The sun rose on another beautiful day in Enchancia warming the snuggled up princess. She rubbed her eyes as she awoke, smiling lazily but happily at the bracelet on her wrist. On her window side sitting area slept a snoring Clover but not for long. Bursting inside from the outdoors, through the window, disturbing the peaceful scene was a flurry of teal. The creature landed on top of the poor sleeping rabbit causing him to tumble and roll around on the ground.
"Goood morning Cloooveerrr!" The strident female voice called out, now obvious to all eyes who it was. It was Sofia's dragon pal, Crackle, who seemed to have a thing for Clover despite the species difference.
Clover was not even half as chipper to see her, having been awoken so rudely. "Yeah it would have been... if you hadn't woken me up!"
"I'm sorry, Clover," The dragon only half seriously replied, a big sharp toothed grin on her face and her tail wagging like a dog. "but I'm just so happy to see you today!"
"Morning Crackle," Sofia called out, stepping into her slippers and going over to pet the dragon who day by day was growing bigger. Soon there might not be too much room for her in the castle. She did a pleased grin while thumping her tail on the floor.
"Ooh Sofia, happy late birthday! Sorry I couldn't come but I've been meeting up with the dragon council."
"I understand. I'm happy you are here now but try to be a little quieter, everyone else is still asleep."
"Oh right right...quiet. Got it. I can do that."
Clover raised a dark grey brow at her and whispered sidelong to Sofia, "Not so sure about that."
Sofia often wondered if Vivian missed her dragon since she could often be found wherever Clover was but Vivian was fine with it. Actually Vivian encouraged Crackle to play and run free, dragons aren't meant to be tied to one area all day. Vivian was deeply studying dragons and their lore, Sofia would take her to the palisades often to meet with Everburn and the rest. Sofia sat down at her vanity and brushed her hair into a high ponytail, securing it with the silky white ribbon she had recently attained. More flighty visitors came through her window, little Mia the bluebird was huffing and puffing fast as she beat her wings.
"Sofia Sofia! Something exciting happened! Robins eggs are hatching!"
Sofia's eyes got wider and her smile grew. For a while Robin had been hanging out with another red bird who called himself Finchley. He was not really from around there, actually he was from a few kingdoms over and had just been flying in from the winter, but when he met the other birds there, he decided to stay. Sofia was still naïve in a lot of ways about adult things but understood it took a mommy and a daddy to make babies, she just wasn't sure how yet. It was wonderful news when Robin laid eggs and they had looked so beautiful, all baby blue and speckled. Sofia leapt up and got dressed as quickly as she could and ran down the stairs, enthused about seeing the baby birds. She nearly knocked over Baileywick who was on his way to wake her up.
"Where are you going in such a hurry?" He called after her as she kept running.
"No time to talk, Baileywick! Robin's had her chicks!"
Baileywick was confused and scratched his head. He knew the names of all the palace pets but he had no idea who Robin was. 'Oh well', he thought, 'at least she's up.' Sofia didn't want to miss breakfast but she also didn't want to miss this for all the world. When she finally got to the forest, she saw there was a crowd of animals all wishing Robin well, then she saw the tidy little nest with her red feathered friend proudly standing over her chirping children. In total there were three and all were peeping in a hard to understand way for Sofia. Since they were still babies, they couldn't really talk yet.
"Sofia you made it!" Robin exclaimed, fluttering her wings. "Come see. Aren't they precious?"
Sofia peeked in at the fluffy but not feathery baby birds in the nest who all sounded glad to be alive and looked healthy. Her face glowed with delight as they were fed some worms plucked from the garden.
"Have you named them?"
"Yes! This one is Rosie, this one is Carmine, and this one is Scarlet. Two girls and one boy."
"That's wonderful. I'm so happy for you. Oh but I've gotta go eat my own breakfast. I'll come back later today with some seed for you."
"Thank you!"
Sofia waved at them and fled just as fast as she came, giddy and light. She made sure to wash up before sitting down and started to tell everyone why she was late.
"Oh how delightful!" Her mother remarked, taking a sip of her water.
