The boat ride home was smooth sailing especially since Sofia was there by the captain's side with her compass in hand, pointing her finger north. Everyone was hot and due to that they were all tired. When they got home after a cool bath, they all took a nap. When they awoke, they all had a snack and then Sofia took the girls to the village to meet Ruby and Jade. They all got along just fine. The trio was all home before dinner time then after dinner Rain and April had to go home. Sofia hugged them both then waved them goodbye as their carriage left. She had thoroughly enjoyed their visit and hoped to see them again soon. Her day out at the beach had been just the start of her wild week.
The library went into over drive calling her two days in a row and then on one of those days she also had a mission to do from the protectors so she was slammed. She came home exhausted, only getting up to eat. That left her two days and she needed all two because Avalor was not just a jump away and she intended to stay for at least a day. She could not say no to the protectors or ignore her other duties but she crossed her fingers and anything else that she'd be free tomorrow. Hoping she would be she sought out to remind Cedric of their trip. Cedric was on his long ladder with his arm full of books, placing them on the shelves when he heard her knock. He couldn't well use his wand with his hands full so he just told her to come in. Sofia came in and received a small nuzzle from Minerva. She stood beneath Cedric just staring up at him for a while and watching him work.
"Need any help? I could hold the ladder if you want."
"You're too kind, dear, but I'm fine. Almost done here."
"If you say so."
She sat down upon her chair but close to him, just in case. He finished up what he was doing and carefully descended from the ladder, hit almost smack in the face with the sight of hers. He cleared his throat and dusted himself off.
"Well what is it?"
"I just wanted to make sure you didn't forget about tomorrow."
"Hmmm...no clue sorry, definitely don't recall any trips to Avalor or anything."
"Oh well then," Sofia slyly started up, trying to best him at his little games, "I guess I'll just have to bring someone else who cares enough about me to remember such things."
"Clever princess. Alright, I give up. I know, I'm all packed and everything. I must say I'm kind of excited to see it all."
"It's going to be so good to go when there's no threats for me to handle," Sofia honestly admitted, stretching her arms behind her. "And it will be just me alone with my sorcerer. I can't think of a better day."
He averted his eyes and turned from her, acting like he was trying to find something or organizing his drawers. He had been going over it in his head, he would tell her to break this off, he would tell her gently as to not hurt her. She'd understand, she always did. He knew it would be hard for both of them but something had to be done. He didn't think he could take much more of the tension or accidental flirting. He really liked hearing her praise him, always did, but now it felt different. Everything was different and changing and he wanted it to end before things got too crazy. He also didn't want to ruin her trip either but if not now then never. She hugged him tightly, causing him to tense.
"Oh it's going to be so much fun! I can't wait for it!"
She had his arms pinned to his sides. He could not escape or pull her away from him. Not that he did so recently, usually he invited her cuddles, enjoyed them, but since she liked him so much, he wasn't sure she still should. That did not stop him from liking them and when she pressed her cheek against his, nuzzling into it he could not even stop his smile. He was able to free one arm and instead of shoving her off he pet her head gently, caressing over her hair. It was still short, just a touch longer than it had been in childhood. It made her unique amongst the princesses who all kept their hair long. He didn't even realize it, but he was now carding his fingers through her hair, playing with the end of her curls.
"That tickles," She remarked, giggling and retaining her blush.
He stopped immediately, hand frozen in place. What was he just doing? Why was he just doing that? More importantly what was wrong with him? He was supposed to tell her at some point to cease this strange obsession she had with him. It was all good and well to be his friend but to think she could be more. It was forbidden to even think about, at least on his end. Who knew what Roland would do or say if he found out? He'd be out of a job or worse, a one way trip to the dungeons where a certain black bird resided. He didn't think Roland an unforgiving type or someone who dealt out severe punishments. His father, yes, but Roland was simple. Yet this was his young daughter, the starry twinkle of all eyes in the land, the modest little angel. It would be seen as something twisted and evil if she liked him because he'd be blamed. Yes even now he'd be blamed for things that weren't his fault.
