Chapter Twelve
Six months
As she felt Anya kicking her, Sofia tried her best to calm down. She didn't want to admit it to her family but she'd been having nightmares for the past week.
Stress wasn't good for her or Anya and Lorelei so she tried not to show it, smiling a little as Hugo kissed her cheek.
"Good morning," he smiled warmly, putting a hand on her baby bump. "And how are Daddy's little girls doing today?"
"They're healthy as usual. Lorelei kept me up until the middle of the night last night along with another thing," Sofia yawned.
"Another thing?"
"Hugo I know it's silly but I keep having nightmares about myself and sometimes Stirling is there."
"Cedric did tell me that you still have some trauma due to him," Hugo sympathized.
"I know," Sofia sighed. "But is it my fault for this? I was the one who foolishly decided to stay out late after my protector mission and one thing lead to another equaling to this."
"No it's not your fault. But you're visiting Cedric right after breakfast. Fiancé's orders."
"And you're going to school after breakfast. Those are my orders! Just because your dad and brother gave you permission to live here for as long as needed doesn't mean you get to slack off."
Hugo laughed, carefully twirling Sofia around the room before petting a sleeping Clover.
"Take care of her while I'm gone, okay, Clover?" he murmured.
Sofia smirked. "Clover's very protective of my baby bump," she assured him. "When I learned I was pregnant, he'd huddle close to me when I laid on the bed, and he'd make sure nobody got too close."
"He knew you were expecting, and he didn't want anything to happen to the baby," Hugo smiled. He remembered going with his family to one of his aunts' for a visit, and her dog stayed right by her side. She had just learned that she was going to have a baby, and the dog was always curled up at her side, just like Clover was now.
Luckily for Hugo, he and Clover were on good terms with one another so there hadn't been any problems so far.
Sofia smiled upon hearing Corban's giggles as she and Hugo were in the dining room, musing his hair. Being eight months old he would mostly babble happily and chew on what he could get his hands on but Sofia didn't mind.
"He's this close to talking soon," Amber smiled, holding out a chair for Sofia. "But as the protectors know Sofia, no missions for you from now until a month after the babies are born."
"Why a month?" Sofia wondered, feeling Anya and Lorelei kick.
"They want to make sure you're up to them again. I remember one time when I was younger, Clio had to have her appendix removed, and though she was told to rest for at least a week after she got out of the hospital, she only waited two or three days before she started helping Hildy with some party. I remember that I was there when I saw her knees buckle, and she got really tired. I had to lead her to a table and have her sit down, but she kept reading the list of things Hildy needed for the party. I told her to rest and that I'd help her, and even Hildy agreed."
"That's a good idea," Hugo agreed, "I remember, I was there helping Hildegard set up the party too, and after Clio sat down, I got her some water and sat with her." He turned to Sofia. "The point is, you should wait until you're feeling better after Lorelei and Anya are born before you start thinking about Protector missions again. We don't want something to happen to you if you go adventuring so soon after you give birth, Sofia." He paused, thinking for a few moments. "Or, if you want, Amber, James, and I could come with you. I know, we don't have the same kind of training that you have, but we could use the skills we do have to help you."
Sofia nodded in agreement, too endorsed by her cravings to complain. It was mostly fruit. Some plain with others dipped in chocolate so none of the kitchen staff faced the wrath of a expecting teenager.
She playfully swatted away James' hand upon realizing he wanted one of the chocolate strawberries on her plate.
"What? We have to make sure the fruit and chocolate are good for Sofia before we give it to her, don't we?" James asked innocently.
"I know, James, and even though you say chocolate is a major food group, that's for Sofia! We'll get you your own fruit and chocolate!" Amber smirked. She saw Hugo's hand moving toward another strawberry. "Hugo, that goes for you too!"
Sofia giggled as she helped herself to a strawberry. She knew James only wanted to help too, but she didn't want him eating her snack! But at least there were enough strawberries on the plate so she could share them.
