*Just a friendly disclaimer. I don't own any rights to Sofia the First. Sofia the First and the characters herein is/are the property of Disney and are not my intellectual property. There is no financial gain made from this nor will any be sought. This is for entertainment purposes only.

~I want to take a quick moment to thank everyone who is following the story and leaving reviews. It really helps! Seeing a new review makes my heart soar and gets me in the best mood to begin writing again. And seeing where people follow and favorite Sofia and Cedric's adventure makes me very eager to keep it going! Shout out to my reviewers: SofiaxHugo Fan, Mr. Shortman92, Moe Machine, Arianna Lestovia and guests for the positive reviews. Shout out to the people who follow/favorite the story: Finny-Kun Goddess, Luiz4200, Mr. Shortman 92, sherry Sangster 79, Victoria Jameson, kavercon and zombie guts. Thank you so much guys!

~~If you hadn't noticed, which the younger audience probably didn't, the title of each chapter is a reference to a song. Each chapter is titled with a jazz song that I find to match each chapter. So I recommend to every reader, if you can, look up the song and listen to it while you read or right afterward. Happy reading.

CHAPTER 4

I'VE GOT YOU UNDER MY SKIN

Cedric and Sofia stood there alone in the moonlight; both waiting with bated breath, shrouded in darkness and silence. Cedric's gaze never left the princess. Sofia watched as her parents faded out of sight.

"Oh Cedric!" She launched herself at the sorcerer; wrapping her arms tightly around him and rooting her face into his chest. For a moment he stood there in shock, slowly exhaled, and tenderly wrapped his arms around her. Her fingers dug into his back as she clung to him, but he didn't notice. He held her head to his chest and stroked her hair, running his fingertips through her now messy locks.

"Go on cry. It's okay. I'm not going anywhere." And with his words she nodded and began to cry softly. He took in a deep breath through his nose, taking in the fragrance of her hair; lilac and berries. To him it was the most sensual aroma he had ever smelled. He held her closer as if they could meld together as one. Gradually her sobs turned into sniffles and turned her eyes up to his face.

"I'm so sorry Cedric."

"You're sorry? Whatever for dear? If anyone is sorry it's me." He replied barely above a whisper. She shook her head slightly.

"No, Cedric, you were right. This is all my fault. I know it is. The whole time he..." She shook her head again and kept going. "The whole time I just kept hearing you... what you said the other day... I just heard it over and over..."

"Whatever are you talking about?" He asked quizzically. She leaned her head against his chest and looked down at the grass.

"When Baileywick came in... how what I might think is as normal or innocent others may not... I must have done something to make him think..."

"No, just stop there. This isn't your fault." Cedric said raising her head up to look him in the eye. He cradled her head in his hands. "And as far as our conversation in concerned... well that conversation was in reference to you and me; not anyone else." Tenderly he wiped away her tears with his thumbs. "I know you, Sofia, and there is nothing that you would have done to make him think you were okay with that. He's just another spoiled-rotten, no-good prince..." His words trailed off into a whisper. " I should have turned him into a worm when I had the chance..."

"Oh Cedric!" Sofia giggled.

"What? I should have. He's lucky your mother stepped in; she has good sense, your mother. If I ever see that poor excuse for a human being again though..."

Sofia giggled again and hugged him tightly. "Thank you so much Cedric. I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't shown up."

"Don't think such thoughts... I should have been there to protect you in the first place... Tell me Sofia, why where you out here alone with him anyway..." She pulled back to look up at him again.

"I wasn't alone with him, Cedric. He followed me. When I got a moment to myself I took advantage of it and slipped away from everyone; I looked around the ballroom and balcony for you... but I couldn't find you..."

"If I would have just stayed at the party you wouldn't have wondered out here..."

"It's not your fault Cedric; I should have made time for you earlier." Cedric just shook his head and hugged her.

"All that matters is that you're okay." He sighed; giving her a tight squeeze before relinquishing her from his grip. "I tell you what; I could use some help with a potion im brewing, to help get your mind off things - if you like- or I can escort you to your rooms if you'd prefer."

"There's no way I could sleep tonight." She said fiddling her fingers. "I just told Mom and Dad that so they'd leave us alone."

"Ah, I see. Well come along then, Apprentice." He said offering his arm to her.

She smiled and took his offered arm. "Thanks again Cedric... for everything." She said giving his arm a squeeze. The corners of Cedric's mouth turned up ever so slightly, he placed his opposite hand over hers and squeezed back.

"There's no need to ever thank me Sofia." He said as they began the short walk to his tower.

