Idea: cedfiafics
Let it be known that Enchancia was a uniquely generous kingdom in this 'Once upon a time'. The King's Castle was in fact a euphemism for the monarch's favored house of ill repute filled with beauties both male and female bred to entertain their lordships, various nobles, or any man willing to pay the price for a night of passion. Miranda Cordova found herself working in such a place, not as an asset, but a servant - after all, such a place required a tentative workforce to keep everything befitting royalty itself. A recent widow now bearing the weight of her late husband's sizable debt, there was little work to be found outside of being a common whore herself. Not only did she have to provide for herself, but for her young daughter Sofia.
However, it was within the very nature of such an establishment for scandal to brew, and brew it did. While mostly tending to the needs of the business, Miranda found herself under the servitude of the king and queen when she inquired about other work she might do. The Queen's health had been failing, prompting other rooms of the castle meet with fiercer sanitation, but one's mind is not so easily purged of filth as both Miranda and the King discovered upon meeting one another.
For three years, they conducted their affair in private, but even the walls of the palace talk, eventually reaching the ear of the Queen. Servants whisper it was the shock of learning about her husband's infidelity that killed her, no longer having the strength to carry on. A mere tryst she could forgive, the man was only human, but before her death, King Roland II had declared he also loved Miranda - and that could not be forgiven.
At eight years old, Sofia found herself moving to a nicer suite within the castle. A room not exactly intended for servant's, but one the King could visit with moderate discretion. She didn't quite understand how cleaning so well could result in such an upgrade, but she believed her mother's word and thought little on the occasions she saw her mother in the arms of the king. She was too young to know, but as the years passed, she learned through whispers what dire financial strains both the kingdom and her mother were in. Women could make money 'being friendly' with rich and powerful men, but even the king couldn't erase the debts her father, Birk Balthasar, a crude sailor and feared pirate, had accrued to his name, a name left to them after he was lost at sea.
Now twelve and an attending to her mother, Sofia was becoming quite learned indeed about the darker workings of the world. Including the obvious disdain the crown princess possessed for the two whenever they crossed paths. Miranda didn't need to explain it. Sofia put it together on her own the princess hated Miranda for the treasonous behavior toward her mother, a hate Sofia received by-proxy.
A hate Sofia couldn't help but wonder may have led to Miranda's own passing when both she and the princess were sixteen. All Sofia knew was there'd been an accident in town while her mother was out shopping and Miranda hadn't survived.
Roland was nearly as inconsolable as Sofia, now having lost two of the women he loved. Miranda's death was still fresh when the two met to discuss the girl's own fate. His eyes were tired, but he read over the paperwork necessary to sort out Sofia's finances, which unfortunately still looked grim. "Your father swindled many merchants... Even with all Miranda's work, not even half of this debt is cleared. I've had to divvy the pay between four separate nobles just to keep you and Miranda here in Enchancia, but at this rate..."
"I know it's a lot, but I'll keep working. Even if I have to work here all my life," Sofia said with her head bowed, already accepting she'd be working off the debts the rest of her life.
Roland sighed remorsefully, hating to see such a pretty young woman trapped by decisions she had nothing to do with, but like her mother, he knew her stubbornness wouldn't have her begging at his feet for mercy or freedom.
"Daddy," Princess Amber said from the back of the room, unfurling her fan to cool her already icy expression. "There are other ways she can work you know. Why, even I do my work for the kingdom and your debts now."
Roland glanced back. "Amber, this isn't the time."
"Isn't it?" The haughty blonde princess asked. "Sofia ought to think about her future with a little more optimism, don't you think?"
Sofia turned her attention to Amber as the girl rose from the settee and sashayed to her father's desk to stand at the king's side like she were arm candy instead of a daughter. Her gorgeous figure was fit tightly into an orange-yellow gown befitting her name, complete with large frilled sleeves and skirt, her hair loose and in golden ringlets all down her back, dark rouge on her lips, and smoky kohl brushed over her eye lids. She was intimidatingly beautiful and knew how to use her body to her advantage.
"You could earn a great deal more money and clear all your debts in," she plucked the document from her father's hand and quickly examined it, "Three years if you became a courtesan."
"Three years?" Sofia's eyes widened. She could make that much money in such a short amount of time?
"Yes," Amber beamed. "If you're willing to sell yourself."
"Oh..." Sofia knew it was too good to be true. She wouldn't pass judgement on other women who went to bed with strangers for money, but it didn't seem the ideal quick fix in Sofia's opinion. Miranda raised her in a rather naive cloud, never letting how desperate their situation was affect Sofia's upbringing. Perhaps it hadn't been long enough for the weight of the task to set in, but Sofia didn't feel that such a route was necessary at this point. "I... I can still keep my usual servant's duties, can't I?"
"If that's what you want," Roland nodded. "But Amber does make a good point, Sofia. Debt only increases the longer it sits unpaid."
"I know, but right now, that's not something I'm willing to do, sire," Sofia answered, and was understood, much to the chagrin of the crown princess who wished nothing more than to be rid of her sooner rather than later.
When nearly three years had passed however, Sofia couldn't help but wonder as she collected laundry if there was a life she was supposed to pursue outside these walls. Enchancia was prospering now since Amber had joined the courtesans, and she made it look so easy. She once tended to the young royal after she entertained a particularly powerful noble from Tangu and even disheveled and exhausted, there was still such beauty to her. It was no doubt why Amber was popular. Maybe the estimation she gave had been from her own experience. Sofia didn't think herself any sort of vixen capable of wooing so many men, and the occasional woman.
Sometimes inebriated guests propositioned her, the mere scullery maid, for another toss in the sheets and she politely declined. It didn't look that inviting. The overwhelming smell of liquor and smoke she'd gotten relatively used to, but never up close from breath wafted from portly men. The scent of sex was sometimes a bit much as well, but Sofia tried to view as a challenge, relishing in her triumph when she returned the sheets smelling like sunshine and clean air. It made her long for a place she didn't have to clean so much, where she could sit down and enjoy the world longer than a moment - but that wasn't possible.
She was snapped out her fantasy by an orange long haired cat landing in her laundry basket and yeowling at her. Sofia shrieked and dropped the basket, subjecting them to the dirt of the ground as the cat ran off, dragging the edges of the material with him. As she knelt to pick up the sheets, she heard giggling in the window above her and glanced up to see Amber and her dark haired companion Hildegard trying to stifle their obvious amusement.
With a huff, Sofia stood back up with the basket and scowled at the two. "Did you two throw that poor thing?"
"Why Sofia, why ever would you think such a thing?" Amber called down, feigning offence.