"But in all seriousness, Sof, if you need me to go on Protector missions with you, I can use my knight training to help you too," James said as he hugged her. Until Anya kicked him. "Ow! Okay Anastasia, I'll let your mommy eat!"
...
Once Amber, Hugo, and James were off to school and she had eaten enough of her cravings that'd put Clover to shame, Sofia made her way to Cedric's workshop.
Anya and Lorelei stayed quiet as she walked, trying her best to clear her mind of the recent nightmares and self guilt she'd been having.
Cedric knew of her trauma due to the rather explicit details that she never shared with anyone else before Sofia found herself giggling at a sound coming from the workshop.
Cedric opened the door a crack. "Sofia, what are you doing up here?"
"Can't I get a change of scenery?" Sofia smiled as she entered.
"Of course," Cedric smiled as he helped her sit down. He conjured a blanket for her and draped it over her shoulders. "We have to keep you and the little ones warm, and I often forget how cold it can get up here."
Sofia rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "Mister Cedric, I may be pregnant-"
"But you're not helpless, I know," he finished. "I just want you to be comfortable while you're visiting me."
"I know. I just need your help with something."
"What is it?"
"Well I've been having nightmares recently and self guilt," Sofia sighed. "I know it's not my fault but..." Some tears ran down her cheeks as she tried to wipe them away. "I shouldn't had stayed out that night or ran the moment Stirling did what he did but I was foolish!"
"Don't blame yourself, Sofia," Cedric murmured, conjuring a few handkerchiefs for her. "You did nothing wrong. Everything happened so fast with Stirling that you didn't have time to really think about it until later."
"I know. I try not to think about him, but I can't help it!"
"I understand. He unfortunately left a memory you can never forget."
As she wiped away her tears with the handkerchiefs, Cedric gently stroked Sofia's hair. True she wasn't a child anymore but as her emotions were all over the place now, he knew the action still comforted her.
A few childish sniffles confirmed it as Cedric held back a laugh. Sofia was sixteen now and yet still had some of her childhood tendencies in tact.
"Everything's going to be just fine, Sofia," Cedric promised. "You have so many people helping you right now, and they'll continue helping you after the babies are born. We'll help you get through this, one day at a time."
"You've been listening to Mom, haven't you?" Sofia smiled. "She tells me that too."
"Great minds do tend to think alike, my dear."
"Anya and Lorelei have been quiet for a little while. I can tell when one of them kicks now. Anya always kicks when I'm hungry or I'm in here. Lorelei kicks when I'm in the garden or at night. They both kick whenever they feel like it."
"Seems like Anastasia will take after you more!" Cedric chuckled, putting a hand on Sofia's baby bump as Anya started kicking. "I see your mommy told you and your sister all about me huh?"
Sofia smiled at the thought. "And when she's old enough, I think we can make her an apprentice too!"
"One apprentice at a time, dear girl!"
…
As the day slowed in pace, Sofia spent her time with her mentor just as she had done in her childhood. It was different now with her expecting but the door to Cedric's workshop was ajar just as she remembered it.
The only difference was how the workshop was now baby proof both for Corban and her daughters. Dangerous potions were locked away and the glass breakers were replaced by plastic. Sofia only complained playfully with a roll of her eyes, raising her wand to project animals as she knew that sparkling lights wouldn't work for every baby.
She had the blanket Cedric had conjured for her wrapped around her waist, not wanting her daughters harmed while she performed magic.
"We'll also have to have Anastasia and Lorelei tested to see how they react to certain potion ingredients," Cedric mused as he looked over some of his potion ingredients. "We don't want them getting sick or have something happen to them if something were to accidentally spill."
"You're right," Sofia agreed, "We know that James has trouble with Pelicant Eggshell Powder, and he's always sick for a few days after he comes in contact with it. You say Callista doesn't have that problem, but Ms. Cordelia does. You also said Dad and Amber don't have that problem, but Aunt Tilly has a small allergy to it. Did you ever have me and Mom tested when we first came to the castle?"
