Chapter 45: Worthiness
Slowly the mists clouding her parted ways to a room resolving into focus. Billowing softness enveloped her, leveling a degree of comfort amidst soreness in her back. An odd numbness accompanied the initial feelings, which afflicted her entire right arm. Unable to retract the appendage, it felt as if something had crushed it.
"Wha…." Half formed, it felt as if she'd woken from a deep slumber. It was a bed she laid upon, and now able to ascertain its dimensions her gaze trailed down to her numbed right hand. Laying upon it was Cedric. Head cocked to the side and drooling slightly, he'd fallen asleep on her, curling his arms gingerly around hers, his head nestled lovingly into the palm of her hand. The rush of relief at seeing him alive and well gave way to a sweetness as she watched him sniffle and shift, rubbing his head against her hand softly, as one would a beloved stuffed toy in one's youth.
Her attempts to move had begun to rouse him from sleep. Slowly he lifted his head up, yawned while rubbing his eyes, and afterward set a delicate kiss upon her hand. Before she could alert him to her consciousness he abruptly turned, pacing away from the bed and toward an ornate fireplace. His limp betrayed that his knee was still bothering him. Bubbling within the hearth were cauldrons of all sizes, their contents diligently checked by the potion master. The room they occupied had walls of painted tapestries, some tattered with soot stains, assuredly she'd been taken to Friezenburg's palace once more. Watching him work quickly with expert hands over the various brews peaked her curiosity. She tried to gather her arms underneath her to lift off the bed and see what he was concocting, but the soreness on her back became overwhelming, and a low groan was all she could muster.
Cedric whipped around, the platter of freshly brewed ointments he'd collected and precariously balanced following momentum sped off his tray, careening to the floor. He didn't seem to notice, though, his gaze affixed on her. Eyes went wide, and his feet seemed to move of their own volition, sprinting towards her before his topside could react in an oddly gaited run that nearly resulted on him sliding across the floor.
"SOFIA!" Flying to her side he started kissing her hand and arm profusely, almost to an embarrassing level. "Oh Sofia, you're awake and oh, OH! Prospero's pickles, you're awake!"
"Cedric I'm fine, just a little sore."
Hands flew up, gesturing for her to stop trying to lift off the bed. "Wait, Sofia please you'll hurt yourself!"
"What? I'm just so relieved you're okay." Still drowsy, she tried in vain to rise. Unable, she lurched sideways to reach around his middle, hugging him awkwardly. The man made a series of odd gasping noises as she felt soft kisses being given to her shoulder and arm.
"Me?! You were worried about ME?! After what happened to you? Why I… Oh, Sofia, it's all my fault. If I'd have just faced my sister instead of running…" Confused, she pulled away slightly to see Cedric pushing back tears as best he could, but failing miserably.
"Hey now, don't cry, I'm okay."
"I'm not crying" He stated awkwardly, through a voice cracking under emotion. She merely sighed, managing to gather her legs underneath herself that she might sit upright. Gingerly Cedric helped her, keeping an eye on her back. She hadn't realized it till now, but the green dress she'd worn for so long was completely absent. Suddenly embarrassed, she moved her arms around to cover herself.
For his part Cedric didn't even register her embarrassment, preoccupying himself with constant worry about if she was experiencing pain throughout her back and shoulders. "Does this hurt?" Was repeated ad nauseum as he poked another square inch of her back.
"NO, I told you four times, I'm just sore." He finally sat back into the chair he'd been asleep in earlier, staring up at the ceiling as waves of relief were expelled through his great sighs. Whilst distracted Sofia reached toward the nightstand, rummaging until finding a nightshirt to offset her embarrassment. Cedric caught her out of the corner of his eye and lunged for it to be helpful, grabbing the shirt but overshooting the mark and banging into the dressing table. "Finnegan's fungus. Here, just take the thing!"
The small giggle she made watching him careen awkwardly into the dresser seemed to reignite his strong desire to cry. She couldn't tell if he was trying to be polite and cover his eyes while she covered herself, or if he was wiping away tears.
"Cedric, what happened? Where are we? OH! What happened to Rolland?! The last thing I saw Birk was running after him and…"
"He's fine, Sofia." She'd managed to pull the loose shirt down over herself as Cedric uttered that relieving tidbit. "They're all fine. Well, as far as I know, I'm not privy to many, details, you can assume why."
"But, how?" She reached over and gently put a hand on Cedric's, encouraging him to look straight at her.
"Your mother."
"She was the pink blur?"
"Indeed. The woman is a force of nature, now even more so since she's expecting." Sofia looked down over her front side as Cedric kept talking, massaging out the wrinkles in her nightgown. Apparently the simple sight of Miranda had halted Birk in his tracks. A swift tug and menacing few words had stopped Rolland from executing Cedric, not that he'd truly remembered what happened. He'd been so preoccupied with what happened to Sofia he'd temporarily forgotten the peril of the king's wrath. While a welcome development that Miranda had been able to stop the fighting, she had trouble focusing, the worries of weeks now coming to the forefront of her thoughts. She kept smoothing out the nightgown as he spoke, letting her hands wash over her body. Everything felt normal, if a little sore. It surely didn't feel as if she was dying from the inside out from the stone's poisoning.
"Sofia, love are you… alright? Anything in pain, anything at all? I can conjure anything you need, simply give the word!" He flitted her wand through the air, but it wasn't his usual bravado speaking, but a genuine concern for her well-being shining through.
"No, I'm okay."
"Then, why are you stroking your middle so? Is it causing you distress? I've a stomach soother brewing, just in case."
She looked down, realizing her hand had been running over her stomach slowly for the last few minutes.
