It's Salem again! I truly hope you're still enjoying this story! The timeline of this chapter moves really fast, I tried to clearly show the time movement. If there is any confusion don't hesitate to message me and I will clear it up for you!
Playlist for chapter two:
1. Bury The Castle by Paramore
2. Who Knew by Pink
3. Enchanted by Taylor Swift
4. Distance by Christina Perry
Again, you don't have to listen to the songs or like them, they're just an extra add-on! I do put them in the order they are best represented in the chapter. Enjoy And Thank You!
This strange world plagues Miranda mind; so many unique sights and peculiar magic that she doesn't understand. She's told there is no magic, but what else could be possessing these unknown items?
Her husband is no longer a king, but a CEO of a company created by him and brought to life by Cedric while still in Enchancia. She has a hard time wrapping her mind around the culture shock of it all. Explaining to her children that they were no longer royal was an even graver task at that. Amber threw a fit at the loss of her title and inheritance. James was a bit more open-minded about the new prospects that lay ahead. They also unintentionally added a new member to their household, the young girl, Calista, though she was having a tough time adjusting without her mother. Each child knew the pain of losing a biological parent, but they ended up with a beautiful blended family at the end.
Miranda lets go of her youngest daughter's hand, she still hasn't woken up since the day they almost lost her. "If you can hear me, know that I love you, Sofia, I'll be back later." James quietly enters the room to take his shift watching his sister. They didn't want her to wake up alone. "Thank you, son, you've been such a big help these last few weeks, I don't know what we would have done without you."
"No problem mom! Happy to be of service, Sofia would have done the same for me." James sits at the edge of Sofia's bed and turns on the mysterious noise box, it reminded Miranda of an enchanted mirror.
"What is that called again, James?"
"It's called a television mom, don't worry, I'll teach you how to use it!" She just nods in James' direction as she strides towards their new library.
This house is much smaller than their palace, but its strange design makes it feel infinitely huge. Miranda opens the arched double doors to the library where Roland, Baileywick, and Cedric are waiting for her. There is not enough praise in the world to bestow upon Cedric for saving her daughter, though she has made a point in telling him every time she sees him how grateful she is.
"Aw, Miranda, there you are my darling. How is our daughter?" Roland engulfs her in a tight embrace, though she is reluctant to return it. All those months of secrets and adjusting to this new life has taken its toll on Miranda.
"She's stable, her condition is still the same."
"Cedric, do you have any idea when she will wake? You were unconscious for five days, she's been asleep for almost two weeks. Is there anything we can do?" Roland asks.
Cedric merely shakes his head, exhaustion and sadness consume his face. "I don't know, your majesty."
"Come now, there'll be none of that, we're not royal here in this realm called..." Roland has yet again forgotten the name.
"We're in the Realm called Earth, in the country of the United States of America, in a state called Oregon, next to the Pacific Ocean." Cedric's words are lifeless, he voice carries no joy.
"Right, thank you again, Cedric. As you know, each royal family that took refuge in Enchancia has been transported to different countries around this planet called Earth. We are all connected by this company that Cedric and I have created together, E.T.E.A. or Enchantrix: Technology, Education, and Agriculture for all. Where our primary goal is to outreach technology to people in need of better educational opportunities and allow people in poverty-stricken areas access to agricultural resources." To Miranda, it sounds like Roland has already settled into his position nicely. Of course, when you've had months to prepare, it gives you an advantage, unlike Miranda.
"King Roland, is this a permanent venture? Are we meant to stay here for an extended amount of time, or do you perceive us returning to our own realm when the opportunity presents itself?" Baileywick asks, still standing as he had as steward of Enchania. Old habits were hard to break for everyone, Miranda supposes.
"I have tasked Cedric with the matter of looking into the possibility of returning to Enchancia one day. However, I knew that having Cedric perform the curse meant that there might not be a way back to Enchancia, and that's something we are all going to have to learn to live with. The villagers all have employment in the company and housing in this town, everyone has the same, if not better quality of life. While we're here, Baileywick, you have been given the position of Director of Human Resources, Miranda will be the C.O.O helping me run the company. And you, Cedric, will be given the job position you asked for, Outsource Marketing Manager. While Cedric looks for a possible way back to Enchancia, he will be traveling around marketing our products, gaining us new clients. Gwen has been given the title of Cheif Technology Officer, as she was decreed the Royal Inventor back in Enchancia. She is working diligently as we speak. Any questions?"
