There had been a lot of preparation in order for Hildegard's big engagement party. Gifts were bought, outfits were picked out, and arrangements were made. Now the day had come and all that was missing were the guests. She had invited anyone who was anyone, wanting this to be the biggest soiree that everyone would be talking about for years to come. A lot of fine upstanding denizens of the upper crust would be there from marquis to counts and all things in-between. It was a VIP event, only the selected few could come. However she was charitable with some, allowing them guests. For the royal family of Enchancia they were all invited of course and Sofia was given the A-Okay on bringing Ruby and Jade who were thrilled to go to such a glamorous event.
Sofia was kind enough to let them both borrow whatever dress they wanted from her to look their very best. Freezenburg was an extremely cold place and everyone had to dress for that sort of weather. It was funny that someone from a temperate so cool was marrying someone from the desert. Literally polar opposites but they went together well. Everything packed up in the carriage and ready to go the gang headed on over to meet with the bride to be. Hildegard had really pulled out all the stops for this and had made absolutely sure that everything was perfect. She came out to greet them all, dressed in a stunning one of a kind silver dress that sparkled whenever she moved and hung off her shoulders. Her burgundy lips smiled at them serenely, she looked utterly in her element and so pleased with herself. She also looked calm, as if everything had finally gone right for her.
Her arm was hooked around Zandar's who was dressed just as fantastically as she was, in his traditional clothing. He and James instantly went to each other and started up a conversation and Hildegard did the same with Amber. This left Sofia to roam about the place in wonder with her friends at her side. She felt lost in the crowd of glimmering clothes and powdered faces but with Ruby and Jade there she was able to handle it. There was a live performance of acrobats, delectable food, orchestrated music, and dancing. It had been all in all a fun evening but Sofia was glad to be home where it was warmer. Hildegard had given them each a crystallized snowflake as a parting gift and Sofia placed hers alongside her many other treasures before finally going to sleep. Nearly a week had past and not much had gone on other then she went sailing at some point all the way to visit Lani as she missed her island friend.
She had also gone to a ribbon cutting ceremony for a new medical center in the village too but not much else. It had been quiet lately; her protectors had not called her nor her library and no one seemed in serious peril. Stately affairs also seemed to lessen. This left the royal family with some much needed break time to be a family first and royals second. This also left a certain wizard with a serious question to ask the king and now was the best time to do it. Roland now sat at a table with each of his family members, hanging out in the foyer in relaxed clothing playing a board game with them. Even though he was at ease the person lingering around the corner was not and had not been for days on end. A panic stricken but still determined Cedric loomed in the dark, watching the royal family and every time Sofia laughed or smiled he told himself that she was worth it. He had been building up the courage to do what he was going to do today and now that he was here his anxiety was starting to take a hold on him. He knew he was drenched in sweat that he kept wiping off and his heart was thudding so hard it pained him but it had to be done, it had to be.
He adored that woman and no man or beast was going to get in his way to her. So he sucked in a large breath of air, steadied his nerves as best as he could, and marched right into the room. His legs felt like they were made of paper that was crumpling with each step and the drumming of his own heart was deafening. Deep within his pocket was a ring and even though he had made it solid it was light yet it felt like it weighed a million pounds right now. He wasn't sure he would even get to show her the ring or put it on her at all but just in case he had brought it. He was shaking but it didn't matter. All that mattered was them, he and Sofia, their love. He cleared his throat gathering all the attention towards himself, trying to keep up good posture and feign levelheadedness. The fire he felt from all the eyes on him could singe his flesh but it was nothing in comparison to what he knew would happen after he opened his mouth. That is if anything even came out.
"I eheh ur um...I have an...a...ehem...a very important announcement to make."
His eyes met hers and she could see he was nervous and even scared. She knew then what he was about to say and steeled herself for what might happen. Miranda knew too and felt bad for the man, he was shaking in his boots literally. Now that he had their attention he didn't know what to say first or how to say it so he let his heart guide him in this situation just like Sofia. Roland gave him leave to speak and Cedric opened his mouth, letting out all his innermost feelings at last out loud for all to hear.
"As you all might have known I have what you would call a special connection with Sofia. She has been, through these many years, my greatest ally, my support, my muse. I truly owe her everything, I'd be nothing without her no matter what she might say it's the truth. Her devotion, her kindness, her warmth has gotten me through any and all of the heart break in my life and though I did not deserve a second chance she gave me one anyways. For that I am grateful. Sofia has often called me so many names that mean greatness but truly she is the great one, she is sensational. She's truly...for lack of a better word...magical. There might not ever be another one of her, she's special and the world is better off with her in it. I say all this because, to be frank, your highness, I am...in love with her. Totally, deeply, blissfully, perhaps even foolishly in love with her. I love her with all that is in me and so because of those feelings in my heart I have come here today to humbly beseech you for her hand."
