Sofia tossed as she tried to get some sleep. But it wouldn't come. She had slept for a few brief minutes but the dream she'd had during that time had ruined her ability to sleep. Sofia shuddered as a small snippet of the nightmare played in her mind again. In the dream, Sofia had found herself in the gardens at Cantata Hall, pinned down on the ground once again. Only this time, it was a different person holding her down.
"No," Sofia whispered firmly. "He never would do that."
Even so, it was still impossible to accept what had happened in the Hexley gardens mere hours before. She and Cedric had actually kissed. And he knew her secret. For a long time too, if his words were to be believed.
Sofia didn't know what to do with this newfound information. All the same, some things could not change.
Frustrated with not being able to sleep, Sofia got out of bed and pulled one of her riding outfits out. As soon as she was dressed, she slipped out to go riding. Early as it was, she needed to do something.
oOo
Sofia yawned as she made her way towards the parlor some hours later.
"You look exhausted, Sister."
Sofia looked up in surprise. Amber was sitting in the parlor with Winnifred, both sipping on tea.
"It was a late night," Sofia responded. "You know that."
Winnifred shot Sofia a pointed but knowing look. The young lady missed it though as she was looking at her sister. Amber poured another cup of tea and offered it to Sofia. Sofia took it and sat down.
"You have a late night and yet you go riding early in the morning," Amber said.
"I guess some habits never die," Sofia replied, not wanting to talk about what was really going on.
"That's a nice riding outfit," Amber said. "Much better than the black or dark grey."
Sofia smiled slightly and glanced at the blue outfit she had chosen.
"Thanks. I was pleased when I discovered Winnifred got this and the purple one for me."
Winnifred chuckled. "You flatter me Dear but I didn't purchase those riding outfits."
"What?" Sofia looked at her hostess in shock. "It had to be you."
Amber looked equally as confused and surprised as her sister.
"It was not me," Winnifred reaffirmed.
"Who then?"
"It was Cedric," Winnifred said calmly.
Sofia looked at the outfit then back at WInnifred.
"What?" Sofia's shock was evident.
Amber looked equally as stunned. "Um, are you sure about that?"
"It was Cedric," Winnifred repeated. "He knows your preference, Sofia. He knows you better than he knows anyone else."
Sofia looked at Winnifred, knowing there was a hidden message in her words, but not certain she wanted to hear or understand it.
"That's an extremely bold move," Amber said. "Even bolder than when he claimed the role of your protector."
Sofia shot her sister a sharp look. Winnifred looked intrigued.
"Well in any case, you must realize he has a great deal of respect and admiration for you," Winnifred said. "Always has. And always will."
Sofia bit her lips. This conversation was starting to get uncomfortable. She needed a change of topic. And quick.
"Where's the rest of the family?" Sofia looked at her sister.
Amber stared at her sister for a moment but didn't say anything about the sudden topic change.
"I think Mom and Dad just woke up not too long ago," Amber said. "And James...Who knows with him."
Sofia nodded. "No doubt about that. I still can't believe he tried mounting his horse by jumping off the stable roof a couple weeks ago."
"Did he really?" Winnifred looked surprised.
"Yes," Amber said. "If there's any son a father should be worried about, it's James."
Winnifred caught the reference. "Did your sister tell you about how Goodwyn got turned around?"
"No," Amber said. "She only told me that they were finally getting along."
"It wasn't that exciting," Sofia said.
"She's being very modest," Winnifred said. "She overheard Goodwyn and I having a...discussion about him and Cedric. And she came and stood up to Goodwyn, taking him down several pegs."
Amber looked at her sister, very impressed. "What? No way. I'm so proud of you Little Sister. What did you say to him?"
"Plenty that I probably shouldn't have. I'm lucky he didn't get mad at me for what I said."
"That tells me so much," Amber deadpanned. "Really, what did you say?"
"She questioned his ability as a father," Winnifred said. "Reminded him of what would happen if Cedric didn't inherit, and was vulnerable enough to talk about being separated from her own father."
Amber nodded. "I'm impressed. I wish I could have seen that. I also wish I could have seen your reaction when you found out about the party last night."
Sofia rolled her eyes as Winnifred laughed.
"Oh I was not happy that she went behind my back to do that."
"But from what I saw, you enjoyed the party," Winnifred said smugly. "Even more so, you enjoyed the company of your escort."
Sofia felt her cheeks heating up. Really, when was she going to quit blushing so much?
Maybe after I get my heart back in line.
"There you two are."
Amber and Sofia looked up at the sound of their father's voice. Roland and Miranda entered the parlor and sat down.
"You look tired, Sofia," Miranda noted. "Are you alright?"
Sofia nodded. "It was simply a late and exciting night. I'm okay."
Pacified by the answer, the new arrivals to the parlor engaged in conversation with their hostess. Sofia barely heard any of the conversation as she continued to think things over.
Really, how can I get my heart in line? How can I let go of Cedric? I hate to do it, but I have no choice.
"Fifi!"
Sofia was startled out of her thoughts by the sound of Calista calling to her and running to her. Sofia gladly accepted the young child into her arms and set her on her lap.
"Is this your granddaughter, Lady Hexley?" Miranda asked.
Winnifred nodded. "Yes. Calista is Cordelia's daughter. I imagine Cordelia is only just waking up."
"Calista is a sweetheart," Sofia added.
Calista babbled incomprehensibly to Sofia before hopping off her lap. The toddler grabbed Sofia's hand and pulled her along. The young lady stumbled a bit as she started to follow the energetic child but caught herself quickly. A handful of steps later though, Calista changed the direction suddenly and Sofia lost her balance again. This time though, she stumbled into someone. A pair of hands steadied her.
A pair of hands that Sofia recognized all too well.
"Are you alright?"
Sofia felt her cheeks heat up quickly. Of all the people Calista had to pull her into, it was Cedric.
"Yes of course." Sofia didn't meet Cedric's eyes. "I just wasn't watching where I was going and then Calista changed directions so unexpectedly."
"Sofia," Cedric whispered. "How are you really?"
Sofia immediately caught his drift. He was referring to what had happened the night before.
"I'm fine," Sofia whispered back.
"You don't look fine."
"Well, I am."
Subtly, so their nearby families wouldn't notice anything, Cedric grabbed Sofia's wrist.
"You don't have to hide from me. I once promised you your safety with me."
"Now's not the ti-"
"My promise hasn't changed," Cedric spoke softly but firmly. "No matter what, you are safe with me."
Sofia looked away, her eyes landing on a nearby staircase that led to the family bedrooms. As she did, she noticed a tired looking Goodwyn about to come down the stairs. Something else caught her eye though. Something bad. Even before Sofia could exclaim anything, the disaster started.
"Lord Hexley!"
"Father!"