(A/N: Yes, Cedric is younger here than he would be in canon. I originally intended for him to be about six years older than Sofia but I went with seven instead. Close enough, I guess. And Sofia is 17-18 so Cedric will be 24-25. Except as flashbacks dictate.
I own nothing!)
One year ago
From inside the library, a young lady stared out the window at the light rain drizzling down. A short spasm of pain gripped her and she glanced at the source. Her left arm was snugly bandaged and resting in a sling. For the most part, the pain was manageable. But the physical pain was nothing compared to the emotional pain.
She had been quite excited when she had turned sixteen recently. She was even more excited when a young gentleman had come calling. He had been very pleasant and the young lady had quite enjoyed the attention.
If only she had realized how vile he truly was sooner.
Her bright, cheerful countenance had been wounded deeply in the aftermath of that incident. She would no longer be the same person.
She couldn't be.
After staring out the window a moment more, she sighed and walked to her room. She laid down on her bed and drifted off into a nightmare plagued sleep.
oOo
Sofia hummed softly as she looked through the books stowed away in her father's library. She didn't have much time, she realized, before someone came for her. Her father's annual party celebrating the recent harvest was that evening and it was the first time she would actually be old enough to attend. It was the first time for her older twin siblings too. And despite needing to get ready, Sofia didn't have much interest in the party.
Sofia collected an armful of books and hurried to a seat in the corner of the spacious room. She sat down and started to read. She didn't get very far when the library door opened and someone entered.
"Sofia, how can you be reading at a time like this? You need to get ready for the party! Can you believe it? We're finally old enough to attend!"
Sofia looked up at Amber. "There's four hours until the party. It won't hurt if I read for a few minutes."
"Ha! A few minutes will turn into several hours if you were allowed that. Put the book down and go get ready."
"Let me finish this chapter."
Sofia looked back at the book. She only was able to read a few words when Amber suddenly pulled the book out of her hands.
"Amber!"
"Come on! Aren't you excited to see all the eligible young men and dance with them?"
"You're talking about yourself. You're excited for it. I'd rather read a book or go ride Minimus than accept compliments from empty minded young men who think talking about swordplay is actually flirting."
"You got your nose in another romance book, didn't you? You're never going to get courted and married with an attitude like that. You'll end up a spinster."
Sofia stood up. "Since you insist on being so obnoxious, I think I'm going to go somewhere else. Maybe to my room so I can get ready. Or maybe the stables so I can give Minimus a treat."
With that, Sofia left the library. Amber sighed, tears threatening to fall from her eyes.
This is not the sister I grew to love.
Out in the stables, Sofia fawned over her horse. Minimus neighed contentedly as his nose was scratched and he was offered some carrots.
"She's crazy," Sofia said. "What man will accept me? Besides, we're only seventeen."
Minimus neighed in response. Sofia giggled. She gave the horse one more carrot.
"I guess I better go get ready. It is a big deal, this party. I just wish Amber had let me finish the chapter. Tomorrow I guess."
Sofia left the stables and hurried to her room. She looked to where her gown for the party was laid out. It was a very light purple, so light it almost seemed white, with some dark purple accents.
Sofia grudgingly put the gown on. She couldn't figure out why she felt very little excitement for the party. She'd been anxious for her time to attend it the last few years. So where had the excitement gone? What had happened to the girl of last year?
Men started coming along. Arrogant men who helped fuel the gossip mill. And there will be plenty of men at the party.
Sofia looked at herself in the mirror. In moments like these, she could still see herself as a dirt poor village girl who could only dream of having a good and easy life. Not that everything about being a daughter of a mayor was always easy. But it was a far cry from what seven year old her could imagine.
And Roland has been wonderful to Mom and I. He doesn't treat me any differently than Amber.
Sofia started working on her hair. She figured her sister would fall over once she saw the very plain and simple style she was going to use but she didn't care.
It is my hair after all. She can have her fancy and elegant style and I can have my plain and simple style.
Sofia did two partial twist braids on either side of her head and tied them in the back with a ribbon that matched her dress. She looked at herself in the mirror one more time and nodded. It was perfect. And she still had time to spare.
Sofia headed down the hallway to where the party would be held. Finishing touches on the decorations were being put in place, the orchestra was getting tuned, and drinks were being set out. It looked lovely. And yet, the you lady couldn't find her excitement about it.
A hand touched her shoulder.
"You must be very excited to finally join the party."
Sofia gave a small smile as she turned to face Roland.
"It is exciting, Dad. I've been anxious to join the fun for a long time. It seems kind of surreal. I don't know how to explain it."
Roland chuckled. "I know the feeling. Now just remember, you don't have to say yes to all or any of the young men who ask you for a dance."
