[AN: Limes/Citrus and some naughty ghost happenings. Other than that, tame as usual. Trying to keep this PG-13 at best.]
The rest of the day things seemed to just keep going wrong for people from something small and minor to something semi major. It seemed everywhere there was an accident of some sort and everyone said they did not know how it happened. Sofia was already suspicious but now she was beyond that. She knew something was off but she still couldn't figure out what. She came up with an idea, since she assumed it must be some type of entity, she had to capture it or at least see what it was. For that she would have to set up a circumstance that would seem tempting to whatever it was. The person or thing seemed to love causing problems and breaking things so she decided to get something breakable but not valuable and pretend to be placing it somewhere.
Whatever was doing this would come for her and she would reveal what it was. She tried to appear as if she was not aware of anything, just going to place this tea set down. It was her own and though she'd be sad if it broke it was easily replaced. It didn't take long for her to feel a rush of air around her ankles causing her to wobble. She looked around her ankles but saw nothing but as she wobbled to the floor, breaking only one of the small plates, she swore she saw some type of orb flying fast away from herself. She had no clue what it was but she knew of the one person who was knowledgeable in all types of creatures. She made her way up the spiral stairs then knocked on the door. It swung open and she was greeted by Cedric leaning on the door frame looking at her up and down with a casual and appreciative eye.
"Well hello there. What do I owe the pleasure?"
"It's about all the strange things that have been happening around the castle," She explained, going past him to step inside. "Have you noticed?"
"It's been keeping me busy fixing all the broken things. So yes, I've noticed."
"You see I was trying to lure it out by carrying something that could break but all I felt was a strong gust of wind that knocked me down. Then when I looked to the distance, I saw a reddish orange orb flying away fast. I'm not certain what it is but I'm sure it's not a good thing."
"Hmm...orb you say? Yes...it could be," He mumbled to himself, taking a volume from the shelf and flipping to a page. His finger jabbed at the paper. "Ah here we go!"
Sofia stood close to him looking at the opened book too with curiosity. She read the words that were decoratively written on the top of the page. She didn't know how to pronounce it so she kept staring at it strangely. She knew he would explain it to her, he always did.
"A poltergeist is a trouble causing and often maliciously ill-behaved spirit that likes to make noise, break objects, throw things, and cause general mishap and mayhem."
"A spirit? You mean like the ghosts in our attic? But they are all friendly."
"We have ghosts in the castle?" Cedric inquired, looking at her with a bit of shock.
"Mhm. Every 100 years on Hallows Eve they throw a ghostly gala. They are really very nice and polite and prefer not to scare people. At first they did try to spook everyone but it was only because they wanted to have fun, so I let them join my party and everyone believed it was just a neat trick."
"You really do make friends with anyone, don't you?"
"Everyone should have friendship, Cedric, even those that aren't a part of this world anymore. No matter who we all need a friend."
He couldn't help it, he smiled and swooned. She was such a caring and compassionate person, it truly warmed his heart and made his spirit light. He absolutely loved her charitable, friendly, outgoing nature. It was not like his own but whenever she did something nice around him it made him want to do nice things too.
"My love...you really are perfect in every way I can fathom. With you everything is right in the world."
"Oh Cedric that's so sweet of you to say. Come here," She beckoned, curling her finger toward herself. He bent to her and received a peck on the cheek then the lips.
"Hmm...I should compliment you more if that's what I get."
"You don't need to do that, I'll kiss you no matter what you do because I love you so very much. Now then...about our little case. It certainly hasn't been a hundred years and Sir Dax, that's our resident ghost, is content with just sleeping and staying out of the way until then. So without a doubt I've never met a spirit who wished to cause harm to people. What do we do?"
"We capture the specter of course and luckily for you I have just the spell to do it. All we need is to catch him off guard...and we need to be able to see them, some of those types like to stay invisible. I could use flour or a fine powder to coat it with and then wham- we've got our rambunctious ghost!"
"That's a marvelous plan. You're a genius, Cedric!"
"Yes, that I am," He replied smugly, her confidence in him boosting his own. He twirled his wand then placed it up his sleeve in a small pocket. "Now then, you'd best stick close to me."
"Right."
Sofia did as he said and stayed close to his side, which was where he felt she belonged permanently. He was bolstered by her praises, which was the norm, feeling brave and protective of her though he knew her to be capable of defending herself. These kinds of spirits were not the good type at all and did not listen to reason, not even Sofia would be able to handle it on her own. He knew what those kinds were capable of, some even did more than pranks and childish things. Some tried to kill people and Cedric couldn't chance if this was a playful sort or an evil sort. Either way he had to be there with her. He carried a small jar of dust to sprinkle in the air in hopes to reveal the ghost and Sofia was looking around each corner, trying to find where it might be. It really didn't take long to find it, seeing as this was a castle full of things to smash and people to mess with.
