A/N: Thanks again to all of you reviewing and following and all that. Here is the next chapter, I'm sorry it's so short and I hope it's not too terrible. It probably is. I've been having a bad case of writer's block, well not so much writer's block as I can't get these thoughts out of my head and on the page in a cohesive manner.

On the brightside I think I've figured out which direction I'm taking this story, so it'll have more of an adventure slant to it. Let's just hope I can force myself to keep writing. It does help to know people are enjoying it.

Also, as to what Cedric's dreaming about. it will be revealed in a few chapters or so, but I think one can guess.

"O, for the Orange to sweeten sin."

She saw him. He sat against the trunk of a large tree, a look of unaffected boredom etched on his face. She approached cautiously, stopping a few yards a head. He looked up and having spied her, his expression changed, he almost smiled and held up a hand in greeting. The girl pranced over to him smiling. "May I sit?" He shrugged. She knelt down next to him, she was holding something in her hands.

"What have you got there?" she opened them to reveal an orange. "Would you like some?" he shook his head. The girl slowly peeled the fruit and brought a jewel like piece to her lips. She smiled as the sweet taste filled her senses. The display was very tantalizing to her companion.

"Are you sure you don't want some? It's sweet!" He looked in her eyes, smirked and replied: "Just a taste." and before she realized what was happening, she felt his arms encircle her and his lips pressing on her own.

She closed her eyes and kissed him back. The kiss was sweet, but full of longing. The sensation was unlike anything she'd ever experienced, and far sweeter than the orange. She was filled with elation. It was what she had so longed for, but it felt so sinful. It was as if she had eaten the forbidden fruit and now had to face the consequences. She pulled away, cupping his face in her hands and looking up, her innocent blue eyes searching his weary brown ones. "Do you love me?" she asked softly. He looked at her with a hint of sadness his lips moved as if he were speaking but she couldn't make out what he said…

She had awoken and once again had been unceremoniously ripped from her heart's desire. She sat up, touching her lips, she had the unmistakable taste of sweet orange remained on them. Had that been real some how? She wasn't sure. She looked to where the book that Cedric had loaned her sat and ran over to it. What had he said her dream sounded like? Cosmic dreams? She flipped to that section of the book. It described fairly accurately how the dream was vivid, unforgettable, as if she had almost been in a lucid state. So she was having a cosmic dream, then? That made sense, but somehow she couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more to it than that.

She absently flipped through the pages of the book until she happened to come to a section about Astral Projection. It described how one could leave the physical body in an astral form and travel outside of it, on either the Astral or material planes. That intrigued her. Could she go wherever she wished? Could she run through the forests, and her gardens, could she see her beloved as he slept? She wondered when one astral traveled if they could enter dreams? She knew just the person to ask.

She had dressed quickly once again into a lilac and lace tea gown, that greatly resembled what she wore as a child. She looked in her mirror and smiled. The happiness caused by her dream had not left her this time. Her heart was fit to burst and she could feel love. She didn't worry about seeing her Sorcerer today, she wasted no time to go to him.

she ran quickly towards the tower, her shoes echoing on the marble floors. She was about to round a corner when she collided with someone. She felt herself fall forward and braced herself to hit the cold stone, when whomever it was caught her by the shoulders and steadied her.

"Sofia, are you alright?!" She looked up, and it was none other than her Sorcerer. She looked up into his face, eyes widened. "Yes… are you?" He looked back at her, transfixed and nodded. They stood like that for several moments gazing into one another's eyes. Until Cedric looked away, and released her shoulders. "You should be more careful, Princess. Where are you off to in such a rush anyway?"
"I was going to see you, actually." He seemed to redden slightly.

"Me? Are you sure you weren't just going to run away again as soon as you came to the door?" she laughed.

"No, I needed to ask you something."

"Well, you've found me, but I'm in a hurry, so you'll have to make it quick." He gently pushed her in the direction he was headed and she did her best to keep up with his long strides."Where are you going?"

"The King wishes to speak with me."
"Dad? What does he want?"
"I don't know Sofia, probably something to do with magic." he said shortly.

He was nervous, she could tell.
"Mr. Cedric," she said stopping him and impulsively taking his hands in her own.
"It'll be alright. I know Dad makes you nervous, but don't let him. I can come in with you if you like."
He looked annoyed, but squeezed her hand lightly, and gave her a pinched half smile.
"That's kind of you, Princess, but unnecessary. I'll be fine."

They continued to the throne room, and stood outside the door.
"Well, wish me luck." said the Sorcerer sarcastically.
Sofia giggled. "You'll be amazing, I know it. And I'll be waiting right outside the doors here if you need me."
He looked ready to object, but shrugged and replied. "If you wish." before entering and leaving her alone.

True to her word Sofia waited outside patiently. She'd forgotten to ask him about astral projection so that gave her the excuse to wait outside ,but she also wanted to be close by should he need her. She could hear the murmur of voices but was unable to make out what was said. After about a quarter of an hour the doors opened and a very unhappy Sorcerer strode out.

"Mr. Cedric-"
"Not now, Sofia!" he all but snapped.

The girl paused, Feeling slightly hurt. But she quickly reminded herself of how Cedric could be, especially after an audience with her father.
"Well, I'll see you at our lessons at 4, then?" He slowed his pace and glanced back almost apologetically.
"I'm afraid not, Princess Sofia. I'm going to be quite busy today."
"Oh… well, that's alright. I guess I'll see you later then?" The sorcerer nodded and made a gesture as if waving as he walked back to his tower muttering to himself till he was out of sight.

Sofia stood there feeling somewhat dejected. She might have been tempted to cry again , if not for the sudden appearance of the King.
"Oh Sofia, good morning! Are you ready for breakfast?"
"Oh, sure am Dad!" she considered asking him what Cedric was so upset about, but thought better of it.

Breakfast of course proved to be completely normal. Amber gushing over details for her ball, James making fun of her, another argument, another mediation from her mother. She hoped that her silence would go unnoticed and was pleasantly surprised, that besides the obligatory conversation she was required to make no one inquired into her apparent withdrawnness. She thought she was home free until her mother cornered her in the hall after breakfast.

"Sweetie, is everything alright?"
"Of course it is, Mom."
"Sofia, I can tell when you're being less than truthful."

Sofia sighed. "Everything is fine Mom. I'm just feeling overwhelmed and a little unsure about somethings."

"Do you want to talk about it?"
"Not right now."
"Alright, but I'll be here if you change your mind."
"Thanks, Mom!" the two embraced and Sofia mulled over the idea of telling her mother about her seemingly unrequited feelings for the Sorcerer and the strange dreams, but she decided against it. She was rather upset about her lessons being cancelled and this may have left her in the doldrums, if not for the delightful news that her dear friend, Princess Vivian, had arrived for a visit. This brightened the girls mood immensely and she happily planned a small tea party to have with the Shy Princess. Perhaps today wouldn't be so bad after all?