Disclaimer: I do not own Sofia The First
A/N: So here is my first story update of 2019 :). To be honest, I'd hoped to have a little more chapters prepared. But I got into a writing slump during my hiatus because of the holidays. Though I feel like I'm getting back into my regular writing schedule. :).
Anyway, for the first ten chapters of this story, we've mostly been seeing things from Cedric's point of view. Now, we're going to do a bit of backtracking, and look at things from Sofia's perspective. We'll also start to unravel a bit more of the mystery of Baeldthoria.
I hope you enjoy! :)
—-
Sofia had always been a little different from other girls. Of course, there were the blatantly obvious factors. At a young age she had literally become a princess overnight, as the result of her mother's marriage to the king of Enchancia. However, even as a princess she still drifted from the typical fairy tale story. Taking what was considered by some, to be a revolutionary interest in flying derby, as well as other traditionally non-princess roles.
Of course, those were paltry compared to the other things the girl had managed to accomplish in her life. Almost immediately after becoming a princess she was made a keeper of the legendary Amulet of Avalor, gaining many magical powers for herself. This was followed not long after, by her initiation as Story Keeper of The Secret Library. (The only princess chosen by Elena, to free her from the previously mentioned Amulet.) Followed by becoming the first ever non-magical being to be made a Protector. Protector of The Everrealm. And all before her twelfth birthday!
Still, there were what some may consider to be, less noticeable differences that separated the princess from other girls her age. One being her apparent disinterest in romance. Unlike her elder sister, and friends. Sofia had never been the type to swoon over boys. Of course she had no objection to the concept of true love. But it wasn't something she really thought of much when it came to herself.
That was, until she turned thirteen...
That, seemed to be the magical age when the girl finally hit puberty. Which of course entailed a lot of changes for her, both physically and emotionally. It was also at this time that she suddenly started to take an interest in boys. And there was one boy in particular, that she took a great fancy to.
She had always considered Prince Hugo to be one of her dearest friends. True, he had left quite a bad impression on her, (as well as her sister Amber), when he tried to knock her off Minimus during the tryout race for 'Royal Prep's' flying derby team. However the girl wasn't the type to hold grudges, and after learning more about him as they competed together for, and successfully won the flying crown. As well as encouraging him to participate in, and being his partner, for Enchanted Ice Dancing. The two managed to develop a rather succesful friendship.
Still, when the time came for them to choose their secondary schools. It seemed they wouldn't be able to see each other much. What with her going to 'Everrealm Academy ' and him having opted for 'The School For Adventurers'.
However, Sofia had meant what she said that day at the Royal school fair. That she still wasn't entirely decided on what school to join. And although she was enjoying Everrealm Academy. After sometime she thought that perhaps it would be a good to branch out and try something new.
So, as determined earlier, she starting sampling a few of the other schools. Among which, was the Corinthian Sports School. Where she was able to meet up with Hugo again. However, it was also at this time that horomones started to play a role in the princess' thinking process. And she began to see the older boy in a different light. Feelings of giddiness and butterflies, accompanying her whe she was around him. And it was quite obvious that the girl was experiencing her first crush.
What added more to her glee though, was that her feelings actually seemed to be reciprocated. Hugo took an interest in her just as she did for him, and the two royals began to spending more and more time together. Both in in school, participating in Flying Derby and Enchanted Ice Dancing together, just as they had done at Royal Prep. As well as out.
Of course Sofia was encouraged by Amber in her pursuit of Hugo. Who, although being a little upset by her change in schools at first, was delighted to hear of her sister's sudden interest in romance. A decidedly girly and princessy topic. And the two siblings often spent late nights gushing over the younger girl's blossoming romance with the foreign prince.
During this time Sofia and Hugo even shared their first kiss. Well, technically it had been nothing more than a mere peck on the lips. But for the two budding teenagers, it had set both their hearts a glow.