Right now it was busy tearing down the portraits off the wall, even scratching them up so the paintings were ruined. She knew Cedric could fix it just fine but seeing them get clawed up worse than any cat could do upset her, especially when it was a picture of someone or something she loved. The spirit was just a red orb with an orange glow and now Sofia could hear it did indeed have a voice. It sounded male to her. Silently and stealthily the two snuck up on it and carefully Cedric spilled the powder all over the orb. The orb stayed there but was now surrounded by a dusty person, staring heatedly at the duo. It was different than the ghosts she knew, it almost didn't look human, almost like a goblin, snarling with rows of sharp teeth and had red eyes. The hair on top of it was unruly and wild, he had a bulbous hooked nose, and whiter than white skin.
All in all he looked fearsome, menacing, and not all willing to become friends. Whoever he was crawled up the wall in a strange way that near frightened Sofia and then he chuckled mischievously, narrowly evading the spell Cedric cast. As the poltergeist moved about in quick movements it dodged every beam of light that came from Cedric's wand and then it did something that took Sofia for a complete surprise. The thing flew right under her skirts so hard and fast it made them fly up, which she reacted to immediately by placing them down and blushing hard. It wasn't as if Cedric hadn't seen them but that didn't matter, her pantaloons were shown off in full display by some strange being causing her to go from just a bit annoyed to angry and distraught.
"Nice underwear, princess," The ghost slimily remarked, chortling as if this was some grand joke. "I love the cute butterflies."
Sofia turned even redder, her face screwed up in a pout and furrowed brow, eyes now blazing with shame and fury. She had never been so mortified in her life by someone, no schoolyard bully or boy had ever dared. Even some of the worst she knew would have not done this. Not even Wendell, who was known to be a trickster and did not hold her in much favor. This was something only a naughty nasty person would do and she wasn't sure if even she could forgive him for this. Cedric was appalled but more so furious at his beloved getting her most intimate undergarment revealed to the world, even if it was truly only to him. It was clear as crystal that Cedric now despised him for doing such a wicked thing. He rolled up his sleeves and with a glower and a sneer he pointed the wand at the spirit.
"You'll pay dearly for that."
"Oooh I'm so scared!" It mocked in a high voice, then stuck its fingers in its ears and rolled out its tongue. "Pffft. As if you could catch me, old man."
"Why you little...If you weren't dead already, I'd kill you!"
"Ha ha ha, I'd like to see you try, you're the worst sorcerer I've ever met."
"Hey! Enough is enough now!" Sofia cried out stamping down her foot, still flustered but insulted beyond belief for herself and her lover. "You will not disrespect my royal sorcerer like that! He is the greatest, the best, and the most amazing that ever there was. You do wrong to mock him, trust me you don't want to face a wizard's wrath."
Cedric beamed with unrestrained pride at her, defending his honor as she always did. However the goblin-like ghost did not care, and instead proceeded to laugh some more, snorting like a boar.
"Ooh ha ha! What a joke! I've seen carnival magicians that are better than him! Ha ha! Can't even blast me with a single shot. What a loser."
Sofia's mouth opened, beyond stunned at what she just heard. "You're cute when you're angry," The ghost observed, looking at her up and down as if she were some decadent dessert or a full plate of food he wished to consume. "So cute it makes me wish I wasn't a ghost."
Sofia had enough of this, her face had never in her entire life turned as red as it did now and her skin never felt so hot. While the ghost was busy laughing his head off, literally it was floating off of his neck, Sofia put one hand on her hip and the other was pointed at the giggling ghoul. Cedric was livid to say the least at the amount of insulting he had to endure but he was used to it, heard it all his life but his sweetheart had never, ever not even by the worst of the worst villains been treated like this. The spook was a sick fiend with a pension for trying to rile the worst emotions out of people. For Cedric it was hearing himself be referred to as a joke of a wizard but what was worse than that was what was done and said of Sofia. That was his woman and by the king's crown and his own wand that specter was going to suffer for what he had done to her.
"No one, and I do mean no one, says such things about my princess and gets away with it!" Cedric growled, whipping back his wand and cracking it forward, enunciating the spell perfectly and with it creating a lasso. The lasso went around the distracted spirit and tied all around him tightly. Every time he struggled the thing glowed a hard gold and red color, making a sharp noise like iron striking metal. He yanked the lasso close to him, making the spirit float just a few inches away from his face.
