The following months went by quickly and normality had returned to the relationship between Cedric and Sofia. Of course, Amber had been asking Sofia about her mystery many every chance she got when they were alone but after a few weeks of less-than-juicy updates, she lost interest and decided to not bring it up again. Sofia still cared deeply for Cedric but hid her feelings as best as she knew how.

Cedric had become focused on preparing his workshop for the actual practice of spells. It was time for Sofia to move past reading and taking notes, it was time for her to start working on practical magic and laying the foundation as a Sorceress. They were going to start with basic improvements and maintenance of the castle grounds but first they needed to inventory and stock the workshop on Friday so that Cedric had time to obtain necessary supplies, if need be, in order to start bright and early on the following Monday.

Sofia arrived with a blueberry muffin in hand for Cedric, for which he was most appreciative of since he didn't bother to think of eating that morning. After the quick bite, they set to work with clipboards and quills in hand. They worked through lunch and as dusk approached they were not even halfway done with their job.

"It seems I have severely misjudged how long this task was going to take. You can retire for the evening Princess, I can take it from here."

"Wouldn't dream of letting you have all the fun! I signed up for the task and I have to complete it otherwise you'll be accused of being nice, and having a heart, and we wouldn't want that would we?"

Cedric smiled at her snarky remark and shook his head, "I suppose there is no point in arguing. Let's finish this section of roots and bulbs and grab a bite to eat. It is going to be a long night and I could most certainly use the break."

Two hours passed and they finally placed the last jar back onto the roots and bulb section of the workshop. Cedric handed the clipboard to Sofia for her to double-check that last entry and once that was completed, they both proclaimed in unison, "I am starving!"

"I can conjure something up for us, just let me know what you're in the mood for, watch and learn," Cedric chirped, all too confidently.

"Aww, do we have to? We're out of Speckled Brown and Red mushrooms and I am not in the mood to pretend that you've prepared something delicious!"

"Watch it Princess, or you will find yourself eating boiled Goblin's Root," he warned, stifling a chuckle, "I'll have you know that I am a fine cook! I am sure someone would attest to it…if I ever cooked for anyone."

"As much as I would love to try one of your conjured delights for myself, I need to get out of this tower and you do too! The castle kitchen is still open, let's go grab a bite downstairs or take something to the gardens…anything to get out of here for a few minutes."

"I am not so sure about that Princess," Cedric said with a tentative undertone. He never really dined in the castle dining room unless he was specifically asked to do so and he felt so out of place there; as for the gardens, well, that could be pleasant but the thought of him alone with Sofia in those gardens again made him slightly uncomfortable.

"I thought you saw no point in arguing."

"Fine. You win. Dining room it is."

They both hurried down the stairs and when they arrived at the dining room, one of the castle's many staff members pulled out their chairs and asked for their orders. Cedric was clearly not used to being treated this way, even after reaching critical success with his sorcery skills. Sofia asked for her favorite comfort food, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with a glass of milk. Cedric, not wanting to be extravagant, asked for ham and Swiss on a deli roll with tea. Once the staff was out of earshot, he stared at her hard and raised an eyebrow.

"What?"

"All these years as a Princess, the ability to have anything you desire for your meal and you choose peanut butter and jelly?"

Sofia giggled, "well, the simple things in life make me the happiest. Don't knock a good peanut butter and jelly after a hard day's work!"

Their meals came out quickly and they both devoured every crumb. After a few minutes of relaxation they gave each other the same look, the one that says, 'time to get back to work,' as they rose together and headed back towards the tower stairs.

The night wore on and the castle had long gone silent as Cedric and Sofia continued to work. Somewhere in the dead of night, that time where you're not sure if it is early morning or late evening, they found themselves sitting against the wall and surrounded by hundreds of bottles of liquids. This section was going to be the toughest to inventory since a good portion of the bottles had faded labels and they both had to take guesses at what was inside.

Sofia's eyes started to droop and as Cedric continued to read the labels aloud to himself in mumbled tones, she started to doze off while leaning against the wall. Cedric glanced over and figured that he could get a few more bottles done before calling it a night and waking his sleeping apprentice, now propped up against the wall next to him. He made it through 7 or so bottles before his eyes finally gave out and he succumbed to peaceful slumber.