AN- Welcome back! Happy new year! Again thank you for your kind comments, I'm pleased you have enjoyed my story so far. Sorry for the delay btw. This chapter was a nightmare because of how long I had to make it.
If you have any characters you would love for me to add in, then please do say because I'm always open for ideas.
Notes:As a member of the LGBTQ community, I have added a same sex couple which will be Jun and her for now mystery princess. (not an OC) If you do not feel comfortable with this, please either click off or skip the chapter/section.
Summary of Chapter 11: Sofia and Cedric head off for Wei Ling with Roland to attend the Magicians festival. All seems well: they are given multiple opportunities to spend time with one another, Roland seems oddly off their heels and better yet, Sofia feels brave enough to reveal her crush to Jun. What could go wrong?
"You can close your eyes to things you don't want to see, but you can't close your heart to things you don't want to feel."
– Johnny Depp
Chapter 11: Nothing breaks like a heart.
Once upon a time, days with Cedric would consist of mainly acting as his little apprentice. Gosh, and all those unfortunate times where he would mess up, leaving the king's mouth ajar spurting disgusted comments straight after. Apologising to all the nobility watching, unhappy with the turnout to the night. Most importantly, those rotten punishments he would bestow upon him as if it was well deserved! Repeating those nasty insults in order to deter him from ever committing a mistake.
"Cedric! I am so disappointed in you," the king would bark. "Why can't you do anything right?"
"I-it was j-just a mistake, s-sire..." he muttered in defence.
Roland didn't care for mistakes. In fact, he assumed because Cedric had previously attended one of the most prestigious schools of sorcery: Hexley Hall he could never begin to fathom why a trained sorcerer could muck up even once. I suppose it was due to all the past royal sorcerers who served Enchancia, especially his father Goodwyn the Great. It seemed as though he was incapable of tripping up on any spells, which allows Cedric little to no leverage over his father or room to fail.
"Why can't you be more like your father?" he would say in a guilt tripping manor.
Sofia blushed prominently, blaming it on the temperature when Cedric questioned it. It would have sounded genuine if the workshop was indeed scorching hot, or at least dryly warm. Truthfully, the room was breezy and cold and Sofia's red cheeks were caused by the love sickening spell that Cedric had cast on her.
"R-right...OK..." Cedric cleared his throat. There was no time to charm the princess when he had less than an hour to pack his case for Wei Ling. "Sofia, I must be heading off for Wei Ling now, but I would like it very much if you could accompany me."
"R-really?!" she gasped. "I would love to come Mr Ceeedric!" teasing him.
He rolled his eyes playfully, "Yes, yes. Now stop calling me that."
Sofia pursed her lips, holding back her childish laughter. Recalling those precious memories was very interesting indeed, her sweet little squeak of a voice chiming that insult at him multiple times for a laugh. Even now an adult, her humour has not veiled and she prides herself solely on continuing to keep it that way.
"Mr Ceeeedric!" the princess recited once more. "Just like old times, huh?"
Cedric thought for a moment before proceeding to speak. When she was but a child, it was her stupid little insults that kept his soul alive even in the toughest moments where Roland would have dragged his spirits down to a pulp for his own satisfaction.
"Yes, like old times."
Soon after, the princes rushed off her feet and exited his workshop in a hurry. Amber was no where to be seen which was thankful; Sofia didn't feel like ruining her day by speaking to her. Clambering down the stairs, skidding down the hallway she reached her bedroom door and wasted no time before pushing the large doors agape. Her room smelled muskier than it had a couple hours ago, yet the windows were perched on their latches leaving a steady gust of wind to travel in every once in a while.
Gliding along her newly waxed floors, Sofia pressed a foot down once faced opposite her walk in closet. Usually, she would wear something like a wizards cloak... or some type of genie garments in representation of a festival or occasion such as this one. Now however given the right circumstance, an opportunity that had recently sparked up meant other... attires were simply calling her name.