"Yes, and I'm proud to say that you both tested negative for that problem. One of the reasons I don't allow Baileywick in my workshop is that he has a minor allergy to that as well. And now that we're talking about it, we'll have to have Prince Corban tested too. And Hugo."
"How would we do that?"
"Well, for someone older, like Prince Hugo, I'd have them take a small spoonful and breathe it in," Cedric explained. "If they didn't have a problem with it, they'd be fine. But if the test was positive, they'd have trouble with balance, they'd be dizzy, and they'd feel weak for three to four days. My sorcerer friends and I haven't been able to find a cure for Pelicant Eggshell Powder exposure except for bedrest yet, but hopefully one day, we'll find something."
"But what if the person was younger, like Corban, Lorelei, or Anya?" Sofia asked.
She fiddled with her engagement ring nervously, noticing that Anya and Lorelei had stopped their kicking. She didn't want her babies to be sick or allergic any type of potions.
"I usually wait until they're a year old but for the girls, I'll have to start earlier than normal since we don't know if Stirling was allergic," Cedric explained.
"But are there any safe methods for younger children?" Sofia wondered.
"We'll have to get together with my parents and ask them. It's been a while since I've talked to them about potion ingredients, and I've actually forgotten what they said when we learned that Cordelia had that problem."
"But couldn't you use different ingredients in a potion that called for it, or would it work the same way if different things were used?"
"Oh, yes," Cedric smiled, "Greylock has the problem with Pelicant Eggshell Powder as well, and he read that a mixture of griffin sweat and crocodile tears works the same way."
"But what does Pelicant Eggshell Powder do?" Sofia asked.
"Well, it can be used as a headache remedy, and it can help suppress dizziness when used as medicine, but I've forgotten what else it's used for. When we talk to my parents, they can fill us in."
"Do they know I'm expecting?"
"Well Father isn't pleased with it but he's not cross. Mummy, on the other hand, she's made a few things for the girls," Cedric smiled.
"I knew she would. Miss Winnifred always liked me," Sofia beamed.
Before she or Cedric could speak again, they heard the door squeak and happy babbling as Sofia giggled upon looking down and seeing Corban crawl towards her, tugging on the hem of her dress.
"Well, hello, Corban," Sofia smiled as she carefully took him on her lap. "Did you come to visit with your friends?"
Corban giggled and gently patted her baby bump. He looked up at his sister, wondering what she was saying to Cedric.
"Mr. Cedric, since he's here, do you think we should test Corban for Pelicant Eggshell Powder?" Sofia asked.
"Only if your parents are here with us when we do the test," Cedric agreed.
"Well Mom and Dad aren't that busy today. I think that can be arranged."
"Then I'll go get them while you keep an eye on your brother."
Sofia didn't protest as Corban gently patted her baby bump, babbling as Anya and Lorelei kicked.
"Amber says you'll be talking any day now," she mused, stroking his hair. "I wonder what word will be your first." Corban looked at her in confusion. "Your first word sweetie. Mom says mine was Ma ma."
Corban giggled and cuddled up with Sofia as best he could. He babbled a little more as Cedric came back with Roland, Miranda, and even Hugo.
"Hugo, you're back early! Is everything okay?" Sofia asked.
"We had a test in one of my classes, and as soon as students finished, we got to leave," Hugo explained. "Luckily for me, that was my only class today, so I won't get in trouble for skipping." He turned serious. "Now, what's this I hear about testing someone?"
Sofia filled him in on what she and Cedric had discussed about testing Corban, Anya, and Lorelei for allergies for Pelicant Eggshell Powder, among other potion ingredients, if one or all three of them took an interest in magic and wanted to help her and Cedric with potions or anything magical.
Roland nodded. He had seen Cedric give her and Miranda each a small spoonful of the powder after they got settled in, and he was relieved to learn that neither of them had problems with them.
"That's a good idea," Miranda agreed. "The last thing we want is for Corban and the girls to get sick if they come up here, or to have something spill on them that makes them sick."