Sofia rolled her eyes and returned to the washroom to redo the soiled sheets. This wasn't the first time her cleaning had been impeding, but the cat was new and uncalled for. Hopefully the feline would runaway from here and make a new life somewhere else. Runaway... Sofia thought about it before. It sounded simple enough. She'd leave all her debts behind and live... live the rest of her days hoping not to be caught by her debtors. If she wanted to escape, she should have done so after her mother's debt when less of her debtors knew who she was. Now it was likely too late to escape.
Roland was back in his office with a perspective client, looking a bit unsure of himself.
The man before him was in actually a year younger than him, but looked as if he were over a decade older. He had a long pointed nose, bangs that had gone completely grey and heavy bags under his eyes. His figure was slim, almost like the man had never had a completely filling meal, but he was certainly not unable to afford such. Quite the opposite. Lord Cedric was a recent heir to his father's vast fortune and looking to spend it on a woman, although his request was a bit unorthodox.
"You want to make one of these women your wife?"
Cedric nodded. "I'm aware any woman would agree to be my wife given my family's fortune, but I want someone who will be grateful for my charity."
"I understand your reasoning, it's just such an usual request," Roland cleared his throat, while his mind was already thinking on what he could do with the huge sum the lord was offering. "Not many retain any such humility given their line of work, but I know a few you may take to your liking. Allow me to escort you, my Lord, although do keep in mind some of them may not be... available at this time."
"I understand," Cedric nodded again with his best business smile as the king stood to escort him to the seraglio.
After hanging the sheets back outside to dry again, Sofia returned inside only to be summoned to Amber's room. She and Hildegard had recently finished with a young soldier, eager to test himself with two women. He seemed quite chipper as he left adjusting his belt, but the two women laid in bed looking rather bored.
"Well... he was quick," Hildegard sighed and stretched, motioning for Sofia to fetch her robe, which she did.
"He got what he paid for Hildie. It's his own fault he didn't make it last," Amber hummed, sticking a bare foot in the air and twirling it around as Sofia helped Hildegard redress.
"I'm going down for a bath. Need to freshen up for tonight," Hildegard explained as she walked out the door with a little wave to her friend.
Amber pushed herself upright with little moan and looked to Sofia who was tidying the room already. "You know, you could watch. Some of them get off on that."
Sofia ignored her, knowing it was the safer option. Luckily she wouldn't need to feign ignorance long given the knock on the door and the call of a familiar voice.
"Amber, my jewel, are you decent?"
"Mm~ In a minute, Daddy~," Amber answered sensually, her nickname a code to let her know he had a rich client on hook. Her sweet tone then shifted to a rough hiss as she instructed Sofia to grab her clothes and quickly dress her, which she did, and then retreated into the corner as the princess answered the door with her breasts threatening to burst from her meager slip. "And what can I do for you this lovely afternoon?"
"I'd like you to meet someone," Roland said, stepping aside to present Lord Cedric.
It was brief, but Sofia definitely saw Amber's face cringe in disgust. She hated older men. Not only did they not last long in bed, she rarely found any of them attractive. Sofia stepped forward just a bit, her curiosity over what sort of man was visiting getting the better of her but she was surprised by his appearance. He looked rather comely in Sofia's opinion. Maybe not traditionally handsome, but not someone she usually empathized with the princess over.
"A pleasure to meet you, I'm sure~," Amber purred, extending her hand for Cedric to kiss.
Cedric took her hand, but only to shake it like a businessman. It made Sofia want to giggle, but she held her tongue to remain unnoticed in the background.
"Amber is the crown jewel of our little establishment," Roland explained, presenting her toward him like a trophy. "There's nothing she won't do to please you."
"I can imagine," Cedric answered with a visible cringe. "King Roland, not only do I know this woman is your own daughter, I'm also aware of her history and clientele... Do you take me for a fool?"
"O-Of course not your Lordship, I meant only to present to you the most appealing woman and none would come more recommended."
"Well, I certainly don't want to take your highest earner," Cedric said, spotting Sofia's slight movement in his peripheral and slowly turning his head to see what it was. "I'd prefer a woman of humbler origins, someone that compliments rather than distracts. Someone like... her."
"...Me, my lord?" Sofia spoke up as the man locked eyes with her. She felt her entire body flush. Men had declared want for her before, but this was different, though she couldn't explain how.
"Yes, you," Cedric smiled and offered her his hand which Sofia reluctantly accepted after a glance to Roland told her she should.
"Um, I..." As Cedric drew her closer, he brought the back of her hand to his lips where he kissed it - flashing side look to the princess as if to gloat that he knew their customs but hadn't wished to place his lips anywhere upon her.
"The maids are under contract as well, are they not?" Cedric asked Roland, though his eyes remained on Sofia as he looked her over.
"Well, yes, but Sofia's not..."
"Sofia," Cedric interrupted Roland to repeat the woman's name to her. "My name is Cedric, and I do believe you're exactly who I'm looking for."
"I-I couldn't possibly be..." She kept blushing, though she wasn't sure why. She'd been assumed a courtesan before not by any man this sober or calmly confident. His warm brown eyes were looking through her it seemed, like she was already naked and being sized up, a both thrilling and frightening sensation.
"Yes, she's far more suited to my tastes," Cedric said to Roland, still looking at Sofia with a now gentler smile and an affectionate caress of his hand to her cheek. "That is of course, if you'd like to come with me, Sofia."
She was glad she was finally being included on whatever he was talking about. "Where is it we'd go?"
"Where ever you wish. I'm keen to travel and would greatly appreciate the companionship."
"Oh... When would we be back?" Sofia asked innocently, earning a laugh from the gentleman.
"My dear, you misunderstand," his smile widened. "I want you to marry me and be my wife."
Sofia thought she'd heard him wrong at first. It was an offer that sounded too good to be true, and her mother had warned her that the devil himself whispered such deals. Cedric might appear charming, but what if he were cruel to her once they left? She didn't want to be trapped in another impossible situation. However, if he was kind to her... this might be her chance to be free. "It's an awfully big decision, my lord... Might I have some time to think about it?"
Cedric nodded his head. "Of course."
"I-If you'll excuse me then," she bowed politely as she inched toward the door, finally retreating to let her emotions get the better of her. It was a mixture of excitement, confusion, uncertainty, hope, and fear. In the sanctum of her room, she felt some control over herself, slowly regaining her breath and mind alike.
Marry a stranger? That she would even consider doing such a thing scared her, but freedom from this life... This could well be her only opportunity to have something more. Yes, she'd still have to marry and perform wifely duties, but her prospects of finding a partner the normal way weren't good. No regular man would take on the burden of her debt if they wanted to build a life and start a family together. Even if she did find someone that accommodating, she didn't want to raise children in a place like this. She didn't want to have to work long hours every day and feel alone for the rest of her life. She wanted to at least try another way of living. Sleeping with one man she barely knew was certainly a better prospect than bedding many, but saying 'yes' to Cedric's proposal still made her feel uneasy.