"Spring has come early this year," Her father commented, nodding at his wife who seemed to, at least by Sofia's account, turn a little pink for no reason.
"Ooooh Sofia! I just noticed what a beautiful bracelet you have! Can I see?" Amber cooed, dabbing the side of her mouth delicately with the napkin.
Sofia obliged, holding out her arm, the light reflecting off the golden color made it sparkle even more. Amber was gentle holding her arm and inspecting the priceless piece. She could see the charms and seemed to like the crown one most of all because she kept looking at it intently.
"That is lovely," Her mother agreed.
"It's brilliant!" James responded, mouth full of food. His manners were still not princely at all. At times he acted no better than a common village boy.
"Who gave you this? Was it a boy...?" Amber inquired with a raise of a perfectly shaped eyebrow and a strange smile on her face.
"I guess you could say that...Mr. Cedric gave this to me."
"Oh..." Amber seemed disappointed all the sudden. Sofia wasn't sure what was wrong with her. Perhaps, for whatever reason, she was envious. "I had thought... well I suppose it's nice of him to give you something like that. Maybe for my birthday I'll ask for the same thing then we can match."
Sofia didn't want to be rude and say no but she kind of wanted to be special and have the only one. This was made just for her by someone she loved, it felt somehow wrong to her for Amber to have one made by him too. She couldn't say what she felt because it wasn't nice of her so instead, she nodded with her lips pressed together. After breakfast she decided to tell everyone her plans, about how she had finally decided one what school to choose and that she would apply as soon as she possibly could. Everyone thought it a marvelous idea but Amber was distraught that she wasn't going to the same school.
"But are you sure you wouldn't rather go to MY school? You'd have a banquet every night and get to wear fine clothing. The teachers are also very refined and the dorm rooms are fabulous."
"It sounds all very nice but it's not for me. "
"You'll be so far away, though. We may only get to see you during holidays!"
"I know but this is what I want and I'm sticking to it. I'll send you all letters and post cards!"
It took a long time to convince Amber not to be upset about the whole thing but finally she gave up and told Sofia that as long as she was happy, she'd support her. Sofia was glad to hear it. Later on she decided to take a visit to Ruby and Jade and tell them the good news. They too were sad to see her going so far but would be there rooting her on. She spent the early evening there helping whoever she could and enjoying apple muffins freshly baked by the local baker. They were so delicious she ordered a couple more and took them home. She'd give some to her ever hungry rabbit of course, to the servants, to her brother and sister though she knew Amber might decline. She always said something about the bread and sugar not being good for the waistline. Sofia got herself a little tray and put some things on top of it, planning to give a treat to a certain someone who lived in a tower. She knew a lot of the servants didn't have the nice breakfasts she had and she always loved to treat them to something, perhaps a plate of sliced salami for lunch or some braised hen for dinner. They deserved better than the little bits of hard bread and soup they got. They liked it, it's just they really should have been given the fine quality food she was able to eat. Besides there was always too much left over so it should go to them.
"Excuse me, Mr. Cedric, but I can't knock today! Could you let me in?"
The door opened on its own and she smiled as she waltzed inside, seeing him sitting upright on a small sofa, staring at her with a book in his hands. It was a casual read this time, not a spell book. He seemed to be relaxing and this time he wasn't in his robes, as usual, his tie was untied and he had on loafers. It was as casual as she'd ever seen him and it surprised her. She blinked three or four times and her cheeks felt hot before she gathered up her wits and placed the tray on the table.
"What is that you've brought me?"
"Twilly leaf tea and apple muffins with some fresh smoked ham."
"You spoil me, you know."
Sofia sat down upon the chair, not the rolling kind that was there, swinging her legs above the floor. She noted she could touch it with the tips of her toes. She really was growing then. She set up the tea cups, one on each side. She still had her swan painted one from long ago and that's what she used but she had painted one for him too, though they didn't have tea together enough to use it. Cedric placed the book down and tied his tie, making himself a bit more presentable but as he reached for his robe on the hook Sofia stopped him.
"No I never get to see you in your normal clothes. Please stay as you are."