However, time has a habit of changing things. And despite their brief romance, the two of them started to grow apart. Sofia was often caught up in her duties as a Protector, plus she didn't think that neither of the two schools they had attended together were the right fit for her. So as time passed and they began to grow farther apart, those feelings she had for him just seemed to fade...
Even so, Sofia wasn't too broken up about it. Well, perhaps a little at first. Looking back on it though, with wiser eyes uninhibited by the cloudy vision of horomones. She could see that the romance they shared, though pleasant. Had been merely a brief shared infatuation. Nothing like the true love spoken of in those famous stories.
Though that didn't bother Sofia too much. After all, she had more important duties to attend to. Such as protecting the Everrealm, and giving stories happy endings, and on the rare occasion helping a princess or two. In fact, as she looked back on that time of her first infatuation, she couldn't help but feel just the tiniest bit of embarrassment for her uncharacteristically frivolous attitude at the time.
Of course the memories she had made with Hugo during that time were wonderful. And she still cared for him as a friend of course. But when it came to romance with the boy, as the saying goes, 'that ship had sailed'. And Sofia was perfectly fine with that.
—-
When she was fifthteen, during the evening of a special party her family had been hosting, she was surprised when her friend Desmond asked to speak with her in private. She had always been close to the boy since during their 'Royal Prep' days, and their friendship had only solidified during their shared schooling at the 'Institute for Science and Alchemy'. A school Sofia had dabbled in due to her fascination with magic, and the potential for it to aid her in her Protector duties...
Desmond led her out to the balcony. Where they would be away from listening ears, but not entirely out of sight. Not wanting his intentions to be misconstrued.
"What did you want to talk about?" Sofia asked, as they came to a stop.
"Well, it's about...Amber?" Desmond admitted, nervously rubbing the back of his head.
"Amber?" she cocked her head in confusion slightly, "What about her?"
"Well...the thing is..I kind of... sort of". Sofia watched as the young mans eyes traveled to the window, catching sight of the older Enchancian princess. His face blushing a gentle pink, and his eyes taking on a dreamy look.
At that, the answer clicked inside of Sofia's mind. "Desmond?... Do you have a crush on Amber?" she asked.
"Sshh!" the boy hushed, causing his friend to flinch slightly, afraid someone had heard them. "Sorry." he apologized, when he realized that perhaps he had over reacted. "Um...yeah...I do" he confessed shyly.
Sofia's face lit up "Oh! That's wonderful!". However her expression soon changed to a perplexed grimace "But... why tell me? Shouldn't you be telling her that?"
"Well the thing is..." he began twiddling his fingers "I was hoping since you're her sister and all... Maybe you could help me."
"With what? Telling her how you feel?"
"Yeah." Desmond admitted "You know how shy I can be. And she's so amazing it's hard for me to get close to her."
Sofia could certainly understand that. After all, her sister did posses an aura of regality that only the most confident of princes would brave to court her.
Still, Desmond was a sweet boy, and one of Sofia's closest friends. And the times she had seen him and Amber together they did seem to get along. So, even if nothing came of it. She still wanted him to at least have a decent chance.
"Well, maybe we can find some way for you guys to spend some more time together." she suggested.
"How?" He wondered aloud, "We don't go to the same school anymore. And I don't think I could transfer over to Everrealm Academy."
"Hmm?" Sofia hummed in thought, he did have a point there. Plus, she doubted that Amber, what with her preparaing to be the future Queen of Enchancia, would be willing to make the switch over to any other school. So that wasn't really an option. Thus the only time Desmond would get to see her would be during events like this...unless..
"Why don't you just come over here to visit some time?" she suggested.
"I don't know Sofia, wouldn't that seem a little suspicious if I just came here for no reason."
She smirked playfully, "What do you mean 'no reason'. I thought you were trying to woo my sister."
"Yeah, but I dont want to make it that obvious!" the boy protested, before turning away shyly "...at least not at first..."
"Well, why don't you just say you're visiting me as an excuse" Sofia suggested.
