Disclaimer: I do not own Sofia The First.
A/N: So here's another little story for one of the prompts in the cedfia server. This is actually an idea I've had in mind for a long time now. So I'm glad this gave me a chance to finally write it :).
Anyway, please enjoy.
Cedric sat quietly, his hands resting upon in his lap. The regal form of Princess Amber seated just across from him as the wheels of the carriage bumped slightly along the road.
The announcement of the golden princess's upcoming wedding had been met with much joy. Preparations we're quickly set out to make sure the nuptials of Enchancia's future queen would be the grandest affair the kingdom had seen in years. Headed by Amber herself, with assistance from her beloved sister and chosen matron of honor, Sofia.
Or at least, that had been the plan anyway.
But instead, Sofia's husband, the royal sorcerer had been sent to aid in Amber's wedding preparations in her place. Not from any particular desire on Cedric's part of course. But more as a favor to his wife. Who had recently found herself feeling quite ill.
A frowned etched it's way upon his features. Remembering the moment that led up to this.
"Cedric..." Sofia moaned listlessly. Struggling to sit up from their bed.
He set whatever he'd been tinkering with aside, having move some of his necessary lab equipment into their room so as to be sure to be close by if she needed him.
"Yes, my love," Hurrying over and placing a hand on her to steady her. Lest she strain herself.
Sofia smiled at the kindness, but she honestly didn't really feel all that bad. Okay, she'd been sick a few times, and was a bit nauseous. But mostly, she just felt really tired.
She grasped his arm, smiling weakly at him. "Would you do something for me, please?"
"Of course," he answered softly, eager to help her in anyway. Though she suspected that may change once he heard what she had in mind.
"Well, I was supposed to go shopping with Amber tomorrow to help her with the wedding. But, the way I'm feeling right now. I don't think I'll be able to."
He nodded once, now growing unsure of her request. But waiting nonetheless
"So, would you go with her instead please?"
He gaped, "You want me to...with Princess Amber?" He shook his head. "I don't think that's such a good idea."
"Cedric..."
"Can't one of her other princess friends go with her? Like that Cliogarde person, or whoever?" he suggested. Trying his best to avoid this situation.
"Maybe..." she sighed, too tired to correct his mistake. "But Amber specifically said she wanted me to go with her so she could ask for my opinion on a few things. But since I can't go, I figured my husband..."
"Sofia! I don't think I'd make a suitable substitute for you on this matter. I mean, our tastes in things aesthetically don't always line up; and I'm sure Amber will take that into consideration as well."
"True," she conceded, before countering again, "But even if they don't always match with yours. You should still know my taste well enough. I mean, you probably know me better than anyone."
"There are those who'd disagree..." he muttered with arms folded. Images of the eldest princess flashing through his mind.
A small hand took a hold of his, and he was drawn to her gaze once more.
"Please, Cedric." Blue eyes staring doefully at him, and looking all the more pitiful in her weakened state.
He grimaced once, but relented. "Alright..." agreeing with an exasperated groan.
"Thank you," reaching up to peck a soft kiss on his lips.
He returned the gesture appreciatively before helping her settle back down. Though he remained apprehensive of what was to follow the next day.
So that was how this incredibly awkward last minute arrangement had been set up. He removed his eyes from the path, to catch a glimpse of the elder princess. Who also had her eyes trained on the scenery. Needless to say, he doubted she'd been happy with this arrangement either. But had relented merely for her sister's sake.
Though Amber had always been cordial to him, he could tell that she was not exactly pleased with his and Sofia's marriage. True she accepted that he made her sister happy, and would therefore make no attempt to sabotage their relationship. A crime, admittedly, her younger self may have deigned to. But not the mature young lady she now was.
Even so, she just couldn't understand why, of all the people in the Ever Realm, Cedric had been her sister's choice.
Though he supposed he couldn't blame her. In all honesty he could hardly believe it himself. Never in his entire life would he have expected he'd fall in love with Sofia. Even less so, that she would reciprocate.
Yet here they were. Both sorcerer and princess, and husband and wife, for nearly three months now.
Finally, the coach halted to a stop in front of one of the shops in Dunwiddie village.
"Here we are!" Amber announced gleefully. Still excited for her wedding shopping, despite not being in the presence of her preferred company.
Cedric followed her out of the coach. An eyebrow raising incredulously, when he saw where they were. "Is that a?..."
"The best tiara shop in the whole kingdom!" she exclaimed, clasping her hands together with glee. "I'll need to find the perfect one to wear during my wedding!" Looking nigh ready to skip into the store. Though she tempered her jubilation with a refined poise instead.
The sorcerer remained outside for a minute more however. Still in utter awe that there was even a tiara shop to begin with. For what cause would a such thing need to exist? Especially in a little village like this.
