For Sofia and Cedric the days passed by quickly because they were always off doing something and always doing it together. Whether it was Cedric accompanying her on her duties or her helping him with anything he needed in his workshop. Through each passing day their love for each other was shown whether boldly in public, holding hands and kissing, or in private in other ways. At this point Cedric tried to convince himself that his promise didn't matter anymore, she was his fiancé now and he was no longer courting her. Surely it was fine to take things further, especially since he already had prior. Whatever reason he came up with was rather loose, he knew it, but all of it went out the window because his desire for her was sometimes too much to handle. Sofia didn't mind but she didn't understand why it was a secret thing.

All she knew was a princess must remain pure in every sense and that included being untouched by any man until her wedding. She didn't quite understand why it was such a big deal, before after, why did it matter when? So many rules and stipulations to being what she was and she wondered if all princesses were like this, if they all followed in line with what was told to them without question. She assumed so though she knew of one of royal blood who didn't and when it came to "princess things" this is who she asked. Aunt Tilly, despite always being on the move, made time for her youngest niece and was happy to answer any questions she had.

"But aunt Tilly, why is it so bad to be...bedded with a person who you aren't married with?"

"Well Sofia, I think it's because a lot of people find it immoral for a young woman to do that, it reflects poorly on her character that she isn't willing to wait. At least I think so. Why do you ask? You and Cedric haven't...done that have you?"

Sofia's cheeks went cherry red and she turned bashful quickly but she knew she could be truthful with her aunt, she would never tell a soul anything. "I um...you see it's...the answer is yes...Is it really like you say? Is it really something shameful and disgraceful?"

"Not to me! I'm like you, Sofia. All these things they tell us to do, it's why I left. I wanted to be free to go where I wanted, to be what I wanted, to dress crazy or dance around in my pantaloons without anyone to tell me no! You're as virtuous as they come, I doubt being intimate with someone you love will change that. So don't doubt yourself and do what you've always done, follow your heart, chase your dreams, dare to be different!"

Sofia brightened like a light being turned on, her eyes sparkling with new resolve. After her long discussion she felt more confident in her decisions and decided there was truly nothing wrong with her for doing this. She tried to be less shy about the whole thing but even though she was getting better about her shyness overall, she was not like him. Despite almost never being with a woman and being verbally destroyed by all of them he seemed to know his way around when it came to that. Deep down even if it wasn't obvious he was a very romantic suave man, at least to Sofia. At this point his bandages had also come off, revealing the scar to Sofia as well as the death mark located on his upper back. He did not hold back from her and told her the entire truth and it only brought them closer together. Amber had come to be somewhat disappointed in her Axel, not that he wasn't caring and considerate but he wasn't going to take that plunge it seemed. There was not much for her to do but just be okay with everyone else having self- assured men who would easily pop the question without thought.

When it came time for Hildegard's actual wedding, she was an impatient girl and wasn't about to wait for too long to get married and she planned way ahead, Amber was smiling on the outside but her inside was different. She loved her best friend, all of her close female friends were like other sisters almost, but how could she not be somewhat envious? Not that she liked the soon to be husband, perhaps once long ago but it wasn't that. Due to the custom of Zandar's culture he was always going to be married very early in life and soon, so it was no wonder he asked for her hand quickly and had been giving her pre-proposal gifts the whole time. If he could catch her eye with big fancy shows of affection then she was as good as his and thankfully for him that was just exactly how to win over Hildegard. That and he was a very nice person, a proper prince and he pretty much kissed the ground she walked on.

All in all he was perfect for her. It only made things inside of Amber worse, she was hurting silently and she hated that she was on her best friends' biggest day. She truly was over the moon for her, for the longest time as girls, including Clio, they all dreamt about their wedding day, doodling up designs for dresses and imagining what handsome prince they'd wed. Clio ended up growing out of that wanting to marry phase and simply focused on her theater work. Romance was secondary if it happened at all and even now she and Khalid were casual, dating and working but never even making much of a peep about their future together. That's kind of how James was, he wasn't too concerned with marriage yet. Hildegard and Amber never stopped dreaming or believing that soon they would be wives and mothers one day. Now it was coming true for one of them leaving the other waiting. She'd be on the sidelines, a bridesmaid, the maid of honor, but not the one going down the aisle, her father on her arm, her beloved waiting at the altar.

