AN: sorry for such a long delay. Ive had the outline for this chapter done for a few months but I've not had time to flesh it out or add to it. had alot of family stuff going on. I went to visit family out of state and been stuck without my notes or reliable internet for almost a month. my grandpaws had alot of issues with his cancer and has to have radiation everyday for a while so I've been stuck here while we take care of him. Im glad we get to spend alot of time with my family but i do miss home. And i did leave all my writing stuff there thinking id only be gone a couple weeks. sigh. so sorry for the delay and this bad chapter. its been like pulling teeth to get this out. its not done, the first few pages of my revised edit are lost, so i said to hell with it. so this is what i got, this is what you guys are getting for this chapter. im sorry guys.

Chapter 19

LOVER MAN

Cedric didn't bother to knock before entering his parents domicile. He promptly turned the handle and yelled for his father.

"Father, I'm ready to have a civil conversation if you are." He made his way through the cottage, Sofia following a few feet behind him eventually finding his parents seated at the kitchen table. Goldwyn gripped his coffee mug tight, his knuckles turning white, and glared at his son.

"Ceddykins!" Winnifred cried.

"Cedric... there's nothing – "

"For once in your life shut up and listen to others around you!" Cedric growled. Goldwyn rushed to his feet spilling the reminder of his coffee over the table.

"I will not be talked down to in my own home. Let alone by my own... son!" he seethed.

"Then you'll sit back down and calmly listen to your princess." Sofia stated stepping in front of Cedric. Goldwyn stood in shock staring at the girl before him. "Now please." She demanded. Goldwyn did as she bade him, slipping back down into his chair as Winnifred cleaned up the coffee with a flick of her wand. "That's better." she stated taking a set across from him, motioning for Cedric to sit beside her.

"Not what I was expecting..." Cedric muttered. "Seems being a princess can work in our favor after all." He chuckled, taking the hand she offered him as he slid into the seat beside her. Sofia gave him a soft smile.

"Like your father pointed out earlier, I learned a lot about being a diplomat while away."

"Perhaps too well." Goldwyn muttered.

"I don't like using my title but in this case it seems the only option." She said casting her eyes to her future father-in-law. "I know you don't understand or approve, but please try and listen to us, so that perhaps you can... We don't mean or want to be disrespectful."

"It's a little late for that." Goldwyn scoffed.

"Father please..." Cedric sighed. The elderly man shifted in his seat and pursed his lips.

"I'm going to tell you what I told Cedric tonight… When I was away, he was all I could think about. Everything I did or tried to do reminded me of him. I pushed my feelings aside, I figured he could never return my feelings and losing his friendship my announcing my feelings... that was the worst outcome possible. But when I got home, we picked up where we left off. Best of friends and that was all I needed. Just having him in my life was good enough."

"If that was the case we wouldn't be here."

"Goody let Sofia finish." Winnifred hushed her grumpy husband.

"You're right. Something... occurred since that first day back."

"I swear Cedric if you –"

"Goody!"

"-deflowered her I I'll disown you!"

"FatherI" Cedric bellowed rising from his seat towering over his father. "Do you really think so little of me? You don't know me at all if you think that I – that I would..."

"Cedric... please..." Sofia motioning for him to take his seat again. "Cedric has been nothing but a gentleman to me. I'd appreciate it if you could refrain from accusing him of such vulgarity." She paused a moment allowing everyone to settle down once again. "As much as I'd like to keep this between the parties involved it seems you have to know. Cedric prevented someone from, as you put it, deflowering me against my will at the ball."

"Oh Sofia sweetie..."

"I'm alright, thanks to Cedric." She said quietly giving him a shy smile. "He risked his life and status to protect me. If Cedric hadn't had intervened... well I'd probably be married and shipped off to a neighboring country before the end of the next month... I realized that night how much Cedric cared for me. I didn't know to what extent but it was enough to give me hope. We bonded more throughout the week, in simple ways we never had before; learned new things about one another. But it wasn't until today, well tonight that we really realized how we truly felt." She said tightening her grasp on Cedric's hand, smiling softly at him.

"I don't know how to explain this to you father..." Cedric shrugged. "But when were together, I feel complete. I feel happy. I don't get nervous with her by my side, I feel like a better man because of her." Cedric finished a smile flashing across his face.

"Oh, Goody you know that's how we were when we were younger. Honestly, I don't know what I'd do without you. Do you remember the last time we were apart from one another, Dear?" Winnifred sighed.

