Here is chapter two. I should be posting a chapter a week or so. Hope you enjoy.

Chapter 2

A fervid determination overcame Sofia as she poured herself into research preparing to make a solid argument to take custody of Cedric. She knew it would cause pandemonium and rumors to fly as she was the one he had supposedly stolen from. However, she planned to use this in her favor so they couldn't possibly deny her this chance to rehabilitate him herself. Sofia felt shamefaced for what was essentially lying in her eyes, as she knew he wasn't the one who had stolen her amulet and she knew he didn't need any "rehabilitation" as he was a perfectly good citizen. At times he may have been swayed towards darker paths, but she knew he had a good heart. She was doing this for him, Sofia told herself.

The small and cozy living space was covered in papers, books, and newspaper clippings as she hungrily read and studied all she needed to know and took copious notes. Clover and Wormwood stayed out of her way for the most part, occasionally they attempted to support her by conducting their own research and would point her in the right direction if they found something worthwhile.

Four days later she emerged from her home, a few sheets of paper in hand as the sun shone in her face. Sofia pulled her dark hooded cloak up to block the sun and provide a small bit of anonymity as she prepared for her journey with Wormwood on her shoulder and Clover at her feet. "Come along, today is the day. Let's go free Mr. Cedric." Sofia said, with an optimistic confidence as she began to walk towards her faithful horse Minimus.

Once mounted on the horse they took off in flight to a nearby kingdom where Cedric was being held. Explaining to her animal friends what the plan was, Sofia had Minimus land a short distance away from the prison and stay behind with Wormwood and Clover, staying out of sight. Nervousness was an understatement to how she felt walking the quarter mile to the gates. Sofia wondered how her family would react to the news she had taken Cedric in as her responsibility. A small part of her feared they would disown her but she pushed those thoughts aside. She needed to be strong and confident now, as she hadn't been as a small 10 year old girl which lost her the best friend she had.

Rounding the last corner the immense and intimidating gates to the prison fortress stood before her. It was dark and quiet as she approached the gates, it looked like a ghost town with no inhabitants for the past 100 years though she knew this to be false. It was simply the look of the prison. She waited until slowly one side of the gate opened, allowing her entrance. She hesitantly put one foot in front of the other as she slowly made her way inside the walls. The gate shut behind her with a loud clank, startling her. Remembering to show assurance, Sofia straightened her back and shoulders with determination and with a steady and sure pace walked towards what appeared to be the entrance to the grand, dilapidated castle. Her cloak billowing in the wind around her, Sofia held her papers tight. Finally reaching the door she knocked and waited, letting out a deep breath.

Moments later the door swooshed open and a large, rotund man stood staring at her. "There are no visiting hours here, missy. I suggest you run along." He sneered beginning to shut the door on her. Feeling indignant Sofia put her hand out to stop him.

"I'm not here for a visitation, sir. I need to speak with the warden about an important and urgent matter." She replied with a strong voice, betraying her nerves trembling inside. "Please." She added not wanting to overlook her manners.

The man observed her momentarily, with a doubtful look before replying lazily, "Very well, come along." As he began lumbering down a dark, narrow passageway he called over his shoulder, "Ya better keep up, miss. Not a good idea to get lost in here. You'll never find your way out." Picking up her pace, Sofia tried to follow him closely so as not to lose him in the dim lights of the dank and cold corridor that seemed to go on forever. Finally they came to a turn and began rising up stone stairs. Sofia was out of breath trying to keep up with him as he took two stairs at a time. Wishing she had also worked out in preparation for this Sofia added it to her mental to-do list: running and stair climbing.

Realization dawned on her that Cedric was somewhere within these walls. She was so close to him yet still so far away. Her heart began racing anew with the thought he was here and so was she. Suddenly the man stopped in front of her and she crashed into him with a loud "Ow!" He turned to glare at her before turning to open a door she hadn't even noticed in the darkness.

"Through here," Was all he said with a dark scowl, "And keep your distance this time."

"Geez, first you say to stay close so I don't get lost and now you're telling me to keep my distance. Talk about mixed messages…" Sofia mumbled to herself flailing her arms about as she began to trail behind him. He turned to glare at her again shooting daggers with his eyes.

"What did you say?" He boomed, his voice bouncing off the walls in anger.

"N-nothing… sir." Sofia stammered as she tried to melt into the cold, stone wall behind her, causing her to shiver.

