Cedric waited as patiently as he could at the doorway of what was apparently to be Amber and Sofia's room that night. Miranda and Amber were sitting on the edge of the bed, both looking as anxious as he was. What the young lord really wanted to do instead of waiting, was to find Sofia and support her as she had what was certain to be an extremely difficult conversation with her father. But he knew she had to do it.

Alone.

And he hated that thought.

"Sebara."

Cedric looked up quickly when he heard Roland's stern tone. Sofia was by her father's side but her face was neutral, giving no indication of how their conversation had gone.

"Mayor Cyning."

"You and I need to talk," Roland said in a very scathing tone.

Cedric barely resisted the urge to gulp. Clearing his throat, he gathered every ounce of courage he had left.

Think of Sofia.

"Of course."

Cedric went with the older gentleman. Once they were in a quiet area, Roland turned and met the young lord with a cold look.

"I am not happy you are here," Roland stated. "It's late and your arrival is keeping everyone up, even though we have been traveling all day and have even longer to travel. You, by being here, are clearly neglecting your duty to your father at this time. And if Sofia's words are to be believed, you intend to take her away from her family. I don't want a neglectful delinquent anywhere near my daughter. I will not have any of this."

"Leave my father out of this." Cedric barely kept his tone in check. "He is well aware I am here. I am not neglecting him one bit. And I do not intend to force Sofia to anything that she is not comfortable with."

"Hmph. You are very presumptuous, calling my daughter by just her first name. I should call you out for that."

"Mayor Cyning, I have no intentions of being disrespectful to you or your daughter. I came because I want your permission and blessing to court and marry Sofia. Your permission aside, I ultimately care what she has to say. I will not force her."

"And why should I believe a word you are saying?" Roland scowled. "Your own father expressed his disappointment in you and nothing I've heard about you paints you in a very flattering light. So why should I give you my permission and blessing to be with my daughter?"

Ouch.

Cedric grimaced slightly at the jab. As far as he was concerned, it was a swing far below the belt to bring up the past gossip and his formerly failing father-son relationship.

"You are stronger and more powerful than you realize. You are a lord. More than that, you are my son. Do not let Cyning rattle you. You can prove him wrong about you."

Cedric thought momentarily of his father's words to him a mere few hours ago.

"With all due respect, none of that is here or now. My father and I have mended our relationship. And I cannot control the gossip that people spread."

"Hmph." Roland rolled his eyes. "Impertinent boy. Why am I bothering listening to a word you have to say? And why would you be interested in my daughter? That's one thing that I am very curious about. You are the heir to one of the most important and powerful titles in the land. Your family has close ties to the royal family. No doubt, someone like you would have a long line of ladies from highly ranked families vying for your attention. So why a young lady from a small, insignificant village who was born a commoner? Why my daughter?"

"The high ranked ladies just want a title. That's not Sofia. She's genuine and kind. I see Sofia for who she truly is-"

Roland scowled. "Get out."

Cedric was momentarily taken aback. He didn't expect talking with Roland to be easy but this was nothing like he could have imagined. Afterall, he was answering the question honestly. He did see Sofia's authenticity and kindness. Why would Mayor Cyning tell him to get out? How was that an expected or appropriate response?

"Do not let Cyning rattle you."

"You are my son."

Cedric bolstered his courage. If this worked, he would have to remember to thank his father for his words a few hours ago.

"No."

Roland raised an eyebrow.

"No? You dare defy the father of the woman you wish to court and marry?"

"Promises have been made. I intend to honor them. You don't scare me."

Roland eyed Cedric with a critical eye.

"That's a bold statement, Sebara. But it's a lie, isn't it? You can't stand me. Deep down, you are scared. And rightfully so. You do not belong here, talking to me about my daughter. My answer is no. Sofia will be returning to Cantare Valley with her family."

"And make her more miserable than she's ever been?" Cedric felt his hands clench. "No. You're her father. You should care about what is best for her. If you listened to her, you would know how she feels about returning to Cantata Hall. The promises have been made. I will be helping her to do whatever she needs and wants in order to heal from the past two years. She's already determined to go against you if necessary. Neither of us wants that though. Sofia would be miserable if she lost another father and my goal is her happiness and wellbeing."

Roland seemed slightly taken aback. Cedric pushed forward.

"You can think whatever you want about me. You can call me neglectful. You can even call me out if that makes you feel better. But whatever you think or say of me, you better put Sofia first. She needs you more than you realize."

Roland raised an eyebrow, his gaze still critical.

"So, you think you can provide Sofia's wellbeing?"

"She will want for nothing, physically or emotionally. Every need she has will be met. That's a promise."

