The Cradle Will Rock
Summary: Sofia is abducted in the dead of night by none other than Greeneyes, an evil enchantress who has plans for the princess's unborn child.
Disclaimer: I own the villain Greeneyes, Angel, Corban, and Alamea (whether or not they end up being mentioned in here). Nana and Tanya belong to MarionetteJ2X.
A/N: *WARNING* While this chapter isn't the one that will contain disturbing imagery and potentially cause discomfort for people, it is the start of the negative aspects of the story. Please practice caution and understand that this is not my usual fluffy or even typical "danger-filled" story. This hits a different way for some people, so decide what's best for you before proceeding.
Chapter 2: In the Dead of Night
"Can you rub my back please?" Sofia smiled as Cedric willingly moved closer to her, carefully twisting her braided hair into a bun before using a few pins and ribbons (and magic) to bind it into place.
"Of course, my darling. Just relax." He watched her lie on her side in the bed, a contented sigh escaping her as he reached out and brushed his hands over her back, his fingers deftly but carefully massaging her tight muscles. "I'm glad you decided to pass off your Protector duties to someone else for a while… I wouldn't want you out there, risking your safety, at this point."
In fact, the Protectors had actually called in Bonvis on Sofia's behalf. And since he worked with Yohanna often, he was a great replacement. He would often travel to the Ever Realm to tend to those duties before returning to the Mystic Isles. Therefore, everything worked out perfectly.
"Yeah… Who knew that a guy who used to be evil and known as the 'Enigma' would be my temporary replacement, not to mention a good friend?"
"You have a way about you, my love…" He continued rubbing her back with one hand while his other found one of her hands and gently squeezed it. "I think we all know that you can turn a dark heart into a bright one…"
Sofia smiled faintly at his words before slowly sitting up, then turning on her side to face him, her hands clasping his again. "Some hearts are worth fighting for…"
He chuckled before moving forward, pressing a soft kiss on her forehead. "Get some sleep, Sofia."
Later that evening, Cedric and Sofia were sleeping soundly, with his arms loosely draped around her. Neither heard the whooshing of the wind as the balcony doors blew open. Neither felt the negative energy surrounding the warm room. Neither saw those sharp, soulless green eyes that pierced the darkness, a slim figure only just illuminated by the glaring moon.
"Come to me," a woman whispered, her hand extending toward Sofia, a smirk on her darkly painted lips as the princess vanished from her bed. She walked toward the bed, reached out with one of her claw-like nails, and engraved something into the headboard, before blowing the dust onto the pillow where Sofia's head had been resting only moments ago. Without another word, the woman disappeared, and the doors to the balcony closed quietly behind her.
Cedric never heard a thing…
The next morning, the sorcerer awoke with a start, his hand almost immediately lifting to his head. "What a nightmare…" He glanced to his side, seeing that Sofia wasn't there. He vaguely acknowledged that the sun was just barely beginning to shine through the curtains, so his initial thought was that maybe she'd gone downstairs to get some food. However, when he looked down at the pillow and saw the dust from the headboard, and then gazed up a bit, he gasped sharply.
Two innocent souls captured
Ready or not
If you can't find me, sorcerer
The cradle will rock…
"S-Sofia!" He instantly fished his wand out of the bedside table, attempting to track his princess via her amulet, her Enchantlet, her GuardoRing… Anything. Nothing was working. He was frantic, trying to figure something—anything —out. But if he couldn't even track her, how…? "Merlin," he muttered, rushing to the closet, and pulling one of his robes off a hanger, sliding it over his pajamas and tying it into place. He then pulled on some shoes and slid his wand into his robe. Without another word, he hurried out the door toward his AutoCoach, desperate for answers and help from his old friend.
To be continued…
Next Chapter: Barren