Amber was gleeful as could be, titillated even, as she led Sofia towards where the prince was. Sofia was not that excited but would take anything at the moment to get her mind off things, plus it was always nice to meet someone new and he did travel a long way. She might as well be accommodable. When the big doors were opened Amber went into full queen mode, being gracious and curtsying deeply, Sofia did the same but not before she got a glimpse of this prince. He was taller than her, well defined and in shape, olive skinned with green eyes and dark curly hair that somehow looked wet. He also had light freckling on him and when he smiled it was full of white teeth, his smile was almost too big for his face.

"Prince Francois, thank you for being so patient. This is my darling little sister, Sofia."

"Sofie," He courteously announced, mispronouncing her name entirely which made her scrunch up her nose a little. He bowed to her and took her hand, kissing it which Sofia was not used to but knew it was a normal thing to do. "You are lovelier than I could have imagined."

"Oh um... thank you," Sofia responded, slowly withdrawing her hand because he was holding it for far too long. "It's an honor to have you here, Francois. Where are you from?"

"Oh here there everywhere really. My people and I travel a lot, you see I come from a long line of gypsies."

"Isn't that neat Sofia?" Amber enthused, beaming.

"Yes it's very neat. I've met one once but other than that I don't know much about your culture."

"Well Sofie, how about I enlighten you?" He offered his arm to her, his smile remaining. She didn't want to correct him for fear that this was his accent and he was not saying it wrong at all, so she just took his arm but with hesitation.

He seemed nice thus far and if he was everything that Amber told her then they would have no trouble getting along. There was something off about him, something in her gut told her to stay on her toes but for once she didn't listen, telling herself not to be so worried over nothing, that it was all fine. Francois led her outside the front doors, opening it for her with a small bow, showing off his caravan pulled by large winged chestnut horses with fine braided manes. He then opened the caravan door for her, still wearing his smile. She peered inside and decided everything seemed fine. If anything went wrong, she had a lot of people on her side that would rush to her aid, not disincluding herself.

So she went inside and so did he, closing the door behind her and sitting across from her, not beside which was already a good sign. She didn't think they were familiar enough to be pressed against each other like that. Inside the castle Amber had been watching them, making sure she got in safely and watched them fly away with a happy face. To her this seemed the perfect match and she hoped that she would enjoy herself at least a little so that she might forget about her silly emotions for the sorcerer. It wasn't that she didn't like Cedric, she did, and she really was thankful for all the times he had saved her sister but she did not forget being frozen that day. However none of that was her reason for doing it, she just thought Sofia should be with and like someone her own age and in her own class system.

Cedric was a decent person but he was not for her. As she was thinking about him, he materialized, running towards her seemingly breathless. He had left his tower in a rush to meet up with Sofia, hoping to find her and tell her the truth but he didn't find her in the hall or in her room and then when he saw Princess Amber about to move away from her spot, he knew she must know. After he caught his breath, he finally got around to asking her where it is Sofia went. Amber sized him up a bit, not sure why he was in such a rush to see her and on this day of all days. She was almost too smug as she told him where Sofia was.

"You just missed her actually. She's on a date with the Prince of Voumani."

"A...a what with who...?" Cedric was dumbfounded, his mouth was open as well as his eyes, eyebrows lowered. "B-b-but she was supposed to..." He had to pause for a moment and concluded what had transpired in the mere seconds that she had gone from his tower to wherever with the prince. He understood fast enough that she only went because of him, because of what she thought he did. He straightened himself up a little and realized perhaps it was better this way, it would eliminate all the obstacles. She could have her handsome prince and he could be alone, they both got what they deserved. So why did he feel so let down?

"Oh... well then never mind... I forgot to give her something when she left my tower but...it can wait," He halfheartedly half lied, sighing to himself.