He grimaced though, "I'm afraid if I did that, she might misinterpret that it's you I'm trying to court..."
Sofia frowned, that would be a problem. And not an entirely farfetched one, especially when taking into account how close she was to the Desmond. Though they both only considered each other to be good friends.
So it seemed they would have to come up with a better excuse for Desmond to visit more often, so he could attempt to gain Amber's favor. And they had to do it without it being too overt. But what possible excuse could they come up with?
As Sofia considered this, the sight of her Royal Sorcerer, Cedric performing magic in the ball room caught her attention. And an idea struck her...
—
Cedric was busy in his workshop, rather content as he finished up some last minute projects before retiring for the night. So consumed was he in his work, that he failed to detect the knock and slow opening of his workshop door. Which was why he was so startled by the sudden "Mr. Cedric?"
He gasped as he turned around, relieved to see it was only the teenaged princess. "Sofia..." he began. Dismissing her apologies for startling him with a wave of his hand, and a kind smile. A stark contrast to the harsh reprimand he likely would have given her when she had first arrived at the castle.
"...Never mind" he assured, "Do you need anything Princess?"
"Well, I was wondering if you could do me a favor" she said.
He scoffed playfully, "Well, I'd figured that much already. Now, what exactly can I do for you Sofia."
"I was wondering" she began slowly, "If you would be willing to tutor my friend, Prince Desmond?"
He blinked, "Tutor him?"
"Yeah, he goes to the 'Institute For Science and Alchemy', and since they work with advanced potions there. We thought maybe it would be good to get some guidance from a Royal Sorcerer."
"Oh? well, I suppose I could..." Cedric mused, absentminded folding his arms. "But, why doesn't he just ask his own Royal Sorcerer then?"
Sofia was suddenly silent. What could she say beside the truth. That studying here with Cedric would give Desmond a better chance of getting close to Amber. That Desmond's own Royal Sorcerer was too busy? No, she knew Cedric would be nothing short of insulted by that. Especially considering how hard that he himself worked...
"He... he just wanted to come here to learn...is all..." Sofia said, as honestly as possible.
Cedric sighed through his nostrils at the girl's answer. Clearly there was more to this than she was letting on...
Noticing that the sorcerer seemed rather dissatisfied with her response. And possessing no other option. Sofia simply looked up at him with imploring eyes, and spoke those three words that had managed to persuade him many times before.
"Please, Mr. Cedric"
The sorcerer's lips twitched into an amused smile at the sight of the young woman, looking very much like the little girl she used to be with that innocent pleading look. "Oh, very well" he agreed with a chuckle, "But only three days a week! I've got my own schedule to keep too, you know."
"Thanks Mr. Cedric! You're the best!" she smiled, as he ushered her out the door.
"Yes I am..."
—
Thus with Cedric tutoring Desmond, the prince now had a viable excuse to visit Enchancia on a regular basis. Of course this wasn't exactly something Sofia and Desmond could keep secret...
"Hey, if Cedric's tutoring Desmond. Maybe he can tutor Zandar too!" James suggested one evening.
Well, that certainly wasn't part of the plan. But it wasn't as though they could discourage it without looking suspicious. Plus, Cedric seemed to be willing to tutor the Tangun prince as well, if a little grudgingly at this point...
So thus began the regular visits of the foreign princes. They would recieve tutoring from Cedric three days a week after school. Then after that, Desmond would try to find an oppurtunity to get closer to Amber. Of course that was something Sofia insisted that he'd have to do on his own, but at least the task seemed less insurmountable now. In fact with Zandar there, James suggested that the three boys hang out a little after their lessons anyway. Which again, wasn't in Sofia and Desmond's plan. But at least it gave Desmond an excuse to linger a little bit...
Of course, Sofia encouraged her friend when she could, but for the most part the infatuated prince was on his own. Along with her own homework, Sofia was often summoned on Protector missions after school. So she was seldom around to witness the blossoming romance unfold.