He didn't try to make her like him, heavens no. It was never his intention. He only meant to be a caregiver, a mentor, a close companion, a shoulder to cry on, arms open wide, whatever she needed except this. He could never be this and he never tried to be. He would have thought himself the opposite of any girl's desire, young or old or otherwise. Yet there she was, desiring him, and truthfully the thought that she did and was old enough to understand what certain desires were made his pulse race. How much further did this go? Certainly she only liked his appearance...as crazy as that was. She couldn't want him in such a way...but it must be so, if his thoughts were correct. Her girlish fantasies were now growing up. Who knows what she was thinking? He had to loosen his collar a bit, it was getting too hot in his own head.
"Sorry... I didn't mean to."
"Oh that's okay, Mr. Cedric, I like when you touch me."
He stared at her with round eyes. Did she really just say that, out loud, so boldly? She wasn't even flustered by the notion, at least not nearly as much as she should be. His darling princess was not so innocent anymore no matter how many times he told himself that. Now that he thought about it, even as a young girl she fluttered her eyelashes around him, which she was doing right now. He had thought her flirting all accidental but perhaps she meant to...seduce him. He could not think of her like that! Sofia was as sweet as they come, she wouldn't even know how to...but then again, she did live with Amber, and that particular princess was known to be a flirty one with princes. She could have easily taught Sofia a few tricks and who knows what others would tell her? Sofia was not a gullible sort but she did believe things easily enough, after all she had believed for years he was a kind, honest, noble person but then again...he was, deep down.
"Um...I...Sofia you shouldn't talk like that you know..."
"Hm?" She tilted her head at him and looked at him curiously. Those blue eyes kept piercing his soul and it made it hard to look back at her anymore. "Talk how?"
"Ahhh...well you see...Sofia you do know I'm a grown man and you're a...a..."
"A child...? Is that it?" Sofia huffed out, now less perky than she had been, in fact she was crestfallen. "I see...that's how you see me."
"No no no! You are a woman, certainly! Just a young one, is all."
"I'm old enough to know what I want, Mr. Cedric. I get tired of everyone assuming I'm some baby who can't make up her mind about anything or what I feel inside might be childish whims. When will I finally be treated like a woman? "
"Sofia..."
He swallowed a bit, surprised by her statement. She was opening her heart up to him and for once he wasn't sure if he could comfort her. She did not get frustrated easily, you had to really upset her to get her like this. It was apparent she had been pushed to her limits. He had seen it himself, no one around here gave her one hundred percent due respect. As soon as Amber turned thirteen everyone called her differently, everyone acted like at any moment she could be queen. With Sofia, since she was such a demure, carefree, bright, youthful, spirited girl they had continued to see her as such. Even he was trying to ignore her becoming older, wanting to keep her stuck in her form as a twelve year old or even younger. He had been noticing though, day by day, and at the beach he'd been slapped hard with the facts. She was no little girl.
He was not staring at his little Sofia in her violet garb and cherubian face. Here before him laid a young woman and still growing. How had she made such a leap from thirteen to fourteen? Heaven knew when fifteen came around she'd be at her peak. The sun rays shined in her hair, made her skin glow. Why Sofia? Why did Sofia have to grow up and look...like that? She made his stomach flutter and he hated it. She made his mouth drop and he hated it. She made his heart throb and he hated it. Sofia was a beautiful little thing and he hated it. How could he treat her like a woman? If he did, he'd no longer be preserving this image of her he was forcing into his mind. However it was one of his crueler tricks, trying to shroud her womanliness with the apparition of a child.
She was but a doll who he made to his fancy and he fancied her as doll like. Even women dolls still looked child-like. She did not and he did not want to face it. Here she was though, distraught that not just he but everyone was not facing it. He did not want her to be sad, her little pink petal lips were pouting and her eyes full of sadness. As she grew, she became more emotional, which was to be expected. She was still more mature than most her age but she could not help the hormones. It was all a part of being a lady, yet as much as she suffered the negatives she was not rewarded with a positive. He felt terrible for her sake. It wasn't fair or right of anyone, especially her truest friend, to treat her like that. He hated that even though he was an aging man whose gray hairs were starting to become more than his black hairs, his mother still pinched his cheeks.
