Hearing the confirmation that there was no need for alarm and that she was free made Sofia ecstatic. It showed all over her face as her grin widened knowing her people were safe and that she could marry whom she saw fit. The queen and king of Brightland felt terrible that the young woman had to come to them in such a state, thinking they were some kind of tyrants, and invited her family over for dinner, including Cedric. That made her even happier than before given that he wasn't personally invited to anything by anyone else besides her. They were courteous enough to take her back home in the most luxurious flying coach they could manage to find and they left Minimus in the stables there. They assured her since she would be back anyways it was best to let him rest and that he'd be given the finest treatment befitting a noble steed, including a thorough cleaning and lots of fresh oats and hay. Inside the carriage Sofia was given a small tray of expensive candies, all brightly wrapped, and though she adored sweets it was too much for her to eat and she didn't want to spoil supper.
She asked politely if she could bag them up and give them away and the rulers were more than happy to let her do that. She was trying to get a bit of caramel toffee off of her fingers when she noticed they were starting to descend upon her home. She could see her father was out in the courtyard pacing worriedly, most likely he had been waiting for her to come home with the news. Her mother wasn't that far away and Sofia just knew that the rest of her family was nearby so when she landed, she wasn't all too surprised Amber and James came hurrying out of the front door. No one had expected her to be coming home in a flying coach and when they first saw it, they had begun to worry but when she got out of it smiling their spirits were lifted. Following behind her was King Bernard and his wife, both of which were given a traditional warm royal greeting by all. Amber's curtsy was impeccable.
"Welcome to our kingdom, your majesties," they all announced, waiting for the explanation as to why they were here.
"King Roland, Queen Miranda, a pleasure. Ah and Lady Amber, how beautiful you have grown. Sir James, you look just like your father, right down to his smile," The queen kindly praised, passing her gaze from each person. "You all should feel very proud of Sofia. It took a brave heart to come here thinking what she thought of us but if she hadn't believed in herself, if she hadn't have known in her heart something was wrong then we would have all been in grave danger."
Her family all listened as it was described to them just what was truly going on and how through Sofia's intuition and fearlessness they were able to unmask a villain lurking inside their castle. Roland had thought about how he almost stopped her from going and what would have happened if he had decided, horrible as it was, to go through with war of all things or if the sneaky devil Reginald had secretly instructed the soldiers to be on the move. Sofia just knew, somehow, she knew, that this was the right option for her. Something in her told her so.
He wasn't sure what it was or how or even why Sofia had this uncanny knack for fixing even the gloomiest of circumstances but she did and he told himself that he would doubt her a lot less from now on. Sofia was not a volunteer for any of these tasks at hand, she was always chosen. Sofia was special, he knew that the moment he met her and she touched every heart she came across, one specific heart she had changed was inside the person who was now outside as well. Cedric was not taken aback by the fact that she had managed this but he was taken aback by the fact that the two royals shook his hand. The king of Brightland himself showed the most interest.
"A pleasure to meet you at last! The whole ride Sofia entertained us with stories of your amazing voyages and accomplishments. I must say we are thoroughly impressed with your skill and character and a bit bitter about the fact that you aren't OUR royal sorcerer. Roland you ought to count yourself lucky to have such a first rate magician at your disposal. He truly lives up to his father's name."
Cedric's cheeks turned dark pink at the compliment that he had waited so long to hear and had only heard from very very few, one being his mother, another being Sofia. Outside of those two who were always his only fans when he first started, he had heard it from no other. As Sofia spread more news about him the idea of him being some clown who could scarcely cast a spell without it misfiring disappeared. Now he had a large portrait hanging up in a fine wizarding school for all to look upon and find inspiration. Now his name was said with respect and admiration even amongst other magic users. To hear after all these years of living in his father's long shadow that he was at least up to par with if not the same as his father made Cedric's eyes wet. He had to wipe his face off hurriedly but Sofia saw and came close to him, leaning her head on his arm and smiling sweetly.
