Disclaimer: I do not own Sofia The First

A/N: Happy Cedfiaweek everyone! Here's my story for the first prompt. Though it's a day late. Still, I hope you enjoy it :)

Sofia let out a long sigh as she stepped into the castle. Having just bid goodbye to Skye only moments earlier. The flying unicorn discreetly dropping her off at her secret garden.

Today's protector training had left her quiet exhausted. Of course, she knew it came with the territory, and accepted each challenge with unwavering determination. Still, today had been particularly grueling.

The princess yawned, stretching an arm up over her head as she walked. It would all be worth it in the end at least.

She nearly walked past the library, until she heard a murmur of voices. Curious, she stopped to looked inside. Seeing Cedric sitting on a couch, with Calista cuddled up next to him.

A fond smile appeared on her face. Though they practically lived in the same castle, it had been a while since she'd spent some time with her friends. What with protector duty taking up so much of her attention; as well as Cedric spending more time with his family since his and Cordelia's reconciliation. Though she was happy of that last fact for his sake.

The clacking of her boots caught the attention of both sorcerers. Who looked up from the book that had been resting in Cedric's lap.

"Hi, Sofia!" Calista greeted cheerfully.

"Hey guys, What are you doing?" Though she could already guess from the book in her older friend's hand.

"Well, mummy and I are leaving this evening," Calista explained, her tone just a little melancholy.

"Oh, is your castle done renovating?" a bit surprised by this revelation. Time really had been flying by while she'd been away, hadn't it.

"Yep, and I wanted to spend as much time with Uncle Ceddy as I could before we go home," giving him an adoring look. "So we've been spending all day together, and I've just asked him to read to this book to me."

"Which, I will! If you'd ever hold still" Cedric chided. Though he was more mildly annoyed, than angry.

Sofia smiled at the scene, a nostalgic yearning for simpler days coming over her. Just her and her mom, in their little cottage, reading a book by the fireplace. No princess, or protector duties. Just Sofia...

"Is it alright, if I join you?"

Cedric blinked at her in surprise for second, "Oh...Well I suppose you can." Turning to his niece for confirmation. Who gave it with an enthusiastic nod.

The princess took a seat on Cedric's other side and sidled in close. Allowing her a view of the texts illustrations; of which there was an abundant amount. The sorcerer eyed her for a moment, before turning to the book. "Once Upon a Time..."

They read until the end, and Cedric closed the book with a satisfying sound. When he became aware of a gentle weight resting upon him. Looking to see the princess with eyes closed serenely. Her breath soft and even.

Calista peered over at her from his other side. "She fell asleep?"

He nodded quietly, not wanting to disturb the girl. His brow furrowing in concern, at her sleeping form.

"Calista, dear!" Cordelia's voice crooned. The uncle and niece duo looking to see her standing in the door.

"Say good bye to your Uncle Ceddy," she said. "The coach is waiting to take us home."

"Aww," she pouted.

Cedric offered her an encouraging smile, "Don't worry, we'll see each other again soon enough little one."

She nodded, "You're right," then leaned over to give him a tight hug. "I'll still miss you though."

"I'll miss you too," he smiled, hugging her back.

Cordelia took her by the hand, as she stepped down. About to say her own goodbyes when she noticed the sleeping girl. "Is Princess Sofia alright?"

"I think so," he said, glancing back at her himself. "She just fell asleep while we were reading." He then sighed, "I suppose I ought to bring to her room."

"I can help," she offered.

"It's alright," carefully scooping Sofia into his arms and standing. "You two should head to your coach."

"Alright," she smiled, "Farewell Ceddy." Patting his cheek and giving it a quick kiss before leaving with Calista. The girl calling out a final good bye as she waved.

He stared after them for a moment. Touched by feelings of fondness, but also loss. Despite his initial fears that having his sister back at the castle would make his life even more miserable. It turned out that after reconciling with her, she and Calista had been something of a safe harbor for him. Especially considering most of the rest of the castle, save Sofia (though she had been strangely busy lately), didn't exactly view him in a kind light after his attempt to take over the kingdom. Well, they had never thought much of him before that. But the disdain since was much worse.

So, seeing his family go actually filled him with a bit of loneliness.

Perhaps he could catch them before their coach left for one last farewell...

In the meantime though, he should probably put the princess to bed.

He started the trek to her room, Sofia still sleeping soundly in his arms. He glanced down at her for a moment, noting with amusement how small she still was even after all these years. Wondering for a moment if she'd ever grow.

At last he made it to his destination. Thankfully without any interruptions from the rest of the staff. Who still held him in suspicion.

Fumbling for a minute as he tried to both hold her and maneuver the handle at the same time; he finally got the door open and let himself inside.

He took a moment to look around. Though he knew where her room was, this was the first time he'd ever been inside.

Well, perhaps not the first time he realized. Starting to recall he'd been here once or twice before when it was still belonged to Tilly.

Carefully he set Sofia upon her bed, and she curled up. He frowned a little. Though he himself had been caught up with his family, he hadn't failed to notice that the princess had been rather absent lately; and given how tired she seemed, he had to wonder what had been keeping her so busy.

A soft thumping sounded, and he looked to see a grey bunny hop across the floor and into the princess's bed.

"Oh! You're one of Sofia's animal friends aren't you?"

The rabbit sniffled his nose at him. Giving him an almost accusing look.

"Don't worry," Cedric replied disarmingly. "I was only helping put the princess to bed," gesturing towards her. Then with a wave of his wand and a chanted spell, Sofia was dressed in her nightgown. The blankets resting comfortably over her form

"There, you see?"

Clover eyed him once more, but seeming satisfied, hopped up to join his friend. Laying down beside her for his own nap.

Cedric observed the scene, and his princess, a moment more. Still wondering what she could be going through. A part of him hoping that maybe one day, she'd tell him. He knew after his betrayal he had no right to expect her to confide in him about anything anymore. Even so, she had helped him so much; and he hoped one day, somehow, to retun the favor...

"Good night Sofia..." he murmured. Leaving her to her peaceful dreams, and heading downstairs to give Cordelia and Calista one last farewell.