He didn't know why he was feeling so upset right now. This is what he wanted, right? He didn't want to go on a date with her. It wasn't even a date. Sure they would have had a great time, in peace and quiet, with the fresh floral scented air, the taste of a refreshing drink, the sunshine in her hair, her laughter so sweet and carefree, for her to look at him like he was the only thing that was truly amazing in her life. He could live without it, it's not like he'd never see her again and they could possibly do it another day. Though with her busy schedule and going to school it might not be until next spring and by then who knew? She was with her prince now and he'd take up all the time she had that wasn't already being taken up. Sofia would leave him, almost rarely come and see him, she'd have someone else now and he'd be left alone again.

If not for Minerva that is but even then, she was just a bird and as fiercely devoted and friendly as she had been, she could not replace real human interaction and affection. Nothing could really replace Sofia. He tried to swallow his emotion, not let it bother him so much but he didn't know how he could handle this. He had her by his side for so long, her merriment and temperament made him feel light and hopeful, her letters made it easier to get through the day, her hugs and company were something he felt he really couldn't be without because he had nothing else, he had no one else. He supposed he could always try and reconnect with his sister and the rest of his family but they still were not exactly what he'd call friends.

He could go about making friends of his own but he doubted any of them could hold a candle to her. Even his cold demeanor was not enough to shake her politeness, she stood there always warming him, always giving him so much and he felt like he gave her nothing in return. If he felt he truly didn't deserve her then why was letting her go so hard? Why was watching her literally walk away from him in favor of some new person she barely knew so hard? Amber didn't hear the thunder storm of emotions in his mind or witness the sea of troubles he tried to swim against but she had heard what he said and she got visibly upset by it. She stomped her foot and put her hands at her hips.

"Cedric, did you upset her again?!"

It wasn't the accusation that stung him, it was her saying again, reminding him of his past errors. He hissed sharply at that but truly it was only right of her to be angry. He had not done any justice to them until most recently and that was all because of one little girl who had turned his life right side up. He rubbed his arm a little, trying not to make eye contact but had to because it would be disrespectful otherwise.

"It wasn't something I did, it's what she thought I did and she didn't give me time to explain."

"What is it she thought you did?" Amber stared him down crossly. "You know what I don't care. I'm telling you this right now, if you care at all about her then let her be. Apologize, of course, but let her live her life. She can't stay chained at your side forever, Cedric. She nearly worships you and it's unhealthy. You have to let her go."

Cedric looked at her, so downtrodden it must have been written all over his face because she went from being passive aggressive to looking sympathetic. She'd seen him in the worst conditions ever but there was something truly sad about what he looked like now. It was also a little pitiful, in her mind, that he was so attached to her and she to him. Cedric felt like he was struck somewhere by something. Let her go? Sofia was a free bird to fly where she wished, he never held her back from anything. She went somewhere today, nothing stopped her. Amber wasn't wrong though. He needed her like he needed air to breathe, and it disturbed him a little to think that but Sofia gave him air when he thought he would suffocate, gave him a life preserver when he was drowning, pulled him out from the quick sand and tended to his every wound. Parting with her was like ripping off a band aid that wasn't ready to come off yet, revealing a sore red scar that needed to be healed.

He couldn't formulate words he only nodded and stalked back to his lonesome tower that would now and forever remain devoid of her. No more of her singing laughter, no more of her bright smiles, her cheerful demeanor, her peppiness, her appreciative looks, her fawning over him, none of her soft angelic voice reading to him or talking to him, no more of her magic not even the ones she learned just the magic she had within her. He closed his door and locked it, his body feeling cold. He didn't want to feel this way at all, he wished someone would snap him out of it, but he was stuck here with phantom images to hold onto and nothing more. No more of the fleeting purple skirts across his room, just black darkness. It was in standing there, moping, that he saw the card siting atop the box. He picked it up and viewed the outside well decorated with different sorcery iconography. The inside held her cursive font scrawled across the page. He sat down and read it, trying to forget how Morgana read it and instead hearing Sofia's voice.

Dearest Mr. Cedric,

You are the most amazing, most wonderful wizard I have ever met. On this day meant for sharing love I think of you, the person I've shared so many happy memories with. You've given me your time, your patience, your gentle care, your home, your arms to hold me. I cherish them all and you. My faithful sorcerer how can I describe you without using the word sensational? That's what you are and always will be. I hope for many more years of magic together. Love, Sofia.