Well, Amber had been the prime purchaser of tiara's for many years now; and given that while she had learned to focus on more important things. Her love for such beautiful accessories had never dimished. So it was likely she would still be enjoying them well into queenhood. Not to mention possibly lavishing them on her own children. Which likely made such a franchise seem like a lucrative endeavor.
He let out a long sigh, shaking his head before following her into the building.
Amber had already honed in on a display she deemed worthy. Figuring this was something she didn't need his help with, he decided to leave her to her own devices and simply browse a bit.
He gazed idly upon the displays, not really interested in such things. Though he began to recall fondly of a certain tiara that he had made for Sofia years ago. Crafted from her own gift of rubies to him.
Then something caught his eye. It was a simple yet elegant tiara, embedded with amethysts and opals. Something that would have looked perfect on his darling Sofia.
Checking the price he groaned in dismay. Way beyond his budget. Well, perhaps he could conjure something similar...
"Oh this! This is perfect!" Amber's cry of triumph alerted him. Turning he saw the oldest princess holding up a decadent golden tiara. Studded with diamonds, emeralds, and peridots.
"I'll take this one," she told the shop keep.
The woman nodded, carefully placing the treasured item in a silk lined box. "Here you are, my lady."
The princess expressed her gratitude, paying her. Then with the package securely in hand, she began to make her way to the door. "Let's go Cedric."
He was about to follow suit, when she unexpectedly stopped. Blocking his path.
"What is it?" trying his best not to show how miffed he was by the fact that he'd nearly ran into her.
"Oh that tiara! It would look beautiful on Sofia!" Gazing longingly at the very same tiara he'd chosen for her.
"I'll take this one too!" she called back to the owner. Pointing at it through the glass.
"Of course princess," opening the case and retrieving it from inside.
"Thank you!" Amber grinned, making her payment as the second packaged tiara was handed to her. "Well, it is a bit early. But I think this will make a perfect birthday gift for Sofia. Don't you Cedric?"
The sorcerer, only nodded. Afraid to speak lest he reveal his envy.
"Well, let's be on our way," she announced again. This time departing without interruption.
He sighed, he'd just have to come up with another gift for Sofia.
The next store to visit was a fabric one. Where princess Amber was to select the perfect material for her wedding gown. Both texture and pattern design would need be taken into consideration. Her chosen pieces would then be delivered to Madame Colette. The elderly woman was set to retire this year, relinquishing her position to a young man who had been apprenticing under her. But she declared that the future queen's wedding gown, her final creation, would also be her grandest of all.
"Hmm," Amber pondered aloud. Tapping her chin as she examined her choices. "Should I go for more white, or more gold? What do you think Cedric?"
He blinked, surprised to see her address him, "You want my opinion?"
"Well, actually I'd prefer Sofia's," she sighed, "But since you're what I have..."
He grimaced, slightly annoyed, but attempted to answer her anyway "Well, I thought it was tradition for white to be the primary color."
"Yes it is," she agreed with simple nod, seeming unimpressed with his suggestion. "Hmm..." arms folded as she her pursed her lips in thought "Perhaps this sort of thing just isn't your forte, Cedric. Forgive me for asking."
He rolled his eyes as she turned to continue looking on her own, but decided to just let her be. Browsing around as she went about her business, just like in the previous shop. Though he found little interest in this place.
A long exasperated sigh escaped through his nostrils. What was he doing here? He could be home now instead, doing a number of other things infinitely more enjoyable then being stuck in a fabric store with princess Amber.
"Oh Cedric! Here's something you can help me with."
He let out a groan, but answered her call. Trudging a long until he found her by a display of particularly sheer and thin fabrics.
"Now, in regards to my wedding night," she said holding up two sample pieces. "Which do you prefer? Silk, or satin?"
It took the sorcerer a moment to register what she was asking, and he squirmed uncomfortably at the thought, arms folded "You know, this isn't exactly the kind of conversation I want to have with my sister-in-law." Or just you in general.
She let out a long sigh, eyes rolling in exasperation. A gesture he found amusingly unprincesslike, though he knew better than to say it aloud. "Look, I'm not happy about this arrangement either," she conceded. "But it's not as though I'm going to be modeling anything for you. I'm only asking your opinion on textures." Holding the pieces of cloth out to him again.
He shrugged, still not exactly pleased with the situation. But agreeing to at least attempt to give her a suggestion. Though for the life of him he couldn't tell a single difference in the two options she had presented him with.
In a decision that was really more of a guess than anything, his finger slowly pointed to the satin
She blinked, "Really?" Face scrunching a bit in confusion. "I would have thought you'd prefer silk."
He scoffed, "Do you often consider my preferences when it comes to these things?" The sarcasm practically oozing from his tongue.