"Ooo! That silk red dress with the low neck looks fancy!" Sofia said, elongating the fancy. "Or perhaps that two piece outfit. Then Cedric will be forced to see much more than my face, tee hee," continued the little devil. It wasn't in her nature to act like a seductress, but if you were given the contingency in impressing your one true love then I'm almost certain you would take it.
Sofia snatched the slutty azure coloured dress with the sexy slit up the thigh and proceeded to exit her closet. On the way out, it was just her luck that a few of the dresses got caught on her current dress and prevented her from leaving unless she wanted to either rip her dress or pull down half the gowns in the closet. Desperate times call for desperate measures. If she had faffed around in hope to not cause any damage, she wouldn't have had time to get changed, apply makeup, fix her bird nest of hair and meet Cedric in time before he left.
That reminds me, where did he say to meet him? Oh gosh I don't think I asked.
As quick as the wind, Sofia yanked the caught fabric mangled onto the other dresses in an attempt to break loose. "It would just be my luck, wouldn't it?" she sighed. Tugging a little harder, she found her face smacking harshly onto her shiny floor. Behind her, a loud crash sounded out whilst many beautiful gowns tumbled onto the floor as well as silvered boxes with hats in and many, many hangers. Prior to this moment, she would have cleaned it up or at least politely requested the maids assist her, but at this point she had no time to be modest.
Hobbling out her closet of doom, she slammed the doors behind her to conceal the mess. Without worrying too much, she unzipped her purple dress and climbed in leg at a time into this rather revealing azurely coloured gown, festooned with many rhinestones along the trim. With the large slit making its appearance, she realised how breezy her legs felt. And not to mention how un-lady like she felt.
All that was left was to apply a little makeup to brighten up her oddly pale skin, and of course remove the birds living in her hair. Apart from a few blemishes cruelly imbedded into her skin, her eyes weren't saggy and her lips were not chapped or flaky. To match her attire, the princess reached in her vanity bag and whipped out a lipstick shaded a rich plum colour filled with mystery and illusion.
Her hair on the other hand left a lot to be desired. Even brushing roughly through her brunette locks over ten times, the knots seemed to curl and twist their way back in. Sneaky little devils. Once the knots were well and truly banished, the young princess gathered her hair into the palms of her hands, using one to tie a sparkly hairband around her hair.
Really Sof, a ponytail? I look like a five year old...who just so happens to be wearing a stunningly revealing dress.
Under her bed, she fished out her case she used for travelling, dumping her: Witches and Wizards first edition spell book inside. This was a festival, the magicians festival held once a year and for the past seven years she had never needed to bring her sorcery supplies. But this time was special.
It wasn't long before she found herself racing down the hall, slipping over a few times but still bounding across each and every room. The only location he could be meeting her is the front Courtyard since that is the safest place to set off in the flying coach. The sky was blue outside, much like the illustrated ones painted in stories she had once read as a child. The courtyard was bustling, servants, maids, the kings soldiers and of course it just so happens that her father and Cedric have already seated themselves aboard the coach.
Her dreams were only manifestations of her greatest fears. Nothing more...right? It was a pain trying to scurry through the crowds of people, dodging her fathers smile once making eye contact and avoiding tripping over in front of Cedric. She couldn't help but stare at him whilst pushing through the flood of people, his eyes were just too captivating to resist. By the time she reached the doors of her ride, she could barely catch her breath. Plus, it was to her dismay that some plump servant managed to bump into her which made her accidentally wined up shoving this poor designer carrying a high pile of fabrics.
She was relieved to feel the plushness of the seat cushions beneath her. Roland gave a hearty laugh once the doors were sealed, which she wasn't sure as to why. Cedric didn't speak a word. The air tightened, the conversations were boring and it seemed that Cedric had lost his voice because he sat in silence for the duration for the time before they took off.
"I'm very pleased you have decided to join us this year for the festival, Sofia, although that dress is very much inappropriate. And if we were not about to take off, I would've demanded you remove the undelightful thing." Roland said, disgustedly. "Anyhow, usually you join Miranda, Amber and James. Or those girls you used to know in the village."