Sofia smiled. Her general disdain towards many of the young men who had come calling for her was not missed by the entire household. In fact, her opinions were quite well known by the family and staff.
"Thanks Dad. I'll try to dance a few sets. I do like dancing."
"You just don't like a lot of the overstuffed peacocks who think talk of swordplay is flirting."
Sofia nodded. "You've heard that tirade many times."
"Too many times to count. And somehow, I imagine we'll hear it a few more times before you finally get swept off your feet."
I'll never get swept off my feet. "Probably."
"Excuse me, Sir, guests are starting to arrive."
Sofia glanced at the faithful steward. Apparently Baileywick had been serving the family since before her father was born. And he was nowhere near slowing down.
"Excellent. Thank you Baileywick."
Baileywick nodded and continued on his way. Roland wrapped an arm around Sofia's waist.
"Are you ready, Sofia?"
"Bring it on."
The next few hours were a blur as members of neighboring, high status families descended on the hall. Sofia was asked only a few times to dance and despite her reservations about all the overstuffed peacocks, she didn't turn any of them down.
"Miss Sofia, may I have this dance?"
Amber's going to be so jealous. She's been waiting for him to ask her for a dance for a long time.
"Of course, Lord Byron."
Sofia went out on the dance floor with the young lord. The lad's father was a respected baron. However, Sofia wasn't so sure about the son himself. She couldn't put a finger on it but the young Lord Byron sent chills down her spine. Maybe it was just her poor luck with young men causing her pointless anxiety.
"You look lovely in that dress, Miss Sofia."
"Thank you."
"Purple is one of your best colors. Although, I bet green would look just as good on you."
"Green is my sister's color."
Sofia wondered why Lord Byron was going on dresses and colors.
"Of course. Although, I'm certain white would be your best color."
Sofia pulled away from the dance. "What?"
"White as in a wedding dress."
Sofia suddenly felt queasy. She was beginning to think that her anxiety towards Lord Byron wasn't just a result of multiple suitor fails. She wanted to get away from him.
No, she needed to get away from him.
"You're a sweet young lady," Lord Byron said. "Almost don't realize that you're from the slums."
"Excuse me-" Sofia started.
"Not to worry, when we're married, any traces of your impoverished childhood will disappear."
Lord Byron leaned in close to her. Sofia was no fool. She knew what he intended. Quickly, she did the first thing that came to mind.
She slapped him across the face as hard as she could.
The sound of the slap could be heard by many and the party became silent as people took an interest in what was happening. Lord Byron held his cheek as a bruise steadily appeared on it.
"How dare you," Lord Byron said coldly
"How dare I?" Sofia yelled. "How dare you! How dare you assume that we will marry! How dare you think you can try to kiss me! How dare you make fun of my childhood! You are a roach and I will be very happy if I never have to see you again. Now get out!"
"You can't order me out of the party you filthy little peasant."
Lord Byron seemed like he was going to continue but he stopped suddenly and paled. Sofia felt a familiar arm wrap around her waist.
Thank heavens for good brothers.
"Yes she can," James said. "My sister is a lady of the household and if she doesn't want someone here, her wishes will be honored. Now leave before you are dragged out. And you know I can and will."
Lord Byron stiffened and left. James motioned to a servant to follow the unruly guest and make sure he left.
"Are you okay?" James asked softly.
"Yes. I got him before he could get me."
James chuckled. "That's my sister. Maybe Amber will finally listen when told that he's no good."
Sofia nodded. She definitely hadn't been imagining things if James could tell Lord Byron was a leech.
James walked Sofia off the dance floor, the guests stepping out of the way. Sofia knew too well how some of these people were. She wondered what new gossip would be heard about her.
After a short moment, Sofia slipped out of the party. She ran up to her room. Within moments, she had changed out of her party clothes and into riding clothes. Using the servants' hallways, she made it down to the stables.
"Miss Sofia," one of the stable hands said. "Shouldn't you be at the party?"
"Bring my saddle." Sofia ignored the question. "I'm going for a ride."
"But Miss Sofia, it's getting dark. And a storm appears to be coming in."
"Do not question me. Fetch my saddle, now!"
The stable hand's eyes widened. He knew Sofia rarely was demanding or otherwise in a bad mood but when she was, it was usually best to let her do what she needed in order to calm down. And a quick ride on Minimus was usually what worked best.
"Of course, Miss Sofia. I'll have Minimus saddled right quick."
The stable hand hustled to get Minimus ready. Within minutes, Sofia was mounted.
"Please don't be long, Miss Sofia. That storm is coming."
Sofia took a deep breath and put Minimus into motion. She wasn't afraid of a little storm. She'd ridden in storms before.
However, it wasn't very long before Sofia realized it wasn't a small storm incoming. It was a far cry from small.
"Oh Minimus, what have I done?"