"As my princess commands," He replied, with a pinch of sarcasm before sitting down across from her. He watched her place her napkin in her lap and pour the tea, surprising him with her strength since the pot looked heavy.
"Do you know my friend, Robin, had her eggs hatch today? I saw the babies and they were adorable."
Cedric hummed as he blew on the tea, not taking much sugar. He was never one for sweets but Sofia liked things to be extra sweet so she dropped four lumps of sugar in her own. Even the way she stirred was graceful, like a figure skater. She was truly the best princess and the best girl he had the pleasure of meeting. Strike that, she was no longer a girl anymore. She was a little lady, though it was hard to see her as such, even now.
"It's fascinating, the miracle of life. It's like magic exists in every part of the world." She looked right up at him, those big blues aglow with her pureness and sense of wonder. It charmed him. He smiled tenderly at her as he took a sip. Sofia took her cup in both of her hands and drank deeply from it, not losing eye contact. When she put the cup down, she started to look in the bottom of the cup and swirled the contents.
"I've heard some kinds of people can read tea leaves and tell your future. I met a woman called Madam Ubetcha who used her crystal ball to show me what would happen next."
"I've never been good at divination, myself. It just looks like a bunch of blobby shapes to me."
"That's okay. I don't want to know my entire future anyways. I want to be surprised. You know what though, there are somethings I'd like to know, not about my future but in general. Like, where is it that babies come from anyhow?"
Cedric nearly spit out the tea all over her when she asked that but he only choked a little on it. He got into a fierce coughing fit worrying his young friend who put down everything hurriedly and went to his side, patting his back.
"You okay?"
He picked up a napkin and covered his mouth as he coughed a bit more then wiped himself off. Though his hair was fine he wiped it back and straightened himself back up, averting looking at her now with a blush across his face.
"I... I'm fine...um as far as your question I'd ask one of your parents."
"You don't know?"
"I know of course I do! But they should tell you, not me."
"Alright... I'm sorry if I startled you."
"You're fine, dear. Please let's just forget about the whole thing."
Sofia was really very confused about what had just transpired between the two to make things seem awkward but now she wished she didn't ask. She ate and drank with him mostly in silence, shyly averting her eyes and feeling upset because he still seemed out of sorts. After a few bites she couldn't stand it any longer and decided to break the silence by talking about whatever came to her mind such as Crackle's visit, and then how her sister really liked the bracelet.
"She got kind of sad when she realized it was from you."
"Oh?"
"She thought a boy gave it to me and I said sort of."
He snickered a little with one eyebrow up. "Sort of? I'm only sort of a boy?"
"Well you're a man, Mr. Cedric, not like James. He's a boy. I guess she thought a prince gave it to me."
"I bet..." He grumbled sourly, arms crossed.
"What's wrong now?" Asked the somewhat exasperated princess, even her own patience was getting a little thin because of the lack of information she understood. On top of that it was twice already she had made Cedric act strangely. He unfolded his arms, softening at her voice.
"It's just...forgive me for saying so, but your sister is a bit well..."
"Bossy?"
"That too but well for starters she's never had the best impression of me and I've heard her say to others that we spend too much time together."
"And thaaaat'sss a bad thing?" Sofia questioned with a sweet voice.
"To her it is. She thinks you should be more like her, in more ways than one."
"I noticed... I liked the color of my dress and the frills but it wasn't me. It was my big party and I didn't feel like myself. I really should talk with her."
"You do that, dear. Best hop to it now before she goes and reorganizes your entire wardrobe," Cedric jested making Sofia try to hold back her giggling but it couldn't be helped.
After a bit she left with her cup and went to find her sister. It was time they had a girl talk and no matter what Sofia would not take no for an answer. She loved her sister dearly, loved a lot of things about her, but Sofia needed to be listened to and her desires should always be considered. Sofia was her own person as Cedric had said but Amber still couldn't help treating her little sister like a doll to dress up. As Sofia approached Amber's room she stopped, hearing something odd. She was not a nosy person by nature but her curiosity was insatiable. She teetered on the abyss of leaning forward and listening and respecting the privacy of her sister.