Roland looked at the man standing there exuding pride and joy with his own pride and joy, Sofia, right on his arm. They just...fit. His decision on what to do about that proposal was becoming clear but right now was not the time for discussing such matters but soon he swore he would. When they heard they were all invited to dinner the reaction Amber had was to fuss about getting ready and looking her best while Cedric seemed stunned. To eat with the royal family was a rare thing, only done around the holidays or Sofia's birthday and rarely ever at the actual table. He was flabbergasted. He, a simple wizard, sit beside nobles? He really should get used to it though if he did intend to marry Sofia and he certainly did. He thought of Sofia's own way of viewing the world and her confidence in the fact that things no matter how bleak would turn out alright.
He wanted to believe it and so he did, he believed in their love so he no longer troubled himself on IF Roland would say yes. He was excited to hear WHEN he would say yes. Cedric liked to daydream about that special day, imagining Sofia becoming his little wife. When she barged into his tower and into his life, he thought she was annoying, somehow charming and adorable too but annoying. Yet when she called him her friend, warmed his heart, melted his cold exterior and hugged him he started to recognize her importance to him. It didn't take long for him to realize he no longer truly cared for the amulet but for the wearer. Now he was going to have her, she would carry his last name, and perhaps, wonderfully one day carry a child of his. Thank goodness his mother could at last stop pestering him. He could assure her that her son would in fact have grandchildren for her to spoil after all.
The entire family readied themselves to head over to Brightland for dinner with Cedric dressed as nicely as could be. Sofia had taken to wearing a peach and baby pink colored dress. In Cedric's own mind he thought she looked like a tall glass of sparkling rosé. They had a carriage all to themselves surprisingly enough but it was relief because it would have been awkward and cramped with everyone in there. Minerva was even allowed to come and she sat perched next to the carriage driver because she wanted to enjoy the fresh air. That was fine with them both as they cuddled close together and shared small kisses. As they exited and went into the castle it was easy to tell that everything was set up beautifully just for their arrival.
There was golden cutlery, plates, candelabras, and chalices. Everyone sat down and awaited their meal, admiring the décor and the many gilded paintings. There was an appetizer of thinly sliced fish on toast with soup on the side and for dinner an exquisite roast pork with vegetables. Throughout the meal everyone exchanged stories, jokes, and answered questions. The banquet hall was filled with laughter and voices all talking together. It didn't take long for Cedric to become accustomed to being there at the royal table and include himself in conversation. Everyone seemed to agree with things he said and enjoy whatever he said too, even laughing whenever he boldly decided to say something funny. They were all given water and wine, both refilled whenever the glass was barely half full.
There were fruit juices as well of which Sofia greatly enjoyed because of how fresh and sweet they were. When desert came around, she was thoroughly enjoying how cute the display was. Each of the pastries and confections were on what looked like a carousel minus the horses and it spun. She loved it so much that she couldn't stop looking at it and spinning it slowly. She imagined it full of cute tiny horses all moving in tune with calliope music. With their stomachs full of delicious food and hot cocoa they would have easily been able to go home and sleep but the queen and king invited them to stay in their castle for the night.
They had several guest rooms all of which were fit for royalty and that way they wouldn't have to travel a full hour and then some in the dead of night. It sounded like an offer none of them were willing to refuse and it was incredibly kind of the queen and king to open up their home so they all agreed to it. Amber was given her own room as did James. Miranda and Roland were put in a grand suite and Sofia had a room that seemed like it was made for her as it was doused in lavenders and shades of pink. There were roses everywhere whether in printing on the wallpaper, framed on the wall, or molded around the mirror. Minerva slept outside, naturally.