"Our relationship is quite different than this. For Merlin's sake, he's old enough to be her father! Her father is like a son to us!" Goodwyn shouted, pounding his large fist down onto the table in frustration. "We watched them grow up together." He said gritting his teeth. "Surely you don't thing the King will approve, Cedric." He almost growled at his son.

"Of course, not Father." Cedric said dryly as he crossed his arms. "But I plan to plead my case to him, nonetheless." He continued. "I hope he will understand seeing all he did to marry Sofia's mother. Perhaps he will understand when I say how much she means to me and how much I really do love her."

"Oh Ceddykins, I'm so-"

"Enough Winnifred!"

"I know our age difference might seem like an issue, but there are plenty of people who marry someone older or quite younger than themselves." Sofia stated diplomatically, ignoring Goodwyn's outburst. "It doesn't matter to us. We love one another and were not going to cast it aside to please others. Regardless of if we have my father's blessing or yours, for that matter, we will get married. You can either support us and be a part of your future grandchildren's lives... or not. It's up to you at this point."

"You're giving me an ultimatum?"

"It appears so Father." Cedric chuckled a crooked smile on his face. He was proud of Sofia and how diplomatically she was handling the situation. It gave him the courage he needed himself.

The elderly wizard gritted his teeth together. "I do not approve in the least... but if you are set on getting wed, I won't stand I your way. Your Mother would never forgive me if I cost her anymore grandchildren... Cedric, if you are truly serious about this please promise us you'll wait until you're married to-"

"Honestly Father, I'm not an idiot. I refuse to ruin Sofia's life by getting her pregnant beforehand. As much as I want children, and I'm sure she does too," he said looking over at her giving her hand a quick squeeze. "I'd like to have some time for just the two of us. Maybe travel some before starting a family."

"Cedric has been nothing but a gentleman to me."

"Father, I love her more than life itself. Just as you and Mummy can't imagine life without one another, I can't imagine life without Sofia. I want nothing but her happiness."

"Like I said," Goodwyn replied dryly. "I don't approve. I don't understand her decision to choose you, you of all people, " he scoffed as he waved a hand at his son. "when she could have any prince or king she wanted."

"I can be myself around Cedric. I can express my love of magic with him, unlike most royals who frown upon such things. I won't be married off for politics. I'm going to follow in Aunt Tilly's footsteps and be myself... and marry whom I choose. And I choose Cedric." Sofia interjected.

"I'm so happy!" Winnifred exclaimed as tears glistened in the corners of her eyes.

"Oh, Mummy, please don't cry."

"I'm sorry Ceddykins. I'm just so happy. I've been expecting this for some time now. I'm so excited for you two." She said rounding the table to wrap them both in a tight embrace. Goodwyn rolled his eyes.

"If the king throws you in the dungeon don't expect me to retrieve you." He said with contempt.

"I wouldn't expect you to Father." Cedric replied dryly.

"Oh, Goody, stop being a spoilsport. We couldn't ask for a better daughter-in-law."

"Well, yes, she is quite talented with magic after all."

"I'd like to finish my studies and become a sorceress, actually. And then travel with Cedric as Ambassador, so we can learn as much as we can about magic from all the other regions."

"I hope your father takes this better than I foresee..." Goodwyn sighed.

"I think we have enough people on our side to help sway him." Sofia replied.

"Really now?" Goodwyn scoffed raising a curious eyebrow.

"For starters there's Ms. Winnifred-"

"Oh, call me Mummy, Sweatheart."

"-my mom, Princess Vivian, and my aunt Tilly."

"Your aunt knows?" Cedric inquired, turning to face Sofia.

"Ummm, yeah, it's a long story... I'll tell you later."

"Alright..." He said his eyes boring into her, knowing there was more to the story than she let on. "Well, it's been a long night. I think we all should get some rest." He said pushing his chair back from the table and stretching.

"Yes, yes quite right, we'll all have breakfast together before you all leave!" Winnifred exclaimed.

"Mummy..."

"No, it's okay Cedic. I'd really enjoy it actually. I like cooking with your mom." Sofia spoke up with a smile.

"If that's what you want, Dearest."

"Very much so." She smiled, cedric nodded as he pulled out her chair for her.