Sofia made a sort of giddy whimper sound, smiling a lipped smile and her eyes watering. Her heart gushed with emotion at what was being said and that he had even dared to say it at all. Amber put her hand to her mouth and gasped, one could only imagine how she felt after not that long ago hearing her closest friend was getting married and now this. Sofia was so proud of him for doing this, it must have taken every ounce of bravery in his system to make his way over here and say all that. Roland looked stunned, his jaw dropped and his eyes wide and unblinking. After all this speculation on whether or not Sofia might like Cedric he had never thought about the other way around. In fact he had convinced himself Cedric did not like her that way at all, that she was just a dear friend to him. Surely no man, only a bit younger than he, could have such deep feelings for someone who he knew as a child?
He was out of it, spacing out as the information went into his head. James snapped his fingers a couple times then waved his hand in front of his dad's eyes to get his attention, finally snapping him out of his stupor. Cedric waited there on pins and needles, the ground below him felt like it was going to swallow him all up at any moment. "I...I...I...I...don't even know what to say...I..."
"Oh please say yes, dad!" Sofia pleaded, holding tightly to him and looking at him imploringly. He gaped at her, shaken by her actions and words. A crush was all he thought she had for him, a simple girlhood fiction that would fade away but to want to marry him? He hadn't a clue that the both of them were infatuated. The reveal of it all was astonishing. "I love him back, I love him so very much. I have always loved him, always. I don't care about his age or what he is."
"But but...but you...he..."
"He respects me, he is sweet to me all the time, he protects me, cares for me, he is one of the most fantastic men I have ever met. He has had his faults but we all make mistakes even if...some are worse than others. Please don't hold it against him, please...let us be together."
"Roland, he makes her happy. What more could you want than that for her?" Miranda intercepted, trying to add more reason and give Cedric a boost up. For her the happiness and safety of her children were what mattered and he did both for her. When she had Sofia she was very young and Birk was a fair bit older than her, by a few years. She knew that if Birk could speak from the heavens he would approve of Cedric too.
"I...but Sofia I... you're so young and he's so..." Roland trailed off gaining him a lot of squinted critical stares stopping him from finishing that sentence.
"I told you I don't care! I love him!" Sofia exclaimed proudly and passionately, tossing aside whatever ludicrous notion he might have attempted to put in front of her. Even if he was an ancient entity with ten eyes and red skin she'd love him still, it's just as an extra bonus she so happened to find his outside captivating too. She needed him to understand this, that never did she even think of how much older he was or anything else. Why couldn't people see past that?
"This can't be happening..." He muttered to himself but loud enough for all to hear, running his hands through his hair. "Never in all my days did I think this would ever happen. Sofia it is...this is beyond irregular for numerous reasons. Whether or not you care isn't the problem, there are rules and there's how I feel about all of this. I...I just..."
"Your majesty," Cedric interrupted as gently as he could, "If I may...I swear on everything that I own, on my very soul, that I would not harm her. I can understand your apprehension, firstly because of the age gap and secondly because of what I am and what I have done. I have not been the best person all the time but I have made a change, haven't I? I have served under the crown dutifully and you've seen it yourself, I would die for her. It had disturbed me that I had such emotion for her at first, I hated myself, I wanted to end my life. She's terrifyingly beautiful but it wasn't her looks that ensnared me, it was her personality. I can't be disgusted any longer not when in my heart it feels like it isn't wrong. I would do anything to have her as my wife, even if I had to wait longer for it. If you need time to think, take your time, but I won't stop loving her. I can't unlove her and she can't unlove me and we can't be torn apart."
"Daddy just say yes to the poor guy, he's risked so much for her and even now he's putting his body on the chopping block for you! Give him a chance, for pities sake! The man is throwing himself at your mercy," Amber pleaded desperately, gesturing toward Cedric the whole time.
It was true that at first she didn't approve of him at all, might have even attempted to separate them but she knew now that was wrong of her. If someone could make her sister radiate joy, make her light as air, make her sing wistfully, make her laugh long and loud, then he must be right for her. He was not some chiseled god nor was he a decorated nobleman but he had all the markings of a true hero and had earned his right, paid it in blood even, to be given the same respect as any other who wore a crown. Her sweet sister looked so upset right now, anyone could tell she wanted this more than anything in her life, wanted him more than anything too. They belonged together, they were good for each other and from where Amber stood there was nothing to say no about.
