(A/N: Allyrwhitney, good question. Remember in the prologue when Cedric is contemplating finding someone to teach him the basics of keeping house, he considers paying them off in an effort to keep them silent. Cedric doesn't want more people than necessary to know about his presence in Dunwittie.

I'm glad you guys got a good laugh at the Little Girl/Scoundrel exchange. I quite enjoyed writing it.

I own nothing!)

Sofia settled Minimus into a familiar, small stable. The dark steed that was already there neighed in greeting. Sofia smiled and scratched Taika's nose.

"Hopefully your rider is doing much better today."

It'd been a week since Sofia discovered Cedric was sick. Since then, she'd gone over to his cabin several times to care for him, sometimes waking up very early to do so. The last couple days had been promising in his recovery as he had been strong enough to get up from bed for a short while.

Sofia walked around to the front of the cabin and opened the door. Inside was a welcome sight. Cedric was sitting at the table eating a small breakfast. Sofia smiled widely as she stepped in and joined Cedric at the table.

"Good to see you up and about. You look really good today."

Cedric looked up at his young visitor.

"I suppose that's thanks to you. Since when did politician's daughters cook and clean and care for sick people?"

"When said politician's daughter was born in poverty and was raised with the expectation that she would need to know things like that."

Cedric nodded slowly. "You weren't very old when your mom married the mayor were you?"

Sofia shook her head. "I was seven years old at the time."

"And you still remember how to do such important tasks?" Cedric looked impressed.

"I never gave up on doing them. It probably bothered the servants and my sister a little bit that I wanted to continue to use those skills and learn more but everyone got used to it eventually."

Cedric nodded. As he watched the young lady before him, he couldn't help but wish he'd had a friend like her when he was a lot younger. He could've used a friend with her kindness.

"Cedric, I'm curious. A couple days ago, you were talking in your sleep. I could've sworn you said something about returning to Hexley. Does that mean anything to you?"

Cedric barely concealed his reaction to what Sofia said. As kind as his young friend was, this was proof to him that she was rather naive. He had no doubt that all she needed to do was mention that name to her father and she'd find out rather quickly. Cedric wasn't about to tell her that though.

"Sofia, I was sick and asleep. You can't take anything I said seriously."

Sofia nodded. "I guess. I just got curious. You've mentioned not being able to go home and then to have you say something about returning somewhere…"

"That's kind of you to be concerned."

"It's what friends do. They are concerned when their friends have a problem and want to help."

"Now if only everyone had a friend as good as you."

Sofia blushed lightly. "Thank you. I think the same could be said of you."

"Do you really think so?"

"Of course. I've said before. You are my friend. And a great friend too."

"Thank you."

Silence reigned for a short moment.

"Well, I'm glad you're feeling better," Sofia said. "I better go. My sister is hoping I'll join her. She invited a couple friends over for tea today."

Cedric nodded. "Of course. Ride safely."

Sofia smiled and stood up. Just as quickly as she had arrived, she was out the door. Cedric let out a deep breath.

You, Little Girl, are going to be the end of me.