Roland was silent for a moment. Cedric felt the tension very intensely. Every second Roland said nothing, the tension grew and Cedric felt more anxious.

"If your father is not yet proud of the man you've become, he's made a grave error."

Cedric was taken aback by the unexpected compliment.

Mayor Cyning thinking Father should be proud of me? What just happened?

"Sofia has barely cared about anything the past two years. She's been...wilted and lifeless, almost like a flower kept away from the sun and water for too long. That wasn't her just now. It was almost like a dragon woke inside her. She was fiery and passionate when she told me that she was returning to Hexley Hall in the morning with you and that you were nothing like I thought or that the rumors have said. I can see it now. Something about being at Hexley Hall...being with you has...helped more than I ever could. If you were anything like your father told me or the rumors said, Sofia wouldn't be telling me how great you are or that she wanted to be with you."

Roland paused for a moment to take a deep breath. Cedric still wasn't entirely certain he wasn't dreaming. One moment, the father of his beloved was telling him to get out and the next...they were having some sort of heart to heart? Cedric wasn't sure what to make of this conversation.

"This night has been very shocking, to say the least," Roland continued. "But I suppose all of this had to come to a head one way or another. As much as I would like Sofia to return to Cantare Valley, it is not going to do her any good. She hates it there. I suppose I can't blame her. Therefore, I do give my permission for her to stay at Hexley Hall and for you two to court."

Cedric heard the words he wanted to hear but it still took him a moment to respond. But when Roland held his hand out, Cedric wasted no time in shaking it.

"Thank you, Mayor Cyning."

Roland nodded. "I suppose some ladies are waiting for us."

Cedric nodded. He wouldn't deny that he wanted to see Sofia again.

I won't disappoint you, Mayor Cyning. Your daughter will never have to feel fear, alone, or unloved again.

oOo

Earlier

Sofia walked quietly with Roland to a secluded area where they could talk without being interrupted.

"I won't ask why that boy is here," Roland said.

Sofia seethed. "He's not a boy. He's a fine and honorable gentleman. The best I've ever known. And I will thank you not to insult Cedric anymore."

Roland looked surprised by the comment. For a moment, all he could do was stare in shock at his daughter.

"Cedric? Don't you mean Lord Sebara?"

Sofia rolled her eyes. "You don't know anything, Dad. Cedric has helped me more in a few short months than you have in two years. I feel more comfortable with and around him than I do with you or James together."

Roland recoiled. "I...don't know what to say to that."

Sofia sighed. "I don't want to argue with you if I don't have to. But I don't know if you are actually going to listen to me and be supportive of what I want. And I don't want to lose another father."

Roland sighed. "I'm listening. I just don't understand everything that is going on right now. I saw the note you left for Amber earlier. Why didn't you tell me that going back to Cantare Valley made you anxious?"

"Consider the way you told me and Amber that we were going back. And don't forget that you didn't tell me Winnifred extended an invitation for me to continue to stay there. I honestly felt like I didn't have a choice. Like you might not listen if I did say something."

Roland looked at his daughter in surprise. He firmly grasped her shoulders.

"Never doubt that I want the best for you, Sofia. I always have. You should have said something sooner."

Sofia flicked her father's hands away from her. It was clear by the sudden pained expression on her face that his words were the wrong thing to say.

"Don't you dare act like that was my fault! What reason do I have to believe that you would listen to me? Why should I have believed you would help me? Tonight, Amber reminded me of something. She reminded me of how you didn't help me to leave Cantare Valley for a reprieve two years ago. You wouldn't help me. I'm sure you could have found somewhere where I could have gone to get away from the place where my life got uprooted. But you didn't, even knowing how much I desperately needed to get away. So what reason do I have to trust that you would listen now?"

Roland sighed. "You're right. I didn't help you then. And that's eaten at me for a long time. I did resolve I would find a place for you to go for however long you needed. But then I became afraid that something would happen and once again I wouldn't be there to protect you as a father should. And then I couldn't do it. Fear held me back from doing what I should have."

Sofia looked away from him. "Sometimes it's the people closest to us who hurt us the most. Not having your support and help when I needed it most hurts. It hurts about as much as that morning did."

At that moment, if someone had thrust a knife into his heart, Roland didn't think he would have noticed. For his actions to get compared to those of Graham's, that was a pain he didn't know how to handle. Sofia spoke true: she didn't really have any reason to believe he would give her his support. And all because he had been too afraid to let her go.

"Fear's an ugly beast," Sofia continued. "I've been a prisoner to my own fears for a long time. Too long. I've decided I'm going to move forward and do what I want and what helps me feel good. It would mean a lot if I had your support for once."

"You'll always have it."

