Embrace the Moon
Summary: Cedric is feeling a bit anxious after he receives a poor health report from the medic, since he collapsed during a meeting with Roland and other royal leaders and royal sorcerers. To help keep him calm and get him to rest, Sofia works her own magic on him.
Disclaimer: I only own the song entitled "Embrace the Moon," written specifically for this story (the song is on my Wix site under the Out of Season section). Nana belongs to MarionetteJ2X. The other characters belong to Craig Gerber.
A/N: Another Out of Season story! This one takes place between "Heartsong" and "On the Contrary." This is right after Sofia drops the title from Cedric's name, so you'll see those times where she actually struggled to remember to be consistent. 😉 Hope you enjoy!
A/N 2: I dedicate this story to my wonderful friend and co-worker, whom I'll call Ms. J. She's always there for me when I need someone, a grandmother figure of sorts, and she just had her birthday yesterday. Love you, Ms. J! I also want to dedicate this to my dear friends (you know who you are) and readers. You've been so patient with me. "The Tainted Ten" IS coming sometime this year, I promise. Just takes time... Love y'all!
*Story*
"—just started swaying, and—"
"—kind of pale—"
"He told me that—"
"—not unusual, because he doesn't sleep much, but still—"
"Mr. Cedric? Cedric!"
Cedric could just make out individual voices around him… King Roland, of course. Some of the other kings and their royal sorcerers… And a distinctly higher and more melodious, endearing, and oh-so-familiar voice… His eyes were shut tight, and he could tell that his skin was clammy. However, he couldn't move. It was like he was paralyzed—
"Cedric…" A soft hand reached up to his face, caressing his cheek, those gentle fingers sifting through his bangs. "Come on, Cedric, please…"
"S-Sofia," he finally managed, a low groan leaving him as he felt a dull, constant pain in his head. He relinquished any semblance of consciousness and allowed his entire body to give in to the pain. The last thing he remembered before passing out was a worried gasp and a few sniffles from his dear partner, who never left his side.
That had been only a day ago. A medic had been summoned to check on him. The diagnosis wasn't great, but it was better than some of them were fearing.
"He's suffering from severe insomnia and dehydration," the medic had informed Roland as Cedric sat on a chair and leaned against the wall, drifting in and out of consciousness yet again. "Simply put: the man is exhausted, and he hasn't been taking care of himself. If he continues in this fashion, he will suffer even worse, and worst-case scenario-pardon my candor-he will possibly end up dead."
The physician's blunt words cut to the core for several, especially Sofia, who was worried about her friend. So, Roland had immediately ordered Cedric to his tower to rest, and he'd sent Baileywick up to provide some water and nutrient-rich meals. Of course, Cedric barely had the energy to eat or drink anything. And even tucked in his bed with some extra fluffy pillows (courtesy of Nana) and warm blankets, with the lights dimmed considerably… Even then, he struggled to sleep.
His mind was plagued with all his responsibilities, and he was worried about potential impending dangers. Sure, Malum In Se was gone, at least as far as he could tell, and any other previous enemy was either vanquished or out of sight, so he didn't understand his troubled mind right now. Maybe it was just a precautionary situation. After all, other villains or threats had often come out of nowhere, so it wouldn't be all that surprising to him.
Cedric sighed as he attempted to get comfortable, his gloveless hands pressing his new pillows in various directions until he finally lowered his head onto the fluffy stack. He soon heard a soft knock on the door and frowned. He was in his bedchambers, not his workshop, so… There was only one person who could likely be outside that door right now. "Come in, Sofia…"
The princess stepped in with a lavender bag draped over her shoulder and resting against her hip. "How are you feeling?" she asked as she stepped over to the bed, sitting down next to him.
"I've been better," he told her honestly. He mentally chided himself for his choice of words, especially after seeing the downtrodden expression on her face. "But then again, I sort of passed out in front of several kings and other royal sorcerers. My pride is probably hurting worse than anything else."
"Oh, Mr. Cedric." She huffed once, pressing a hand to her forehead as she saw his lips twitch into a warm smile, causing her to mimic the action. "Sorry… Still a habit I'm trying to break."
He reached out and tugged at some of her loose hair, offering her a playful expression. "It's understandable. Change and all that." He felt his breath catch in his throat as the princess lifted one hand, her soft fingers brushing along his chapped lips. He knew what she was doing… He could see the worry etched all over her face. "Sofia…"
"Cedric, you've got to start taking better care of yourself," she told him earnestly. "I don't want to lose you. Neither does Nana. She knows what happened to you, and she was so worried… She wanted to come heal you, but she's been a little under the weather herself, and I didn't want her getting in a similar predicament. I've managed to calm her down a bit, and she's with Mom to get some rest, but…" She removed her hand and reached into her bag instead, rummaging around for something.
"What are you looking for?" he wondered, his own hand instantly reaching up to his lips, almost as if he were trying to conceal the brief bit of comfort her cool fingers had brought to him. He had also heard her concern, for both Nana and himself. He knew he had to slow it down and sleep more, but as someone who had spent so much of his life constantly working and fretting over things, without anyone to check on him before the princess had arrived, he'd sort of gotten used to it. Granted, that didn't mean he was immune to the negative effects, obviously, but still…
"Here." She pulled out a small pouch, retrieving a slice of honeydew melon from the fabric. "Eat some of this. It will help with both hunger and dehydration."