She chose to respect her but she could still hear, even at a respectable distance, what sounded like two muffled voices. One sounded like a boy, perhaps she and James were in there discussing things. Sofia waited, not wanting to intrude on a private discussion. She hummed to herself a little ditty that she had come up with and always hummed since she was very small. Soon her waiting was over, out of Amber's room popped out a boy indeed but not James at all and really not a boy, but a young man. Prince Axel, Hugo's brother. Sofia sat stunned as her sister leaned out of the door and kissed him right on the mouth, saying goodbye to him in a slow way.
Prince Axel wiped off her lipstick but bore a smile telling her he had enjoyed their little kiss but didn't want any other to know. He didn't even see Sofia there and she was glad of that. She felt she had walked into something she was not meant to see or know about. As he left Sofia still stood there unsure of what to do or what to say. It appeared she would not be the first to make a move for Amber turned just the right way to see her sister standing in the shadows, rubbing her arm and wishing she wasn't there for some reason. Amber wore the most horrified face she had ever seen and she grabbed Sofia's arm so hard it almost hurt as she dragged her into the room. The golden haired princess closed the door, locked it, and pressed herself against it as if a hoard of wild beings were pushing on the other side.
"What all have you seen?!"
"I uh... just well saw you kiss Prince Axel... that's all I swear!"
Amber looked into Sofia's eyes. "You have to swear something else, Sofia, swear you'll never tell anyone. I mean ANYONE! Don't even tell a single animal!"
"But Amber I can't just keep a secret like that all bottled up inside me! Please just talk to me, tell me what happened. I won't be upset or anything."
"You wouldn't understand yet."
"Help me understand," Sofia pleaded, taking her sister's hands and bringing her to sit down with her on her satin bed. "We are sisters and we're supposed to be honest no matter what. You like him, right?"
"I think that's obvious enough but I like his brother too and I don't know which one to choose! Oh Sofia I'm so torn over what to do!"
"Choose? Choose for what?"
"Sofia! Don't you know?"
Sofia shook her head no. There was plenty she didn't understand yet but assumed she was now old enough to get it. Amber sighed, keeping her hand on Sofia's.
"There's a reason I dressed you the way I did. When you turn into a teenager that means that you become...available for suitors to start coming your way. I've had my share and I don't know if James has courted anyone yet. It doesn't matter, the point is, now you are a full-fledged woman in the eyes of society, you've already had your first red flower."
"But aren't suitors people who want to marry you... or go on dates at least?"
"Yes exactly. I spoke to a lot of princes that night about you and let's just say there are some who are very interested."
Sofia's skin wasn't sure whether it should turn scarlet or white so it stuck in-between. She wished she never asked, maybe she could have lived in blissful ignorance but for how long? She just couldn't believe it, she was only just now thirteen and already there was a list of prospective princes who wanted to one day marry her or at least date her. In her own mind she felt she was too young for that but come to think of it Hildegard and Zandar had been dating since graduation. Sofia wasn't ready, though. She had too much to focus on and do. It could wait until at least her studies were done... plus there was something else but she wouldn't say. Not yet. Amber was rushing her too fast into this, dressing her up in an eye catching way, putting on makeup that just wasn't well suited for her, and not to mention those dreadful but no less beautiful heels. It was like she was being put onto a train and unaware of its destination nor did she even want to be on said train. People were deciding her future without her knowing or even asking her if it was okay. Well it surely wasn't okay. She would be the one to decide.
"Amber I suppose I appreciate you trying to help me...but this is my life and I want to be the one who makes the calls. I don't want to upset you or anybody else but I want to be the one to say when I'm ready for marriage or dating. I want to finish school and I still like to adventure to far off lands. There aren't many princes who would go along with that sort of lifestyle. I'm not going to give up being what or who I am for anyone but me. I hope you understand. I'm supposed to be a woman, then let me be treated like one. Let me make my own decisions."