With the lord having retired to his chambers in the castle for the night, he didn't think he'd be further disturbed until morning. After Sofia's departure, he and Roland returned to his office to look over the girl's contract. She'd certainly inherited a great deal of debt, but it wasn't anything he couldn't afford. Ever confident Sofia would agree to his proposal, he began to think about their wedding night - likely aboard his vessel The Sensational on the journey back to his homeland. He'd take things slow, wait until she was comfortable in his arms, kiss every inch of her beautiful body, whisper sweet things into her ear, and then hopefully delve into her hot core, damp with need for her husband.
He could tell it'd been years since his last dalliance with a woman to have fantasies so flowery, but that didn't make it insincere. Sofia looked like she needed someone, unlike Amber who had enough of herself to go around. No, Sofia would appreciate his efforts. His impression of her told him that much. It probably wasn't her ideal 'out', but he'd try to make her happy. In turn, he hoped she'd be kind to him. Kind enough at least to give him a child to placate his mother who worried a bit too much about not being a grandmother. After that... after that if they would just exchange pleasantries from time to time, that'd be fine with him. He knew he'd long to touch her, but realistically knew the feeling might not be mutual.
He sighed as he tried to calm the excitement in his mind long enough to fall asleep when he heard the lock to his door click and the chamber quickly open and close. In the darkness, his aged eyesight had trouble making out who was there, but he knew it was a woman. For a brief moment, he thought Sofia had come to give him her answer, but it took on whiff of a heavy perfume now wafting through the room to eliminate that option.
"Oh dear, still awake, My Lord?" Amber's voice asked in false concern. The blonde came into focus as she made it to the edge of his bed and began to crawl in. "Poor thing. Why don't you let me tire you out?"
"That's not necessary," Cedric frowned and glanced down to see she possessed an even skimpier robe than the one he'd seen her in earlier. He'd concede she was beautiful and quite sensual, but she simply didn't appeal to him. He'd always preferred brunettes, and when it came to egos, he preferred one smaller to his, not larger, and Amber's was so large apparently she couldn't handle rejection.
"Oh, but I insist," Amber purred as she boxed him against the headboard like a leopardess. "You'll sleep much better once you cum for me."
"Yes, well unfortunately for you, darling, I've spent my seed for the evening," he told her honestly, and thank god he had. It'd be harder to chase her off with an erection begging to be played with. "If you'd like to save face, you'll leave now."
Not believing him, Amber aggressively grabbed his groin and sure enough, found nothing but soft flesh.
Cedric grabbed her arm immediately and pushed her back without a word, just a cold glare to match the red snarl she was giving him.
Reminding herself to not look like a beast, she recomposed herself with a haughty scoff, and left the room in a mild stomp.
Rolling his eyes, Cedric laid back down to go to sleep. He was too old for any more drama to stay awake a moment longer.
The following morning, Sofia awoke to her usual routine of grooming and dressing. Things changed however when she stopped in the kitchen to grab her bowl of breakfast porridge. Violet, her senior maid whom Sofia viewed more like an aunt, had a change in orders for her. "Your next few days wages have been paid by a Lord Cedric. Says 'ya might as well get to know 'im before ya make your decision'. And what decision is that, Sofia?"
"I'll tell you later, Violet," Sofia answered, blushing slightly as she ate. So yesterday hadn't been a dream then.
After dodging further questions from her nosy colleagues, Sofia made her way to Cedric's quarters with a basket of clean sheets and towels - expecting fully to work for the man personally with the days he'd paid her salary. Upon announcing herself and getting permission to enter the room, she found everything already taken care of: the bed made, bathroom clean, and the lord fed and dressed, now simply enjoying the morning light with a cup of tea and a paper to read.
"Why are you dressed like that?" Cedric asked with some amusement as he lowered his paper. Coupled with the basket, his brain made the logical conclusion. "You didn't think I was paying you to stay a maid?"
"What else would you want me to do?" Sofia countered, naive in her thinking and only now just realizing how foolish she must look, but surely he didn't expect her to go straight to bed with him.
"It's alright," he told her, quickly getting up to go to her side. "My apologies. I should have been more clear in my instructions. I wanted you to spend the day with me."
"Oh."
"...Is that something you'd like to do?" He asked, not sure if she was elated or disappointed by his clarification.
"I... I wouldn't... know," she said honestly. "I'll gladly do so, but I don't know you or what it is you like to do, so..."
"We could make love all day," he suggested teasingly, only half joking. If she agreed, he'd whisk her onto the bed immediately.
"Th-That's...!" She turned bright red immediately, causing Cedric to chuckle.
"You're quite bashful for a maid in a whore house," his smile softened and he reached up to touch her cheek. "Have you ever known a man?"
Sofia slowly shook her head, keeping her eyes at her feet due to her embarrassment.
"...Would you like to know me?" He asked cautiously, lifting her chin with a single finger to get her to meet his eyes.
He had such deep brown eyes, she thought dreamily. She'd like to get to know him, and if he'd already gone through the effort of buying her time, the least she could do was try. "Perhaps... outside of bed first."
"Splendid," he beamed, and guided her by the small of her back to his little tea table where there was a spare cup ready to share.
They spent the morning simply talking, Sofia filling in the details her contract lacked, before taking their conversation outside to share a walk in the lush gardens. Cedric was surprised how common-sense she was, apparently from a young age, and even now she admitted her reservations to taking an easy way out, worrying it wouldn't be fair to him to have essential bought a wife.
He merely laughed with a boyish embarrassment as they walked together down a shadier patch of cobblestone. "I've attempted courting the old fashioned way with no success. I'm of the age now where what looks I did have aren't fluttering any hearts, but my wealth is. My father passed earlier this spring, so my profile is still rather low, but I knew any woman who showed interest at this point might simply be after my money. And to tell you the truth, it's my mother's money, but I inherited the title of Lord so you see where there can be the discrepancy. My mother's a very... forward woman. She wants grandchildren to spoil in her twilight years. I wouldn't say I'm being forced to marry by her, rather heavily encouraged, although I do admit sometimes I'm rather lonely."
"Have you... hired company before?" Sofia had to ask.
"In my younger days," he nodded his head. "No one in over a decade now I think. I didn't want it to become a habit. A man can have his vices, but vices shouldn't have a man, you know?"
"Yes..." Sofia agreed with a cringe. Plenty of regulars here indulged way too much in booze and women.
Stepping back into the sunlight, Cedric changed the topic. "Speaking of, you must have some escapes from this life every now and then. Tell me, what do you enjoy, my dear?"
"I don't get out much, but I do enjoy music and the arts. Street performers mostly. I can sing and dance relatively well, but I'm often too tired from work to join in. Mostly I end up reading books about folklore and fairy tales, finding my escape in magical realms."
"It doesn't have to be," he smiled. "Think of me as a sorcerer able to cast a spell to take you to lands you've never seen. You'd certainly go then, wouldn't you?"