—-
One night, on a lark, she ventured to pay Cedric a visit. It had been some time since she had just 'dropped in' on the Royal Sorcerer. In fact, probably not since she'd asked him for his help with tutoring the two princes.
She knocked on the door of his tower. Surprised when he opened it looking rather disheveled, with bags under his eyes.
He blinked rapidly, as though his tired mind was trying to fathom her appearance, "Sofia?... What are you doing here?"
"I, just wanted to say hi" she explained taking in his appearance with concern.
"Oh..." Cedric responded tiredly, "...Thank you..." he rubbed his eyes before turning back inside. Leaving the door open so Sofia could enter if she so desired.
Tentatively, Sofia stepped inside. A frown on her face, as she observed the huge mess. Clutter seemed to abide in every inch of the room. What was more, Cedric looked absolutely exhausted as he busied himself at his work table.
"Are you alright, Mr. Cedric?" Sofia asked, though she could tell full well, that he wasn't.
"I'm just tired..." he confessed, stifling a yawn "With tutoring your friends. I've fallen a bit behind on my own work. So I've had a few late nights is all..."
Sofia frowned. "Oh... I'm sorry" A feeling of guilt beginning to wash over her.
"Don't be..." he assured her. "It's not your fault... Neither is it your friends... They're both very good, and they always clean up afterwards. This mess here," he gestured around the room "Is my own doing. I'm just not very good at managing my own time..."
That did little to assuage the princess though. After all, he wouldn't even be in this situation, had she not asked him to tutor her friend. The fact that she had done it merely to give Desmond a chance with her sister, as opposed to him actually studying alchemy, only made her feel worse. True, the young man took his studies seriously and had even informed Sofia of his improved grades since coming under Cedric's tutelage. But that still didn't change the fact, that she had suggested it with ulterior motive.
She felt a desire to help the sorcerer out of this situation that she had put him in. But how? Ask her father to give him less to do? No, most likely that would just wound his pride. Besides, he and Roland had been getting along rather well. If Cedric really thought the King was asking too much of him he would say something. At least, she hoped he would. Then again, Cedric did have a bad habit of bending over backwards to keep her dad pleased. But she was sure, if he did make mention of it, Roland would be willing to oblige.
With that in mind though, she figured asking Zandar and Desmond to quit would posit the same problem. Plus, there was the added fact that Desmond was just barely starting to get over his shyness in regards to Amber. So to have him just quit would probably set the boy back quite a bit. Which would make her feel even more guilty, for wasting both Cedric and Desmond's time for no reason.
So, what could she do? The answer struck her mind as she observed the mess...
"Here." she said grabbing the broom from his closet, and immediately setting to sweeping "Let me help you clean up. That way you can just go to bed, as soon as you're done with your work."
He turned to face her, eyes wide. "Oh no...Sofia you don't have to do that!"
"It's okay," she assured him. "this is something I want to do. Besides, I've done it before when I was your apprentice. So just take it as me being on apprentice duty again." she joked.
He smiled softly at her, shaking his head in amusement. Still, he couldn't help but feel concerned for her. After all, he knew the princess already had other responsibilities. But, at the same time he was also aware how stubborn she could be when it came to helping others. And honestly, he didn't have the energy to argue with her...
"Alright... if you must..." he conceded, "But promise me you won't push yourself too much, my dear. After all, you already have your own duties to attend to."
"Deal." she agreed, continuing to tidy up.
—
For the next few weeks, Sofia would come to Cedric's workshop to help him clean up in the evenings. Of course, she kept her promise to him that she wouldn't strain herself. And whenever Protector duties led to late nights she would refrain from seeing him. Still, even with her absences, the sorcerer seemed to be faring much better with her help. Though he still possesed a few bags under his eyes, she could tell he was getting a little more sleep.
