The days pass with little incident for the following fortnight. Sofia visits Cedic often and tries to be as helpful as she can. One evening as winter is giving away to spring, she stands staring at his bookshelf, lost in thought as he tinkers with an experimental potion for the King.
"Were you looking for something, Princess?"
She gives a small start. "Oh! Oh, no sorry I was just thinking."
"You could probably continue thinking NOT in front of the bookshelf, yes?" Sofia notices he is very close and eyeing the books as well.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Cedric." She backs away to allow him access to his books. He chooses a dusty green tome and carries it back to his table across the room.
She stares after him for a moment and then starts, "I was just thinking my birthday is next week and Amber is planning this grand party and she wants to invite a lot of new people she has been meeting since she started courting Prince Zandar and..." She trails off. Where in the world would she go with this?
She sees his hands stop moving and his body tense slightly. In his usual smarmy tone, "Yes, yes and you're telling me this becaaaauuse..."
"I was just thinking there will be a lot of people there I don't know and it would just be nice to know I have friends there too..." Her cheeks feel hot and she knows she is absolutely pink. She turns back to the books and pretends to casually flip through them.
"Then you should invite friends of your own. Really, Princess Sofia, you are a bright girl. You didn't need MY advice for that..."
"No I know it's just since Ruby started dating this boy from the Village and Princess Hildegarde is really more Amber's friend than mine and Jade, I mean love Jade but we aren't close like we used to be..." She is droning and she knows it. She hears herself keep talking as she continues to study absolutely nothing about the books.
She finally finds her conclusion and spits it out into the chilly tower room "... so I was hoping you would come as my guest because really you're kind of my favorite friend!" She bites her lip and her eyes squint closed.
The silence is deafening.
Across the room, Cedric is still turned away from the girl. His hands are pressed hard against the top of the desk and his head hangs slightly. He turns his head and starts to quip one of his usual remarks. I'm not your friend, I'm the Royal Sorcerer. I'm sure I will HAVE to attend your little party to do parlor tricks anyway. If you insist, afterall I just live to please the royal family...
Except when he turns he sees her face and he can't. Still turned away, she has glanced over her shoulder. Her lips slightly parted and her eyes soft as a doe. The pink blush in her cheek deepens when he looks her direction.
Her turns back and picks up a vial as casually as he can manage, "Of course, Princess Sofia. I wouldn't miss it." It sounds curt. More than he means but at least the thought is positive.
Sofia turns away again and picks up a book. Any book. It doesn't matter. "Thank you, Mr. Cedric, it will be much more fun with you there."
The grin remains on her face for a full day.
************************************
The party to celebrate the birth of Princess Sofia the First of Enchancia is to be a huge affair. This event in particular, being the first the pretty royal is acceptable for courtship and offers of marriage, is much more than the typical party held in her honor. This is more about the kingdom, and to an extent, surrounding kingdoms, than it is about the princess.
Sofia on the other hand, is far less concerned about the evening than the departure of the inhabitant at the top of the tallest tower. It weighs on her mind and with each day his leaving draws a little closer. She is still expected to attend classes at Royal Preparatory Academy and keep other social engagements. But every other moment is spend with her friend. Occasionally she convinces him to venture to the gardens to gather herbs, flowers, and other potion ingredients. But mostly they stay in his tower. They speak more as the days wear on. Cedric opens up like a rose when he begins to discuss magic and what he will soon embark upon with the council. Sofia asks a great many questions, hungry for more information about magic in general because she loves it, but also desperate to know more about Cedric and how he will spend his days once he is gone.
When the afternoon of her birthday arrives she is where she usually spends her afternoons. She notices the sun starting to dip behind the tower.
"I guess I should head back to my room to change. The party is starting soon and guests will begin to arrive."
Cedric, who has been engulfed in his potion almost forgot what "party" to which she is referring. Then he remembers and a feeling of anxiety roils inside him. "Oh yes very well I will..." He pauses and swallows a little. "..I will see you at the party then."
Sofia smiles as she removes her robe and places it back on the wall. "You shouldn't wear your robe tonight either."
He glances at her, "Whyever not?"
"Because you're coming as my friend, not the Royal Sorcerer. You are officially off duty when you walk into the ballroom."
The thought of this type of event with a lot of trumped up royals tends to bring back that old bitterness. He mutters, "yes well wouldn't want anyone to think I am there for their amusement."
"Except mine of course." She grins a slightly devilish grin. It feels delicious to tease him.
With that she turns and leaves.
The comment alone might have passed over his head but that mischevious look... that was unmistakable.
"Be careful, Cedric. Her school girl crush is a good way to end up in the gallows." He thinks to himself, having picked up on some of her flirtation over the past days. She might be "of age" to the Kingdom but never for a servant of the realm.
Still she had been very pleasant company. It's hard to know what lonely is until you have someone come and sweep it away. He did not relish the looming fact that he would be leaving his only companion very soon and, if she is courted and her hand won in the coming years, this might be his last few weeks to enjoy the life she brings to his dark tower.
