Chapter 15: Quagmires

"WHOA". The princess awoke in a daze. Groggy and with the distinct feeling of intoxication she sat up and held her head in her hands.

"Good morning Princess!" Once the room stopped spinning her eyes focused on one Royal Sorcerer, lingering a few steps away with a plate in his hand.

"Good morning Mr. Cedric, I… WAIT! Morning? What do you mean morning? It's the afternoon, maybe late afternoon." A devilish smirk sprung from the sorcerer.

"Well you needn't believe me, a glance out the window will do just as well." Sofia's eyes shot over to the window overlooking the gardens, and indeed the sun was beginning its trek along the sky, dew beaded along the windowsill. "But I can't have slept here all night! Everyone will be looking for me and—"

"Not to worry, I've taken care of it."

"But-"

"Ah ah ah, never you mind." He walked with a spring in his step over to the edge of the bed, the plate in his hand shaking ever so slightly. "Here we are, I've conjured them just for you."

He bent over and upon the plate he held were six of the most delicious looking cinnamon whipped pastries she'd ever seen.

"Whoa, what are they Mr. Cedric?"

A mischievous glint in his eye and a widened smile, "They're called Cinna-sparklers! At least that's what my Granny called them. They're an old sorcerer family recipe after all, better than fly cakes if you can believe it! I may have improvised a bit here and there, as it has been a while since I had occasion to try and conjure them. Now see here won't you at least try one, I think you'll like them."

Slowly Sofia drew her legs up under her in the bed to stand, but Cedric was there with a hand on her shoulder, coaxing her to remain seated. "But Mr. Cedric I can't eat here, if it's breakfast then my family will expect—"

"Ugh, Sofia it's fine, don't worry." He was stroking her head like she was a cat, pausing briefly to run his fingers along the star clip in her hair, and the plate was again in her face.

"Alright, I'll eat one but then I really need to go Mr. Cedric."

"You say that now Princess…" If possible the huge grin got wider.

Sofia shook the last traces of sleepy haze from her mind, "But it's not possible, I never sleep this much, and if I was asleep here all night where did you sleep?"

Cedric's eyes bulged out and he frantically flung one of the pastries into her open mouth. Her concentration broken, the princess's eyes rolled back into her head, they were divine. It was a bite-sized euphoric explosion in her mouth.

The sorcerer hovered over the side of the bed inching ever closer to sitting while watching her reaction, thoroughly contented. He finally set the plate aside and touched down on the mattress as she finished off the cinnamon delight. "I thought you'd like them, and you needn't fret, no animals were harmed in their manufacture. However… Wormy's disposition may have taken a turn for the worse when I spilled some of the firecracker flakes on him."

The thought of Wormwood with sparklers going off in his feathers made the princess giggle profusely, but then how had she possibly slept through the raven crowing frantically? The sorcerer gave her an assuredly pleased look before reaching down and taking one of the pastries in his hand. Seeing him so happy set her mind at ease, and she did the same. Smiles shared they tapped their respective treats together before he happily munched one for his own.

"Mr. Cedric, this is really sweet but what about the potions you needed to finish? Did they all get done?"

The sorcerer inched a bit closer on the mattress. "Why yes I did finish, thanks in no small part to the most wonderful apprentice this sorcerer has ever known."

He seemed to be looking over the remaining half of the bite sized treat, examining the object intently. He noticed her intense stare, and an eyebrow went up. "What? It can't be too terrible, mine tasted fine, if a tiny bit waxy."

"It's not the sparkler Mr. Cedric, it's you. What were you thinking about?"

He started reexamining the cinnamon treat in his hand. "It's just, well when I was a lad I liked them so much I may have snuck into granny's kitchen to steal the batter when my sister was learning to conjure them. I guess I was remembering fleeing for my life, but in a rather fond sort of way. I suppose I've spent a great deal of my life running from things."

"Oh Mr. Cedric, you're so funny."

"And why's that princess?" He'd leaned in and there was an arm ever so slowly trying to wrap itself around behind the giggling girl.

"Because, I can just imagine a little Cedric running for his life clinging to a mixing spoon while his sister ran after him flinging curses."

A soft chuckle from the sorcerer, "I suppose it did go something like that, but I like to think I had the upper hand more than once. She had no business making them for Rolland after all. Infuriated me to no end when she went after everything I cared about."

"Wait, why would your sister make magical treats for my Dad?"

Cedric let out a sigh and drew one leg up so it was on the bed. It grazed against her leg as he did it, and immediately he retracted it a bit. "Granny thought it was for a romantic interest so she taught the she-beast how to conjure them, but after a fashion I reasoned that my sister wanted to ingratiate herself to the man, hoping he'd overrule tradition and make her the royal sorceress. Didn't work out according to her plan though, did it princess?" He was leaning in ever closer.

Sofia reached down for another sweet roll, "I guess not, but she's still after you Mr. Cedric. I know it." The princess popped it in and Cedric's eyelids seemed to grow heavy. He must be tired, after all he'd brewed so many potions and made time to tinker with a magical recipe, so maybe he hadn't slept all night. After all, she'd been taking up his bed.

He started twitching strangely. "I c-c-could make them for you everyday Sofia, if you'd l-l-like it." It drifted slowly out of him as he stared at the rug on the floor.

It was a kind gesture, and they were delicious, but were most assuredly not a diet food. "I think they're wonderful Mr. Cedric, but maybe only for special occasions, okay?"

"Well, er… em.. I had hoped… Oh… a… well that is.. if you wanted to spend more n-n-n-n.. Oooh! to s-s-s-s-s-s Oooh! Merlin's mushrooms.

Poor guy was nervous for some weird reason. "What is it Mr. Cedric?" he was breathing funny again, but then seemed to be distracted by something and gulped strangely.

"You've a bit of cinnamon on your… y-your… l-l-l-lips…" His hand was shaking just an inch from her face.

"Oh sorry!" She reached up and wiped the offending bit, then licked it clean. "Thanks Mr. Cedric, I'd hate to make a mess of your sheets."

