(A/N: Yes, as some of you noticed, there were a few details added to the last chapter. They kinda had to be. When I did the original one shot, I wasn't planning on doing a full length and therefore, didn't have to worry so much about Cedfia's backstories.
I own nothing!)
"Sofia, what happened last night? Sofia? Sofia!"
Sofia startled a bit and looked up at Amber. They were in Sofia's room now, a couple of maids there to help Sofia get cleaned up a bit and changed into a nightgown. With that done, she was now in her own bed, her foot propped up, and a tea tray to the side of her bed.
"Sorry, my mind has been wandering quite a bit," Sofia said. "What were you saying?"
"What happened last night? Minimus returned here alone and spooked. Nobody knew what had happened. Daddy and Uncle Bartleby went out to search for you. They've not returned yet. And Aunt Tilly had to console Mom for quite some time until exhaustion overtook them both. Mom's still asleep."
Amber paused to take a breath. Sofia smiled sadly as she adjusted herself on her bed, her foot screaming in pain as she did.
"I don't fully know what happened," Sofia answered. "Cedric was able to fill in some of the gaps but most of it is still a mystery."
"Cedric? The person who brought you back here?"
Sofia nodded.
"Please don't tell me you were alone with him all night."
"Besides his pet raven? Yes, I was."
Amber sighed. "Please at least tell me he didn't compromise you."
Sofia's mind briefly wandered to the moment when she accidentally knocked them down to the ground and how she had landed on Cedric.
No one needs to know about that.
"He was a perfect gentleman," Sofia said calmly. "He was courteous and kind, if not a little guarded. He was respectful before and after he found out just who I am. Before he even picked me up, he asked permission."
Amber's eyes widened in shock. She knew her sister's abysmal luck with men all too well.
"He didn't treat me less for being a mayor's step daughter or having been born in poverty," Sofia continued. "I don't think he knew anything about the impoverished beginning, but as soon as I told him Cantata Hall was home, he definitely knew something of who I am."
Amber raised an eyebrow in amusement. "You like the guy, don't you?"
Sofia's eyes widened at the question. "I don't know what to say to that. He was kind. Definitely a step up from all those wolffish men who've come my way."
A knock sounded at the door. Amber gave the person permission to enter. The door opened and Roland stepped in. He looked very much like he had been on a horse all night long.
"Hi Dad," Sofia said.
Roland smiled. "Oh Sofia, I'm so glad you're back safe and sound. Baileywick says the doctor should be here soon to check on your foot."
Sofia nodded. "Okay. You look cold and tired. You should get something hot to eat and drink, then go to bed."
Roland chuckled tiredly. "And I will but first I want to know what happened."
"I don't know fully what happened but my rescuer, Cedric, was able to fill in some of the blanks. We think Minimus might have thrown me and likely into a river. He said he found me near the river, soaking wet and cold. He took me to his home. He kept the fires big and hot so I could dry off and warm up and eventually moved me to a bed. I woke up this morning and he fed me breakfast and helped me wrap my foot to keep it stable. He helped me mount his horse and brought me back home."
"He also carried her some so she wouldn't have to walk on her ankle," Amber added. "And he asked permission before he picked her up."
"Sounds like his parents raised him well," Roland said. "Maybe after you've healed, you can show the way back to his home so I can thank him for treating you so well."
"Maybe. Oh Amber, someone did go tell Mom and Aunt Tilly that I'm back, right?"
"How should I know?" Amber asked. "I've been with you the whole time since you returned."
Roland chuckled. "I'll make sure they know. Do you need anything Sofia?"
"Maybe the books I picked out last night but didn't get to enjoy very much because a certain sister interrupted me? Hopefully they weren't put back on the shelves."
Roland shot Amber an unamused look. "Amber, since you appear to know which books your sister is talking about and where they are, you get to go retrieve them. And please, no more taking her books away when she's reading."
Amber looked a little miffed but she left to do as she was told. Roland placed a soft kiss on Sofia's forehead.
"You just take it easy. I'll come back soon to see how you're doing."
"Thanks Dad. You take it easy too. I can't imagine being on a horse all night while it's storming."
Roland smiled tiredly. "You're my daughter. You're worth it."
Roland stepped out of the room, leaving the door cracked open. Moments later, Amber returned with the books Sofia had picked out the night before. Sofia decided she would read but she didn't get very far as the doctor arrived to look at her foot.
The doctor checked the foot and declared it not broken. It just had a minor sprain. The doctor gave instructions for care and managing the pain.
The brief exam done, the doctor left. And Sofia decided she wanted a nap instead of a good book.
As the young lady drifted off to sleep, her dreams were filled with memories of that morning.