The wedding was going to be at Tangu, Hildegard's new future kingdom leaving her elder sister to rule as queen of Freezenburg. Sofia was also a bridesmaid and they were all dressed in traditional clothing befitting the area mixed with high fashion befitting Hildegard. Sofia was all ready to go and she knew Amber was probably still getting ready, as usual. It didn't matter if everything was laid out before her, she still took hours to get ready for some reason. So Sofia waited, making her way to the foyer where everyone else was waiting, passing Cedric in the hallway who she waved at. He screeched to a halt seeing her entirely, taking a second glance to make sure he wasn't losing his marbles.

"Whoa whoa whoa! Hold it. Where are you going dressed like that, I'd like to know?"

"Oh it's Hildegard's wedding today. I thought you knew already."

"Yes I was aware but what does that have to do with your outfit? It's entirely too revealing!"

Sofia looked down upon herself, viewing her outfit. It was a royal purple color with golden accents, a sort of sari wrap dress. One arm and shoulder were exposed covered in bangles and her midriff was showing. Her ankles and neck were also not covered but it wasn't nearly as much as he was making it out to be and it was what they wore there.

"I don't know what you mean. I'm pretty much covered. The dancers wear less than this actually."

"I don't care. It's much too much, Sofia."

"It doesn't matter, I have to wear it. It's what all the bridesmaids are wearing so it's not like I'm the only one. Besides when I go to the beach it's nothing compared to this and this is so pretty. I don't want to upset anyone there by disrespecting their culture. Also I should be allowed to wear whatever I want."

"Hmph...fine fine. As you wish. I suppose you are right... as usual."

"Thank you, Cedric, for being understanding. You're the best!" Sofia exclaimed, getting on her tip toes and kissing his cheek making him smirk.

"Yes I know."

Sweetly giggling she went on her way and he went on his. Perhaps he was being too protective of her, she was free to do as she wished and it wasn't her he was upset with. It wasn't her choice to wear that, it was a custom in Tangu and he couldn't be rude about it, that would be disrespectful and a bit intolerant. No, he was upset with any man who would see her in that. True every woman was going to be but in Cedric's mind and heart Sofia was the most attractive. He had to trust that nothing would happen, if anyone dared Sofia could take care of them and at this point, they should know she was due to be wed. Taking a deep breath, he let his insecurities go float away like a kite. Sofia was glad he got over it so fast, that he accepted things, assuring himself that there was nothing to fear. After all she wasn't naked or anything.

Their bond and trust were strengthening and developing as was his ability to stop being the way he was when it came to other people of his gender around her. They were working on him controlling his emotions better and so far it was working, he was making it work because he didn't want to hurt her feelings again with his stupidity. Though she was light and chipper she could not ignore someone in need of help so when she heard distinct crying she went towards it. It seemed to be coming from Amber's room and knowing Amber's crying really well at this point Sofia hurried faster. She hoped it was something very simple, like she was crying over her dress not fitting right or her nails breaking. Sofia knew it was impolite to not knock but in this case she knew politeness was not important. She tried the door but it was locked.

"Amber please let me in!" Sofia pleaded, knocking on the door hurriedly.

"Just one moment!" Amber called back and Sofia could hear a small sniffle. When Amber opened the door her cheeks were a little pink as was her nose and her eyes seemed just a bit bloodshot. She had tried to wipe her face with tissues, Sofia could see some crumpled up in the waste basket, but it was not covering anything. Amber's smile also wasn't exactly right.

"I'm sorry I know I'm taking forever. I promise I'll be ready in five minutes."

"That's not why I'm here," Sofia clarified, letting herself in then closing the door behind her. "I heard you crying. Is everything alright?"

"You must have heard wrong. I'm fine. Now go go, I'll be out soon."