"Apologize. Now!"
"No way! Now let me out of this thing or I'll do something really bad!"
"It's impossible to escape so you better get used to it! Now, apologize to Sofia, right now!" Cedric demanded, tightening the cord around him so tight it was causing rope marks to appear even on the ghostly skin.
"Ouch not so tight!"
"If I weren't in front of a lady, I'd say some choice words to you, but know this, you don't deserve mercy and you won't find it here," He promised, making the rope even tighter than before, causing the red eyes to bulge a bit. "Spit it out and make it right!"
"Okay okay...fine...geesh. I'm sorry for upskirting you and making fun of you, alright?"
Sofia put her nose in the air and harrumphed, much like Amber might. "Make it tighter," She told Cedric, "I don't believe him one bit."
Sofia was never so cruel before but she had little patience for evil people, unless she felt they could be changed somehow. Taking over the kingdom, hurting her family, even stealing from her were all horrid things but what he had done was beyond that. She was used to that, she could deal with that. It was almost generically evil to her, she had yet to encounter this brand of person and never wished to again. Cedric had no qualms about her behavior, none at all, and did what she asked with only too much dark glee from it. The two with their captive in tow made their way to the king to show what was causing all the problems. Roland was in his study but he was consoling a distraught Amber who was crying hysterically. James was there too, rubbing her back and looking both cross and sad at the same time. Miranda was also there, trying to be of some comfort, offering up a tissue. All parties turned to see Sofia and Cedric and an unusual sort of being trapped in very constricting magical rope.
"What on earth is that?!" Roland questioned, shaken by the ghastly appearance it had.
"That is what has been ruining everything and everyone's day in the castle. He's a poltergeist, a very very very uncivilized one, might I add. No respect for common decency especially of royalty," Cedric answered, wanting to honestly spit on the thing but he couldn't for if he did it would just go right through him.
"Then that's the thing that bothered Amber!" James remarked with anger, staring down the creature who had wronged his dear twin. He truly loved Amber more than words could say and would do anything to protect her, she and he shared a bond like no other because they were twins. Sometimes he could feel what she felt and without being told he had felt something was wrong with her and came rushing to her side.
"What did you do to my sister?!" Sofia inquired with annoyance, arms crossed and tapping her foot in aggravation.
"He...he..." Amber responded, hiccuping and sobbing, "he ripped my dress."
James nodded firmly. "It's true, when I came into Amber's room I had to turn away, she was barely clothed. Just shreds of fabric and cuts from claw marks. I don't care what or who you are in my book you are despicable! No person, not even a ghost, should do that to a lady! You have no respect! How dare you even call yourself a man!?"
Sofia rushed to Amber's side, holding her tightly in her arms, letting her sob onto her chest. She was the younger sister but at that moment became the much older one, running her fingers through her long golden hair in a soothing way. It was enough to do what he had done but to add to it...this too? Sofia had never encountered such a beast as this, one who disturbed women like that. She hoped nothing had happened to her mother but something told her that she too had some sort of inappropriate paranormal encounter. It was possible that a lot of maids did too but might have been to embarrassed to say much of anything. Of all of them Amber suffered the worst and right now was shaking. She had been violated entirely in ways she had not even fathomed possible because she dealt with nobles who respected her. Nobody could have expected such brutish behavior. What had struck Cedric, besides the obvious, was that this could have easily been Sofia. Amber must have been alone and attacked in a vulnerable position.
Thankfully Sofia had him and it revolted him to know it could have been very different. The rope tightened so much it was choking the specter but Cedric didn't care. Fumes were coming out his ears like a teapot. Roland was no better off, that was his daughter after all and though he was not told yet he had a feeling something had happened to Sofia too, or else Cedric would not look so peeved. Those two were thick as thieves, tied and connected at the hip, even Roland knew that Cedric loved Sofia deeply, though to the extent it was he had no clue. If something happened to her it would explain Cedric's anger. He too was furious, both of his children had been tampered with in some way and he wondered if Miranda did too, if she was just trying to not tell anyone about it for the sake of decency or not at the moment since her daughters were more important. Roland could not just send a ghost to the dungeons, it could escape through the walls, and he could not do anything worse to it since it was already departed. He hoped that his royal sorcerer knew of some way to rid the castle of this fiend.
"Cedric...do you know how to expel a ghost?"
