AU: Jessibelle's "Sealed" from "Bits and Pieces", continued from Chapter 4
"...Before this whole ordeal, I actually had the nerve to think you cared about me, but then when I was in trouble... for the first time in my life, you weren't going to save me... So I saved myself..." Sofia's crude explanation repeated in his head after he chased her away.
Now that he was alone, Cedric felt he had the room to breathe. With a heavy exhale, he sunk into the stool by his desk and rolled over to see what work she'd left him. He picked up the ingredient containers, examining each of their contents to insure they hadn't been further tampered with. Lava Lizard Larynx, Woozy-Toozy Worm Paste, Sapphire Soot, etc. all looking as they should upon inspection. He neglected to observe the Freewill Flowers along with a few other ingredients when nature called, drawing him back into his chambers to purge his body of the remaining potion traces.
There wouldn't be much work done today, he realized, between his sobering up and the hubbub the castle erupted to upon Sofia's announcement of their nuptials. He'd barely finished giving the news to his parents' portrait when his mother popped through, squealing joyously and hugging him tight. Winifred the Wise was completely delighted to visit her son since hearing of his nuptials and the circumstances under which they were consummated. "Oh, I always liked that girl! Just a little bit of wickedness in her after all!"
Winifred taking Sofia's side was a foreseen complication with summoning his mother, but Cedric needed a voice besides his own to paint the princess' actions as villainous. Since his mother agreed, she proved his point, even if the doing so brought him no solace.
"I'll have such naughty grandchildren; I'll have to get creative where I hide the cookies," the older woman giggled, but taking note of her son's lack of triumphant cackling, moved to begin mothering. "Now, Ceddykins, why the pout? You love that girl, don't you?"
"Yes, but that's not the point!"
"Isn't it? If you really love her, why don't you forgive her?"
"It's not that I don't plan on it, but she... She shouldn't be doing things like that. Like me! And I didn't think she'd ever take advantage of our relationship either... I can't treat this like just another magical marriage and that's the damn worst part of it. If I didn't love her, it would be easy and simple. I wouldn't even care... but I do."
"So why torture yourself, dear?" Winifred smiled gently, gingerly placing her hand on her son's back to rub it comfortingly. "If you love her, then love her. Make her grateful she chose a man like you."
Cedric heaved another heavy sigh and tilted his head to meet Winifred's comforting pats to his head. There were times when he didn't mind her coddling, and this was one of them. He knew she was right: this marriage wasn't going to go away simply because he was upset, and for what it was worth, Sofia had chosen him to be her husband. However, he couldn't pretend his first actions as such were... proper. What if he'd hurt her? Scared her? The council could push for copulation all they wanted, but he didn't want to rape his wife to satisfy their demands for more magic users.
A curt knock on the door drew him out of his mother's embrace as Baileywick then proceeded to open the door. "Ah, forgive the interruption Ms. Winifred, Cedric."
"Oh not at all Bailey, dear," Winifred said with a dismissive wave.
"What do you want, Baileywick?" Cedric asked in his usual dry tone with the steward.
"I understand congratulations are in order," he began, took a moment to adjust his spectacles, then laid on his own callous tone. "You've been asked to join the royal family for dinner seeing as you're now part of the family."
Cedric grimaced, but knew for his own sake, he'd have to keep up appearances lest he invite more trouble into the situation.
Predictably, Sofia's entire family was surprised to hear the two had eloped the night before, but also relieved to know the situation was resolved without further conflict. Sofia of course had neglected to mention how she "convinced" Cedric to marry her. Those details wouldn't be appropriate even if she and Cedric had married under mutual consent. Still, it was a marriage to be celebrated for the sole fact Sofia wouldn't have to leave Enchancia to partner with a sorcerer she barely knew - that was how Amber and James saw it.
"What made you change your mind, Cedric?" James asked.
What surprised Sofia was Cedric's willingness to play along with the charade, hiding his true feelings behind a fake smile she could now easily see through.
"After some thought, it seemed a reasonable solution. Sofia kindly granted me no pomp and circumstance over the matter," he glanced over to his new bride seated at his side. "But given Sofia's deadline, it was understandable to rush things. We can still arrange for a proper, royal ceremony for the morality of the kingdom, but the Magic Council is satisfied with... the basic consummation."
"Yes..." Roland coughed uncomfortably, earning a pat on the hand from Miranda.
"I take it you sent word to the council immediately," the Queen smiled. "I'm glad we can put this whole matter behind us."
"Unfortunately not, Your Majesty. They'll ease on the marriage inquisitions, certainly, but matters of progeny will arrive before the year is out," Cedric said calmly, breaking to take a sip of his wine like this was regular conversation between him and the royals. "Provided she's not already pregnant."