Eventually the guilt that had initially motivated her began to subside. And Sofia simply began to just look forward to their evenings together. A feeling, that seemed to be mutual on Cedric's part as well.
One night in particular, when they had both finishing up. Sofia was put away some of the potions, when her eyes glanced up at the spare wands he kept on the wall.
Carefully she picked one up, smiling in fond rumination as she held it in her palms. "You know... I think the thing I miss most about 'Royal Prep' were the sorcery lessons."
"Hmm... " Cedric began "Now that you mention it. I'm a bit surprised, considering your love for magic, that you didn't opt for some sort of magic based school like the 'School of Science and Alchemy'."
She smiled. It was true she had tried the school out, after her brief periods in 'The School for Adventurers' and 'The Corinthian Sports School'. And she did find it rather enjoyable. But...
"That was fun. But we only really ever learned how to make potions there." she admitted.
"Hmm..." he observed, "I suppose you have a point there. Alchemy is only one portion of sorcery after all. Plus, I believe that school puts a greater emphasis on the science of the process. Rather than the magic."
She smiled wistfully, as she put the wand back. "You know, I thought 'Hexley Hall' looked really neat the first time you took me there. To be honest, I was a little disappointed to see that it wasn't an option during the day of the Royal School Fair." she turned giving him an amused smile. "It probably would have made the decision a little easier."
He chuckled, "Well, that's to be expected. 'Hexley Hall' is a school reserved for sorcerers. And Royals usually don't transfer there." he explained.
"Still...there was a time I actually did want to be a sorceress." she admitted.
Cedric blinked, "Really?"
"Mm hm" she nodded, "I think it was after I first met you. Seeing real magic, and a real Sorcerer for the first time was just so ah-mazing! And after I was able to get a gold star on my first ever sorcery test, thanks to you" she added with a grin towards him. "and mom called me her 'little sorceress' it really made me think, that I'd like to do that too someday..."
Cedric smiled at her rumination, recalling that time so long ago himself.
"But.." she continued, her fingers tracing her Enchantlet, "I ended up becoming a 'Protector' instead. Definitely not what I expected" she remarked with a small laugh "though I do get to be surrounded by magic. Even if it wasn't in the way I'd initially planned. But, thats just life I guess." she shrugged. "In fact, when I was little, I always thought I'd end up running the shoe shop with mom. But I became a princess. So I guess ending up a Protector instead of a Sorceress, shouldn't be too surprising."
"Life does have a funny way of catching us off guard I suppose..."
"Still..." she thought, aloud. "There are time when I still think it would have been nice. To be a sorceress..."
He nodded in understanding, before turning to finish up the last of his work. Sofia returned her sight to the wand once more, her tongue in her cheek as she picked it up once more. Thinking...
"Do you think maybe you could teach me a little?"
Cedric turned back to face her, "Excuse me?"
"I know I'm not training to be a sorceress. But I did really love all those sorcery lessons I had at Royal Prep. Especially when you substituted" she explained. "I also really had fun being your apprentice those few times. And well...since I'm technically sort of on apprentice duty right now. Maybe you could teach me some spells..."
The man continued to stare silently at her. So the youth decided to pull her trump card.
"Besides, maybe knowing a few more magic spells could actually help me with my Protetor duties" she added.
He blinked once before chuckling, "Oh, I suppose so..." he said giving her with a sly smile.
"Really? Thanks, Mr. Cedric"
"So...is there anything in particular you're interested in learning?" he asked.
The princess thought for a moment. Memories of the first time he had ever taught her returning to her mind. Turning rocks into rubies, had been her first sorcery test. As thanks she had even made some for him. And with those same jewels, he had made...
"Do you remember the tiara you made me for my graduation?"
"Of course I do."
"Maybe we could start there."
The sorcerer smiled, truly touched that she wanted to learn the same spell he had used for her graduation gift. A spell he had used to express his immense gratitude, for the friendship and kindness the girl had offered him. Gifts that had led to his change in heart, and redemption.
But...