"Hmm..." Sofia smiled back, his tone obviously flirting and she decided to indulge. "And what would I see in your land, Sorcerer?"
"Amethyst mountains with frosted peaks overlooking a quaint collection of cottages in a forested city all visible from the tallest tower in my castle. The grounds have gardens filled with far more exotic and beautiful flora, reflecting pools, and a lake to the west that swallows the sun at dusk. I hope to return before the summer's end when the entire land looks like the stars have fallen as the fireflies dance in the moonlight," Cedric was waxing poetic at this point, his imagery very vivid in her mind's eye.
"I'd love to see it," she said without realizing.
"You can," Cedric offered, giving a reassuring squeeze to the hand that held his arm. He considered proposing to her again, but knew the offer was still being debated. He wanted to say he understood her hesitation, but he did not. He thought anyone would be happy to leave a life working in a bordello for for a life of luxury, but he also had sense enough to realize that was likely not her reservation. He was asking her to place a lifetime's worth of trust into a marriage with him, a contract that required far more intimacy than he expected the young woman to have experienced - and he was comfortably middle aged, set in his ways, knew what it was he wanted. That they seemingly had any compatibility at all amazed him.
Their courting progressed over three days of picnics, long walks arm in arm, and evenings spent in front of the fire be it enjoying a book or a glass of wine, or simply the harmonious silence between them. Even Sofia had to admit it felt natural for her to be companion to someone. His temper would flare from time to time if he spilled a drink or caught his foot on something. He was unafraid to be cranky after a poor night's sleep, not so much taking it out on her as it was the foreign bed he was unused to. He mellowed often with just an understanding smile, something Sofia found magical in and of itself to see his expression change so drastically from a simple gesture.
"For fuck's sake!" He openly cursed the third afternoon upon tripping over the edge of the rug, falling with little grace and despite catching himself, slumped onto the floor a defeated man. "Perhaps I'm too much of a hazard to be wed..."
Sofia set her book aside and crawled over from her bed of pillows nearer the fireplace to comfort him. "So you're a little klutzy from time to time. We all fall down. What's important is that you get back up."
"..." He rolled onto his back to look at her, his lips curled down in a scowl.
Sofia giggled. "You're not so old that you can't get up, Lord Cedric."
"Ability is irrelevant. My reasons for not getting up are few," he grumbled.
"Is that so?" She challenged, already knowing how to motivate him. In truth, she'd been wanting to try this little exchange for a while, but hadn't felt the opportunity right until this very moment as she leaned down over him to peck a quick kiss to his lips.
His frown twitched and slowly curled up as he pushed himself upright. "You kissed me."
She blushed and nodded her head. "It's something married couples do... I figured we ought to give it a try."
He leaned toward her, smiling calmly. "Might we continue...?"
"If you'd like to," she answered shyly, sitting still as he lips pressed against hers in a far more intimate exchange.
It was so warm and soft, like nothing she'd ever felt before. She moaned lightly as she tilted her head, at first trying to break the kiss only to end up deepening it. With her mind spinning and heart racing, the strength to deter him became non existent as she lost herself in the moment. One kiss became two, two became three, and they continued multiplying as Cedric eased her back onto her nest of pillows, wanting to make sure she was comfortable beneath him.
"Oh, Sofia...!" Cedric breathed out, his lips now inching down her neck. "You've no idea the yearning I've felt since I laid eyes upon you. How I want you... How I'd worship you...!"
"My Lord, please..." Sofia gasped, slightly fearful desire had overtaken him and yet curious to witness his devotion.
"I have only kisses to give you, Sofia," he stated calmly, looking down at her with hope and want in his eyes. "Kisses to bestow upon your most intimate place, if you'll permit me..."
She blushed brightly, but didn't stop him as he lifted her skirt, his hands traveling up her thighs to grasp the hemline of her bloomers and panties alike and lower them to her ankles and pluck off her feet. She watched, holding her breath, as he returned to massaging her legs, bare hands now touching bare thigh, latching on, and slowly parting them with great anticipation. His fingers traveled inward, delicately parting her folds and nether curls to reveal her hidden womanhood, blushing nearly as bright as she was.
"Beautiful..." He breathed, the puff of warm air from his breath making Sofia twitch. His head moved closer, lips puckering and kissing the tender flesh as he'd promised.
She shuddered, the unfamiliar sensation practically making her jump, but Cedric held her down, loudly kissing her lower lips. "Ah...! Lord Cedric...!"
His tongue flicked out at the sound of his name, licking her as if searching while Sofia began to squirm from pleasure.
"M-My Lord, please...!" She begged, breathing heavily and pawing at his clothes as he tended to her, his tongue finding what he'd been looking for as a single prod sent a jolt of pleasure through her body and out her mouth as a sensual cry.
He latched on immediately, sucking, licking, unrelenting to her cries as he built up a pressure deep inside her.
"Lord Cedric...! Please...! I can't...! I'm...!"
"It's alright, my darling. You're going to cum for me," he explained between those intimate kisses.
Sofia had no choice, ceasing her futile struggle for the freedom of release. It certainly felt incredible, but she felt the pressure beginning to twist down all over again as the Lord's mouth continued to feast on her. Wonderfully weak from pleasure, Sofia had no choice but to watch his head bobbing between her legs for what felt like hours. She lost track of how many times she came, or exactly when she passed out, but the next thing she remembered was the sound of dishware clattering and the smell of hot food tickling her nose. She stretched out and groaned upon the bed, unaware the bed was not her own until a figure was at her side with a fresh cup of tea.
"Did you rest well, Sofia?" Cedric asked as she slowly sat up to look at him.
"Huh?" She yawned, accepting the cup and saucer, and then glancing toward the window to see where the sun was. "What time is it?"
"After five. I tried to wake you before, but you seemed in need of the extra hours. However, I didn't want you to miss supper," he smiled and brushed some of her stray hairs off her face before kissing her forehead. "Come eat with me."
Sofia nodded and after a quick sip of her tea, set it on the nightstand. "Alright. Let me freshen up a bit first."
"Of course," he nodded, excusing her to the privy.
Sofia lingered in the bathroom, needing a moment to herself to think as well as groom herself. What had happened? One moment they were chatting and the next he was between her legs. She shuddered at the memory and had to wonder if he had more in store for her after supper. Probably so. While not a courtesan, Lord Cedric probably wanted to sample her before making his purchase. He seemed please so far, but what if he changed his mind? If she wanted to marry him as her way out, she couldn't afford to be an abashed virgin - even though she was. Maybe she ought to show a little initiative - that she was willing to work with him, to please him.
The thought stayed with her when she rejoined him at the table for lighter conversation over their meals. He was certainly easy to talk to, she noted as another thing she liked about him. Yes, she probably could be happy marrying a man like him, and she wanted to make him happy too - to never regret his choosing her. So she decided to be bold once the wine was drank and plates cleared.