"Mess my s-s-s-s…. It's OKAY! Sofia I d-d-d-don't mind messy sheets! If you, we… s-s-s-s… AGGGHHH!" The man flung his hands up and was raking them through his hair as frantic half-sentences came streaming forth, "I mean, that is I very much do want to make a mess of them, but n-n-not alone...Ooh Finnegan's fungus! What I meant to say was you, not me! I mean you c-c-could, we c-c-c-c-c-c-c… oh Merlin's mushrooms." He gulped strangely again, and threw an entire pastry in his mouth. Suddenly his eyes bulged out, and he started pounded on his chest and gasping; maybe he bit into a fireflake? His coughing and flailing sent a ripple effect throughout the mattress, which sent Sofia bouncing. It had the unfortunate distinction of loosening the knot that held her robe on, but the princess was too distracted to notice. The ride made the girl break out in a fit of giggles again, he could be so socially awkward sometimes. He must eat in bed often, but didn't want to be labeled a slob or offend her. "Oh Mr. Cedric don't be silly, we can do whatever you want in your bed. I won't mind at all."

His eyes practically popped out, and coughing fit halted the man seemed to have stopped breathing. He was just staring at her as his mouth started to drop open. Wait, was he choking?! Sofia jumped up onto her knees and grabbed his shoulders, "Mr. Cedric are you okay? Say something!"

There were hands on either side of her waist.

He looked terrified beyond reason. Suddenly it was if the energy had been sucked clean out of her. He was an inch from her nose, her robe was far too loose and parts that should be covered were definitely exposed, thank the stars above he was transfixed on her face. Her legs lost cohesion and she slowly sat down to try and re-cover herself but it was his leg she was now on top of, not the mattress.

She was pinned. Soft sheets were tangled up around them from all the bouncing. Her hands, which had been on his shoulders out of concern, seemed to drain of their blood and flopped to her sides. He seemed frozen solid, not even a twitch. Slowly he restarted breathing, exhaling across her cheeks. So close. This was different. Not a father. Not a teacher. What in the world was happening? Sofia felt an unexplainable queasiness, as if all the blood had drained from her extremities and pooled in the pit of her stomach. He was leaning in closer… closer... Stuttered whispers drifted out of him as he started to shake, "I n-n-need to th-thank you p-p-properly f-for taking c-c-care of me yesterday p-p-princess."

She felt like vomiting on his shirt. Maybe those cinnamon cakes weren't so agreeable after all. He had tinkered with the recipe. "Mr. Cedric I feel sick."

"Whaa?" The sorcerer pulled away and his eyes regained focus. "Sofia what's wrong? Did you come down with a fever too?" She buckled at the waist while he pressed his palm into her forehead. "Sofia, SOFIA! I don't understand! You don't have a fever, what's going on?"

Cedric was somewhat frantic now; his hands had let go of her and were twitching in front of him with nervous energy. "My stomach Mr. Cedric, it hurts."

There was a knock at the workshop door. Cedric went sheet white and tossed her backward onto the bed, flinging the sheets over her head. He seemed terrified, "Vomit quietly if you have to, I'll fix it later." She peered out and in the next instant there were voices coming from the workshop. As if a magic wand had waved the aching in her stomach disappeared.

"Baileywick! Of all the insufferable disturbances! We agreed years ago that you didn't enter my domain before nine."

"Cedric, I can assure you that is something I never want to repeat, and I wouldn't be here unless it was required."

Sofia could hear the sorcerer groan, "Listen, I've no patience today for another of Princess Amber's party requests. It's much too early so off with you, p-p-please just go!" A mixture of terror and sarcasm emanated from the sorcerer beyond the curtains.

"Cedric I know you are getting over being ill but I don't appreciate the way you're speaking to me. However there isn't time for this, King Rolland requests your presence immediately."

The sarcasm melted away, and only the abject terror was left. "Rolland wants m-m-me, this early in the m-m-morning? Merlin's mushrooms."

"Cedric get your mind out of the gutter." She heard the sorcerer scoff but the steward wasn't done. "The kings of Maldonia and Friezenburg are here with sorceresses in tow to discuss some battle plans. This isn't a request, your king commands you to be at this meeting. There are some urgent and troubling developments happening right now."

With that the steward left. Sofia heard clamoring in the workshop and Cedric flung himself back into the bedchamber, the curtain swinging around his terrified frame.

"Mr. Cedric what's going on? Why are the witches here? I thought that Victor didn't want them fighting in Friezenburg."

"I… I don't know Sofia. I'd better get going though. Please stay here until you feel better."

The sorcerer blinked strangely, and in the next instant disappeared back out the curtains.

She sat there, taking it in. She'd slept for almost an entire day. That was so incredibly atypical. Something about it just didn't seem plausible, and she'd felt so strange when she woke up. Then there were the cinnamon pastries, those were really strange too. He had wanted to thank her for taking care of him though, so maybe that's what it was all about.

WAIT.

The witches were at the castle, and so were the kings. What was she doing freaking out about sleeping and eating when an extremely important meeting about the war was happening right under her nose? Sofia redressed quickly and leapt into the workshop to be greeted by angry wing beats in her face.

"EEP! Wormwood stop! I need to go catch Mr. Cedric! There's a meeting I need to-"

"First you need to do what you promised me yesterday." The raven swooped back and perched upon the workbench. Next to him sat a little pile of twigs. He'd been busy.

Sofia nodded, "Right." He'd been collecting twigs for her phoenix, just like he said he would. She should smooth over the last ruffled feathers from that horrible evening as promised. She ran to her room with the bird flying behind, and sure enough her phoenix was still nestled in the blanket folds. She flapped her beautiful blood orange wings angrily when she saw Wormwood perch on Sofia's dresser, but a few gentle strokes and a reassuring word that the princess wasn't mad at Wormwood was all it took. It seemed the little phoenix was pretty loyal to her, probably due to the way in which she'd been created. The raven swooped down onto the bed and dropped a twig in front of her, nudging it ever so slightly toward her with his beak. A peace offering if ever there was one. The brightly colored bird cooed and started twisting the twig about the bed. Sofia couldn't help but smile as Wormwood puffed up his chest and flapped his wings.

"Aww, she likes your present Wormwood."

*CAW* Wormwood was not pleased the princess was still standing there, and had dropped back down, clawing at the bed sheets below, "You can leave now."

"Alright, I'm leaving, and you're welcome Wormwood!" Silly raven.

Sofia raced down the stairs, through the corridors and past the dinning room.

'SOFIA!" Amber had caught the rushed princess in her gaze.

Not now. "Hi Amber, I just was going to um… see Dad?"

