The rest of that day with her sister and friends was passed fine enough, Sofia trying to brush off all the negative feelings she had in hopes of spending a good day with everyone. She didn't want to ruin things by being glum so she put on a semi-fake smile and ate her food, feeling the springtime breeze on her face. The food that was chosen to eat was so petite and bite sized that she scarcely felt full and shamelessly ate more chocolate dipped strawberries than she should have but she was still hungry. She had to get a snack later from the kitchen when no one was looking.

She wasn't sure how anyone was supposed to survive off of three finger sandwiches and a cup of tea especially someone like her who ran around all the time. Sofia made sure to see everyone off to their respective carriages, waving goodbye to them all, giving Hildegard a French cheek kiss, a curtsy to Clio and a big hug to her friends. Amber told her she had grown very fond of them and sometimes wished they really were princesses so they could see them more often. Sofia felt the same. Later on after everyone went home, she sat in her bedroom, stroking over a sleeping Clover listening to his snores as she looked outside. So much was going on inside her mind at the moment and while she had time to herself, she let it all sink in. She could confide to no one about this because it appeared no one would understand.

"What am I going to do?" She asked herself aloud, watching the horizon turn all the beautiful shades of sunset but today it gave her no comfort or brought her any awe.

Her sister had said some things that though seemingly cruel were just the truths of her world now. Beforehand she had been a free spirit, unshackled by all that being a royal demanded. Ruby and Jade were more accepting of her choice, despite everything, but that did little to make her feel much better. It wasn't even for sure to her if the rest accepted this, it was more they brushed it off and ignored it, pretending it didn't matter or that it wasn't something to fuss over. It was true, even she knew it, that Cedric was no prince charming. His cynicism, preference to being alone in dark corners, his sass, his sauciness, sharp tongue, dry sarcasm, tongue in cheek way of talking, and what he had done in the past were all enough proof of that.

Yet if she had wanted a prince charming at all she had lots of choices available to her. They just never connected with her, they always felt like good friends but he felt like something special, something in her heart and soul told her it was him. At least that's what she had always believed. Even when she first saw him, she thought he was quite comely with his quaint, charming accent, his bicolored hair, his deep honey eyes, and she found him enchanting in a way she could not place. From that day in the great hall and onward she made sure to keep him happy because she could feel his hidden unhappiness and wanted to make it go away like rain on a sunny afternoon. Trouble was now she was unhappy.

Sofia was stuck on a fork in the road leading down her duty and her heart. Everyone told her this was wrong and that it was just a crush, a silly little girlhood crush that would fade with time. She was only thirteen, she had not yet even become womanly yet while her sister became shapely and her hair tumbled down her back like a waterfall of wheat. It was no wonder she had not just Axel and Hugo but many boys fawning over her. Sofia looked at herself. She always found herself very pretty, she had a great smile and her eyes were nice, a shade lighter than her mothers, she had a round shaped face and shiny tan curls that were draping over her shoulders now. She saw her body, though, still small in the chest, almost not noticeable, and her hips were narrow. She had strong legs from years of running about but dainty hands and feet. She still had baby fat around her face making her cheeks chubby and her eyebrows were a little thicker than most.

She wondered how he saw her, if he saw her as the young apprentice he had trained for years, just a child, or if he saw her as a budding young lady, a real debutante. It didn't matter either way because it seemed everyone was pushing her in a direction she didn't want to go, away from him. They could still very well be friends and she'd like that, but something in her would always be tugging her towards him. What was the right choice, what was the right path? Sofia felt uncertain and uneasy even with the glow of the evening and the air hitting her face, smelling of leaves and flowers. A little light lavender leaf passed her face then a magenta one.

She had never seen such colorful leaves before, at least not here and she watched the swirl of vibrant leaves dance around her and perhaps the faint sound of a pan flute. Then she noticed something else, her amulet was glowing brightly but since she had not spoken any desire to change her form it must be a princess was being called. Sofia looked to her left watching the leaves swirl in a little tornado while strange golden sparkles joined the mix. All of the swirling came to a stop and they fell to the ground, disappearing but revealing whom her amulet had called. It was a tall woman with cocoa skin covered by tan handmade cloths and long flowing black hair, her almond shaped dark brown eyes stared stoically onward at the young girl on the bed. Sofia gaped at her, getting up to meet with the barefooted woman.

"Pocahontas?" Sofia questioned which made the woman smile. "What are you doing here? I don't think I need any help." Sofia was holding onto her necklace with a curious face.

"No, Sofia, you are mistaken. You do need my help, I could feel your pain from inside the amulet and it called me to you. You have a great burden to bear in your heart," Pocahontas deciphered, touching the small hands still grasping the pink gem around her neck. Sofia couldn't help but look at the blue one on the woman's own neck. "Tell me what's wrong."