"It's a bit more advanced than you make it sound. I'd have to send him back to the spirit world and close off any way to get back here."
"But can you do it?"
"I...it might be beyond me, your highness."
"There's no way that's true, Cedric," Sofia attested, touching his arm in the gentlest way. "I know in my heart you can do this, if you believe that you can then you will. At least try...please..."
"For my kingdom and my princess, I will do all I can though it could take some time and I need to be alone for it. Don't want to accidentally send someone else to the spirit world."
"I leave it in your hands, I trust you will accomplish this."
"As you wish, your highness," Cedric responded with the deepest bow he could manage then left tugging the specter along with him who was thrashing about crazily in his confines. Before he left he threw Sofia a look, it only lasted for a second, but he tried to convey how much he loved her and that he was thankful for her, and that she was his driving force. She could read him loud and clear and she conveyed back the same and that she would be cheering him on. With that taken care of all that there was left to do was fix what they could and help whoever was harmed, most especially Amber who refused to sleep alone. James was accommodating, telling her she was more than welcome to sleep in his room. She told him not to be offended but she preferred to be with Sofia, another girl. She could not get undressed in a room with another male...not for a long time anyways. He understood but told her his door was always open.
She gave him a sisterly appreciative kiss on the forehead then started the process of moving some things to Sofia's room. Sofia didn't mind, it was like an extended slumber party and she sought to make her comfortable. Whatever she could do to get Amber's mind off of the event she would do. Even Clover was helping, he chose to cuddle up close to her face and sleep with her, in order to help her calm down. Even as she slept, she would absentmindedly pet his fur. After a little more than a week she claimed she was alright now which was good because it took about that amount of time for Cedric to be done with his task. He came out of his workshop looking almost as he did when he helped Sofia get out of the amulet.
He was drained a bit from the amount of magic he had to use but he was fine to go back to work. His muscles were sore from the effort and his back and neck were tense. What really hurt were his fingertips, this stinging in his nerves never went away when he did something so extraneous. He had the good luck of having his own personal massuist, in the form of Sofia who was more than happy to relieve his aches and pains. She had given her mother massages when she was done with work and sometimes even Roland so she was pretty good at it. Also she literally had that golden touch that soothed only him. He moaned in delight when she pressed into a knot he had in his upper back, sighing happily against her.
"Feeling better?"
"Oh yes much better. You have such a soft touch and such dainty little hands."
He took one in his own and kissed each finger and knuckle making his way up her arm. She chuckled. "Cedric..."
"Mmm?"
"I need that hand to massage you."
"I think you're done for now, dearie. It's my turn to please you."
"Oh well...I don't need any massages but thank you for offering."
"That's not what I meant," He replied in that same smooth tone of voice she could not place exactly.
"No... you don't have to um...besides you ought to rest... you've been working so hard."
"You seem to think that means I don't have enough energy for you," He remarked, kissing her further up her arm. Sofia could not resist his attempt and he could not resist her. It was no wonder then she was later in his room, more exhausted than he was surprisingly. Her hair was draped around her face in tangles, her smile to him was weak but full of bliss.
"Sleep precious," He cooed, playing with her curly ends.
"Not sleepy...just...a bit worn out."
"After that I assume most women would be, I mean I am the most spectacular man in all fields."
"This is very true but you know...we really ought to tell everyone about us...I don't like keeping secrets."
He put his arms behind his head as he laid there, thinking about that. "I...don't know how that would pan out, my sweet. Your father holds me in high regard and knows I care for you but I think he'd bop me aside the head if he found out about all this...or worse than that."
"He wouldn't if I had anything to say about it and I do. I won't let anything happen to you. Please, come with me on a day where he's not so stressed or busy and then we can tell him. He listens much easier if he's relaxed."
"That may take a while as affairs of state have been demanding his attention. A king's work is never done. So what do we do until then... keep this under cloak and dagger?"
"We'll play it by ear but we have to be careful, okay? You can't keep kissing me in the hallways you know."
"Hmph. I suppose that's fair...but Sofia, that so called prince was a bust don't you think that your father might try to get other suitors for you at some point? He has to secure your future and the kingdoms as well. What then? I don't think I can manage watching men woo you, even if they are all failures compared to moi."
"I...haven't thought of that...I don't know..."
"Sofia, I get very jealous very quickly and I can't be held accountable for my actions if some two bit prince decides to put the moves on you."
Sofia laid across him, contemplating what to do about this scenario. "I could...try to tell him not to send anyone. He'll listen to me, at least I hope so. Mom will, I know that for a fact, she always does."