"Amber...you can talk to me. What's wrong?" Sofia calmly inquired, taking her sister's hands in hers. "We're sisters, we should talk about our problems together."

Amber looked like she was unsure of what to say next, searching about the room with a worried expression before releasing a long heavy sigh. "Oh I feel like an idiot! I shouldn't even be upset at all but here I am moping about. I should be all smiles but... ugh!"

She threw her arms up in frustration then landed hard onto her bed, burying her face in her hands. Sofia sat next to her, placing her hand at her back. "I just I don't know...I'm jealous there I said it!"

"Jealous? Of Hildegard? It's because she's getting married and you aren't, isn't it?"

Amber sighed heavily and nodded her head yes but regrettably and slowly. "It's true... it's all true. I feel stupid but I can't help it. It's not like a race for me to see who was first but it upsets me deeply that Axel hasn't asked or even brought it up once. Why? Is it something wrong with me? Does he not like me enough? Am I not good enough? Or is it he's just not ready yet and why? He's older than me, he's had time to think. By the time I'm crowned he will be twenty three. Oh I just don't know Sofia. I don't know!"

Sofia watched her sister lament, entirely exasperated. It was obvious this was a big deal to her and though Sofia couldn't grasp it entirely she understood Amber well enough to know something like this would bother her. She got the concept of being upset over someone truly loving or even liking you at all. Sofia had that issue with Cedric but unlike Cedric back then, Axel and Amber were actually together. It was that Amber was worried she was just like a passing fad for him, that their relationship was nothing serious and she was easily replaced. On top of all that she really did want to get married, soon. For her nothing would make her happier than getting her dream man, her prince charming, her king that would rule by her side, and she wanted children. She had come up with a long list of potential baby names, wanting to name her first son Roland the third, keeping her father's lineage going strong. This was at least if her brother didn't do that.

It might seem very basic but these were her goals; become queen, have a husband, and have kids. That was all and it was being hindered. She had thought when she chose Axel that he was the one but maybe she was wrong, maybe she should have gone with Hugo all along or maybe somebody else entirely. Sofia was sad to hear her sister blaming herself, thinking there was something wrong with her. Sofia weighed on this topic, thinking hard about what the best thing would be to say. She knew Amber was most likely jealous of her too because she might be in the same situation as Hildegard soon. She had to make sure she didn't come off in any sort of way that would make things worse.

"Amber, for starters there's nothing wrong with the way you are. If someone can't accept you for you, flaws and all, then they aren't really the right person for you. Secondly have you tried talking to him and seeing what he thinks?"

"...No...I'm scared of what he will say...what if he just up and tells me it's over? What if I'm truly nothing to him? What if-"

"If all that is true then you just have to let him go. It will be hard and you'll be hurt over it, but it's for the best that you let that kind of person out of your life and find someone better. You really should talk to him, though, maybe he's just as confused and worried as you are or worse. I mean imagine how he must feel. You are going to be the queen of an important kingdom, he has a lot to live up to not only for our dad but for you. Maybe he's scared that to you he's not worth it, that maybe HE'S replaceable, not special enough to marry you."

"I...never thought about it like that...," She confessed aloud, deep in thought about what was said. She was only looking at this from her own perspective that she never thought for a second about how he must feel, how much was put on him to be the best kind of man for her and her kingdom, the amount of pressure he was under. Axel already had to keep up a pristine appearance and track record. He had a lot of accomplishments under his belt and had to stay the emblem of near perfection. It also didn't exactly help that he had a strict upbringing and a very well to do family who expected the best out of both him and his younger brother. For a while both of them had a superiority complex and had masculine old fashioned ideals but as she does, Sofia changed that. It seemed that the cocky attitude they adopted was just a façade to hide their truth, that they were afraid and stressed and trying too hard to please everyone with how amazingly skilled they were.