"Well, I can only ever make assumptions," she answered, having apparently missed that it wasn't a serious question. "Since Sofia never says anything to me about it."
Cedric softened a bit at that. Extremely pleased, though not too surprised, that despite being so close to her sister; Sofia had the respect towards him and their relationship to keep the details their love life a secret.
"Thank goodness," she murmured. Shuddering unpleasantly at the mere thought.
His eyes narrowed at her disgusted display. "Believe me, the feeling is mutual." he muttered under his breath.
Oblivious to his agreement, the princess examined the fabrics further before announcing, "I think I'll go with the silk,"
"If you were just going to make up your own mind any how, then why bother asking for my opinion?" he pouted, slightly offended. Though to be fair to her, it's not as though he actually knew what he was doing when it came to this sort of thing. Not that he'd ever give her the satisfaction of admitting it...
She made no answer, instead purchasing her chosen products before beckoning him to follow her back outside.
"Now!" Amber announced, looking over the checklist Baileywick had provided her. "Next we have...
He scoffed, "Let me guess, shoes?"
"No!" crinkling her nose at him. "Mother is going to make those for me."
He shrugged, well she was a former shoe maker. Come to think of it, Miranda had made both Sofia's shoes and dress for their wedding.
Of course she had offered to make Ambers dress too. But the young woman had insisted it was to be done by Madame Colette before her retirement. Now whether that was because she was so picky, or because she wanted to give the old woman a chance to let her talents truly shine one last time, he couldn't say. Perhaps it was a bit of both...
The clock chimed above them, and Amber looked up. "Goodness!" she gasped. "What time is it?"
He gave her an odd look, then squinted at the clock "It's..."
"We're going to be late!" she shouted. Grabbing him by the hand and yanking him forward, causing him to yelp.
"Princess Amber! What is going on?" he protested as she dragged him down the road.
She wouldn't hear him though. Instead, rushing him to coach and pulling him inside. He'd barely had time to catch his breath, when the vehicle suddenly jolted forward. Ascending up into the sky at Amber's urging.
A few minutes later they landed in a clearing a little outside the forest. Bare save for a quaint simple little cottage. Or at least it was made to appear simple. But closer inspection revealed it to be far fancier than it let on.
"Welcome Princess Amber!" a pair of women greeted them when they exited the coach.
"Oh thank goodness," she sighed, a hand to her chest. "We made it on time."
He resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Of course they would have waited for a princess.
Their hosts beckoned them to follow, leading them out to a quite garden filled with all sorts of flowers. Looking around Cedric was able to see that there were a large variety of woodland animals too.
They were brought to a rounded table, a parasol hanging over head to provide some shade.
"What it this place anyway?" he finally asked. Still taking in his surroundings
"Snow White's Cottage," the blonde princess announced. "It's a new little tea house that opened up recently. I was planning for Sofia and I to visit here for lunch."
"Oh,"
"But since our plans got changed," smiling sweetly, though he detected a slight strain in her voice. "I guess you'll be joining me instead." Gesturing to the seat across from hers, and shrugging lightly.
They sat down, and were immediately delivered tea and a decadent spread. The servers leaving right after to allow them to enjoy themselves in peace. But staying close by in case they were needed.
A moment of silence passed between them. Though not being too keen on conversing with her. He figured for Sofia's sake he should at least try.
"So, how have things been going for you?"
"Busy," she sighed, taking a sip of the herbal brew. "And I'll have a lot more to do with all the wedding preparations I need to get done."
Of course, knowing Amber this little day they were spending was only the tip of the iceberg in regards to that affair.
"But it will all be worth it in the end." Her demeanor immediately brightening at the thought. Plucking a chocolate dipped strawberry from the tray.
A few bunnies hopped near. Wiggling their noses cutely at them. "Oh, hello there," Amber cooed. Grabbing a few fresh veggies from the platter, she gently tossed them in their direction. The little creatures nibbling gratefully at the offerings.
She chuckled softly, watching them. "Oh, I wish Sofia could have could have come. She would have loved this place."
"Yes, she would," he agreed softly, looking around at everything. Though she had adjusted rather well to the opulence that came with being a princess, he knew Sofia treasured these more simple settings; and while she likely would have preferred the beauty and peace of her own secret garden, this place definitely would have appealed to her.
"How is she by the way?" Amber asked pouring another cup of tea for herself, and offering some to him as well. "Besides being sick, of course."
"She's been alright," he said, holding out his cup so she could refill it. "We've both been rather busy. Though lately she's been getting a bit of break from her Story Keeper and Protector duties."
"That's good to hear," her tone a bit wistful. "I've really missed her. We just don't spend as much time together any more..."