On the bottom he saw a perfectly recreated drawing of her and him hugging under a rainbow with little blue birds on the sides. It hurt and it wasn't meant to. Yet as much as it hurt, he read it again and again. Even if he told her what happened she still would have no reason to stay with him when she had whoever this mystery prince was. It really was for the best, he told himself so over and over to the point of exhaustion. This is how it was always going to be, he got in the way somehow by being whatever it is that bewitched her. Now she would no longer hold him in her heart like that. It was a good thing. He took out his gift and stroked it fondly, thinking he was insane for seeing her in it briefly. He told himself it was just the lavender shimmer, it had reminded him of her nothing more. He placed the crystal in his room to make for a night light and then took off his robes and crawled into bed. He needed to have a long long nap, he needed to clear his mind, he needed more than anything to stop caring about the princess. He needed to, as Amber put it, let her go.

Sofia on the other hand was not having a bad time, actually. It had been nice, he had taken her for a ride on a small boat, providing her with a parasol to cover her head from the sunlight. She sat there as his servant rowed them listening to him go on about his land and his people, as well as his many travels across the globe. He spoke with a light in his eye that made her get hooked onto the stories. They were fascinating and he spoke with an indistinguishable accent that was like nothing she had ever heard. He had a little gold tasseled bag and put it in her hand, saying it was a gift for her. She opened the bag and inside is what looked like a precious gem. She pulled it out to discover it was a large amethyst necklace that he got from his journeys to a place called the Majestic Mines. It looked expensive, even for a princess to have, perhaps a queen but a young lady no.

"This is gorgeous but it's too much for me. Please take it back," Sofia offered, holding out the necklace to him.

"You do not like it, Sofie?"

"It's stunning but not for me and besides I have a necklace already," She explained, pointing to the one around her neck. He looked at it and it seemed to glimmer.

"I see but surely a lady of your high standing has many necklaces. Why can't you wear a different one?"

"I promised to never take this off and it's very important to me. I never wear anything else."

"Forgive me, I had no idea it was so special to you. As a collector of rare jewels I understand the value of one so unique and held dear to your heart. Yet I have taken a lot of effort to get this, could you at least take it even if not to wear it?"

Sofia didn't think about it too much because it was a gift and she did not want to refuse it. If she didn't have to wear it then that was fine, it could just be displayed next to those high heels her sister got her. Fanciful materialistic objects never to be worn, pieces of art not fashion. She took it and placed it back in the bag, then put the bag in her dress pocket. They talked more, Sofia telling him about her many jobs and also of her school. He seemed genuine in his interest in all of them and he never took things too far with her, only giving her his arm and complimenting her every now and then. They raced flying horses together, danced a little to lively accordion music, and they ate food from Voumani. By the time she got home it was getting to be night. He dropped her off and gave her another hand kiss, telling her he'd hope to see her soon and that he had an enjoyable time. Sofia agreed, it wasn't bad as she was thinking, almost exactly like being with any other prince she knew only very slightly different.

She took off her gloves and stuffed them in her pocket, patting the little bag. She had almost forgotten about her sadness and all that came with it when she saw him standing there outside her bedroom door. Apprehensive and somewhat nervous was Cedric. His smile was weak and apologetic and awkward. Sofia blinked slowly a couple of times, surprised to see him there and waiting for her. She harbored no ill will towards him, how could she? He was her Cedric, her beloved magician, he could do no wrong or if he did wrong, he would always atone for it. She didn't mind if he did like Morgana, even if the woman was bad news and not fit for him. He at least should be with a good sorceress, not that she knew too many who were willing or his age. As he got closer to her and bent to her level she realized as their eyes locked that she still liked him and that realization made the sting of finding out she would forever remain a little girl to him come back.

