Cedric never left her side, not for one single moment. Others tried to relieve him of his post so he could get proper sleep, after all tomorrow was Wassalia, but he wouldn't budge. He would only leave to use the bathroom, do a quick wash up, or to let someone change her into other clothes. Everyone appreciated his efforts, James even called him valiant and noble, that he was as much a knight as he was a sorcerer. Her fever had gone down significantly and she was no longer sneezing or coughing as violently as before. He claimed that by tonight's party she'd be feeling just fine, perhaps a bit less peppy because of exhaustion but nowhere near ill enough to make anyone sick. Sofia was glad to hear that she would not be sick during the holiday because everyone had put in so much work, traveled so far, and planned so big she'd hate to disappoint them and of course she'd hate to miss out on the party.

Right now it was early afternoon and she was up, still bundled by way too many covers. She told him the heat was starting to annoy her and she removed some layers until she felt comfortable. Her maids had delivered her breakfast to her door step and pushed the tray in, not wanting to get sick because they had a lot of duties to perform and couldn't afford it. They all cared for her deeply but they'd rather not risk it, at least not until it was absolutely certain that she was not contagious. Baileywick, however, was not like that and found their actions ridiculous. He never let a little cold bother him or stop him from working so it was he who delivered her lunch. He knocked on the door introducing himself and then was told he was allowed in. He was sure Sofia was in decent dress but he was a steward of the highest degree, he would always make sure he was permitted to enter while others might just assume and come on in.

He came inside the room and found Sofia with her legs sprawled out in front of her but modestly covering herself with blankets, playing cards in hand and some discarded on the bedside table. Cedric sat across her, still without his robes and his gloves, he didn't want to wear them because he needed his full hand to check her temperature, also with cards in hand. Sofia looked up from the cards brightly, obviously much better off than yesterday, she had that shine in her eyes and her red cheeks were now natural and not sickly. She beamed at him and welcomed him in, giving him a chipper good morning. Cedric was, a long time ago, very curt and short with Baileywick, but over time as he became a good wizard the two bonded, sharing the mutual cherishment of Sofia. So it was no surprise when he too gave Baileywick a good afternoon, though he barely raised his eyes from his deck.

"Well it does me good to see you up and alert. What game is it you're playing?"

"Rummy. I've never played before but it's fun," Sofia explained, taking out a card and placing it down.

"She's rather good at it, she's already won twice."

"Sofia is excellent at all types of games. Don't worry Cedric, I've lost to her many times," Baileywick admitted humbly. "Now, Sofia, do you have much of an appetite today?"

"Yes! By tonight I should be so hungry I might eat more than James."

"That would be a shock for sure," Cedric mumbled a little, trying not to insult the prince out loud but if Baileywick heard he was not upset by the remark. He knew James had a bottomless pit for a stomach, ever since he was a little one.

Baileywick pushed the cart close to Sofia and opened the lids, showing off her lunch. He told her what each thing was and that she should try to eat all of it since it was good for her. Sofia was a well-mannered little lady so she agreed, though she asked where Cedric's lunch was.

"Oh I'm not hungry, not even in the slightest," He lied, putting up one hand and waving it about.

Baileywick didn't believe him but he knew why he was doing that. The royals come first before anything else. There were many times where Baileywick didn't eat or sleep because he had to tend to a million things at once but as long as they were all provided for he did not even feel that hunger or sleep deprivation. He regretted any bad thoughts he had about the magician before him, even if they were so long ago, because it was clear to see he was a model servant now but most specifically to the littlest princess. It was no trouble seeing why, she was patient and lovable and mature yet childlike. She was a joy to be with and a pleasant, sweet girl. Baileywick assumed that though he could attest to loving Sofia, almost like she was his own sometimes, and that he'd always be there to watch over her, perhaps Cedric cared more. After all Baileywick had a loving family who accepted him from the start, many friends, and of course the royals had never mistreated him. Cedric, for a long time, had none of that.

As Sofia sat in front of the tray, trying to eat while she looked at her cards still, he now knew very well why she liked Cedric. At first he questioned it, calling him all sorts of mean things in his mind, but he had proven himself to the king, to the crown, to Sofia, and to all of Enchancia. He had saved her, taken damage multiple times for her. Even just yesterday he could have easily suffered second degree frost bite in his thin clothing but none of that mattered to him. If for nothing else Sofia must love him so because he was her savior many times. It wasn't just Roland who knew, Miranda and Baileywick both knew that Cedric now had a nasty scar. Sometimes he got small pricks of pain in that area, being hit with lightning like that head on was no joke. He had also fallen and hit who knew how many bones but thankfully he was bruised not broken. Yes, the man was her savior alright, no doubt about it, but she had liked him a lot before that even.