Doesn't he remember their names? "Ruby and Jade," said Sofia. Gosh, he wasn't too harsh on the dress.
"Ah that's the ones. Did they decide to go this year?"
"No. Why?"
Roland peeled the curtain away for the sticky window to take a quick peek outside. The driver sat in position atop his seat, whilst luggage was still being transported into the back. He rolled his eyes, unimpressed by the slow progress that his servants made when there were more than thirty that he had requested to do the job. Probably it was due to the many who just stood chatting.
"Sorry, what was that Sof. My mind wandered..."
Cedric took a quick glance at the princess, admiring her in such a...provocative outfit.
"You asked me if Ruby and Jade were attending the festival. And I said yes."
But again his eyes were darted outside, and in no time the luggage had been securely stacked in the back. Sofia rolled her eyes impatiently, waiting for her dad to bother to reply. The coach was soon lifted into the skies, and with that her fathers mood shifted from I'm in a mood don't talk to me to FINALLY WE'RE LEAVING.
And with that, the Royal coach + guards coach began to fly gracefully with the help of the flying horses over the land below them. The view was breath-taking as usual: the sun beaming down at them from above, a crystal clear view of the sky and the opportunity to gaze out of the window and admire the overview of Enchancia. Sofia folded her arms, unimpressed by her fathers ignorance, and Cedric's sudden lack of speech.
"Are you alright Sofia?" Roland asked her, absentmindedly gesturing. "You seem a little...quiet?"
"I'm fine."
The journey to Wei Ling wasn't a fabulous one. As a matter of fact, the coaches were slowed down quite a bit due to high winds and a rest stop to feed the winged horses. Roland chatted avidly to Sofia and Cedric, with a large amount of enthusiasm in his tone. She didn't listen and it looked as though Cedric wasn't caring to pay much attention either. Most of his blathers were either about how quiet Sofia was being or how excited he was to watch the show. Fleetly, the coaches raced through the skies trailing behind an invisible glow.
A billow of mist surged through the air beside them as they officially reached the outskirts of this enchanting kingdom. Paper kites shaped as dragons were spotted from afar in the courtyard of the Emperor's palace. Smells of spices and herbs lingered in the air whilst the Enchancian coach sped through above the towns and villages to the outside perimeter of the courtyard.
It wasn't long before Emperor Quon and Empress Lin-Lin emerged from the gates in front of them with their two children, Princess Vivian oddly and a few guards for safety. Princess June had been Sofia's good friend as soon as she joined RPA, things hadn't changed ever since. Prince Jin was Jun's sarcastic, grumpy brother who she had once grown fond of and even dated in the second year of RPA. But as a young princess, she had been naive and almost desperate for love which gave her motivation to fall into the first guys arms she meets.
Descending out of the coach, Sofia, Vivian and Jun ran towards each other in synchronisation, embracing one another immediately. She wasn't sure why Vivian decided to attend this year, but for what ever reason she was jocund. Cedric and Roland joined the Emperor, greeting him respectfully before entering the grand gates as a group. The market square was bustling: kids playing with their paper crafts, food stalls selling out delicious foods, dancers performing in the centre and the stage in the North end where the magicians show would take place.
"Isn't it wonderful, Sofia?" Vivian gasped. "If only I could've brought my mandolin..." she sighed, taking Jun's arm.
"Yes, very exquisite indeed!" the goody-goody princess chirped.
"Cedric, I leave you in charge for the time being whilst me and Emperor Quon catch up on some important matters at hand," the king commanded. "I assume you can handle the task?"
The group became segregated once at the first junction, Roland the Emperor and the Empress wished to speak in private about some arrangements. And with the perfect option to snatch Cedric away, Sofia promised to catch up with the both of them shortly.
"Psst, Mr Ceeedric!" she whispered. "Come with me!" Sofia latched onto his robes and towed him over to a quiet area.