"We better test Hugo too," Sofia whispered to Cedric with a smile.
"You can do that. With infants, testing's harder," Cedric whispered back.
Sofia paled at the thought before taking Hugo's hand in hers. He noticed her change in tone from hours before and stroked her hair, seeing her less nervous.
"How long does the test take to see if it works?" Hugo asked as Cedric brought over a bottle of speckled gray powder.
"Not very long, but you should give it a few minutes to see if you're all right," Cedric explained as he gave Hugo a small spoonful of the powder.
"I kind of remember James having trouble with this in one of our potions classes," Hugo said after he swallowed it. "He got really dizzy, and he had a lot of trouble keeping his balance. I also remember he passed out when he got to our next class."
"I remember that too; now Hugo, do you feel dizzy at all, or do you have a headache?" Sofia asked.
"I feel okay," Hugo said as he tested his balance. He walked over to Cedric, and turned back to Sofia. He even carefully spun her in his arms. "I don't think I have that problem, so we're both good."
He kissed her cheek as Corban giggled at how silly he thought Hugo was acting.
"Come on little guy you turn," Miranda smiled, taking Corban in her arms.
"Mr. Cedric what did you mean by the testing being harder with infants?" Sofia asked.
"Have you ever tried giving medicine to a baby or giving them a test to see if they react to potion ingredients?" Cedric smirked. "I remember my father trying to test someone when he was younger, I won't mention any names, King Roland, but he said your father hit the spoon out of his hand and spilled the contents on the floor. Fortunately, the Grand Queen was there, and she held him while my father tried again. And fortunately for everyone in the room, he tested negative for Pelicant Eggshell Powder as well! And of course this was before he discovered jiggly-wiggly pudding!"
"Mother and I tested negative, but I remember my father has a small problem with it, just like Tilly," Roland mused.
At the same time, Miranda held Corban on her lap. "It's all right, sweetie," she murmured, "You just need to taste something."
Corban shook his head, starting to fuss.
"Corban," Sofia cooed. Seeing him calm, she smiled and held the spoon along with Cedric. "Here comes the flying horse flying into its stable!"
Corban giggled before feeling the spoon in his mouth. He swallowed the powder, frowning at the bitter taste as he wiggled from Miranda's arms and crawled towards Sofia.
"How is he?" Hugo asked, stroking Corban's hair. "It's okay, little guy," he continued, "It didn't taste too bad."
Corban cooed up at him, and Miranda lowered him to the floor. Everyone watched as he crawled around the workshop with Hugo close behind him.
"He seems to be all right, but since he's so young, I think it would be a good idea to keep an eye on him for the next couple of days," Cedric suggested.
"Right. We don't want to take any chances," Sofia agreed. "But what if he tests positive for this?"
"Then we'll keep an eye on him. Pelicant Eggshell Powder symptoms are similar to any sickness: weakness all over your body, dizziness and headaches, and I remember James once had a very slight fever, but that doesn't happen often. And as I said, it takes three to four days for the symptoms to go away."
"I've also heard that the eggs of a Pelicant are edible," Hugo spoke up. "Would he have to stay away from those too?"
"Yes he would, but he can eat any other eggs," Cedric agreed.
"That's good," Sofia smiled, picking Corban up carefully. "You're talkative today aren't you Corban?"
Corban babbled, pointing to her baby bump before looking up at his big sister.
"Yes your big sister will be a mommy soon," Roland smiled, noticing his son's curiosity. "And she'll be a wonderful person doing so."
"I thought she already was," Cedric smiled.
Corban giggled as Sofia hugged him. He felt a little kick and he let out a squeal. "Ya!"
"Oh my gosh! I think his first word might be Anya!" Sofia smiled.
"It sounds like it," Miranda grinned, taking Corban and hugging him. "We're so proud of you, sweetie!"
"That's right, Corban, now say Da da," Roland murmured.
"Rollie!"
"Ya!" Corban giggled, looking up at Sofia.
