Disclaimer: I do not own Sofia The First
Upon returning to the waking world, the potent fear Sofia had felt in her dreams immediately mitigated down to a tolerable level. Perhaps it was an effect of her amulet, a blessing in order to keep her faculties functioning normally in light of the extreme distress it had shown her. Making the experience seem like nothing more than just a really bad dream.
But it wasn't just a dream, she had seen enough visions by now to tell the difference at this point; and every time she pondered deeply on the subject, those same feelings of fear and uneasiness would resurface.
Sofia returned to the music room. The Baeldthorian concert was in just a few days, so it would be necessary to finish the last of Mina's training; and despite the need to address her visions, she'd still made a commitment to aid the other princess.
Amos was seated at the piano, waiting dutifully for her. A stark contrast to the first few days she'd been here. Sofia had learned rather quickly that despite his seeming indifference, he was willing to stick with teaching Mina so long as she (or at least Sofia) made an effort to do so.
"I suppose you want to practice on your own with her before coming to me," he said flatly.
She nodded, "Mina would prefer that I'm sure." Despite her previous conversation with the other princess, Mina had still refused to take any initiative in regards to her relationship with Amos.
The man grunted once in acknowledgement. Before retrieving a set of music sheets and holding them out to her.
As her hands brushed against his own at the exchange, a sudden horror surged through her. Starting at the point they made contact, and traveling up her arm and down her spine. Completely freezing her for a brief, yet terrible moment.
She gasped loudly, papers scattering to the floor as she fell over. Wrapping her arms around herself as she shivered, a feeling of impending doom sweeping over her.
"Sofia?! Are you alright?!" Amos had practically jumped from his seat at her strange display; and was now staring at her with the most amount of concern she'd ever seen him show anyone.
However, Sofia could only felt her fear accumulating as she stared back up at him; with great effort she managed to turn her attention to the floor instead. Swiftly gathering up the papers.
"I'm fine!" she lied. Her voice sharp and breathy, in an effort not to start hyperventilating.
She flinched when she felt him place a hand upon her arm, in an effort to help her back to her feet. Quickly she rose up on her own, stepping away from him whilst still trying to avoid eye contact.
"I..I'll go practice these with Mina," she announced simply, before immediately vacating the songster's prescence. If he said anything else on the matter, it was lost on her as she fled the room.
Hugging the music to her chest, she walked as swiftly as her legs would carry her. Trying to get as far away as possible without making a scene.
The further she got , the more she seemed to calm down. Her breath steadying as the previous terror slowly started to subside...
"Sofia?"
"Ah!" she cried out. Startling both Mina and Calista, who now looked upon her with perplexed expressions.
"Are you okay?" the younger girl asked.
The 'Duchess' sighed in relief, "Uh...I'm fine. You guys just scared me," clearing her throat, as they answered her explanation with curious brow raises. Deciding to change the topic, she handed the sheets to the Baeldthorian princess. "I got the last of the music from Amos. We...We should start practicing."
The other two quirked a brow in concern, but went along with the regular routine. At the end of it all, Sofia determined that Mina was able to perform to the best of her judgement; and it was now ready to practice with the songster and see if she could pass his critique.
Unfortunately, the very thought of returning to Amos set her on edge.
"Um...Mina." she started quietly, the two of them now standing out in the castle foyer.
"Hmm?" came the half hearted response, as Mina absentmindedly fluffed some flowers in one of the vases.
She swallowed, running a hand up and down her arm "Do...do you think you could practice with Amos by yourself today?"
The other princess suddenly stopped, turning to face her with a mildly baffled expression. "Excuse me?"
"Just..just for today!" she assured quickly, holding her hands up. "It's just, I have..."she sighed, sweeping a strand of hair behind her ear before looking away. "I have a lot on my mind at the moment..."
Mina just stared back at her, green eyes blinking in surprise. "Umm...I guess..."
It was a noncommital answer no doubt, but the Sofia accepted it nonetheless. After all, it was Mina's choice, and she had more pressing matters at hand.
She paced the halls, musing intently over everything. Occasionally gazing at her amulet, as if the enigmatic jewel would finally give her a clear answer.
"This isn't just about some concert is it?"
No it wasn't. She had figured that much out, but then, what were these visions supposed to be for? What purpose did her amulet have in sending her to this place?