"Don't the villagers need time to adjust? Doesn't your family need time to adapt? Everything is still so new and strange, Rollie, give us time to get used to this new world." Miranda is frustrated, and in shock, she doesn't even know what those job positions are.
"I agree that it does take time to adapt, but the sooner they find a new routine, the sooner they can find new normalcy."
"May we be dismissed, Sire?" Cedric asked, his eyes appear dark even in the bright light of the library.
"You are dismissed. Miranda, would you like to join me for dinner?" Roland asks optimistically.
"In a minute, Rollie, I want to check on Sofia again." Miranda hurries out the door after Cedric.
"Cedric! Wait, please!" He halts, slowly looking at his queen. "Thank you, Cedric, for everything you've done to protect us, I don't think you've been given enough credit for saving all of us, especially Sofia. I don't know what I would do if I lost my daughter."
"Neither do I, your majesty. You are most welcome." He slightly bows and turns to leave.
"Cedric," Miranda gently touches his sleeve, "we have no authority here, we are no longer rulers, so the title is not necessary. I know how hard this must be on you too, all your magic stripped away from you, no longer being a sorcerer, I am sorry. But, I need to ask one favor, if I am?"
"If I may ask one in return?"
"Anything, Cedric, I am in your debt now too."
Cedric shakes his head in disagreement, "Please watch over Sofia very carefully. I am not the only one who has lost their magic, the Princess has lost her abilities as well, and I fear she will have a hard time transitioning without them."
"Of course Cedric, she is my daughter after all, but you should be here to tutor and instruct her as you always have the children, especially since Calista is staying here."
"In between my travels I will make sure the children are getting the best education possible, and I do greatly appreciate you allowing my niece to stay here. What is it that you ask of me?"
"I know you have already done so much for this family, Cedric, but will you do your best to find us a way home?"
"My Queen, I cannot promise something I don't know the possibility of, but as always, I will do my best."
"Thank you, Cedric, you have proven to be a great man."
*Three years later - Sofia's age - 14*
**Sofia**
Sofia flings her amulet on the floor, it wasn't fair! She could live without being royal, she could live with only the simplest things in life, materialistic value meant nothing to her. But, it wasn't fair she couldn't say goodbye to one of her dearest friends. His heart had stopped beating with her ability to talk to him stripped away. She wept at the loss of her beloved friend and pet, Clover.
"Sofia, please, it'll be okay. Clover was 12 years old, it was his time, dear."
"Why?! Mom, I didn't even get to say goodbye!" Sofia weeps, taking no comfort in her mother's words. The door creaks open as Cedric stands in the doorway.
"Oh, Cedric! Have you come back with the new outreach reports? I know Roland has been looking forward to your news. Just let me calm Sofia down, and I'll be down to meet with you."
"Actually, I already gave the reports to Roland and brought in individualized tutors for the children, since I will be gone longer this next trip. Roland told me how distraught Sofia was, and I thought maybe I could be of some assistance. That is if Sofia wants me to?" Cedric walks over and picks up the amulet. Unbeknownst to any eyes in the room, it faintly starts to glow for the first time in three years.
Sofia sniffles and wipes her eyes, "I would like that very much, Mr. Cedric."
"Good luck Cedric, strangely, nothing I say is working. I am normally better at soothing her." Miranda stands up, "I am always here if you need me."
"I k-know... Thanks, mom." Sofia sniffles. Miranda nods at her daughter as she exits the room.
"Sofia, I am terribly sorry about Clover." Cedric claps the amulet back around Sofia's neck. "It's not the amulet's fault."
"I wish this amulet had work, one time, long enough for me to be able to say goodbye. Clover was my friend, and I miss him terribly." Tears pour out of Sofia's eyes. "If you would have been here two days ago, would you have been able to make my amulet work?"
"Sofia, no matter how much I wanted to make your amulet work, there is nothing I could have done. I am genuinely sorry you weren't able to understand Clover in his final moments. I can guarantee you one thing, Princess."
Sofia blows hard into her tissue, her nose coming away red. "What's that Mr. Cedric? And, I'm not a princess anymore, remember? But that's ok, being royal isn't everything to me, like it is to Amber."