"Oh no. If your next words are Ma ma little guy, you'll be making both your mommy and sister cry," Hugo smirked, musing his hair.
"That'll be enough surprises for today if there aren't anymore," Cedric mused. He noticed Sofia's tearing face and squeezed her hand. "Sofia?"
"I'm sorry but from the books I've read so far about babies, I thought it wasn't time for Corban to talk," Sofia sniffed.
"He might just be making little sounds, or trying to say the names, since he's heard them for a while now. We'll have to see if he was making sounds, or really talking."
"I guess you're right. Babies talk when they're ready...or they sing when they're ready!"
"Oh, yes," Roland grinned. "When Amber and James were born, I heard Amber cry right away. Seven minutes later, I heard a little voice singing, 'A-B-C-D-E-F-G! H-I-J-K-L-M-N-O-P! Q-R-S-T-U-V! W-X-Y-and Z! Now I know my ABC's! I can help write about me!'"
"That's right," Cedric smirked. "Prince James was singing that when he was born, then he grabbed the pen from the nurse and transcribed his own birth! Then he turned to another nurse and asked if she was done with the book she was reading. I've heard the joke before!"
"Ya!" Corban squealed, patting Sofia's baby bump.
...
Sofia smiled as Clover gently placed a paw on her baby bump. She started to pet him behind the ears, knowing how careful he was if Anya or Lorelei kicked.
Luckily for her, Corban was only trying to say Anya and not fully ready to talk yet much to the family's relief.
"I see you had a busy day with Cedric," Clover noted, seeing Sofia's calm demeanor. "But how are the little does doing?"
"Healthy as always," Sofia assured.
"That's good. I hear your little brother was trying to talk too."
"So far it's only 'Ya,'. He might be trying to say 'Anya' or 'Sofia,', but we'll just have to wait."
Clover chuckled in response, feeling Anya kick him. The first time she and Lorelei kicked, the rabbit almost clawed Sofia before knowing that it would harm the babies if he did.
But Sofia hadn't gotten upset with him, knowing in Clover's age that it was only in self defense and the kicking had only startled him.
Clover only wanted to look out for Lorelei and Anya and she knew it. He had been protective of them since the moment Sofia first found out that she was pregnant.
They often talked about what would happen after the girls were born. Sofia would let Lorelei and Anya pet Clover, and tell them what he said, and perhaps later, she'd enchant a necklace for them with Cedric's help that allowed them to talk to animals.
And perhaps other powers if she felt like they were needed.
"You'll be okay with having two babies around for the first few weeks won't you?" Sofia asked, seeing Clover take his paw off her baby bump. "I'll be having their bassinet by my bed."
"Oh sure I'll be fine Sof," Clover smirked. "We'll take naps together."
"Is that all you've planned? Taking naps with my daughters?"
"Well someone's got to keep the nightmares away."
"Good point," Sofia smiled. "You helped me when I had nightmares my first few nights after I became a princess. I was so happy we could talk to each other, and you always made me feel better."
"And I'll get to do the same with the little does," Clover smiled.
Hearing a knock, he scattered to his bed as Sofia stood up and opened the door.
"Mr. Cedric what are you doing here?" She asked.
"I see you've been conversing with your rabbit," Cedric noted, wiping off Clover's fur from her dress. "I came to discuss some things with you."
"If it's about the girls, they'll be well taken care of. Dad's got the best medical staff on hand when they're born and everyone's planned to spoil them."
"Actually it's about you."
"Me? Are you worried about what'll happen after the girls are born?" Sofia gasped.
"Actually, yes," Cedric admitted. "I don't want anything to happen to you after the girls are born. After Princess Amber and Prince James were born, I was unable to save their mother. I don't want to re-live that with you."
"Mr. Cedric, you don't have to worry," Sofia said as she helped him sit down. "Dad says Dr. Heydenberg and his medical staff are going to help me. They're going to be on call every day until it's time for the girls to be born. He'll even have the man who helped deliver Amber and James with him to help too."