He raised an eyebrow. Miss her? Didn't they live in the same castle?
Well, they used to. But now Sofia resided in the tower with him which, although part of the castle, was really more an appendage to it.
But still, they had spent some time together last week. Hadn't they?
It was at that moment, something dawned on him. For years, though Sofia had visited him often; aside from her animal friends, Amber had alway been the person she'd spent the most amount of time with.
But recently, ever since he and the princess had begun courting, and even more so after their marriage. Most of Sofia's time was spent in his company, with Amber now being the one who she just visited; and although he knew she did so often, in comparison to the way it was before, it probably did seem like a lot less. Especially considering they were already torn a bit by their individual responsibilities.
So with that in mind, he supposed he could see why Amber felt that way.
But then again, Amber would no doubt be spending an ample amount of time with her new spouse in the near future. Regardless of whether Sofia had been married or not. It was just one of the inevitable changes of life they'd all had to adjust to.
Even so...
"I'm sure once she's feeling better you can arrange another outing like this," he assured. "She was really looking forward to this day after all. Plus, I know we aren't finishing all your wedding preparations today." Eyeing her knowingly.
She allowed an amused smirk at his comment. "True,"
"Well, I'm sure your matron of honor will be happy to help with the rest."
She said nothing, but her smile shifted to something more sincere in answer.
Their conversation continued on. Most of it revolving around the youngest princess. Sharing the things they loved about her, moments she made them laugh, and times when they'd helped each other out of a tough spot.
It was strange Cedric mused, he and Amber were really not so different. But in all these years, they'd never been able to hit it off.
Yet the one thing that seemed to truly connect them, was their mutual love and appreciation for Sofia.
After lunch, the rest of the day went by rather pleasantly. Amber finished up her planned shopping, which even included some visits to a few nearby kingdoms.
At last, they arrived back home, the both of them now in a much better mood. Cedric was helping Amber out of the coach, when the two of them took notice of something.
It was the village doctor, who after conversing with Baileywick left in his coach.
The sorcerer and princess exchanged concerned glances. Both aware of a certain someone who had been rather sick the past few days. "Sofia..." Now hurrying towards the stairs.
"Ah, Princess Amber, Cedric," Baileywick greeted in a a particularly chipper tone. "How was your day?" Letting out a gasp of suprise when the pair rushed past him.
"Goodness..." he murmured, adjusting his glasses.
They found Sofia in the foyer leading to Miranda and Roland's room. Sitting upon the couch with her mother. The two of them holding hands and smiling.
"Is everything alright?" Amber inquired, as soon as she caught her breath. Her sister looked well, but she wanted to be sure.
"Everything's fine," the queen assured. "The medic just came to give Sofia a check up and, " smiling knowingly at her youngest daughter "Well, perhaps you should tell them."
Nodding Sofia turned towards them, a hand resting gently upon her abdomen "I'm pregnant."
There was a pause. Cedric's mouth gaped open silently, but Amber let out a loud squeal of joy. Practically flying towards her sister.
"Oh Sofia!" she cried, embracing her tightly but gently, mindful of her condition. "I'm so, so, happy for you!"
"Thanks Amber," hugging her back. Their cheeks rubbing up against each other affectionately.
Cedric smiled warmly, the scene touching his heart.
The two sister's pulled away and Sofia stood up, Amber helping both of them now turning a fond gaze towards Cedric.
His eyes widened realization. The situation suddenly hitting him. Sofia was pregnant, with his baby.
She stepped towards hims, her eyes alight in a way he'd never seen before as she stared up at him with both a loving and excited expression.
"Cedric," she said softly, taking his hand in hers. "We're going to have a baby." Face practically glowing as she relayed the news once again. Almost unable to believe it herself. "Isn't that amazing!"
"Oh Sofia," he sighed kissing her forehead and embracing her gently. "It's the best thing I've heard all day."
"Congratulations to both of you!" Amber gushed. "Oh! We'll definitely have to give you a baby shower, Sofia! Might be a little challenging with my wedding coming up as well, but I promise it will be wonderful. Ooh! We'll also need to do some shopping for my new niece or nephew, and!..."
"Amber," Miranda chided gently, "We'll get everything sorted out in due time. But let's just enjoy the moment for now," smiling fondly at the loving couple before her.
The princess shrugged, but agreed to let things be for now. Basking in the simple joy of what the future held in store for them.
A/N: Thank you for reading. For those wondering, the prompt I chose for this months story was, 'Baby' :)
Also, you may have noticed that I didn't really make mention of who exactly Amber was marrying. That's because this story was really meant to be just a fun Amber and Cedric bonding moment.
So yeah, I just decided to leave that little detail vague, and y'all can just feel free to insert your favorite person to pair Amber with, lol. :)