"It hurts so much to know...that I'm a child to everyone and that I'll never be a beautiful woman like Amber or my mother. Never."
"Oh Sofia!" He exhaled, holding her tightly in his arms, pushed toward her in an act of instinctual protection and overwhelming emotions on his own part. He brushed through her hair again with his fingers, no longer caring right now. He needed to make her feel better, that's all he knew. That's what he was good at. Sofia always came to him to fix her problems, to make herself feel better, not even knowing that she had done the same for him. "No, don't say such things. Forgive me and try to forgive everyone else too. We are so used to your adult mind but not yet your adult everything else. You are our precious little Sofia and so for some of us...it's difficult to unsee that. Amber is so demanding, you know, that even if it was the same way people would have no choice but to bow to her. Don't compare yourself to her, please don't. Forgive me again but you are so much better than her, at almost everything. As far as getting the respect you deserve, if it isn't being handed to you then ask for it. Oh and one last thing, Sofia," He added on, lifting her face up to his. "I'm not sure about anyone else but in my eyes, you are a beautiful woman."
Her cheeks dimpled with the biggest, brightest, warmest smile she could muster and on those dimpled cheeks was the come to be common blush he expected of her. Her heart pitter pattered in her chest, dancing gaily about with what he told her. She felt she too needed to dance. The drive to do so was so fierce she felt she needed to leave to get rid of the sensation. That was one of the greatest things she had ever been told and one of the most uplifting. She would tolerate it no longer. People would see her as a grown person and she would make them see it.
She was not just a little girlish princess she was Lady Sofia of Enchancia, their savior, almost a female knight, she should be respected more. Not hailed or worshiped as a hero but certainly respected. She felt confidence in herself that she could be demanding without being rude or anything like that. Just let them know what she wanted and that she deserved it. She was so elated by what he had told her that she reached forward and kissed the very tip of his nose. Before she could become befuddled by her own actions, she claimed she had to go and skipped away, merrily humming her tune on the way out. He stood there stunned by that show of affection. He had no words, not a thought, nothing. He just stood there, his nose and cheeks reddening, trying to process what just happened. He usually hated his nose, one of the many things he was bullied for, but if she liked it enough to do that...then it wasn't so bad. Minerva hooted out a laugh at him which caused him to snap out of it.
"Oh hush..."
Sofia was lighter than air for the rest of the day, spinning around in the hallways, singing to her hearts content, not a care in the world. She picked up Clover and danced around with him, joy in her heart and voice. He didn't like being spun but she wasn't listening to him. Her Cedric said she was beautiful and a woman. She almost couldn't believe her ears. That was a good step in the right direction. At the very least if he didn't like her it wasn't because of her appearance. She had that comfort to hold onto. She had not done this since she was a girl but she went outside and plucked petals off flowers, watching them spread to the wind. Each time she came up with the result of "he loves me" and by the third time she was rolling around in the field of flowers, petals falling like snow upon her as she laughed. Cedric could hear her, the flower patches were usually outside his tower, and he watched the frolicking miss. He sighed deeply, smiling as he watched her, entranced by her somehow. She found him magical, for him it was the same.
He shook himself. "What am I thinking? So she likes me...so...so what? I don't...like her back, not at all. She's quite pretty, I meant what I said, but she is my friend. Oh I should have told her to keep it that way before she left. I should tell her now. Yes I'll go down there and tell her right now."
He was pacing back and forth by the window muttering to himself then was taken out of his musings by a heavenly voice. He peered outside seeing her flying horse nuzzle into her and she held tight to his muzzle. A little blue bird hopped on her finger and she started singing. He listened to her harmonize and her voice much like an apple was crisp and sweet. He sat there on the window side seat and laid his head on his arms. She was literally singing his praises, of how sensational and wonderful he was.