Cedric smiled a little. He remembered Dr. Tom Broka, and how he was there for Queen Lorelei every step of the way of her pregnancy. He was hoping he'd be able to work with him and Goodwyn when it was time for Sofia to give birth.
"I suppose you're right, and you'll be in good hands with Dr. Broka. He's very nice, and he knows his profession."
"He does," Sofia agreed. "But all the talks I've had with Mom about birth so I'll be prepared in three months has made me feel a bit overwhelmed. I'm sixteen Mr. Cedric! That's not an age for a princess to have a baby! It's going to hurt and—"
She was interrupted by Cedric gently shushing her as tears spilled from her eyes.
Sofia wasn't a crier but knew it was her mood swings which couldn't be helped. Yet she was frustrated too.
"Don't worry, Sofia," Cedric murmured as he took her in his arms. "Everything's going to be all right." He held her as if she was Callista and slowly began rocking her. "Everyone in the castle's going to take excellent care of you and the girls."
At that moment, Hugo came in, followed by Roland and Miranda. "Cedric, is everything okay?" Hugo asked. However, his look of concern grew when he saw Sofia crying. "Sofia, it's okay. I'm here. I'm going to help you through this. Everything's going to be all right."
He, Roland, and Miranda watched as Cedric stroked Sofia's hair like he would if she had been a child, only bigger, while she hiccuped.
Sofia calmed at the touch yet was still frustrated.
"I hate him!" She sobbed. "He ruined my life and my future! I'm glad Stirling's dead! But it doesn't make up for what he's put me through. Morning sickness, fatigue, and now I'm worrying about giving birth! I know I should be happy to be a mom but I'm scared too."
"I was scared when I learned that I was going to be a mom too, Sofia," Miranda revealed. "I'd never had experience taking care of children before. But fortunately, I'd been around my friends when they were expecting, and they let me help take care of the children, so I'd have some practice for when it was my turn to be a mother. I remembered a lot of the tricks and tips they gave me, and when you were born, I knew what I had to do."
"Will you teach me what you learned too?"
"Of course I will."
Sofia calmed at those words. There were a few tears still down her cheeks but she didn't mind.
Seeing her now calmer than what she had been, a now mortified Cedric tried to apologize for what the trio in front of them had walked into before Roland held up a hand.
"You don't need to apologize old friend," he assured. "You were comforting Sofia when she needed it. You feel that the affection you expressed is inappropriate given my daughter's age, however, that won't be necessary."
"I only wanted to help her, your majesty," Cedric started.
"And you have. You've tried to help Sofia when Amber and James were busy, you've kept her company and offered comfort to her, and you're going to be a wonderful godfather to Lorelei and Anastasia when they're born."
"I'll certainly try sire."
Anya and Lorelei kicked at the sound of Cedric's voice, causing Sofia to laugh.
They were her daughters alright.
"Looks like they like you already Cedric," Miranda smiled. "Just like their mommy."
"And when they're born, we'll have to see if they inherited Sofia's love of hugging people," Cedric smirked as Sofia hugged him.
"You never know," Roland smiled. "They could inherit James' love of music and writing, Sofia's love of magic and hugging people, or Amber's love of stars and fashion."
"Or a combination of all three of them," Miranda smiled.
"We'll just have to see when they're born," Sofia yawned. "I only hope I can get through tonight without Lorelei kicking me."
"It can't be that bad!" Hugo teased. "She probably wants to play with you."
"I told her no last night but she didn't listen."
"Just like someone else I know," Roland smirked over at James.
Thinking quickly, James snatched Corban out of Miranda's arms before Roland could take another step. "Corban, you wouldn't mind acting as my human shield, would you?" He grinned as Corban giggled as he was aimed at Roland. "I'd ask Hugo to do that, but he doesn't know about the games the family and I play."
"I know nothing about this and I'm not getting involved," Hugo chuckled.
"I couldn't agree more," Cedric smirked.
"Ya!" Corban giggled, clapping his hands.