Being pushed to their limits by their trainers and father turned them into unpleasant people but time and friendship revealed their true self. There were still essences of the old life left within them, those harsh words and trying times were still in their heads, and the need to be the very best was installed in them. Amber was seeing now that maybe Axel was ready, that he wanted to just as much as she did, that he could even love her but maybe he felt like he wasn't good enough for her, he wasn't impressive enough. What wounded her was part of this was her own fault. She recalled how miffed she was that the false prince had gotten Sofia a diamond tiara but Axel's own gift was not nearly as showy. He must have felt so inferior and she had been so selfish, not at all being happy with what he had given her. She loved the tiara he gave her, anything he got her, but she didn't appreciate him in that moment or some others.

"Oh Sofia... I'm awful! I've done all this to myself! I never really showed him just how much he means to me and how much I truly love whatever he gives to me no matter what it is. I've been...very foolish...but I will rectify it before it gets any worse! I'm too old to be acting like a brat. I should be more grateful and kind, like you are."

"You are though. Really, you've changed a lot since we first met and I'm so proud of you! If you truly feel that you did something wrong though it's very adult of you to realize it and want to fix yourself. He's coming to the wedding too, right? You could talk to him then, when there's time."

"See this is why you're the greatest! You have the very best ideas! I'm so glad you'll be my council. Thank you for listening to me and helping. It's so nice to have someone to just vent to."

"I'm always going to be here for you, no matter what. Now let's re-do your makeup and head on out. Don't want to be late."

"No we certainly do not. Hildegard would kill me if I was late to her wedding!"

Amber laughed lightly and Sofia joined her. It was time to be heading out now, Amber was ready. Sofia had never matched Amber before, their styles were so different, but now they were in the exact same outfit right down to color. Hildegard had said purple is the color of royalty and that's why she chose it. For a moment Sofia ruminated upon the fact that she had always been inclined towards the color and most of her wardrobe was purple. The men all wore purple long shirts and tan pants, James said it felt very odd having so much room for his legs. To Tangu they went, just in time too. Amber, Sofia, and James got in their places while the parents all sat down in the aisles. The prince was already there, shaking his head at the fact that as usual Amber was fashionably late.

He looked very striking in the golden clothes he wore with white and silver accents. Very regal. Speaking of people who looked lovely, the bride was coming with the bridal march being played on Tanguvian instruments. It sounded so exotic and different but nobody disliked it. Her dress was stellar, as to be expected, a pale oceanic blue making her long train look like water. Zandar liked to say that Hildegard was his oasis in the middle of the desert and her dress reflected that. The pride and joy on her face made Amber start pulling out tissues and this time her crying was happy. They were wed in the way of Tangu tradition and from then on Hildegard was properly now the regent of Tangu. After the wedding there was a little party and Hildegard had a different dress for that but it was still blue, her most favorite shade of it.

During the party Amber found Axel and took him aside, away from everyone else. Together they sat and had a long long talk about things. Sofia had seen them walk away together and was glad to see things were getting resolved. She hated her sister being so distressed. When they returned both were smiling and holding hands, Sofia knew then that all was alright. Everyone ate, drank, had a lot of fun, and then after the gifts they went home. Amber lingered a little saying five thousand goodbyes to her friend and still crying happily for her. James came home trying to copy the Tangu acrobats, walking on his hands but kept failing. Sofia thought it was humorous but liked that her brother, no matter how old he got, kept his lively energetic youthful spirit about him. Amber leaned close to Sofia, whispering low so only she could hear.

"You were so right, Sofia! It was exactly like you said, he was feeling like he wasn't good enough. I can't believe I never saw it before. I set such a high expectation and he felt he couldn't meet it. I told him he was above expectation; he was very much worthy of me."

"See? Then everything worked out okay? Did he say anything about, you know, marriage?"

"Yes. He did want to after all, he said it was destiny anyways because I caught the bouquet. The only thing is we didn't want to upstage anyone, you know? Hildy just had hers and yours would come after mine. I still feel bad for making you wait...I couldn't possibly do that to you."

"It's okay, I promise. I still have a lot of things to do and to figure out. You can go ahead and start planning yours whenever you want. I don't care if I get married when I'm sixteen of eighteen. I'll love Cedric no matter what, though he might be impatient about it somewhat."