"Well...not right now..."
The next day was her awaited trip and she was beyond ecstatic. She had spent all evening and night packing. This morning the staff had taken her things to the carriage while she ate breakfast. No one seemed opposed to her going somewhere with him, just the two, no one besides perhaps Amber. She did not like the thought of them alone on some type of romantic voyage. Sofia told everyone that it was only fair, Cedric never saw Avalor last time and he should meet Elena though as to why that was important, she never said. If Amber wasn't busy, she would have offered to tag along and her parents would have come if they too didn't have plans but even if they didn't, they would leave her be.
She had talked with them for a while about how she was being treated around the castle and though it was hard they had to let her go and make her own decisions, do things her own way, make mistakes, live life, and have freedom to make adult decisions. If she wanted to go off somewhere it was fine, she did so anyways. Besides they both felt better about it knowing she wouldn't be alone. So to them there was nothing wrong with it. Amber wanted to try and convince someone else to go with them and she talked to James after breakfast was over.
"Why would I go? I've already been and besides I have...a...date. Going to take Zooey to see the pirate caves!"
"First of all, congrats, second of all can't you do it some other time?"
"No it has to be today. Why are you so bothered about this?"
"It doesn't strike you as odd...Cedric...Sofia...alone...far away?"
"No. They are always alone together. What's the big deal?"
"Oh come on James, you can't be that dense! Don't tell me you haven't noticed that Sofia likes him," Amber questioned harshly, waving her fan around in a heated way. She was talking as if she knew from the start when she had no idea until she was told. He scratched his head.
"Well yeah. I like him too. Doesn't everyone?"
"No you...ugh! She reaaaaalllyy likes him, like how you like Princess Zooey."
"Whoa...! Are you serious?"
Amber grinned in spite of herself. She felt finally someone else understands this isn't right. "Yes, she told me so herself. Now you know why I'm so upset."
"Actually...no. I still don't get it. I think it's brilliant that she likes him."
Amber's jaw dropped and her eyes bugged out at what her supposed twin just said. James was accepting, sure, and ignorant sometimes, a fool most of the time, but even he had to know what was wrong about this, at least wrong in her mind. It baffled her that he would find this of all things to be brilliant. He must have lost his marbles.
"B-b-but how could you say that?! He's ancient."
"That's not very nice. He's only like...30 something...I think. What does it matter?"
"You are no brother of mine if you think that! Hmpfh!"
She stuck up her nose and walked away from him leaving him even more confused than before. Amber was not having any luck finding anyone who would go with them, even Baileywick. He didn't understand her either though she didn't tell him about Sofia's feelings. He trusted Cedric, he wasn't sure why Amber didn't. If only he knew it wasn't Cedric she had the problem with, it was her sister. So far it didn't seem to her that Cedric felt the same way. She huffed and puffed, trying to think up a plan but had nothing. That was until she was leaving out the door and she saw something in the sky that she recognized. It was a flying caravan. She smiled to herself as she hopped into Hildegard's carriage to go to her party. Hildegard assumed she was smiling because she was happy about the party, since Axel would be there.
She didn't know that there was something else going on, something that, despite Amber being a loving sister, was very wicked of her to do. Sofia was checking off her lists to make sure she had everything she needed and then after that was looking at a map of Avalor with Cedric. She took a quill and marked off the places she wanted to show him, telling him about them briefly. She almost dropped everything when the castle doors opened loudly. Startled but still calm she looked and tried to see who it was, thinking it might have been Amber or James having forgotten something. At that moment she would have taken anyone else but who was there. Standing in the door way and strutting in was Prince Francois, his uneasy smile on his face. She wanted to hide away from him but she also wanted to know why on earth he was here today of all days.
"Sofie! It has been too long since I saw your pretty face!"
Cedric scoffed and rolled his eyes. Sofia smiled a bit then got off her chair, curtsying before him. "Um hello again. This is a...surprise... Why are you here?"