"If you're going to talk and it's ma ma, I'm not going to be happy," Sofia smiled, trying not to laugh at Roland and James' antics.
While Hugo had left the room after kissing Sofia's cheek and gave a goodnight pat to her baby bump, Cedric stayed behind as he watched Corban reach for Sofia.
"You're going to do a wonderful job with Lorelei and Anastasia," Cedric smiled. "You can practice with Corban until it's time for the girls to be born."
"That's what I've been doing for the past couple of months," Sofia smirked.
She took Corban in her arms as he patted her baby bump, babbling happily before looking up at Sofia and squealed.
"Ma ma!" Corban giggled, clapping his hands.
Sofia nearly dropped her little brother in surprise as Cedric noticed the tears in her eyes.
"Yes, Prince Corban, Sofia's going to be a wonderful mama," Cedric smiled as he caught him.
"You really think so?" Sofia asked as she took Corban back. "I did just almost drop my brother, you know!"
"Only because he surprised you when he called you mama. I know you'll be careful with Lorelei and Anastasia when you hear them call you mama."
"It'll be emotional Mr. Cedric. As for this time being called mama, Corban just surprised me. I wasn't expecting him to say that."
"Well he has been hearing how you'll be a mommy for the last couple of months," Cedric smirked.
"I guess you're right," Sofia smiled a little. "I just hope I live up to his expectations."
"You will, and then some. I've seen you help take care of him, and you do a wonderful job. You might even use some of the skills you picked up from taking care of your brother and use them on Anastasia and Lorelei."
"You mean, a bottle of milk in the morning, a nap afterwards, mashed fruit for lunch..."
"If you think that would work, then you should try it," Cedric suggested. "I tried to follow the instructions Cordelia gave me when I had to babysit Callista, and they both agreed that I did a very good job. I'll even make a copy of the schedule she made me and let you take ideas from that."
"Depends on what girl enjoys what Mr. Cedric," Sofia smirked.
Corban looked around, starting to fuss upon realizing that Miranda wasn't in the room.
Sofia bounced him in her arms, hoping to calm him down as she stood up and walked around the room.
"It's okay, Corban, I'm here," Sofia murmured. She patted his back as she started humming a song.
"If I may, my dear? As Prince James so eloquently puts it, music makes everything better," Cedric smiled as he waved his wand and made the accompanying music, as well as a few sparkles that Corban tried to catch.
"That's really pretty, Mr. Cedric," Sofia smiled as Corban yawned. "I think we might have found Anya and Lorelei's first lullaby."
"Oh, yes, I heard Prince James singing that to you the night of Stirling's execution to help calm you down," Cedric smiled.
Smiling at the memory, Sofia bounced Corban in her arms once more as he yawned again in an effort to get him to sleep before feeling spit up on the front of her dress.
She started blushing, making no effort to hide the look of disgust on her face as a snickering Cedric took a giggling Corban from her arms.
"Well, you'll have to get used to that too," Cedric chuckled as he used a spell to clean her up.
"And it looks like you will too," Sofia giggled, seeing Corban drool on Cedric's shoulder.
"Touché, Prince Corban." Cedric gave him a mock frown as he used the same spell to clean up his robe. "But your sister will have to deal with that twice as much!"
"Let's hope not, but I know we can use that spell to clean up when it happens," Sofia smiled.
"Indeed we do. Come on my dear why don't we give your mother a break and put this little one to bed?"
"I'm sure Corban will love that. Oh and Mr. Cedric?"
"Yes?" Cedric smiled. He held Corban in one arm and wrapped the other around Sofia's waist. Noticing her pout, he smirked. "It's for your own good. You shouldn't even be standing In your condition."
Sofia rolled her eyes good naturally. "I taken you've been near Amber lately?" She teased. Noticing her mentor's shrug, she smiled. "I'd like to thank you for being there throughout all this. You didn't have to when I told you I was pregnant. I was so scared of how you'd react."