"Why's that?"

He sighed. "Simply because; it makes and old fool happy, and I do not deserve happiness."

"Cedric, don't be silly, everyone deserves to be happy."

"Not everyone Sofia. You can't forget how I was when you were a child. All the times I tried taking your amulet from you." He said pausing a moment to lift the precious jewel from where it rested; hovering above where her cleavage began. "Someone like me, who intended to do great evil with such power..." He let the amulet slip from his fingertips, back to its resting place, and shook his head. "No, I don't deserve happiness. Especially not from you."

"Don't be ridiculous, Cedric. You've always been good. You just needed someone to care and show you." She refuted, beginning to walk up the tower steps still locked on to his arm. "I do not hold your actions from back then against you, and I never will. Actually more times often than not you protected me and the amulet... and what you did for me tonight... I will never forget Cedric. And I will always express my gratitude to you for everything you do for me and always do my best to make you happy, as well."

He closed his eyes and sighed. "I learned a long time ago not to argue with you..." He smiled. "I get nowhere..." He paused before opening the door to his workshop, turned to her with a serious face and said "Thank you Princess." She blushed and diverted her eyes away from him as he opened the door and entered the workshop.

On Cedric's desk sat a small pot that was poised over a compact burner, the liquid inside bubbled ever so slightly. Cedric made his way over to it and gave it a quick once-over before moving to the larger caldron that was positioned in front of the window. He stoked the fire beneath it with a short poker and magically added another piece of wood to the flames before turning to Sofia. "Fetch me this list of ingredients please-" He said handing her a small piece of parchment, "It all should be in the closet." Sofia nodded and made her way to the ingredients closet. There was about 8-10 separate items on the list. I wonder what he's making, and why he has two different sized solutions going at the same time... she thought to herself as she looked around for the first handful of items. It was a small room and with her large gown it was a tight squeeze. She tried turning around to get a bottle from the opposite shelf and fell inward on herself.

"UGH! Merlins mushrooms!" She yelled flailing about trying to find her way up and out of the abyss of satin and silk her dress made. Bottles fell around her clattering to the floor. She groaned and pulled at her dress... only to make the situation worse by tightening its hold on her body.

"Sofia what in Neptune's name are you doing?" Cedric asked peering around the semi-shut door. She sighed and flopped down into the folds of her gown. Tears welled up in her eyes. "...Sofia?" Cedric asked confuse by her predicament, opening the door and stepping in as much as her gown would allow.

"It's this infernal dress! It's far too ridiculous to be practical. It takes up the entire closet." She groaned, wiping the tears from her eyes "...now I'm stuck, wrapped up in it." She sighed.

"Well now that seems to be a princess issue that I have no inkling how to manage; other than suggest trying to wear more practical dresses." He scoffed. Sofia frowned.

"I made it on my own... I actually, kind of... in a way... made it for you. I used a lot of magic to make it and enchant it. That's partly why I was looking for you earlier... I wanted to show you... but you're right; what was I thinking wearing such a -"

"Stop." He interjected raising his hand. "You … you made this yourself?" She nodded. "Using things I taught you?" She nodded again. "And that's why you wanted to find me... to show me..."

"Yes." She said softly looking away from him, slightly embarrassed now.

"Well then, disregard what I said." She shot him a quizzical look, and he ignored her. "Come now," he said holding his hand out to help her up. "let me have a look at you- your work."he corrected himself. She took his hand and tried pulling herself up, but only managed to pull poor Cedric down into the silk abyss.

"OOF!" They both yelled as Cedric tumbled down on top of her.

"Poisdens pumpkins!" He yelled flailing about trying to get a grip on the shelves to pull himself up. Sofia couldn't help but laugh. His fingers found purchase on the shelves and managed to right himself; he smoothed out his robes and hair. "Okay, let's try this again." He grabbed ahold of a shelf and leaned down toward Sofia his hand outstretched toward her. Sofia seized his hand and clutched onto a shelf to help hoist herself up. With a little more effort she was on her feet and untangled. Cedric led her by the hand into the workshop. He dropped her hand and turned toward her. He stood back, and looked her up and down. It was the first time all night he had really had any time to actually look at her and take in what she wore. His eyes traveled over her body; he relished the moment. She was stunning. His thought tumbled over one another as he took in the sight. He motioned for her to turn. She rotated slowly, pausing to pull her hair forward to expose the intricate back. Having Cedric's eyes roaming over her gave her chills. She felt the skin on her back raise with goosebumps. She let go of her hair to cover her bare back, hoping to conceal the fact he gave her chills. She turned to face him, softly smiling at him.