The magical jewel just kept silent, with nary even a glimmer to guide her.
She sighed in frustration. "Why couldn't this have been a Secret Library quest? At least then I'd have some clue as to what I'm supposed to be doing."
"Duchess Sofia,"
The woman startled out of her thoughts, and looked to see the king coming towards her. Quickly she dropped the jewel and tried to make like she hadn't just been talking to it.
"Your majesty," she bowed respectfully.
The man regarded her curiously. "You look troubled," he ventured,
"Oh, I've just been thinking."
"About what?"
"A few things..." she admitted. "Just about the concert...and Amos..." her breath exhaled in a shudder as that last thought involuntarily brought with it images of that horrid vision. Yes, that had also been haunting her thoughts, though she was disinclined to share it with him.
"Hmm...You know..." Clemens began, looking reminiscent. "I actually met Amos for the first time right over there." Pointing towards the end of a long corridor. "In the Hall of Kings. He was singing so beautifully, and I being the young thing I was found myself drawn to him, much like a moth to a flame. We struck up something of a friendship, and one day I told myself. When I was king, I'd have this man on my court..."
He let out a hearty laugh. "Of course, I had to actually become king before I could do that, but as soon as my father stepped down I extended the invitation to him. Ah!" he sighed dramatically. "But that man is so stubborn he actually refused my offers time and time again."
Sofia listened with interest as he related the story to her. His expression wistful, as if recalling a time long ago.
"Eventually a few years ago he finally relented, provided I give him access to what was left of the old library of magic books."
"Why would you allow him to use magic?" Sofia asked, genuinely curious. Especially after the horrid vision she'd seen, it was a wonder to her that anyone would be permitted the use of magic again in Baeldthoria.
"That, is a secret." he answered simply. "One I've promised never to divulge, and I always keep a secret, and my promises."
She responded with a weak smile, "Yeah?...me too.."
"I don't regret my decision though. Amos skills in magic speak for themselves. He even got rid of a ghost the servants said had been haunting the castle for centuries." Sofia could have sworn she saw a humorous twinkle in his eyes.
She laughed nervously. The two of them standing in silence for a bit longer, Sofia threading her fingers together awkwardly
"I'd better go," she finally said, making to excuse herself. "Thank you for speaking with me King Clemens."
"Before you do, I think there's something we need to discuss."
The princess stopped in her tracks, turning to look back at him "What's that?"
"Why did you really come to Baeldthoria, Sofia?"
She stared at him blankly for a moment, before defaulting back to their original cover story of being ambassadors from Enchancia.
He stopped her before she could even start though. "I know the three of you aren't ambassadors. I've known from the very beginning, and your behavior during your stay here, has only confirmed it for me."
Opening her mouth she started to protest, but finding herself unable to find any words to back up her untruthful claim, especially when the man already seemed aware of the deception, she merely gaped in silence before clamping her lips shut again.
"You seem to be an honorable and good young lady, Sofia." Clemens noted, a sincere smile on his face before his expression turned grave. "However, I do not appreciate dishonesty. Especially when it prolongs to such an extent."
She kept silent at his reprimand, a nervous twist in her abdomen as she considered his observation. Had he really been aware this whole time? What else had he picked up on?
"So please Sofia, tell me truthfully," his eyes peering into her own. "Why did you come here?"
The princess stood in confliction for a few moments. This was certainly a tight spot she'd found herself in. Since he'd pegged their previous story for the falsehood it truly was, it was unlikely he'd be fooled by another. Not to mention he was clearly upset by the first one.
Which left the truth, as the only reasonable option.
But, would revealing that truth to Clemen be the best decision, especially considering this uniquely difficult circumstance? Perhaps. The King seemed like a good and fair minded individual, and Sofia had always been an excellent judge of character. Although...she'd also been wrong before...
Closing her eyes she took a deep breath, as she held her amulet close. Feeling she should trust the man she decided to proceed. It wasn't as though she had much of a choice in the matter anyway.
"You're right," she finally admitted. "I'm not a Duchess, and Cedric isn't a Duke, and were not ambassadors...But we are from Enchancia, and I AM a Princess!"
Aware of his scrutinizing gaze, she steeled herself for this next part. "The real reason we're here is because, my amulet sent us." Holding the jewel for him to see.