She saw the good in him, buried deep beneath the skin, and she pulled it out. They shared a special connection, it was undeniable and wholesome. Cedric retained this youthful glow, this lively spirit because of her. It was touching to see, for sure, but the steward was very weary of things, very perceptive. He knew when the king was too tired to work even when he said he wasn't, when the queen was thirsty, when Amber was just about to cry, and when James had lost something even if he didn't look like he was looking for it. He had trained himself to detect all emotion and wants. She liked him but to what extent? Even he wasn't sure with her, she was so affectionate towards all. For now it remained to be seen that their relationship was out of the norm. It was just two people who had a deep kinship, an unbreakable bond of friendship, and both loved each other very much. Baileywick smiled, bowed, and told her to ring when she needed him to take away the tray or for anything else. As he left Sofia looked at Cedric suspiciously with pursed lips.

"What? I'm not cheating I swear!"

"I didn't say you were but now I'm starting to wonder..."

"Well don't wonder because I'm playing straight with you. No tricks, I promise you that. If I were then I'd be winning now wouldn't I?"

"To be honest that's not why I was looking at you like that. You lied just now to Baileywick. You are hungry, I heard your stomach rumble."

"...You're very observant... but I'm fine, really."

"Nope, I've decided. You will eat now. I can't have you go on being hungry," Sofia stated, cutting her chicken sandwich into half then holding it up before him.

"That's yours, dear, I couldn't take it."

"I'm offering it."

"Truly it's okay. I can go and get myself something-"

"Mr. Cedric you will eat this sandwich right now, by order of the princess," Sofia demanded in mock sternness, one hand on her hip. Though the way she raised her head and kept her shoulders back was very regal, he must admit. The girl was determined to feed him, though he had gone hungry for days before. He could endure it but he was given an order, he had to fulfill it.

"You're stubborn," He remarked, taking the sandwich and eating it grumpily, even though he was not even barely angry.

"Not as stubborn as you are, Mr. Ceedric," She crooned playfully with a giggle.

"It's Ced-rick," He replied back, just as playful as she was, pretending to be cross with her like it was when she was younger.

"Whatever you say Mr. Ceeedric," She saucily replied back to him, obviously in some sort of mischievous mood, like a tricky little wee sprite. He placed the food down and stood before her, giving off a foreboding appearance.

"That's it, I've had it with the disrespect. You will be punished." He waggled his fingers causing her to slink away. He was not scary at all to her, it was just a game, she could tell he had the intention of tickling her and so she tried to escape in vain. The tickling torment began and her laughter filled the air. He only relented when she finally said his name right. Her laughs died down and her breathing went to normal and suddenly she realized she was sort of pinned under him. She looked up at him with those big blue eyes and he stood still, realizing the compromising position. She blushed, he blushed, and he removed himself from her. Her heart was still beating hard in her chest when he sat down and tried to go back to eating, ignoring what had transpired. All the sudden he did wish someone would come and take his place, the air between them was not as it had been mere moments ago. As if a prayer answered from heaven a knock came at the door. From the opened door popped in the head of Sofia's Aunt Tilly, smiling broadly at them. Sofia scampered out of her bed to rush over and hug her but stopped herself mid-way, realizing she might still be too sick to do such things. Her aunt didn't care, hugging her anyways. Sofia must have forgotten what she was wearing over her night gown but her aunt could see it and touched the hem.

"How nice of you, Cedric, to donate your robes."

"It was nothing, your ladyship."

"Nothing? You almost froze for her and you call that nothing? You've always been so hard on yourself."

He averted his eyes from her a bit shyly then shrugged. Tilly stroked over Sofia's head.

"You are a true man of honor, Cedric, and I'm forever thankful that my niece has someone like you to be her shield and sword."

"You...flatter me... but I'm...I just do what is right...Lady Matilda."

"Oh nobody calls me Matilda. You're family, you can call me Tilly."

"If it is what your ladyship wishes," He politely replied with a little bow.

"You really are too formal. I don't think you're like this with Sofia so no need to be like that with me. Has he been so formal with you, hm?"

"Hmm...he almost always just calls me Sofia, because we're friends. He only calls me princess as a nickname, I think."

Aunt Tilly's gaze seemed to penetrate him worse than any sword, silently but not cruelly judging him for any little action he took. He had been nothing but careful and kind to his Sofia, never hurt her at least not in recent years, and did nothing but what was best for his kingdom. So why did he feel so scrutinized under those brown eyes, as if he had done something wrong? Perhaps it was because he was still thinking back to a few blinks ago where he had been on top of her in her bed. That was certainly not appropriate behavior, not even if he was nobility. If she was a little younger it would have meant nothing to either of them but she was not and she had more maturity in her eyes than she used to. She was growing up, she was learning things, and she still seemed to fancy him more than average. He could just tell.