"I can guarantee that even though you couldn't understand him, Clove understood how much you loved him and how much he meant to you. He knew you would be by his side, even at the very end. You are the kindest person I have ever met Sofia, and I have no doubt that Clover thought the same as well."
Sofia started crying harder at Cedric's kind words. Sadness was a complicated emotion, Cedric's words had made her feel better, but the tears wouldn't stop. "Posiden's pumpkins, Princess! I didn't mean to make things worse, I'm so sorry." Sofia wraps her arms around Cedric, much to his surprise. He tentatively pats Sofia on her back.
"You are such a good friend, Mr. Cedric. Thank you so much. I'm so happy you came back."
**Cedric**
Cedric closes the door softly as he leaves Sofia's room, he has offered what words of comfort he had. His shirt is still damp from her tears as she hugged him. He wonders absentmindedly if such familiar gestures would be frowned upon now? No matter, he hopes that he has been of some help.
Calista waits impatiently outside Sofia's door, glaring at her uncle. "Uncle Ceddy! I thought you said you were only going to check on Sofia? You were gone for forty-five minutes!" Calista pouts, desperate for her uncle's undivided attention. "Why does she care if her silly old rabbit died! I lost my mum during the time of the curse, that's nothing compared to a rabbit, Uncle Ceddy!"
Neptune's nettles! Cedric runs his hands across his face, these girls were going to be the death of him. Cedric embraces his niece in a tight hug, he has missed her in his travels. "Calista, I know how badly you need me right now too. You were the first person I saw when I came back, and I always make time for you, dear niece, so please don't be jealous of Sofia. She is your friend and sees the best in you, no matter the situation." Cedric leads them to the window seal in the hallway. The house seems cold with its white walls and modern angled appearance, but it's how Roland wished it designed. "Try not to compare ailments, Calista."
"Whatever do you mean, Uncle Ceddy?" The eleven-year-old seems genuinely confused by his statement.
"One person can drown in seven feet of water, and another might drown in thirty feet. Just because there is less water doesn't make the person less dead. Sofia's pain is still real Calista, and you know, she has lost her biological father too, she knows your pain all too well, as does Amber and James. Please don't make her emotions seem irrelevant because of the situation. These people are our family you know, they are here for us, just as we are here for them." For the first time in a long time, Cedric feels that maybe they are family, in an odd sense of the word.
Later that night, with help from Calista, Cedric buries Clover in the garden. He couldn't bring back the dead rabbit, nor could he make Sofia's amulet give back her powers, but maybe he could make her heart a little less broken. James and Amber add the final touch with a beautiful cross they'd made.
Who knew? Maybe they are a family after all.
*One Year four Months Later - Sofia age 15*
*Christmas/Wassalia*
**Sofia**
"Happy Wassalia everyone!" Roland exclaims merrily, as Sofia and her siblings make their way down the staircase. At least they could keep one tradition from Enchancia, even if it is called by a different name in this world.
"Baileywick, join us for some blueberry pancakes, won't you?" Miranda asks. Blueberry pancakes aren't the same as goldenberry pancakes, but they taste similar enough, with some added butterscotch and caramel they are delicious.
"Are you sure, Miranda? I still have a great deal of work -"
"Baileywick, it's Wassalia, take the day off and join us!" Roland pats an extra seat.
"Finally, this is what I'm talking about! Best food on Earth!" It's been four years, and Jame's favorite foods are still pancakes.
"You, dear brother, have a very limited palate. Someday you'll expand your taste and enjoy real food."
"Uh, Amber, this is still real food," Sofia told her sister.
Amber rolled her eyes at her sister, not bothering with a retort.
After a filling breakfast, it is time to open presents. This was Sofia's favorite time of year; family matters so much more to her than any amount of gifts ever could, but she did love seeing the joy on her siblings' faces while they open their gifts. The teenagers are pleasantly surprised at the sight in the foyer. A black and silver motorbike is shinning in the corner, which apparently belongs to James. Amber lets out a squeal of excitement seeing three gorgeous gowns displayed in front of a golden full-length mirror. And at the far side of the room is a white grand piano; the sparkle of carved snowflakes gleam in the light. A purple card with silver lettering sits on the closed keyboard.
Sofia reached for the shining material.
It reads:
-Sofia, I am sorry I cannot be there for Wassalia. Please enjoy the piano, as I know how much you love music.