"Your amulet?"
"Yes," knowing how strange that may have sounded, she explained. "It's magical. My step father, King Roland, gave it to me when I was very young; and sometimes when another princess is in trouble, it'll send me to help her."
"I see," he murmured, staring at the jewel with a curious observation. "So that's why you've expressed such an interest in my daughter."
"Yes..."
"And you didn't tell me this in the beginning because?..."
Well, normally she prefered to keep her amulet's powers on a need to know basis, on account of the many would be thieves who lusted after it's powers. But this time, there had actually been a more pressing issue.
"We heard from Baby's Breath that magic was considered taboo here. So we thought it would be better to just keep silent about it."
"Hmm, I suppose that's fair," he nodded, stroking his chin. "Though I believe I made it clear from the beginning that I already knew other kingdoms did not view magic the way my own people do, and that discussing it in my presence would not be problematic."
She sighed, "I know, but... we were nervous...and thought it would be better to just play it safe."
"Well, I guess I can't blame you for that," he relented. "It is true that my kingdom as a whole is not friendly to magic."
She winced as images from her nightmare involuntarily flashed again in her mind. 'I can see why.'
"So with that in mind," his gaze directed fully on her again. "Would you like me to keep quite about your magical amulet?"
A feeling of relief washed over her, and she nodded softly. "Yes, I would prefer that please."
"Alright, I promise not to breathe a word of it."
She smiled, glad to have the tension from at least one burden finally lifted.
"So, will you leave once you've finished helping my daughter?" he asked.
"Yes, I'll..." she paused. Suddenly aware again that the situation was more complicated than that. "I'll leave when...when I've taken care of what my amulet sent me here to do." The realization that she wasn't even sure what exactly that was still hanging over her.
"I see," he nodded, before looking her straight in the eyes. "Is there anything else you wish to tell me?"
Oh there were still a few secrets, chief among them being the odd visions she had expeienced, as well as Cedric and Calista's occupation as sorcerers. However, none of them were anything she desired to divulge.
"No..." she answered, shaking her head softly. "That's all I wish to share..."
He gave her a knowing look, and she suspected he could tell there was more in her heart. But deciding to leave it, he merely answered. "Alright then. Well, I shall see you around Princess Sofia."
She nodded, watching quietly as he turned to leave, when a thought suddenly came to her.
"Wait!" she called, out.
He stopped, looking back at her.
"Um," her breath stilled a moment as apprension tugged at her. But needing to gather as much information as possible she perservered. "Can you tell me anything about the Sorcerer Kings of Baeldthoria?"
The man blinked, "Sorcerer Kings?" he echoed softly, seemingly surprised by that question; and for a moment Sofia began to fear he would inquire how she came upon that little factoid of Baeldthorian history.
Thankfully he didn't. Only looking up in thought for a moment before answering, "Just what I know myself. That our kingdom once favored rulers with knowledge in the magical arts until Belteshazzar IV. Then, after the crimes he commited the practice ceased. Though admittedly, magic was never officially banned."
That was something new at least, and she supposed it explained why the practice was merely considered taboo, and not illegal. Though she had to wonder why an all out ban was never put into place. Did it have something to do with the marriage binding?
However, beyond that," he continued. "I don't know very much about them. Most of their knowledge has been either lost or destroyed; and to be truthful, my tutors weren't too concerned with teaching me much about our history before Malchus I. Not that I had taken much interest myself," he chuckled at the unexpected admission of his own ignorance.
She cracked a small smile before adopting a pensieve look as she considered what she told him. A bit disappointed to discover she had already gleaned most of the same information, and then some, from her vision.
Noticing her discouragment, he spoke again, "But, if you really want to know more, I suggest you ask Amos about it. He knows more about ancient Baeldthoria than anyone."
A chill trickled down her spine, as she recalled her last encounter with the songster. Admittedly, after the experience she wasn't too eager to see him again.
"I'll think about it..."
"You may also want to consider attending our cultural concert. The songs within it, relay a great deal of our history. Even if they're mixed up with legend and myth, there's still truth there.
She might do that. After all, the amulet didn't seem set on returning them to Enchancia anytime soon; so it was likely she would be staying for Mina's performance anyway.
