Even his dreams teased Prince Cedric with images of Sofia. Nothing sordid, mind you. He dreamt of her hands lovingly caressing his hair and face as they lay together in bliss, that heavenly smile meant for no one but him and puckered lips moving closer to his own for a taste at paradise.
That was of course when he woke up, his arm outstretched for the phantom angel in the unlikely hope he'd catch her and get that kiss before she vanished entirely, but man did not possess such speed, nor the ability to fall back asleep once thoroughly rested. He groaned, realizing he now had morning wood to deal with, and flopped back into his pillows before realizing he need not lament when Sofia was right as his side.
A quick glance to his left and the stinging sight of an empty bedside made him sit up again. He looked towards the washroom, thinking since she was usually awake before him, perhaps she was already tidying up for the day, but no sliver of light shone from under the door.
He realized he was alone and his cock softened.
The first thought that came to mind were the events of last night. Had she awoken with regret? Repulsion? His rational mind tried to argue otherwise, but he was already donning a dressing robe and his slippers to go down the hall to Sofia's personal chambers. He walked swiftly, trying not to run, trying not to look like he was about to fall apart if he didn't find her. Despite Sofia's scolding the night before, he threw open her chamber door without knocking and found the room dark with no sign she'd returned to it at all.
The absolute worst thought that he'd sent her fleeing from the castle now crept into his mind, plummeting his self-esteem and blaming his disgusting body for this latest disaster.
"Your highness?" Violet, his chamber maid, called to him as she came down the hall with the breakfast cart. "Is everything alright, sir?"
"Sofia… she's gone…" Was all he could get out.
"Course sir, she's gone," Violet said matter-of-factly. "Tis Sunday, my lord. She's back home for the day."
"Sunday…" Cedric heaved a sigh of relief, pushing his hands through his hair as he regained his composure and cursed his melodrama. "Ah, yes. I was merely concerned she was gone so early."
Violet raised a doubtful eyebrow, but said nothing on the subject. "Rises with the sun that one. Doesn't like to waste a day."
"No… No she doesn't," Cedric agreed, walking with the maid back to his chambers to enjoy his breakfast at his leisure, only he was already missing the company of his… well, what even was Sofia now? A friend? Friends don't masturbate the other for friendship's sake, but calling her his lover or mistress seemed a stretch as well. Well, nouns aside, his Sofia was not there and the absence was noticeable. Even when she was just quietly sitting in the room with him, she brought an aura with her that relaxed him where as it was too easy for his own to make him uncomfortable.
Damn it all, he cursed the morning news as he slapped the papers down and pushed aside his tray. That little cherub needed her own reminder of proper manners, he decided as he got dressed in simple clothes for the day. Leaving without saying anything was simply rude, and he was going to tell her such as soon as possible.
One of the perks of being an unbeloved prince was his presence was barely noticed when he slipped into the village looking over the address on the small slip of paper the coachman had given him. Dressed like a commoner, people didn't look twice at the strange man wandering through the cobblestone streets, needing to get on with their early morning visits to market.
Cedric knew he was getting close when he caught the smell of freshly baked bread in the air, the coaxing aroma taking him to the humble Winslow Bakery off the main road through town and down a short side street. Customers were lined up around the block and he found himself having to wait in said line just to get in.
What felt like hours was really only ten minutes, but when at last Cedric got his foot in the door and saw the chaos of loaves being exchanged for coin, he felt ridiculously out of place. This wasn't a world he was used to and it showed when the man behind him bumped his shoulder and crammed him against the window.
"No pushing, please," the matron of the establishment calmed the crowd and offered her aid. "Sir, please come around this way."
He took her lifeline and followed it to the counter, grabbing hold of it as not to be carried away into the chaos again.
'What can I get you?" Miranda asked.
"Your daughter," he said directly.
Miranda looked at him suspiciously for a moment before the realization of who he was sunk in and her eyes widened. Not wanting to put more of a frenzy into the shop, she lifted the counter to let him enter and pointed towards the back.
"Who was that, Mom?" James asked, able to trade bread for coin and talk at the same time.