He had never had to deal with such a thing before but somehow, he knew. He knew the moment he looked into her eyes, with her trapped beneath him. She gazed into his with this look that made him shiver as if she...somehow knew that this was immoral in some way. It was obvious now that she knew all about the inner workings of men and women, and all that that would entail. He almost didn't want her to know, for her to remain this innocent creature, this little woodland fairy, this cherub who sprinkled love onto everything. Now she was becoming womanly, in more ways than one, and her mind was not left out of that. She could now think like he might think and if she scared him before, she was now something petrifying. Yet he chose to stay close to her and be with her at all times.

It didn't matter if he distanced himself as far as possible, she would find him and be around him, interested in everything he did, fascinated just by his breathing, enraptured with his very existence. Why her? He could deal with her mother liking him that way more than her! He could dismiss that, though it would get him in worse trouble, but at least he'd feel nothing, and not care. He didn't want to see Sofia cry again, he didn't want to be the one who forced her to see fairytales belonged in books, real life isn't like that. The poor girl was infatuated with him at some level and he would not be hers. Someone else had to tell her, it just wasn't right. She had Prince whatever his name was, what was wrong with him? Cedric had never met the fellow but he was sure he was everything a girl could dream of. An absolutely wretchedly perfect handsome little man who would sweep her off her feet and to the far far away land she truly wanted. Thinking about it, he would meet him tonight, he had heard he was coming.

Now as he thought about that his mood soured, he actually didn't want to meet him at all, see the boy who would be stealing away, to Cedric, the most precious princess in the whole kingdom, if not the world. He would be some swaggering suave sweet talker and just his face might make him angry. Cedric didn't like that he felt this animosity towards someone who treated her fairly and respected her and he didn't even want to face why he felt that way. Sofia didn't belong to him in any regards, even if she was his Sofia, it was not a possessive title. Still...he just didn't like the idea of some other...'Well what?' he asked himself, 'Some other man taking her? What do you consider yourself? You aren't her lover and you never will be.' Sofia was just his pretty, lovely...very lovely little friend. He should never let himself think otherwise no matter how she felt.

Cedric asked to be excused which left Sofia looking upset. He didn't like that look but he had to leave her side. Someone else should watch over her until she got better and only call him if necessary. Amber and her friends were right, they spent way too much time together. It wasn't healthy it wasn't normal. He needed some other outlet, some other friends his own age and level, she needed to stay in the realm of tiaras and ballgowns and fantasy for as long as she could manage. She could handle anything, anything at all, but he did not want her to handle heart break. No, not from him, not again. Tilly noticed how glum he looked and hoped she didn't say something to offend him. When she came in for a split second before Sofia leapt up to hug her, she noticed uncomfortable air that surrounded them. She was curious to know why. She was curious about a lot of things concerning this magician her niece took a liking to.

"So, how are you feeling then?"

"Much better," Sofia answered, going back to her comfy cover haven. She wrapped herself in his robe tightly. She wished he had hugged her once before he left, she could only vaguely recall it but she was certain he had carried her home from the forest and that he had kissed her forehead. She sadly thought that was as close to a kiss as she would ever get from him and she couldn't even recall the sensation. "I've been taking my medicine and eating a lot more."

"Whizzbang!" Tilly exclaimed, sitting in the chair next to the bed. "That Cedric of yours put in a lot of overtime but it's showing. You look healthy as a horse."

"Yes, he's a hard worker...I guess it's a good thing he left, he needs to rest and eat..."

"Sofia, did you not want him to leave?"

"Wh...what?" Sofia piped, her voice going strangely high. "I mean...well yes and no. I enjoy his company but he does need to take a breather."

"Hmm... you really like him, huh?"

Sofia did not want to blush again but it happened all the same, she hoped she could pass it off as sickness or something. She could smell Cedric all over her, it was comforting but it made her suffer a lingering loss of him. She was enjoying having him next to her so much and she had never slept so soundly before in that big bed of hers. With him there and his voice and his scent, she went to bed quickly. She could faintly hear him tell her goodnight before she went into slumber land. To have him there when she opened her eyes too, it was wonderful, and he was still sleeping so she heard him snore.

She sat on her stomach and just watched him sleeping upright, putting a blanket on him beforehand to keep him warm. She felt she could go on like that every day, she knew no matter what people said or made her believe, this was the right person for her. It felt right being with him like that, it felt different than being with any other prince or male. It felt special. So yes, she didn't want him to go but she also knew he had barely slept or ate or anything. Still the way he left, it wasn't like he left because he too knew he needed these things. He seemed to leave because he wanted to leave and that's what upset her so much. Maybe she was misjudging but she felt she was right. Sofia let out a long breath of air before answering.