- Cedric
P.S. - I hope it snows.
"Cedric informed us that he's spending Chrismas with Calista in Switzerland, but he hopes you all enjoy the gifts from them. Amber, Calista picked out those dresses in Paris for you. James, that bike is the latest model be careful. And, it looks like we'll be getting Sofia piano lessons," Roland reads allowed from a card in front of him.
Sofia looks outside the picture window, warmth fills her heart as fresh snow covers the ground.
*One Year Two Months Later - Sofia's age 16*
*Valentine's Day*
**Cedric**
Roland greats Cedric and Calista with warm smiles, they have finally returned after a year and a half of travels. He offers Cedric to join him and Baileywick for a drink in his study. Miranda embraces Calista and leads her inside.
"I am so glad your journeys have been good for you, old friend!" Roland claps Cedric on the back, "You have made a profit for this company ten times over. I know your expenses are already paid in full, but why don't we discuss a raise and some added vacation time?" Cedric wishes he had been successful in other aspects of his endeavors as well, but so far he has found no new answers, only dead ends.
Cedric hates the politics of the job. At one point in time, a raise would a thrilled him, but he has enough money to allow Calista and him a stable life. However, he lets Roland babble on about what he considers fair without protests.
"So, Cedric, have you made any headway in your search for a way back to Enchancia?" Baileywick inquires off handily, even though he seems to be adjusting well to life here.
"I have a lead that Merlin gave me, after our two-week stay here, Calista and I will travel to London to see how that source holds up." Along with the new source, Merlin also gave him a warning about disastrous consequences Cedric prays are untrue. Without proof, there's no point in voicing his concerns. Cedric finishes the drink in his hand, his third one of the evening. Zeus' xylophones, those drinks have a bite!
"So there is hope yet?" Baileywick lifts up his glass. "Cheers!"
Cedric weakly toasts with an empty glass, he hopes he did not provide false optimism, though the two men don't seem to care. Every source turns up the same answers, and it is frustrating beyond belief, Cedric is ready for his luck to turn around.
"Well, ole boys, I have a date with my beautiful wife, as always you two have the night off, go out and enjoy yourself!"
Cedric follows them out of the study. He's spell struck by a heavenly tune; the enchanting sound captivates him, like magic to his ears.
He follows the sound of music to the foyer and watches as delicate hands grace the piano, dancing with their ivory keys. The blissful sound mixed with the alcohol sends him into a trance, he leans against the doorway, basking in the music.
"She's a natural, isn't she?" Cedric jerks slightly at the sound of Miranda behind him.
"Oh, yes, absolutely... Wait. What? What'd you mean? Who's playing?" Cedric questions Miranda, not comprehending what she's saying.
"Don't you recognize Sofia, Cedric?"
The former sorcerer stares at enchantress before him. Merlin's mushrooms! That couldn't be Sofia, could it? The princess was a child, the pianist in a knee-length cream-colored dress with red lace before him was not the Sofia he remembers. "No! That can't be true, is this the princess?" Cedric asks with infliction tugging at his own red bow tie that matched his vest. The universe works in mysterious ways.
Miranda laughs, "That's Sofia alright, she's grown up since you've been gone. And turning out to be quite the young lady, even without the title of princess." She reminds him that they are no longer royal.
Cedric shakes his head, the alcohol must be making him delusional. "She's always had great talent, in almost everything she's aspired to."
"You're the one who got her the piano, Cedric, go listen to her play!" Miranda nudges him towards the angelic figure gliding her fingers across the shimmering keys.
"Mr. Cedric!" Sofia gleams with excitement. "I was wondering if you were going to say hello before leaving this time."
"Why wouldn't I, Sofia?" Her dazzling azure blue eyes are making his head spin.
"I haven't seen you for over a year. I was beginning to wonder if you completely forgot who I was..." Cedric hates seeing the faint traces of sadness touch those sparkling eyes. What a strange effect they have on him, he makes a mental note to never accept drinks from Roland again.
Miranda glances at the clock, "Oh, it's getting late. Sofia, your father and I will be back late tonight, don't wait up! Cedric, Calista has already fallen asleep, you are more than welcome to stay the night here if you don't have the energy to go to your apartment, the choice is yours!"