Both Miranda and Roland's ears turned red, both accepting the marriage, but the reminder of its purpose putting images in their heads neither asked for.
"Will you at least be honeymooning somewhere?" Amber asked, her inquiry born out of concern for his sister's lack of anything 'fun' for her nuptials and the now obvious elephant in the room that they were behaving like newlyweds. She knew sex was a part of marriage, but wished for her sanity's sake, Sofia and Cedric would be doing such things far away from Enchancia. "Hakalo's perfect this time of year."
"Huh?" Sofia looked up from her plate and quickly glanced at her husband before turning back to her sister. "Oh, I hadn't thought about... that."
"How could you not?" Amber demanded, fully offended on Sofia's behalf. "You got married but you don't want any of the fun that comes with it? You're stuck with Cedric, the least you can do is make the most of it!"
Cedric had to wonder if the elder princess was aware of his presence or wanted to make her opinion on the union known unabashedly. Probably the latter.
"I'm not 'stuck', Amber," Sofia corrected.
"Well if you were gonna elope, you should at least have gone somewhere to make it a little special. Honestly Cedric, you married a princess. You ought to treat her like one."
"Amber," Miranda scolded lightly.
Oddly, the idea of a honeymoon intrigued Cedric. It would be nice to just get away from all this for a while. His focus was not going to be on his work and maybe a change of scenery would help him digest the reality. "Perhaps a honeymoon isn't such a bad idea," the sorcerer conceded.
"You... want to?" Sofia sounded surprised.
Right, Cedric's brain reminded him, getting away from the castle wouldn't mean getting away from Sofia, and honeymoons were basically an excuse to have as much sexual intercourse as possible - something the council would surely push for. It didn't sound like a bad idea, his other brain weighed in as he looked at Sofia, immediately imaging all the ways he'd yet to have her. He blushed at the thought, and after some reluctance, answered her. "It's been a busy year in general. A break would do both of us some good. Our nuptials provide the perfect excuse."
Sofia agreed. "Okay then, where would you like to go?"
"Oh, since when do I get to choose?" The words slipped out more snarky than he meant them, earning a momentary stare from all at the dinner table until he cleared his throat and clarified. "While Princess Amber's recommendations aren't to be taken lightly, I'm not one for muggy climates. There's a resort villa in Freezenburg I entertained the idea of visiting on my next vacation."
"Ooh! Are you talking about the Mt. Frosstar Hotel?!" Amber interrupted before her sister could speak, her eyes a twinkle.
"Er, yes, I believe that was the name." Cedric answered cautiously.
"Ohmygosh, Hildie's told me so much about it but I haven't had the time either to visit! Oh Sofia, it's a winter wonderland with natural hot springs, magic massages, the best hot chocolate, the most beautiful crystal decor, and of course the clearest skies to view the stars! Then there's the ice rink, the ski-boarding, and the stables even had a white reindeer born last year!"
Amber sounded more excited for this honeymoon than Sofia, but it was just like her sister to raise enthusiasm at a time like this when Sofia needed it most. She was able to manage a small smile, deciding even with Cedric upset with her, the idea of honeymoon might not be that horrible. "I have wanted to see more of my birth father's homeland, and I don't mind the cold much. It sounds perfect, Cedric."
There, he'd placated both his in-laws and his wife, Cedric heaved a sigh internally. "Yes, well if that's decided, I'll make the arrangements."
"No need," Roland smiled, summoning Baileywick to his side. "I'll handle the travel arrangements. When would you like to leave?"
"Immediately, if you wouldn't mind," Cedric dabbed his mouth on his napkin and rose from his seat. "Our elopement being what it was, I think it for the best if we let our vows settle before we return to our duties."
"I suppose so. The kingdom will need a while to digest the news too, I imagine," The king said as he scribbled the necessary commission for a carriage to Freezenburg, unaware of the negative implications of his words.
Cedric could only hear the negative - with Sofia being the most beloved royal by far, her marriage to him of all people might not be the usual morale booster most royal weddings were. Not that he'd blame them. Their sweet princess marrying the old royal sorcerer would once again make him the villain to many eyes who wouldn't believe the truth even if it were revealed to them. No, he was not looking forward to the next time he had to run errands. He wanted to run away and let the whole situation die down, and thankfully a honeymoon provided that out so he wouldn't look this gift flying-horse in the mouth. "Thank you for the meal; I'm off to pack."
"I should be able to have the carriage ready first thing in the morning," Baileywick announced as he went over Roland's commission.
"Very well," Cedric gave a nod of his head and a polite bow to his in-laws.
Sofia expected him to be promptly on his way, but not before he leaned down and pecked a kiss to her cheek, pleasantly surprising her.