**************
In the ballroom, Sofia finds herself center stage. Amber has dressed her for the evening. "Sofia, I'm so pleased to see you have been branching out from those fluffy purple gowns but tonight is special. I have invited the young princes from every kingdom! You could be positioned to be courted by the end of the night!" She had squealed at that, clasping her hands and squinting her eyes in that cute way she has since she was a girl. To her , this is serious business. Amber always wanted to be the first to do something, her selfish streak running just as strong as when she was 9 years old, but she had a big heart once her own place was secure.
Amber had chosen a deep green gown for Sofia. Embellished with trims of gold and more than a little revealing at the bust, Sofia did not feel as comfortable as she would have liked. The body fit was similar to the tapestry gown she had worn for Cedric's announcement to her Father, except the waist corseted tighter and the neckline scooped deeper. Her purple amulet lay against her skin, all that was left of her girlish attire. Amber insisted she pull her hair off her neck to show off her mostly bare shoulders.
Now she stands greeting visitors to her own party and she does not even know their names.
The music has started, people are beginning to dance. She has more than a few offers. Many she accepts politely. Some of the princes are old friends. She dances with Desmond and Jin and even Zandar, in a purely future-brother-in-law fashion. But her eyes never stray far from the ballroom door. If he doesn't come, she will know she has been right all this time: He can't possibly see her as anything more than the child that hangs around his tower. She is smiling at this random prince whom she has just met but there is no smile in her eyes.
As the evening wears on, some of the guests begin to take their leave. Those closest to her can see Sofia is not having the best evening but no one else could ever tell. Her Mother assumes it is due to the grand affair being so large and over-bearing. Her kind-hearted daughter always preferred intimate gatherings over the pomp and circumstance expected of the royal family. Her Father believes she is nervous over the possibility of a prince asking his blessing to court the girl. Roland is royalty through and through but marrying Miranda brought a new perspective to his life and he tries to remember Sofia was not always a part of this world of proper behavior and expectations.
Amber would know her well enough to tell but she is otherwise engaged, swirling across the dance floor in Zandar's arms, waiting for the official proposal she expects any day...
Princess Sofia is bidding a farewell to Princess Hildegarde, who arrived scandalously without her family but in her own private coach. "I'm a woman now, why do I need a chaperone to a neighboring kingdom's event?" She had mused haughtily.
As Sofia curtsies her farewell from the doorway to the room, she notices a flicker of movement down the hall and turns to find Cedric approaching slowly. Sofia's heart flutters but she is also hurt and a little angry. The party is nearing its end. She bows her head towards her friend but does not walk to meet him, making him come to her for once.
When Cedric sees her, he stops. She is laughing with one of those insufferable little Princesses from her Academy. His distaste for the other girl and all she represents, however, is a distant thought. He is enraptured. His feet stop moving for a moment as he takes her in. He slowly begins his approach once more just as she turns and sees him. The smile fades from her lips a little. When she turns to face him her body is rigid and tall. A lady proper in emerald green. When he finally reaches her he stops and... should he bow? He does. It seems appropriate for the event, for his tardiness, and for her stunning presence.
"Good evening, Princess Sofia, and happy Birthday." He smiles a little. A nervous, boyish smile.
"Thank you, Mr. Cedric." A beat. "I'm glad you could make it."
She sounds more cold than he has ever heard and he knows good and well why. But his pride fights his heart, as pride typically will.
"Yes well I had a lot of work to do. I leave for the council soon and can't seem to get any work done during the day what with all the potion ingredient excursions." He regrets it immediately as her smile finishes its slow departure from her face.
"I'm sorry I took you away from your work for a frivolous birthday party then."
"No, I - I apologize, Princess Sofia." He hangs his head a moment, closes his eyes and takes in a breath.
"I really was working on something however and.. it doesn't matter. Shall we, Your Highness?" He offers his arm to escort her back to the room. She seems to hesitate before taking it and following him back into the ballroom.
"I want you to meet someone." She looks up at him and some of the warmth has returned to her face.
***********************************
For Sofia, the remainder of the evening passes much more quickly than the beginning. She introduces Cedric to sorcerers from other Kingdoms, many of whom have been drug to this event by their Kings and Queens as little more than a trophy. She continues to politely accept dance offers from her guests but quickly returns to Cedric once the music stops. She doesn't ask him to dance nor does he offer. It would most likely not be well received by the various royals and she is fairly certain he would decline anyway.
As the last guests say their goodbyes, Sofia's family has already retired for the evening as well. Except Amber, snuggled in the corner of the room, eyes on Zandar and lost in his gaze.
"So what were you working on?"
Cedric is panning the room from their table near the door, watching the staff begin to clear away the mountainous dishes of food. "What was I... oh before I arrived?"
She looks at him expectantly and nods.
Cedric rubs the back of his neck with his hand. A nervous tick he has had since she has known him and Sofia finds it adorable.