Roland strides in the room, his arm held out for Miranda. "Well, Amber is off on her date with Axel, James is at the bonfire with his hockey team. Sofia, are you sure you don't want to join your brother?"
"No, dad, I'll let them have their championship dinner, with just the team."
"What about Ruby and Jade? Could you not make plans with them tonight?" Miranda questions her daughter.
Sofia shrugs, concealing pain from her parents, "I guess not, they already had plans. It is Valentine's day after all." She offers a small smile, trying to make the best her situation.
"I suppose that leaves you in charge of the house, Sofia. Let Cedric listen to how well you've learned to play! Have a goodnight Sofia, see you in the morning." They waved to Cedric on their way out the door, leaving him alone with Sofia.
"Did you actually think I forgot about you, Sofia?"
"Maybe you didn't forget about me, you just didn't have time to entertain the silly notion of a child anymore. Would you like to hear me play, Mr. Cedric?" An angelic voice asks him, hiding a twinge of disappointment.
"That would be lovely, Princess." Sofia was is one friend, and he hadn't been there enough for her the least he could do was hear her play.
Sofia softly laughs, "Mr. Cedric, that title no longer pertains to me. I am a simple commoner again, just as I was in the village. And you know, for the most part, it's not so bad." Her fingers gracefully tap the keys as a melody flows through the air. At that moment, Cedric is willing to bet his life that she's making magic with music. It is enchanting. It is sensational.
Suddenly, pastel purple light flickers through the room. Sofia's hands fly to the jewel hanging around her neck. Cedric clutches his chest, his heart palpating irregularly. "Mr. Cedric, did you see that?! Is my amulet working again?" Sofia asks bewildered, she looks back up at him, still clutching his heart. "Mr. Cedric are you okay?"
He not only saw the light, he felt the amulet pulsating. Like it had a heartbeat of its own. He sits back up, letting go of his chest, "I'm fine, Sofia, just a moment of exhaustion." He delicately picks up the amulet before letting go. "There's no magic in this realm, no matter how much I wish it weren't true."
Sofia's went from disappointed to concerned, "Do you want to retire to the guest room?"
"N-No, Sofia, why don't you play some more." He locks eyes with beautiful azure blue eyes, they mesmerize him. What was happening to him?
Instead of playing, she asks, "Would you like to dance?" Sofia patiently holds out her hands, the red lace delicately wrapped around him. He notices for the first time she's wearing gloves without fingers like he used to back in Enchancia, the match her dress.
"Why do you want to dance, Sofia?" He is hesitant in his response, though he finds the notion endearing.
"We used to dance at the balls in Enchancia or in the village, even if it annoyed you. I haven't danced in four years, well, not like I did in the kingdom." She looks longingly out the window, her arms now dropped to her side. "Remember when we were friends? You would help with magical homework assignments and buttercup badges. You proved we were on the same side and saved my life. But now, everything is different, and I fear that all magic has died."
He takes one of Sofia's hands in his, ready to dance. "Oh, Sofia, we are still friends." He starts to twirl her around the foyer.
"How? You don't stay to tutor us anymore, you don't talk to me, you don't let me in. You stay so far away." Tears well up in Sofia's eyes as she turns her face away.
"Don't cry, Princess. I didn't stay away to hurt you." He clears the tears from her cheek as they slowly circle around the floor. "I will always be your friend, as you have been mine. I travel the world seeking a way to get us back to Enchancia. You see, Sofia, the curse that got us hear required a soul, but I cheated a way around it. Now I fear the consequences of my actions." No matter the repercussions, he will never regret saving her. He rotates her around, catching the enthralling scent of her hair as she spins, like lavender fields with a kiss of rain.
"I didn't mean to suggest you weren't doing something useful with your time, I just selfishly miss our friendship. My parents won't tell me what happened. All I remember is trying to protect Amber, and then I woke up three weeks later. What consequences are you talking about?" Sofia's hands are soft in his, and with each pivot, she comes back to him.
"As humans, we are innately selfish, but you are the most selfless person I know. I understand how you feel, because I miss our friendship too, Sofia. You were the first real friend I had." Cedric sighs as the dance slows, but never stops. He wasn't prepared to tell her the warning Merlin gave him, or what happened during the curse, but he could be honest about himself. "The truth is, Sofia, I haven't been a good friend to you. I have been dealing with my own inner turmoil. I've spent so much time helping Calista come to terms accepting Cordelia's death, that I've never dealt with it myself. Princess, so many things happened that dreadful day, and I keep blaming myself for them."