"I shall see you later, my dear," he said, so sweet she almost believed it to be sincere. His voice tempted fantasies of their intertwining, bestowing want and longing before his departure.
It was a cruel punishment, but one she accepted willingly, and would relish in. Being a honeymoon, it was rather obvious they'd be having carnal relations. Hopefully Cedric would put most of his energy into that so they might have a chance to talk things out. However, Sofia was aware her own tolerance for his brand of lovemaking was too intense for a novice like her. She had youth on her side, maybe too much - her usual optimistic approach to all matters waned in this particular situation. She had nothing to her advantage other than the small comfort Cedric was attracted to her (albeit reluctantly).
By the time she reached her room, fresh from her bath and ready for bed, her maids were already packing for tomorrow. Violet directed the organized chaos, but drew her team to a halt when their princess entered the room.
"Did you need something, Princess?" Violet asked, evidently surprised to see her.
"Er, I appreciate your help packing, but I'd like to go to bed early."
"Oh. We thought you'd be staying with Lord Cedric from now on. He being your husband and all."
Sofia blushed with embarrassment. Yes, that's what would be expected, wouldn't it? "I guess I'm a little worn out and not thinking straight. Y-You're right."
"I'll prepare a few toiletries," Violet volunteered with a kind, helpful smile that made Sofia unable to refuse her service.
And so Sofia found herself once again under the judgmental gaze of Cedric's guardian gargoyles. Still, she steeled herself for what lay beyond and put all her confidence into opening the door. Cedric was where he usually was, seated at his desk toiling with some magical project, only this time she beheld him half naked, dressed only in his trousers. She'd never really seen his body before.
"I see you still haven't learned to knock," he snapped, lightly this time, not looking up from his task - enchanting a few vials to protect the potion ingredients he was sure to purchase in Freezenberg from the cold.
"I thought if I did it'd give me more time to hesitate..." she answered honestly as she closed the door behind her and leaned back against it. "You wouldn't have answered anyway."
"Probably," he said, finishing his enchantment and circling around on his stool to look at her. "Well? What is it you want?"
"To... spend the night with you," she blushed. "It'd be weird if we didn't and we don't need the maids spreading rumors while we're gone."
He paused a moment before reluctantly agreeing with her. "No, I suppose not."
"I can sleep in the sitting room or-"
"You might as well get used to sharing a bed with me," he sighed as he stood and walked to the stairs. "Come along then."
Sofia nodded and followed behind him up to the twin doors that opened to the royal sorcerer's bed chamber. It was a far more humble suite than the rooms in the castle, but far more cozy. Cedric had several magical knickknacks and spell books on numerous shelves and bookcases, a few healthy looking plants, and a canopy bed certainly big enough for two. She'd seen his room only a handful of times in the past, none of them recent enough, but it hadn't changed and that made her smile a little. "You don't rearrange your furniture much, do you?"
"Function over form, my dear. If it's not broke, don't fix it."
"I suppose so," she said, making her way over to the bed, setting her basket of overnight toiletries on the floor before taking a seat on the mattress. She tried to think of what to say next, but as she looked at him, she was transfixed by his figure. He'd always been a slim man, but underneath his robes he had some lean to him. He ate and slept better nowadays and it showed, but being the tower dweller in full robes, his skin remained beautifully pale - like ivory, save the two darker circles that were his nipples. There was beauty in his form and she found herself wanting to see rest of him, but her gaze didn't give the sorcerer that impression.
"What? Does my body disgust you?"
"What?" Sofia snapped back to her senses. "No! I... I've just never seen so much of you before. I... I know it doesn't mean much coming from me, but I think you're very handsome."
Cedric raised a skeptical eyebrow, though his ego was intrigued. Nevertheless he approached his wardrobe to put on a nightshirt, censoring him from her view. He then removed his trousers and folded them over the back of a chair, before walking to the other side of the bed and crawling in. "I'm quite tired..."
"Oh," she said softly, trying to mask her disappointment.
"We leave first thing in the morning, so... get some sleep," he muttered as he turned onto his side, back facing her. It was as polite a 'goodnight' as he could muster for the time being.
Sofia quietly crawled under the covers on her side of the bed, nestling in to stare at the back of Cedric's head. She didn't know if she could sleep without some hope they'd work past this. "...Cedric...? We... will talk about this, won't we...?"
"Perhaps tomorrow," he answered. "Go to sleep, Sofia."
"Okay... Good night," she said softly, and closed her eyes in the hopes of obtaining some much needed rest.
Author's Note: Okay, so there's no smut in this one, but the next chunk is giving me a lil trouble so I'm posting what I have so ya'll know I'm still alive and working on stuff XD