"You've been exceedingly kind to me, my lord," she said, reaching a hand under the table to touch his knee and rub up his thigh a bit like she'd seen the other girls do in the parlor rooms. "I do appreciate it."
"Mm," Cedric smiled, relaxing his posture and splaying his long legs a bit wider. "Do you now?"
"Yes. I... I'd like to express my gratitude," she said, pressing her hand over his groin. "If you want me to, of course."
Cedric chuckled and moved his chair out from under the table, hands fiddling with his trousers to present his erecting manhood to her. "Very well. Show me."
Sofia gulped and eyes widened at the sight of him, so she went to her knees immediately to avoid looking at him. She knew more or less what to do, but never having performed fellatio before, feared she'd make a fool out of herself trying to suck him off. The fear didn't stop her, bringing her head between his legs while one hand grasped the base of his firm cock. The softness of the skin surprised given the stiffness of it and the thickness of his scent wasn't nearly as powerful as she expected from being tucked in his trousers all day. She began to stroke him, watching as his posture eased further and he exhaled a pleasant hum - clearly just happy to have his penis touched at all. Okay, she could do this. Start slow, she coached herself as she bestowed a kiss to the tip.
"Ooo," Cedric inhaled and dipped his head back as more kisses came, followed by slow licks. "Yes, yes that's good, Sofia. Just like that, love."
Heeding his instructions, she continued, licking all the way down to the base of him, her other hand sneaking in his pants to cradle his scrotum having heard numerous times 'not to neglect the balls' in the harem. She rolled the sack in her palm as her tongue traced back up his shaft, her lips then fastening over the moistened tip and sucking with a loud pucker.
"AH!" Cedric arched his hips forward a bit, eager to enter her mouth, but restrained himself. Still, for a woman who didn't take customers, she seemed rather skilled. But he'd think about that later. Right now all he wanted was to continue this wonderful exchange.
Her mouth slid further down his shaft and then back up to the tip where she teased her tongue in addition to sucking hard. The blissful sounds he made were rather encouraging and stimulating her own sex to think of how such pleasure felt.
"Sofia..." He panted, stroking her hair as her head bobbed up and down quicker and quicker. "I'm going to cum, love... Should I... AHH!"
She slid his length down her throat, feeling his balls twitch as he came down her throat with a loud gasp of pleasure. She too moaned as she withdrew his cock, catching a lingering taste of his seed. She'd been right to do as the other girls had mentioned in taking him in deep because she couldn't say she cared much for the taste of him. With what knowledge she had of the skill, she forced herself to lick her lips and gaze up at her customer, a comforting hand now massaging his inner thigh. "Mm... Was that acceptable, My Lord?"
"Oh Gods..." Cedric was slumped in the chair still trying to regain control of his breath, his now flaccid cock still slightly twitching from the wonderful experience of her mouth.
Not exactly responding to her, Sofia continued her comforting touch, worried she'd done something damaging to the man as opposed to pleasurable. It seemed an awfully long time before his head lolled down to look at her and she felt his hand at her cheek again. She turned up to look at him and felt her heart skip a beat from the soft, yet intense gaze he'd captured her in.
"Sofia..." he breathed her name again. "Marry me."
She'd be hard pressed to refuse his proposal after letting things progress this far, she decided, and slowly got to her feet. She stood between his legs and put her arms around him, leaning her head down to his upturning face. "Yes."
Their lips met for an impassioned kiss, Cedric's energy miraculous renewed for a few moments as he lost himself in her. "Oh my dear, you've made me so happy. We can be wed on the 'morrow. The captain of my vessel has been awaiting my return with a bride."
"Oh," she blushed, settling on his lap.
"You don't get seasick, do you?"
Sofia shook her head. "No, I'm fine on the water. This is all just happening so quickly, it doesn't seem real."
"I assure you, my dear, it is real. Tomorrow, I'll make you my wife," he grinned and kissed her again.
After a few more kisses and light conversation regarding the wedding, Cedric reluctantly let Sofia retire to her own quarters while he struck out to draw up the necessary paperwork with Roland. He remained in high spirits both from his success and procuring the woman's hand in marriage, but also from the wonderful work of her mouth on his nethers. It was almost too good, a part of his brain nagged, while his heart assured him his Sofia, while talented, remained pure. Not that it mattered greatly if she was a virgin or not, but he didn't like being deceived.
"And as far as you know, she's a virgin?" He casually asked Roland as he looked over Sofia's contract.
"I'd be surprised if she wasn't. Her work efforts don't leave much time for boys. There's been some harassment by customers, but our girls only serve if willing and the rough sorts are immediately banned," Roland answered, unaware of Cedric's deeper doubts.
The man had already tried to deceive him once and Cedric would not be made a fool of, but perhaps he already was given how badly he pined for his intended. He found himself nursing a semi upon return to his room where he wasn't surprised to find another woman waiting for him.
Sprawled out naked on his bed was Amber, a predatory look in her cat-like eyes that turned into a Cheshire grin as he entered. It was like she knew exactly when he didn't want to deal with her.
"You don't know when to quit, do you?" He sighed.
"I'd argue you're just as stubborn," she smirked, drawing a finger down her supple thigh. "Why wouldn't you want to sample the finest Enchancia has to offer?"
"I will on the 'morrow. I'm marrying Sofia and taking her away from this place."
"Yes, I'd heard about that and felt I should tell you since Daddy likely didn't. You can take the girl out of the whorehouse, but you can't take the whorehouse out of the girl," Amber giggled.
"...What do you mean?" Cedric knew he shouldn't inquire, but it was too late to retract his question.
"She may be a maid, but that's only because she caters to a very exclusive list of clientele," Amber explained, sitting up to flaunt her breasts and well groomed loins to the man. "She's had many lovers you know. You've seen her debt. There's no way she'd ever be free of it if she didn't sell herself from time to time."
It sounded like the truth, a truth Cedric didn't want to believe, but he had to be realistic.
"If you're going to marry a whore, you might as well marry one who's the best at what she's doing," Amber continued, gliding off the bed to approach him. "I can make you a very happy man, Lord Cedric, if you'd only let me."
"Would you really?" He said with a polite smile, stepping aside to reveal the door before the expression faded back to annoyance. "Leave."
"Hmpf," Amber gave a little pout, but didn't see the point in arguing with the man. It wouldn't serve her purpose to create anymore animosity between them and they both knew it. For now, she could only hope the seeds of doubt she'd planted festered in her absence and would cause a change in heart come morning.