"I figured out how to enchant it, but I never got the chance to activate it tonight." She pulled her wand from the hidden pocket of her dress and gave it a flick towards herself. Then she gave it a flick in the air; all the candles in the room went out and they were engulfed in darkness. Momentarily her dress began to emit a purplish light. A soft purple glow filled the room; radiating from the princesses' dress. Through the luster she saw a smile slip across Cedric's face. A wave of relief washed over her.

"The glow charm." He stated softly, holding his chin in thought. Sofia nodded and gave a twirl.

"So... What do you think?"

"You want my honest opinion?" He asked, his pointer finger tapping his lips, still holding his chin in a thoughtful way.

"Well... yeah of course. Your opinion matters most to me." She shrugged, beginning to doubt if he approved of her use of magic, or her risque design.

"It does, does it?" He demurred, circling around her. She stood there clasping her hands in front of her, hoping her efforts weren't a flop. "Hmmm." He hesitantly stuck out his hand to run along the silk skirt. Immediately the section of the room behind him went dim, his hand was covering the light from the dress. He nodded, seeming please with the reaction. He finished his circle and stood facing Sofia. "Honest opinion?" He asked, still holding his chin, giving his head a tilt to look at her from a different angle. She nodded and absent mindedly began to wring her hands, waiting for his answer. "I think you look gorgeous." He sighed a large smile washing over his face. "I-I mean I-I think it's marvelous." He quickly recovered. "Fantastic idea applying it to clothes. Not only is it beauteous to behold, but you do realize the applications this can have?" She shot him a curious look. "For example imagine what it is like to work as a miner for example, or a diver exploring the depths; they have to work in utter darkness or by candle- which in a miners position can be dangerous... are you following?"

She nodded. "So people who work in dark conditions can have their clothes enchanted with the glow charm and thus have a safe light source!"

"Exactly." He beamed; crossing his arms pleased with his pupil.

"I never thought of the practical applications this could have... I just wanted to do something to make up for the other day. I couldn't sleep the other night; so I went for a midnight stroll and it reminded me of when we used to go hunt ingredients by moonlight." She smiled at him; clasping her hands up in front of her chest now. "You remember, right? We always had the best adventures!" She sighed remembering a particular night they had spent gathering rare ingredients and running from wolves."That's when it occurred to me what I wanted to do for you. My way of showing how much I appreciate you; as a teacher and dear friend."

Cedric smiled again. "May I say one thing then; as friend to friend – man to woman, not as sorcerer to princess..." He asked hesitantly.

"Of course silly."

"If I can be permitted to say... You look absolutely stunning. Even without the impressive use of magic, Sofia, you... well glow." he chuckled. "You've turned into an exquisite and brilliant young woman. And I couldn't be more proud of you; as your mentor and as your friend." That earned the sorcerer a large hug from the girl.

"Thank you Cedric. It means so much to me. I'm so glad you like it, too. Although," she said stepping back releasing him from her grasp. "I must say it's not practical for helping around the workshop." She frowned. "and as much as I looked forward to wearing to for you, I... Well after tonight's... unpleasant events, I'd rather just have it off. I keep looking down and seeing it and it just makes my skin crawl, thinking of him touching me..." Her voice trailed off looking down at the floor. "I tried not to let him ruin it for me, but I can't help it... All I wanted was for this dress to mean something for us, to be a happy reminder of the past and to look forward to the future, but now I want nothing but to get out of this thing."

A tear rolled down her cheek, glistening from the dim purple light. Cedric's heart felt broken. She had made and went to all the effort to enchant her gown just for him, now this... She worked so hard to impress me and make me happy... and if I would have just stayed at her party this wouldn't have happened, she would be happily dancing the night away and showing off her impressive magical skills to the entire kingdom. Why does she care about me so? Is it just her good nature or could it be, in finally blossoming into a woman, that she could care for me? Or am I only seeing what I want to see? Could she love me as much as I do her? Or am I just playing the fool still? Cedric shoved his thoughts to the back of his mind.

"Stay put." He commanded and quickly left the workshop, descending the stairs behind the curtain, to enter his bedchamber. Sofia wiped away her tears and did as she was told. She waited patiently for him to return, staring into the darkness towards the stairs. He finally came back and carried something in his arms. "Here." He said handing the bundle to her.

"What's this?" She asked looking the bundle over the best she could in the dim light. Cedric flicked his wand and the candles were lit again. He guided her towards the closet.