"Didn't your sister tell you I was coming today? She is forgetful I suppose. Any who, here I am. So what are we going to do today?"
Sofia felt her like her world was shaking right now. She did not fully trust in him nor did she fully like him, he was on the border between the two. Even if he was on the best terms, she was not certain what to do. She had been planning this for a while and it seemed fate liked to hand her obstacles when she planned things. Should she tell him to go? That wouldn't be fair...and she had no evidence so far that he was evil. She laughed nervously.
"Well...the thing is...you see...I already have something I'm doing today, with Mr. Cedric."
"Oh is that right?" He asked, looking behind him to see the now standing figure cloaked in dark robes. Cedric raised an eyebrow at him, sizing him up while looking him down.
"Yes, that's right boy," Cedric all but hissed. Yet again Sofia's plans were being thwarted. Yet somewhere he was telling himself this was good, let her time be ruined, then she could go off with Prince whatever and stop feeling what she felt for him. This was perfect, wasn't it? It's not like he wanted to go with her...and see such a fantastic land where her amulet came from. It's not like he was looking forward to it. Impatiently waiting for it. It's not like he wanted to be alone with her, just soaking in the sights as if they were two lovers on a honeymoon. No...of course not. He would be all too happy if this prince took her away. Yet he also wasn't happy about it at all. Francois, to him, was a shifty eyed lout and something about him made his skin crawl. Still, he was a prince and he supposed he looked good, he was wealthy and somewhat nice. Cedric disliked him though, maybe even felt some hatred for him. Sofia didn't notice his aggression, she just stood there looking pale and unsure of herself. Francois smile did not falter not once.
"Well he is just a sorcerer I'm sure he wouldn't mind if I tagged along. Where is it we're going?"
Cedric almost took her map, rolled it up, and smacked him like a disobedient dog. How dare he just invite himself to something he wasn't invited to! Poor Sofia, she had to remain royal as always, civil and polite, charming and gracious. She could not say no to him, he was of higher station than she, sad as that fact was, and he had traveled far to see her. She took in a big breath, closing her eyes.
"I suppose...you can come...we were going to Avalor."
"Ah great! I've been there many times. I know all about the land, I can even speak the language a little," He showed off, placing a hand behind her back and pulling her forward. "Actually this is perfect, you know, because I was meaning to go there with you at some point."
"That's...just great..."
Cedric felt like he wanted to throw a tantrum, he knew it was not very adult of him but he wanted to. A small part of him wanted to not even go, let them be by themselves, it would work out perfectly, but a large part told him that even if that was so, that prince was not to be trusted. He'd destroy that boy piece by piece with his bare hands if he touched one hair on her head. No, he had to come, to protect Sofia if nothing else. He pushed between the two, bumping hard into the prince on purpose but not at all into Sofia. She could tell, his mood was sour and he was beyond annoyed. She would feel the same if not for her placid temperament. She had to remain at ease but not too much. She was on guard always and was glad Cedric was there to help her in case the prince tried anything. She doubted he would, there were too many witnesses. Then again, with malicious people it didn't matter how many people were there. Even though he was fuming he still opened the door for her, bowing before his princess. She smiled sweetly at him.
"Thank you, Mr. Cedric."
Dark honey met light baby blue, attracting one to the other so hard that she stopped a little. Their pupils were affixed to the others, gazing deeply. "Of course, my princess. I live to serve you."
She went to sit down quickly so he would not see that she was flushed. He still saw and it made him smile. Oh how Cedric wished he could slam that door in the prince's face or that he didn't have to bow to him but he did. Francois produced a thank you as well, still not saying his name correctly. Cedric bit his own tongue, tempted to say the prince's name wrong right back but he didn't. He didn't respond with more than a light head nod. Sofia sat opposite of Francois, not near him, and had clearly scooted over to make room for her vigilant wizard, keeping her bag there until he came in. Cedric wanted to laugh in his face smugly but didn't, he just sat down, looking proud of himself. She wanted to be next to him not that oily haired prince. Still...he shouldn't consider this a rejoiceful victory. That meant she liked him far more than Francois, of which he knew already. If he didn't also mistrust him too, he would consider this a bigger failure on his part.