Cedric wondered if he was ever to have a good night's rest during his stay, his initial intentions of rubbing himself to sleep now tainted from Amber's mere presence. He rang his service bell to place another wine order and went about changing into his nightclothes as he waited on the bottle. He wanted to focus his thoughts towards his upcoming nuptials, but Amber's venom was doing its damage. Such incredible fellatio couldn't simply be beginner's luck, could it? This was a whore house after all, it stood to reason she might have some knowledge of a man's erogenous zones, but to utilize it as well as she did surely required practice. A past, he could forgive, but deception was another point entirely and Roland had already made an attempt to fool him.
Not knowing where to direct his thoughts, he was grateful when there was a knock at the door and the promise of wine. However, the bottle came with a surprise, not his usual maid, but Sofia, fresh from a recent bath given the damp braid tossed over her dressing gown.
He felt immediate relief at the sight of her and responded by quickly weaving his arms around her and pulling her to his chest. "I've missed you."
"After only a few hours? What would you have done if I hadn't met Marcy in the kitchen and offered to bring you your wine instead?" Sofia asked with a smile, unable to return the embrace given her hold on the bottle between them.
"Let us not ponder such a scenario," he smirked, easing his hold to usher her inside.
Sofia caught the whiff of Amber's perfume as she entered, but made no fuss as she approached the small dining table to pour his glass, merely stating her observation. "Amber was here again, wasn't she?"
"Unfortunately," Cedric groaned, eager to take the fresh glass and its mind numbing contents.
"That doesn't surprise me. A maid usurping a big business deal from a princess wouldn't sit well with her ego," Sofia sighed. "I'm sorry she's been harassing you."
"It'd be far more amusing if I believed she liked any part of me as much as my family's fortune," he admitted, taking a slow sip of wine. "Has she always been so forward?"
"Yes, that hasn't changed. I think she'd grown a bit bored since James, her younger twin, joined the knighthood. Being cooped up in such a place, seizing certain opportunities can be vital."
"Well she'll just have to wait for another opportunity because this one is yours," he said, placing the glass back down and drawing her back into his arms. "And you are mine."
She blushed and nodded her head, slowly moving her hands up his chest until they rested over his shoulders. "You certainly know how to make a woman feel wanted, my lord. It's been so long since I've shared affection with anyone, the fact that you're eager to have me in your arms makes me not want to leave them."
"Then don't," he smiled, hugging her close.
"As much as I've warmed to the idea of having you inside me, my lord, shouldn't we wait for our wedding night?" Sofia had to ask. After this afternoon, she'd have trouble objecting to subsequent offers of pleasure from the man. The thought of his girth inside her made her belly flutter and literally warm with excitement. He'd awakened want within her, and was quite keen on experiencing it.
"You want me inside you?" He inhaled sharply near her ear, his semi returning with gusto.
"I can't stop thinking about it," she admitted, rubbing herself shamelessly against him. "You're the first man I've ever wanted to bed. What you did with your mouth was incredible, yet I want... more..."
Cedric moaned, feeling the heat of her sex through her gown and against his bulge. This welcomed revelation made him wonder if she'd been longing since she awoke - trading places with his usual serving maid to bring him his wine a convenient excuse to flee to her fiance's arms. "Let's go to the bed, my dear..."
Sofia obeyed, sitting herself on his bed and disrobing, revealing a rather modest nightgown that still served plenty of salacious thoughts to his aroused brain.
Cedric resisted stripping himself nude, much to Sofia's confusion as they huddled under the sheets. He encouraged she lie on her side facing away from him, but allowing his body to fit snugly behind hers like a pair of spoons.
She certainly liked the feel of it, his hardness at her heat, yet prevented from joining them together by thin layers of fabric. Sofia tilted her head back to inquire if this was the position he preferred, but before she could speak, his lips were on hers again. Calmer, but deep, assuring her whatever his intentions, his sole concern was her comfort.
"I'd very much like to have you now, my dear, but waiting a day more will be worth it," he explained, reaching an arm down to caress her thigh. "Let that desire build... Then I surely won't leave you unsatisfied."
"Alright," she agreed, though she did tease her backside against his obvious erection in pursuit of another taste.
Cedric hissed through his teeth at the sensation and guided his hand beneath her nightgown and between her legs. "Although you are tempting..."
"I can't help it... I want you," Sofia confessed, bringing their lips back together as Cedric's fingers gently rubbed her tender flesh. Her breathing quickened as he explored her with loving strokes and caresses, his fingers quickly becoming slick with her arousal.
"Tell me more about how you want me," he whispered against her ear as he swirled a finger around her hidden pearl, earning a loud gasp from her.
"I...!" Sofia panted, feeling his fingers pressing in a light circle. She wasn't sure how to elaborate upon her want of him and it was awfully hard to think with the musing of his fingers.
He returning to licking at her neck as he plunged two fingers inside her, his thumb still circling her clit. He accepted her cries as an answer, relishing in the sensual song of repeated "ah"s whenever his fingers delved forward. Feeling her on his cock would be extraordinary, the temptation not to wait prompting him to grind himself against her backside.
"Oh god...!" Sofia whined, the pressure of his erection maddening her with desire for the man. She wanted to give him pleasure and experience more of it herself, but it was more than that. She reached her hand back to grab him, wanting to give him something to thrust into. He was so hot and hard against her palm, and moaned loudly as she pumped his length.
Cedric sucked on her earlobe to muffle his louder cries, his fingers now working faster and harder, trying to match the rhythm of her strokes to simulate their future lovemaking.
"CEDRIC!" She cried out as the pressure burst within her, her hand squeezing him extra hard and triggering his own orgasm.
"Ugh! Sofia...!" Cedric hissed, pushing his pelvis as close to her posterior as possible as his seed spilled onto her thigh. His hands now held her arms, holding her close as he came and then descended his high, tucking his head over her shoulder and breathing heavily.
Sofia was also panting, but recovered quicker than her husband to be. She reached her hand back to stroke his hair, coaxing him to nuzzle his head against hers.
"Oh, Sofia..." he murmured against her ear, following with a few light kisses to her neck.
"My Lord..." She sighed happily, turning just so to trade gentle kisses with the man. By this time tomorrow he'd be her husband, and she his wife. She'd have him in her arms, in her body, giving him all the love and affection she was capable of.
'Love'. She blushed at the thought, thinking it premature, but somehow it suited her feelings better than all other words. Yes, she didn't have much to offer Cedric in return, but she'd give him her love on their wedding night, and together they'd build a future together. It seemed too good to be real, like it was all a beautiful dream, and she clung to him for fear it'd slip from her grasp.
Come morning, once again the two did part to finish packing and make themselves presentable for the upcoming wedding ceremony. Sofia wasn't exactly sure what she was supposed to do to look nice. The nicest thing she owned was still hemmed and stitched in various places and all in varying shades of brown with tints of color. It seemed foolish to try to make her look any more presentable, but then again, Cedric had proposed to her while she wore her apron and had her hair in a ponytail. Maybe he liked the ragged look? Still, as she finished brushing her hair out, she ruled her 'best' wasn't much, but it would have to do.