First of all he had blatantly ignored her the whole journey and secondly he didn't even apologise once the coach departed. Along the wall, Sofia pinned him up to it and crossed her arms in rage. Cedric pulled a sheepish grin, twiddling his thumbs.
"Y-yes, Sofia?" the sorcerer gulped.
"Why did you ignore me?"
"The King asked me to," he replied. "I'm not too sure why so don't bother asking, but he explained to me that you had a lot on your plate and not to bother you."
Her expression changed quicker than the weather changes. Could it be the slim chance that her father had heard Amber or perhaps heard her speak loudly in her sleep? Unlikely, but why else would he specifically require her sorcerer to zip his lip in front of her.
Cedric I love you. I won't ever leave you, I don't want any of those pompous suitors, only YOU! Can you hear me?
"That's strange..." she said, mulling over her next choice of words. She would love for her thoughts to translate out loud for him to hear her because then she could either face rejection or a potential relationship. "C-cedric...there's something I must tell you..." was she really doing this?
The ally was desolated and tranquil; there was no sign of a single person walk past them which gave her the perfect opportunity to reveal her feelings without interruption. Fireworks boomed deafeningly in the near proximity to their location, shattering sprinkles of glitter which evaporated before touching the ground.
Such a gorgeous scenery for a romantic revelation, just like in movies or...those sickening love novels. As much as she detested them, she for one didn't mind if her confession was surrounded with an alluring, magical setting.
"Yes?" he blushed.
"Cedric for a long time now..." she began, absorbing the entire supply of oxygen from the world to allow her confession to be consistent. "Cedric I lov―"
"Princess Sofia, Sir Cedric!" it was Prince Jin, hollering down from the other end of the ally. "You are needed at the frontlines of the show. The king wants to welcome you onto the stage to perform as the first competitor."
Could he have been any more rude? Next time, I will tell him. Hopefully...
A few hours later.
The show of sorcery was excellent. Cedric performed his all famous mirror trick, Sofia assisting as his little apprentice. Many famous wizards atteneded too, such as Greylock the grand, Merlin and Wu-Chang. Every performance was entertaining, but all she yearned for now was to spend time with her friends. After the show, the three princesses escaped the crowds and proceeded to enter a large tent with pillows and cushions spread out on the fabricated floor.
"I call dibs on the biggest one!" Jun squealed innocently, leaping to grab the quilted pillow tucked under another golden, smaller pillow.
Vivian giggled, joining Jun on the cushioned ground next to her. Sofia placed herself down, smiling at the two royals. She wasn't entirely sure what this tent was used for, but it sure was cosy and warm. Ironically because this was Wei-Ling after all. Vivian lay her head on Jun's lap, closing her eyes as the other princess placed her hands around her shoulders.
"So...what is this tent?" Sofia quizzed them, breaking the silence.
"Oh this old thing?" Jun laughed. "It's used as a cool off spot, but only I am allowed inside it. And any guests I may want to of course."
Sofia pondered for a moment, were Vivian and Jun a couple or were they just acting oddly affectionate towards each other? Best not to assume, but it wouldn't hurt to ask surely.
"Are you two...a couple?" she asked genuinely. "I didn't want to assume...I promise It's not like that but I thought I would ask, you know? If you rather not answer then that's also fine, but I'm not homophobic or anything. I believe love is love."
Sofia knew she was rambling, but the two lovers didn't mind one bit. They were pleased she was open to ask them, most people wouldn't ask because they typically wouldn't want to know. On the other hand, Sofia didn't really have a problem in asking and it was refreshing to hear that another royal such as herself wasn't against their community. It was only a shame that there were some wretched people who would feel it necessary to act on their thoughts and physically attack them. If you don't have anything nice to say, then don't say it. Simple as that. Yes, you are allowed your opinion but that opinion if cruelly unnecessary,should stay for primarily his or her own thoughts not to be vocalised in a hateful way.
"Yes, we are," Jun smiled.
"That's great! I'm so happy for the both of you," the princess said.