"Well your mother is much more mild-mannered than your father and understanding. Something you inherited. I do like your mother, she's always been kind to me but...I like her daughter even more."
"I should hope so!" Sofia replied, laughing softly. "So we'll just see...but if all else fails and I still get sent suitors you'll just have to control yourself, alright? Just remember, I am and always will be yours. Nobody could possibly ever replace you."
"Why's that, dear?" He knew why he just liked to hear it.
"Because you're the greatest person I could possibly hope to be with. You treat me like a queen and yet I can be as silly or as playful or as crazy as I want to be around you and not be judged for it."
He grasped her and rolled around with her causing her to laugh again, spreading kisses wherever he could reach. "Be that as it may, love, I don't think I can control myself with you... in many ways."
"So I've noticed."
"Oh have you? Would you care to notice it again?"
She blushed and shyly looked at him. It mattered not how many times it was done she was always shy about it but he didn't mind, he thought it made her even more attractive and charming. The next day she made sure to tell her father to send no suitors for her but he inquired as to why. She wasn't lying when she said that she wasn't ready for anyone yet. Her mother was there too when she said that and seemed to see something in her daughter's eyes that made her not so sure about that answer. So later she found her in the regular library, curled up with a fictional storybook, reading it with interest. Sofia was not alarmed when she was taken out of the story but she did gasp a bit. She turned and saw her mother who asked if she could sit next to her and she told her that was fine.
"What are you reading?"
"It's one of my favorites, Beauty and the Beast."
"Oh yes you always loved that one when you were little. I remember one year you wanted me to make you a dress just like Princess Belle. You looked so adorable that day with your paper tiara. Now look at you, a real proper princess and growing up so fast. You have achieved so much so soon in your life, it makes me happy that you are so ambitious."
"Thank you, mom. Despite everything I am glad I went to that school. I learned so much."
"And you made lots of new friends too... but...Sofia...could I ask you something a bit personal?"
"Sure you can ask me anything," Sofia explained, closing her book and folding her legs under her.
"Did you have any school crushes?"
"No, not one, though I was told a lot of boys did like me."
"I just want you to know it's okay if you did, I don't want you to feel like you can't like someone just because they aren't royal. I mean look at me, I certainly didn't ever dream I was going to be queen one day while I was making shoes."
"I know...dad loved you for you, even though you were from different class systems."
"So you see, it can happen to anyone anywhere so I want you to know you can tell me if you do like someone who isn't a royal because I have a feeling there's more to why you said you don't want suitors. Do you already have someone you like but you don't want to tell?"
Sofia couldn't lie, for many reasons, but it wasn't her nature to lie. The most she could do was stretch the truth or not even answer the question but she trusted her mother. "...Yes..."
"No need to sound so ashamed. Who is it?"
"I...can't tell you..."
"Sofia," She calmly said, placing her hand on her daughter's. "You can talk to me, confide in me, tell me anything you want. I'm your mother, you should be able to trust me."
"I do trust you it's just...he and I are not what anyone wants or expects...so I just don't tell anyone not after being laughed at by Amber."
"Amber knows but I don't?"
"I didn't think anything of it back then but I know now some people just...can't accept us."
Her mother had her thinking face on then gathered up Sofia's hands in hers. She looked into her daughter's eyes, seeing her departed husband who also couldn't lie to save his life. An honest hardworking man Birk was and he gave her this beautiful woman with that same sort of twinkle in her eyes, that adventurous and honest look he had. While she had Miranda's eye color, she had the look in them that reminded her of him. Even though she was married now and loved Roland with all her heart she still missed him to this day and every year on his anniversary of his death she would litter the ocean with flowers. All she had of him was Sofia, who had so much in common with him. They were both unique, a bit odd, free spirited, loved the open sea and storms, altruistic, and open minded. If he was here right now he too would know what Miranda knew, that their Sofia was holding something back.
She stroked her cheek delicately. "Sofia...be honest with me...is it Cedric?"
Sofia's face went through an array of colors and she wanted to avert her eyes but couldn't. It was enough of an answer for her mother.
"I thought so."
"Mom please I'm begging you don't tell dad!"
"I won't tell him, because that's your business and it's private. I don't tell him anything you tell me unless it's important that he know. You should tell him, though, he has a right to know about who you choose to be with."
"You don't care either?"
"Either? Who else knows?"
"Aunt Tilly..."
"I see. It must be easier to confide in someone so much like you than me..."