"I don't know...isn't it a bit...much? I don't want Hildegard to think I'm trying to outshine her. It's not the right season for me to get married now, I want to do it when there's no events like birthdays or anything. I've always wanted a spring or summer wedding and it's almost winter now. I have a sneaking suspicion that my Wassalia gift from him will be the ring. It's the most perfect time for him to do it."

"Oh! Why don't you have it at night, that way the stars will be out?"

"What a great idea! It should be themed after the night sky with star lights and moon shapes and oh I can't wait to start planning! Summer nights are when the fireflies come out so that's perfect. Summer then, mid-summer."

Amber went to her bedroom giddy and squealing, rambling off ideas to herself. Sofia never gave much thought about her own wedding but she wanted something simple and meaningful. Nothing fancy and elaborate and she'd like her dress to match that. She could have Callista be the flower girl and maybe James could bring the rings? It would be cute and funny if Clover brought the rings. Whatever the case she was certain she didn't want anything big and crazy. She wondered what Cedric would want. She assumed he'd want the same. Her eyes went towards the spiral steps as she thought about him. She ought to say goodnight to him, she had been doing that lately. So just as she had done every night she went to him, kissed him, and wished him sweet dreams. He wished she'd just stay there and sleep with him every time but perhaps he should save that for when they were properly married. As the weeks flew by Sofia still continued her work as a protector princess.

Every one of the protectors knew now that she was engaged and were happy for her. They told her if she ever needed a break that they'd understand. For now she didn't need one at all. Wassalia came and as Amber said Axel did in fact propose in front of everyone. He got Amber quite the large amber colored diamond and she was all too proud to show it off to everyone. Roland was relieved to know now that the kingdom would be in good hands, Axel was a fine choice. It didn't take too long for Amber to have an engagement party and she invited everyone, including the queen and king of Brightland who brought along their children and their magician too. They wanted to introduce her to Cedric, see if maybe he could give her some pointers.

She was young, not too young but young and wore mostly dark green clothing. Even her wand had small emeralds embedded in it and she wore emerald jewelry. She was a red head which complimented the green, it seemed red hair was common in Brightland, but hers was literally so orange it was actually red, reminding Sofia of Princess Ariel. She called herself Livia the lovely and she lived up to it, she was lovely. At the party Sofia was talking to people in excited tones about this or the other when she noticed Cedric and Livia, engrossed in conversation. They were both smiling and laughing, having a great time together. It was wonderful that he had someone to talk to that was like himself, perhaps they could be great friends.

She wondered what it was they were talking about. Magic stuff most likely. She could only just barely understand high level magic. For days on end Livia kept coming to their castle to learn from Cedric. Sofia found herself in a predicament, every time she went to visit him or help him or just be with him he was busy with her and she felt...well pushed aside sort of. He was spending more time with Livia than with her now, she had become his new apprentice and all the time she could hear them enjoying themselves. On one occasion she saw him walking around the grounds with her, she was on his arm and he was pointing out things of interest. It made Sofia's heart drop some. She should know better, that he would never try to replace her not after all he went through, but why was he letting this woman touch him the way she touched him? Surely he was just being nice to her. Sofia shook it off. Yes that was all it was.

Still...she felt...she was boring in comparison to her, a real sorceress. She could never measure up to that and because of that he found, at least Sofia assumed he did, Livia far more interesting. They could talk about all sorts of things together and do real wizard duels and show off spells that could outdo anything she had learned. Sofia sat in her room with her legs crossed on her bed, flicking her wand in the air in a sad slow sort of way. She looked at it, stroking across the wood surface feeling his initials carved there. Her animal friends all took notice of her frowning pout and the look in her eyes. Mia landed on her shoulder and Robin on the other, Finchley had stayed behind to help teach the kids to fly better.

"Sofia what's wrong?" Robin asked worriedly.

"I guess I'm just...feeling...left out I guess..."