Sofia pressed her body against Cedric in an embrace, sending a complete shock to his system. Posiden's pumpkins! That's one way to sober up. "Mr. Cedric, Cordelia's death wasn't your fault, she died protecting you, but you can't blame yourself. You were there for me when Clover died, and I know Cordelia passed away five years ago, but let me be here for you now."
Cedric allows himself to briefly hug Sofia back, "There's no need to add a prefix to my name anymore, Princess. I haven't been your tutor or royal sorcerer for a long time now, I'm just Cedric. But, I appreciate your kind words, I'll try to keep them in mind."
Their dance starts again, at Sofia's instigation, "You've never been 'just' Cedric, you're Cedric The Sensational, the greatest sorcerer in the universe. And you keep calling me a princess, even though we're no longer royals. But I will call you just Cedric if that is what you prefer."
Cedric chuckles, "Thank you, Sofia. You will always be a princess in your own right, no matter where you are."
"If you say so, just Cedric." Sofia laughs at her own joke. He shakes his head out of frustration, where he rests it against Sofia's forehead. "Can we be friends again, Cedric?"
"As I've said before, Princess, we've never stopped being friends."
"Then could you let me be there for you like normal friends are for each other?"
"Yes, I suppose that's only that right thing to do, Sofia. I'll let you in again." He stands holding her lightly, engraving the moment into his memories, never wanting to let go.
*18 months later, Sofia's 18th birthday*
**Cedric**
"By all the magic of Merlin!" Cedric paces in Roland's library running his hands across his face. His usual attire of dress clothes are making him uncomfortable itchy, the vest is too hot, and the bow tie too tight. He's put off telling them for far too long about the repercussions of the curse. But he had to make sure the sources were accurate. If the information had turned out to be false, he would have worried them for nothing. Now, after a year and a half of research, his worst fears have been confirmed.
Miranda strolls into the library, singing a melody from Enchancia, a smile brilliantly shows on her face. Cedric feels dread knowing he's going to severely upset her, on Sofia's birthday no less.
"Ah, Cedric, we're so glad you and Calista could make it back in time for Sofia's birthday! She's been talking about it for weeks. Now, what news would you like to talk about before her party?" Miranda face suddenly sinks when she sees Cedric's appearance. "Oh, no, what's happened? Can we not return home?"
"Miranda, I do hope Roland has explained to you what The Curse Of The Realms requires to open the divide?"
"He said that it was supposed to require a soul, but that you found a way around it."
Cedric looks around, "Is Roland not joining us?"
"He's finishing up last minute paperwork before the party. What's going on Cedric?" Miranda's voice is stern.
Cedric wears a downcast expression, unable to look Miranda in the eyes. "I didn't find a way around it, I found a way to cheat the curse from obtaining a soul." He profoundly sighs, finding the bravery to look at Miranda directly. "The Cruse Of The Realms required the blood of magic and the willing sacrifice of a soul that was pure of heart. I tried time and again to talk him out of it, but he just wouldn't listen. Roland was prepared to give his own soul for the curse to work, no matter how many times I told him it would never be accepted. There was only one soul the curse would take to open the divide."
Miranda gaps, "Sofia!"
"Precisely. I would have never let anyone harm, I would have traded my life for hers. But when Prisma struck Sofia with lighting, I did the only thing I could. I used the curse so that Sofia's soul would slowly exit the body instead of quickly disappearing. I needed time to do the holding spell. Once I knew her soul had been saved, I trapped it into the amulet so it wouldn't be consumed by the curse. There was a crack that permeated the jewel. I used part of my own soul to seal the break, to prevent Sofia's soul from escaping. So, the curse never claimed it's soul. The divide opened and closed without its sacrifice."
"So, you did find a way around the curse."
Cedric shakes his head, imploring her to understand. "No. There a physics saying this realm, 'for every action, there's an equal and opposite reaction.' Well, magic doesn't always have an equal opposite reaction, it will take whatever magnitude of revenge it wants. With the help of Merlin, I was able to find a book he had hidden in this world long ago. In the script, it told of a warning, should the curse not be fed. It will destroy the combined realms, consuming all the souls for its revenge, unless those that don't belong return to where they once were, offering a soul of forgiveness as a tribute for the divide."