"I don't know I…" She trailed off, not truly wanting to confront the reality that had come crashing down on her upon the mountainside. "I was just wondering how Birk took the news."
"The… news? I daresay he knew your mother had remarried."
"Cedric, not that news. THE news." She ran her hand over her belly once more, feeling empty, as if she'd lost something she couldn't describe and had never owned.
"Oh yes. THE news, she…" Cedric's brows furrowed, head tilting down to her level with concern. "Not well at all… I would gather… but then… your mother isn't speaking to either… of them… right… now… Sofia, whatever is the matter?"
Not sure entirely what was happening, a tear had fallen down her face. Almost embarrassed, she reached up to clear the evidence when another offender fell to her nightgown below. Soon more had emerged, and unable to stop the torrent she tried shaking her head to make it stop. There were more important things right now to worry about that her own health. Both Birk and Rolland seemed willing to stop the fighting for Miranda's sake.
"Is mom's baby okay?" Sofia managed to struggle out through the tears.
Looking horribly confused about what to do, Cedric's hands jittered about. "Why yes, she and the child are fine. The woman is tougher than bark of the ironwood tree, when necessary." Sofia managed to suppress some tears through sniffles, enough to see Cedric trying to smile through this. He was trying to comfort her, in his way. "You do remember mashing the bark of the ironwood tree, yes?"
She did. Several years ago he'd set her on pulverizing some. It had taken days just to get enough for a modestly-sized strength potion, and even then it only lasted a few minutes. Cedric had declared the experiment a failure after he'd been squashed under a table when the potion wore off. "Yes."
"I suppose you're clever enough to realize why I wanted that particular brew then, aren't you?"
"Yeah, you wanted my…" Sofia reached to her neck, horrified to realize that her amulet was not hanging from its usual mount. "MY AMULET!"
Cedric's hands were flung up, "Relax Sofia! It's there upon the dresser!" Quickly she reached forward, regretting it for the soreness that movement entailed. She clung to the jewel, pulling it to her chest.
"Why was this off of me? Oh NO! Cedric, did you do it?! Oh, it could have cursed you!"
"No no, nothing like that Sofia." His hand was over hers and the jewel. "Your mother removed it, and she was the one who undressed you. It was necessary to treat your injuries." She turned to face him, still sniffling, as Cedric sighed. "My sister took revenge on you, Sofia. She was bloodied and screaming incoherently when she stumbled out of the rocks behind you, and she, she deliberately hit you with that lightning curse of hers." He leaned forward, letting his forward set lightly onto hers. "I couldn't get there in time, I couldn't stop her, I… almost lost you, love."
"She was still alive and, she burned me?" Cedric nodded.
"Rolland was stunned, he ran screaming at the girl as you fell. Honestly I don't remember much of anything else that happened then, it's all a frantic blur."
"You saved me, didn't you?"
"I did my best, Sofia. It was a direct hit." She tried turning, but his hand stopped her.
"Does it look bad?"
"NO, no. I'm getting rather good at healing burns, a little pink in places still, but they didn't seem to cause you any pain. But what I can't reason is as to WHY you were burned in the first place." He gave her cheek a soft kiss, then turned to look at the precious jewel nestled in her hands.
"It's stopped working, hasn't it?" Sofia practically resumed sobbing into the jewel as she said it. The thought had been dwelling in the back of her mind, through each trial the Amulet's interventions had been steadily diminishing, until they proved utterly useless in the darkness of Friezenburg.
"Impossible! There's nothing in the written texts about the jewel losing its power. Magical stones amplify their energies over time, they don't lose them." Cedric mused.
"Then maybe Aunt Tilly would know." Cedric looked at her incredulously. "You're the world's most amazing sorcerer and all, but she was the jewel's last owner. Maybe she knows what's happening to it."
"Perhaps." Cedric didn't seem convinced, as they both stared at the jewel. "Though, you could put it on, just as a precaution. To keep your promise, and all. Isn't that why you never took it off? Through all those years of unending torment for me."
Rolling the jewel through her hands, she felt a certain compulsion to return the thing to its place on her neck. And yet, something about it felt foreign, unwelcome and distant. Like an old shoe one hasn't worn in years, something about it felt off.
She set the Amulet of Avalor back onto the nightstand, catching Cedric in a yawn. "How long has it been since you slept Cedric? I mean really slept, like, not on my hand?"
"How long has it been since we were in your father's village? Oh yes, four days. I am due for a nice rest." He looked sheepishly at the bed beside her, waiting for an invitation. A warm smile and soft pat was all the encouragement he needed, as he kicked off his shoes and gingerly crawled in beside her. "Does this hurt?" he gently patted her back. Encouraged, he slid closer, letting one arm fall over her middle as his face nuzzled up against her. "If you'd like, I'll inform your mother that you've recovered in the morning." She nodded, "Are you sure you're quite alright?" he spoke it timidly.
"I feel fine, considering…"
He tensed, lifting up to inspect her lengthwise. "Sofia, you're stroking your stomach again. Merlin's beard, it can't have started already. Do you feel nauseous? Weary?" He started tugging at her hair strangely.
"Cedric relax!" She couldn't help but giggle at his panic, batting his hand away softly. "What did you think? That my hair was going to fall out or something?"
Silence lingered for much too long over the moment, before Sofia finally let the tiniest "oh" escape. "Why don't you tell me what the symptoms of Autunite poisoning are, and I'll tell you if I have them."
Cedric nuzzled up against her as close as he could under the blanket, his best method available for softening the blow. "According to my readings, you—I mean, those afflicted, have a loss of appetite, nausea, hair loss, fatigue, a propensity to bleed inappropriately, and…" He tried to bury his face into hers.
