Disclaimer: I don't own Sofia the first, it belongs to Disney I am just borrowing them for my entertainment.
The light of day was slowly dying as Cedric paced the circular room of his tower. He combed his grey bangs with a surprisingly un-gloved hand, the magical runes engraved on his skin showing. The Sorcerer let out a deep chuckle as he saw them, the blocks on his magic. Cedric didn't remember how he got them, but he knew where each magical rune was by heart. They spiralled up his arms and across his torso. Sofia would have to be told about them, especially if he was to court her. Rubbing his long-fingered hands up his arms, he set about planning how to ask the blue-eyed princess to allow him to court her. Having the blessing of her parents was helpful, but ultimately irrelevant as Sofia was the only person he needed to say yes.
Taking a deep breath through his long nose, he noticed the distinct scent of Sofia's perfume, lavender scented, of course, which permeated his workspace. Most people never noticed how sensitive his sense of smell was, but of course, Sofia did like she noticed everything. Cedric had never noticed before, but now he could tell why his tower felt more like home to him instead of a prison. Over the past ten years, the young princess had worked her way into almost every nook and cranny of his life. His hazels eyes glanced over to his bedroom door he couldn't help the smirk that came to his thin lips; although, if things went according to his plan, this time, that would soon be changing for the better.
Taking off the mauve vest and canary yellow bow tie he always wore over his forest green shirt, he noticed the dying light in the fireplace. Realizing just how late it was, he went to the centre of the tower and rolled up the rug that was there revealing the circle of magic he had spent months making. Finally, he was going to remove some of the magical runes placed on him. Cedric knew he would never be able to remove them all; but, if he could just gain access to more of the power simmering beneath his skin, he would feel more like someone Sofia, with her slightly tanned skin and baby blue eyes, deserved.
The wind howled outside his tower as the magical pressure built up within. Cedric, who slipped off his leather shoes and removed his grey socks, walked into the centre of the circle and crouched down. His charcoal trousers were stretching over his long, lean legs as he placed the final magical rune in his blood. Where most Sorcerers would balk at the notion of using blood in their spells Cedric understood, thanks to his dear mummy, that using one's blood or that of a willing precipitant isn't inherently evil. It only became such when a magic user took the blood of an unwilling or unaware being. Which Cedric never even considered, even when he was trying to take over the kingdom.
When he was done placing the rune, he planted both hands flat on the floor and pushed as much magical energy into the spell as he could. The runes on his body started to glow as the runes on the stones began to pulse in time with his heartbeat. Slowly he was able to pour more and more power into the spell as the runes on his hands faded first then the ones on his arms proceeded to fade starting at his wrists and working its way up. With a strangled cry Cedric blacked out in the middle of the floor, his lean arms finally bare of the runes that had marred them. The pulsing light of the spell dissipated as he lay there gradually becoming conscious once again.
Cedric managed to shift, so he was leaning back on his elbows when he heard a gasp coming from the direction of his doorway. Opening his eyes, Cedric saw Sofia standing there with her petite hands by her mouth. Clothed in a Midnight blue nightdress with a lavender lounging robe hastily pulled on over the top, Sofia never looked more beautiful to him. Noticing that her blue eyes were on his pale rune covered chest, Cedric turned his head in shame. So caught up in his thoughts Cedric never saw Sofia gently making her way over to him.
The feeling of fingers dancing over the runes drew him from his thought. Looking at Sofia, he saw the wonder and awe in her expression. Cedric softly grasped Sofia's small hand in his larger one halting her exploration. He looked at her wondering what she was doing in his tower so late, given all she had been through that day she should be in her room sleeping. Sofia looked away a little sheepish, trying to figure out what to say to the man she loved. Then she felt Cedric let go of her hand and brush his against her cheek to get her to look at him.
'Why are you in my tower so late princess?' Cedric asked softly, his voice rough from the magic he performed earlier. He tried to will his body to remain calm with her so close to him. Moving slowly, as if dealing with a frightened animal, Cedric shifted his body into a seated position to better look at the princess, who had captured his attention so entirely. 'Don't get me wrong, Princess, I enjoy your company; however, someone may misinterpret of you being in a man's chambers so late at night. Especially since you're in your night clothes and I am barely dressed at all.'
'I was taking a walk around the castle; it's so beautiful late at night when I heard you scream. I thought you had gotten hurt, so I ran up here to make sure you were okay,' Sofia had the decency to look embarrassed as she realized how underdressed she was and that lack of clothing on Cedric. 'I had wanted to thank you earlier for saving me, but you left so quickly. Then when I asked Bailywick where you were, he told me you had locked your tower. I know that usually means you want to be left alone,' she was forced to stop as Cedric put a long finger to her lips, with a gentle smile on his face he helped Sofia up as he stood.
'Princess, there is very little in this world I would not do for you, and that list gets smaller every time I see you. So there is no need to thank me for doing something I would do again in a heartbeat.' Cedric whispered into her ear as he pulled her in for a hug, touched at how much Sofia cared for him, 'As you can see I am quite alright, now you best hurry back to your room lest one of the maids find you in my rooms.' Pulling from the embrace Cedric saw that Sofia was blushing. Still smiling he turned her around and gave her a gentle shove toward his door. As she left he told her if she was good, he would have a surprise for her tomorrow afternoon.
Hope you enjoyed this instalment don't worry there is more to come.