James was in the same boat more or less, having accepted it at face value a long time ago. He thought Cedric was cool, funny, clever, and fearless. In all his travels he put Sofia first, guaranteeing her safety even if it must cost him his own. That was enough for James. Just like Sofia he did not see Cedric's age, he just saw him as he was and if what he was pleased her so much then go for it. Their opinions on the matter weren't what Cedric was here for, though it most likely made him feel just a bit better. Roland still sat there with a wide eyed expression trying his best to process all of this. He couldn't believe that his eldest was for this as was seemingly everyone at the table. It seemed he alone was the only one weighing the question at all, everyone else was on board for their union. It wasn't even so long ago he recalled Amber trying to stop their goings out and now suddenly she was part of his small defense team. As far as Cedric went Roland should have not been so careless and rude to dehumanize him. He had been told by many many men that Sofia was surely the most beautiful princess in the kingdom.
This usually felt like a backhanded compliment as it painted Amber as the less pretty one. In his own mind they were both beautiful but the popular vote amongst his peers was always for Sofia. So he knew Sofia was to most eyes quite the beauty, he should have known Cedric would not be blind to that. He still didn't expect it. Sure she had a lovely inside and out but she was not yet even sixteen and he sought to covet her. It was difficult for him to think about, his old friend, his royal sorcerer, this once twisted person was the person who captured his daughter's fancy. It was obvious neither of them would back down on this and it was also obvious that he meant what he said. So why was he hesitating? Was the thought of this innocent young angel with this dark figure who was over twenty years older than her? Cedric knew if he stepped a toe out of line he lived in the castle and Roland would find out. He was risking his job, his livelihood, everything, and yet he stood firm on it. She meant a great deal to him, that much was evident and if he did anything to her, he'd kill himself before Roland ever got the chance to consider punishment.
Was he really letting his age and appearance alone dictate his decision? He had seen him at her fifteenth birthday party, seen the two dancing together. They waltzed perfectly in step and she looked like she was floating in a cloudlike dream, living in that moment. Cedric had looked actually pretty good and for a moment, just a moment, he seemed like any other noble there that night. What really set them apart? If he said yes now he'd be losing Sofia in a way and to Cedric no less, she'd be the first of his three children to be getting married and so soon. He had told himself Sofia would be last, she'd wait a long time before settling down like his own sister had. He didn't think he could do it, not yet and not to him. Seeing his hesitation and inner struggle in his eyes Miranda feared for what he might say. She liked Cedric enough to not want him to have to suffer because of something he couldn't help. Amber was fanning herself so rapidly her hand was a blur and her face was screwed into an angered pout.
"I...need some time to think things over. I just don't know if I'm ready to make a decision presently."
"This isn't fair," James sourly confirmed, giving his father a heated look of disapproval the king had never seen before. "Is it just because he's not a prince? Does that mean he deserves less than I do? Would you stall if it was me asking for your blessing with Zoe or Axel with Amber?"
"James..." He warned but the young man was a fighter, he would not back down which seemed to be a trait that spanned across all his children. He did not like arguing, against princely conduct and to argue with his father of all people was even worse. Still it was unjust what he knew was going on and justice was what James strived for if noting else. Long gone was the only cares about fun persona he had in his youth and though he played around and joked, if the topic mattered he'd get serious. Sofia's future certainly mattered and right now it seemed like that future was being held by his father. He felt she should be the one to decide her own fate but sadly she could not in this case and the thought bothered him.
"You wouldn't. Not only that but look who you married and you didn't care. You loved her and it didn't matter what she was. Why does it matter now? Is it because she's Sofia or because he's Cedric? Or is it both?"
"James, this is not your concern. It's between us three and for me this decision is a heavy one to weigh. Just give me some time, that's all I'm asking for."
"Please...don't argue over my account. If you need the time I understand... I know I don't appear to be the best choice in the world for her... it must be difficult to picture her with someone like me..."
Cedric forlornly sighed which caused Sofia to leap up from her chair and immediately go to him, holding him tight to her. She was trying to comfort him but also give her all of her love. "Don't talk about yourself like that... you aren't some awful evildoer; you are my Cedric. You are wonderful and clever and you have a good heart. No matter what anyone thinks you are worthy of me."