"They can't get pregnant, can they?" He nodded. Long moments passed in silence as she tried to wrap her feelings around that statement.
"Are you alright Sofia?" Was whispered in her ear.
"I guess so. I mean, I hadn't even thought about having kids before." She turned to look up at him, worry weighing down his features. "Are you okay with it? I won't be able to…"
"Fine, Sofia. Completely fine. I'd never imagined my life with children of my own, and, I suppose if there is a silver lining to be found in this mess, it's that we'll never have to worry about that specific, side effect."
The morning came, as mornings do, with the dawn streaming in through a side window, Cedric snoring softly in her ear. The room they occupied seemed vaguely familiar. Not that she'd even been inside it before, this wasn't Hildegard's room after all, but the décor was similar.
She wanted to wake him, but he seemed at peace laying there beside her, and so she laid still, watching his chest rise and fall with each breath and letting the relief that he'd somehow survived that mess on the cliff wash over her. Some of his bangs had fallen over onto his nose, making him twitch slightly. Carefully she reached over, tucking the errant silver strands into the rest of his hair. Warm, contented eyes met hers as a smile spread on his lips. "I didn't mean to wake you. Go back to sleep." Silently he shifted forward, he reached around her, pulling the fabric of his robe so that it covered them both. Enveloped in warmth and serenity, she nuzzled into his shoulder. "I never realized how soft your robe is."
His eyes opened further, as he started wiggling his arms out of its sleeves. "H-h-here, Sofia."
Minutes turned to an hour, a now fully awake Cedric mewing her name as she'd wound her hands through his various outer shells. There was nothing between them now, and every layer of softness imaginable surrounding them like a protective cocoon from the outside world and all its horrors. Touching his skin made him hum into her ear with obvious delight, and, with time, he eventually reached under her nightgown, letting his hand trail along her skin.
"B-b-but are you sure, Sofia? Ab-ab-abso-lutely sure."
"Mmhmm."
"But, but, b-b-b-ut, we're not m-m-m-married, are you sure you're sure?"
"Am I going to even live long enough to get married?"
He whimpered, then nestled up closer to her by burying his face in her hair. "I'll find a cure and I will save you, my Sofia."
He was gentler than she imagined possible, as if he knew the sharp pain she'd felt would be unpleasant. Wrapped together in his robes warm, comforting folds he embraced her under the covers. Mentally and physically exhausted, he fell onto her chest softly, nuzzling her in an aura of perfect serenity, until he started sniffling.
"Cedric, don't be upset, you were so gentle with me."
"I, I…" Fully formed tears began streaming out of him onto her chest. "Don't look, Sofia."
"What's the matter? Tell me what's wrong? I thought you wanted to do that?"
He gripped her tight, the skin of his legs up against hers, words tumbling out of him without filter nor restrain. "I, I NEVER imagined it would feel so beautiful and I, I, I… I'm not worthy of your wonders."
"Uh, thanks?" He merely whimpered, nuzzling her chest. She spent the next half an hour running her hands through his hair in long, calming strokes, his heart rate finally returning to normal as the sniffling stopped. "Don't worry, I won't tell anyone you cried, um, I mean, sniffled."
A sly smile awoke upon his face. "Well how was I supposed to know what that would feel like?! It's not as if I've ever done this before! Though, do you mean to tell people what we've just… done?" The last bit barely squeaked out of him.
"Should I not?"
"Well, I suppose this would qualify as the one thing that could possibly make the world despise me more than it already does."
"Oh Cedric, I don't care what anyone else thinks. I love you. That's all that matters."
"If I could but bottle your confidence Sofia, I'd have tamed the demons within long ago."
The blissful morning was broken by three loud raps against the door. Bolting out of bed, Cedric clung to his robe as blankets went flying over Sofia's head. "Good morning Cedric, how is she?" As the door creaked open Miranda's head popped through. Struggling to remove the blankets Sofia finally managed to stick her head out, only to be caught in the stoic glare her mother was now reigning down on her.
"Uh, hi Mom?" The tray of clean linens and scones Miranda had been carrying went crashing down as the Queen lunged forward, wrapping her arms around her daughter's head. "Sofia! You're awake!"
The way her mother clung to her made Sofia realize how close she'd come to the brink. "I'm sorry you were worried, Mom." Slowly the queen pulled away, sniffling back tears of relief to scan over her daughter. Her mother's gaze trailed down to the bed, then across it to where Cedric stood at its foot. A loud 'thump' jolted both women out of the uncomfortable silence, as Cedric, hands grasping at the bottom of his robe desperately to keep it closed, had fallen face first into the wall near the foot of the bed.
"Uh, Cedric was… just going to find you and tell you that I'm awake." The look that woman rained down on her could melt steel, and the apologies stopped.
Mustering a smile, Miranda brushed the awkwardness off, extending her arms out to her daughter. "I'm glad you're healed, Sofia. That's the most important thing. Everything else is, secondary." She cast a sideways glance at Cedric, then pulled Sofia's head into her chest.
Her embrace was ever as heavenly as she remembered it to be, and now that all secrets laid bare the torrent Sofia had long held at bay came tumbling forth. "Oh Mom, it's all one big mess! No matter what I do the fighting just won't stop and I've tried so hard but I just… can't."
Quickly Miranda retracted her hand from the hug, holding it up between them. "Now Sofia, I've got something to say, so please listen."
Sofia sniffled, and managed to collect herself. With a guilty glance she looked over at Cedric, his face still planted against the wall and hands grabbing at his robe, two little feet paler than snow sticking out the bottom. Her mother must have known what had been going on that morning, but she didn't seem keen on discussing it.