"Left out of what?" Mia pondered, hopping closer to Sofia's face to peer at her.

"Well ever since Livia showed up Cedric and I haven't been spending time together like we used to. I can never go up to see him without her being there. I know he has to train her but we feel so distanced now...He's busy though. I understand that. I'm sure maybe he feels the same way when I'm off doing things."

"You aren't thinking that this Livia girl is going to take Cedric do you?" Clover questioned with a scrutinizing face. "Because honestly, Sofia, no one is as good or as amazing as you are."

"You think so?"

"I know it! You've done so many things, traveled across the globe, saved the kingdom from all sorts of bad guys, you've helped the town, and loads more! Plus, hello, he asked YOU to marry him. There's no way he's crazy enough to leave you for anyone else, especially not her."

"I don't think he'll leave me. He still loves me, I'm sure of that," Sofia explained, looking at her ring shimmering in the light. She smiled at it still recalling the fuzzy sweet feelings of that day. "It's just...I feel...lonesome...not that I don't have a bunch of good friends like all of you but..."

"It's hard being without him," Robin answered. "I know how you feel. Before he came to stay whenever Finchley was away I got really upset and even when he leaves for a little I feel sad but he always comes back. My mom always said if a person truly loves you they will never leave you."

"That's right. He's just occupied is all. I'm sure he doesn't mean to leave you feeling lonely," Mia thought, rubbing her head under Sofia's chin.

"But hey, Sof, if you are feeling down spending time with your favorite bunny oughta cheer you up. C'mon why don't we go outside and have some fun? You know, call me crazy, but I kinda was thinking we should go to Sumeria to visit a certain friend of mine."

"You mean Crackle? I thought she got on your nerves."

"Sometimes she does with all the pouncing but you know it's just how she is. I'm learning to deal with it. Plus I'm kind of craving roasted veggies."

Sofia giggled. Of course it all came down to food. Perhaps though getting outside and enjoying herself would help take her mind off things a little. She gathered up her bunny in her arms and started her way outside, asking for a carriage to take her to Sumeria. As soon as she got there Crackle just somehow knew Clover was near and went to pursuing him happily. Sofia visited with Vivian, they had tea and talked of things while watching their animals frolic, and they ended up staying well into the afternoon. Sofia got back home by sunset. It was just what the doctor ordered, fresh air, friends, and perfectly roasted carrots. She felt much better now. Clover, all tuckered out from jumping around all day, was sleeping in her arms, every now and then scratching his ear.

She placed him down in her room and left him there to sleep. As dinner rolled by she noticed Baileywick taking two trays up to Cedric. Usually he only took one. When she inquired about it, he said the other was for Miss Livia which made Sofia feel strange. She was still there? It was nighttime now and they were eating dinner together? Suddenly she didn't feel hungry anymore. She eased herself by reminding herself that was her fiancé, this meant nothing. They were only friends and he could have friends over whenever he wanted, day or night. She had dinner with her friends before and she had made him get over the fact that she had let a prince stay the night in the castle. Was this any different? It was her bedtime now but she had yet to say goodnight to Cedric, she waited a little longer than usual so to give Livia some time to leave. Sofia was about to knock but she decided maybe knocking was silly. She practically lived there now. When she opened the door she stopped herself, suddenly feeling embarrassed in her cutesy pajamas. Livia was still there, sitting on the couch right next to Cedric.

"Oh Sofia, what are you doing here so late?" Cedric pondered but still retaining a smile from after being told something humorous or pleasant no doubt.

Sofia felt weak then. What was she doing here? She always came here at night to say goodnight to him. Always. How could he ask such a thing? Or had he truly forgotten about it? Was he so consumed with spending literally all day and night with Livia that he forgot about her? Or was he simply implying that she was here later than usual? Sofia felt so underdressed and shy now in front of that woman with her glorious green gown sitting there casually, like she lived there or something. Sofia stood there in the doorway, staring right at him, trying to ignore that this felt strange to her. She told herself that it was nothing. Before they had even become a couple she too had sat on his couch at night, actually slept on it. He was being hospitable, that's all it was.

