes, Sofia represented everything a queen should be.
Zander had married Hildegard while Vivian and Felix got married themselves. Axel married Jin, and Hugo had already planned on marrying the love of his life, Sofia. Ever since their first enchanted ice dance, the two showed clear signs of affection for each other, something that didn't go unnoticed by King Garrick, Prince Axel, King Roland II, or Miranda.
Hugo had sent a letter ahead of time to inform Roland and Miranda that he wanted to speak with them. As his carriage pulled up, Hugo noticed Sofia shyly hiding behind the corner before pulling back. Hugo smiled, knowing she hadn't changed one bit.
Hugo walked into the castle, escorted by Princess Ivy, whom Sofia had invited to the coronation. Since the cardinal was otherwise occupied to elect a new pope, Ivy had been chosen to be the one to bless Sofia at the coronation. Ivy was at first hesitant, but after some encouragement from Aunt Tilly, Ivy accepted.
Upon entering the library where Roland and Miranda were, Hugo walked up to them nervously while Ivy grabbed a book to read for herself.
"Ah, Hugo!" Roland exclaimed. "Good to see you my boy!"
Roland hugged Hugo tightly. Hugo returned the favor, chuckling.
"And you as well, your highness," Hugo replied.
"Come sit down," Roland said, guiding him to the table he and Miranda were reading at. "We can discuss what you have to ask there."
Gwen pulled up a chair for Hugo as Roland sat back down. Miranda hugged Hugo as well.
"We're so glad to see you, Hugo," she said.
"I'm pretty sure Sofia is too," Hugo replied.
Ivy smirked under the cover of her book. She had no intention of listening in, but anytime Hugo and Sofia were brought up in the same sentence, she was dying to know everything.
"Actually, Sofia is the whole reason why I am here," Hugo said.
Ivy looked intrigued by this, but hid it fairly easily.
"King Roland, Queen Miranda," Hugo said. "I have come... To ask you both for your permission..."
Ivy looked over at them from over her book.
"To ask Sofia for her hand in marriage," Hugo finished.
Ivy dropped her book in shock, glee, and happiness. Ever since she had heard about the ice dance, she had figured this day was a longtime coming. Roland and Miranda stared at Hugo in the same mixture of feelings.
"Hugo..." Roland said sternly.
Hugo sat there nervously. Ivy crossed her fingers, hoping the answer she wanted to hear was coming.
Please say yes, please say yes, please say yes, she thought to herself.
"You have our permission," Roland said, smiling.
"You may ask for our youngest's hand in marriage," Miranda said.
Yay! Ivy internally screamed. She could barely contain her excitement.
Hugo thanked Roland and Miranda.
"I'm gonna surprise her at her party after the coronation," Hugo told them.
Eeeee! Even better! Ivy thought to herself.
Ivy escorted Hugo out, leading him to Dunwiddle Village to pick out a diamond engagement ring and a ring case for the Question. Ever since she had heard of the ice dance, Ivy had been waiting for this day forever. As she waited outside, she saw a cart with ice cream in it. Deciding to celebrate, she went over to go buy some for herself and Hugo. As she was getting there, someone bumped into her, accidentally knocking her down.
"Oh I am so sorry," a voice said. "Here, let me help you."
A hand extended to Ivy, which she took. As she got a good look at the man's face, she could see he had a beard, long, brown hair, brown eyes, and a metal arm. She didn't care about the arm, but Ivy was struggling for words.
"A-are you okay?" he asked.
"I am now," Ivy finally said.
"Sergeant Barnes, of the 107th," the man introduced himself. "But you can call me Bucky. I was assigned to be here as security for the coronation."
"Princess Ivy," Ivy replied, introducing herself, trying to hide her blush. "The officiater of the coronation."
"Princess?" Bucky said, before bowing. "Your majesty."
Ivy giggled at that.
"I, uh, love your hair," Bucky commented.
Ivy blushed and smiled. This man was so nice to him. She could see much pain in his eyes, eyes that had clearly seen many horrors, possibly as he even committed them.
"Thanks," she replied. "Has anyone told you that you look a little bit like Jesus?
"A few times, yes ma'am," Bucky said.
With that, Bucky left as Ivy watched him, smiling. She bought two ice cream cones for herself and Hugo. Today was a day to be happy.
That wraps up this chapter. Until then, toodle-oo.