"I used some old clothes to conjure you a more..." He paused a moment thinking how he wanted to word his statement. "workshop worthy dress. As much as I am enjoying seeing you in that magnificent gown, I need your help to finish this potion. And your comfort is much more important than anything else. Change." He said pushing her into the closet. He turned on heel and deftly made his way over to investigate this potions before she could utter a word. Sofia shrugged and closed the door. She slipped off her heels and placed them in the corner before turning her attention to the mini corset on her lower back. Oh, I forgot how hard this was to get into... maybe I can unlace it on my own... she thought to herself pulling at the ribbon. This went on for a few minutes before she groaned and sat on the floor in defeat. Left alone, her thoughts her mind began to race. Nothing went as planned; I inadvertently put Cedric in danger; I have to deal with Hugo and his father tomorrow. She could still feel his hands running over her body, she could still feel his breath on her neck, and how helpless she felt under him. Again her tears began to flow and she sobbed quietly. She began to claw at the corset, her fingers trying to pry it open.

"Sofia?" She heard Cedric's voice just beyond the door. She rubbed away her tears and tried to regain control. But her breath caught in her chest and she sobbed again. "Sofia, are you decent?"

"Y-yes."she choked out; wiping her eyes of tears. Cedric pulled back the door to find the girl in the floor again.

"Surely the dress I conjured you isn't that atrocious..." He quipped kneeling beside her. That earned him a giggled from Sofia. She looked over at him and smiled at him solemnly.

"It's not that silly." She managed to get out fighting the overwhelming urge to cry. "I just want this off so bad but I can't do it on my own. They laced me in too tight to undo myself." She sighed. "Everytime I look down I see his hands-"

"Merlins mushrooms Sofia." He interjected. He closed his eyes and exhaled slowly. He opened his eyes and looked on her with a kindness in his eyes only a man in love could procure. He murmured a spell and flicked his wand in the air. The entry door locked shut with a loud clink."Turn."

"What?"

"Well you want out of it don't you? I'll unlace you enough for you to slip out on your own."

"But what if-"

"Sometimes being a sorcerer comes in handy, don't you agree?" He brandished his wand in the air. "I enchanted the door. No one will be able to get in until I dissipate the spell." She nodded and smiled softly at him. "Now let's get you out of this thing shall we?" She turned her back to him and swept her hair over her shoulder out of his way. He drew in a sharp breath, closed his eyes to gather himself and exhaled deeply. Cedric knew his face must have been beet red as he reached down to unlace her, but he shoved the thought away and focused on the task at hand. Sofia sat there patiently while he tried to figure out how to correctly undo the ribbon. He grunted with frustration as he almost knotted it by accident. Sofia twisted her free hand behind her and helped guide his fingers to properly unlace her; their fingertips tantalizingly, dancing over one another. His fingers softly caressed her bare skin as he loosened her corset. For him it was a very intimate moment and he almost lost himself in his own thoughts. He blinked and shook his head, clearing his mind, and tried to focus again on the intricate lacework. "There!" he exclaimed as he completed his work. He let his fingertips run up her back as he stood up. The feeling of her soft skin mingling with his was exhilarating. She held the front of her dress to her breast and stood up as well.

"Thank you Cedric!" She grinned at him. He nodded, and ran his eyes over her one last time before turning and shutting the door behind him. Other than Hugo no other man has 'touched' me... and it repulses me to think of it... but yet I didn't mind Cedric's touch, although it very different... his touch was so gentle and gave me chills instantly. I imagine that's how you're supposed to feel instead... she let the dress fall to the floor and kicked it to the corner. She felt free, she pushed the thoughts of Hugo away and let the feeling of Cedric's gentle grazes overwhelm her. She slipped the dress he had made her on and looked down at herself. It was a cute little tea length dress made from one of his purple robes, had three-quarter length sleeves, and had a cloth halter, underbust corset that laced up the front with a simple ribbon.

She smiled happily. He knew what she liked and what suited her. Something as simple as this makes me so happy. I'm truly happiest when I'm with Cedric. She thought as she slipped her shoes back on. I think at times he knows me better than I know myself. She sighed content. Do I just feel this way because he saved me from Hugo? Or have I always felt this way and just not noticed? Could he maybe, feel the same? She thought as she gathered up her gown, opened the door and re-entered the workshop. She tossed the gown onto a chair in the corner and gave a little twirl in front of him. "This is much better, thank you Cedric." She said a grin on her face and her cheeks blushed.

I'd sacrifice anything, come what might, for the sake of having you near. He mused.