"Okay, Mom."
"Alright then. I know the role you've played in all this, and I, wanted to say that I'm, proud, of you."
Stunned, Sofia's head fell to the side. "Uh, proud? But I messed everything up, and no matter how hard I tried it just kept getting worse."
"Oh I know." A soft, knowing smile sprouted on Miranda's face as she leaned back, facing Sofia as an equal. "You went and started a war, and ran around behind our backs deceiving everyone. But that's not why I'm proud of you."
"Then, why?"
"Because you saw injustice, and you fought like mad to correct it. It makes me proud that you stood up for others, who couldn't defend themselves." Miranda reached up, tucking one of Sofia's curls back into position behind her ear. "Now, do I think you could have made some better choices?" Another sideways glance was leveled at Cedric who somehow must have seen it for he managed to shove himself even farther into the wall. "Of course I do. But dear, that's the thing about being an adult. None of us can see the full scope of the consequences our decisions bring."
"It… is?"
"Of course. Now that you're an adult, you must see that there are no clear-cut answers to the big problems life tosses our way. It's up to all of us to try and make the right choices, and then we have to live with the consequences."
Thinking back on this great trial she'd undergone, the scope of Miranda's words was glaringly obvious. She'd begun this journey with preconceived notions of what it meant to be good and morally righteous, and was sure of the face of evil. She'd thought Rolland a pillar of strength and prosperity for his kingdom, but now saw him as a man, desperate to protect his family above the greater good. She'd thought Birk a beloved man of the people, willing to sacrifice himself for his cause. Now he seemed ever the growing despot, eager to manipulate any situation to his benefit. Even her beloved Cedric seemed different in her eyes. The veil of innocence had been lifted from her, the realization that this man she'd idolized for his magical talents throughout her childhood was fraught with more confliction than imaginable. He'd taken a life, tried to murder her step-father, and lived in secret shame for almost two decades.
"You're right, Mom. I guess I saw everyone through this rose-colored prism before. I've been thinking that things were awful, and that this war brought out the worst in people. But this is who they always were, isn't it?"
Another deep sigh, and Miranda bent down with a little difficulty, sitting in the chair Cedric had occupied for some nights now. "In good times it is easy present oneself as perfect, but it's the difficult moments in life that define who we truly are. I'm sorry you had to go through this, but at some point everyone realizes their parents are just people. They have flaws, and they don't make the best choices every time. Even though I've always tried to do what's best for you."
"I know you do Mom."
"Well, I think I did an okay job with you. With this one? I'm not sure yet." With concern she stroked her belly softly.
"What's wrong Mom? I thought the baby was okay!"
"It is, Sofia. It is. But I have, a very difficult choice to make." Sofia sat back, watching her mother stare at the embers dimly glowing in the hearth. "This is Rolland's child, but I can't condone the way he's been treating people of late. He's knowingly deceived me about the severity of the situation, he went against his own people and backed Victor, and…" Miranda set a hand on Sofia's shoulder, almost in tears, "And, he sent Cedric's sister to kill him. Edith was following his orders when she attacked you, and it almost killed you. I just, I don't know if I can trust him like I used to."
"Oh, MOM!" There was nothing to be done but hug the older woman, giving whatever reassurance she could.
"I'll be okay, Sofia." Miranda straightened, "But one of the things about being an adult is letting the right people share your life. It's hard to know who you can trust, and who you should let go. Emotions are wonderful, powerful things, but sometimes, they blind you to what's best for you." Again she looked over at Cedric, who was pretending to be invisible. "I'll love you forever, Sofia, and I'll respect whatever decisions you make. Please show me the same trust when I decide what to do about Rolland, and Birk."
"Wait. There's something you should know, Mom. About Birk. He's been manipulating me to garner favor with the peasants, boosting his popularity so he could assume Friezenburg's throne." Miranda took in a long, knowing sigh. "But I don't think he'd ever try to hurt us. I know he was only doing it because he thought you might choose him over Rolland if he was also a king."
Miranda looked off, past Cedric's attempt to be invisible and through the window to the snows beyond. "Birk is, complicated. He's effortless and charming, and a friend to all who meet him. But, he will twist any situation to get what he wants."
Something in Miranda's air, her hardened expression and deep, contemplative stare, made Sofia realize that she was not the first person Birk manipulated to get what he wanted. "Mom, are you okay?"
"Yes. Thank you for telling me, Sofia."
"Mom, no matter what you choose, I'll love you forever, too."
Miranda smiled, setting Sofia at ease as only a mother's smile can. "I know. Now, there is a whole room full of people who love you, and were worried about you. They'll want to know that you're okay. I assume you're up for it, yes?"
Sofia nodded, cautiously letting her feet poke out of the covers. With that, Miranda leaned over, giving her a kiss on her hair, then stood with effort, walking to the door. Before she departed, she leaned back in, "Oh, and Cedric." The man made the most horrible gasp, as if he were about to be flogged, "I can never thank you enough for healing her." Miranda then straightened, her voice rising in pitch as she tried to remain calm. "And Sofia?"
"Yes Mom?"
"Tell Cedric if he's looking for his pants on the floor, they're actually at the foot of the bed."
The door snapped closed as a mortified Sofia spun to see the offending garment, wadded in a heap near the footrest. Cedric's frantic escape from recrimination had left behind evidence none could refute.
"You didn't put your pants back on?!"
"I couldn't grab them quick enough and I had to leap and… Oh murder me Sofia, just end it all now." He moaned as he slid into a pile on the floor. Sofia scooted forward, lifting his pants up off the bed and handing them toward the pile of sorcerer on the stone tile.
