Author's Note: This isn't my planned October story, though it would definitely work for a Halloween read, just something I came up with and couldn't wait to publish. Sofia is at least 16! I intentionally left out any references to how long she and Cedric have known each other, so readers can head-canon this story as an AU where she's older in the series, or where Cedric Be Good/Day of the Sorcerers never happened, or even a world where they did happen but he continued his attempts anyways.
Cedric stood as still as he could beside the gate of Sofia's 'secret' garden, listening as she and that witch friend of hers idly giggled and gossiped the day away. He'd had a bit of a dry spell lately as far as new ideas to get the princess's amulet into his own possession, and he was desperately hoping that she would let drop some hidden nugget of inspiration, something to get the wheels in his head turning once more.
"Oh, Lucy, I nearly forgot to tell you-" Cedric's ears perked up, and he leaned ever so slightly closer in case Sofia might finally say something relevant. "I got the lead in the school play!" A scowl crossed his face, and he debated on giving up and retreating to the tower to sulk about what a waste this had all been.
"Really? Which play is it?" The witch's voice, huskier than the princess's breathy, silvery speech, replied as Cedric cautiously turned to exit unnoticed.
"Le Petit Chaperon Rouge." Sofia answered proudly. A wide, wicked grin slowly spread across the concealed sorcerer's face. Now this, I can work with. He mused, resisting the urge to chuckle darkly.
...
Sofia was walking through the dense woods outside of Dunwiddie, the red cape she would soon wear on stage draped across her shoulders, the hood pulled up over her long rust-coloured ringlets. She was determined to get a good feel for her part, excited for her first ever chance to play the main character.
The sun was setting on the horizon, the crickets were chirping, and all around her the fireflies were flickering, an early sign of the approaching Summer season. She inhaled deeply, enjoying the aroma of late Spring blooms coupled with oncoming showers.
From somewhere behind her, a twig snapped, seemingly echoing through the towering trees that surrounded her, and she twirled around in an attempt to find the source. Her eyes finally landed on a familiar man, and she smiled widely before calling out her greeting.
"Hello, Mister Cedric, what are you doing out here?" She cried cheerfully, hurrying to stand beside her friend. He gave a low bow as she neared.
"Just gathering some ingredients for my stores." He informed her, then he lifted the bottom corner of her cloak, rubbing the silky fabric between his thumb and forefinger and admiring its sheen in the dying light. "Is this new?" He questioned softly.
"It's for my school play. I'm little red riding hood." Sofia chirped out, flushing as the sorcerer's dark eyes swept intensely across her features. She chewed her plump bottom lip absently as she awaited his reply.
"So you are." He did his best to pretend this was the first he was hearing of her news. "And what ever are you doing wandering in the woods so late?" He added, flashing his teeth as he smiled widely at her, his heated gaze sending tiny shivers through her spine.
"Practicing, of course." Sofia let out an anxious giggle, wondering briefly how the older man would react if he knew that his mere presence made her feel as if she might melt into a puddle. Leaning forward, Cedric clasped her hand, pressing the back of it to his lips momentarily.
"Do be careful, Princess. It would be a shame if you came upon an actual wolf out here." His voice was low and throaty, a tone that never failed to stoke a fiery need deep within Sofia's core.
"Don't worry, I'll stay on the path and go straight home." She gave her teasing response, praying Cedric wouldn't notice the way her voice cracked slightly as she spoke.
"Good girl." With a chuckle and a nod, he walked on ahead, whistling with unusually high spirits. Sofia watched his retreating form until he was out of view before allowing herself to collapse against the gnarled base of an ancient oak, squeezing her eyes shut and willing her body to calm itself.
When she opened them again, she blinked in surprise, just now noticing how dark it had grown during their visit. While she wasn't unfamiliar with this area, she was never out here alone after dark, and as she looked around, she realized that she wasn't entirely sure how to get home.
Figuring Cedric must have known the way back to the palace from here, she decided the most practical course would be to head in the same direction he had, so she lifted her skirts slightly and set off after the sorcerer. The fireflies vanished, and above her the owls hooted out how-do-you-dos to each other as they began to stretch their wings after a long day of rest.