"I um...I'm sorry I didn't realize you were...I just...came to say goodnight," She piped, her voice feeling small and thin like a ribbon.

"Aww. How sweet of you," Livia stated in an overly syrupy voice, the same kind of voice Sofia often heard when some people talked to small children. "That's very kind of you, little princess, to think of saying goodnight to us."

Sofia swallowed. First off, little princess? She was okay with still being called a princess but little? She was making her feel like a kid. And secondly, us? She meant it for Cedric not for her. Not to be rude of course but why would she say goodnight to Livia unless she... "Are you...on your way out Miss Livia? I could walk you to the carriages, I know it's rather dark out."

"She's just so polite. No, I'm going to stay the night. Your father ever so graciously gave me a spare room to sleep in."

"...Oh... well I hope you sleep well..."

"I will of course, how could I not when I'm surrounded by such incredible people?" She smilingly said, turning toward Cedric who had not really moved an iota, his smile was still frozen in place.

Sofia decided to do something, she stepped into the tower and started walking towards Cedric, she was going to kiss him goodnight, that's what she always did.

"Dear what ever are you doing? It's late you should really be in bed," He told her.

Sofia stepped back. What was she doing? Didn't he know? She wouldn't be pushed away even if he didn't mean it. Minerva sat there on her perch watching this all unfold. She didn't like this Livia woman, didn't trust her at all, something about her wasn't right, and she was getting in between Sofia and Cedric. There had been, ever since she showed up, something wrong with the way he acted, it was like he just forgot Sofia existed or something or that he didn't care for her as much. Something was up and Minerva was determined to figure it out for the sake of Sofia. That's what any proper familiar would do, protect the person they were assigned to. Sofia got in front of him, put her hands on his shoulders, and moved closely. It would be odd to kiss him so close to another person but she felt no shame in it. However he moved forward and gave her a hug, stopping her from kissing him. He pet her head as if she was still a little girl.

"There, is that what you wanted so badly?"

"How adorable. She can't go to bed without a hug. The poor duck. Hopefully now you won't have any bad dreams. Now then, you ought to go to bed, little one."

Sofia escaped his grasp, staring wide eyed at them both. She couldn't believe what just happened. Every night she kissed him and said goodnight, he knew that. Why was he acting so...coldly? So strangely? He seemed to be treating her as if she was just a girl, not his fiancé at all. It hurt her that he was ignoring her now. Before she could say honestly he was just busy and trying to be a good host but now...Sofia couldn't take the way that made her feel, to be petted on the head like she was his niece or something. He had not done that to her at all not since she was young. He was usually bursting with fervor and love for her, unable to stop himself from kissing her or touching her even if someone was looking. Now this? On top of that he said nothing in her defense at being called little so many times. She was short, of course, but being called little felt somehow demeaning. Her lip quivered.

"Cedric..." She whispered sadly. "Aren't you forgetting something?" There was a thread of hope in her voice.

"Oh! Of course. Sorry. Goodnight Lady Sofia."

That was it. She shook her head slowly and ran out of the room, her hurt spread within her. Lady Sofia? He did not call her proper titles like that unless maybe in front of her parents. Was she truly now becoming something dull to him? Something unimportant now that he had someone in his life who was a true magic user and beautiful too? She couldn't believe it. She just couldn't. He had struggled so much for her, told her she was the loveliest person he had seen, promised his heart to her, told her to never doubt him, and HE was always the jealous one. With certainty he wasn't doing this to hurt her. But then what was wrong with him? Why was he treating her like this...like she was nothing to him? Sofia collapsed onto her bed, biting back any tears because she was telling herself it wasn't true.

It was impossible! He loved her, she knew that, he was still wearing the ring on his finger. Something wasn't right...there was no way he would do so much in his power, face her father even though it frightened him, almost die for her, kiss her so sweetly, beg for her forgiveness, and then turn around and do this. It just didn't make sense at all. Then to call her by that title when everyone in the kingdom knew they were engaged. He had no reason to be formal. Her mind troubled her with it all night and she barely slept a wink because of it. She didn't even have the strength to go down and eat breakfast in the morning so it had to be served to her in bed but Baileywick noticed the rings around her eyes, the sleepless look, the yawning, and she was picking at her food. It upset him deeply. Sofia always had a healthy appetite and always went to sleep promptly and woke up early with a smile on her face. She looked miserable.