"Let's take care of the morning rush first," Miranda instructed, trying to maintain her own calm.
Cedric still felt like he was in an alien world as he entered the hot kitchens with its many ovens fired up to bake their contents. He saw a man kneading a large quantity of dough at one table while at the other two women, Sofia and her sister, molded, cut, and decorated baked goods going both in and out of the oven.
The blond paid no attention to the stranger in their midst as she finished scoring a tray of buns and popped them into the oven and taking a finished tray out. She moved passed him with the tray to take to the counter where their freshness guaranteed a quick sale.
He cleared his throat as he approached Sofia's table, catching her attention as she looked up from the croissants she was rolling.
"What are you doing here?!" She asked in surprise.
"Don't you know it's rude to leave a man's bed, royal or not, without informing him of your departure?" He asked, sounding too arrogant even for his own liking.
"I get to spend Sundays with my family, and as you can see, we're very busy."
He wondered just when she had slipped out of bed and come here. It must have been long before dawn given the redness in her face from the oven heat and the amount of flour caked over her apron and hands, and yet to see her like this was captivating in its own unique way. She was a peasant, his brain reminded him, and this was her world, not the comfort of his bed or the finery of his castle, just a humble bakery.
"Would you move!" Amber practically shoved Cedric to the floor as she scurried past him with an empty tray in need of refilling. "Daddy, is that dough ready?"
"Look," Sofia brought Cedric's attention back to her. "Go out that door behind me and sit. The morning rush will die down soon, but we have to get these done."
Now wasn't the time to argue, Cedric sensed and he obeyed her, going through the small doorway and into living quarters of the family. He took a seat at their kitchen table, a simple wooden one with no polished finish or detailed carvings. He surmised it wouldn't take him long to examine his surroundings given the lack of intricacy to the crown molding or pattern to the rug in the adjoining living room. It was so basic, but the thought of this being Sofia's dwelling made it somewhat charming. It suited her completely as a place she could forget her manners, touch without hesitation, and love however she wanted.
He'd grown up rather close with his family, true, but being royals their walls always held the reminder of their responsibilities both to their kingdoms and fellow royals. He always had to be cordial and courteous, any touch with others was usually a firm handshake, or in the case of certain countries, a kiss to the cheek or back of the palm, and love… well, in a world of arranged marriages, love was something you had to work towards achieving with your partner. Over forty years of marriage and Cedric still wasn't sure if his parents loved each other yet.
He stayed lost in thought until he noticed movement out of his peripheral as Sofia came through the door, pulling the protective kerchief from her hair and using it to wipe away flour and sweat from her cheeks. She crossed the room to the sink and pumped herself a glass of water from the faucet, drinking down an entire glass and then half of another after she refilled it.
"Ah!" She exhaled, her thirst quenched. "Sorry about all that. Sunday tends to be the busiest day."
"You must sell an excellent product to have so many customers," Cedric stood as she approached him.
"I'm not one to brag, but yes, it is pretty good," Sofia smiled proudly.
"I also noticed something I'm curious about."
"Oh? And what managed to capture your attention, my prince?" Sofia asked, a little snide, but forgivably so.
"The surname on the sign. I thought your last name was Balthasar."
"It is," Sofia nodded, smile fading somewhat. "Roland Winslow is my step-father. My birth father was a sailor, and he was lost at sea when I was five. I don't really remember him, so his last name is the only thing I still have to remind me of him. That's all."
"Oh… I… I didn't mean…" he fumbled apologetically.
"No, it's alright. You're not the first to ask that question," she assured him. "Now, care to enlighten me as to why you're here instead of at the castle?"
'I missed you' seemed a tad strong a response, so Cedric cleared his throat to stall as he thought up something reasonable. "I thought it'd be enlightening as future king to see the plight of the common man. If you were going to be in the village anyway, it's two birds with one stone."
Royalty and practicality didn't usually go together, Sofia thought, but accepted his explanation. "An impromptu decision, I'm guessing?"
"There was little forethought, yes," he admitted, his expression slowly turning into a grin as she forgot about the annoyance of his sudden appearance and chose to enjoy the surprise of his visit.