The carriage flew off and he stared at them with that unnerving smile. "It's so nice you two are so close to each other."
"Very close," Cedric responded, almost madly halfway tempted to touch her somewhere. Sofia gingerly kicked his foot in a shy but bouncy manner. He smirked at the spirited girl's actions.
"Yes I would say we are almost inseparable. He's always been there to defend me and teach me magic," Sofia replied back, staring at Cedric with admiration and affection while touching his pinky with hers. A reminder of their promise. The sensation made the end of his smirk twitch, but not in a bad way.
"What a good friend," Francois retorted, somehow using the word friend in a way that sounded even to Sofia a bit unfriendly. She shifted a bit uncomfortably in her seat as he looked at her. "You have a true guardian at your side, it is a rare thing to find someone so honest... I've heard so many stories about bad wizards wanting to take over kingdoms."
Now they both shifted again, suddenly feeling in the hot seat. Francois took Sofia's hands in his and kissed them both. "I would be sad if something happened to my precious little gem."
Sofia withdrew her hands slowly, trying not to snatch them away. That phrasing made her feel so uneasy that it almost frightened her. She scrunched up her legs and leaned closely onto Cedric. Just his warmth felt more comforting than the person in front of her. Cedric was offended for her. They weren't even dating, how could he use such terms with what was essentially a friend or less than that? If Cedric was a worse person, and sometimes he still was it couldn't be helped, he might have cursed Francois to have his hands always feel like they were on fire. That way he'd never touch her again. He was so inappropriately handsy with her, even for a prince, and even if it was okay, she didn't like it. Couldn't he see that? Were the people in his culture so physical? Did he not know any better? Was there a language thing that made him say what he said? Whatever it was, even if it was all chalked up to his culture, Cedric didn't like it.
"Please, if you may, don't call me that," Sofia told him as politely as she knew how, trying not to upset him. It really wasn't what he said that unnerved her, it was just a phrase, but it was how he said it and how he looked at her.
"Oh I'm so sorry, Sofie. It wasn't my intention to upset you."
"I'm sure it wasn't," Cedric hostilely muttered to himself, unheard by the prince by Sofia heard it. She nudged him but this time it wasn't so playful.
"It's okay, Francois. Why don't you tell me more about your people for a while? It would pass the time."
Sofia listened to him with her hands laced in front of her, together but far away from his. Cedric wished he could hold her hand again and then the moment he felt that he mentally punished himself. Francois went on and on for as long as his vocal chords would allow him. Cedric felt he was going to go to sleep listening to the boring historical accounts of the Voumani people. He talked with such a dull droning voice and he was arrogant, this was at least to Cedric. He caught Sofia yawning a couple times and he knew it wasn't because she was tired. He'd bet she'd rather be listening to a magic lesson. They landed smoothly and were greeted by the staff of the kingdom of Avalor who took their bags. Sofia looked around herself, still amazed by this place, the scents, the sounds, the sights. A jaquin flew overhead, waving at her as it did. She waved back.
"Oh careful Sofie, those things are vicious."
"No they aren't," Sofia answered back, a bit upset at the statement. "They are a little mischievous but not at all vicious."
"Jaquins are usually easy to tame, like a big house cat," Cedric smartly enlightened to which it seemed the prince cared very little for but Sofia listened raptly, as always.
It didn't take long for the reigning royal of the kingdom to find Sofia. Elena in her garnet flamenco style dress came running, heels and all, down the stairs. She had finally grown but would never match the mental maturity she had from over thirty years locked away in her teen body but at least she looked older. She picked up Sofia and hugged her tightly.
"Ay Sofia! Mi amiga! It's been too long, chiquita."
"Hi Elena. It's great to see you again!" Sofia claimed from her tight embrace. Elena gave her a motherly kiss on the temple, marking her with a lipstick stain. Sofia seemed not to mind.
