Sofia hadn't intended to sleep through what remained of the day and through the night. She had told herself she would take a short nap then try talking to Cedric, like her sister insisted she needed to. But the lack of sleep from the previous night had taken its toll on her and she slept for much longer than she intended.
Once again, she was awake early in the morning. Although, unlike the previous morning, it was not extremely early. It was just a bit earlier than she normally would get up. Having nothing to do, she started packing her trunk. After most of her stuff was ready to go, it was almost breakfast time and Sofia knew her family was going to be awake.
Quickly, she left her room. Instead of going down to the dining room, she walked to the study, where she was certain Cedric could be found.
Sure enough, the open door revealed Cedric standing by his father's desk, muttering as he looked over various papers.
"Are you alright?"
Cedric looked up in surprise when he heard Sofia's gentle voice.
"Sofia? You're not upset with me about-"
"I didn't come to talk about that," Sofia interrupted. "I came to see how you are holding up with everything that's happened to your father. You look stressed. Are you going to be okay, taking over your father's duties?"
Cedric looked Sofia straight in the eyes, immense tenderness and concern showing.
"It's not taking Father's duties over that has me worried. I know I can do the job."
Sofia raised an eyebrow. "Then what is worrying you?"
Cedric stepped away from the desk, quickly narrowing the gap between him and his guest. When there was barely a foot of space left between them, Sofia took a step backwards, unintentionally backing up against the wall. Cedric placed his hands on either side of Sofia on the wall and looked at her tenderly.
"You," Cedric said simply. "I worry about you and whether or not you're okay."
"You shouldn't worry about someone like me."
"Someone who cares about those around her? Someone who is gentle and honest? I see who you really are, Sofia. What Graham did to you does not define who you are. It only defined who he is: a monster. You're not the monster."
Sofia looked at the ground. "I don't understand how you can say all of that."
Cedric gently cupped Sofia's chin and lifted her head back up.
"I don't understand why you doubt yourself so much."
Sofia gingerly reached up to grab Cedric's hand, intending to move it away from her. Before she could grab his hand though, he grabbed hers and held it tightly.
"Sofia…" Cedric searched her eyes.
Sofia could see the longing in his eyes. She wasn't certain she'd be able to resist what she was certain was about to happen.
She didn't have to.
"Sofia!"
Both young adults startled at the sound of James' nearby voice. No doubt he was looking for her. As James rounded a corner, Sofia yanked her hand away from Cedric's and he took a step back.
"What is it, James?" Sofia asked.
"Dad and Mom want you to come down to breakfast and quickly eat. As soon as we've eaten, we're leaving."
Sofia nodded. "Of course."
Even as she said those words, Sofia felt her stomach twist into several knots. She turned to face Cedric one more time.
"Good luck with everything. And thank you for helping make my time here pleasant."
Sofia turned and quickly walked down the hallway. James eyed the young lord with a very unpleasant expression. Cedric looked back at the glaring teenager, not sure why he was so irate.
"Stay away from my sister!" James seethed before turning and leaving too.
Once James was out of sight, Cedric let out a dejected sigh.
"Stay here with me, Sofia," Cedric said softly. "Stay here."