"I see we'll need to work on that," she laughed a little with him until they both felt like they were being watched and turned to the door where Sofia's family was watching for the right opportunity to interrupt the two. "Alright, c'mon you guys. He's not going to bite."
"I might," Cedric teased so only Sofia could hear, making the girl giggle and blush.
"Prince Cedric, these are my parents, Miranda and Roland," Sofia introduced as the four stepped forward. "My sister Amber, and my brother, James."
"A pleasure to meet you all," Cedric gave a polite bow and the four responded in turn with bows and courtesies, followed by awkward conversation, and Sofia's subsequent intervention.
He wasn't there to be a royal and she told him as much, shocking her parents, but earning an understanding nod from the prince. He gave no argument to helping her the rest of the morning, running errands and so forth. Come noon, he enjoyed a simple lunch with her family, baked his own loaf of bread, and spent the rest of the late afternoon out in the untouched fields outside the village to simply enjoy the unspoiled beauty of his kingdom. It got him thinking about the life she led and what sort of future she saw for herself.
"Is this what you'll return to then?" He asked as they walked the graveled path back to the village together.
She looked up at him, blue eyes asking for elaboration.
"When I'm deemed competent enough or what have you. Is that what your future will be?" He gestured around him.
"Hm, I don't know," Sofia said honestly. "I like baking, but I could do without the super early mornings and the crowds. I thought about being a school teacher, but I want to travel and learn more about the world myself before that."
"I can certainly connect you," he offered. "I feel by the end of this, it'll be the least I can do for you."
"But who says it 'ends'? If we're truly friends, we don't stop when you become a sensational king," she smiled up at him.
"Yes, but days like these won't be possible," he said sadly.
"No… I suppose you're right," Sofia sighed. She hated the idea of their separation. Yes, she had every confidence he'd be a fine ruler without her, but she liked being at his side. They hadn't known each other for very long, yet there was no place else she'd rather be than right here at this moment with him, walking and talking like many couples did, if she dared think them a couple.
Cedric felt the same in the recesses of his own mind, but like Sofia didn't think it wise to confess such feelings. They were destined for different paths, he a prince to be king, and she a baker's daughter. It wouldn't work. And yet... When it came to something he truly wanted, Cedric wasn't the sort to give up. Complain and brood, certainly, but surrender? Never. There had to be some tactful way to keep her in his life. He glanced down at her arm to her hand hanging freely by her side and casually slipped his own around it, holding it but a moment before placing it properly on his arm to walk with her like a proper lady. "Perhaps I'll make you a member of my court. Your council could have its merit."
"Oh!" Sofia perked up with intrigue. "What all would I do?"
"You'd serve as a representative of your village of course, bringing problems to my attention and advising solutions. I forget which elder currently holds the position, but fresh perspective will be needed by the time I'm king."
"And I'd see you? Not one of your ministers?"
"Only me," he smiled, loving how she squeezed his arm in excitement and went on about other possible opportunities for them to work together in the future. There was no mention of last night, leading Cedric to wonder if the incident had any impact on the woman at all. It didn't appear so, although she did seem more comfortable with their closeness.
How he wished they could have relished in their time together before a rider from the castle galloped down the road to them, hailing for the prince. "Your highness!"
"Oh, what now?" Cedric grumbled in annoyance as the rider reached them and jumped off the horse, handing its reigns to the prince.
"Please your highness! You must return to the castle at once! Your father collapsed!"
"What?!" Cedric said in disbelief as Sofia gasped in horror.
"Go! I'll attend the lady!" The rider encouraged, letting Cedric race back with the horse while he and Sofia hurried back on foot.
They reached the castle about an hour later, arriving to hushed voices spreading rumors no one could confirm to be true. All the rider knew was the king had collapsed and he'd been sent to retrieve the prince, meaning he was none the wiser than the rest of the staff who tried to go about their duties like normal, but kept getting distracted by any whisper of news.
It wasn't until the evening when the steward gathered the majority of staff and soldier in the throne room and read a prepared statement.