"It'll be alright. Mom didn't scold me. Well, didn't scold us. She even called me an adult." He managed to flop onto his side, curling into the fetal position.
"She KNEW. She kept looking at me because she KNEW. They'll all know. Oh, oh…Will the mortification never end? And how exactly am I to ever face the woman. I'll never be able to. Never. Oh, oh, Poseidon's pumpkins."
It made her giggle to see him in such a worried state. "Come on Cedric, don't be like that. Mom said she'd respect whatever decision I make, and my decision was to be with you."
"It sounded very much as if she was giving you room to walk back that statement sans judgement, Sofia. Exactly how many times did the woman glare at me? I lost count at seven."
"But she did thank you for healing me, and she's probably the reason you were able to stay here and heal me, right?" The sorcerer whimpered into the stone floor. "See? You don't need to worry, okay. I'm here with you." Hunching over him, she managed to lift his head enough to set a soft kiss on the tip of his nose, relaxing the horribly embarrassed man.
The green dress was burned into oblivion by Edith's curse, and Sofia found herself with a conundrum. It was a minor decision, truly. Never had she given so much thought as to what she would wear. But then, in this time of great political maneuverings the symbolism of whatever she chose was sure to set the tenor of this incredibly tense situation. A variety of offerings were to be found in the closet, all of them opulent. Also wadded in a corner was a servant's gown.
"Can you simply pick one Sofia? We should be saving the strife for when Miranda tells your fathers about this morning, and they join forces to eviscerate me."
"Cedric, no one is going to hurt you right now. Mom must be keeping them at bay."
She turned back to her choices, all thoroughly unsatisfying. "I just don't know what to do. If I wear a gown it would mean that I still think I'm a princess, and align more with Rolland. If I wear the servants outfit, Birk may spread rumors that I'm still backing him."
"It sounds to me like you're not eager to align with any of these disgruntled parties." Cedric was leaning up against the hearth as Sofia perused over her choices. But he did have a point.
"Then, I should wear something that's not 'princess' or 'peasant'. Hmmm, Cedric, do you think you can conjure me another sorcerer's robe?"
"I can do much better than that, BEHOLD!" Out from the depths of his robe's chest pocket he pulled the very frock he'd given her on the way to the Hexley Hall tournament.
"You kept it safe?" He seemed to blush, and a soft kiss was set on his cheek as reward for the devotion. "Perfect."
As she dressed Cedric began pacing near the door, humming oddly. "What is it?"
"The question at hand, is that." He gestured at the Amulet of Avalor, still sitting on the table. "And whether you will you wear it, Sofia."
Cedric was but a step behind her, the clicking of his heels in an awkward gait due to his limp trudging hesitantly along as they made their way toward the old throne room. She'd made sure to use the secret servant's passages, lest one of Rolland's guards catch them and decide to act the hero by imprisoning the wanted sorcerer. Before entering the throne room Sofia took a moment to pause, Cedric bumping into her backside. The Amulet was safely stored in her pocket.
"You okay?" She'd turned around to check on him, and the man had gone sheet white. Sweating profusely, he was trying his best to maintain composure, but failing miserably. "Hey, Cedric, it'll be okay. I won't let anyone hurt you."
"I-i-it's not me, I worry for Sofia." He did his best attempt at a smile, leaning down toward her. "Well, perhaps I am worried for myself, but m-m-mostly for you!"
Slowly she reached up, letting the back of her fingers traipse along his cheek. His eyes closed as he drew in a deep breath, as if she'd managed to restore his confidence, his very life force with the gesture.
"We can still make for my cabin, Sofia."
"If you're really worried, you can stay here in the shadows. But I need to do this." He nodded, and as she began entering the throne room she felt something brush against her hand.
It was Cedric's hand. He didn't seem able to verbalize the depth of emotions coursing through him, but it was a simple gesture of affection, one she couldn't ignore. She let her fingers wind their way into his, as slowly they began entering into the hallway near the throne room, shutting the secret door behind them. The murmurs of angry men got louder, until it was clear that Victor was shouting. Cautiously she stepped out of the shadows into the lit hall.
"I'll not have it! I am the king of Maldonia, and no one is leaving my shores without my expressed permission. No one! Do I make myself clear?"
The first person she saw upon entering the throne room was Birk. He was seated at an enormous round table, drowning in a serious pallor, Amalthea and Carol at his sides were equally grave. Directly opposite him, at a distance of perhaps ten meters across the great table was Victor, standing and shouting toward the leader of the resistance. Hugo and Cecelia flanked the embattled king of Maldonia. Cecelia had grown hardened, and was scowling toward her mother at the other end of the table, while Hugo stared out toward the windows above them, clearly not paying heed to the vitriol his father spat. Between the warring factions sat Miranda, her back to Sofia with arms raised, trying to entice Victor to sit back down. At either side of her were the twins.
"Sofia!"
It was Rolland. He had been seated opposite of Miranda and blocked from Sofia's line of sight, but there he was. His announcement made all conversation halt. Amber and James both spun, eyes wide with relief, and took off running towards Sofia. Hugo lit up like the sun, and began running toward her as well.
"Sof! You're okay!"
Sofia still clung to Cedric's hand as James wrapped his big arms around her head, Amber but a step behind reached around her middle from the side, squeezing tight.
"Oh Sofia you're okay! Mom said you were doing better but-"
"Amber, you're not, mad at me? The last time we spoke you told me you hated me."
"None of that!" Amber pulled away, recomposing herself, "We're sisters, Sofia. I shouldn't have stopped listening to you, and I'm, sorry. I was a bit emotional, which was understandable, considering the circumstances."