"Sofia..." He sighed out, crushing her against him. "Whatever happens I won't stop loving you. We just have to wait a little longer, okay? It will be alright in the end, you'll see."
He was soothingly stroking over her hair and through her hair, trying to quell her in any way. He was trying to assure not just her but himself too. Roland had not said no, he was at least semi willing to entertain the idea and hadn't jumped up from his seat in rage as Cedric had assumed. He was taken aback at the fact that the young royals had stood for his defense so boldly, going against the will of their own father. He knew part of it was because of Sofia but they must truly like him or he at least made a good impression. It was nice to have someone else on his side besides his princess. He was certain none knew the full extent of the matter, if they did he wasn't sure they'd be rooting for this and if Roland knew it wouldn't be pretty. It was best to keep the things they had done a secret but with Sofia being the way she was, so honest and true, he wasn't sure that would happen and more than anything he was terrified of Roland's wrath when he would, if he would, hear it.
Cedric lifted Sofia's chin up and smiled at her. "Smile for me, dear." She gave him a soft, weak smile. "That's my girl."
"Alright...if you want to give it some thought, dad, then that's okay. May Cedric at least have the permission to court me openly? That way you can see how much of a true gentleman he is. Maybe it will help you decide."
"That sounds like a good idea to me, Rolly. Every other suitor has had their chance, he deserves one too. It's only fair."
Roland put his fist under his chin, deep in contemplation about the offer in front of him. It would be strange to see Cedric as a romantic person and towards Sofia too. It might even put him off but he did deserve a fair trial. He owed the man a great debt of gratitude for saving Sofia's life and defending the kingdom too, he deserved a lot more than what he was giving him which was doubt and judgement. It was going to be unusual if the two were involved like that right in front of him and more so if they were wed but Roland would relent on this matter. He had decided on the proposition that Sofia had brought up.
"...Yes, you have my leave to do so. It will be like a trial to see how you are with her in that sort of state. When I've finally made up my mind about the subject of your proposal, I'll summon you both. Until then, best foot forward, Cedric. I'm going to be keeping a very close eye on you."
"I expect no less, your highness. Thank you, truly, for giving me this opportunity."
He bowed low as he could to him and Sofia curtsied, thanking him too. Cedric swore on all that was magic in the world that he would prove to him that he could be a sufficient husband for Sofia. Sofia believed in him as she always did, she knew he was up to the task and would complete it with flying colors. He would gain her father's approval, she just knew he would. With his permission they could be free to express their love in public and that in itself was something worth celebrating over. Cedric thanked the king once more while remaining in a bowing position then excused himself to his tower so he may continue his work.
"Do you need any help?" Sofia inquired with a hopeful, eager, and sweet voice.
A smile worked its way across his face hearing her desire for him to say yes in her voice. It wasn't just a need to be near him, he knew it was also because she wanted to watch him work and she wanted to help him in any way. He had no idea how he managed without her before. Come to think of it before she came along his workshop was a mess with clutter everywhere and often his vials got misplaced because he was not diligent enough to alphabetize them. He was not an organized person, other than his half hazardous plans at ruling, nor was he a tidy person. He wasn't a pig and liked to be clean, of course, and he certainly wasn't lazy by any means yet still his living quarters remained chaotic, thus why his robes were always dusty. Sofia was incredibly organized and tidy, having always cleaned up the entire house from a very young age and liking to have things neatly in their proper place. She never lost anything ever.
Now a days the place was cheerful, warm and inviting though if you asked Sofia it was always so. His bottles were all aligned and labeled, his books all sorted from A-Z, his shelves dusted, the cobwebs gone, and the floor shinier than a new penny. All thanks to her, his dearest apprentice though now she knew enough magic to not be called that anymore. Still he would call her it anyways, she liked to be called it just like she liked to be called princess by him even though she was now held the title of lady. They were his pet names for her and even if he didn't ever have a true lover before he had an endless supply of things to call her. He turned back towards her, observing the shimmer in her pale blue eyes. How could he say no to her? It was a task too difficult for any man much less himself. He didn't even really need any help but she looked so expectant, chewing just a touch on the very edge of her mouth.
"If you so desire, my lady."
It was the most formal thing he could say, he was still in the presence of her father and had just revealed his feelings towards her. He did not want to appear so enthused about having her alone in his tower, it was just Sofia helping him. Sofia did ask very respectfully if she could go with him, mostly directing it towards her father who seemed to have his eyes glued on Cedric. He felt those eyes on him alright, burning right through him, trying to claw their way into his head and read his thoughts. Now Roland knew of the love between the two and was no longer so certain about leaving them all by themselves any longer. Before he did not mind at all if they went anywhere and everywhere for all hours together even at night but now things had changed. Usually it was not exactly custom for a suitor to be in a room like that with their intended but their relationship was not custom at all nor was his own for that matter.
