The morning before the ball, I marched down to the library to return the book that I had finished reading and to get a new one so that I could pass the time easily. I opened the door and as I went inside, I saw that the long table was back. 

And so was Doctor Cornelius. "Professor!"

Caspian was there as well along with Reepicheep and Trumpkin. They looked up at me from the maps laid out on the table. I had definitely interrupted something because the room became eerily quiet. 

"Sophie, my dear." The Professor smiled as he made his way towards me and pulled me into a hug. 

"How are you?" I asked him after he let me go.

"Never better, dear."

"It feels like it has been years since I saw you."

"My sincere apologies for leaving without giving you any sort of information, Sophie. The situation was an urgent one. I had to leave as soon as I received the letter that I had been expecting."

"Is everything okay?"

"Everything is wonderful." He smiled, his eyes twinkling in the morning sunlight.

What was going on? The Professor had never looked that happy in the months that I've spent in Narnia. "Have I interrupted something?" I directed the question at everyone.

Caspian denied it but Trumpkin said 'yes' at the same time. Trumpkin glared at Caspian, who cleared his throat. "We were just talking." Reepicheep informed. It seemed like Reepicheep always walked around awkward situations and that was one of the things that I loved about him.

"Yeah, talking about strategies." Trumpkin said.

"I can come back later." I opened the door behind me.

"I'll come with you." The Professor said, following me out of the room.

"I shouldn't have interrupted all of you." I pursed my lips after the Professor closed the door. I held my forehead as instincts took over.

"You didn't know, dear. It wasn't your fault at all." He assured me and we started walking.

"Professor, can we talk? There are so many things that I need to tell you. I need your advice."

"Of course, Sophie."

We entered the Professor's study because what I was about to talk to him was personal. I told the Professor everything that I would tell a psychologist if I ever got the chance to meet one. He listened patiently to me and answered the questions that I asked him.

"Why do you think I'm here?" I asked him after we were seated.

"What do you mean, Sophie?"

"It's been bothering me ever since I came here. I think there is a reason for everyone to be somewhere. Why am I here?"

"If you think that way, we just haven't found your reason yet." 

I laughed. "That was perfectly put."

"Is there a reason you want to talk about whatever it is we are here for?"

"I just wanted to know what you thought. You are one of the wisest people I know, and talking with you always helps me."

I talked to him about Thomas and how weird it was that he only answered to me for some reason. "I don't know what to say to that."

"Exactly! There is definitely something going on. I'm not sure if these things are connected but I hope that I get my answers soon."

I told him about the water healing my hand three times since I came to Narnia and what happened in the forest. "Why would the centaurs bow to me? At first I thought they were doing so to Caspian but they did it directly at me. It was quite hard not to notice that."

"I find that strange as well. I'm sure there must have been a reason for it. I can ask Glenstorm if you want."

"Wouldn't that be rude of me? I know that centaurs value their pride over their life."

"I'm going to meet him today anyway. I think it is time that you know where I've been for so long." He leaned forward in his seat. "I've found information about the prophecy."

"The Forbidden Prophecy?" I asked him with eyes wide open. I wondered why he let me rant when he had something more interesting and important to talk about.

"Yes!" He cheered. "I can't believe that I've found it after so many years of searching."

"How did you find it?" The Professor had succeeded in changing my mood. That was why he was my mentor and I was his apprentice.

"I have been tracking one of the oldest families in Narnia. I sent them an owl many years ago about my interest in learning about the prophecy, but they never replied to me. They sent me an owl out of nowhere and I left immediately."

"Wow! Have you gotten a chance to read it yet?"

"I haven't. Not yet. The situation is that it was written in a cryptic language that I'm sure that the centaurs have an answer to."

"This is so amazing! I'm so happy for you, Professor. Congratulations!"

"Thank you, dear. Once I have the prophecy, you and Caspian will be the first people to read it with me."

"I'm honoured! Thank you so much!"

We talked about his journey for some time before he asked me about my ring. "Caspian mentioned it to me." The Professor said.

"I can bring it now if you want."

"It's okay, dear. I think it is time for me to leave for the woods anyway."

"Shall I show it to you the day after tomorrow then? After the ball?" I asked him as he stood up from his seat.

"I think that would be best."

"Professor, what is so special about the ring anyway?" I had given him its description and that it did look like a medieval one.

He looked at me and then sighed. "Caspian has grown up in Narnia and hence knows all the tales that have been told ever since the beginning. He told me about your ring and wants me to confirm his suspicions. He hasn't told you about it, has he?"

"No, he hasn't. What does he suspect exactly?"

"I think it is better if I can confirm it, dear. It is good that Caspian hasn't told you just yet."

"Should I be worried?" I let out a shaky laugh.

He broke out laughing. "Nothing to worry, Sophie. Enjoy your day today and tomorrow. Firsts always come only once and it is in our hands to make them special."

"I'm dreading tomorrow, if I'm being honest." I confessed.

"I give you my word that you will enjoy yourself tomorrow."

"If you say so." I smiled a little bit.

I left the Professor's study and let him rest his eyes for a while. He had heard enough of me. Right as I was going to make my way to my room, I was met with Nina. "Sophie, I need your help!"

"Yes?" I really wanted to be of help and I was really excited that I was finally getting the opportunity to.

"I'm going to town to make sure that everyone is ready for tomorrow. Can you please come with me?"

"I'd love to!" Finally!

Nina told me how excited she was for the ball as we walked into town. She talked to everyone who needed to bring their supplies to the castle early on the day of the ball and confirmed the order for the last time.

"Can you please go to Claire's and collect your dress?" She asked, having ordered a dress for me the previous time we were in town. She didn't even let me see it because she wanted it to be a surprise for me.

"Can I finally see it?"

"Yes, you can. Now hurry up."

Nina never lost her cool throughout the two weeks. She walked over to the flower shop as I strode to Claire's. "Here to collect your dress?" She asked me as she got up from her seat.

"Yes." I said, surprised how she knew that it was me who entered. "Good morning, by the way."

"Good morning, dear." She chuckled. "Now that dress is one of my masterpieces, Sophie." She revealed as she walked to the back of the room.

"Really? Now I'm thinking that Nina might have gone a little too far."

"Don't worry." Claire waved her hand down. "I've made it to your liking." She pulled out a package that was tied with a ribbon.

I spent some time at her shop and talked to her about the fashion in the Other World. I had talked to her about my personal favourites and she knows my likings and dislikes. She was like an older sister to me. She brought my dress out and I closed my mouth in delight. "What do you think?"

I hugged her, tears threatening to leave my eyes. "Thank you so much. How can I ever repay you?"

"Just be your kind-self throughout your life." I tilted my head in awe. "And keep giving me your sketches." She said and I laughed. "They're making a phenomenal sale!"

"Thank you so much!" I said as I took the dress from her.

"I'm sure that the princes' tomorrow are going to be looking at you all day long."

"I hope they don't." I didn't really care about other princes', I guess.