"No mom, it's just...it was hard to even tell her she just guessed it like you and I broke down and confessed I loved him. I was and am so scared...I want to tell dad but I want to make sure he is in the right state of mind. He's been too busy and stressing. Right now isn't a good time. Besides...even still...he might not be like you..."
"You'd be surprised, Sofia. You don't know him as well as I do, he's different than most people think. I bet you'll see that he won't be as mad as you think but he will be upset that you waited so long to tell him."
"I know...I know...I'm still shocked that you don't mind."
"If you love him and he loves you then why should I mind? I think he has shown us that he cares about you, would protect you and he's polite and well mannered, he makes you laugh and smile so big. Anyone like that isn't bad to me. Does he...know...?"
"Yes...he loves me right back but I have loved him longer...since I was young even. I would play pretend with the dolls and make believe we were married..." Sofia admitted with a light blush, laughing at herself.
"It's easy to believe he loves you, it's kind of obvious to everyone his whole world revolves around you. I'm happy for you both and really you are good for him anyways so I'm happy he found his perfect match. Honestly, he deserves it after all he's went through."
"Yes he deserves a lot of things but especially love and I intend to give that to him every day."
"That's wonderful, sweetie but I still advise you to tell your father before this gets out of hand. He's not too busy right now, at least I don't think he is, and if you want, I'll even come with you."
"Cedric has to be there too...and I don't think he's ready... I think he's still scared of dad sometimes...this is a big deal and I want to handle it with care. Can I just...check in on dad first?"
Miranda nodded and Sofia placed her book down on the side table. She walked her way to where she knew her father would be and hesitated a little before knocking. She could hear multiple voices in there, he must have been in a meeting. She couldn't interrupt him now what if it was important? She had to check, it could just be something more simple than she made out. Sofia knocked on the door and waited a little then heard her father's permission to enter. When she did, he was standing there with King Magnus and Lady Joy was there too, beaming brightly when she saw Sofia and waving from a big chair. She had grown since Sofia last saw her into a very attractive young woman, heavier set than most princesses but Sofia didn't mind or care. It made her look very huggable and welcoming. She wore a small white fuzzy coat around herself even though it was only a bit chilly and a cute hoop skirted dress decorated in blues, greens, and yellows.
Beside King Magnus was a woman, very slender and with pointed features, her hair was parted, blonde, and she had two sharp eyebrows. She looked stern and firm but beautiful no less. Sofia had never seen this woman but she looked similar to Lady Joy. She had never heard of a queen to that kingdom but this had to be her they looked alike despite one being petite and the other not. She turned her eyes toward Sofia, smiling in a pleasant manner, each of her jewels sparkling in the light just like Joy's. Beside her was a young man with brown hair smoothed back into a pony tail and wearing clothes befitting a person of high stature with white tights and high black buckled shoes, his attire was mostly pastel blues and he had her nose but he also looked like Magnus.
"Oh hello Sofia, I was going to come get you in a while," Her father stated, smiling his best smile, the kind he wore in front of royal company. "You already know King Magnus and Lady Joy but allow me to introduce you to Queen Bliss and the young Lord Alexey."
The boy rose an eyebrow at Sofia, not at all smiling to which the queen noticed and pushed him forward, whispering something in his ears. Sofia noticed he rolled his eyes a bit then bowed before her, taking her hand and though putting it on his lips never kissing it. She was fine without it so she didn't mind at all. In fact she preferred this.
"A pleasure to meet you, Princess Sofia."
"Ah ah ah, she's Lady Sofia," The queen instructed.
"Mother..."
"Oh it's okay, I am fine being called princess. It's very nice to meet all of you. Are you and Lady Joy related?"
"He's my half brother and he lives with my mom."
Sofia understood this situation for there was another princess in the same boat, Hildegard. She was more spoiled than Amber because her parents thought they could buy her love, try to make her stay with one over the other. Sofia had heard of this thing called separation, where two parents no longer loved each other and parted ways, sharing the child between them. She was glad that was not her parents at all and she was certain she'd never fall out of love with Cedric. Sofia asked nothing else of it because it was a delicate subject. Instead she just shook her head to signify she understood. Also she was well aware that King Magnus was not Joy's father, he was obviously Alexey's father, they just shared a mother. Sofia didn't understand their living situation really, Lady Joy with her real father and her real mother with someone else and to add to that this young lord lived with their mother. There was a lot she didn't know about relationships but she didn't think it was any of her business anyways.
"So Sofia, I hope you aren't too busy because I'm going to be helping King Magnus and Queen Bliss with something important but until then the young lady and lord are going to stay here for a while. Do you think you'd mind showing Lord Alexey the sights? He hasn't been to Enchancia as often as Joy."