"It's complicated and I feel it really shouldn't be. You see I have feelings towards someone but they aren't of royal standing like I am and that person is much much older than me. Everyone tells me that it isn't right and that I should move on, that that's not what I'm meant for. I don't know...maybe they are right in some way...It does seem hopeless and I am so young, the chances of him feeling the same are very small even if I was a bit older. He still would see me as a companion, a dear one of course, but just like his niece."

Pocahontas put her pointer finger to her chin with a knowing smile forming on her full red lips. She took Sofia towards the window and told her to close her eyes and to close her ears to all the sounds around her, to isolate only one voice.

"Sofia you have to listen to your heart, it has always been true to you and has never steered you wrong. Listen with your heart, what does it say?"

Sofia did as she was told, ignoring the sounds of the crickets, the birds, the rushing water, the rabbit snoring on her bed, the footsteps, and everything else in the world. In her head she could hear the sea of doubts and words she was caught in but she was an excellent sailor, able to navigate through any storm no matter how rough. She guided her vessel towards a lonesome island where she could hear a loud, proud heart beat increasing as she dawned nearer. Holding an outstretched hand on the island, welcoming her ashore was Cedric. Sofia smiled to herself.

"I see Mr. Cedric. My heart tells me it belongs with him."

"Then you must not ignore that, for the heart speaks louder than anything else and it is the thing that is the most honest, it reveals what we want more than anything, even if it doesn't make sense to anyone else. You know once I had the exact same problem as you do."

Sofia looked at her with her eyes wide open, listening to the words that were spoken to her from a wise sounding, strong voice. She continued,

"I was in love with a man named John Smith but our love was forbidden. You see his side, the settlers, was fighting my side, and my side was theirs. All lost in confusion, hatred, and misunderstanding. When he was taken by my people, I didn't know what to do or where to go. I wasn't sure where I was meant to be but my Grandmother Willow reminded me to not listen to the noise but to my heart and I saw then that my path lead to him. So you see even though it was the most difficult decision in my life and the odds were against us, in the end our love stopped a whole war. Our love prevailed even if it had seemed impossible, we just had to believe and fight for it."

Sofia took in all that she was hearing and let it wash upon her like a cooling refreshing wave instead of drowning her as the words before had done. Now afloat and on the shore she could think clearer. There were many great romances about forbidden love and though some ended up in tragedy it was because people refused to let them be together, ignorance and ego always got in the way. Though John and Pocahontas were close enough in age they were different enough to cause a stir, a ripple in the water, but that ripple grew as did their love and all could see it. Once they did the fighting stopped and everyone understood that it didn't matter about the color of their skin or their backgrounds, they were all equal and their love was true. Impossible, Sofia was the best at conquering things that were impossible, she always defied the odds and came out on top. This would be no different.

"You're absolutely right. It's my life, my heart, and my future and I will be the one to choose what path is best for me, no one else. I should have never doubted for an instance my own feelings or let anyone else's cloud my mind. Thank you so much Pocahontas." But when Sofia turned the native woman had vanished, leaving behind only the faint trail of floating leaves. Sofia felt confidence surge throughout herself and she knew she could do this, no matter what stood in her way she'd overcome it. Clover rubbed his eyes and stretched.

"What I miss?"

Sofia giggled at him. The next day she arose early and had pancakes for breakfast, covered in goldenberry syrup a favorite amongst all the teens at the table since they were children. James talked with his mouth full about what he was going to do today which was practicing his knighting skills, Queen Miranda nodded and talked about how today she was thinking of visiting the village square to see an old friend while Roland had kingly duties to attend to. Amber would stick close to him, learning all she had to know about how to properly govern a country. Miranda inquired what Sofia's plans were today but James interjected.

"What else? She's going to visit Cedric."

Sofia tried to hide her blushing cheeks which given how rosy her face tended to be was a bit easy for her. "How did you know?" She nervously shot Amber a glance, hoping she had not told anyone. Amber didn't look angered or frustrated, but she did look upset, a bit exhausted too.

"He's one of your favorite people in the castle, besides Baileywick and us of course. Plus he's the only one who isn't busy that you haven't made a day for. I'm sure you're going to show off your wickedly awesome new magic skills. Will you put on a show for us one day?"

"Sure," Sofia agreed, taking the last bite of her food but sat there talking it up with everyone, not wanting to seem overly anxious to get to her destination. After a while she decided it was alright but she did notice Amber looking at her suspiciously but also forlornly, shaking her head at her sister, not in disapproval though. 'Poor girl,' she assumed to herself, 'she's going to get her heart broken. I should set her up with a date, let her meet some other more her age people, then maybe she will forget about all this.' If Sofia could read minds, she would have told her not to do such a thing for her, especially when she already had so many people to already give attention to not to mention her duties but she could not read minds so she kept going. Cedric was stirring up a potion while he was absentmindedly conversing with Minerva, something he had gotten used to rather quickly and now enjoyed. It was nice to have a feathered friend who was actually on his side and for his motives, not malicious scheming behind his back. This was someone he could put all his faith and trust into and had more than proved to be a good sidekick, worthy of a sorcerer of his pedigree for sure.