"Hmm, as much as I'd like that," he explained, "the process for that is a little more complicated than you think. It actually requires a bit of alchemy, and seeing as how we just cleaned up. I don't think either of us is too inclined to make another mess. "
She frowned a little, disappointed by that answer.
"But..." he continued, turning to look through his spellbook. "I think, I have a spell in here to turn a ruby into a phoenix. It's a bit more advanced, but since it doesn't require any potion ingredients. It should be simpler to perform."
Sofia smirked in disbelief, "Turning rubies into a tiara is supposed to be complicated, but turning a ruby into a living breathing magical creature is going to be simple?" she joked, skeptically.
He shrugged, "Hey, I dont make the rules". But admittedly, even he couldn't help but be baffled at how capricious magic could be at times. It never ceased to amaze him how he could accidentally 'bestow life' on inanimate objects. But doing something less fantastic, like turn gargoyles into golden horses, could elude him.
Well, no matter. That was just magic, he supposed. He flipped through his book until he found the aforementioned spell he was thinking of.
"Here we are!" he announced, before ushering her over to examine the words herself. With a quick spell he conjured up a couple of rubies and turned his attention to one of them.
"Now, watch closely." he instructed, "Mutato Fenice!" there was a small burst of flame, and a small phoenix hovered in the air in place of the ruby.
"Wow!" Sofia gasped, for all the magic she had seen throughout her life. It never ceased to fill her with a childlike sense wonder.
"Now you try," Cedric offered, gesturing towards the remaining ruby.
"Okay!" Sofia nodded with determination, stepping up to the red jewel.
Confidently, she raised her wand "Mutato Fenice!"
There was a puff of red smoke, and then sitting in the ruby's place, was not a phoenix. But a pig, sporting a bright red ribbon and golden crown.
Cedric stifled a chuckle at the sight of the animal. Aware of his own sensitivity, when spells went haywire. But when Sofia responded with a hearty laugh he lost his composure and joined her.
In her revelry, Sofia stepped back and the heel of her shoe became stuck in a crack of his floor causing her to fall backwards.
Letting out a gasp she prepared for impact. But instead of hitting hard ground, she felt Cedric's arms and chest behind her as he attempted to keep her upright. Sofia looked up at him her face flushed pink and her blue eyes wide, no doubt Cedric figured, as a result of her previous giddiness suddenly transforming into shock.
He held her just a second long before helping her straighten up. "Are you alright?" he asked.
"Y..y..yes" Sofia responded quietly, her stomach still doing flips. Though it had little to do with the actual fall...
Assured that his princess was uninjured. Cedric made his way to the animal, taking the tiara from off it's head. "Well, it seems you found an easier way to make a tiara out of rubies." he remarked amusedly.
The girl chuckled, a little nervously.
"Well, I suppose that was a little too advanced for the moment..." he thought, tapping his chin with his finger as he surveyed his bookshelf. Eyes lighting up, when he located a different spell book. Reaching up, he withdrew it from the shelf and brought it to his table.
"Here." he explained, flipping through the pages "This should have some spells in it more suitable from someone of your level." Looking over at the girl, he frowned in concern when she remained standing in the same place. Looking a bit out of it. "Sofia...?"
"Huh?...Oh! right!" she said coming out of her daze, before rushing to his side. "That sounds perfect Mr. Cedric."
He smiled at her. A gesture that quite unexpectedly sent the youths heart a flutter. She turned away from, him blushing lightly. A color that went unnoticed by the man, who had returned his attention back to the book.
Sofia tried to listen as Cedric, read to her. But her thoughts kept traveling back to that moment when he had saved her from her fall... The way it had felt to be in his arms... Causing her heart to beat excitedly, and her cheeks to heat up. Especially as he unwittingly brushed up against her at times.
For the moment though, she did her best to still those strange new emotions...
—-
A/N: Thank you for reading. And I hope it was satisfying considering the long wait from the last update.