"Let's go." He ordered turning away and striding even faster this time, probably in hopes of losing her. Passing another seemingly endless corridor they came to stop outside a large wooden door. He knocked loudly waiting for a response to enter. Sofia could hear a man's voice call out, though she couldn't make out what he said. They entered and Sofia was shocked to see the contrast of the office with the rest of the castle's drab, murky interior. It had a large window giving the office a shocking amount of natural light, and it was decorated in calm, neutral colors.

"Who is this?" the smaller, much older man asked his guard.

"I don't know, sir. She appeared at the door and asked to speak with you." He replied before bowing and leaving the room, shutting the door behind himself. After the intimidating guard left, Sofia squared her shoulders and faced the warden. The plaque on his desk displayed his name as Warden Walter Hudson. He simply stared at her, waiting for her to speak. She lowered her cloak and revealed her identity. The man sat up straight in shock, gasping before standing to his feet.

"Forgive me, Princess. I did not recognize you." The man said turning red in embarrassment, bowing slightly to her. Despite living away from the castle and keeping a modest lifestyle, people still regarded her with the same respect and formality as all royal members of the family. Sofia had never cared for it, preferring privacy.

"All is forgiven, sir." Sofia replied kindly with one of her notorious bright smiles.

"To what do I owe the honor, Princess Sofia?" He inquired as he poured her a cup of tea and sat in front of her at his desk before pouring himself a cup and sitting across from her nervously.

"I'm going to cut right to the chase as I'm sure you're a busy man and wouldn't appreciate your time being wasted with idle chit-chat, sir. I am here to speak about Cedric's upcoming parole."

At this, the man choked on his drink and almost spilled it. Most women, especially of royalty never spoke this forthright. "I always have time for you and your family, Princess Sofia." He said with an uneasy and awkward smile. "What is it you wish to speak about?" He asked. Sofia took this as a good sign that she had the upper hand.

"I wish to become his guardian and take responsibility of his rehabilitation, sir. Now, before you object, let me state my case. As I was the victim in his crime I feel nobody is better suited for this position to ensure he has proper reintegration into society than I." She went on to show him her notes, facts she had collected, and her reasoning and logic behind it. All the while he simply nodded along and listened to her impassioned speech which he mistook for actually wanting to make sure Cedric paid the price for his crimes and was truly remorseful to the person who he had wronged.

After she finished, Walter sat back and looked at her admiringly. "I truly am surprised you're willing to take on this duty, Princess Sofia. It's an admirable sacrifice you're suggesting here. How does your father, King Roland, feel about this?" He asked.

Hiding all her fears and morals against lying, Sofia responded in a pleasant voice, "Oh he thinks it's a grand idea, sir." Her fingers crossed behind her back and a genuine smile on her face.

"Well then…" He began rubbing his chin in thoughtfulness. "I suppose if the royal family sees he is best fit with them, then I have no other choice. Your wish is granted Princess."

Not wanting to show her over-cheerfulness and give away her true thoughts Sofia simply nodded and said, "Thank you. We greatly appreciate this, sir."

"He will be ready tomorrow morning for pick-up…" The warden explained as he began shuffling papers and making notes for Cedric's release. As Sofia made to leave, he caught her attention, "And if you should need anything, if he proves to be too much do not hesitate to contact me."

"Thank you, sir." Sofia said, with a final nod as she opened the door. She was thankful to see the guard waiting outside the door for her, despite his grumpy demeanor so she didn't get lost trying to find her way out. But who wouldn't be bitter working in this damp, gloomy place day after day? As they made their way down the stone stairs towards the exit back into daylight Sofia couldn't help the giant smile gracing her face the entire way out the door. He never spoke a single word to her as he led her to the exit and shut the door behind her.

Using all her will-power to not skip out of the gates and down the road, Sofia walked at a normal, poised pace out the gates and around the corner towards where she'd left Clover, Wormwood and Minimus waiting for her. The closer she got to them the faster she walked. As she made eye contact with Minimus she finally broke out in a sprint, giggling the entire way in utter joy. "I did it! I did it! He's going to be free tomorrow!" She exclaimed eagerly. Wormwood began soaring above them in the trees squawking and twirling until finally landing on Sofia's shoulder to nuzzle her cheek affectionately.

"Let's be off. We need to return early in the morning." She explained as they began their journey back home to prepare for his arrival tomorrow.