Cedric had gotten lost in his memories, history swirling around in his head undigested and raw. It was not long before Sofia was back in his tower workshop, armed with dinner. It would be a welcome distraction for him and he enjoyed their dinners together in his workshop.
Sofia had always made it a point to make their shared dinners herself. She enjoyed the perks of being a Princess but she was most enthralled with being able to accomplish things on her own accord. If she was honest with herself, she took great pleasure in making some of Cedric's favorite meals; tonight's was baked chicken, pureed parsnips, and peas.
Cedric had already starting clearing their usual bench of his things as Sofia started to unpack her quaint little basket of goodies. She laid out her perfect spread, smiling triumphantly before sitting down with Cedric.
"You look deep in thought, what's wrong?" Sofia asked as she started to cut her chicken.
"I see you're going to deny me yet another meal in silence?" Cedric quipped. He knew it would get him pursed lips and a raised eyebrow.
"Don't make me have to work at this Mister Ceeeedric," she said, complete with a perfect side-smirk.
Cedric's face was deadpan; clearly not amused with Sofia's antics. It occurred to her that he must really be bothered…
"Cedric, what's the matter? Please don't."
"Sofia, it has been a long day…"
"So you're just going to draw further into yourself and let whatever it is eat away from you on the inside?"
Sofia's look had gone from playful to skeptical. Cedric knew she was right and if there was anyone he wanted to confide in, it would be her.
"You know, I can always tell when you make dinner yourself."
"So, you're going to change the subject huh," she said looking down and smiling, "not as suave as you think."
"It is working, isn't it?"
"Touché. So how can you tell?"
"How can I tell what?"
"That I make dinner myself. What makes you think I would go through all the trouble just to cook for you?"
"It tastes different."
"Oh?" Sofia put on her best disappointed look.
"Umm, I don't think I am explaining this right…" Cedric started to shift in his chair, slightly uncomfortable and at a loss for words.
"Told you that you're not as suave as you think," Sofia said without missing a beat.
"Why you! I'll have you know that I am as sly and smooth as they come!"
Sofia couldn't contain her laughter and Cedric soon joined in with his own; he loved their dinners together for this very reason.
"Really, though, do you like it?"
"It is lovely. I love when you cook. It feels like home, but not."
"Is that a good or a bad thing?"
"It is perfect. Every bite is like a warm hug; you can tell it was made with love."
Sofia started to blush and Cedric immediately felt a tightening in his throat.
"Uhh, well, Princess, what I meant to say is that, uh, this is what I imagine my Mummy's food would have tasted like…had she cooked." He was not doing himself any favors and realized that maybe he opened up about his home life just a touch more than he had intended.
Sofia giggled shyly, "Well, I am glad you like it and I really do love cooking for you."
Now it was Cedric's turn to blush. They both took the next few bites quietly, each trying to think of how to start a conversation without it seeming awkward.
"Princess," Cedric began thoughtfully, "you asked me earlier what was bothering me and I don't know why I didn't answer you."
"Because that is just the way you are. I know we've spent a lot of years getting to know each other but I still expect walls that I haven't quite breached yet."
Although he shouldn't have been, Cedric sat partially stunned. He hadn't expected such an honest answer, even though those are all that he had come to know from the Princess.
"Sofia, it is hard to discuss my father in a logical manner but when you're here to listen it just flows naturally. I mean it always came easy to talk about these things with you, even when you were a young child."
"Well, of course it was. Who else would pester you as much as me?" Sofia tried to ease the tension in Cedric's tone. Cedric smiled and breathed deep, relieved that he had someone who worked so hard to comfort him in his life.
"The truth is that I get wrapped up sometimes. I feel like no matter how steadfast I have become, I will never be anything but Goodwin the Great's son. It is hard to erase my reputation as a fool and harder still to prove that I am able to stand alone."
There was a moment of silence and Cedric felt relief.
"You know, you will always be Cedric the Sensational to me." Her smile was humble and genuine with a touch of tenderness that enveloped Cedric into its folds. Cedric caught himself lingering too long and cast his eyes downward to his nearly finished diner.
"I am almost certain, Princess, that you are directly responsible for my personal ascension."
Out of the corner of his eye he watched her hand reach across the table for his. She squeezed his hand tightly and even the little exposure that his gloves gave to his hands was enough to make his heart beat a little faster.