"His Majesty, Goodwyn the Great, has suffered a broken hip after falling in his study early this afternoon. His physician has asked me to assure you all there is no greater threat to the king's health, though his recovery will be long and arduous. It is with this information, that a transfer of duties is to begin. Starting tomorrow, Crown Prince Cedric will begin his rule as regent," Baileywick continued to read out the specifics, but Sofia had stopped listening after the news Cedric was regent.
Sofia was anxious to see the prince, to offer him comfort and her support, but alas, this was the one day where chasing after him was unsuccessful. It was understandable, he probably had some sort of royal paperwork to attend to in his father's stead and be involved with preparations for tomorrow. So she decided to wait in his room for him, figuring sooner or later he'd eventually need to sleep. She waited for quite some time, through supper and bath, reading, and then a short nap before the sound of a door opening and closing stirred her awake. It was after midnight according to the small clock on the nightstand, and as her eyes adjusted on her prince in the low light, he looked exhausted both physically and mentally.
Cedric was unaware his noise had disturbed Sofia he saw her sitting up in his bed, becoming a beacon of salvation he was instantly drawn to. He didn't say anything as he approached the bed and dropped his body down against hers, hugging her as tight as his tired limbs could manage. If ever there was a feeling of coming 'home', it was in her arms, allowing him to finally feel some relief.
"Are you okay?" She asked at his ear as she dragged him down onto the mattress with her.
"This is even worse than if he died… The stress of watching me rule will give him a heart attack…" Cedric groaned, burying his head against her neck. "This is it, Sofia. Even once he recovers, he won't be able to fulfill his duties the way he used to. I'm king in everything but title now…"
It took Sofia a moment to process that the kingdom's most powerful man was lying weak in her arms, but it hardly seemed like the end of the world. Yes, he'd have to start all that socializing he despised, but she was sure he could do it if he put his mind to it, so what had him trying to melt into her?
She could have cursed herself for not realizing it sooner. This was a son worried about his father. Goodwyn's health for one matter and his pride the other. The fact that Sofia was here in the first place meant there wasn't much confidence in Cedric to begin with and now he'd be thrust into his father's shoes still unprepared. She really ought to stop elevating Cedric to such heights, she kept forgetting he was human like everyone else and human shoulders could only carry so many burdens at once.
"I'll help you in anyway I can," she vowed, taking hold of one of his hands to swear her allegiance with a kiss to the back of his finger where the royal ring would someday be, but she meant it more than as a loyal subject. She wanted to help him carry those burdens, to offer what guidance and comfort she could, to make him happy in any way possible, especially now when her heart desired him more than ever. "Your majesty."
"Heh, you were told not to obey my 'word'," Cedric found some strength to joke with her, amused by the unfamiliar title he'd be hearing regularly from now on.
"I was told not to obey the prince," she smirked. "You're 'My King' now, aren't you?"
He was certain she hadn't meant that to sound as sexy as his ears interpreted, but his cock twitched just the same. "…Some parts are up for that more than others…"
Sofia glanced down quick and then back up to his face, her gaze softening. The slight bulge in his trousers began heating her middle with the very idea he desired her again. "Do you want me to take care of it…?"
"Yes…" He confessed, trying not to sound to desperate.
"Alright," she nodded, her hand moving to the placket to free his member from his trousers. He assisted as little as possible, moving back on the bed and out of his pants as Sofia tugged them down and neatly folded them over a nearby chair before crawling back onto the bed with him. 'Beautiful' didn't seem to be quite the word for the sight, but it stirred a longing within her she wasn't sure she could fight must longer. The sight of his erection was making her wet, both in her loins and mouth, inspiring her to do far better than stroking him like she had the night before.
Cedric closed his eyes out of need to rest them, but also to compose himself for her touch. His breathing deepened the instant he felt her hand wrap around him, but hitched when he felt something new. Something wonderful. He forced his eyes open to watch as her tongue licked over the tip of him and moaned as the broadside of the slippery muscle ran down his full length, searching out a rhythm suitable for both of them.