Sofia stood tall and stared her on with dignity not defiance. She wanted to be taken seriously and after all she had done and accomplished in life, she thought others would know that. She had saved the kingdom and its inhabitants too many times to count and sometimes she did it without any help at all. Surely that and the fact that she had handled so many types of magic, curses, and beasts of the Ever Realm could mean she should be given due respect. Though Sofia was more than likely not going to be Queen of Enchancia, and if she was certainly not yet, right now she had a regal demeanor about her that even Amber had to stand and admire. She looked upon her sister, her very young and underdeveloped sister, and saw the woman inside breaking out wanting to be shown to the world and demanding as politely as possible that everyone pay attention. Amber could hear her, she could hear her loud and clear.
"Sofia I'm so sorry if you feel like I've been not listening or respecting your wishes. I've been so concerned about what I thought was best for you that I didn't even stop to ask you what you felt. Things have been so crazy but even if it gets to be a circus, I should still make time to hear what you have to say. You're right, you are a woman now, and I apologize if I treated you like you weren't one."
Sofia accepted the apology and made up with Amber, the two now were much more settled and relaxed with each other. They shared some laughter and stories, catching up on things and feeling like, even though they were teenagers now, children at a slumber party yet again. When the girly laughter stopped Amber finally felt comfortable enough to confess all that was inside of her because though she wanted to keep it a secret, she knew she could put her trust in Sofia. Laying on her stomach and staring at her freshly painted orange nails, Amber sighed.
"You're good at giving advice, Sofia. What should I do about Hugo and Axel?"
"Hmm...which one do you like most?"
"I like them both for different reasons so that's partially why I can't decide. I guess if I had to say I like Axel the best. He's much more grown up, more my speed, athletic, tall, handsome, well off, and he's a very loving person."
"So what's the problem then?"
"If I chose one or the other it will cause a tear between the brothers. They might not even speak to each other. Imagine how jealous Hugo would be if he found out his big brother stole yet another thing he wanted or imagine how insulted Axel would be if I chose his young brother over him."
The young princess put her hand on Amber's back, soothing her frustration. "If they like you as much as they say and if they are true brothers then they shouldn't squabble over things."
"You're right, Sofia. If they can't act like men and get over their issues with dignity then they aren't really for me. You really should go to my school, you'd make the best adviser!"
"I will still be one, I just want to learn magic is all."
"Then you'll be the best magical adviser ever!"
The day went by fine enough, Sofia retired to the regular library. The secret one had not called her for a while yet. She found a scroll and a pen and began writing her letter to the school about wanting to go there, signing off with a stamp at the end just as she was shown in Royal Prep. Then she looked at the clock. It was almost time for dinner. She sent out her letter and by the time she washed her hands it was time to eat. Sofia said nothing of the happenings of the day, it was not for her to tell. Amber should be the one to tell when she felt like it was appropriate.
"Oh! I almost forgot that I'm having a meeting with both the emperor of Wei Ling and the Sultan of Tangu. I want everyone on their best behavior."
"Is Zandar going to come over, dad?" James asked, excited to see his best friend again.
"Yes, the prince will be here and I'm sure you two will have a grand time, but make sure to keep it down. This meeting is very important."
"Of course! I'll just be off outside away from the board room so we won't disturb you."
"What about Princess Jun and her brother? Are they coming?" Sofia piped up.
"They had to stay home to prepare for the paper lantern festival but if you want, we can get you a carriage and you can go over there with them."
"Sounds perfect!"
Sofia marked her calendar for the date but she also started to set aside some things to pack, not for her trip there but for her trip to her new school. It would be all too soon, she knew, that they'd send her an acceptance scroll back and she'd be on the first flying chariot over there. When at last the time came for the meeting everyone was dressed a bit differently. Amber was trying to look stately and queen-like to impress everyone, greeting the male leaders in their traditional ways, while James was in his play clothes, ready to go rough around outside. Sofia wore something inspired by Wei Ling attire, an A-line lavender cheongsam printed with vibrant pink flowers. She bowed to the emperor and sultan then made her way to the carriage, almost bouncing with delight to see her friends. She loved Wei-Ling, it always smelled like rice, jasmine, and incense and she loved the food too, though she had a hard time working the chop sticks. When she landed, she was greeted by Princess Jun who gave her a tight hug. Like Sofia, she too was a late bloomer, having remained petite and slim.