"Sure, no problem. I can't wait to show you everything you're just going to love it here!"
"Greeeaatt I'm soooo excited," He drawled out with a bored sarcastic tone. Unlike Cedric who usually did it in a way Sofia thought as cute and somehow charming this was obviously just him being rude. His mother noticed and swatted the back of his head with a disapproving glare. "I mean I can't wait to see your wonderful land."
Sofia didn't much care for his attitude but would be as pleasant as she could manage. Lady Joy excitedly joined her side, holding tightly to her hand and talking with her in her strong but sweet voice. Upon her coifed ringlets she wore a large glitzy emerald and sapphire tiara that had a short veil trailing behind it, matched with big chunky sapphire earrings hanging from her lobes. She always did have a love for fashion and jewelry but also for cute things like animals. She also wore a ring with a sizable pearl on it. Yet as much as she doused herself in finery, she was one of the most lovable people and kind too, polite as could be, a well-bred princess without a doubt.
"Ohhhh Sofia I love love love your tiara. Those are rubies, right?"
"Yes, it was a gift made by our royal sorcerer, you've met him."
"The skinny tall guy with the funny voice and the different colored hair? He was strange but if he gave you something like that then he must be fantastically fantastic. See this ring? It was given to me as a gift too by the boy of my dreams," She explicated with a long loving sigh and a dreamy far off look.
"She never shuts up about him," Her brother complained, shaking his head and grimacing in disgust. "She never shuts up in general."
"Alexey you are so mean to me! You better stop or I'll tell on you!"
Joy wagged her finger at him, much shorter and pudgier but looked fierce. She could be sometimes just like Magnus in a lot of ways, who was quick to get annoyed at something. It was funny because they weren't truly related. Alexey looked displeased and mumbled hotly under his breath the phrase "spoiled brat." While Sofia could agree she was rather spoiled it did not ruin her and it was most likely because she was little, her family's precious girl and the separation too. It was probably hard on her and Sofia wanted to be there for her to help ease that. She wasn't sure when this had happened or for how long or why the two were even here. All she knew was Joy was no brat, she could be a little short sometimes but most of the time she was the nicest person.
Sofia showed them all her favorite sights with Joy exclaiming happily at each one and oohing over everything like it was brand new while Alexey looked as if he'd have more fun in the stocks. She tried her best to include him, to talk to him, to be passive and polite and put her best foot forward, but nothing seemed to break him. She brought them to a wishing well, not the one in her backyard, and they all made wishes. Alexey wished he wasn't there right now. Sofia even offered to buy them a sweet treat, a pumpkin caramel cream puff, something made up for the oncoming holiday. He refused in the rudest way possible but Joy took his and ate it, shrugging as he complained that it was his.
"You didn't want it so it's mine now."
Sofia was inclined to agree, she wasn't sure why he was going back and forth on it. At dinner he was just as glum and malcontent, poking at his dinner while everyone else ate, Magnus helping himself to another helping while his ex-wife ate daintily, covering her mouth whenever she wanted to speak. Joy too, could eat a lot and James had a competition with her to see who could fit the most meatballs in their mouth. It was a funny sight for Sofia and even Amber couldn't help but laugh at it all. Her mother smiled but told her to mind her manners and act like a lady.
"You know in MYYY kingdom we have meatballs twice this size," Magnus proclaimed causing Roland to sigh heavily.
"And here we go," He whispered distraughtly to Miranda who nodded her head but retained her pleasant smile.
"Our chefs are the finest in the land, five star cuisine from every land imaginable. Curries from Tangu, noodles from Wei Ling, you name it we have it all."
"That's very nice," Roland replied, not at all hiding his disdain but trying to smile.
"Oh and you should have seen the dessert platter made for us. Every kind of cake and stacked 5 feet high decorated with only the best and rarest things found. Did you know they can form sugar into edible stained glass windows?"
"How interesting," Miranda complied, darting her eyes over to the queen next to her who gave her the same look Roland had. She too could not stand this.
"Of course not everything is so wonderful in your kingdom, is it father? Didn't your royal sorcerer try to usurp you?"
"Hush now, Alexey, that's not something to talk about at the table. Besides we dispatched Greylock as soon as we were able. We've recently found an even better sorcerer, Fwintley the Phenominal."
"That doesn't even start with F," Alexey smartly remarked under his breath.
"What was your sorcerers name again? Frederick?"
"It's Cedric," Sofia pronounced appropriately but Magnus waved it away and continued his conversation.