"I see you've brought more amigos with you."
"Yes. This is the prince of Voumani, Francois."
"Hola, es un placer conocerte finalmente," He suavely enunciated, bowing before her.
"Igualmente! Bienvinedos Francois."
"And this well...I think you already know, right?"
Elena sized up Cedric with a pursed lip smirk and raised eyebrow. He rubbed his shoulder nervously and shifted his eyes around. If he was correct in what he had learned she was trapped in the amulet a long time and could see what Sofia saw as well as hear it. This meant she saw him...and all the awful deeds he did and given her age knew more than Sofia what he was doing was wrong. Knowing this made his encounter with her awkward to say the least.
"Si, Senior Cedric."
He allowed her to say his name differently, he could tell it was an accent thing. When Francois said it, it felt like he was doing it on purpose to be mean. Elena went to him and hugged him too. "Bienvinedos! Muchas gracias for watching over mi princessa."
"Wha...wel...but I...you..."
"Senior Cedric, you are a good man. I knew that Sofia would help bring that out," Elena commented, placing her hand over his heart. "If I didn't know that I wouldn't have tried to get your attention."
"So you did do it on purpose!" Sofia cried out with a little gasp.
"Es correcto and look how well my idea turned out. I hear you two are the heroes of Enchancia."
"Oh I wouldn't say all that now..."
"She's right, Mr. Cedric. You are a hero, if not of Enchancia then certainly mine."
Cedric laughed in a high shy way, blushing at the statements said of him. At this point in his life he should be more used to compliments but he still got them rarely. This was partly because he scarcely left to go anywhere. He also knew he was good, sensational even, but hearing it was another matter especially from both princesses that had seen him both evil and good. He bowed deeply to Elena telling her she was most gracious to think so highly of him and that he was glad to be so warmly received in her kingdom.
"No problema. You are welcome here. Come, you must all meet the rest of mi familia."
Sofia walked eagerly behind Elena followed by the two males who accompanied her. Cedric was now in good spirits, plus it was a lovely place, full of vivacious colors and lively music. He could understand some of the language given his vast research on Avalorian culture, so he did not feel left out of any conversations either. Elena came to her throne room decorated with red and gold banners and paintings of the royal family. Two elderly people looked up and smiled seeing her. She gave them both hugs and kisses then introduced the party behind her. Esteban was also there with royal scrolls in hand, he had eventually been forgiven of what he had done and was welcomed back into their favor. They were all greeted and talked about their trip there.
It wasn't long before Elena's little sister, Isabel, came out of the library with a book in her hand. Isabel closed her book to properly meet everyone. Elena mentioned that she would love to show her group the market place so they could get ingredients for dinner. Just like Sofia, Elena was extremely helpful to the people of her kingdom and would do things that most average princesses wouldn't. Elena's grandmother wanted to put Sofia in proper Avalor styled clothing and so she went with her, waving to the small group behind her. Elena chatted with Francois and Cedric, who seemed to be at odds with the prince. Elena was far older than she looked and had seen Cedric's many moods, she could tell he had animosity with the young prince.
After talking with him for a while she felt something was strange and almost wrong about him. Also she just felt this presence in the air, as if she had met him before. Just when she was starting to think of where Sofia came back out. She was dressed in a simple frock of her favorite shades with dashes of pink and red flowers in her hair. She had ivory tights and dark pink shiny shoes with the faintest heel, also decorated with the tiniest rose. She wore small golden hoops in her ears, looking in her entirety every bit a little salsa dancer. She spun around for all to see, her skirts twirling with her. When she smiled with affection at Cedric between those red red lips his heart thumped hard causing him to grab his chest.
"Ay quelinda! That dress suits you. Gracias abuela, Sofia is muy bonita. Isn't she?" Elena questioned, turning towards the males behind her. Cedric loosened his collar. It was certainly hot in Avalor, that much was certain, but he felt that wasn't why. Francois spoke first, snatching the words Cedric dare not say right out of his head.