"Oh Amber, I'm so sorry this all happened." Sofia let go of the amulet in her pocket to return her sister's hug.
Hugo, however, had frozen in his tracks about five paces from the hug fest, glaring down at the hand not hugging Amber, full well realizing who's hand she was holding.
"It's HIM, isn't it Sofia?"
Amber pulled away, looking around Sofia's back till she came upon the shadowed figure. Sofia gave him a little tug, and Cedric partially emerged from the shadows, to a collective gasp from several assembled. Unspeaking, he tried to stand tall, but the piercing gaze of all assembled made him wilt in the pressure, and he seemed unable to look anyone in the eye.
"She's better now, that's the end of this." Rolland bellowed, a simmering hatred being cast toward Cedric.
"Yeah, he's not welcome here!" Echoed Hugo, practically hissing.
"Alright that's enough. We are here to find a solution to the problem between your two countries. Other things, can be dealt with later." Miranda turned briefly to toss a look at Sofia, and caught sight of Amber, recoiling angrily from Sofia, while covering her mouth and turning away. Hugo seemed enraged, clenching his fists and stomping back to where his father stood, Cecelia shaking her head in a conciliatory way toward the enraged man.
But it was Rolland's unwavering hatred that made Cedric wilt into nothingness behind her. The king of Enchancia stood frozen, hands planted on the table in fury, glaring at Cedric as if he could light him on fire with his eyes.
"This isn't productive, Rolland." Miranda had now stood, countering her husband. Hurt, the king backed down, sitting once more but still glaring at Cedric. "Everyone, let's take a five-minute recess."
Miranda stood and turned, walking over to Sofia and hugging the girl. She tugged gently at Amber, who obviously didn't want to budge, while James followed behind as the queen led them away from the treaty discussions. The Queen escorted the twins and Sofia toward an antechamber, as Hugo cursed under his breath and Rolland simply glared. Never did Sofia let go of Cedric's hand, and the sorcerer followed them away from the negotiations.
Amber huffed as they tumbled into the small room, as Cedric made for the farthest point from the golden girl's rage, staring blankly at the wall as if to block out the unpleasantness that was to come.
"Cedric, are you okay?"
Amber cut Sofia off. "Who cares if HE'S OKAY!" He isn't worth your time Sofia!" Miranda's hand was up to calm the enraged beauty, but she was practically inconsolable. "He doesn't have feelings!"
"Of course he does Amber, and right now, he's worried about me." Sofia countered.
"WE are your siblings Sofia, WE were worried about you. He's, he's…" Amber stomped her foot and pointed angrily at Cedric, who cringed behind Sofia. "He's a MURDERER!"
So Amber knew. James recoiled a bit along the windowsill. Hurried footsteps were coming behind them down the corridor from the throne room, a quick glimpse of Rolland could be seen through the slit of the door's opening. Miranda took one long, deep breath, and shut the door before he could enter, then slowly turned to her children.
"This gets solved first. Amber, please calm down."
"I'm perfectly calm!" Amber took three quick steps forward, and, unfurling her fan she brushed Cedric's hand away from Sofia. He let Sofia's fingers fall away, then cowered behind her against the wall.
"I-I-It's alright, Sofia. She… she's every right to hate me. You all… do." As if he'd given up on life he fell completely against the wall, expecting the verbal assault to continue.
"Aw man, this is awful." James had finally spoken. He was sitting, one leg up on the windowsill, watching this unfold.
"You aren't actually defending him, are you James?! He is simply awful!"
"NO, but you haven't even heard his side of the story. I've known Cedric for years, and you have too Amber. In all that time he's never hurt anybody. It just doesn't make sense."
Livid, Amber raised her fan to her face, wafting it furiously. "But, how could you, Sofia?!" This was the very same reaction she'd had in Leidleville. But with Miranda and James there, perhaps now she'd listen.
"I know that you both have, every single right to be angry with Cedric for what he did. He was hurt, and confused, and thought what he was doing was right. But it wasn't. It was wrong, and it was horrible, and he knows it." Sofia tried to coax Cedric out of the shadows along the wall to defend himself, but couldn't make the sorcerer step forward. Instead, she advanced on her sister, taking Amber's hands into her own as a deathly seriousness fell over the group. "He thought Rolland was abusing your mother, and so he tried to save her, the only way he could think of."
Anger passed to confusion on Amber's face, then to introspection. "Wait, what? That's NOT what Daddy said." The heiress of Leidleville then began shaking her head emphatically, "No, that's not possible. Daddy is the best person ever."
"Says YOU, Amber. He didn't exactly defend me at your coronation, did he?" James huffed, still staring out the window.
"Just listen, Amber, please. This time, just listen to me." Sofia implored the older girl. Miranda came, placing a hand on Amber's shoulder. This was the queen's best effort to heal the rifts in her family, and so it was time for Sofia to tell everything she knew. "Baileywick told me what happened. I also spoke with Vivian's Mom, that day in Leidleville when I told you about helping the peasants. She confirmed that your mother," She quickly glanced at Cedric, who was doing a rather good impersonation of being impaled, but if he was to be spared their wrath it needed to be said, "that Anne, used to delight in torturing Cedric." Amber's lips pursed, and breathing intensified. "Amber wait, there's more. Anne made Cedric…. Watch."
It wasn't hard to see that Cedric had flung out of his cowering state, as if Sofia had backhanded him. "Watch what?" Amber balked.
"Watch the way, Rolland was treating her, when they were alone, after you two were born."
"I don't get it."
"She means in bed, don't you Sof?" James blurted it out, and horrified Amber went pink.