Amber knew what he was thinking which is why she had to be sneaky, she knew her father would not approve of having a boy in his daughters' chambers at such a pivotal time in their life. Amber never told them about that and neither did Sofia so Amber kept her lips sealed about having known Sofia had already slept in his bed. As to what else transpired she wasn't sure but no matter what she didn't really care anymore. It would have been called disgraceful behavior perhaps by the Amber of the past but she knew Sofia, she knew her heart. Maybe not as good as others but she knew it and Sofia, though pure as they come and child-like a lot of the time, had desires like any woman and she was always a go getter as well as a rule changer.
Besides, Amber knew of her own heart and she had no room to judge when it came to how she conducted herself with suitors. She trusted Cedric entirely now and felt that he was no aggressor that pushed Sofia into doing anything. He would never. Amber could tell the man thought Sofia was a walking goddess, his idol, and he was hers. If anything happened it happened how it was meant to and was done with nothing but love. Even looking at them now the two were clearly sick with love for each other. How had she not noticed? How had no one noticed? James stood up so hurriedly that it shook Roland out of his thinking.
"Look, I'll go with them, okay?"
"Sofia shouldn't have to have a babysitter," Amber fumed, her wrist cramping from fanning so rapidly. It was all she could do to cool herself off from her anger.
James didn't verbally disagree or agree, he just moved next to Sofia and pushed her forward, heading towards the tower. Cedric flicked his eyes over at everyone just for a moment then skulked away. It bothered him that James was going to be there but at the same time he knew James didn't want to be there. Not because he didn't care about him, in fact it was because he cared that he said anything. He didn't carry his sister's sometimes short fuse but he prided himself on certain values that came from knighthood. One of those values told him there was something deeply flawed about this whole situation. They kept quiet until they got into the actual room where Sofia transformed her clothing into her wizarding attire and then asked what there was to do. Cedric told her what she should start on first, the air between them significantly changed somehow now with someone watching their every move. It turned out they didn't need to worry.
"Well have fun," James said in a chipper way, turning towards the door.
"Wait aren't you supposed to be...you know...?"
James turned to Cedric with a cocked brow but a grin. "I said I'll go with you. I went but I never said I would stay with you." He winked at them both.
Cedric stood there with his mouth opened at what James was doing. He was in a way going against his father, he had lied to him, went behind his back, tricked him and Cedric loved him for it. He had never given much thought to James or Amber really but just recently they had shown great concern for his part even if it was the result of Sofia's existence. Sofia understood what he had done too and why and ran over to James to give him the biggest hug. She whispered thank you to him sincerely.
"Thank you? For what? I'm only doing what's right. I trust him with you, I always have, I'm just sorry dad doesn't."
"That means...a great deal to me, your highness," Cedric sincerely expressed, now seeing the two blonde twins in a whole new light. They truly had changed. Cedric didn't want a divide between the two and their father nor did he want to be the cause of it but at the same time he accepted it. With hope this would actually help convince the king not ruin everything.
"You can just call me James, I mean you'll be my brother in law one day and I'd be proud to call you that."
Cedric blushed in spite of himself in front of the praise, unsure what to say other than words of thanks. James coolly told him not to mention it with a bright beam then left, waving at the two. Sofia leapt into Cedric's arms, her cheeks dimpling with her smile. He returned her embrace, spinning her side to side slowly.
"Now I feel bad for not giving him a birthday present last year."
"But you did. You gave him that dummy he always uses, the magic one that fights back. He loves it."
"I meant a good present, dear. Perhaps next year I'll conjure him a fine sword, an unbreakable one."
"Even better than Excalibur?"
"I can't do miracles and I'm no Merlin but it will certainly not break and that means a lot for a knight."
"Merlin's a powerful wizard but I still prefer you and to me you can do miracles."
"My dear you are the miracle worker, not I." He nuzzled his nose into her hair. It smelled like flowers and sunshine. "It's truly a miracle that I got out of that whole ordeal with your father with my dignity intact."
"You did exceedingly well in front of him and you...what you said about me... it made me just want to run over and kiss you forever."
"Well...we are alone now... and we don't have forever but we have an hour. Still want to kiss me?"
She nodded at him as she was pulled closer, their lips meeting, eyes locked. "Always and forever."