"We have to return to Enchancia! How do we get back home, Cedric?! How do we get everyone through the divide safely?!" Miranda shook with fear.
"Once the realm is open, it will pull in everyone from Enchancia, my magic spores will still have traces in those that were transported. However, I don't know how to open the divide again, but the curse will demand its soul."
Tears stream down Miranda's face. "I won't let my daughter be sacrificed!"
Cedric grips Miranda's shoulders tightly. A flashback of memories hit him. Miranda wears the same expression as Cordelia had, as he clutches her the same way. He closes his eyes and lets his arms drop. "I will give my soul to the divide. I care too deeply for Sofia to allow her soul to be taken. I will do everything possible to keep her safe. Our souls are locked in her amulet to protect hers. When the times comes, I will die to save her."
Miranda collapses in a chair, overwhelmed with shock. "We can't tell Sofia this on her birthday."
Cedric raises his brows, "Do we have to tell her at all? Can we save her from this pain, and just keep this secret from her? She's done so much for so many people, she should be spared from this knowledge. If it's another way I can protect her, it's a secret I am willing to bear alone."
Miranda nods as she considers his suggestion, then she looks at him with empathy. "You love Sofia, don't you?"
Cedric's eyes widen at the acquisition, he waves his hands vigorously back and forth. Neptune's nettles! "No, no, no, Miranda it's not like that. I couldn't... I shouldn't... It would be impossible... I'm not right for her."
"Love is a strange thing, Cedric. It's often unexpected and appears at the most unusual times. I am not condemning you for loving my daughter, I've seen the way you look at her, and how you've kept your distance. I don't think you would ever intentionally hurt her, all I ask is that you respect her wishes. I think you have great intentions of protecting her, but you may come to find she doesn't need quite as much protection as you believe. Especially when it comes to keeping secrets from her, but I'll let you decide when to tell Sofia. She's no longer a child."
"You don't hate me, for my feelings toward Sofia?" He sounds genuinely shocked.
"No, I don't hate you, Cedric. Love is love. You've never done anything but protect my daughter, saving her life multiple times. Just respect her wishes, or there will be problems."
"I would never hurt her, your majesty. Thank you for your understanding."
From a distance, the former sorcerer watches a stunning pianist, wrapped in shades of purple and white. If there was any magic left in this world, she was the embodiment of it. This past year he's made more of an effort to talk to her like they had before. He's let her in since that night they dance. In the last six months feelings have touched him, feelings that he has not felt in a great many years, since his days at Hexley Halls. Fear of what they mean prickles the back of his mind. But for now, he's soothed by the magical music filling his ears in a room full of people. Azure eyes lock was his as Sofia gracious him with a smile solely meant for him.
"This cake is terrific Amber! You know how through a fabulous party," Calista says to golden-haired vixen. Amber would always have the beauty of a royal, but Sofia's natural allure far surpassed anyone he's ever met.
"Aw, thank you, Calista! I am surprised I was able to take a break from my university classes, but my sister is worth it. I'll make sure you have a dazzling 18th birthday too... Oh! Or how about a fabulous sweet sixteen?!" Amber was indeed in her element, mingling with people, making small talk, something that brought Cedric disdain. But, he would be here for Sofia, that's what friends are for after all.
"Oh, sorry Calista, just trying to reach more cake." The once prince accidentally collided with Calista in an attempt to obtain more food.
"James, watch where you're going, it's rude to run into people like that," Amber spat at her twin brother.
"I said I was sorry, Amber, you don't have to make a big deal out of everything you know."
"It's alright James, I know you didn't mean too." Calista blushed at James' touch. Zeus' xylophones, he inwardly swore. He was not prepared for this phase of raising Calista.
"Cedric, there you are! I'm so sorry I haven't said hi sooner, with everyone Amber invited it's been hard to get away." Ah, the birthday girl finally makes her over to him.
"Happy birthday, Sofia. I hope it's been a good one." Sofia lightly takes his hands, and he sees she's wearing pale lilac gloves, with the fingers missing. There's no longer a child looking up at him, but a woman with all the beauty of an enchantress.
"It's a little overwhelming, but it's the best, really." She offers him another breathtaking smile.
"Sofia, come dance with us!" A grown Ruby and Jade pull Sofia over to the dance floor. Cedric knew how much Sofia enjoys dancing, and how rarely it happens for her.