"You know this isn't just any ordinary potion. It's special, I'm making something for a special person."

"Who?" The owl hooted, tilting her head.

Cedric chuckled. "Oh you know who. Sofia of course. I used to despise hearts and flowers day, all mushy and sentimental but she made that all change for me. I want to give her something she will absolutely love and be able to use. Want to know what it is?"

"Who who!" Minerva excitedly replied, hopping a little on the perch to show her enthusiasm.

"It's a rose and lavender scented perfume but it can also be used to put on her pillows at night or in the bath. Do you think she'd like that? I mean everyone and their actual mother will be giving her chocolates and flowers, I thought she might like something a bit more luxurious. She's Enchancia's most darling princess, she deserves something as fine as she is."

"Who hoot!"

"Glad you agree, Minerva!"

A little knock on the door made him pause. He knew that knock very well but he didn't want to open the door and ruin the surprise. Thankfully it was already done and he was able to bottle it then hide it away without her ever knowing. He invited her in and she wasted no time heading inside, her smile all teeth through very pale pink lips. She seemed like she had a restful sleep and was bright eyed and bushy tailed, ready for this day. Sofia reached her arm out and Minerva flew to it, landing swiftly and nuzzling into Sofia's hair causing her to laugh lightly at the tickle of the feathers. She stroked the top of her head and then walked over to her chair, sitting down upon it.

"How was your day yesterday? Had fun doing girly things?" He waved his fingers around exaggeratedly as he spoke.

"Oh um it was...different. I enjoyed myself for the most part. I've never had my nails painted," She honestly replied, showing off her newly acquired purple nails. "I also really liked the chocolate covered strawberries. I think I could eat a whole bunch of those."

"It's nice to know you're having a good time. After all that studying and hard work you deserve it."

"Would you like a demonstration of what I've learned?"

"Oh but of course," He replied, pulling up a chair. "Alright I'm ready. Dazzle me."

Sofia nodded her head and let Minerva fly back to her post before removing her wand. She thought about which spell she would like to cast then concentrated on it, remembering not only her lessons at the Academy but also here. She held out her wand and flicked it with confidence, adding a loopy motion just to be a little showy, he did ask her to dazzle him. She recited her spell precisely and slowly.

"Auriealis Chandelei!"

From the tip of her wand shot a beam of silver light that turned into several dangling diamond prisms up above, catching the light so it made rainbows appear through it. It was supposed to mimic the northern lights she had heard so much about and though the effect was pretty she knew nothing could compare to the real deal. Cedric looked upon the display with pride at what she had accomplished, looking at her as the fractured colored lights painted over her face. She smiled at him, her blue eyes now looking purple but glowing all the same, holding his gaze intently.

"You are a top class apprentice, Sofia, and I couldn't be more proud of you. Very well done."

"Thank you! It's a bit complex to pronounce but after a while I got the hang of it fine. It's a pretty advanced spell," Sofia claimed, proud of herself as well with her hands on her hips.

"I knew you'd do great things. After all you were MY pupil."

"That's right, the pupil to the best sorcerer in any land here or far!" Sofia opened her arms to show off the size of the world but also her joy. She was in a very good mood today, feeling perky and peppy and seeing his beaming face only accelerated that.

Cedric's grin matched hers, he was exuding an unmistakable aura of pride right now that she was feeding. She always boosted him up, made him feel special and important, and had him believing he truly was as she saw him. A long time ago he had said he wouldn't know what to do without her, meaning it will ill-intent, but now he had realized he meant it. Without her he'd not be this happy-go-lucky, bouncy, warm spirited, loving person he was now nor would he have such high magic skill. When he believed in himself, he felt he could do anything, she made him feel that anything was possible. They spent their time doing magic together, casually chatting away, she would alphabetize and organize his things, dust his tower, help water the begonias, and share a small meal. She was digging into a bowl of assorted dried fruits and nuts all the while stealing a glance or two at Cedric who was letting Minerva out to go hunting.

"So Mr. Cedric, got any plans for hearts and flowers day?"

"Oh no, you know I never do, dear. I'm a solitary type of man for the most part and I don't expect any visitors. Why?"

"Well I um... you see I thought maybe you and I could have a picnic in the secret garden. It would look so beautiful this time of year with all the butterflies and humming birds. I mean if you aren't busy...it might be nice," Sofia stumbled out sort of quickly, turning shy and biting her lip a lot. It was never ever difficult to talk to him but this was something entirely different.