"Daddy, would never… Mom, he'd never." The siblings turned to Miranda, who uncomfortably looked at their upset faces, then with pity over at Cedric.
"There is something, you all should know. Something Rolland told me a long time ago. He mentioned it again recently, after I told him I was pregnant." Uncomfortably Miranda slid into a nearby chair. "You see Amber, after you and your brother were born, Anne suffered from a severe depression. She wouldn't eat, she barely slept, and most worriedly, she couldn't take care of either of you. No one knew what to do. Rolly tried to help her by pretending things were normal still, but…"
"That MAN is a monster!" Cedric blurted out passionately while raising his wand shaking it emphatically, "No woman in that condition could consent to such an act, but he took her all the same! I had to make it stop, I had…" He caught sight of Sofia, and the slightly frightened faces in the room, and curled back into his cowering stance. "I had to try and, save her, but all I know is how to brew potions." Knees buckling, he pulled his arms in tight, as if he were trying to conserve warmth. "Never in all my years would I have tried to hurt her, I…"
Sofia caught him in a sideways glance, and he couldn't finish speaking. She swallowed hard, and closing her eyes managed to finish his sentence. "He loves her."
The stunned silence gave way to confused faces, James finally breaking the tension, "You mean loved, not loves, that would mean…" He suddenly went pale as Sofia wished she could sink into oblivion. Only Cedric could correct that slip, but he didn't. More silence crept by, Sofia knotting her hands together to find some way of pushing that slip aside, but there was no way to combat it, was there?
"Yes, he still… loves her." She strained to let those words creep out, Miranda growing increasingly worried. "That's why he couldn't find us in the caves with the locator spell. That's why… the silver ball he conjured, went to the graveyard. All those letters you showed me Amber, he wrote them to Anne."
Miranda seemed furious. James, overtly concerned.
"It doesn't matter." Amber stated calmly. "It doesn't matter at all how he felt, he poisoned her and watched her die. I'll never forgive him." Cedric's muted whimpers did nothing to sway the girl.
"I understand Amber." Dejected, Sofia turned to her brother. "What do you think James?"
"I think, that he can't just be forgiven for what happened. He shouldn't have tried to poison Dad, that's the coward's way out." Finally James turned from the window, letting his feet hit the ground. "But I don't think he meant to kill our mother, and that means he shouldn't have to die."
Cedric had gone numb, barely moving as the twins condemned him. "What I don't understand is how YOU could forgive him Sofia? You're always so righteous, and this is the worst thing imaginable."
"I… It wasn't my place to forgive him, Amber. I didn't know Anne."
"That's no excuse Sofia, we're your siblings and he hurt US. How can you support him, how…"
"Because I love him!" Nearly in tears, Sofia had clenched her fists and stared at the Amber's shoes. "I struggled hard with it Amber. But, I had to make a choice between leaving him or looking past his mistake, and when it came down to it, I couldn't stop loving him."
"But you just said he's in love with someone else? OOOhhh Sofia, can't you see how ridiculous this is?!" She couldn't look up, but Amber's shoes started moving closer to her. Arms came around, holding her tight. "I guess I can't stop loving you either, sister." James was up, hugging them both. "He's just not worthy of you. Why can't you see that?"
"Enough Amber. She feels how she feels. We can't change who we love." James had come over, giving both girls a hug to the approving nod of Miranda.
A deep, muffled voice came from behind the door to the hallway. "Miranda, I deserve to be a part of this conversation. Please let me in." Rolland was not enthused about being shunned from the conversation.
To that end, Miranda gave out a long sigh and slowly rose out of the chair. "Now that we've gotten that settled, would you both calm your father?"
James nodded, heading for the door as Amber gave Sofia a smile, then squinted over her shoulder at Cedric. "You're never going to be worthy of my sister."
Before Sofia could respond the golden girl headed for the door. Miranda managed to open it and aggressively push the twins out, shutting the door before Rolland could enter. The motion was so swift, and Rolland so insistent, that his hand was almost caught in the door jam. The queen stared at the door handle for a minute, and no more knocking resumed.
"Mom, are you, okay?" Miranda straightened, turning to Sofia and Cedric, cowering behind her.
"I'm trying to be understanding, Sofia. Really I am. And I know what it means to be caught up in loving someone you shouldn't, but I need to say something to Cedric." Worried, Sofia took a step backward toward Cedric while Miranda advanced.
"If you keep touching her, you'd better truly love her and hold HER best interests in your heart."
Horrified, Sofia turned to see the whites of Cedric's eyes. He'd gone pale as a sheet and fallen backward against the wall again, grasping at it to keep from falling. The Queen straightened her gown, then headed out. "Sofia, you're welcome to sit with me at the negotiations."
The door clicked closed, leaving Sofia alone with Cedric in the antechamber.
She stood there, heart pounding in her chest as the adrenaline from processing all that had been said coursed through her. Much as he must be feeling now, she reasoned. Slowly she turned to look at him, and was struck by the similarities of what he'd said that morning after they'd been intimate. That, he hadn't felt 'worthy'.
"Cedric, I… I had to tell them. They had to understand." He didn't move, he just kept staring blankly at her, as if looking through her. "Are you mad at me? Do you… hate me now?"
"Hate you? Of course not Sofia I'm simply mystified that you were able to lie so well." He finally pushed himself off the wall, stepping closer to her.
"Lie?"
"Obviously. Not only did it calm your sibling's rage, it seems you were even able to convince your mother of that foolishness, despite what she clearly saw this morning. It seems I haven't given you enough credit, what with you no longer wearing the amulet perhaps lying isn't all that far-fetched. After all, you couldn't really think that I'd love that woman who tormented me for an age more than you, could…." Quickly Sofia looked away. At her feet, the pattern of the carpet, anything to avoid eye contact as his sentence hung unfinished in the air. Defensively he lunged forward, wrapping her in a hug. "Sofia, how I could love someone else more than you, after all you've given me?"