"Sofia is always lovely but she does look even more so in this."
She gave him a light nod then went over to Elena's side. She walked with her, arms linked together like they were sisters just as much as Elena and Isabel. They stayed in conversation together the whole way there, Sofia having much to tell Elena and vice versa. Francois stayed behind a little just watching the back of their heads but every now and then he would look at Cedric. Cedric didn't notice a thing. His eyes were solely on her. What was his issue? He felt sick staring at her like that but he really couldn't stop. He tried, he really did, peeled his eyes away to view some of the scenery yet as lovely as it was his eyes were always caught a flash of purple, a sliver of pink, a bit of copper hair bouncing in the wind. Her musical laughter filled the air, filled him.
"She really is something," Francois commented, hands clasped behind his back and looking at Cedric as if he knew more than he let on. "A man could have a million rubies, emeralds, sapphires but all would be given up for that amethyst."
"What is it you feel for her...?" Cedric boldly inquired, not liking the way he talked about Sofia at all. It was as if she was an object for him, just like the diamond tiara. Something to put away in his vaults and covet only like a literal treasure.
"I want nothing to happen to her, let that be said. I care very much for her. So, the same as you I suppose."
"I highly doubt that."
Sofia fanned herself with a lacy white fan. It was so hot that she would be sweating if not for that. If she was warm then Cedric must be sweltering in his robes. She turned to him to see he had a little cloud following him, blowing on him from time to time. He didn't want to waste arm energy fanning himself though he did own a fan. He noticed her looking his way and felt that same thudding feeling in his chest. He wanted to rip his heart out and toss it into the ocean. It was a vile betraying thing to him. She produced her wand and manufactured the same spell, only a little bigger so that Elena would not be hot too.
"Well conjured, my apprentice."
"Nothing to it! Actually it's one of the easier spells I learned in my school."
She was such an applied student, it pleased him to see her succeed and not just dabble in magic but to excel in it. Hexley Hall was sorely missing out and perhaps after they heard of her skill, they might regret not taking his word. He did not put her on a pedestal, she earned that position. She was a hard worker, stayed up all night just to learn, and never gave up- always applying the sorcerer's secret just like he taught her. She was the brightest in all her classes and the fact that she had learned under him was truly his greatest achievement thus far. That he could create someone of that potential- it validated his worth. He could not possibly be as shoddy as everyone had once said if he could produce such a worthy wand waver.
They all went through the marketplace gathering ingredients then headed back once everything was bought. Sofia was anxious. She wasn't sure if she would get the opportunity at all to tell her deepest secret. Perhaps this was a bad idea after all. At least she was having a good time thus far with everyone. Still...she had hoped it would be here- the sort of beginning of their origin. Without Avalor there would be no amulet and even she knew that at first that's what tied them together. If it couldn't happen now or tomorrow then it must wait longer. It would be difficult and cruel to do it while Francois was there, it might even break his heart. She couldn't do that, even if he was not exactly as he seemed but that was yet to be seen. After dinner they were separated, Sofia would sleep with Isabel and Elena and to his chagrin, Cedric would be in a room with Francois.
He didn't even attempt to look pleased. Not that he expected to be sleeping with Sofia. The thought made him want to faint. No that was too much to think about. He assumed though that they might get separate rooms. He did not want to be anywhere near that wide grin. Goodnights were said and he headed off, mumbling in an upset way under his breath. He had wished he brought Minerva but she might not survive in such heat so it was best she wasn't there. Still he might have had some company. Good thing their beds were far apart, he really would rather sleep in the deserts of nowhere than next to him like that. He watched him though, as long as he could manage, they watched each other. It was the creepiest thing Cedric had ever witnessed, those green eyes like the eyes of a predator in the dark and that smile more like a snarl of a wild beast. The shadows cast on him made him look less like a dashing prince and more like a sinister creature of the night. In the darkness nothing was as it appeared or perhaps it was exactly as it seemed.