"Then I would like your permission to return to Hexley Hall with Cedric."

Roland's eyes bulged. "What?"

Sofia sighed dejectedly, her shoulders sagging. "I should have known you wouldn't give your support. You hate him for no good reason. With or without your permission though, I'm going in the morning."

"I never said I wouldn't give my support, I'm just surprised that you said you want to be with him."

"Give me one good reason why Cedric is so deserving of your disdain. You've only met him once and all you did was glare at him."

"Everything his father said about him and the stories don't paint a pretty picture of him. I don't want a destructive miscreant anywhere near my daughter."

Sofia looked furious. "So you're basing your opinion of him off of some rumors and a callous statement made against a fourteen year old? Did you know Cedric overheard that comment? Did you know how much it pained him? And should I start to worry what your opinion of me will someday be, Roland?"

Roland blanched. For more than one reason. Except for when he had first married Miranda, Sofia had never referred to him by his given name unless she needed to differentiate between him and Birk. Sofia's venting over him not supporting her need to escape Cantare Valley hadn't been enough to make her this furious.

Not to mention how convinced she seemed that he would ever think badly of her.

"What? No. Why would you say that?"

"There have been some very colorful rumors about me over the years. And you're currently basing your opinion of someone off of gossip. So I should worry that one day, you might decide I'm as wacked out as the rumors say I am. Because you are clearly capable of believing petty gossip over the truth!"

Roland paled further. "Never. I know you too well to believe the gossip about you."

"Then you should get to know Cedric in the same way. He is a great man. He is nothing like the rumors say. And his father was wrong to say what he did ten years ago and has admitted as much."

Roland looked reflective as he listened to his daughter's words.

"I think I know why you refer to him by his given name now. And why you are defending him so passionately too. You're in love with him, aren't you?"

Sofia felt her cheeks heat a bit. "I did fall in love. I got to know the man behind the title and the rumors. Cedric is very caring and respectful. I've never had to fear for my safety around him. He's given me every reason to trust him and I do. Cedric Sebara, heir to the Hexley title, is a wonderful man. I wish you would take the time to get to know who he truly is."

Roland was very quiet. Sofia wondered if he was going to continue to be stubborn or if he would relent.

"Dad, Cedric makes me happy. And since we've met, he's only continued to surprise me with how kind and considerate he really is. I trust him."

After a few moments, Roland inhaled deeply.

"I don't trust him. As you've pointed out, I don't know him."

Sofia was certain of what was going to happen next.

"And I'd be lying if I said I wasn't concerned that he might mistreat you if he were to learn about what happened two years ago."

"Is that all?" Sofia asked. "Cedric knows about Graham. More than that, it was Cedric who shot him and had him sent away to Purdan."

Roland's jaw dropped. "He what?"

Sofia nodded. "Cedric knows exactly what happened that morning. I've felt safe enough with him to tell him things I haven't even told Amber. And early in our acquaintance, Cedric realized something wasn't quite right and promised my safety with him. He's kept his promise and when needed, he's reminded me of that promise. He's never given me one reason to be afraid of him. And he's told me more than once that his promise will never change."

Roland was quiet as he contemplated Sofia's words. Sofia didn't say anything, she simply let her father think.

"Sofia, look me in the eyes and answer me something."

Sofia met Roland's stern gaze.

"Yes, Dad?"

"Are you absolutely certain that you have nothing to fear from Lord Sebara? That he will not ever mistreat you?"

"I am absolutely certain. As I've told you, Cedric Sebara, heir to the Hexley title, is a good and honorable gentleman. He is nothing but respectful to me."

Roland nodded slowly. "Then I better get used to the idea of you not returning to live at Cantata Hall. It seems you now have a suitor who wants to court you."

Sofia beamed. "Truly Dad?"

"Yes. I need to do what is best for you. And I can see that going back to Cantare Valley right now is not good for you. It's time for healing. Past time, in fact. I can see the difference in you since you've been in Mystica Prata. It's the best thing I can do for you, to let you do what you need."

Sofia threw her arms around Roland.

"Thank you, Dad."

Roland held his daughter tightly.

"You're welcome."

For a while, no words were spoken. They were not needed as the father and daughter fiercely embraced each other.

"Now you won't begrudge me too much if I test his mettle, will you?" Roland asked.

"Be nice, Dad," Sofia scolded.

"I make no promises, Sofia. I need to see for myself that he will be devoted to you. If a gentleman is going to show interest in you, my dear, he better be able to stand up to me and prove he will treat you respectfully. Call it a father's duty to his dear daughter. Now let's go back to the room."

Sofia nodded, realizing she wouldn't be able to talk Roland out of this and that it was necessary.