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In the Palm of His Hand

Sofia was trying not to panic as she peeked under her vanity. Not seeing what she was looking for, she sat back and frowned. She'd just finished getting dressed for an unexpected Protector mission when she realized her amulet was missing. After ten years of wearing the magical gem, during which time it had only come off her person a few times, she was so used to wearing it that she didn't even know when – or where – it had come off. She knew it was around her neck when she woke up that morning, but that was it.

"Breathe, Sofia," she told herself, biting her lip. "It's in the castle somewhere. Just retrace your steps. Where all have I been this morning? Let's see…" She thought for a minute. "I went to breakfast. Then I went to help Cedric clean his workshop, but then I heard from Chrysta about the mission, so I came back here." She groaned when she realized how much ground she had to cover, considering the numerous hallways between the dining room, Cedric's tower, and her bedroom. "Sometimes I wish the castle was smaller. I guess I better start looking." With that, she left the room to begin her search.

…

Cedric distractedly swept his workshop floor, a worried frown etched on his face. Sofia had just been there a few minutes ago, but then her Enchantlet activated, and Chrysta had informed the princess of her latest mission. The sorcerer hadn't paid much attention to what the crystal fairy said, but he was pretty sure he'd heard words like "vicious dragon" and "rockslide." Cedric couldn't help but worry about his princess. Her missions had gotten more and more dangerous over the last few years. He knew this because he'd unexpectedly run into her a few times while on his own missions for King Roland. Granted, he knew she was capable of taking care of herself; she had proven it time and time again. Still, he feared that one day Sofia would come home seriously injured. Or worse…

"Best not think about such things," he murmured as he continued to sweep the floor. "Sofia will be fine. I know she can do anything she sets her mind on."

Just then, the sorcerer's attention was caught by a rather bright object that seemed to stand out against the dark cobblestone floor. Curious, he bent down to pick it up. When he realized what it was, his mouth fell agape as he stared in bewilderment. There, in the palm of his hand, was the Amulet of Avalor.

The old Cedric from ten years ago would have been elated. He had spent so much time trying to come up with ways to swipe the precious jewel from the little princess so he could use its power to take over the kingdom. And now, here it was in his hand all these years later. But the old Cedric was long gone. The new him didn't need the excess power. Sofia meant so much more to him than the gem that usually hung around her neck. Speaking of which…

"Why is this here?" he wondered out loud. "She never takes it off. Perhaps the chain broke." Further examination proved that was indeed what happened. "Merlin's mushrooms! It's a good thing this didn't happen while Sofia was out on one of her missions or something. How old is this chain? Well, I think it's time for a new one." Putting his broom aside, he pulled out his wand and muttered a few words. The amulet's old chain was replaced with a new one; this one shinier and stronger. Cedric smiled proudly, admiring the way the chain glittered when it caught the light. Suddenly, it occurred to him that Sofia would probably need her amulet for the mission she was going on. "Oh, I hope she hasn't left yet." He hurried out of his workshop and down the tower steps.

…

Sofia was quickly making her way toward the sorcerer's tower, her eyes on the floor as she walked looking under any piece of furniture she passed on the way. She had already checked the dining room. Her amulet wasn't there, which meant it had to be in Cedric's workshop… or somewhere along the way… She was so busy searching the rug in the hall that she didn't realize she was approaching a corner. Suddenly, she felt herself collide with someone else. A cry escaped her lips as she was thrown backwards, landing a little hard on her backside.

"…Ow," she muttered, putting a hand to her forehead. She blinked when she saw who she bumped into. "Cedric?"

The sorcerer groaned, wincing as he stood up. He reached back to rub his bruised backside. Oh, this will make sitting quite uncomfortable, he thought. He smiled humorously down at the princess as he offered her a hand. "We're still bumping into each other, hmm?"

She rolled her and giggled, accepting his hand and getting to her feet. "I'm so sorry, Cedric. I'm kind of in a hurry right now. Have you seen my–" Her eyes widened as he held his free hand up. In his gloved palm was the precious necklace she was looking for. "…My amulet?"

"It was in my workshop. The chain broke, and I replaced it." He undid said chain and clasped it around her graceful neck where it belonged. "There we are," he said softly, resting his hands on her shoulders.

Sofia smiled happily as she reached up to caress the pink gem. "Thank you, Cedric." She leaned up and pressed her lips to his. "What would I do without you?"

"You would still be trapped inside the amulet without me," he quipped, smirking when she giggled. "Now, I believe you have an important mission to get to, yes?" He smiled disarmingly, offering her his arm.

She laughed and linked her arm with his.

…

When they walked through the front doors, they found Skye waiting for Sofia near the base of the steps. But before the princess could rush down to mount her noble steed Cedric pulled her into a tight embrace.

"Be careful, my love," he whispered, running his fingers through her hair. "Come back to me safely."

"Always, Cedric," she smiled as she returned the hug. "I'll always come back to you." She stepped away as he reluctantly released her. "How about if we go stargazing tonight? Just the two of us."

"That sounds lovely, my dear. I'll look forward to it." He gestured down toward the unicorn, who was waiting patiently. "But first, you must complete that mission of yours."

Sofia giggled and gave him a quick kiss. Then she hurried down to mount Skye. Within seconds, the two were heading for the Mystic Isles for another adventure.

A/N: I hope you liked this story. The prompt of the day, In the Palm of My Hand, actually gave me an idea of a tiny Cedric in Sofia's hand. That idea didn't quite flow, so this story was born.