Amber rolled her eyes, "Oh Sofia he's in a meeting, come have breakfast with us." The golden girl pulled Sofia toward the table, and none other than Hugo and Hildegard had also docked for the meal. Miranda was seated there, looking happy and rested. "Sofia! I'm so glad to see you're feeling better. The medicine Cedric gave you must have cleared it right up."

"Huh?" The confused look on the princess didn't set well with her mother, but Hugo interrupted before the woman could express her concerns.

"Oh dearest Princess Sofia!" Oh man. More Hugo. Anything but that, she'd take another cinnamon swirl stomachache over that any day. "I was so worried for you." Hugo had stood and extended his arm.

Sofia flung her hands up, the sea of concerned faces before her needed to be placated. "I slept a TON last night so I'm totally fine everyone, honestly."

Hildegard fluttered her fan a bit, then snapped it shut. "Good to know Sofia. Now about Clio's play, you're coming right?"

Sofia's head dropped to one side. "I'm sorry, what play?"

Hildegard rolled her eyes, but Amber stepped in. "Hilde she doesn't know, she was injured." The golden princess turned to her sister, a look of excited anticipation spread across her countenance. "Sofia we're all going to cheer on Clio as she makes her Corinthian opera debut. Tonight is opening night, and we might just celebrate all night long! Sounds like fun, doesn't it?"

Miranda piped up, "I think it's a wonderful idea, and perhaps we can spend a little time together Sofia, it feels like I've hardly seen you in weeks."

By the stars, how was she supposed to busy herself with attending an opera while war planning was occurring somewhere in the castle. "I…uh… I…"

Amber's eyebrows furrowed. "Sofia what's the matter? Aren't you excited for Clio?"

"Well yes but…" This wasn't working. Suddenly the plate of scones lying on the table inspired an idea in the princess. "Dad. Did Dad eat breakfast?"

Eyes darted around the table. Miranda finally shook her head, "No, he didn't have time before King Aaron arrived."

"Is Baileywick bringing him food?"

"No, he's trying to find James." Amber interjected. "No one's seen James all morning and he has to come to Clio's play, they are engaged after all, even if he's more interested in jousting than ladies." That was the answer. Sofia grabbed the plate of pastries and the adjacent teapot onto a small service platter and took off out of the dining room. Amber called after her, "Wait Sofia! Where are you going?!"

"To bring Dad breakfast!"

"But what about Clio's play?"

"I'll think about it!" Was shouted back down the hallway where her sister remained. Sofia needed to be in this room, hear what was being discussed, and assuage her fears that they might have recaptured her Papa again.

She twisted around some corridors searching for the meeting when BANG. She'd misjudged the platter's turning radius and caught the edge of a wall. The scones started to fall but then WHOOSH. Hugo had swooped in and prevented a catastrophe. After making sure she'd steadied he gave her a gentle smile. Sofia gave a slow nod of thanks and turned to continue, but a hand was on her shoulder.

"Sofia wait, I just wanted to apologize."

That was new. She stared at him blankly, after all there were so many things he could apologize for. The prince took a deep breath, "I realize what I said about you loosing weight wasn't the right thing to say, and so I'm sorry. You have to know I didn't mean it that way, and I think you're exceptionally beautiful. But even more so, you've got such a kind soul and you helped me to grow as a person. I mean, just look! Barely out of bed and you're worried about our dads eating a good breakfast. You're so wonderful Sofia." The princess looked down at the scones. If only she was as kind and caring as he attributed to her. Looking back up Hugo had maneuvered in too close for comfort. He just couldn't give her a break, as the tinge of kindness and understanding went immediately back to invading her boundaries. She could still knock him over with the scone tray, and the boiling hot tea wouldn't be a bad deterrent either. Thankfully he stopped advancing. "Come on Sofia, I know where our dads are meeting."

"Thanks Hugo."

He walked down a corridor with Sofia following then stopped in front of a door. "Here, allow me Princess." He undid the latch and Sofia entered, with Hugo following behind.

Cedric, Rolland and Constable Miles sat on one side of the long table inside the small room. Cedric looked extremely nervous, and was slumped down in his chair fidgeting with his wand. King Aaron and his daughter sat along the far wall, and King Victor along with Amalthea and Edith sat opposite Rolland. Axel had taken up position gripping a windowsill overlooking the gardens, thoroughly upset by something.

Sofia set the tray down on the end of the table and smiled at her tense Dad. "Sofia what are you doing here?"

"Well Mom said that you didn't get to eat breakfast and I thought it's so early that no one else probably ate either and so I just…" Sofia looked down at the scones. This wasn't so well thought out, was it? "I was just hoping I could pour everyone tea so you can all have breakfast." Princesses were supposed to care about these things after all.

"That's sweet Sofia but this is an important meeting, and you should be resting from your illness." Rolland glared at Cedric and the sorcerer sunk into his chair. She should have known. He'd lied again to disguise her whereabouts last night, shouldering whatever rapprochement came so she could finally get some sleep.

"Please let me stay Dad, I feel fine and… I know exactly how you like your tea!" Sofia put a spoonful of milk into the freshly poured cup and two sprinkles of sugar, stirred it briefly and handed it to her Dad. He smiled and went back to talking with King Victor.

Sofia proceeded to make Cedric's cup, he liked three spoonfuls of honey and half a lemon wedge in his. Cedric seemed extremely interested in her preparing the tea, as did Hugo. She smiled and handed him the stirred beverage, and that goofy grin he'd been wearing lately broke out across his face. Edith began cackling on the opposite side of the table, which elicited angry looks.

"Discipline your witch Victor." King Aaron was furious at the cackling in this serious meeting.

"Edith, the loss of Durnham province is not in anyone's interest, please keep the commentary to a minimum." King Victor was also not amused.

"My apologies, your Majesties." Sofia noticed that Edith was wearing a very conservative dress that extended up to her neck. Out from it's collar was a slight discoloration of her skin that stretched up toward her jaw line. The amulet-deflected burn was exceptionally bad, and she must not have Cedric's skills with healing solutions.

Aaron leaned over the table, pressing his agenda. "Now as I was saying Rolland, the rebels seem to have taken refuge in the forbidden mountains. I need to borrow several of your winged horses as scouts to find where these rebels are hiding. We need to route this rebellion before if consumes more of my provinces." Whoa. They knew where her Papa was hiding. Incredibly glad she'd found a way into this meeting Sofia resolved to warn him of the danger as soon as this concluded. She could be there and back before nightfall, avoiding the wrath of the sorcerer. It shouldn't set him off as long as she didn't leave all night, right?