Cedric had to admit he was shaken to know they had arranged for he and Sofia to share a room and he wondered if Sofia's parents were aware of this. He gathered they had no clue which made this seem perhaps inappropriate. He should bring it up to them that he could have his own room, he was fine with that, and that if the king found out more so than any other it would ruin things but he spoke nothing. He would be lying if he were to say he didn't miss Sofia sleeping next to him and even though this was not his best or brightest moment and it could turn horribly wrong he didn't think he could deny this. Besides it was rude to be given such accommodations by the monarchs and say no to it. At least this is what he told himself to justify the fact that he was now sitting on a bed awaiting Sofia while she bathed. She didn't even lock or close the door at all, in fact she peeked her head of wet hair out from the bathtub to look at him.
"What?" He asked with humor, amused by the brunette's playfulness.
"There are so many bubbles!" She excitedly squealed, blowing some bubbles towards him. One floated directly to his face and he popped it which made her giggle.
"That suits you since you have a bubbly personality."
She smiled brightly at him then ducked back into the water. He could hear her singing happily and splashing about. He liked to think this is what their life was going to be like and he was in love with the idea of having this beautiful pixie around his tower, making him laugh, brightening his life, dancing merrily with a broom in hand as she swept around the place. He couldn't wait for it, to have his workshop all filled up with her giggles, to open his closet and see a select few purple dresses, and to have her wand sitting right next to his. She was all dressed for bed with whitish pink slippers on, towel drying her hair. They must love roses here or at least themed this room extensively to it because even her night dress that she was given to wear had big magenta colored roses all over it. Sofia crawled into the bed with him and pulled him down, hugging him to her like a stuffed animal.
"Feeling extra affectionate, dearest?"
"I'm always feeling that way with you. Whenever I see you I just have to hug you," She expressed with a tighter hug. He returned it then pulled the covers over her. As he reached to turn off the light, he felt her kiss his cheek. He could still see her face in the dim lighting, she looked so happy just to be around him and that made his heart want to explode with joy. He assumed it might actually implode the day of their inevitable wedding.
"You're too perfect. I really don't know what I did to deserve you."
"Why do you think like that, Cedric? Everyone deserves love."
"Even awful evil wizards?"
"Especially them!" She exclaimed with a little chuckle.
"You're precious. Really... it doesn't matter what you say... I am fortunate beyond belief to have you. You are everything I have ever wanted in a woman. It's like you were made just for me."
He knew he promised not to do too much with her that was inordinate but he had to kiss her and not just a quick small kiss. Sofia didn't seem to mind or care and as of right now he didn't either. He might feel guilty for it tomorrow but it was difficult for him to stop and think about it. He truly couldn't get enough of her and her need of him, her love for him. It's what he craved beyond all else so to limit that was hard. Not impossible but hard and right now with her there, feeling so soft and warm, he couldn't help himself. As long as he didn't go further he felt it wasn't an entire betrayal of his promise...even though in truth he really shouldn't be sleeping next to her.
He watched her curl up in his arms and fall fast asleep, occasionally nuzzling into his chest and breathing deeply. He knew that it would be best if he just left her room right now but she whispered his name in her sleep and that was the end of that thought process. When he awoke, she was no longer in his arms but she was sitting at the vanity, brushing through her hair. He was contended to just watch her. Something was incredibly soothing about it all, maybe it was because it was just another peak into the close future. He could easily picture her before his elongated mirror readying herself as she was now. She didn't notice he was awake until he crept behind her and kissed her cheek.
"Oh! Good morning Cedric. Sleep well?"
"I always do when you're next to me."
"Aww... do you sleep poorly otherwise?" She questioned with a pout.
"To be entirely honest, yes. Often I barely sleep or just forgo it but you know a sorcerer must always be at the ready for their kingdom."
"So that's why you were always so cranky..." Sofia mused, placing her finger towards her lip in consideration.
"Noticed, did you? And I was soooo good at hiding it," He sarcastically remarked with a smirk.
"Hmm...and I was always such a pest, wasn't I? I'm sorry I bothered you so much...actually...I still bother you..."
"Sofia, please. I practically begged for the sweet release of you visiting me. I never realized how alone I was until you came along... so don't apologize, sweetheart. I enjoy being bothered by you, a hell of a lot."
Sofia beamed at that, knowing now that she was no bother to him and that he secretly always liked her dropping by. "Then I'll never stop."