Cedric slowly pushed himself up into a sitting position, gratefully accepting her offer. With the first bite, he could feel his lips already starting to soften, more moisture restored as he finished the fruit, foregoing the rind in a waste basket next to him. He smiled as Sofia offered him another piece, which he accepted.
Sofia sat and watched him eat, noting with dismay the dark circles under his eyes, his sunken features, his messy hair… It wasn't unusual for him to sleep in strange cycles or very little, but realistically, she knew it was far more dangerous now. Age aside, he had experienced quite a bit of danger in the last several years. He'd taken on more responsibilities. He'd pushed himself to prove what he could do, at the risk of his own health. She was going to stop it—or at least, slow him down.
When Cedric had finished eating, Sofia offered him a goblet of water (magically enhanced with some 'healthy goodness,' she'd told him), and he willingly drank it. It was strange. He hadn't felt much like eating or drinking (or anything) until Sofia had visited him. Maybe it was because he had someone who truly cared about his well-being with him—someone to hold him accountable. It made the difference.
"Now," Sofia began as she set the goblet and her bag aside, turning instead to help Cedric lower more comfortably into his bed, his pillows fluffed and his blankets tucked loosely around his frame, "sleep."
"I'm afraid it doesn't work quite like that, my dear," he chuckled tiredly, stifling a yawn with his hand. "As tired as I am, I just can't seem to sleep… I suppose I have too much on my mind."
"There's nothing wrong with sharing your burdens and concerns, you know." She stood and walked around to the other side of his bed, kicking off her shoes, before sliding onto his bed next to him, much to his mild astonishment. She propped herself up on some of his pillows, and she then gestured for him to lean into her arms, which he did after a little bit of hesitation. She smiled, rubbing his back with her free hand as she held him comfortingly. "We're partners, Cedric. We share things. Share your concerns with me so that I can help you, so we don't end up in this situation again…"
"But it isn't fair to you," he murmured, sighing as her hand continued caressing his back, sometimes trailing up his neck and into his hair, which was a rather pleasant sensation. "I don't want you to worry for anything, Sofia…"
"Oh, Cedric." She sighed, laughing softly. "That's sweet, but everyone worries sometimes. It's normal. I just don't want you getting to this state: not sleeping much, dehydrated, passing out in front of my dad…"
He blushed lightly. "Yes, that was rather embarrassing… Especially with other leaders there. But I'm afraid I just can't sleep… I've tried. It's so…"
"I can sing to you," she suggested, her hand leaving his back to trace her fingers down the bridge of his nose and over his brow and cheeks, a small smile forming on her lips as she noticed his eyes closing and visible relaxation overtaking him. "A song my mom said her mom used to sing for her…"
"I'll take it," he told her tiredly, shivering the slightest bit when her fingers brushed the shell of his ear. He wasn't sure if this was necessarily relaxing or… Well, it was, but… In perhaps a different way than she'd intended—
"Good." Sofia reached up and carefully brushed her fingers over his eyelids. "Close your eyes, and let me do the rest." Seeing that he was visibly relaxed now, his lithe, warm, tired frame leaning into her arms as she held him, she began singing…
It's in the air.
It's everywhere.
It's in the darkened sky.
Just feel the breeze
From the east
As you sleep tonight.
She ran her fingers through his hair as he sighed heavily, his breath tickling her ear and making her giggle softly.
Sleep, my darling;
Rest your head.
Cedric felt his heart speed up ever so slightly upon hearing Sofia of all people use the term 'my darling.' Sure, it was in the song, but… That was a term he often used, and she was singing it to him… Considering how he felt about… W-Well, it was… It was nice to hear…
Very nice.
Embrace the moon.
Feel its enchantment.
Embrace the moon.
You're well-attended…
"Beautiful," Cedric mumbled sleepily, his fingers lazily twirling some of Sofia's hair, the soft and cool locks brushing against his skin.
Sofia smiled, continuing to sing and brush his hair with her fingers, her long nails sometimes softly scratching the nape of his neck, which he seemed to enjoy.
Let the night blanket you.
Close your eyes; dream of something new.
Embrace the moon.
It will protect you.
Embrace the moon.
In the darkness, it still shines through…
Cedric hummed as he felt himself relaxing more and more. He was so close to sleep… "Sofia…"
"Hmm?"
"I love you…"
She blinked. It wasn't unusual for them to say such a thing every now and then, but this… Why did that sound so…different? Maybe he was just tired. Exhausted. Insomnia-ridden, according to the medic. Still… She kissed his temple, earning a light blush from her partner as she smiled at him. "I love you too, Cedric. Now get some sleep. I'll stay with you until you do."
Cedric nodded and returned to his position, his eyes closing once more as Sofia quietly began singing the lullaby again. It wasn't long before he was asleep, curled against the princess, who held him in a comforting and protective manner. Of course, Sofia hadn't planned on falling asleep herself, but it happened…
As it turned out, they both embraced the moon…together.
The end