Hugo leaned in to Sofia and whispered in her ear, "I'll take two spoons of milk in my cup beautiful."

Sofia nodded and made him a cup, nonchalantly handing him the tea. He took her hand and lead Sofia over to the armchairs near where Axel stood, directing her to sit in a rather wide one and handing her a cup. He'd poured her tea while she was distracted. That was thoughtful. She tasted it, but he hadn't put in the sugar, or the lemon she always added. Sofia looked over at this prince eagerly awaiting a thank you, but all she saw was a man who had no idea what she liked or disliked. A slight nod, and her attentions refocused on the conversation about the table.

Rolland was menacingly unhappy. James should have been here, that was probably grating on him too besides the subject matter at hand. "I can't just give you a whole herd of flying horses, they're extremely rare and shouldn't be used for battle."

King Aaron seemed agitated as well, his fists balled up. "I'm counting on your Rolland, we've been friends since we were children. My kingdom is in peril and I'm doing everything I can. Do you think I'd ask for help from his mages and soldiers if it wasn't necessary?" Aaron had gestured emphatically at Victor. They seriously hated each other. "Rolland I wouldn't hesitate to assist you if the situation was reversed. Please, I need you friend. I'm loosing control."

Sofia clenched her teacup. How dare he try to manipulate her Dad! Sofia had learned from the debacle over dinner it was better to hold her tongue or information would be lost to her brazen opinions, so she buried the indignation deep within.

Suddenly Sofia felt something pressing up against her side. Hugo had sat alongside her in the armchair. It was very wide, but not wide enough for two, especially due to Sofia's womanly hips. He had snuck his arm around her and was sipping his cup of tea next to her ear. Sofia tried to shift her seat a bit but didn't have much room to maneuver. She whispered her displeasure in his ear, "Hugo, could you maybe sit in that armchair?" pointing to one directly opposite her.

He in turn placed his lips next to her ear and whispered, "But then I'd be so far from the loveliest princess in all the lands."

Sofia was livid. This guy was invading her personal boundaries, again. She heard a small snicker and looked over to the table. Rolland had a most disapproving look as Edith had turned her head around to stare at them. She was the one snickering, and beyond her Sofia caught sight of a furious Cedric. His head looked like it would explode and he had his hand gripped on his wand. He'd been so upset when she went for the picnic with Hugo, and had expressed his disdain for Hugo's overt displays, no wonder he looked ready to explode. Eager to avoid a meeting-ending incident Sofia shot up from the chair and walked around the table, claiming the empty seat next to Cedric. Hugo looked miffed, but just turned toward the window and continued sipping his tea. Cedric sat a little straighter in his chair, grinning triumphantly. Crisis averted, for now. Cedric looked into her cup, then flicked his wand so that one cube of sugar and a lemon wedge lifted off the tray and dropped into her tea. Now THAT was a friend. He paid attention, if only Hugo behaved more like Cedric, like a friend should.

Aaron resumed pressing his agenda, "So anyway Rolland I wouldn't use the flying horses for combat. I just need a few for surveillance purposes. Your horses would be in no danger, and as soon as the rebel hiding places are found I'll send your horses right back. PLEASE Rolland, I can't keep control of my kingdom like this, and that one insists-"

"Enough about what I insist Aaron." Victor had grown agitated. "We have deals in place, and maintenance of the status quo is vital, to everyone. You wouldn't want a repeat of the last time, would you?"

"No one wants that Victor" came booming out of Rolland.

King Aaron looked so vulnerable in that moment, but why? Friezenburg did suffer horribly in the war, and suddenly Sofia realized a terrible truth. This wasn't a mutually agreed upon deal between equals to shuttle people for goods. Friezenburg was a country of few resources and little bargaining power, having been trounced in the last war, and they would have never fought a war if both royal families were happy with the arrangement, would they have…

King Aaron was up against a wall, wedged between the sovereignty of his kingdom and the suffering of his people. If he didn't allow this slave trade, Maldonia might just crush his kingdom. By the stars above, that's why the war was fought last time.

Amalthea finally spoke, "You should really be concerned about the mystery mage. She's powerful and fierce, and she's got a witch for a helper." Amalthea was getting uncomfortably close to discussing Lucinda, and with Axel, Hugo and Cedric all there who knew the witch if any physical descriptions started it would be curtains for her dear friend.

Victor cleared his throat, "Well that's why you are to assist Aaron now. We can't have a repeat of what happened on Margot Mountain, now can we?"

Sofia's gasped for air. Freeing the second set of prisoners had pushed Maldonia into aiding Friezenburg to quell the uprising. No no NO! That wasn't supposed to happen at all!

Rolland wore a deep scowl at that comment, and spoke in a menacing tone. "If I ever find out who that mystery mage or their helper is, you can both rest assured I will punish them for this situation with the ending of their lives. I swear it on my crown."

Sofia's heart sank at his reaffirmed declaration.

King Victor seemed appreciative. "Yes, well thank you Rolland. Since you can't find the mage, helping us restore peace in Friezenburg through utilization of the aerial arena is a wonderful way to demonstrate Enchancia's commitment." The elder king leaned in, "I know your father would be proud." Rolland's eyes narrowed, and Victor straightened. They were posturing, and neither wished to appear weak. The room filled with tension as silence fell over all assembled.

Finally Rolland spoke. "Very well Aaron, you may borrow 5 of my fastest flyers and their riders. They will return home after the surveillance is done, and they will not be involved in the coming battle at Rudiwan."

WAIT. There was going to be a battle AND Rolland had ended up giving horses to them. A great disappointment in her Dad sunk into the princess. Sofia needed warn her Papa, FAST. Without the refuge of the mountain cottages Amalthea and her daughter could find them easily and end everyone. She started musing on how to distract Cedric. Maybe he could take a nice long nap? He probably hadn't slept last night after all… she could always 'coax' him to sleep with the 'Dormintato' spell… WAIT… didn't she sleep way too long last night… he didn't actually cast a spell on her, did he?

"Thank you Rolland. Your friendship means a lot to me in this trying time." King Aaron seemed worn to the bone, thick black bags under his eyes and hair greased as if he hadn't had the time to bathe. The princess felt more than a tinge of sympathy for this man, trapped by circumstances. The besieged king stood and shook Rolland's hand, then pulled her Dad in to an uncharacteristic hug. "I'm sorry Rolland, for putting you in this position, and I promise I'll send the horses right back."