"I'm sorry Cedric, I'll talk to you later, okay?"
"Have fun... Princess." He looks fondly after her.
"She's not a princess anymore, Uncle Ceddy."
"I know, Calista, I know..."
At seven in the evening, the party begins to wind down, and Cedric has yet to talk with Sofia again. He is about to leave when Sofia runs up to him. "Cedric!"
"Oh, there you are Sofia, it seems like you've had a lovely time," Cedric beams at her, just knowing she has had fun is enough enjoyment for him.
"It would have been better if I got to at least talk to you."
"Oh, that's alright. It's no big deal, really."
"James wants to take me for a ride on his motorbike. I wish I hadn't agreed, I'd prefer to spend time with you."
"Go, have fun on a ride with your brother, he's leaving for the military soon, isn't he? Just wear a helmet, Sofia."
"Will you meet me back at the house later tonight? Please?"
Cedric cannot ignore Sofia's pleading requests. "Alright, if that is what you wish."
"Great! Meet me on the back porch, it looks lovely in the moonlight!" Unexpectedly, Sofia leans in and kisses Cedric on the check, "Thank you, Cedric."
"Anything for you, Sofia." Cedric touches his skin where her lips kissed him as Sofia runs off with her brother.
He almost doesn't show up. He starts to leave his apartment and then turns around. "Finnigan's fungus!" He curses loudly. "I have to go, it's her birthday... No, no, I can't. I don't trust myself with her, what if I hurt her? But not going to see her would hurt her..." He paces his small apartment and wipes his hands across his face, desperation eating at him. "What do I do? I want to go, but what if I want to go for the wrong reasons?" He sighs. "Oh, Sofia..." If the realms are going to be destroyed, he should spend time with someone he... with someone he loves.
He flys down the few streets that separate their houses in his black BMW, a present Roland insisted on giving him for a job well done. This is the right thing to do, Cedric convinces himself.
He parks crocked in the driveway and dashes around towards the back and punches in the security code to get into the fence.
She's sitting in the screened in back porch, moonlight reflecting off her cream colored skin. The incarnation of all that is magic.
Electricity flows through him when she realizes he's there. Sofia opens the screen door into a room filled with lush green plants and colorful flowers. "Cedric, you came! I thought... Well, it doesn't matter you're here now." The Sofia in front of him wears a lilac colored camisole that barely goes down to her thighs. Cedric struggles to keep his eyes from wondering.
"I'm sorry I'm late, Sofia. I don't really have a good excuse, but I'm here now."
"Thank you for coming," Sofia beams and guides him to the long sofa located at the back of the room.
"It's was the right thing to do, it's where I should be."
"I'm glad you think so." She holds his hand in hers, "Can you tell me something, Cedric?"
"What is it, Princess?"
She shakes her head at the title. "Why do you look so sad? Even when you smile, there's a hint of sadness that touches it, like something's eating at you. Through messages and calls we exchange for the last six months, it feels like something's changed. Please, you said you'd let me in, talk to me."
"It's your birthday, Sofia, there's no need to trouble you with such dark thoughts."
"It doesn't matter, I had a great birthday, now I want to spend the last hour of it with you. So, talk to me. I'm here."
Cedric isn't ready to tell her the repercussions of the curse. He doesn't want to say to her that he's going to give up his life in return for hers. Not tonight. It was his secret to bare, not hers. He drops their hands and tries to think of what to say.
Sofia makes him face her. "Say something, Cedric."
"Sofia, you mean the world to me."
She blushes a little bit and smirks. "I don't think that's what you have hidden behind your eyes." Her grin widens, and she quickly sets a kiss on his lips before pulling away.
He stupidly stares at her in disbelieve, "Sof-Sofia..."
"Tell me what's wrong, even if I can't fix it, I can at least listen."
Cedric reaches out to touch her hair, knowing he's treading deep water. "Sofia, would you like to know what happened the day of the curse?"
"Is that what's been troubling you?" She leans against his hand.
"Yes." It might not have been the primary issue at hand, but it is something that still haunts him deeply.
"Then I'm all ears."
With a deep breath and borrowed courage, he begins the tale of The Curse Of The Realms, keeping as true to the story as his truth allows and prays for her understanding and forgiveness.
