Roland had tried for hours, in earnest, to convince Sofia to come down from Cedric's tower but to no avail. He descended the stairs, defeated and frustrated, letting out a sigh as he reached the bottom landing; he was met by the rest of the family, Miranda had informed James and Amber of the situation and both children had come to offer support.

"I take it that she isn't coming down?"

Miranda did not seem surprised and was as warm and comforting as usual, reassuring Roland that he had done all he could.

"Honestly, what does she think she is doing," Amber said shrilly, "I must go talk to her, sister to sister."

"If you think that you can get through to her, Amber, you should." Roland was hopeful that Sofia might listen to someone closer to her own age.

Amber left, determined expression across her face, while Miranda and Roland waiting patiently for her to talk with her sister. James was pacing, brow furrowed, and anxiousness hung in the air.

"Amber is just going to tell Sofia that Cedric is old and that there are younger princes that would be better matches for her."

"You never know, James, you might be surprised. Don't give up on Amber just yet," Miranda said calmly.

"Mom, you know Amber. She is going to talk about her marriage, her prince, and how Sofia should follow the same formula. It was her idea that she be courted by Zandar…"

Miranda did not waver in her warmth and calm, simply smiling at James.

"James, do you think that Zandar might help and talk to Sofia?"

"Of course, Dad, but I don't think it is really going to help. you really think Sofia is going to change her mind?"

Roland looked down, smiling a warm smile like Miranda's and laughing quietly to himself.

After a couple of hours failing to convince Sofia that she was best suited with Zandar, Amber came down from Cedric's tower in a huff.

"I swear, she has no idea what is good for her!"

"Not everyone is as gifted as you, Amber."

"Shut up, James."

"Both of you, stop," Roland's tone was stern. The late hour was getting to him.

"I think we've all had a long night. We should all go get some rest, let Sofia rest too," Miranda said.

"You don't think you should go speak to her?" Roland was alarmed.

"Rolly, she has had a long day and people telling her what she should be doing for most of it. It is time for a rest."

"Yeah, not like she's going anywhere," James shot off.

Miranda raised an eyebrow and James looked away sheepishly. They said their goodnights and all retired to their rooms.

Roland was fast to fall asleep; Miranda stayed awake, turned out the lights, and sat by the window that overlooked the gardens in the dark. The moon was full and its silvery glow lit up the courtyard, bringing a new beauty. As she sat, deep in thought, she saw a darkened figure in the gardens. Cedric was easily distinguishable and Miranda watched as he paced before finally sitting on one of the many benches, staring towards his tower.

Miranda breathed in deeply and then went to join Roland in sleep. She dreamed of her daughter, before they came to live at the castle, and woke after just a few hours. The sun was barely starting to bring the dawn and Miranda couldn't wait any longer; she put on a robe and slipped away to Cedric's tower. She reached the top landing and gathered her thoughts before knocking softly and entering.

Sofia looked weary but it appeared as though she had been asleep.

"I am sorry for waking you, honey."

"No, Mom, it is okay."

"How are you doing?"

"I am okay. I really am."

"I have something I want to say to you."

"Mom, listen, I appreciate that you are all concerned but I don't think I can take any more of people trying to convince me that I should not be here."

Miranda held up a finger to silence her daughter and Sofia was immediately brought to attention.

"When I came to speak with you the other night, I did so out of fear. I feared losing you. It was unfair of me to force you to carry the burdens that weigh heavy on my heart. I am so sorry."

"Mom…"

"I am not finished," Miranda sighed, "You are my daughter, you come from me but you are not me. I cannot make your choice. Your soul and body are yours to do with as you wish. All I can tell you is that I love you and more than anything else in this world, Sofia, I want you to be happy."

Miranda's eyes were watering but she was poised and graceful, bearing her heart to her daughter with a beauty that was unmatched by anyone other than her own flesh and blood.

"Thanks Mommy," Sofia said, smiling the same warm smile she inherited from her mother.

"I want you to come with me, Sofia. There is someone that you need to talk with, away from here."

"But Mom," Sofia started.

"Trust me."

Sofia stood, weaving a bit as she gained her balance. Miranda took her hand, leading her from the tower and out to the gardens. The arrived at one of the many private courtyards and on one of the larger benches Cedric was fast asleep.

"You should speak to him, my dear."

Sofia looked at her mother, almost in shock and disbelief. Miranda let go of her daughter's hand and gave her a nudge towards Cedric's direction. Sofia glanced toward Cedric and by the time she looked back to say something to her mother, Miranda had already started to head back towards the castle.

Miranda glanced back as she walked away and shared an exchange of glances with her daughter that would seem meaningless to some but spoke volumes for them.

"Thank you," Sofia mouthed silently. Her mother just smiled her warm smile and turned away, intent on getting back to Roland before he woke.

Sofia turned back and started towards Cedric, her mother's blessing giving her the confidence she needed to talk openly and without fear.