(A/N: I wonder how many of you I'm annoying to no end with my stubborn refusal to reveal specifics about Cedfia.

Mr. Shortman92, thanks. Writing this kind of story has been quite a challenge. So many scenes have been edited/cut/added. I'm glad you think I'm doing well with it.

I own nothing!)

Sofia hugged her knees closely to her a couple nights later. Since getting startled by Cedric in the forest, she'd kept mostly to her room. She even refused to go to that lunch with the other family.

Sofia looked at her left arm, grabbing it as a phantom pain seared through it. After a moment, the sensation disappeared but there was no relief.

Only a lingering sense of fear and loneliness.

Tears pooling up in her eyes, Sofia stepped out of her room and walked down to Amber's room. She climbed under Amber's covers quietly. The blonde stirred.

"Hmm? Is it morning?"

"No," Sofia said softly.

Amber's eyes opened wide. "Sofia? What's wrong?"

"I couldn't sleep."

Amber patted a spot close to her. Sofia snuggled closely to her sister.

"This doesn't happen to have anything to do with whatever caused you to return from your ride in such a panic, does it?"

Sofia nodded. "It does. It was just an accident, but I overreacted."

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"No."

Amber sighed. "I really wish you would. It might help you to get this burden off your shoulders. But either way, I'm here for you. We all are."

"Thanks Amber."

Within moments, Sofia drifted off to sleep, safely nuzzled in her sister's arms. But Amber didn't fall asleep as quickly.

Why won't you tell anyone everything that happened?

oOo

The next morning, Amber raised an eye as she watched Sofia pull her cloak on.

"Riding again?" Amber said.

"I left a blanket out in the forest a couple days ago. I need to go get it. Hopefully it's still there."

Amber nodded. "Be careful okay?"

Sofia nodded. "I will."

A while later, Sofia arrived at the clearing where she'd been a couple days prior. The blanket was no longer there. Letting out a sigh, she headed to where she figured it must be.

At the cabin, Sofia felt panic starting to sink in.

Relax! He doesn't know. He didn't mean to scare you.

Sofia bit her lip as she placed Minimus in the small stable at the back of the cabin.

All you have to do is see if he has the blanket and then you're done. You can go home.

Sofia tightened her grip on Minimus' reins. Why was such a simple task so hard? She took several deep breaths to help herself calm down. Once she was calmer, Sofia walked to the front of the cabin and knocked.

After a moment, the door opened and Cedric appeared.

"I wondered if you were going to come," he said. "You left your blanket in your rush to get away."

Sofia's face flushed with embarrassment. "Do you have it?"

Cedric nodded. "I do. Come inside and warm yourself by the fire."

"That's not necessary. I'll just take my blanket and go."

"Suit yourself."

Cedric stepped inside, leaving the door open, and returned with a neatly folded blanket. He held it out. Sofia placed her hands on it. As she did, Cedric gently grasped the top hand. Sofia looked up in surprise.

"Are you safe?" Cedric asked.

Sofia's eyes widened. "What do you mean?"

"You didn't get scared for no reason the other day. And you mentioned your family hovers. Are you in any danger?"

"No. I'm not in danger. I'm safe."

"Good. How was the lunch a couple days ago?"

Sofia shook her head. "I didn't go."

"Your family left without you?"

"No. Dad made up some excuse to avoid going all together. I tried telling him it wasn't necessary. But he did it anyway."

"I'm sure your father had his reasons," Cedric said.

"I guess so. I better be on my way. I have things I need to take care of. I have some Wassailia gifts for my family that I need to finish preparing."

"Is that coming already?"

Sofia nodded. "It's hard to believe. But it is."

Cedric nodded. "Well then, if you must be on your way."

Sofia gave a small smile. "Thanks for holding onto my blanket for me."

Sofia started to turn to walk away but paused when a hand grasped hers tightly. She looked back at Cedric.

"You don't have to tell me anything, but just know, you have nothing to fear here or with me."

Sofia nodded. "Thank you."

Cedric nodded and released Sofia's hand. No longer being held, the young lady retrieved Minimus and headed home. The rest of the day, her hand tingled. And despite her personal experience telling her not to believe anything Cedric had just said, she did. Something in her was telling that she truly did not have to fear for her safety around him.