Victor was definitely pleased with the outcome, and the meeting seemed to be over. This was horrible beyond measure. The gravity of the situation sunk in as the room cleared. There was a full scale civil war happening in Friezenburg, provinces had seceded from King Aaron, and her Papa was somewhere in the middle of it, probably leading this rebellion and fighting to survive. Sofia busied herself collecting the teacups while all the horrible scenarios he might be living ran through her mind. Sitting here safe at the palace? No more. Hugo had stood and began helping her collect up the dishes, which elicited a growl from the sorcerer who also lingered. Hugo bristled, but then a hand was on the prince's shoulder.

"Go on baby bro, I'll be there in a minute."

"But I'm helping Sofia."

"Go." Hugo grunted his displeasure but exited, and there was a long pause. Axel made a few sweeping gestures toward the sorcerer, as if to gently sweep him out the door as well, but Cedric stayed planted next to the princess, drawing his wand.

Seeing Cedric meant to stay put alongside Sofia, Axel straightened and drew his arm up, "Excuse me, but I desire a word alone with the princess."

If looks could kill, Cedric would have been labeled a murderer for the one he was shooting at Axel. "I've no intention of leaving her in your devices, EVER."

Sofia finally pulled herself back into reality and saw the deadly serious face Axel wore. He had something truly important to say. "Mr. Cedric I'm okay, really. He just needs a minute, right Axel?" The man nodded.

"But Sofia, I need to talk to you, and we… we… Oooh YOU YOU PRINCE you." His eyes practically shone red as he turned to stare at Axel.

She took the sorcerer's arm and wrapped both of hers around it. "Please Mr. Cedric, just one minute. We need to say some things to each other." The man started shaking for some reason. How could she possibly hurt herself in here? Then again, the mirror had been in her bedroom. "There's no reason for you to worry this time Mr. Cedric."

Cedric's head dropped low to her ear, "You're certain I don't need to worry."

"Of course not."

The sorcerer reached around to lightly touch her shoulder, seemingly overwhelmed by something. "Alright, but not one second more." He looked up at Axel leaning over the table, "I've got my eye on you… you… PRINCE." He walked out and shut the door.

"That was very weird." Axel wore a momentarily perplexed look.

"Mr. Cedric's just worried about me ever since I got hurt."

Axel shook to refocus and took a few more steps toward the princess, "Sofia, I need to see Lucinda again but she's not at her cottage. Do you know where she is?"

Sofia had left her friend flying back to Friezenburg with a decidedly nasty group of men they'd rescued. There was no telling where the witch had gone, or if she was still safe. "I don't know." She was struggling hard with the guilt of abandoning her friend and she felt the emotion overwhelming her again. If only she could stop this reaction, how she hated breaking out in tears. If only there WERE two Sofia's, or three, or however many it took to set everything back to right.

"That's unfortunate. I need to talk with her, immediately."

"But why? I thought you didn't like her anymore." Sofia sniffled through the words.

"She knew. Somehow Lucinda knew something wasn't right about all this." He started walking around the table toward Sofia, and again she felt like the blood had drained from her body. Axel knew something, maybe everything.

"Sofia I did what you suggested. I started asking questions, and my father, the oh-so honorable king Victor, he lost it. He started asking if I'd been talking to Rolland and—"

"My Dad?"

"Yeah apparently your Dad has been pressuring mine for the same information on the criminals and Edith had been 'snooping around' before the battle at Antiweill. I just don't get it though…"

Axel kept talking, but Sofia's mind was racing. Rolland had been trying to keep his word. He must not know it was all a lie. A small glimmer of hope for her stepdad rose up in her, and Edith! That must be the secret mission Rolland had sent the witch on, the one that made Cedric so despondent several days ago. Everything was swirling out of control. Edith was trying to help her father so maybe she wasn't truly evil, Aaron the king of Friezenburg wasn't really the bad guy either even though he was complicit in the slave trade. Even Amalthea seemed a victim of circumstance, beaten down inside and pressured to aide a cause she knew was unjust. All signs pointed to King Victor of Maldonia as the nexus of this evil.

The crown prince was pacing on her side of the table, smacking his hands together in agitation, "Dad wouldn't tell me what happened, so then I went looking for the records Sofia, and I couldn't find them."

Physically, morally, and emotionally spent, all Sofia wanted in that moment was to divulge everything. Let all the secrets come streaming forth, and maybe if she took all the blame Lucinda would be spared. Maybe…

Quiet tears escaped Sofia as she contemplated paying for this chaos with her life, while the crown prince of Maldonia made upset laps around the table. "I just don't understand! We take such meticulous records for most trials, especially when they result in lifetime imprisonment."

"Axel."

"Sofia I went to the royal archives, the local magistrates, everywhere I could think of."

"Axel."

"I simply couldn't find them anywhere, it's like all the records for the escapees trials just vanished."

"Axel."

"There's supposed to be a whole appeals process. "

"Axel stop. There are no records."

The crown prince halted his pacing and turned to the girl. "Wait, what? That's not possible Sofia and wait… are you okay? You're crying, why are you crying?" Realization of her mental state finally sunk in to the prince.

She bit her lip and shook her head. The prince's eyes went wide and he stepped closer. "Sofia what's wrong? Tell me what's wrong? How could you know there are no records?"

"Oh Axel, it's so messed up. It wasn't supposed to be this way, it wasn't…" Overcome, the princess's breath started to catch in her throat.

The prince leaned in, thoroughly worried for her, "Sofia please tell me what's going on."

She looked deep into the worried man's eyes. "You love Lucinda, don't you Axel?"

Confusion spread across his face, "Sofia has something happened to Lucinda? Please tell me! I want to help her, I want to help you too Sofia. Please!"

There was a long pause, but finally Sofia could hold back the truth no longer. "She's in danger." He started shaking his head but before he could speak Sofia's eyes trailed off toward the window. "He was just one man, a man I loved with all my heart and wanted to help him so badly I could taste it, but I didn't understand what was happening. He was just a drop, but that drop fell into the ocean Axel, and I can't stop the ripples, I'm fighting so hard but I can't make them stop, oh somebody make it stop, MAKE IT STOP!"

Sofia flung her hands to her eyes despondent while Axel stood in front of her trying to get the girl to calm down by placing a steadying hand on her shoulder.