She was nothing in comparison to a grown full hipped beauty with long silky waves of ebony and professional makeup, with her fitting dress and supple skin. No, Sofia was a child or at the very least she was always plain old Sofia to him, not ever to be seen as anything more. She supposed she'd have to live with that, with his decision, and be happy for him but hope he could change Morgana in some way as he had been changed. She hoped he was not tempted to leave his good will behind in favor of becoming evil once more. That wasn't the true him, it was a mirage sculpted by years of abuse and torment, now gone for good. He was bent at the knee to her, completely at her eye level.

"Sofia I... what you saw today-"

"It's fine," She interrupted, "I understand everything. You don't need to explain."

"But I do! You don't get it. I wasn't even remotely thinking of siding with her in any way! I'd rather turn in my wand than do that. I'd rather have all my powers sucked out of me than do that. I have no positive feelings towards her, I hate her. That's all I feel. I'm sorry that our day got ruined because of a misunderstanding, Sofia, and I'm sorry you had to cry because of me..."

"Mr. Cedric...you mean you don't like her...at all? And you weren't...Oh thank goodness!" Sofia exclaimed, holding tightly to him around his neck, burying her face into him.

Cedric was shocked at her sudden burst of emotion, expecting the opposite of this in some way but he would not push her away. Instead he wrapped his arms around her tightly, curling her as close to him as he could, trying to soak in her warmth so it could keep him from the coldness he'd feel without her. He gently stroked over her hair making some of the beaded pins fall out and her bangs to drape a little in front of her but she didn't care. She let herself get enveloped in this moment, in him and his scent, in his voice, in his everything.

"Oh my dear, you should have more faith in me. I'd never betray you."

"I know... I was being silly...," Sofia admitted, parting from him, her bangs in the way now causing her to giggle. He moved them behind her ear causing her to rub into his hand like a cat. He absentmindedly stroked her cheek with his thumb noting her blush. He removed his hand quickly, not wanting her to do that because he touched her. He didn't want her to still have feelings for him, not when he assured himself she no longer would and really shouldn't. She was confused and looked a bit hurt by him which made him want to put both hands on her cheeks but that would not do at all.

"By the way I saw what you gave to me. Thank you so much."

"You liked it? I'm so glad."

"Here, this is for you," He said, removing the bottle carefully from his pocket and placing it in her hands. She knew right away what it was but let him explain all the same. She looked fascinated at the bottle then spritzed some on herself, sighing with pleasure at the sweet rosy scent. She put the bottle up against her and smiled at him.

"It's a perfect gift, thank you! I'll use it sparingly to make it last longer."

"I can always make more, it's no problem."

"You're truly the best. You know that, right?"

He smiled warmly at her. "When you say it, I know it's the truth."

Sofia felt so much better now, so at ease and her cup was overflowing with joy. She did not lose him after all, in any sense. Though the tugging of her being so young and not yet formed and might still be just his apprentice still stuck in her mind. Still...she had him and he was not going to back stab her at any point. She was a fool for believing for a second he was ever even thinking of it.

"Mr. Cedric...I still want to have that picnic... I haven't eaten dinner yet... could we... maybe...?"

His eyes widened at her proposition. It was already somewhat strange to do this in the morning but at night it was downright outrageous but how could he say no to that face? He indulged her more than her father did Amber. Besides he too had been looking forward to it and he didn't like that her plan had gone awry. He agreed to it and they were off, her carrying a basket of goodies and he was carrying a blanket under his arm. He felt mischievous and on his toes, as if a guard would come out of nowhere to catch him and tell him what he was doing was beyond wrong. He couldn't answer for why it was wrong other than it was her and it was him and they were as opposite as opposite could be in rank and age. Plus it was the dead of night and it was still that day, the day for love. He could not image the shock upon King Roland's face if he came across his youngest daughter, the jewel of the crown of Enchancia, having snuck away to a secret location to meet him at night.

It was a crescent moon and its glow illuminated their path though Sofia knew it well enough by memory to get there even in the dark. The secret garden was still marked with a bright yellow bow and it was still as beautiful as it was the first day she found it. Going in there felt like a she was in a fairy land far away from home, somewhere she could escape where no one could find her. The swans were peacefully striding along the pond and the small night time animals were out and about, scurrying around. Cedric laid out the blanket and she placed down the basket then kicked off her shoes. She seemed to like being without any at all, he was noticing. She grabbed one of his feet and moved it playfully.