"If'in he can't see how lovely a lass ya are without frills, I don't think he'd be a man worth marryin'," Violet declared as she finished packing Sofia's meager bags of belongings. "But ya like 'im?"
"He's very charming when he wants to be," Sofia said with a shy smile. "I think I can be happy being the wife to a man like him, but I'm not certain I'll do the same for him. I mean, I'll try, but I've never..."
"Ya ride his cock an' you'll be fine," Violet winked. "Ya may not a' done the deed, but ya know how the deed needs doin'."
"Y-Yes," Sofia nodded with a blush.
"You'll do fine," Violet gave the younger woman a comforting hug as there was a knock on the door.
"Sofia, are you decent?" Roland called from the other side.
"Yes sire," Sofia answered and looked to Violet who handed her her bag and gave her a nudge for the door.
Cedric had been brief on Sofia's situation when he purchased her contract, but he didn't expect to be so underwhelmed by the young woman's lack of anything when she stepped out of the room. Had she not saved any of her earnings for herself? He felt like he was adopting a stray kitten from the streets. He couldn't wait to spoil her, assured her reaction would be to sing his praises, something his ego was always in the mood for.
"Um," Sofia blushed, trying to think of something more to say to break the silence when Cedric closed the gap between them to offer her his arm. She slowly curled her fingers around the lush fabric of his jacket and found she liked it there. They looked a bit of an odd pair, and walking together felt strange, but she didn't dislike it.
Saying her goodbyes as they left the castle, Sofia found her heart beating rapidly the closer they came to the gate. She'd come and gone before to the village, but this was the first time she truly felt like she was leaving - like she could leave. The fear of not taking such an opportunity had stopped her before. She wouldn't let it a second time. She gripped Cedric's arm a little tighter as his carriage passed through the archway and was afraid to let go until he had to ask what was causing her to cling to him so.
"Sorry," she said softly, ready to pull her hand away when Cedric's other hand clasped over it.
"If you're scared, I don't mind if you cling to me," he tilted his head toward hers. "In fact, I encourage it."
"I'm worried I'll wake up; that this will have all been some fantastic dream..."
"Unlikely. I don't think I'm the exact sort of man young women dream about marrying," he said rather nonchalantly.
"Oh?" Sofia gave a curious tilt. "Do you not think yourself a dashing hero, Lord Cedric?"
"Well, I'm not exactly dashing," he smiled at her.
"Mm, I don't think so. You're very handsome. You have warm brown eyes and two very pretty hair colors. Then there's your aristocratic nose," she said, drawing down the elongated bridge of his nose and down across his lips. "And your thin, but gentle lips..."
"That fit so perfectly against the soft swell of yours," he finished, leaning in to steal a kiss from her. He'd been trying to save his passions for consummating their vows, but he feared madness if he didn't indulge in some small taste of her beforehand.
Sofia was similarly frisky, eager to latch on to his lips and thread her fingers through his hair as he dipped his tongue into her mouth. She wanted to dare this reality to break - to prove it was not a dream. She felt his palm cup a breast, rolling it tenderly before giving it a gentle squeeze causing her to softly gasp into his mouth just as the carriage came to a halt and put their passions on hold.
They found themselves among the hustle and bustle of the port. From the carriage, they went up a plank to a large ship, one grander than Sofia had ever seen. The entire crew greeted Cedric and offered their congratulations and Sofia a small bouquet of flowers as the ship's captain appeared from his quarters to perform their simple wedding ceremony.
To passing eyes, it was hardly much of a wedding, but Sofia always preferred small and simple. The traditional vows they recited made her heart pound wildly in her chest, still awaiting some revelation this couldn't possibly be real, but it was - their shared kiss to the cheers of the crew felt very real. Only a few hours more and she'd dare believe it to be true.
At last the two retired to Cedric's cabin, a dark, but warm room with several lavish pieces of furniture built in to the walls in the event of rough seas. The view from the windows was still of the port though it was slowly shifting as the crew weighed anchor and unfurled the sails to set out for Cedric's homeland. A painting on the wall depicted such, the amethyst mountain range in the background of lush forest and meadow. It really did look like a picture from a storybook.
"Do you like it?" He asked, stepping behind her as she admired the painting.
"It's beautiful..." Sofia answered, turning to face him. "Is that where we're heading?"
"Yes. My mother will want to meet you as soon as word reaches her. After that we can have a proper honeymoon anywhere you wish."
"The world's a big place... I don't know that I ever had any one destination in mind," she smiled and put her arms around him. "Right now I just want to be here with you, if that's alright."
"It's where I want to be too," he beamed, tilting his head to take her lips in yet another tender kiss.
Sofia took a seat on the bed, expecting her husband to join her immediately, but he held back as he excused himself over to a desk drawer.
"I have a wedding present for you," Cedric smiled as he pulled a few papers from the desk and walked back over to the bed to hand them to her. "Sorry it's not wrapped."
Curious, Sofia took the handful of papers which she recognized after the first line. "My contract...?"
"To do with as you will," he instructed with a slight bow. "I know you've essentially traded it for a marriage contract, but am I wrong for thinking I'm the better choice?"
"No," she shook her head and smiled as she began shredding the paper, taking great delight in its destruction. She threw it up like confetti, or perhaps like rice seeing as there hadn't been any scattered after the ceremony on deck.
He chuckled and joined her on the bed, brushing a few pieces of the document to the floor. Their giggles ceased and an awkward silence hung in the room for a few moments before Sofia brought her arms around his neck and pulled him into a deep kiss.
She'd been anxious for this moment since Cedric made his proposal. She always feared her first time would be with a customer when the pressure to pay off her debt increased, so to offer herself up to her husband on their wedding night meant the world to her. The excitement building in her abdomen was finally reaching its peak, perhaps making her a little too anxious as she subsequently pinned Cedric to the bed.
"Sofia...!" He was surprised by her enthusiasm and didn't complain, not that she gave him much opportunity with continued kisses. It felt amazing to be wanted so fiercely by the young beauty: her hands stroking up the flat panes of his chest after plucking open the buttons of his shirt. He watched with kindred hunger in his eyes as her hands traveled downward to his trousers, popping them open, and extracting his full erection.
She smiled and promptly took him into her mouth, wanting to give him every bit of pleasure she could.
"Oh god, Sofia...!" He gasped, tilting his head back into the pillows. He wasn't sure why, but this fellatio felt far better than the first, her mouth working him perfectly from the start. The only downside was that it was rather short, although that was probably for the best. If he came in her mouth, they'd have to wait a while longer to consummate their vows.
Sofia gave the tip of his cock one last kiss before backing off the bed to disrobe herself in full view of her husband. Wanting to keep him interested, she teased each item of clothing off one by one until she was left in her knickers and swaying her body back and forth as she ran her hands down her sides.