The door flung open. The minute was up but Axel didn't care. "Sofia what are you saying?! Who is this man you love with all your heart? Sofia please, just tell me!"

There was a wand at Axel's throat, silencing the prince. Cedric was there, and that menacing scowl had reappeared. "How DARE you touch her. She's told you all you need to know, now remove your hand this instant you PRINCE." Axel backed off, and Cedric postured himself in between the crying girl and the desperate prince.

"Please I need more time with her, I won't tell anyone but I need—"

"Axel." King Victor stood impatient in the doorway. "You were supposed to leave with us. Come, you are needed at home, not pestering Enchancia's princess."

Axel stood there, glancing between his father and the forlorn princess standing incredibly close to Enchancia's royal sorcerer, and relented. Sofia watched him tense, then walk to the door. Axel's relationship with his father was noticeably strained. One thing was certain. Amidst all the lies she was navigating Axel was assuredly not the enemy, even if his father was. "I'm sorry to have disturbed you Princess. Good evening." He caught her eyes in a penetrating stare, then disappeared with his father down the hall. As the door swung shut behind them Cedric flung a spell to seal it and then swooped around, wrapping his arms around Sofia's chest. He practically lifted the girl off the ground and she hovered there on her tiptoes while he hugged her for dear life and buried his face in the hair dangling around her neck. His rhythmic breathing helped to steady her own, as she got a grip on reality once more. "Thank you Mr. Cedric."

His conciliatory tone really helped her regain composure, "Oh no, no no. Thank you Sofia. Glorious, beauteous, magnificent Sofia. You've made me so happy. Thank you."

"What? I'm not any of those things Mr. Cedric. I'm worthless, I just can't seem to make it better, I-"

"STOP!" Cedric gripped her tighter to quell her protestations. "Sofia don't worry about what he thinks. I know you have such a big heart but please, you don't need to concern yourself with his feelings. All that matters is your feelings, so please Sofia. Please just be calm and hold me, for just this minute before I have to go."

She reached around to hug him too. Walking in on her frantic like that was probably upsetting to see, and he'd blamed Axel for her emotional outburst. It wasn't the prince's fault, but still. Wait. "Where are you going Mr. Cedric?"

The man started to shake a bit, clearly nervous. He still had his face buried into her shoulder and arms wrapped tight around her. "King Rolland has given me a command Sofia, and I have to do what he commands."

"What did he want Mr. Cedric?"

"I'm to h-h-help my sister." His hands were almost clawing at the fabric of her dress. That was the best news she'd heard all day. After brewing that flower potion for Miranda her sorcerer was finally getting the recognition he deserved. Cedric looking through records in Maldonia was the most perfect distraction to get the sorcerer out of the castle so Sofia could seek out her Papa without his worry mechanism activating. He was sure to uncover the truth, and could bring the information to her father. Then everyone could be spared. Cedric could be the hero.

"I'm so proud of you Mr. Cedric, and I know you'll make Dad proud too. I'm sure of it."

"Do you really think your father will approve of me after this Sofia?"

She pulled back a bit so she could see his nervous face again. "I'm sure of it Mr. Cedric. You are amazing, and once you do this he'll realize just how wonderful you are."

The sorcerer gulped strangely and the slight tremors of his hands grew. "I suppose, if there's a chance he might approve of me… But Sofia I'm… I'm…"

She reached up and stroked the back of his head to try and coax the words out of him. Finally they came. "I'm s-s-scared Sofia."

She brushed his bangs back, "Hey, it'll be okay, alright? I believe in you. I know you can do it." He looked so apprehensive as she said it, but really he shouldn't be that scared to go to Maldonia, all of the fighting was in Friezenburg after all.

His eyes grew heavy and he leaned into her shoulder again. He was getting to be an exceptionally good hugger.

Suddenly prickles erupted on the princess's arms. He'd leaned in and kissed her softly upon the cheek.

She instinctively pulled her arms in to her core and puzzled on if there was a slight chill in the air while the sorcerer pulled away. His eyes darted around the room and he uttered, "bye" before bolting out the door. She stood there for a solid minute, stunned out of reality. What in the world just happened? She had been upset, and he'd kissed her cheek. She did kiss his cheek often when he was upset, just like his mother did, but still, it was very atypical. He'd never done it before.

WAIT. What was she doing standing here? Amalthea… Rudiwan… flying horses… Friezenburg… GO! She practically flew back up to her room and packed her green dress into a small bag along with some other magical supplies and the map her Papa had drawn. The pilfered vex vine and whompus root, reams of clean linens, other things that injured people on a battlefield may need, they were all shrunk down and tossed in the bag. Her wand was concealed in her pocket and she took off toward the stables. She snuck down as she normally did, but this time she was caught.

"SOFIA!" It was Amber. The golden princess had come running up to her, still fussing with some loose strands in her hair but wearing an ostentatiously layered dress fit for an opera. "Sofia we are almost ready to leave for Corinthia, why aren't you changed into something more dazzling?"

"Amber I can't go."

"But—"

"I'm sorry, I can't. There's somewhere I need to be okay."

Her sister's arms dropped down, "Okay Sofia. Is something the matter? Did you make Daddy mad by disrupting his meeting again? Because he's not coming with us to the play."

"No Amber it's not that but I really need to go, NOW."

Sofia pulled away from her sister and was out to the stables. Off to Friezenburg to warn her Papa about the flying horses scouting their positions, and to alert him to the Amalthea's new mission in Rudiwan. She could be there and back before nightfall, and so wouldn't break her promise to Cedric.

She could do this, she HAD to do this.

The princess made it to the stables and snuck the horse around the main gate, dodging behind trees and slipping out into the woods beyond. About to reach the path to Dunwitty she heard a 'SNAP' and froze, pulling on Minimus's mane to stop his forward momentum.

They were not alone.

She ducked behind a tree all but certain she would be discovered when out from the bushes emerged the cloaked figure. Again his face was masked, and he was heading back toward the castle again. From her hiding place she saw the man disappear behind more bushes. It was thoroughly unnerving, but she had no time to linger upon it. She had to warn her Papa of the storm about to strike.

Each minute dragged on as she guided Minimus to the Eastern mountains of Friezenburg. Finally the clearing where the tiny cabin that housed the rebellion and her father came into view. There were now several horses hitched outside. She landed and the cabin door flung open. Uncle Sal rose to greet her.

