At the palace, Hugo wrapped up his gift for Sofia. He was so excited for Wassalia that he just sat still on his bed with a smile on his face, thinking about celebrating with Sofia.

"I can tell you're really looking forward to this Wassalia, baby bro," Axel smiled.

"I am," Hugo smiled. "Sofia and I have come a very long way."

Hugo remembered the first time he met Sofia. He was a different person at that time. He was mean, arrogant, misogynistic, and obnoxious. Sofia wanted to try out for the flying derby team, and Hugo shamelessly told her that it was only for princes. Whenever Sofia failed to ride her horse, Hugo made fun of her.

Hugo also remembered the time he and Sofia became best friends. They were paired to ride for the flying derby championships against the Junior Knights, and Hugo was so anxious to win the Flying Crown for his family that he refused to work with Sofia. But Sofia taught him the meaning of teamwork, so they worked together, won the Flying Crown, and became friends.

Both Sofia and Hugo remembered not only when they met but also when they became friends. They had come a very long way.

It made Axel happy to see his little brother happy. Garrick came to see his sons, and he saw that his youngest was really happy.

"Excited for your first Wassalia with Sofia, are we, champ?" Garrick smiled.

"Yeah, but I'm a little nervous, too," Hugo declared. "When we were shopping, we saw that the village was even fancier than this morning with fancier decorations."

"Everyone in the village wants to help Hugo make Sofia's first Wassalia with us perfect," Axel chimed in.

"But I think they're getting crazy," Hugo frowned. "Wassalia is supposed to be fun, not a competition."

"Don't get so nervous, champ," Garrick assured his youngest son. "You know how important it is to be with friends and loved ones. You should keep that up."

"Dad is right, baby bro," Axel agreed.

Hugo really hoped his father and brother were right.