"I'll show you to Calista's room Dear; I'm sure she has a gown that'll fit you, you're both about the same size now." Winnifred said making her way towards the doorway. Sofia nodded and turned to Cedric. She wrapped her arms around his torso and wrapped him in a warm embrace.

"Goodnight, Dearest." He said holding her tightly to his form, much to Goodwyn's chagrin. He panted a kiss atop her head before letting her go.

"Night." She muttered, glancing over at her, still brooding, future father-in-law. She gave him a small nod before turning and following Winnifred out of the kitchen.

"I really wish you would try and be supportive... At least be happy for us... for me." He shrugged as he pushed his chair up to the table, diverting his eyes from his father. "Isn't this what you wanted?" He pressed finally turning his eyes up to the man before him. "For me to finally settle down and give you grandchildren? I couldn't possible chose anyone better than Sofia for the role of a wife and devoted mother... Please, Father, if not for my sake then for her..." He sighed shoving his hands into his pockets with a shrug. He shook his head at the stern, unwavering face of his father. "I don't know why I even bother with you..." He sighed as he turned on heal and took two large strides out of the room, leaving Goodwyn in brooding silence. He shuffled his feet silently as he made his way to his childhood room. He opened the door and took in a deep breath. It had been ages since he had stayed the night at his parents' house.

Cedric looked around the room: it was lined with books and wands, just as he had left it all those years ago. He yawned as he shuffled to the bookshelf and pulled out a handwritten notebook that was bound in leather and fitted with a metal clasp. He flicked the lock open and thumbed through the pages of this hand-written scrawl and elaborate and detailed illustrations.

A faint smile crossed his face as he recollected his days at Hexley Hall. He closed the book and grabbed a few more and tossed them onto the truck at the foot of the bed. He sat down on the edge of the bed and slipped his shoes off, followed by his vest, which he tossed on top of the books, so not to forget them come morning. A faint knock came on the door.

"Yes?" His mother face peered in around the door.

"Just thought you might want to know that I slipped your father a sleeping draught in his coffee .. He'll be asleep most of the day." She winked.

"Mummy-" He scolded her with a crooked smile.

"Calista's room has the big bed, just so you know." She stated as she gave her son a hug. "Sofia could use an extra quilt; would you be a dear, Ceddy, and take one to her?" She winked as she exited the room. "I find myself too exhausted to do it now. Goodnight Ceddykins."

"Night Mummy." She smiled softly at the woman as she shut the door behind her. "That woman." He muttered to himself with a chuckle. 'Well, I've shared a bed with Sofia before. We can do it again. We don't have to cross the line. I think I'll enjoy just sleeping with her in my arms.' He thought to himself as he grabbed one of the leather-bound journals into his arms along with the quilt. He made his way silently upstairs to Cordelia's old room, he wondered what it looked like since his niece had taken it over. He raised his hand to the door and hesitated a moment before knocking quietly. "Sofia?"

"Cedric?" She questioned as she opened the door.

"May I come in?" He asked holding up the quilt and one of the notebooks. Sofia nodded and stood aside to allow him to pass.

"You won't believe what Mummy did."

"Do I want to know?"

"This, yes." He tossed the quilt onto the reading chair along with the leather-bound journal. "She drugged my father so we don't' have to deal with him the rest of our time here."

"W-what?"

"Apparently she slipped him a sleeping drought in that coffee he had." He chuckled. "He'll be alright, he'll just sleep solid and wake up after we leave." He said as he approached her from across the room.

"Well... That's good then."

"Yes, although... wouldn't you know she had an ulterior motive." He said nodding towards the quilt. "She purposefully left the quilt off your bed so I would have to come in here."

"Seems like she had something on her mind. I suppose we should thank her tomorrow."

"Quite right." He said pulling her form to his.

"If I didn't know any better I'd say she wants us to sleep together." She said coyly peering up at him.

"I might just have to agree with you on that." He said leaning down to kiss her. She rose up on her toes to meet his lips and pressed herself against him firmly. After an intense passion filled moment he pulled back from her. "You know where I stand on the subject, but that doesn't mean we can't spend the night together again. If that's okay-" Sofia cut him off with another kiss.

"Of course, it's okay, silly. Have to take advantage of the time we have alone, when we can."