"Oh Sofia we're so glad to see you! I'll send word to Birk immediately."

"Hi Uncle Sal, where is Papa? I've got some bad news."

He nodded, and let Sofia inside. It was nothing like Sofia remembered. There were parchments tacked to the walls with maps and information scrawled along them. Several peasants were busy bustling about. There were a couple women now too.

"What's going on?"

He ushered her to the central table and pulled out a seat for her. "King Aaron is insane. He's trying to maintain control of the situation and suppress information, even if it means killing people. An entire village disappeared three days ago. We don't know if they were shipped off to Maldonia or killed. It's complete chaos out there. Unless someone trustworthy saw it happen no one believes their loved ones are dead anymore. Complete chaos." Sofia's demeanor grew more frantic as he spoke, and the man finally took note of her growing distress. "But don't worry Sofia, we have righteousness on our side so you needn't get involved in the fighting, because we'll win this, right brothers!"

Many of the cabin occupants shouted

Ay!

We shall make those demons pay!"

The people shall win the day!

Sofia couldn't help but chuckle to herself. She was eyeball deep in this mess already, her nose just barely floating above the surface of certain doom. "Sal, I was at a meeting today, and King Victor is lending troops and his Royal Sorceress to King Aaron."

"Oh wow. That's terrible news Sofia."

"It just gets worse. King Rolland also gave King Aaron five of his flying horses. They're going to fly over these mountains to find where you are all hiding."

Sal grimaced. "Do you know where King Aaron is sending these Maldonian devils?"

"Yeah, there's going to be a battle in a town called "Rudiwan", do you know it?"

The man went sheet white. "My word Sofia, your father and your witch friend are there. We just liberated the town last night."

Sofia shot up from her chair. "We've got to get word to him, now!"

Sal nodded. He grabbed the arm of a younger man and pulled him close. "Send word to Birk, a royal sorceress and soldiers are coming for Rudiwan. Now." The man nodded and took off like a shot through the door. Sofia heard hoofs galloping away.

Sofia needed to help her father. Now. "Sal, I've got to go and help him. He can't fight Amalthea, and her daughter may come too!"

Sal shook his head. "Didn't you say flying horses were on their way here?"

"Yes but-."

"Don't you see Sofia? That's a major problem. So far we've been able to hide in the mountains, mainly due to your father's excellent understanding of the forest, but if the flying horses spot us we're done for. Don't worry about Rudiwan, your witch friend is there."

He was right. They needed to hide the cabins the rebellion was now housed in NOW, as the horses were probably right behind Sofia.

"Sal, what if I camouflaged the cabins?"

His eyes shot open. "Can you do it Sofia! That would be the most amazing thing for us, and your father wouldn't be angry with me for sending you off into battle."

Sofia nodded.

"Do you have the map my brother gave you?"

"Yes, I used it to find my way here Uncle Sal."

"Then use it child. Here, let me mark the cabins where the resistance had congregated." He jogged over to a small bowl on the other side of the room and came back with a rather plain looking quill, and proceeded to mark several of the tiny points along the mountains with 'x'. Sofia nodded. These were the cabins used by the rebellion.

"Sal, which one of these villages is Rudiwan?"

He gave her a sideways look, "I'm not going to answer that Sofia. Your father wants you to stay out of harm's way, and if I tell you they'll be nothing stopping you from flying off into battle. Just like that stunt you and that witch pulled with my boy two nights ago." Uh oh. Sal was obviously not thrilled Westin had flown off to Maldonia with them. It was understandable, considering Cecelia almost seriously wounded Westin. The man broke out his index finger, pointing it straight at the princess. "Let me make this clear. I don't want Westin in any danger, just like Birk doesn't want you getting hurt, so don't get any ideas, and don't let him get any either."

"But Sal—"

"NO. Now get going child, you're helping enough just by hiding us. I know it's what your father would want. GO."

She ran out of the hut and jumped back onto Minimus. Flying high above the treetops, Sofia rained down a spell that caused giant tree branches to grow straight out of the top of the cabin, connecting with the branches of the trees adjacent, so that it extended completely over the small clearing and the cabin. She circled several times to make sure they were completely hidden from the air, and then preceded to the other destinations marked on the map. She finally came to the last cabin. It was extremely far north. Sofia recognized it as the one Westin had been sent to over a week ago. This cabin had a stream running nearby and some jagged rocks at its base. It was set higher up the mountains and a great ravine lay just beyond the clearing the cabin occupied. Tree coverage was sparse here. Again several horses were standing outside with their reigns tied to several fence posts outside the cabin, which looked to have been of recent installation. Sofia stood there, trying to think of the best way to disguise this particular cabin when the door opened and out stepped Westin.

"Hi cousin Sofia!"

"Oh, hi Westin."

He ran over and embraced her warmly, but she was too distracted with worry for her Papa to reciprocate. "Why are you here? Were you worried about us after the Maldonia event?"

The upset princess let out a sigh. "Sal was furious, wasn't he?"

The man chuckled and gave her shoulder a little shove. "Maybe, but it was worth it. All those men took off running for home once we got back. That was awesome to see. There's nothing like the happiness of a liberated man. They're all going home and I know they'll be on our side when push comes to shove."

"But Westin, didn't those men seem a bit scary to you."

"Huh? What do you mean Sofia?"

"Well it's just… when Lucinda and I set you free everyone was so kind to each other and well, you were a brotherhood. When we freed the men from the mountain they just seemed like they had no regard for each other, no regard for human life at all."

Westin shook his head and stroked Sofia's cheek. "Oh cousin, it's not like that. I talked to a couple of them; they didn't have a strong leader like Birk to make sure everyone was protected, and lots of men died over the years. They were just desperate to get away, that's all."

Sofia turned her glance downward, "Oh."

Westin chuckled, "It's alright cousin, I don't blame you for thinking these things." He ran his hand through her hair, messing up her tresses. His fingers got stuck on her sliver star pin and "whoops, sorry" was uttered. She had to readjust her clip, and Westin continued chuckling.

"Ooh, that's not very nice cousin."

"But it's funny. So why are you here if not to check up on me?"

Sofia sighed and stared at her shoes. Worry for her father and Lucinda was consuming her. "We freed the prisoners from the mountain, and because of that Maldonia is now helping Friezenburg."

Westin's eyes bulged out. "Oh no."