"I'm counting on you not to," He remarked with a wink, kissing her hand right on her ring finger. He couldn't wait to place the ring he worked so hard on making right onto it. Later on they were all summoned as the gracious kind and queen of Brightland had breakfast waiting for everyone. No one seemed to at all notice or mention or ask about where Cedric had slept but as he drank deeply from the orange flavored beverage, he noticed a little nod from Bernard with a sly sort of face.
It was as if he knew it was intended to be a secret that he would not spill. For whatever reason these people he had never met were willing to allow him the pure bliss of being in closed quarters with Sofia even knowing it was sort of against the rules. He wished he could thank them deeply for that and yet at the same time he wondered why they even bothered at all. Whatever the case he was grateful to them and would find some way to repay them for all their kindness. The entire royal family looked fresh faced with Amber saying she had a full mini spa bathroom, plush robes, and the vanity was well stocked with fancy Parisian makeups. For everyone else it was the same, they were given every accommodation and the rooms were picked to suit them with James having a room wallpapered with old styled images of the knights of the round table.
When breakfast was over, they all went right back home including Minimus who flew beside them. Roland set up a date when they could have a proper meeting to conjoin their kingdoms. It had to be settled after Ambers up and coming birthday party to which they were invited. With everything that was happening she barely had time to organize it as much as she wanted so when they got home she grasped Sofia by the wrist, claiming she needed the help of her trusted adviser, and the two went on their way to make sure her birthday was flawless. James was glad he wasn't dragged along. He just knew though that Amber, being her competitive self, might want to get married before anyone else or at least before Sofia which seemed likely given how long it was taking his father to decide. He was just thankful there was not going to be a big battle and that all was resolved.
Everything around the castle was calm, a hectic sort of calm because everything was organized chaos. For Amber her birthday was always a huge deal and as she always proclaimed bigger is better so every year it got more and more showy. This year she wanted it to be very glamorous and she just had to have the trendiest most dazzling most fabulous dress ever. She also required a new tiara, it was necessary. Her tailors, the decorators, the staff, the caterers, the cooks, everyone was in overdrive. Thankfully the always levelheaded Baileywick and rational Sofia were there to keep things in order. It was obvious she wanted to blow Hildegard's engagement party out of the water. It was friendly competition and at the end of the day the girls still loved each other but since they were four they were always competing to see who could have the best things.
Unfortunately Amber was aware that this meant nothing, her best friend's wedding was going to outdo her birthday tenfold but no matter she would make absolutely sure Sofia's was superb. She adored her little sister but she was a bit envious of her man's dedication to her, that he was so ready and willing to face the fires of her father and any potential disapproval for her. She started wondering if Axel was ready for that kind of commitment. They had talked about it briefly a couple of times, especially after hearing about Hildegard, but he seemed unsure. Cedric on the other hand wanted and adored Sofia so much he couldn't wait. She was jealous of her sister in a way because that man was her slave even if Sofia was too kindhearted and good natured to understand that.
When the evening of her birthday came Amber had chosen an absolutely stunning ball gown with not one not two but five layers of fabric arranged in such a way that she looked like the sun. She requested Sofia wear something in green-blue so she did, she wore an aquamarine dress with the seashell tiara Amber loved on her. She was going with the theme of the four elements with Sofia representing water and herself representing earth. So far that theming was crazy around the entire castle, one could get lost looking at each individual detail but that was Amber's style and Sofia didn't mind as long as her sister was happy. She was enjoying the party, listening to the music as she helped herself to some snacks, when she noticed her amulet glowing blue.
What a time for the library to call her but thankfully Amber and her family were so busy they wouldn't even notice if she was gone. Plus they knew she had a lot of things she couldn't leave hanging, so many people depended on her and she would not let them down. Besides even if she wanted to ignore it just for today it seemed the library was not going to take no for an answer. It was glowing so hard and brightly that she had to cover it within her enclosed palm but even then, through the cracks of fingers there were beams of blue. She had never seen it do this before, call her so urgently, so she slowly backed away from the party but as soon as she was out of sight she started to run. She hoped no one was hurt or in severe trouble but given how much it was glowing it had to be important.