He looked at her noticing her shyness and her blush and thought about her proposition. He never thought twice about being with her in a casual sense, just the two of them having a nice time together, enjoying the company of a longtime friend and cherished person. Even now he didn't mind her being in his tower all by herself, he preferred no other company but hers though he supposed he could stand his family some. He would normally think nothing of going on an outing with her even to some secluded glade but it was that day and the way she was acting. It was almost like she was a tittering enamored girl talking to some young prince, not a close friend asking another to hang out. She was never so bashful about anything, especially with him. She was always someone who never let herself be mute for any reason and was honest too. It couldn't be that...perhaps Sofia liked him a little more than he had fathomed?

"A...are you asking me out on a date...?"

"Oh well um don't think of it like that I mean it's just us, eating, talking, looking at the scenery."

He noticed how jittery she was but she attempted to keep eye contact, forcing her pupils to stick to his even though she'd glance down every now and then. "You don't have any other prior engagements? You don't have to do this because you feel bad for me or something. I'm content with just receiving a gift."

"No nobody has asked me to do anything or go anywhere and I WANT to do this, with you. Not out of pity I just think it would be nice. I'm okay if you don't want to...if you prefer to be alone, I'd respect that."

Her melancholy was not ignored, he could hear her disappointment. She truly did want to do this with him of all people. A day where given that this was Sofia, she could have chosen anyone to spend it with since so many loved her and she chose him. What flabbergasted him more than that was the fact that nobody had asked her on a date. It baffled him. She was a purple orchid blossoming into womanhood, the mind of a leader, the heart of a child, a spirit of both fire and water. She was sought out by everyone, at least he assumed so. In fact he was certain he'd just barely have time enough to give her his gift because of all the princes she'd be entertaining.

She was an unusual sort, for sure, not like her sister who even he knew snuck in boys at all hours of the day then weeded them out until she found Mr. right, her future king. Her expectations were high, Sofia only expected affection, devotion, and honesty. Even given all of that information it was still weird that she had not even taken one of her many friends or none of them asked her. Was she someone so rejected that she had no choice but him? He shook that off the moment it entered his head. No one dare reject Sofia and if anyone did, they'd have to face his wrath for upsetting her.

Then there was the obvious pointing right in his face option; that she had some type of affection for him outside the norm, that she really liked him. He had no clue what it was about him that would even remotely attract a woman or even a young lady such as her. He was no looker despite his arrogant mouth saying he was, he was lanky nearly bony, he always had dust on his robes, he had a standard humble upbringing with no title to own, and to top it all off he was old enough to be her father. As of now he was in his late 30's, almost 40, still a bit younger than her father actually but in the 30's nonetheless.

There was a massive 20 year gap between them or more yet he could not deny it, she must have a little crush on him or something. He was almost flattered by the suggestion, no one ever had a crush on him, no one ever thought him handsome or worth their time. He barely ever dated and though had intimate experiences he could only count on half of his hand how many times that was in his whole life. He had heard of such things, girls and boys have such admiration for their teachers or role models that they develop feelings. Given how much time they spent together, how much she gushed over him, how quickly she forgave him, how much she stood up for him, how sweet she was to him, how majestic he seemed in her eyes, he really should have seen this coming.

Now with the thought in his head circling around he wasn't sure what to do with it other than wait and see what would come of it, if it would vanish as she grew older or even if she admitted it to him. If it did continue what then? She'd have suitors no doubt by the next year, at latest her fifteenth, Amber started picking some out even at twelve and even the king himself got married to his first wife so young Cedric was still a teenager. They lived in a time where Sofia could have been married off, if Roland was like this at all, to any of high social status from ten years old. There were a lot of kingdoms that still practiced betrothal before birth, though this kingdom didn't do it so much, the royal offspring were allowed a lot more freedom.

If she got older and she still felt this way he didn't know what to do. It would ruin her future and he didn't need the king breathing down his back yet again, maybe even claiming he might have influenced her in some way. He trusted the man after how much he had risked but that meant all of nothing if he did one thing wrong or what was seen as wrong. He didn't want to ask her, he didn't want to reveal he was just assuming and have her be somewhat offended though that wasn't like her at all. He didn't have much choice but to wait it out.

Though he never did say he wanted her feelings to disappear from him, nor did he like the idea of some pompous palace prince taking her away from him, treating her however he pleased, making her become a demure lady fanning herself and wearing heels far too high. He always did what was best for him at first, selfishly caring about number one only. Now he had her and she mattered more than anything, even more than the king and queen. He had to do right by her and what was best for her, he owed her that and more for his dastardly deeds and splitting her heart. He now had a problem with that, a singular question with no clear answer, what WAS doing right by Sofia in this case?