"Of course I like him, I like everyone in the castle." She knew this was the response people wanted to hear, they liked to hear it, it made them believe she did not like him in any other way than she liked the others. It wasn't a lie but it also was a lie. She didn't get cursed or anything but sometimes she felt she should.

"I know that but you don't like him the same way you do Violet or Baileywick. What I mean to say is, Sofia, do you like him more than just a friend?"

"W...why would you ask me that? I...I do like him as a friend," Sofia carefully stated, trying her best not to say anything false but not a flat out lie. Her aunt touched her hand, covering it with her own.

"Sofia...I've kept a lot of your secrets, haven't I? I would never tell, not even to my brother. Can't you trust me?"

"I trust you...but... I'm so confused...and hurt...and torn...," Sofia sobbingly admitted, shaking her head no for some reason. "Why does nobody care what I want? Why is it what I want is not something I can have just because of who I am? Why has my future become a choice for someone else and not for me? Why does love need to be labeled and my heart be bottled up like...like..."

She broke down, crying into her aunt's chest, beside herself with emotions she had held in for a while. She wanted to be a grown up, to not feel this way at all, to be able to have control of her emotions and have a stiff upper lip. Why is it this was the hardest thing she had to conquer? She would try her best to do this but it seemed no matter what she did it didn't matter. She didn't just like him, it was deeper than that and yet she was now convincing herself he might not even like her or if he did or ever would he would hide it because they were simply not meant to be. What was she to do if he didn't? What was she to do if he did but she never would know? Just resign herself to someone else? She could be pleasantly content with any number of people she met, they would take care of her, they would love her, they would try to make her happy she was certain of that. But it wouldn't be him.

"Oh Sofia...you do really care about him, don't you?"

"Yes and it's wrong of me! It can't happen, it just can't happen!"

"Even if that was true why does that stop you from making it happen?"

"Because he could never see me than more than his little apprentice, just a cute girl who is his friend. I'm not going to grow up into some curvy woman who is befitting of him. I'll always be his princess, not his...anything else."

"Why are you so sure of this?"

"I just...I don't know...my own heart wants him but his I'm certain doesn't want me...and even if he did, he knows we are like Romeo and Juliet- our two sides are not meant to be together."

"Ah but even they were willing to go against the laws and codes and demands that their roles tried to define them as. They did not listen to anyone just as no one listened to them. Yes, they died, but they died for love, and if everyone had just let them love then that wouldn't have happened. It's not just a love story it's a story that reminds parents that sometimes we have to let our children decide for themselves who they will be with...even if it's something that most don't understand. I didn't marry a prince or duke, now did I?"

"He's a knight...that's still more than a sorcerer...but what you said about the story... I understand...love is worth fighting for...sometimes even against your own family and ignoring what others say. I know that much...but the problem still stands...he will not ever admit to liking me...if he even did..."

"Sofia Winslow-Balthazar," Aunt Tilly said, looking at her intently, "you listen to me. If he doesn't like you, he's truly a fool, but I know he's not. If he does like you, and there's a good chance he might, then if he truly would hide it you have to pull it out of him. Think of it like...well...hmm...ah you know chimney sweepers, right? They have to unclog the chimneys so they have to push and push no matter how difficult until the smoke is able to come out. You have to consider him and your affection like a chimney, fan those flames, remind him of what you have, who you are, you are Sofia! You do not give up or give in, if you want something you go and get it!"

Sofia felt her hope rising like a rush of hot water from a geyser, spurting out hard and erupting forth. She kept doubting herself over and over and she had no idea why. She had never really done it before save for when she was very small. She had gone through so much, done so much, and yet here she was still doubting her capabilities. Her aunt was not at all judging her, she did not mention or care about their age gap, she didn't mind their differences. She just accepted her, she truly accepted this decision and that gave Sofia a joy she couldn't explain. She had been hiding it or acting like it didn't matter, she had only told scant few others and any one was under a royal roof did not really approve. Clio did and Vivian did, she had told her in a letter because Vivian understood these things. Lakshmi saw nothing wrong with it due in part to her culture, same with Jun.

The problem lay with Amber more than anything, whose opinion of her mattered more than most because she was her sister and they lived together. Amber was also taking it upon herself to play matchmaker for Sofia. If she didn't understand then it stood to reason others in her family might not. She loved her father but what his morals were on these things she didn't know. He followed old rules for sure but he also applied new ones all the time, he broke tradition of marrying a queen by making a commoner into one. Surely he HAD to understand as well as her mother. How was she supposed to tell them? Did Amber and James even tell their parents about their own crushes? Most likely that was a no but then again theirs were in the same societal circle.