Sofia nodded in approval at his suggestion, before curtsying with a polite. "Thank you."
The conversation with King Clemens was another burden on her mind. One she sought to alleviate by taking a walk in the gardens. By and by, she wandered back into the royal cemetary, decidedly the most peaceful spot in the gardens. Gradually her concerns eased until she had the luxury of enjoying her peace of mind once again, even if just for this moment.
She soon became aware of a tension in the atmosphere however, and looking she was surprised to see Cedric standing in the grove, his back facing her.
"Cedric?"
He suddenly looked up at her. Eyes wide at the apparent oddity of her prescence in this strange place.
"Sofia. What are you doing here?"
"I might ask you the same question." she said with a wry smile. Though her heart warmed a bit to think she'd found him here.
He shrugged in response. "I tried talking to Amos like you asked, and I guess, you could say we had a bit of a fight..." he admitted.
Sofia frowned, reminded once more of the situation she had retreated into the gardens to escape for a while; and feeling a little guilty Cedric had been upset by something related to it as well.
"Amos says he has no intention of marrying Mina by the way," he said.
Then he probably had no intention of becoming King either, as marriage to the only heir was a sure fire way for that. The revelation caused her anxiety concerning the man to lesson a little, but more importantly...
"Is that why you got into a fight?" she was aware that Cedric and the songster had not had the best of feelings towards each other since their arrival; and was concerned her request had only exasperbated it.
"Oh no, no, that was about..." he paused a moment, seeming to hesitate. "Something else..."
The young woman sighed. "Perhaps I should just talk to him myself about it," now that she'd calmed down the task didn't seem so daunting, though she was still a little reluctant. "I'm sorry Cedric, I shouldn't have forced you to help with this and put the burden on you. This is my responsibility after all anyway..."
"Wha..what are you talking about!?" he started "Helping you isn't a burden at all! Didn't I tell you my door would always be open if you needed me?"
She stared at him wide eyed for a moment, before her expression softened. Indeed, she'd remembered those words. They, as well as his prescence, had been such a balm during those first few days at the castle. Yes, she was aware now that when he'd initially offered them it was likely just so he could get to her amulet. Even so, he'd always been true to them, and that loyalty had persisted long after his desire for the jewel had ebbed.
And now, to hear him say them once more, so many years later. Well, that just had to another testament to how strong their bond had grown. Right?
A warm feeling fluttered in her heart as she smiled at him. Sitting down on the ground she beckoned him to join her. He did so, the two of them taking a moment to gaze up at the tree they were under, now brimming with pink blossoms. Feeling that peaceful and loving feeling she always enjoyed around him.
Unfortunately, there were things that needed to be addressed. So after savoring their moment of silence, she said "Clemens talked with me...about why we came here."
She felt him cringe. "What did you tell him?" he asked, a lilt of concern in his voice.
She shrugged "The truth. That my amulet sent me to help Mina with a problem. He seemed rather nonchalant about it."
"Did you tell him anything else? Like about Calista and I being sorcerers?"
She shook her head, "No, although I think he knows were still hiding something. I wouldn't worry about it though. I don't think he means us any harm...he's just curious is all."
He nodded, apparently relieved to hear that as he returned to studying the scenery.
"This place is really beautiful...and peaceful" he remarked softly, admiring the tiny blue forget-me-nots scattered on the ground.
Sofia nodded in agreement, "Mina told me that this was where her grandparents and some of the other royal family are buried..."
"Really!?" he gasped, eyes widening.
The princess nodded casually. "She told me that under this peach tree is where her grandmother was buried; and that it's tradition to plant gardens or groves over the graves of loved ones in Baeldthoria."
"Oh...that's kind of ...strange..." he said, eyes now examining the ground with an unnerved expression.
She stiffled a laugh at his reaction, knowing he was likely thinking something rude on the matter but was refraining from expressing it. Something he'd gotten better with over the years.
Composing her own self she answered, "I thought so too at first. But then I thought, it's actually kind of sweet. They really want to remember their loved ones and keep them close; and I think these gardens are a nice way to do that."
He scoffed lightly, "There you go again. Always looking on the bright side of things." Mocking her affectionately.
"It's because there's a better view there."
He blinked, "That's actually a pretty good saying."