"It's so good to see you again, Sofia. We've been preparing all day for the festival. Here I snuck you a sesame seed ball."
Sofia took the treat and nibbled it, tasting the sweet red bean filling inside. All around her were people making lanterns of all shapes, sizes, and colors and at night they would release them into the sky. Jun's was a classic red with her name in Chinese lettering painted on with gold metallic paint, her brother had to be more elaborate with a dragon shaped lantern. He said if all went well it would even breathe fire. Their own sorcerer made a simple tan one but painted a delicate picture all across of a bamboo forest with a waterfall. Sofia was reminded of her dancing panda friend. She was invited to get in on the lantern painting and made a light pink one painted with stars and moons on one side and the sun and clouds on the other.
It was said that the lanterns were supposed to help celebrate the new year and bring good fortune upon the city. Sofia thought about her dandelions and how the seeds might reach the heavens, perhaps it was the same with paper lanterns. Just in case she was right she wished upon it that her trip to her new school would be full of fun and no misfortune. During a break they all drank green tea cross legged while listening to flute music and eating rice cakes. It was always so mystical here, like a place untouched by modern society, stuck in the old world. Sofia looked around and felt a light breeze blow through the peach blossom trees, making a petal fall to her nose. She blew it off.
"So Jun, are you going to be attending the Magical Academy after all?"
"Yes I sent in my application and already got my acceptance letter. I will be heading there in a few days. What about you?"
"I guess I'll be in the same boat soon enough but at least I will have you there with me. Won't it be great to learn magic together? Maybe we'll be dorm mates!"
"I hope so, I'm nervous about meeting new people."
Throughout the day Sofia helped and assisted anyone who needed her all the while admiring the culture and artwork. Even the palace here was something splendid. When she got a bit older, she might vacation here and stare out at the misty mountains, dreaming of flying up to the very top to drink from the springs. She heard it was the sweetest most pure water you could ever hope to taste and that if you bathed in them you were healed of whatever ailed you. It had been a long day for them all and it was time to go home. She waved goodbye to everyone having a basket full of goodies to bring home. The meeting had gone well, no interruptions what so ever. James and Zandar had played enchanted discus outdoors along with Rex who kept running away with it and they had to chase him. Amber was fine just watching, entertained a little but mostly looking up at the sky as it faded into stars.
"Sofia, namaste!" Zandar called out, waving at her with the discus in his hand.
"Hello there. Did you two have fun today?"
"Yeah I totally whipped your brother, 10 to 5."
"I let you win only because you're my friend."
"Whatever you say," Zandar complied with an eye roll. "Any who, it's been good to see you all. Next time we'll have a rematch, winner takes all."
"Bring it on!"
Sofia smiled at them and moved along on her way to the kitchen to give some of the food to the chef. There were white peaches, steamed buns, fish caught from a stream, and sugar cane. The chef thanked her and told her to thank her friends next time she saw them. Sofia gladly would. It was two days later, early in the morning when the acceptance letter came in. Sofia read it over and over again looking at the shiny golden foiled name scrawled onto the bottom. Professor Marmicus, headmaster of the Magical Academy. She showed off her letter to her mother and father first, beaming brightly.
"Well done Sofia! I knew they couldn't say no to you."
"How could they, Rolly? She's been practicing under the tutelage of a wizard all her life. They'd be crazy not to accept someone so gifted."
"That's true, Sofia does possess the magic touch."
Sofia laughed with her father at his joke. He kissed her forehead and her mother kissed her cheek. All around she showed off her letter, trying to wait until the last moment to tell Cedric. She still felt a sense of unhappy dread in the base of her stomach because she'd be leaving all the things she'd grown attached to over the years. Clover was sad he could not go with her but she promised him it was not because she didn't want him to go, it was just he'd be a lot happier here and she told him that magicians use rabbits a lot... he might accidentally get spelled away. It was time to tell Cedric, she took a big breath and knocked but no response. She knocked again. Nothing. As much as she hated barging in, she had to make sure everything was alright so she unlocked the door.
