(A/N: Yeah, there are a lot of flashbacks written into this story. And they are mostly from Cedric's life. Obviously the one last chapter was not.
I own nothing!)
Roland wasn't very surprised when guests started to leave a little earlier than they usually did. A winter storm was coming in unexpectedly.
Normally, parties among the elite went past midnight. There were still some hours before midnight. But the politician couldn't fault his guests for wanting to be in the safety and warmth of their own homes when the storm hit. He would do the same.
Roland's eyes reached his wife who was exchanging some pleasantries with some guests before they left. Seeing the brunette reminded him of the unfortunate incident with their daughter a couple hours earlier. Roland couldn't help but shudder when he thought of how the son of his old friend had treated Sofia.
He wasn't blind to how some of the elite treated his younger daughter. And as much as he wished they would stop, he couldn't control them. He couldn't make the bullying stop, although he had tried many times to do so. It was no small wonder that Sofia often preferred solo horse riding or reading through his collection of books to the many social engagements required of the family. The constant bullying, unfortunately, had taken its toll on the formerly sweet and sociable girl. She had become very withdrawn and sometimes downright moody.
"Excuse me Sir."
Roland faced Baileywick. "What is it?"
"The last of the guests have left."
"Very well. Where's Sofia?"
"I don't know. I haven't seen her since she left the party. Do you want me to find her?"
"No thank you Baileywick. I will. I just want to make sure she's doing alright. Her first time to this party and it doesn't go very well for her."
Baileywick nodded. He shared his employer's frustration at the bullying Sofia was often subjected to.
Roland turned on a heel and headed up to Sofia's room. He knocked on the door.
"Sofia?"
No answer.
"Sofia are you alright?"
Still no answer. Roland knocked again. Receiving no response, he cautiously opened the door. Sofia was not in the room. Roland was about to close the door and go look somewhere else when he noticed something.
Sofia's gown carelessly thrown on the floor. The concerned father picked up the gown and laid it across a chair.
Roland decided his younger daughter probably was in the library. Quickly, he headed down there. Just as quickly, he was disappointed. The library was undisturbed.
Where else could she be?
"Rollie? Have you seen her anywhere?"
Roland looked at Miranda. "No. I don't know where she is."
"Have you checked the stables? You know how much she loves Minimus and spending time with him, even if it's not a ride."
"I haven't checked there yet."
"Maybe you should."
Roland nodded. He turned down the hallway, Miranda walking alongside him. They were about to pass the open ballroom where the rest of the family was when the stable hand came running up to them.
"Sir! Madam! Terrible news!"
Roland felt his heart drop. That particular stable hand was usually very calm.
"What is it?" Roland asked.
"Miss Sofia came out to the stables very upset. She left for a ride. We didn't want to let her as that storm is starting to set in. But she was adamant. Minimus just returned. Alone and spooked. There's no sign of Miss Sofia."
Roland's stomach turned. Miranda choked back a sob.
"Go get my horse ready," Roland said. "I'm going to search for her."
"Get mine ready too."
Roland heard the familiar, high pitched voice of his brother in law. He turned to look at Bartleby.
"I'm going with you," Bartleby said.
Roland nodded. Time was of the essence and the help would be much needed. It was cold, dark, and the snow was coming quickly.
Roland would be lying if he said he wasn't scared by the possibility of finding his precious daughter frozen.
Please, let us find her quickly.