"You can take yours off you know."

"I...I uh I...okay um...I suppose it wouldn't kill me." He took off his low ankle boots only but not his socks, he kept his long grey socks secured to his feet, ashamed of his own body and even now felt somehow naked. Sofia sat with her legs tucked under her as she set out the plates and silverware as well as the cups. She had packed an array of things but mostly sandwiches, fruits, juice, vegetables, bread and butter to go with it. She put one of each on the plates, slicing the bread for him and putting butter on it.

"There we are all set. Go on dig in."

Cedric felt entirely unsure of his every movement, courtesy of years without ever being so close to a lady like this. Nervous didn't even cover it. He picked up the bread and ate it, trying to relax. Sofia seemed so at home, munching contently on her food and sipping her drink. He wished he wasn't so weird all the time. Sofia licked the butter off her lips as she looked around her. The fireflies were coming out and lit up the night sky with their bright lights. She oohed at them, watching them fly around like movable stars. One landed on her ring finger and stayed there a bit. She watched it closely, affixed to the tiny creature. She even started talking to it though she could not understand bugs but it was cute, by Cedric's standards. It flew away after some point and she waved goodbye to it.

"What a perfect night for this," Sofia remarked, her eyes like two big blue moons on her face, glowing and sparkling at him. He swallowed his food a bit too hard, still anxious about this whole ordeal but warming up to it.

"It's certainly is nice...and not too hot."

She agreed, picking up a grape and popping it in her mouth. He drank his juice and she refilled it for him, being a gracious hostess as usual. They passed their time just chit chatting or sitting there admiring natures splendor. For a time it felt like the world stood still just for them. Sofia pointed out some stars that Amber had taught her about, naming each one, having a bit of a fondness for the one called Orion because that was her friend's name. Cedric looked up at the sky then back up at her, listening to her go on about anything and everything raptly. He could listen for hours because she was so pure about it, so childlike with her wonder. Their food was eaten and they stretched out contently with full bellies. Then something made Sofia get up and dip her bare feet in the pond asking Cedric to join her.

He didn't want to because that involved taking off his socks and he wasn't going to expose himself to her. He barely liked to show off his hands. He never said it aloud but he wore so many layers because he was hiding himself in them. Still she looked like she really wanted him there and so he gave up and joined her. That made her happy, which made him feel better but only slightly. She gave him a sly smirk which made him a bundle of nerves again before she used her foot to splash him. Cedric was outraged, not angry, at that. Her lip biting and expectant look she seemed to want it back so he rolled up his sleeves.

"So the princess wants to play, huh?"

She giggled as he summoned up a water bubble to hurl at her. "No fair!" She cried out, running away from it.

He made the water bubble burst right above her soaking her head to toe but she was not mad in the least, she was laughing loudly into the night, her hair sticking to her face and dress sopping.

"Got you! Never mess with a wizard's robe, dear."

"I'll remember that," She smilingly replied before splashing him again. "Next time!" Sofia ran away from Cedric whose white bangs hung at his forehead and yet as wet as he was, he was in a good mood. He felt like a child again, Sofia could always do that for him. She dodged another water ball and landed on the ground softly, not hurting herself in the least. She rolled a little in the grass then laid there on her back, arms outstretched and her laughter never stopping only lessening a bit. Cedric stood above her, imposing and tall, blocking out the moonlight, his facial expression was like a naughty imp, somewhere between playful and wicked.

"Give up, do you?"

"Hmm...you win, I suppose."

He twirled his wand and blew on the tip though it was just as wet as the rest of him it was still hot to the touch. Sofia laid there looking up at him, her bigger than life magician standing over her, he was breathing a bit raggedly and she was not though her chest moved quickly up and down. After he sheathed his weapon, he sat down next to her and then, though she didn't ask, he laid down next to her, looking at the sky and finding shapes in it.