"Mr. Cedric?"
But he wasn't there at all. Then as she got in, she could hear his voice, he was in the basement. No wonder he couldn't hear the door! When he came up the stairs, he nearly had a heart attack seeing her sitting there, not expecting her to be right in the middle of his work shop.
"Neptune's nettles, Sofia! You nearly made me jump out of my own skin."
"You didn't answer the door so I sat here because you were downstairs. I'm sorry I frightened you."
"No it's alright...I was just lost in my mind... did you need something?"
"I got accepted," Sofia answered, holding out the letter. He took it from her and read it over. She noted his smile wasn't his best. He was pleased for sure, but he was also not so pleased.
"Wonderful! You'll make an excellent student, I'm sure. Your head master used to teach at Hexley Hall, you know."
"Mr. Cedric... if I could be there and be here somehow without making evil me again then I would. I don't want you to be lonesome."
"Oh don't you worry about me, dearest. I'll be right as rain. I'm just not all there right now, feeling a bit light headed from staying up all night."
"You need a nap then."
He yawned though it did seem exaggerated but she paid it no mind. "Yes, of course a nap would do me wonders. You go, now. I'm sure you have lots of packing to do. When...when is it you leave?"
"I think it said I'll be given a week before the carriage arrives."
He nodded and handed her back the letter, yawning again and heading up the stairs to his personal quarters. She watched him go with a frown especially at being dismissed a bit rudely but he was tired and she would leave him be. She needed to go to bed soon herself. Cedric did not nap as he had said but laid his body down on the bed with a thud anyhow. His entire form felt like it weighed as much as a ton of bricks but even that didn't compare to the weight in his heart. He both wanted and didn't want her to go. She needed this, deserved this, should do this but he was being selfish. He was thinking only of himself and he knew that. He somehow wished he could care less and be happier for her but it was hard to say goodbye to his only friend, someone so near and dear to him that'd he would, and almost did, die for. He took the pillow in his bed and squeezed it against himself. He had received no hugs from her today and this would have to do.
"Oh what is wrong with me? I should be happy! It's not everyone who gets accepted into such a fine school and if anyone should go it's her."
"You're talking to yourself again, aren't you Ceddykins?" He heard his mother's voice talking to him but it sounded muffled seeing as it was all the way downstairs. She had popped out of the portrait again and was making her way up to him.
"What did I tell you and father about intruding on my life?"
"I know I know but you need us. A mother always knows when her child is upset. So tell me what's wrong," Winifred insisted, now by his side and stroking over his head caringly.
"You've already heard me and I'm not repeating it. There's nothing to be done about it, thank you now leave."
"That is no way to talk to your mother, Cedric. Now you listen to me, that girl is something special; a girl like that is very uncommon."
"You think I don't know how special she is? Not just any child can contend with the powers of the amulet of Avalor. If you're going to state the obvious please go away."
"Stop sulking! You're worse than your father when he doesn't win an award. It's not the end of the world, in fact it's the beginning. What is it you are so afraid of?"
"Hmp. I'm not afraid of anything," He claimed, trying to skootch away from her and bury himself under the covers.
"You are acting like a child! Really! If you want, I'll send over a guardian to watch over her."
"A what?" He asked, peeking out from the sheets.
"You know, a familiar. Someone to keep her company and report back if something goes awry."
Cedric didn't feel like saying yes or worse, admitting that's not even what he was upset about. He realized it was childish and immature, he knew that very well but that's truthfully how he was a lot of the time, despite his age. It must have been because he was denied a true childhood. He sighed deeply and agreed with it but it wouldn't help, not one hundred percent. He had no one else to talk to, to hang out with, to bounce ideas off of, to make him laugh and smile. Without her he lived in shadows, without her he felt like half of him was missing. It was stupid to feel that way, especially towards a child, but she was his everything and everyone knew that. She was the cure for his depression, too. Nothing cured the blues more than the girl in purple. His mother pet him again and gave him a hug, then a quick kiss on the temple.
"Everything will be just fine, you'll see. She'll be fine."
"She will... but I might not be."