"How lovely..." Cedric breathed, his eyes focusing on her full breasts, pink nipples perked to attention. He licked his lips, thirsting for their flavor in his mouth. His eyes followed her fingers as they slipped under the hem of her panties, slowly lowering them to reveal her damp womanhood. He moaned with yearning, his cock now aching to be inside of her.
"I hope I make you happy, my lord," Sofia said in a hushed tone as she crawled back onto the bed and over her husband. She smiled warmly at him as she caressed a hand to his cheek. "This is all I have to give you: myself, and my love."
"Your love?" He repeated, a bit surprised to hear that word between them. Their was a definite fondness, but love took time. Love was work. Love... wasn't a requirement for their marriage.
"I know it's perhaps too soon to speak of such feelings, but I am already fond of you, and I want to love you, so along with my body, I entrust my heart to you as well. That is my wedding gift to you... Ce... Cedric," she blushed, knowing it was a risk to address him without his title, but desperately wanting to bridge the gap between lord and maid to simply man and woman.
Cedric's face melted into a warm smile as he placed a hand over hers and turned his lips to kiss her palm before moving her hand over his heart. "I'll treasure it always, my dear wife."
She smiled and pulled his head down to latch onto his lips, wanting him now more than ever. There was no conversation, only quickened breaths between long, amorous kisses until Sofia slowly lowered herself upon his cock, crying out from the sting of the first stretch. This was nothing like his fingers, fuller and deeper reaching, burning as the full length sheathed inside her.
Cedric held her waist and was a bit shocked to see the tiny trickle of blood running down his length as she raised herself back up a bit. Despite his suspicions to the contrary, she was indeed a virgin. The revelation made him sit up, wanting to better embrace and comfort her as she got used to the feel of him. He was fighting the urge to buck into her, loving the tight warmth she engulfed him in, but wanting far more to have her enjoy her first time with him. "Easy, love. Easy..."
Sofia bit into her lip to suppress her moans, her limbs wrapping around his form to brace herself. "I-I can do it."
He smiled kindly as he let her take the time she needed to adjust before a sigh gave him an indication she was relaxing. He turned her over, putting her into the comfort of the bedding rather than the boniness of his thighs. "Sofia, you're not my whore - you're my wife. You don't need to push yourself."
"W-Well yes, but it seems a bit unfair to ask you to guide me in this... You're done so much for me and I'm the one who grew up in a brothel."
He had to chuckle. "Yes, a bit ironic, but marriage isn't about counting the favors we owe each other. You gave me your love, did you not? There's nothing more I could ever want from you. You're everything I need, Sofia. Let me be yours as much as you are mine."
She blushed and nodded her head, weaving her arms and legs around him as he slowly pressed forward, testing her tolerance. Sofia gasped and squeezed him, but was quick to relax and take a deep breath before encouraging him to continue - which he did. "Oh...! That's...! That's nice..."
"Not one for hyperbole, are you my dear?" Cedric smirked, planting a kiss to her temple as he gently moved his hips back and forth. He hadn't the energy for anything excessive, but even if he had, wanted to prolong this moment as much as possible.
"I guess not," Sofia sighed happily as the burning between her legs subsided and gave way to a delightful fluttering in her belly. She pulled him in for another kiss, wanting to convey as much affection as she could.
It wouldn't be hard to love him, she decided, both physically and emotionally. Every kiss, every caress was attentive and loving, resonating the same feeling with Cedric. Love was inevitable, both having found exactly what they needed in the other. The future was certain to be a happy one.
Epilogue
They'd been at sea for two months trying to return to Cedric's homeland, but the weather wasn't permitting - meaning they moored at port in a different city nearly every week. Cedric grumbled his complaints, knowing his mother wouldn't forgive even the weather for their late arrival, but Sofia's wonder at the outside world would make it worth it. She practically dragged him off the ship the moment they arrived in a new city, eager to experience all the new sights and sounds of unknown places. The culture had yet to change significantly, but in their current place of port, the internal market was huge - nearly as large as Sofia's sparkling blue eyes.
"Tanguvian Coffee and imported carpets?! Waah! Jade jewelry from Wei-Ling?! Ooo! Cedric, Cedric! They have silks from Khaldoun! Feel how soft!" Sofia exclaimed like an excited child as she went from one stand to another, though the silks seemed to be holding her attention long enough to convey her obvious want of them.
Cedric smiled and inspected the product for himself, a man of his class having some taste for the best. "Well, you are in need of clothing."
"Really?!" Sofia held back a squeal as Cedric reached for his coin purse to conduct the necessary transaction. She really didn't want him spending too much on her, but she did want a more proper gown to meet her mother-in-law in.
Cedric was only too glad to spoil her and listen to her happy hum as they made their way back to the ship. He kept glancing down to see her happy little smile as she hugged her sewing materials to her chest. She was absolutely adorable now that she was more relaxed in his presence and settling in to their marriage. It only made him want to ravish her more.
"I wonder if I'll be able to sew properly if the waves remain as choppy as they've been," she pondered out loud as they walked the gang plank back onto the ship.
"The recent forecast calls for calmer waters along our charter," he said, taking hold of her hand as she stepped onto the desk. "It should be smooth sailing to Alabastower."
"I hope so. I thought I didn't get seasick, but my stomach's been feeling queasy for a few days now," she confessed.
"Are you alright?" He asked, stepping closer to her side. This was the first he was hearing about her feeling unwell.
"Yes, I'm fine. There's one other thing it might be," she said with a small smile and bright cheeks.
"...Really?" Cedric's face melted into a wide smile.
"I'm over a week late. I'm not certain, but I'd like to increase my nutrition in cause I am."
"Of course, darling," he swept her up into his arms and planted a firm kiss on her lips before reluctantly releasing her. "I'll go inform the cook. Why don't you take your things to our room and wait for me on the bed?"
"Again? It'll be a wonder if I'm not," she giggled before heading off to their cabin.
Two weeks later when they arrived in Alabastower, she had the best news to give her mother-in-law: she'd be a grandmother come spring. It made for a good first impression, Madam Winifred far more eager to pamper her new daughter-in-law than Cedric ever was - only because Cedric showed restraint. Sofia endured with grace, knowing the woman meant well, but come the end of the day, she was happy to crawl into bed with her husband and simply relax.
"She doesn't make you regret marrying me, does she?" Cedric had to ask, turning onto his side to rub his hand over her womb and gaze into her eyes.
"Not even for a moment," Sofia smiled, pulling him into a kiss. Freedom never tasted so sweet.
END
A/N: Okay, so this was a request that turned into quite the long one-shot. It's been brewing for months. I know it's rather anti-climatic with Amber's role, but I'll be honest, I wanted to write more smut than I did drama. If I can figure out the how, I may go back at some point and edit it in, but for now, I think it's alright. ;) Enjoy