"Thank you, Sofia. So how about you?" Vivian asked bubbly. "Do you have any crushes?"
The thought of telling them about Cedric didn't feel as scary as she would have pictured it to. Unlike Amber who only offered shitty advice using romance novels, Jun and Vivian wouldn't have a biased opinion so they could cough up hopefully some helpful advice.
"Okay...so there's this guy who happens to be my fathers royal sorcerer. He is the greatest: the kindest, sweetest, talented guy I've ever met in my life," said Sofia proudly. "But...I guess there's one problem..."
"Problem?" the couple chimed curiously. Jun warped her arms around Vivian, cradling her like a baby. "Surely a guy this great wouldn't have any flaws...or carry any problems?" Jun said.
"Not him exactly. I do like Cedric but―"
"C'mon honey, there's no way you can hold back on such a man." Vivian winked.
Meanwhile, Cedric searched around aimlessly in an attempt to find Sofia. After her little confrontation, his curiosity spiked remarkably as to what she was going to say before that inconsiderate prince coincidentally interrupted whilst she was in mid sentence. Determined to find her, he departed from the king's beady eyes and entreated around the courtyard in hope of finding her and that...marvellous, splendidly se―beautiful dress. Not amount of fantasy conjured in his dreams could substitute for alone time with Sofia, especially if it was that type of alone time.
The tent seemed to stick out like a sore thumb amongst the other bland stalls, luring him towards it. As the little curtain door was shut, he turned to leave until hearing the distinct voice of his true love. A side window had been left open incidentally, perfect for a little ear wigging. He ducked under it and listened it carefully, relaxed by her sweet voice, even if it did sound pained and troubled. He couldn't exactly barge in there...what if they were doing naked yoga or something? The princesses would all scream and that would be the end of his career.
"NO! no, no, no," he could hear Sofia say softly. "After these treacherous dreams I just explained to you, you must be able to understand why we can never be together. My father killed Cedric in anger for our forbidden relationship!" she cried, tearing up. "I can't risk it...I need to forget about him for his own safety..."
Cedric's face flared up, tears almost formed but her undeniable love for him prevented that. Whatever these dreams she was having, they obviously affected her in ways which have influenced her to let go. He couldn't stand to see her upset, if she were to declare her love to him he would have no choice but to reject her. He wouldn't want to anger the king in all honesty.
I have to let her go...for her own good.
Stepping back, heaving a sigh he heard a woman singing like an angel from across the way. Cedric gazed over and saw the most stunning lady performing a song he had listened to once or twice. She had the vocals of a goddess and a face he could have sworn he remembered from somewhere. Luxurious brown locks tied up neatly in a high ponytail, an orange coloured dress with a belt and several squiggly bangles around her wrists. Could it be? The real Sasha the sorceress?
Previously, Sasha the sorceress had been none other than the nasty but misunderstood Miss Nettle, lusting greedily for power. She took the form of Sasha in order to win over the king's affections and take Sofia's amulet ultimately. Little did they know, she wasn't at all a figment of her imagination for earlier that week she had visited the kingdom of Corinthia and met with the real Sasha. Noticing her beauty, it would be with great knowledge that she mimic her, all part of sneaky plan to gain the trust of the Enchancian royal family.
He couldn't believe his eyes, standing confidently on the stage was once the love of his life. He found himself walking over to the audience and joining it willingly to hear her better. Luckily she didn't notice him.
"Things fall apart, but nothing breaks like a heart!" the woman sang gracefully.
He tried to imagine her as the wicked Miss Nettle, but it was impossible. He would never fall out of love with Sofia, but would it be wise to pursue anything knowing what he had heard prior? This time tears trickled down his face, dripping graciously onto the floor. Suddenly using this Sasha as a rebound of some sort not only sounded jerkish, but presented him in a bad light. He wouldn't use this poor woman in order to alleviate the pain off his shoulders so soon.
Sasha's words were in fact valid: Nothing breaks like a heart.