Whatever the case she decided she would not tell them, not until she was sure he liked her. Plus it was Wassalia, she ought to enjoy it and not just spring on something so major. Not yet. However what could she do to ensure whether or not he liked her? The way her aunt was talking it seemed she should press a bit further, be bolder, but she could not outright ask. It was a delicate thing to just ask like that but she wondered if it at all mattered if it was delicate. She had to know. Spring, she would ask him in spring. She came up with an idea, they would take a trip to Avalor together and when they were alone she'd tell him and see what happened next. If he did not feel the same then she'd just have to deal with it, she still had his friendship. To unlove him though...it would take a while. She also wanted to make sure he wasn't refusing her because of their roles. She would prefer him to not like her that way at all then just lie to her to save face. She sat with her legs tucked under her and told her plan to her aunt. She nodded with an ever growing smile.

"Sounds like you have it all worked out, then. It's smart of you to wait until after the holiday."

"Can I...ask you something?"

"Go right ahead."

"Why is it you don't care about me being...so young and a princess?"

"Should I? It's not like you are a child, you know. You'll be fifteen soon, your father married his first wife young too. I've never cared for rules myself, if I had decided to be queen I would tear the rules all up and dance around in the confetti."

Sofia lightly laughed at the thought of that. She remembered, her aunt was meant to be queen she was older but she gave that up to explore. Sofia could do the same...if worst came to worst. She could become a lady of the court. She was alright with that, so long as she was able to continue what she was doing thus far. Duchess Sofia sounded fine with her or Lady Sofia. She entertained the idea of calling Cedric a lord. She felt he would like that though it most likely wasn't a title he would receive. If so many changes had been made since the olden times then why not more? In another life if she still knew him they'd have no trouble being together- she was a commoner once. Yes she was certain she could make everyone see that there was nothing wrong here. So with that decided she spent the rest of her time filling her aunt's head with her tales and happenings throughout the lands. It was getting on into the late evening, some guests even started arriving and Sofia felt even better than before as she soaked in a hot tub filled with herbs to clear her sinuses.

It made her warmer than the water to think that the herbs that had touched his hands were now touching her undressed form. She scooped them up in her hands and smelled them deeply. Lemongrass, elderberry, and ginger. Her skin felt refreshed when she got out of it and she smelled nice too. She picked out a peppermint printed dress with green trim, perfectly festive for this holiday. With a spritz of perfume and a light touch of powder she was ready to go. Everyone was there that could possibly make it and all of them delighted to see her well. In her little peppermint shoes she went to each one and greeted them, talked for a while, laughed, and enjoyed herself. Amber was floating about in a dark green dress with long gloves, arm hooked around Axel's who had come just because she asked him to. Hugo was there as well, waving at Sofia from across the room. She waved back and they had a talk about how figure skating was going so far. Turns out he was heading for a championship, kingdom wide, and hopefully with practice and good fortune, his team could win it.

He had a new partner since Sofia but she knew her well enough, Princess Kari one of the best dancers in royal prep. She was not there because she had a performance but Hugo told Sofia that Kari wished she could be here partying instead. Sofia got two cups of egg cream and pushed through the crowd, pardoning herself and talking whenever stopped. As usual Cedric seemed to enjoy being all by his lonesome in the corner though it was harder to do that these days being so famous. Lucinda's mother and father were talking up a storm with him, both going on and on about magic. She could hear them even from a distance away. The little witch was also there but looked like she wanted to dance and make merry, not be connected at her mother's hip. Finally she pleaded with her to let her go and she was released at last. She zoomed off into the crowd, her midnight blue dress nothing but a twinkle as she passed Sofia with a quick hello. Cedric had watched her speed away and noticed Sofia making her way over to them steadily, walking carefully not to spill what was in the cups.

She meant one of those for him, he knew that without any level of arrogance. She couldn't leave him alone but he didn't want her to. Usually he couldn't stand all the noise of the holidays even now it was giving him some anxiety, but talking helped loosen him up some. One of the only reasons he loved the holidays was her. She always gave him exactly what he needed or wanted without knowing it, unlike everyone else who just threw him a mug or sweater and called it a day. Sofia had gotten closer but something stopped her, someone was grabbing her arm but not tightly or hard at all, just to get her attention. She turned and saw Prince Francois and his ever big smile, he also had on a purple and silver vest with pinstriped pants.

"Oh hello! I'm so glad you could come!" Sofia greeted, usually she would hug or something like that but her hands were full. He relieved one of her hands by taking the cup.