"Gods, that's fantastic..." Cedric managed to growl out, arching his hips toward her mouth, hoping she'd take him inside.
She did. Teasingly slow, needing to grow accustom to the taste of him before finding strength to suck on him. The skin was salty from sweat and his natural musk, strong, but not overpowering. A few bobs of her head slicked him up sufficiently to allow a steady rhythm of sucking and licking. The passage in the book was quite detailed on how such things ought to be done, but Sofia still had no idea if her execution matched Cedric's tastes. He seemed to be enjoying it well enough, but she wanted to give him the best of her ability despite her full awareness she was a novice.
"Sofia..." He panted, bringing a hand to the back of her head to encourage her. "Harder."
The command of his voice sent a flutter to her abdomen and she complied, sucking harder, her lips grasping tighter.
His breath hitched again and he moaned loudly in pleasure, palming her head up and down as she continued at this better pace until he felt the pressure reaching its peak. "Mm! Sofia... I'm going to cum...!"
"Mhm..." She hummed and pressed on, sending him over the edge with her commitment and finishing in her mouth. In spite of mentally preparing herself for the release, the sudden inundation of salty liquid made her cough and turn away from him, not wishing for him to see her failure to swallow.
"A-Are you okay?" He asked immediately trying to sit himself up, but his body was completely spent and unwilling to move.
"I-I'm sorry," Sofia apologized, wiping her mouth on the back of her hand and then her hand on her night gown. "I tried to... but I couldn't..."
"That's alright. You didn't have to," he said gently, unsure why the poor girl looked so upset. Yes, that particular bodily fluid was designed to go inside her, but not via ingestion.
"I didn't want you thinking I was repulsed by you..." she shyly admitted as she sat as his side, head hung in shame.
Finally he found the strength to sit up right, though it wasn't easy. He placed his hands on her shoulders and pulled her up to him, pressing his lips against her forehead, a reward for her valiant efforts. "I'm fairly certain you made up your mind before you opened my trousers, my dear."
Sofia stifled a giggle, but welcomed the break in the tension between them and lifted her chin, finding herself forehead to forehead with the man, his soft brown eyes gazing into hers. It made her heart throb, made her desperately want to kiss him, to confess her love for him, but that'd be especially impossible now. He'd be 'back on the market' as it were with the forthcoming announcements, and what was worse, she'd probably have to help him find a suitable match from subsequent inquiries. Someone who would make him far happier than she could... Suddenly she felt like crying.
"Sofia," he lifted her onto his lap, needing to bring her closer when he noticed the welling of tears in her eyes. Had the experience been that traumatizing for her? Hoping for forgiveness, he began kissing her cheeks and down her neck, inebriating himself on her scent. She'd been so giving, and here he'd been the same selfish prince he'd always been. No longer. "What do you need? Tell me."
"I..." She choked back, reluctant to deny him, fearing her complete downfall if she accepted him. "I want to go rinse my mouth out... please."
He nodded and reluctantly released her to let her attend to herself in the washroom.
Sofia not only rinsed out her mouth, but splashed water over her face, trying to regain her composure. She stared at her reflection in the mirror above the sink and wondered what on earth she was doing. She knew confessing to him might help, but now was hardly the appropriate time, and if he was truly regent, such a time might never come again. What would she be expecting by revealing her feelings? He could never be hers. He was the kingdom's. Beloved or not, he was Enchancia's king, and a king could do a lot better than a peasant.
When she finally returned to bed, Cedric had fallen asleep, his exhaustion unable to keep him conscious after his orgasm. At least he seemed comfortable, Sofia noted as she slipped in beside him and studied his sleeping face. He was so handsome, and so in need of kisses, her brain suggested. Just this once, she told herself, knowing the action wouldn't be detected given how tired he was. Just this once, she leaned forward and pecked a kiss to his lips, soft and chaste. She smiled, secreting the moment into her heart before she too closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.
Author's Note: Primarily this fic is just "Would you just quit the drama and tell her/him you love her/him!" Communication is important, but then we wouldn't have nearly all this delicious angst. Eat up my friends.