She rushed her way over there, quick as a flash, and when she arrived she expected there to be a book gliding down to greet her and alert her of the story she needed to complete but no such thing. Instead the portal that usually showcased the stories was glowing just as much as her amulet and her amulet was seemingly leading her towards it so that's where she went. When she got closer an apparition appeared in the portal and she recognized it as the wizard who created the library. She had not seen him since she was here on her graduation from Royal Prep and he seemed less physical than before, like a ghost. She sat down upon the little plush bench and waited, curious as to him being there and as to why there was no book for her.
"Hello Sofia, how lovely to see you. I'm terribly sorry if I've called you away at a bad time but I would not have done so without good reason. I'm sure you recall that it was I who built this library and that it is connected to your amulet but there is so much more to it. If I went into the entire history of it all we'd be here for at least a week straight and that's just not possible for you. Sofia, did you know you come from magic? It's buried in your past but it is there, surely."
"Yes I know that now. I guess over time it got spread thinner because I'm not considered a sorceress or a witch."
"That is true. You are just a person with incredible magic skill passed down to you from your elders. My point being is that the amulet chose someone of not only royal standing but someone with magic inclination. It was searching for you, weeding out people, going to different places. It wanted to find someone pure enough and strong enough to protect the Ever Realm, someone bold and true, who loved animals, adventure, her people, and put her own morals above anything. When Elena gave it up to you it was because she knew the true owner, the rightful owner, was you, the only one who could free her, the only one who would surpass all others and keep everyone and everything safe. Besides which Elena had her staff she had no need of the amulet. Thus far you are the princess who has received the most powers and done the most with it."
"So why didn't it stay with my aunt Tilly? She has all of those qualities and nobody would wonder about her traveling so much. Was she getting too old...?"
"Oh no not at all. It wasn't her choice. Once the king married your mother and you became a princess that's when the amulet sensed your presence. It had found its new mistress, the one who the amulet truly belonged to. Sofia, it is no accident that the amulet chose you and not Amber or stayed with your aunt or even kept quiet until someone else came along. A young priestess with immense magical powers used a crystal from the isle of crystals to make the amulet. Her name was Aelina and you, Sofia, are her distant relative."
"...Really? You mean I'm related to the person who made my amulet?"
He nodded a bit solemnly but still kept a kind face. "And that is not all, Princess Sofia. I made this library and kept its stories because I believed everyone should have a happy ending. I was not only the first story keeper but I was one of the first royal sorcerers. This was a long time ago you see; I doubt there's much record of me unless you look far back. As someone with magical blood I could have lived a long life but I put my spirit into this place so that others could continue my work. You have not yet asked though why it is that my library and your amulet are even connected."
Sofia held her still blue amulet and thought about it for a while. The library really had nothing to do with the amulet, it seemed to be its own separate entity and there was no such thing as a male wizard keeping the amulet. It only protected princesses or maidens of virtue and nobility. Long ago there really weren't such things as princesses so the priestess counted as one, she must have been the daughter of a great chief. That all made sense but this didn't. Now her curiosity was peaked, she always did want to know more about her amulet, about all its secrets, its powers, and the reasons it seemed to have a mind of its own.
"Would you please tell me? I own the amulet and yet there is so much I don't know about it. Truthfully without Cedric I'm not even sure I'd know much of anything."
"Ah yes...of course. Have you heard the saying everything happens for a reason? Well it's one that applies to your life even if everything is accidental. Enchancia was named so because it was a hub for magic users, they have the greatest supply there if you've noticed and churn out some of the finest. The very castle you are in has so much magic flowing from it and built in it, most of which were by me or those that came after. Anyhow, a long time ago we sorcerers all knew about the amulet and sought to find it for greedy purposes. It traveled to far away lands being traded, fought over, sold, tossed between families until it was that it ended up in the hands of Princess Charlotte's family. It stayed within their family for a long time, seen as nothing but a jewel but I knew better. However since none of them were worthy the amulet bestowed no gifts unto them and Elena stayed dormant. I was growing old and knew my work had to be continued by someone. I tried to pass it onto my children but none wanted to take it.