Cedric watched on, arms tightly crossed and a certain fire in his eyes. The parents that had been talking with him had vanished into the crowd, most likely to watch their child, but that was for the best. He was not making the nicest of faces. 'The cheek!' Cedric's mind yelped in anger. 'That was supposed to be mine. I ought to go over to him and snatch it away!' The prince took Sofia's hand in his and kissed it, lingering on it for far too long. Sofia did not look too comfortable with that but she tried to be hospitable. She also wasn't that upset with him taking the cup, he was just trying to help her out.

"Sofie, how pleasant it is to see you and thankfully in better spirits. I heard you were ill."

"Yes I was but our royal sorcerer helped me feel better."

"He must be very powerful then to cure you so quickly."

"The most powerful I know of."

Cedric's hmpfed arrogantly with both pride and superiority. He was also upset with the young man not pronouncing Sofia's name correctly. He wasn't a child and his accent didn't stop him from saying anything else wrong. It was like he was insulting her on purpose. Sofia pointed over towards Cedric making him freeze where he stood.

"He's right over there. Would you like to meet him?"

Internally Cedric was screeching louder than the owl perched on his shoulder no no no but it was no use. The prince did want to meet him and they were coming his way. Cedric stood as tall as he could and when the prince was in front of him, he folded his arms tighter against his chest, both relaxed and somehow menacing. Sofia didn't notice, she just smiled her glowing smile and introduced him, calling him her sorcerer as she always did but it felt like she emphasized my more than usual as if he belonged to her and none other. He supposed, in some way, he belonged to her far more than her father.

"It's nice to finally meet the great powerful Cied-reek."

His left eye twitched. It was cute when Sofia said his name wrong on purpose, he didn't mind it because that's just how they were but no one else was allowed the honor. Simultaneously they both turned to the prince and pronounced his name the way it should be said then they looked back at each other, the same fondness in their eyes. He reached out his hand, ignoring the words and asking for a hand shake. Cedric would rather not, he wasn't a touchy sort of man with strangers. Sofia knew this well enough and explained. He wasn't shy, he wasn't rude, it was just how he was.

"Oh I'm sorry. My apologies, Cied-reek," He responded with a bow. "I ought to respect the wishes of someone as all mighty as you. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for making Sofie better."

His eyebrow twitched this time but Sofia placated his soon to be rising frustration with the cup of egg cream that was still in her hands. He took it graciously and sipped it, keeping eye contact with this prince. He never stopped smiling, it gave him the creeps. The prince heard Amber calling to him and excused himself for a moment.

"Are you okay..?" Sofia asked Cedric softly, touching his arm. He warmed up under her tenderness.

"I'm fine, dearie, it's just... he doesn't rub the right way if you get me. He seems...off kilter..."

Prince Francois was heading back their way with Amber by his side, who had her own agenda. She did not like the fact that Francois was there and Sofia was by Cedric, yet again. Sofia was free to make her own decisions but she wasn't even giving the prince the time of day, it wasn't polite.

"Sofia they are doing the Wassalia waltz soon. Why don't you dance with Francois?"

Sofia looked at Cedric then at Francois then at her sister. It would not be nice to say no so she agreed to it, letting him take her hand and lead her away. Amber nodded her head at Cedric then pranced back to her beau. He watched them, dancing together, and he didn't like the way he held her, didn't like the way he touched her, talked to her, smiled at her, and looked at her. It felt wrong, it felt fake. Sofia's eyes came in contact with her sorcerer's, two golden eyes burning brightly in the darkness like candle lights. Yet as dark and sinister as he appeared, she was not frightened of him at all, she wanted to go into his arms and dance with him because she too felt something was wrong and now she couldn't ignore it. It was making her stomach tingle but she tried so hard to push that feeling away. It must be the cold coming back or something, she told herself or the egg cream disagreeing with her.

"You dance light as a feather, Sofie, and under the lights you look very lovely."

"Thank you...and you dance well too."

The waltz stopped and he kissed her hand again, giving her a courteous bow, before pulling her away from the dance floor and into the sea of people. All the rest of the night he stayed by her side. He did nothing wrong, he was sweet, he was charming, he was everything a prince should be, but that nagging in her stomach wouldn't go away. She ate some food to ease her and then broke away from him for a while to open gifts. They all sat around the tree and exchanged presents, each one of them oohing and smiling over everything they had gotten. Then she got to his present, the one from Francois himself, wrapped in expensive looking paper that looked like it was spun out of gold. It shined when she turned it in the light. She was careful to not damage the paper as she opened it. Inside the box was the shiniest diamond tiara she had ever witnessed, just as sparkly as the ornaments on the trees. Everyone was in awe of it, especially Amber who seemed to be jealous. Axel had gotten her one too but it had nothing on this. Sofia held it in her arms feeling its worth in the weight it carried. It was like a little chandelier in her hand.