"Ooh look that one looks like an ice cream cone," Sofia pointed out.

"Or it could be a wizard hat," Cedric chimed in, tilting his head a little. "That one over there looks like little tree. See it?"

"Yes I do! I could almost imagine the leaves swaying in the wind. Oh oh look over here that one looks like an anchor...makes me want to go sailing again."

"I haven't had the honor of boarding a vessel manned by Captain Sofia. If you had a boat what would you call it?"

Sofia grinned at him then turned to him, a hand keeping her head up. "I'd name it after the queen of the ocean, of course. It's good luck to name your boats after women though I've heard its bad luck to have a woman on board. That's never been the case with me or mom. We haven't gotten lost in a storm once."

"You're a very resourceful lass," Cedric complimented, turning towards her. Their eyes stayed affixed to each other until his gaze was dropped to her amulet for the first time in years. Out of instinct and nothing else Sofia grabbed it and looked at him wearily. He looked back up at her a bit guiltily.

"I wasn't planning on stealing it. Goodness, Sofia. I was just thinking about how it sparkled whenever I looked at it, like it wanted to get my attention."

"Hmm...maybe it did. I wouldn't know, I'd have to ask Elena. We could ask her together! I'm sure you'd love Avalor. Let's make a promise that we'll go one day, okay?"

She held out her pinky and he looked at it weirdly, like he had never seen one before. "Why are you doing that?"

"You've never done a pinky promise?"

"Sofia... I do hate to remind you that you are the only friend I have. I've never done this...so explain it to me."

Instantly she felt empathy for him, knowing how alone he had been during those years. He had no one to really play games with or have fun with until she came along. She explained it briefly to him and then hooked her pinky to his. They made a promise then, though it felt like a secret oath to him, to go to Avalor together. That night had been full of surprises and intrigue for him but not unpleasant in the least. In fact he wouldn't mind doing it every year but he knew that wasn't possible. Sofia slipped her shoes onto her wet feet and both of them trudged through the hallways making squishy and squeaky noises but trying to be as quiet as they could be. Like a true gentleman he dropped her off at her doorstep, giving her a messy bow before he departed.

"Goodnight Mr. Cedric," she whispered with a smile on her face. He turned to her and whispered back,

"Goodnight Princess."

Her title never made her feel debased, not when he said it. No, it felt like a sweet little nickname instead, somehow, like their pinky promise, a secret only they kept. It was only two days after that when she had to go back to school and everyone would miss her dearly but looked forward to her letters in the post. Minerva hopped from Cedric's shoulder to Sofia's before they journeyed back to the academy. She had somehow missed it too but not as much as she would miss not seeing them again until next autumn. However none of that mattered, all that mattered now was she study and study hard. She met up with her friends in the courtyard, each of them talking about what they did during spring break. All of them had wonderful stories to tell with Rain saying she mostly stayed home with her family and painted. Rain was an expert at magical art. After they all went over their escapades, they headed on to their dorms.

Sofia put her bag with the expensive necklace to the side and displayed her pearlescent glass bottle filled with pale pink potion. She could still smell the lingering scent on her even after three baths, that's how strong it was but not overpowering. She took out all her cards and put them in a neat corner then she got on her white cloak. Off she went to her classes, a new day awaited her. Sofia had always been close to her princess friends but this school had brought her closer than she ever knew with Lakshmi and Jun, most especially Jun since they shared a room.

She learned a lot about both of the girl's gods, rituals, food, culture, and beliefs and though they didn't always agree they always stayed civil about it. Rain was from a different area than Sofia. She was from a large city with a lot of shopping districts but they lived on top of the hill, further away from it all. Her favorite thing to do was draw the city skyline in different hours of the day because it always looked different. Sofia would tell her about Enchancia and all the marvelous wonders it held and Rain would want more and more to go there one day. Sofia gladly welcomed her to their castle any time she liked, they could have a sleepover and she could get away from April. April had bullied a little less but was still rude. It never escalated and Sofia was very good at not letting it phase her in the least. She had more important matters at hand anyhow.