She shrugged, "I learned it from Baileywick."
Cedric narrowed his eyes at that. "I take it back then," he quipped.
Sofia couldn't help the giggle that escaped her this time. Amused by his snarky comment, "Oh come on!" she protested. "I thought you two had been getting along."
"Yes, well, I suppose so," lolling his head side to side. "Though he's still not my favorite person."
"I think you like him more than you let on," she smirked, causing the sorcerer to roll his eyes. Albeit with amusement.
"I wonder how he's doing right now..." he mused aloud.
"Do you miss him?" she teased. Cedric shot her a pointed look, but smiled nonetheless.
"I suppose it's more that I miss being home, and the familiarity involved with it; and yes that includes Baileywick." he admitted.
She nodded in understanding, "I know what you mean, I really do miss Mom and Dad...Amber and James..." she sighed looking at her amulet, still puzzling over it's mysteries as a feeling of homesickness settled in. Though it wasn't unusual for her missions to sometimes call her away for extended periods, none of them had affected her the way this one had. Perhaps it was because in those cases she at least had an idea of how long she'd be out and what she needed to do. Leading to a more accomplished and satisfying experience, as opposed to the limbo she was trapped in currently.
"...Hopefully we'll be able to go back soon." she murmured
Sighing, the Enchancian princess closed her eyes for a moment. "Still..." her thoughts gently returned to Cedric and the time they'd spent together. "...there are things about this place. That I really enjoy..." she said. Smiling as she opened her eyes to look at her beloved sorcerer.
Indeed, for all the inner turmoil she'd experienced in regards to her mission here, it had been compensated greatly by Cedric's prescence and their "marriage". Though she was aware it was only for show, every date they shared together was like a dream come true. Her longing and love for the man only increasing with each passing day...
Cedric looked back at her, expression soft as he seemed to be contemplating something deeply. His brown eyes were so lovely...
"Sofia..." he began softly, his hand reaching out to touch hers.
"Yes.." she answered sweetly as she stared back. Wanting to get lost in those eyes...wishing for all the Ever Realm that he'd lean down...and kiss...
"You'll figure this princess problem out." He assured her confidently. "And we'll be able to go home."
"Oh...yes. Of course " she said, looking away in disappointment as the spell broke. Displeased to have such an unpleasant subject brought to her mind; and also mentally scolding herself for getting so caught up in the moment.
She made no effort to move her hand away from his touch though. Still wanting to savor the wonderful feeling of his hand clasped over hers.
They sat in a comfortable silence, and she eventually leaned up against him. Enjoying the tranquility his prescence brought her. As much as her heart yearned for more, this little moment between them was still wonderful. The feel of his breathing and the sweet scents of the oncoming night wrapping her in a peace that slowly, but surely, lulled her into a peaceful slumber.
Nearby, Amos looked up a from his book for a moment, discovering with bemusement that he'd ventured into the cemetery grove. Truth be told, he wasn't one to enjoy a pleasant stroll in nature often. He usual found the activity...too painful. Reminding him too much of happier times...times that he'd never get back...
But for today at least, accompanied by one of his books and reading by the waning light of the setting sun, he decided to make an exception...
Something caught his attention in the corner of his eye, and looking towards it he suddenly stopped.
Coincidentally, Mina had also come to the grove; both to clear her mind, and also because she still wasn't too keen on going to practice by herself. She was surprised to see the songster out here as well, book in hand, but staring off into the distance.
"Amos? What are you...?"
Without removing his gaze from it's target, he held up a single finger to his lips to silence her. Then using the same finger, pointed in the direction he'd been looking.
She followed it's path, and gasped a soft "oh," when she saw Sofia and Cedric sleeping peacefully underneath her grandmother's tree. The scene was so sweet and tranquil; and she could see why Amos didn't want them disturbed.
Perhaps he really wasn't so bad after all.
The man finally approached her, Mina watching him expectantly, not at all surprised when he asked. "So are you ready for your practice?"
What was surprising however, was the small crooked smile that crept on her face.
A/N: So while writing this I listened to Watashi-tachi ni Naritakute by Miwako Fujitani from Sailor Moon; and Palmtop Wonderland by vocaloid composer Nekobolo, Both the original by Hatsune Miku, and the English cover by youtuber JubyPhonic.