"I know you told me not to give you fine things but I have so many treasures and jewels I don't know what to do with them. I saw this and thought that is a crown fit for a princess like Sofie, someone who is also a priceless treasure."

Some people awed at the statement but Sofia stood still. She didn't know what to say or do, she just stared at it. She had never been given something so expensive in her life, it must have been worth a fortune. She whispered thank you to him with a smile that felt like his, wrong. Cedric felt the same. It was a materialistic object, easily replaceable, and not at all personal. It was just a trinket, a bobble, a little fancy thing that was flashy and nothing more. What had both wounded him and enraged him in ways he didn't want to explain or justify was what he did next. He took off her precious pink crown, the one made for her, and placed the other one on top. Sofia stood there, perfectly still with the ruby crown in her lap.

He gave her a mirror to look at herself but she couldn't see. She was crying, just two droplets caressing her cheeks, and everyone assumed it was out of joy. She told herself to stop crying, it was just a crown and he was just trying to be nice. He had spent a lot of money on this and she should be grateful but it felt somehow painful, like he had ripped off her hair and replaced it with a wig. She wiped off her tears with the back of her hand, faking a smile to rival his. Her aunt could see past it and so could Cedric. She looked at him, he was fuming. She needed to defuse the situation before it got out of hand.

"I say it seems we have forgotten someone. Cedric, where's your gift for Sofia?" She questioned, drawing everyone's eyes to the tall man in the corner. He immediately stopped sulking and grating his teeth and chuckled a bit nervously. He preferred not to give his gift in public but now it was too late, everyone was waiting and watching.

"Oh um...must have slipped my mind..."

Sofia had a gift for him too but she placed it on his work table during all the fuss. He would find it there when he entered. She knew he didn't much care for crowds or all the flimflamery, as he might say it. He was a naturally private person, despite liking the lime light and prestige. She hoped nobody would ask because she did not want to make the long trek from his workshop back and have him all discombobulated. He was at his best when alone with her, he could be himself. Her head raised up and looked over his way. She wanted him to just make her disappear out of there with him, they both felt that way at that moment. With all eyes on him he pulled out a box for her, humbly wrapped in her favorite colors and it had little birds printed all over it.

She was even more careful to preserve the paper this time and when she took off the bow, she made sure to put it in her pocket. She didn't do that with the bow Francois had. He already had something on her hair that did not feel like it belonged. She told herself not to think that way about him, that she was being curt and impolite. This crown was no different than the many others she had that she never seemed to wear. She pulled out what was in the box carefully. It was a snow globe and it had his tower in it, when she turned it upside down little silvery snowflakes fell down. It had seemed so simple compared to the million coin crown on her head and yet it filled her with delight. She knew exactly why he gave her this, so that she wouldn't feel so far away from him, she'd always have his tower with her. She would get up to embrace him but everyone would be staring so she smiled her best smile for him.

"Thank you so much."

She had more to say but she expressed it with her eyes, with her lips, with any small gesture she could. He bowed to her lightly, calling her by a formal title. Soon everyone left and she said goodbye to each one along with her family. Aunt Tilly kissed her cheek and whispered into her ear to remember what she had told her. She winked to Cedric before she left. He could not understand her so he shrugged it off. She was just as confusing as Sofia sometimes, and just as plucky. Sofia gathered her gifts and along with the servants she was able to put them all away, tucking the big blindingly sparkly tiara as far back as she could. She appreciated it, that he was willing to shell out so much for her sake, but it was too much. She put back on her regular tiara.

"Yeah I like that one much better," Clover stated, nodding his head.

"Me too," Sofia agreed, touching it gently.

Cedric saw his gift waiting for him on the table and like a true giddy child at Christmas he rushed over to it and opened it. It was an ornate music box and when he wound it up a little version of Sofia spun around inside, the melody was the song she always hummed about. Somehow they had both gotten each other something to remind themselves of the other. He watched, fascinated at the figurine, playing the song over and over again. Sofia surprised him by coming out of nowhere asking if he liked it. She was always sneaking up on him even if she didn't mean to. He jumped a little but told her yes, he loved it and would keep it on his desk so it would be like she was there. Sofia said the same thing, that she would keep the snow globe on her desk.

