Showing Gratitude

The day was drawing to an end, and Miranda's heart was brimming with love—so much love—for her three children. The queen smiled to herself as she walked through the darkening castle. This Mother's Day had been wonderful. Amber, James, and Sofia had started the day by giving her a beautiful bouquet that they made together. Then the four of them went to Juneberry Island for a picnic lunch. They spent the afternoon rafting down the river and just enjoying their time together. When they got back to the castle, they found Roland waiting for them with his mother and sister, who had come for a visit. The entire family had been served a delicious dinner filled with many tasty foods. All in all, it had been an amazing day.

"Queen Miranda."

The brunette woman gasped in mild surprise and looked in the direction the voice had come. She smiled warmly upon seeing Cedric ambling toward her, one hand behind his back. "Well, hello, Cedric. How was your trip to Mystic Meadows?"

"Very pleasant," he responded, stopping in front of her. "My mother made fly cakes, so that made it even better." He laughed when she smirked.

"You and Rollie and your desserts," she teased, giggling.

"Yes, well…" He cleared his throat, suddenly becoming shy. "I, uh… I have something for you." He brought his hand out from behind his back and handed her a bouquet of purple and blue hydrangeas tied together with a white ribbon.

Miranda gasped in surprise as she accepted the flowers. "They're lovely, Cedric." She gave him a curious look. "But what are they for? I'm not your mother."

"No, but you're Sofia's mother, and, um…" He nervously played with the fabric of his gloves as she watched him. "I wanted to thank you for bringing her into the world, as well as here to the castle. She has changed so many lives since becoming a princess, including mine. She never judges anyone by their faults. She's always kind and patient and treats everyone with respect." He sighed and smiled. "I never quite realized how lonely my life was before she came here. She fills my life with light, and I just can't imagine my life without seeing her smile every day. Sofia is the dearest thing in the world to me." He gestured to the flowers. "Hydrangeas are a symbol of gratitude, and I thought I would give them to you as a way to thank you for raising Sofia to be the angel she is."

Miranda smiled softly, touched by his unexpected gift. Being mindful of the flowers, she moved forward and hugged the sorcerer, startling him.

"Q–Queen Miranda!" Cedric practically squeaked in horror as he held up his hands, not quite sure what to do with them.

She laughed as she released him and stepped back. "You would think you'd be used to getting hugs after all the years Sofia's been hugging you."

He smiled uncertainly. "Yes, well, I don't think King Roland would appreciate hearing that his wife hugged one of his workers."

"You worry too much." She giggled before taking his hand in her free one and squeezing it gently. "Thank you, Cedric," she said sincerely. "I've seen how much Sofia has changed your life. You used to be cold and very unfriendly, and now you're happy, kind, and sweet." She grinned when he blushed. "It means a lot to me that you appreciate my daughter so much."

"She means the world to me, Your Majesty," he said softly. "I would do anything for her."

"I know." She hummed thoughtfully as she released his hand. "I know she feels the same way about you." She took a few steps away. "Thanks again for the flowers. I can tell you're going to be a very sweet son—in—law. Good night, Cedric." With one last smile, the queen turned and walked away, leaving a darkly blushing sorcerer in her wake.

A/N: Happy Mother's Day! I got the idea for this story when I reread NerdsinaTree's "Let's Pick Flowers" a few weeks ago. In that story, Sofia practically made a bouquet for Cedric to give his mother. I thought, We need a story of Cedric giving Miranda flowers. The idea was in the back of my mind, but I wasn't sure how to write it. Then I mentioned it on Discord, and some of my friends gave me some ideas. The power of more than one mind. LOL! Anyway, I hope you like it.