Disclaimer: I do not own Sofia The First
A/N: Another entry for stfshipappreciationweek2021 (and another possible fate for Lorelei). Cedrelei(with future cedfia heavily implied). Friday's prompt: Sunrise/Sunset
The gloom of the castle extended even to the sorcerer's workshop. But then again, that was to be expected when it's primary inhabitant carried it with him.
The excitement and joy of the arriving royal birth had been very quickly replaced with dread, as the queen's labor proved to be increasingly difficult. The fact that she was delivering twins seemed at first to be the cause, and one that could usually be assuaged with a little magic and medicine.
However, as time passed, it became increasing clear that there was something terribly wrong; and when the realization finally hit that nothing he, nor the doctor's, could do would help. He as well as many of the other staff had been ushered out, to allow Lorelei's loved ones to spend their final moments with her.
Cedric sneered. But wasn't he one of her loved ones too? Were they not each other's friends and confidants? Did he not love her more than anyone else in the ever realm?
He forced down the lump in his throat at that thought. Yes, even after all this time, he'd hadn't forgotten his love for her. Or that she had at one point loved him in return; and though he'd upset that she had eventually chosen Roland (because of course the golden boy perfect prince would get everything precious to him!), he'd at least been consoled by the fact that she would still be by his side. His only friend and support amongst the constant criticism. The only thing that made a life outside of plotting his revenge and taking over of the kingdom worth it...
Yet it seemed that even she was abandoning him now...
Cedric's tired eyes gazed wistfully out his window. The last rays of the sun on their final descent below the skyline before casting the world in darkness. Just like how his own light was now leaving him.
Save that his would never return...
He choked on his sob. The dam of his heart finally breaking forth as he fell on his desk, weeping bitterly.
Lorelei's two little babies had been placed on either side of her. Granting her one last moment with the children she had so dearly longed for. A serene joy coming over her to finally see their sweet little faces, resting peacefully in contented sleep by their mothers aide. The other wise perfect moment tainted by the regret that she now had to leave them and their father. She would never be able to watch them grow up. Never be able to do all those things she dreamed of doing with them.
Her mind drifted lazily, dwelling on the memory of her loved ones. Their royal sorcerer coming readily to the forefront.
A bittersweet regret struck her when she saw his face in her mind. Mingled, with guilt as she felt her spouse's hand holding her own tenderly.
Roland had been a good husband to her. He had loved her, and she had loved him in return well enough. For all intents and purposes the choice to ultimately be with him, back in those days when her heart wavered between the two boys, must have seemed like the right one.
And yet, it was Cedric, with whom she always felt the closest to. Who always made her feel at home, even when everything around her seemed to fall apart. The one she could share her deepest secrets with... her greatest fears... the one who's now rare smile she always longed to see...
It had been with Cedric, while on a spring day in their youth, they had hidden under the branches of a blossoming willow tree and shared their first kiss.
Those feelings for him had remained still, buried under the layers of the friendship she had tried to turn them into; and while she would never dream of being unfaithful to Roland. There were still times she couldn't help but recall those forgotten days, and wish that back then, she had chosen the young sorcerer instead.
However, the simple fact remained that it had been Roland she had married. After all, a princess was supposed to be with a prince, and certainly they'd all have a happily ever after if that was the case. At least... that's what she'd convinced herself...
But if she were being completely honest it was actually the expectations of society that had swayed her into making that decision. And she realized far too late, that if she had had a bit more courage, and was truer to herself, she would have picked Cedric...
If only she hadn't been a princess. Maybe if she'd been born in a village instead, they could have been together. But then again, would her and Cedric have even met had she been a simple village girl?...
Her final thoughts listed between her beloved children, and sorcerer. Death taking her in it's gentle embrace just as the sun outside finally finished it's setting. One final wish on her mind at the exhale of her last breath:
'If I could do it again... I'd like to be with you...'
(A couple months later)
The rising sun peaked above the horizon, just as a baby's cries started to fill the shoemaker's cottage.
"Shhh!" Helen soothed, gently cleaning and swaddling the tiny girl. Having become quite expert since the birth of her own little Ruby a few month prior. Who was currently in the care of her husband.
At last she placed her in her mother's arms. The child rooting eagerly toward her breasts.
"That's a strong healthy baby girl you got there," she noted with a soft smile as the infant took to her first milk with relish. "Birk, will be pleased when he gets home."
Miranda only gave a singular nod as she regarded her first child with an exhausted but loving look.
"Do you have a name in mind?"
"Well, we had discussed Siegfried for a boy; and for a girl..." Gazing down affectionately at the angelic little face with bright blue eyes. "...Sofia"
"Sofia..." her friend tried it out, "That's a beautiful name."
Miranda smiled in agreement, holding her precious babe close. "My sweet little, Sofia". The tender moment filling their hearts as the sun continued it's rise over the kingdom. Casting it's warm golden light over a certain sorcerer's tower...
A/N: The inspiration for this story actually came from back when I was reading AquaTurquoise's older stories (the ones she wrote while the series was still airing). In those stories, Cedric had been good friends with Lorelei, and she seemed to share some traits with Sofia. And once while reading through the comments on one of Aqua's works, (I don't remember which story, or who said it) someone made the suggestion that perhaps Sofia is Lorelei's reincarnation.
Now, that does not actually appear to be the case in Aqua's universe. However, I still thought it was a neat concept and wanted to try it for myself in this fic.
And don't worry, while Cedrelei's romance was tragically cut short; the future love between Cedfia will definitely have a happy ending this time :)