"Well actually, Princess, it was... it was your Birthday gift."
Her smile broadens and her eyes gleam. She hugs him quickly then steps back, noticing a member of the staff watching from the corner of her eye. "Why didn't you tell me that? That's a much more acceptable reason to be late to someone's Birthday you know."
"It didn't really seem acceptable either way so I thought I'd not spoil the gift as well as the evening." He smirks down at her. "Would you like to see it?"
"Yes! Did you bring it with you? Is it in your tower?"
"I'll show you." He gestures to the door.
Cedric shows the princess to the door then leads her down the hall and out onto a stone promenade, just off the east wing.
Once outside the castle, the chilly spring air sends a shiver down Sofia's back and she wraps her arms around herself.
"I'm sorry, Princess I should have mentioned to bring a wrap." Before she can speak, he has removed his doublet and draped it over her shoulders.
"Oh, no really, now you'll be cold."
"I'm perfectly comfortable." He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a tiny box and opens it, presenting it to her rather than handing it over. Inside is a small cluster of irregular blue crystals.
She looks at him, the question in her eyes before it leaves her lips, "what are they?"
"Watch."
Cedric turns the box back to himself and gingerly picks up one small crystal. "You have to be careful when you pick them up. They are extremely delicate."
He holds the stone between his thumb and forefinger and extends his arm between them. He squeezes and the crystal disintegrates. A swirl of soft wind and snow envelopes them both, quickly gathering white powder on the ground around them and falling from the air in beautiful soft flakes.
"I won't be here for Wassailia this year, Princess. I can't cast a spell for snow if it doesn't come and I know you like the holiday much more this way."
Sofia lifts her face into the falling snow and closes her eyes. She breathes in the air and then looks back at him, in wonder. "Thank you, Cedric." The loss of a respectful title before his name is not lost on the sorcerer. This is a private moment just for them and he gives her a genuine smile.
"You're welcome... Sofia. Happy birthday."
They stand that way for some time, watching the snow fall on the stone until the spell fades and the snow begins to melt.
************************************
The days pass quickly and the spring brings obligations to Sofia in various forms. Flying Derby season begins again, various spring festivals and balls pull her from Enchancia to neighboring kingdoms, and the world awakes to warm days.
Cedric noticed her absence more than he ever had. He busies himself with various projects but one in particular takes more time than he probably should have even allowed, often neglecting matters of the state.
On the day of his departure, he gathers his necessary books, wands, and personal effects and makes his way to the awaiting coach that will take him to harbor. He would cross the seas on one of Enchancia's royal ships, King Roland making a large show of what he referred to as the "honor" the council had shown him. Cedric is pleased the king is proud. At the least, it had made it easier the last few weeks to spend time he wanted on personal projects, using preparations for the council as a standard excuse.
Sofia had come to his tower for the last time the night before to say a private goodbye, knowing his send off today would be a public affair. She had hugged him. Nothing unheard of between the pair except this time, he didn't stiffen or push her away. He wrapped his arms around her and lowered his head, placing his cheek against her auburn hair. It was still brief as is appropriate, but it was more affection than he had shown anyone in a long time. Sofia would miss him she says but he fears he will find a void in her wake he will never fill. His return will most likely greet him with the sight of her, arm in arm with her as-yet discovered suitor. The thought makes him a little angry, but mostly fills him with sorrow and dread. She could never be his... his what?
His lover?
His wife?
But she had assuredly been his friend and even that will most likely be fleeting.
Cedric walks through the massive palace doors to find the royal family waiting to send him off. Princess Amber holds her head high but gives him a nod, pretty high regard for the Princess who only curtsies to royalty. Roland shakes his hand and Miranda bows slightly, wishing him well on his journey and success in his craft. James give him a vigorous handshake, more attentive than usual, "I hope you learn some really cool magic!" He claps him on the back nearly sending Cedric off balance.
At the end he sees Sofia. She has on a brave face but he knows her enough to see the sadness in her eyes. She flashes him a bright smile, "Good luck, Mr. Cedric! I'll make sure your tower is kept nice while you're away!"
He smiles and bows to her. "Thank you, Princess Sofia. It has certainly been more organized since you started visiting for magic lessons." Sofia uses her magic classes at Royal Prep as an excuse for spending so much time with the sorcerer and he thinks this comment will make their exchange appropriately innocent.
The truth is he wants to grab her waist and pull her close, devouring her mouth in a kiss befitting the loss he feels at this farewell.
Outwardly he is rigid and unmoved. He rises from the bow and walks away with barely another glance at her face. There. He had done it. "Now, in the coach and leave before I do something foolish", he thinks.
He climbs into the carriage and closes the door behind him, slumping into the seat out of view to take a deep breath.
The family turns and walks back to their castle and their lives. The youngest princess stays until the carriage is out of view and then even after it is gone. Slowly she turns back and walks to her room. She does not come out until dinner when she feels more collected, and the light in her eyes is a little dimmer in the days to come.