Dinner went on much like that, with hearty laughs from Magnus and looks across the board of shared exasperation. As part of their stay Joy would be staying in Sofia's room and Alexey would be staying in James's room. Amber was fine with Joy staying with her but Joy preferred Sofia, she knew her better, but she gave Amber a hug to let her know she did like her. Sofia was still up and continued reading her book by a tiny light, small enough to not disturb the slumber of her guest, when she saw a streak of black outside, a lengthy shadow stalking about. It did not frighten her but she knew it might frighten someone else and she wasn't sure if it was something to even be frightened of so she checked it out. Grabbing her overcoat and putting on her slippers she investigated the creature, going into the gardens, hearing the crunching of dirt and leaves. When she looked at the flower patch, she noticed this was no scary monster, it was Cedric collecting his herbs.
"Out doing some late midnight gardening, Cedric?"
He jumped a little at the voice, not used to even hearing anyone around at this time of night. Minerva jumped a little too, her feathers fluffing up and a hoot escaped her. He grasped his heart and breathed in and out quickly, caught entirely off guard by her but he collected himself soon enough. He straightened out his robe and cleared his throat.
"Yes...the glowing gallowlays are out right now and if I don't get them at this time I'll have to wait until the next full moon. They only grow at very specific times. Anyway that's not important, what are you doing up at this hour?"
"You startled me too, I must admit. I saw a long shadow outside my window."
"And you thought, gee let me go see what this potentially life threatening thing could be?"
"It's my job to protect this realm and as the princess it is my duty to make sure my kingdom is safe."
"Always so noble, but you really ought to be in bed, my love. Sorry for awaking you."
"No you didn't, I was already up. I can't sleep Lady Joy snores so loud."
"Lady who now?" Cedric asked, scratching his head.
"You know, you met her when I made the bad Sofia. She and her older brother are going to be staying here for a while, didn't you know?"
He stood up straight, staring at her but looking through her and looking cross. "Excuse me, did I hear you correctly? There is a boy, assumedly a prince, about your age staying here...overnight...for who knows how long?"
"Yes and a princess too. Why? Something wrong?"
"Oh something is sure as heck is wrong! He's a boy, in a bedroom, close to yours and you are a beautiful and wonderfully formed woman. Just the thought of it is making my blood boil!" Cedric heatedly replied, tearing at his bangs while he explained himself, looking madder than a hatter.
"Cedric I told you, you have nothing to worry about. My heart is yours forever."
"That's all good and well but he doesn't know that! Unless...of course I just tell him who it is you belong to..."
"Don't you dare. Now Cedric, calm down, alright? He's not even interested in me, in fact I think he doesn't like me at all...or anything besides being discourteous. He doesn't even look at me when I talk to him and he's always upset like he'd rather be anywhere but near me. So there's nothing to fear."
Cedric didn't say it out loud but he thought this prince stupid for not drooling all over her because anyone could tell she was the most beautiful woman in all the land. He was glad he wasn't though. He did not intend to fight over her or share her with anyone. She was his Sofia, his princess, his everything. It was a good thing the prince was either blind or just not into her because Cedric could not contain himself as much as Sofia pleaded, he could not help it. He still didn't like the idea of some male seeing her in her sleepwear and he told her this. She looked over herself, she was covered head to toe in pink with ruffles and tiny bows. It was the picture of girlishness nothing like the attire he made for her.
"But I'm completely clothed, you can only see my ankles."
He looked her up and down slowly, a sly grin on his face but he said nothing, his thoughts of her he chose not to say aloud. It was very late, she shouldn't even be up and he really shouldn't be thinking about what he was thinking about. So took her face in his hands and kissed her with as much passion as he could muster and she did not tell him not to because no one else was awake at this time. She enjoyed being able to kiss like that out in the open, surrounded by all the lovely scents of the night.
"Now...to bed with you, princess and have pleasant dreams."
"Goodnight Cedric, sleep well."
She walked away from him and he watched her go, already lamenting over the loss of her warmth in his arms. It was so lonesome without her that night in his bed and he hugged the pillow she usually laid on, nuzzling his nose into it, smelling her all over it. As Sofia went into her room and finally went to sleep, she did not know how wrong she was in her thoughts. She thought no one else was up but someone was and though they did not see her secret scandalous acts in the dark they did see her in the dim glow of the light she kept on to read her book. That light bathed her, it made her look even more angelic than usual. The midnight stalker sighed longingly then retreated into the shadows stealthily. Cedric would soon find he really did have something to worry about after all.