Strangely April started to get envious of Sofia because she was getting letters from the prince almost daily, often getting parcels too with various luxuries tucked inside, most of which she never put on herself. She had asked him politely if he could stop sending her things all the time and if he didn't mind her regifting them. He apologized stating that he only wished for her to be draped in the finest money could offer and that she was more priceless than any jewel. Though Sofia harbored no affection for him of that sort the wording did make her blush a little. From that day on he only sent letters. April could not stay entirely angry at Sofia when she gave her a faux fur coat. Sofia knew very well it was fake but the thought of fur not being attached to an animal made her uneasy. April took the gift and would wear it when not wearing her robes, often displaying it and calling Sofia a silly girl for giving it up.

Sofia merely shrugged. 'You can't win them all', she told herself, 'but at least she liked it enough to wear it.' Sofia got lots of other letters and small things, once James sent her a chess set, a game which he was getting decently good at because it took strategy and it had a knight piece, his favorite. Her father liked to send feathers of all sorts, sometimes with tidbits of information on the bird. He one time sent her a feather he found of Minerva's, saying he wasn't sure what species of owl she was and that he'd have to consult a big book of birds. When he got to writing back it appeared as though Minerva was a very rare type of owl called a flare owl, said to be guardians of the forest and often very loyal, very loving, and a good pet. Sofia thought it all made sense and gave Minerva extra pets. She hoped that whatever forest she had been guarding before she came here was safe.

"Rest assured, Sofia, I would not have left it unprotected. I'm not the only one who guards that forest."

This made Sofia glad and now felt a connection with the owl. They were both guardians but their other duties pulled them away from that. They also were both extremely fond of a certain dual haired wizard. Sofia started scenting the stationary specifically meant for him with the perfume which thankfully didn't offend any animal noses. She sent him a letter cutter decorated with ivy carvings so that he could open the mail easier. He already had one but he used hers since his was rusting anyways. It was a lot of fun having so many things to read in her downtime, so many laughs, so much intrigue, so much information. She could always hear the voices of the writers and feel their presence. The letters she got from the other princesses were just as great as well as Ruby and Jade, whose letters took longer to get to her and were always brown colored not white.

At one point Sofia was surprised to see a red envelope sitting there amongst the white and beige pile and picked it up. The words upon it were big, written on red paper with black thick lettering, some of it not spelled exactly right but it was legible. She didn't have to guess for too long who sent this, she only knew of one person so obsessed with "reddishly red" things. Callista had sent her mail which carried the postage stamp of her kingdom, courtesy of Cordelia. Cordelia actually sent her a letter too, talking about next fall how it would be simply marvelous to have her whole family together for once during the holiday. Apparently, they were always so separate with Cedric at the castle, her in her home with her husband and Callista, Goodwin and Winifred at Mystic Meadows, and her little one dearly missed her uncle and grandparents. Sofia told her they should all meet up at the meadows, send out invites but Cordelia said that it was easy to say that but not so easy to do.

The differences between them lead to petty arguments, at least it did in childhood and Cordelia was always too busy to go anyways but this year she would not be and she had hoped to see her parents. Besides, she had some good news to tell them, she was expecting another child, a little brother or sister for Callista. If it was a girl, they would name her Corina and if it was a boy then Callix. No one else knew now but those in her household and now Sofia. Sofia swore she'd tell no one but she was elated to hear the news. Callista was too, ready to be a big sister and asked Sofia for advice on how to do sistering right. Sofia made sure that she also promised another thing to them both, that they would all get together on giving thanks day. She could count on her to convince Cedric. Cordelia responded with the sauce that flavored both her and her brother,

"I have no doubt in that, dear. You say jump he's already ten feet in the air."

Sofia wasn't exactly sure of what that meant but understood enough that she meant Cedric would do anything for her. Cordelia was not wrong but she was also not all the way right. He would do anything for her, within reason. As to what that reason was only he knew but it was going to be tested as the years past as well as himself for the answer to the question of what he was afraid of was falling in love with her one day.