"Sofia...what's wrong? Forgive me for saying so but you don't look yourself."

"I didn't sleep at all last night."

"Are you feeling sick? Bad dreams? Please tell me, as the house steward it's my job to make sure you are in your best mood...but as your friend, I'm concerned."

"Thank you Baileywick but it's nothing you can do anything about. I don't know if anyone can. I'm not sure I even can..."

"There's something you can't do? That surprises me. You have a can do attitude about everything. What is it you think you can't fix?"

"If I tell you, you have to promise me you won't say or do anything about it."

"Sofia I...if it's detrimental to your wellbeing I have to do something. I'm...starting to get the feeling this is about Cedric. Am I right?"

She nodded sluggishly then yawned loudly. Baileywick released a long slightly agitated sigh.

"Please don't think anything bad about him. I don't know what's wrong yet and that's why I can't fix it."

"Something is wrong with him? Is he...okay? I mean he seemed fine last night, a little blank but fine."

"What do you mean...blank?"

"Well he's so expression full and he always had this I don't know, air about him. He seemed sort of...without his usual characteristics. That's why I say blank, he just stared through me and smiled strangely. I thought nothing of it at the time..."

Sofia, though deprived of sleep entirely, still had enough pep in her to think. It was true, he did seem odd, the way he spoke wasn't with his usual spark, it seemed far off and that included his stare. His eyes looked somewhat glassy and even the way he hugged her was stilted, like he never hugged before. It was like one of those odd automaton things she had seen Jade's dad making, just lacking any human emotion but trying to fake it. What did this mean exactly? She tried to rattle her brain awake, she needed to think! She delved deep into her brain trying to get at what this was adding up to. That's when it finally hit her. She had seen this before, many times in fact.

In stories and in real life she had witnessed this. Hypnosis. It was a powerful sort of magic spell that makes the person the spell is cast upon like a living puppet, doing whatever you tell them to do. That was the only explanation that made sense...only he seemed to have some free will so maybe it was a different type of hypnosis but it was that nonetheless. It just had to be! The strange talking, the glazed over eyes, the robotic movements, and him treating her as he did. It all fit together. Now that she was certain of it she had to think of who was the puppet master. This had all started when Livia came around and she was a sorceress after all but what could she stand to gain from this? She was from a kingdom they were friendly with and she had never met them. She had no reason to be this way.

There was no other person that made sense, she was there, close enough to be pulling the strings, and powerful enough to manage it. It just didn't feel right, there was nothing in it for her. It also didn't make sense at all. Why Cedric? And why make him like this towards her? Why make it seem like he was divulging from their love for this new woman, if that was in fact what she was doing? Just to upset Sofia? But why? What did she do to her? She could think of nothing but it didn't matter the reason, it had to be her. Sofia wasn't smart enough to break that kind of spell and didn't know how or what the rules were. That would be in Livia's spell book and she was sure it was always on her person or near her.

If not it was in Brightland but who knew where? Not every wizard had a tower so Livia could be staying anywhere in that large castle and Sofia didn't have time to search every room and every single book. It would take more than all day, it would take a week at least. She needed help from powerful magic users and luckily she knew a lot of them. She wondered if this woman knew that Sofia knew so many people like that and if she knew she had the amulet of Avalor too. She had to have known at least that maybe. But she couldn't be after that, she would have hypnotized Sofia. Whatever the case Sofia knew now what she had to do. She had to save Cedric, just as he had saved her many times. It would be difficult and perilous and dangerous but Sofia was used to such matters. She would do anything to help set her love free from this awful curse and make things right again. What Sofia didn't know was that it ran far deeper than that and her troubles and the danger were only just beginning.