I knew the fate of that amulet rested within a princess who could prove herself and that it would be given to her one day. That's when I tied my spirit to the library and using my most powerful magic was able to transfer my essence to the amulet so that when the time came a princess would be the one to do my life's work. I had no other choice, my family would not undertake it, so I had to rely on the royal family that I had come to love and trust, knowing it might end up there with one of them. It took a long time for my theory to be proven right but your aunt was a perfect candidate, someone who longed for purpose and had a real zest for life but also cared deeply for others. When you came to be a princess, it chose you and you have done well. You have earnestly desired to give everyone a befitting end..."
He was explaining this deeply with a rich voice, smiling wistfully at her. He looked upwards at the library walls lined with books of all shapes, colors, and sizes. "This place holds many stories and it seems my own can finally rest. My lineage will after all end up being the one to protect this library."
"What do you mean, sir? I'm not related to you too, am I?"
"Not by blood and not yet but you will be for you see, I'm Cedric's ancestor. I told you everything does happen for a reason, Sofia, and soon now you can finally give a happy ending to someone who needs it," He spoke this as he handed her a deep plum colored book with yellow writing. In shiny metallic yellow words it read; The Tale of Cedric the Sorcerer. She held it in her hands feeling some heat emanating from it as she slowly came to grips with all that was being told to her.
She had signed up for this job without knowing what she was doing, she had been chosen by the amulet without knowing why, she became a protector not understanding the reason she was chosen. She just knew people needed her help and she gave it. Day by day, little by little, without her even knowing, without her even being summoned, before she even knew about the library, she was completing a story. The book waited there in the library, the owner knowing it needed not tell her or else the story would not end the way it needed to. The amulet brought them closer together she knew that at least, the library held the book that she was meant to finish, his book, their book. It was funny that was the gift she was given the last Wassalia by Cedric, a book filled with their adventures.
He hadn't a clue and neither had she that there was a real one and that she was the epicenter of it all. She thought about how he said she was made for him and she knew such things as fate did exist. She was a child who came from the very first princess who used the amulet and he was a child who came from the creator of her secret library. She held her amulet and the book and they seemed to want to touch one another, signifying their deep connection. There were so many mysteries to unlock within the castle that even the book she was given by her aunt didn't tell. If not for this knowledge Sofia would have been in the dark about everything. She was glad that everyone trusted her to know these things and now that she did know them, she was all the more glad that she understood the truth.
The world was a strange place full of magic not even Merlin could understand. Whether it was fate, chance, or luck it didn't matter somehow some way she had gotten to Cedric's side. Her fingers stroked delicately along the wording, tracing each letter then she stroked upon the spine which caused the book to tumble open. She flipped through it with supreme fascination and love for the person it was about, seeing him as a small adorable child and then as a curly haired teenager. She had never known him to try different hairstyles, it was interesting to see. Her hand caressed the images of him displayed within the pages and smiled sadly whenever it was talking about the troubles he went through.
"This means we are meant to be, just like I always felt," She sighed romantically, pressing the book against her chest. "Oh I wish I could keep this."
"You can always come here and reread it whenever you want. You could even bring him, if you wish."
"Thank you...for everything. This just adds another layer to our relationship and it really shows me that no matter how hopeless my endeavors to have him seemed that they weren't in vain. It's... just so nice to know that... I'm his happily ever after."