"Then perhaps we should take advantage of the lock spell back at the castle." He said pulling her towards the bed. He noted she worse a sleeveless white cotton dressing gown, which must have belonged to Calista, or perhaps his mother conjured it. He pulled Sofia into his lap as he sat on the edge of the bed. She pulled up the hem of her dress so she could straddle his lap, resting her knees on either side of his hips. Her hands rested squarely on his chest before slowly pulling the tie of his billowy shirt. She watched him apprehensively as she moved to pull the blouse off his frame.

Cedric allowed her to remove his shirt, welcoming her warm touch with silent eagerness. He sat quietly as her fingertips explored his torso in the dim, but ample, candle light. Her fingertips traced the curves of his body, running over the firm but smooth flesh that stretched over his abs. The light flickered as she explored his body, waking her from the trance like state.

She leaned forward and kissed him tenderly. He snaked his hands around her waist and pulled her down onto him as he laid back on the bed. They kissed one another tenderly and passionately, for what seemed like hours. They broke for air and stared into one another's eyes. Cedric rolled Sofia underneath him and propped himself up on his elbows.

"I never thought this could be real... That you would ever return my feelings... Much less agree to marry me, want to marry me..." He whispered as he caressed her face.

"Neither did I." she giggled. "That is, think you would ever see me more than an apprentice, or princess... or a child." She said solemnly. "Much less for you to propose to me." She smiled, returning his gesture by playing with his bangs and cheek.

"If I would have realized sooner, how we both felt, this last year would have been different. Quite different."

"I feel though, as if it all had to happen this way. We've both grown so much from it and changed over the last year, for the better. I feel more confident in who I am and it solidified my feelings for you... Now I'll be of proper age as well. We won't have to hide anything from anyone. We can get married and do as we please... Well for the most part." She laughed.

"I still rather like the idea of us traveling together; for a little while at least. Before we decide to start a family." A smile crossed his lips. "You'll be a wonderful mother Sofia."

"And you'll be a great father. I just know it." She smiled back. "it makes me very happy that you want to have children. Part of me was afraid you might not want to."

"I suppose I can understand your thinking behind that." He sighed. "Honestly, I'm quite afraid I'll end up like Father. That's the last thing I would ever want." He groaned looking away from her.

"I have the feeling you'll be quite the opposite of your Father. You're already proving that."

'You really want me? To have a family with me, Sofia?" He asked glancing back over at her.

"Is it really that hard for everyone to believe?" She laughed rolling him off of her to gather the quilt for the bed.

"I'm not the image of virility like most asking for you hand." He sighed moving to help her spread the quilt over the bed.

"Is that what's bothering you? That I'll be disappointed by the sex? "

"Yes and no." He shrugged.

'Meaning?" She pressed folding her arms over her chest.

"What if I'm too old to have children or be a good father?"

"Cedric, don't be silly." She said turning down the covers. "I thought Sorcerers aged more slowly than everyone else anyway. I mean does anyone really know how old Merlin is?"

"He's never told anyone as far as I know. I think the man is immortal."

"Missing the point..."

"Ah, yes... Well, we do age differently. I suppose if you became a full-fledged sorceress like you want, we could live a few hundred years easily."

"And you're worried that you're too old now... Seriously Cedric, the last thing I'm worried about is if you are too old to have kids. Men can father children up into their seventies or eighties."

"I suppose you're right. Then again you always are." He laughed, pulling her to his chest.

"And regardless, I'll be happy if we have kids or not."

"However did I get so lucky as to earn your love?"

"I think we're simply meant to be. Soul mates. Luck had nothing to do with it." She said kissing the tip of his nose. "Now stop worrying and get in bed with me." She said winking as she sat down on the edge of the bed and plucked the tie that laced up the fly of his pants. She fell back against the pillows; her point being made. The corners of Cedric's lips turned up into a crooked smile as he dropped his pants and his hand moved to magically extinguish the candles.

He pulled down the covers and crawled into bed with her. Sofia turned onto her side and welcomed him to her. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her to him. She nuzzled her head into his chest and sighed, contently.

"I didn't realize how tired I was until now."

"It is fairly late. We should try and get some rest."

"I love you, Cedric." She said kissing him tenderly.

"And I love you as well, Dearest." He replied between kisses. He brushed hair out of her face before giving her one final kiss on her forehead.

"Goodnight, Love."

"Goodnight, Ceddy." She muttered with a smirk. A smile crossed Cedric's face as Sofia rolled away from him, allowing them to spoon comfortably as they slept. He held her close and trickled kisses down her neck.

"Sleep well, Love." He whispered, but Sofia was already fast asleep.