She finally got to hug him and did so tightly. She had so much in her heart to say, so much to express, but she left him with a goodnight and he left her with the same. She could faintly hear the sound of the music box playing again as she left his tower. As she made it down the steps, she noticed her amulet was glowing and she also felt colder than usual, like a light breeze had come in from indoors. It faded quickly but she looked around to make sure the windows weren't left open. The last thing she needed was for her to be exposed to more cold weather. She couldn't be bothered to look at windows long, her amulet was calling someone from within. Sofia tried to find the person who would help her, though she felt she needed no help.

A light tap on her shoulder alerted her to the new comer. Sofia turned and saw a young woman, just a bit older than Amber, with blue eyes and freckles, her hair was orange-brown and braided into two pigtails. She noticed a white streak flowing through it, just one, sort of like her Cedric. The woman waved at her with a cheerful expression, so friendly in her nature that Sofia instantly liked her. She wasn't too familiar with this princess, though she felt she knew her somehow. It was unusual to meet a princess she didn't know but she had a strong feeling this was one of the people from the land called Arendelle.

"Hello, Sofia! My name is Princess Anna. It's really nice to meet you. I'm kind of new to all this."

"Oh...I think I recall a snowman talking about you but other than that I've never really heard of you."

"Yeah I don't get out much but here I am!"

"Well...not to be rude but...I don't think I need anything..."

"Nothing's troubling you? No feelings of dread or panic...no one who might seem a little strange to you?"

"Now that you mention it...Oh but it can't be anything bad...," Sofia began, sitting down on the lounging chair in the hallway. The princess sat next to her, hands on her knees and looking at her with a sweet calm face. "I guess...you see there's a prince and I don't know he makes me feel funny...not a good funny...He's been nothing but nice and charitable. Everyone loves him. So I don't know why I feel this...strange feeling...like something is wrong...but it's not...is it?"

"Sofia," Princess Anna started, touching near her own heart, "Once I met a prince and I thought he was my true love. I was going to marry him and live happily ever after. He was everything I could hope for and seemed to love me right back but when I had a curse on me and it could only be broken by an act of love, I went to him, thinking he could undo it. He left me there...and tried to take over my kingdom. Thankfully my sister saved me and the prince went away for good."

"But...Francois couldn't be like that..."

"Sometimes Sofia, people hide behind a mask of kindness. They can deceive you, trick you, and hurt you. When you are so blinded by their act you don't even notice the signs that something is wrong. I ignored them, I was too in love to see it. He was able to con and fool everyone. If your gut tells you he might not be good then listen to it. If it weren't for my sister...I don't think I'd be here right now. Despite everything I knew my sister loved me but looking back on it I could tell; Prince Hans never did. He only used me, tried to get me to trust him, and when I did he did the worst things imaginable. I don't want anyone else to have to go through that. Look,"

Anna clarified, holding Sofia's hands in her own. "I hope that he's not like that at all, that he's not some villain hiding his true nature. I want him to be exactly what he seems but I would not have been summoned if you did not need help. I can't follow you and save you, like my sister did me. All I can tell you is trust your instincts and always rely on those you can believe in and love."

Sofia was hearing all of this and reminded of two times in general. Firstly she was reminded of Princess Ivy and how Amber's sacrifice had saved the kingdom. If not for Amber selflessly taking on one of Ivy's make you forget dragonflies then who knows what would have happened? She also thought of Miss Nettle, who disguised herself as Sasha the Sorceress and from the start Sofia felt something was wrong with her. Everyone was so amazed and dazzled by her that they didn't realize it was a sham. Sofia almost didn't listen to her own intuition but when Snow White came, she was told what she was being told now. Some people disguise themselves to hurt you, only this time the disguise was almost too perfect. That day her resourcefulness and Cedric's magic had saved the day. In both cases someone she loved helped her stop an enemy that at first had lied and pretended to be on the side of good.

She and Amber might not always see eye to eye on everything but they loved each other and would be there for each other. She and Cedric were two peas in a pod yet opposite in a lot of ways, but they would defend one another to the end. She could trust them. She trusted so many people and so far none of them let her down. Even now Miss Nettle and Ivy were what she would call friends, so sometimes even the most wicked can be changed. Sofia had seen it many times but there were some bad eggs that stayed bad forever, like Queen Vor or all the villains in the tales she had read about.

Sofia would have thanked the princess but she was gone, leaving one snowflake to land on her nose like a winter kiss. As she went to bed, she thought of all that had happened and that she had learned. What if it was true, what if Francois was truly evil at his core and he was just playing her for a fool? What was his plan? What was he up to? Could he really not be trusted? Was there any way to change him so he would not be that way or was he destined to stay bad? She had come across many enemies but if this person was one then he frightened her the most of all, because she even now couldn't tell what side he was on.

[AN: Just wanted to state as a fact; I hate Frozen but I wanted to challenge myself. Also Anna just fit. Hope for all the fans I did her justice.]