"When you first told me, of course I was upset, but I knew it wasn't your fault," Cedric assured her, "You did everything in your power to fight him off, but things just happened too quickly for you to know what happened. But you know that that little snot's dead, and he's out of your life forever." Seeing Sofia's look of mock horror, he smirked. "I'd say something stronger, but I know better than to swear in front of you, your brother, and your daughters!"
"Gee thanks!"
Sofia yawned, rubbing her eyes. Fatigue was catching up with her as Lorelei kicked her.
Once Corban was put to sleep in his crib, she and Cedric walked back to her room as the sorcerer gently placed a hand on her shoulder..
"Do you need anything?" Cedric asked.
"Not really," Sofia said, taking down the braid she had in since that morning. "I was thinking about the girls as we were putting Corban to sleep. Their little faces, their little hands and feet before I wondered what to do with my hair when they're born. It's long enough for them and Corban to play with."
"Just make sure they don't put your hair in their mouths," Cedric said as he helped her brush it. "The last thing we want is for Corban, Lorelei, and Anastasia to get hairballs!"
Sofia couldn't help but giggle at the thought. "Mr. Cedric! They're not kittens!"
"I know, but better to be safe than sorry, my dear."
"True. There's that."
As he brushed the last lock of Sofia's hair, Cedric noticed a smile on Sofia's face before placing a hand on her baby bump, feeling Lorelei kick.
"You're going to let your mother sleep tonight aren't you Lorelei?" Cedric teased. Lorelei kicked again in response. "Stubborn. Just like your so called father except unlike him, I like you and your sister. Sofia's going to be a great mother to you and Anastasia Lorelei. She'll hold you and play with you and sing to you and love you. Might even drag you along to my workshop when you're old enough. That is if I don't hear you first."
"And we'll see if she loves magic as much as I do," Sofia agreed.
"She might, but babies have their own likes and dislikes."
Sofia yawned, wanting to agree with him before standing up and walking towards her bed, being careful not to fall as she got under the covers.
Clover hopped on the bed, gently placing a paw on her baby bump and glanced at Cedric. He knew the sorcerer wouldn't harm the girls by any means but a few sniffs warned Cedric to get back.
"Don't worry, Clover, Mr. Cedric's only trying to help me," Sofia smiled.
"I know," Cedric smiled. "He's been quite protective of you since you first learned you were expecting. He's a very good guard rabbit, but he should know that I won't hurt you."
"I think he knows that," Sofia smiled. "He just wants you to give me a little space."
"And I will," Cedric agreed. "I'll help you whenever you want me to."
He kissed her forehead as she began to fall asleep. Once Sofia was fully asleep, Cedric knew from the well meaning, if not intimidating, sniffs from Clover that he had to leave.
Not before petting the rabbit who calmed at the touch, not moving for a second so he wouldn't disturb the princess in her slumber.
Being better to be safe than sorry, Cedric had left the door to Sofia's room ajar and took in the sight before him, smiling softly.
"She's going to be just fine," he mused, "Sofia's got so many people helping her and supporting her, and she'll have the best care possible when the little ones are born."
"That's true, Cedric," Miranda smiled as she came down the hall and heard his mutterings. "But for now, let's let her rest. And you need to rest too. You can make your potions for her and finish baby-proofing your workshop in the morning."
"Very well. But I need to ask how Prince Corban is doing since I did the test on him."
"He's doing very well. He was crawling around earlier, and he held himself up when I saw Sofia holding him, so that's one less thing you need to worry about."
"Great. In an amusing turn of events tonight, Prince Corban called Sofia mama," Cedric smiled.
"Was it just babbling like ya was?" Miranda asked.
"Possibly. We know Prince Corban's too little to actually speak yet, but that won't stop him from trying to say the words."
"You're probably right. He knows Sofia's going to be a wonderful mama, and he wants to give her all the love and support he can too, in his own way."
Cedric smiled in agreement. While he couldn't understand Corban as he could Sofia due to him being an infant, he had to admit that she had to be influential for her little brother to support her transition into motherhood.