Rigoletto

Summary: *Loosely based on the movie* During a stormy evening, Cedric tells Sofia the story of Rigoletto, an outcast who was often underestimated based on his outward façade with a heart hidden away from everyone, except from one remarkable girl who saw him for who he really was. (Similar to my "Read Me a Story" series)

Disclaimer: I don't own Sofia the First or Rigoletto.

A/N: Hi! I'm back for another story that has little to nothing to do with the rest of my outlined stories. :D I've always thought the relationship between Cedric and Sofia reminded me of another one: the one between Mr. Ribaldi and Bonnie from Rigoletto, an old but wonderful movie. If you've never watched it before, I highly recommend it. It's beautiful and breathtaking, ahead of its time in terms of compassion and acceptance. In fact, you can easily find it online to watch—just make sure it's the 1993 version. My story will be loosely based on the movie, but naturally a lot of it will be altered to fit the Sofia the First universe. And this is another "Read Me a Story" scenario, which I've come to enjoy! Hope you like it. :)

A/N 2: Also, this is technically a "crossover" since Elena is going to be mentioned as a minor character in here, but since I only borrowed her for a scene or two, I figured…eh. Lol. I'll just leave it as a STF story.

*Story*

Chapter 1: Stormy Night

A loud crack of thunder pounded through the air, shaking the ground and castle alike. It had come immediately following a streak of brilliant lightning that etched itself across the sky, brightening the surrounding areas momentarily before plunging the kingdom into darkness again.

Sofia shivered and observed the weather through Cedric's window. Thankfully, it was closed, but it was still intimidating to her. The workshop was illuminated with several candles, providing much-needed light as they continued their task.

They'd been studying for Sofia's upcoming sorcery exam and demonstration, which required a great deal of concentration and dedication. Needless to say, they weren't having much luck at the moment.

"Maybe we should wait until tomorrow," Cedric suggested as he jumped lightly at the next clap of thunder. "I can't even concentrate with all this racket."

Sofia nodded and gathered her items together, pushing her books back into her bag. "Thanks for helping me so far, Mr. Cedric," she said with a smile. "I guess nature just has other plans right now."

He chuckled. "Indeed. Come, I'll take you back to your room." He grabbed a candle and ushered the girl out the door and down his stairs. Along the way, he listened to the whistling of the wind and the pounding of the rain. "This weather is rather peculiar."

"I'll say. It was nice and sunny this afternoon." She shook her head. "Weather is weird."

They arrived at her room, and Sofia pushed her door open only to see the room completely dark. She frowned in concern. "Mr. Cedric…"

"I'm right here. I'll get you a candle lit before I leave." He followed her inside. While she dropped her bag onto her floor and crawled onto her bed, he located a spare candle and lit it with his wand. Muttering a soft spell, he managed to allow the flame to encompass more of the room so that they could both see better. "There you are. Nice and bright—well, brighter, anyway."

Sofia smiled appreciatively. "Thanks, Mr. Cedric."

"Hmm. Oh, before I go, I found something you'll probably enjoy." He waved his wand once, and a book dropped onto the princess's bed. "I know how much you enjoy books. My mother actually had a copy of this, and I'd read the story many years ago. It's quite good."

She gasped. "Rigoletto? My mom used to read this story to me when I was younger." She laughed when he gave her a humored look. "Yeah, I know… We read a lot of stories, didn't we?"

"Indeed. Well, regardless, I hope you enjoy it as much the next time reading it as you did the first."

Sofia nodded as she flipped through the pages, a smile forming on her lips. "You know, Mr. Cedric…" She glanced out her window before looking back at him. "This story wouldn't be that hard to manipulate…"

The sorcerer folded his arms and gave her a pointed look. He knew where this was going.

She grinned. "And it's not that late…" She then pouted, the switch of her face nearly comical. "And this weather is scary…"

"You want me to read it to you, don't you?" He sighed when she nodded excitedly. "Very well… Why can't I ever say no to you?"

"Because I'm your favorite," she responded cheerfully as she moved over and allowed him room to sit and lean against the headboard. "And admit it: you like the stories just as much as I do."

"Hm. Next time, I get to select a story, and you shall be reading it. Agreed?"

Sofia giggled. "Whatever you say, Mr. Cedric. I think you'll like the ideas I have."

"Don't I always?" He held the book before them so that they both could see, the pages visible thanks to the enhanced candle. "Right then. Once upon a time, long ago, in a kingdom so far away that you wouldn't believe it existed, there lived a man named Rigoletto…"

To be continued…

Order of chapters:

Chapter 1: Stormy Night

Chapter 2: A Dreamer's Wish

Chapter 3: An Unlikely Mentor

Chapter 4: They Don't See

Chapter 5: Triumph and Incursion

Chapter 6: Rigoletto