Sofia pressed her palm under her eye as she was beginning to become emotional but in a good way. It was strange how she never really cried much as a child but as she grew up, she started to do so more. She gave the book one more glance over and let it float back to where it belonged. She took notice that it seemed to reside right next to hers, very snuggled up to it in fact. Even the books wanted so much to be together. It made her miss him terribly, as he wasn't at the party. Not that he wasn't allowed or invited, actually Amber told him personally if he wanted to come he was always welcomed. He had to work though, potions to make, spell books to read, tinkering to do and the like. After parting from the library, giving her farewells, she figured she'd drop by just to check up on him. She was already gone from the party, what was the harm of being gone just a bit longer?
When she raised her hand to knock, she paused, now feeling remorseful about leaving for so long. She did want to see him, it was an ache in her after reading about him, but she could see him anytime. Amber's sixteenth was only once. She magicked up a piece of paper with writing on it, written in her font with her favorite color, and slid it next to his door then knocked and ran. He knew her knock like he knew his own heartbeat so he was wondering why she was visiting at all. Perhaps to give him a piece of cake? That seemed like something she'd do. However when he enthusiastically opened the door, hoping to find his lovely beloved on the other side, he was greeted with a note instead. He picked it up, recognized the handwriting, and read it.
I hope you are having fun of your own in there. Don't work too hard! Meet me later, my room, after the party ends. I'll be waiting to hear all about what you are working on. All my love, Sofia.
That instantly made his mood all the better. He added that note to his pile of things written to him by her. He couldn't wait to fill her little ears about everything and see her light up the way she did that always beguiled him. He also knew when he got there, he'd be getting the affection he had been longing for all day and night. Despite their closeness he rarely ever went into her room, only seeing it less than a handful of times. When the night got on and everyone went home he made his way to her bedroom and before he even announced himself she opened the door, claiming to have heard his footsteps. As to how she knew they were his she gave him a look as if that was a silly question. She pulled him into her room and they spent a long time just talking. Nothing more. Sofia kept gazing adoringly at him, the stars in her eyes shamed the ones in the sky. She got lost in his words with a dreamy expression as she buried her nose into his robe.
"You've always smelled so good," she admitted, breathing in deeply.
"Oh? And what do I smell like exactly?"
"Like...magic. You have tree scents like fir needles and oak wood, there's also something very smoky and a kind of old attic smell that I really like, sort of peppery I guess and also the smell after it rains. It's...ahhh."
"I think I'm falling in love with you even more just for saying that. Girls used to say I smelled like and looked like an old man."
Her mouth turned into a deep frown and she almost looked mad. "Why were people so mean to you?"
Cedric shrugged. "I was used to it so when you started being nice to me it was...confusing. How could someone like me at all? I never knew there was any real good in this world until I met you... I thought that deep down everyone was just as evil and as twisted as I made myself out to be and that redemption was impossible."
"Oh Cedric..."
She held him, sitting almost in his lap with her head tucked neatly under his chin. He really did need her, all this time he needed her, and he had to wait until she was born to receive the care and love denied from him. For over twenty years he suffered, his story remaining incomplete until that crown dropped onto her head. Then everything was set in motion. She wondered if Elena knew anything, since she was so tied with the amulet and therefor somehow with the library. Perhaps it was just another reason she was getting his attention with her sparkle. Elena would keep that little tidbit a secret because she would want this to happen naturally without any interruption. If Sofia knew beforehand it would make things very odd and strained. No. Love needed time, it needed patience, it needed understanding, and it needed to happen on its own and it did.
Her aunt Tilly could have known too, if it was even told to her, and that's why she was so certain Cedric liked Sofia. That might have also been why she just knew without being told Sofia was in love with Cedric. It seemed likely. How else had she guessed? It wasn't like her mother who had been around Sofia enough to notice these things, she just up and already knew it all and Tilly was one who was full of secrets and mysteries. It didn't matter to her who was informed or who was aware, no one had pushed her into anything, she had loved him all on her own, of her own volition, and he was the same. Now she could continue to love him, to defend him, to go to far off lands with him, to live with him, nurture him, teach and learn from him and one day when that ring was finally on her finger she would speak those two words she felt she had waited all her life to say to him. Then they'd be able to close the final chapter to his book but open a new one in their life.