Distraught, Sofia listed side to side. "Yeah, and now their royal mage is heading to Rudiwan and Westin… Westin my Dad and Lucinda are there. They are in so much danger." She could no longer keep it inside, and the worry spilled forth from her eyes.

"Hey, hey there." He'd started stroking the top of her head. "If they are in danger, we are going to help them!"

"No Westin we can't!"

"But Sofia—"

"No! Your Dad doesn't want you getting hurt, and I'm supposed to disguise all the rebellion's cabins, not save my Papa. That's my job, and Uncle Sal didn't tell me where Rudiwan was even if I..." She couldn't finish. Lying to herself seemed to be futile, but she was trying her best anyway.

Westin stood there, taking it in. He finally spoke, "Well how about this. You conjure a giant rock to cover the cabin, then we fly to Rudiwan to help."

"But I just said I don't know where it is."

Westin broke out a huge smile, "But I do." Sofia starting shaking her head but Westin leaned in extremely close. "Come on Sofia. Did you promise my Dad you wouldn't go?"

"No. Not exactly."

He reared back, "Well if you didn't promise then you're not bound to anything. Just make the camouflage looks like those rocks in the ravine and we'll be off."

The world seemed to be spinning. She weighed the options, and aggravating Sal simply wasn't enough to outweigh the peril her Papa and Lucinda were in. "Okay."

She pointed her wand above the cabin and shot an extra large blast of energy. It coalesced into a giant rock with a groove on the bottom to accommodate the cabin and a small entranceway. She then directed it so that it floated downward gently until settling on top of the cabin. "So cool."

"What was that Westin?"

"It's just so cool that you can do magic cousin Sofia. I wonder if, after the war, maybe you could teach me how?"

"Sure! I could start to teach you on the way to Rudiwan if you'd like."

"Really, WOW!"

Sofia couldn't help but feel a sense of pride for helping to avert yet another tragedy. But there was still the looming battle. She ran inside the cabin, kicking out the handful of men and changing into her green dress. She ran back out of the cabin and enchanted her hair and eyes, finally tucking her amulet into her dress. She jumped on Minimus, and Westin boarded behind her. They flew off into the afternoon sky toward danger.

A battle was raging on the mountainside. They were flying high above, near the summit of the mountain. "Westin, we need to drop in. Don't worry, I'll float us down. Hold my hand okay! Minimus, once we jump off fly behind the peak and stay out of sight until I whistle."

"You don't have to tell me twice Princess."

She grabbed the young man's hand and launched off the horse, dragging him down with her. He screamed as they fell, giving away the element of surprise. Luckily Minimus was already out of sight. They were still floating when a lightning spell came shooting toward them. Sofia deflected it back in the general direction from whence it came. They finally touched down in the middle of a group of frightened women and children fleeing for their lives. Sofia ran toward the front lines, Westin at her heels. Finally she saw her Papa. He was dragging an injured man up the mountain, with Maldonian troops only a few yards away. A couple of the men Sofia recognized as Birk's cellmates were trying to deflect them with shields fashioned from wine barrels, but it wasn't going well. Sofia shot a powerful wind tunnel at the advancing troops, blowing them back. It was just the break these people needed to escape. Sofia ran over to her father. "Papa!"

"Sweet pea what are you doing here? It's dangerous, you've got to flee!"

"I'm not going anywhere until you're safe Papa."

He seemed to resign himself to it, and suddenly he boomed, "LUCI!" Sofia spun her head to see fireballs being launched in the distance across the battle. Lucinda was there, probably fighting Amalthea.

Sofia took off running toward the fireballs, jumping over frantically fleeing peasants and blasting Maldonian troops in amour backward. IT was complete and utter chaos, and out from behind a rock Lucinda came flying at her. The witch grabbed the princess by the hands and flew her back to where Birk and Westin stood, dropping her in the grass and circling the man to land her broom. Birk took the witch by the shoulder, "Luci, make for the far side of the mountain. There are caves there."

"But I can fight!"

"No! We are loosing this battle, you've got to get the villagers to safety. On the far side of the mountain there is a waterfall, and behind it there is a cave that goes under the mountain and comes out deep within the forbidden hills, near one of our encampments. My brothers and I will stay to give you some time, but you've got to go." The witch nodded, and took off on her broom into the distance. Birk turned to Westin, who'd grabbed a discarded sword and shield from one of the soldiers Sofia had wind-blasted. "Wes, you've got to help Lucinda get the women and children out of here. I've got to stay and help Sofia distract these murderers."

"No way Uncle, I'm going to help you. I know you and Dad mean well but I'm not a little boy anymore."

"But you're NOT a soldier Wes! This is dangerous."

"EEP!"

Sofia screamed as a spell was launched at where they stood. A battered Amalthea had emerged. Lucinda had been working the woman, who looked as if she'd been dragged headlong through the gravelly dirt of the mountain. This was it. She was going to have to fight. Men were screaming all around her, and then there was the distinct high pitched cackle of the Cedric's sister in the distance.

Oh Merlin, Edith was here too? This wasn't going to end in Sofia's favor. There was but a brief second where Sofia caught her father's gaze.

"I love you Papa."

BOOM.

A fireball landed not five feet from where they stood. Birk grabbed Sofia into a giant bear hug and kissed her forehead. "I love you too sweet pea."

They both turned and the battle begun anew. Sofia started launching every spell she could think of while running in a jagged pattern toward Amalthea. The witch in turn was coming straight for Sofia. Several of their spells connected and sent explosive shock waves across the mountainside. Troops were clashing with peasants, and Westin ran into the fray. Amalthea halted and began to chant a particularly wicked burning spell when one of Birk's followers ran headlong for her and knocked her over. Her attentions turned to the man, who paid for the distraction with his life. His sacrifice was all the opportunity Sofia needed. She shot a wind tunnel at the woman, flinging her off the side of the mountain. There was an explosion in the distance, and more of Edith's wretched cackling rose above the screams and general horror. Sofia took off running toward the direction of Edith's voice, knocking Maldonian troops to either side with the spells flung at rapid pace. Quicksand, earthquakes, tornadoes, anything Sofia could think of. She finally knocked back enough troops to see Edith, and the woman locked eyes on her. Lightning was launched at Sofia, which she was able to deflect back to its source. The woman dove to the side, revealing a tall thin man who had been cowering behind his sister, clutching his wand for dear life. Sofia gasped in horror, for in the middle of this terrible battle stood a man who'd never won a fight in his life.

It was Cedric.