She didn't want to answer, instead she buried her face farther into his shirt. "It's like James said, you can't choose who you love." She started rubbing her hands up and down his back, trying to somehow make it better. He was still alive, and he did love her, in his way. This was enough. "It doesn't matter. I love you, no matter what."
"B-b-b-but, Sofia, I do love you." He gripped her tighter into the hug, "Don't you, believe me? Why would you want what we did this morning if you weren't sure that I… Sofia, I don't understand. Do you think I could do that with someone I didn't love?"
"No! I really do think you love me, just…." She tried to grip him tighter, hoping what she was about to say wouldn't drive him away. "I just think, you loved her more. I mean, your spell of attachment, the thing you wanted most, it led you to the graveyard, didn't it?"
She heard him sniffle in her ear, felt him squeeze her tighter, his breathing hitch as he whispered softly. "Then… it's true. I'm not, worthy of you. Am I?"
"Don't, say that Cedric. I'm happy when I'm with you. That's enough."
"Is it Sofia? How can I possibly be worthy when even you still harbor such doubts about me?"
Summoning her courage, Sofia tried to hold her head up as she walked into the treaty discussions, alone this time. Cedric was adamant that Miranda had laid an edict down indicating his presence shouldn't disrupt the proceedings any further than they already had, and with Edith having fled after the battle it was reasonable to assume no harm would come to her. All eyes bore into her as she entered, the tension dissipated when it was certain no wayward sorcerer was following her.
Birk rose from his seat, walked forward and stood a pace away from her. He looked as if he hadn't slept in the four days since the battle. Slowly he bowed his head low, "Sweet pea, are you really okay?"
"Yeah Papa, I'm okay." She felt compelled to hug him, but didn't want to risk the presumed partiality. Miranda smiled softly as Birk backed away deferentially, pulling out the chair next to Miranda. Now at her mother's side, the meeting restarted. She began rolling her fingers over the Amulet of Avalor as the conversation dragged on, still in her pocket.
"Now, as I was saying, we need to find a common ground." Rolland had extended his hands, noticeably less angry than earlier. He was flanked by Amber, who was likewise actively engaged in the discussion. "It's obvious that the situation cannot persist. Surely you must see that, Victor?"
The Maldonian king scowled over the proceedings. "No one sets foot on my shores."
Rolland huffed mightily, "Please try to be reasonable Victor. I'm trying to find a way for your kingdom to survive and this war to end. Can't you budge, even just an inch?"
"No."
Hugo began fidgeting, rocking side to side while tossing Sofia the occasional look. Trying her best to ignore whatever it was, she turned to look at Birk. It seemed they'd been locked in deliberations for a few days, with very little progress made.
"I know why he won't negotiate."
Stunned, the room turned to Sofia, who was staring at the table. "Maldonia has an existential problem. It's built on large deposits of Autunite, and the mineral is poisonous. They need the Autunite to be gone, and that's why they kidnapped Friezenburg's people. That way, when people died from exposure to the stones, it wasn't their citizens."
A strange silence hung over the room, until Miranda set a hand on Sofia's. "Dear, sorry I haven't briefed you on what's already been discussed."
"Oh." Sofia sank down a bit, as Amalthea chuckled, making Cecelia across the table fume with rage. "Then Mom, why aren't we focused on a way to destroy the Autunite? That way, there will be no need for slaves in Maldonia, and they can all chose whether they want to go home or not."
"You really are thick, aren't you?" Amalthea blurted out, to the angry murmurs of all, "It took me years to perfect a spell that could destroy three rocks the size of my fist, and it takes all my magical energy to do it. Do you realize how much of that cursed stone is buried below the surface?"
"Hey! At least she's trying to come up with ideas, and not just go back and forth for hours about who wronged each other more!" Hugo angrily spat it toward Amalthea, the woman scowling in response.
"Alright everyone, I think Sofia's point is a valid one." Miranda intermediated, "The goal should be to destroy the Autunite. Amalthea, how fast can you destroy the rocks?"
"It takes a whole day to destroy one basket, and by the end I'm spent, and they're thousands, if not millions of tons of Autunite under Maldonia. I've tried to do my part for the past fifteen years, but it's a losing battle."
"So we can't get rid of the Autunite, can we?" Hugo was speaking out of turn, but Victor let it pass.
"I refuse to accept that. There has to be a way." Miranda overruled. "Any suggestions?"
"What if, I commissioned all magic wielders in our kingdom to aide Amalthea in destroying the Autunite?" Rolland smiled gently at his wife from across the table. "As a gesture toward ever-lasting peace."
As Miranda smiled Birk grew agitated, pounding his fist hard into the table. "You forget, King of Enchancia, that the stones are still run in thick veins below that cursed land. Even with an army of paid sorcerers, how would you extract this poison, without the backs of my people?"
Everyone settled into thought, Sofia absentmindedly brought the Amulet of Avalor out of her pocket, rolling it in her fingers as she thought about the possibilities the stone held. Could she somehow harness its awesome magical ability to destroy the Autunite?
"Sofia, wait!" At the afternoon adjournment she'd tried to make a break for the servant's hallway adjacent to the room, hoping Cedric was there. She'd almost made it to the small, hidden staircase when Hugo came running from the throne room. Stopped, but non-responsive, she slowly backed away from where the prince stood. "Sofia, please. I just wanted to talk to you."
With a deep sigh, she relented.
"Okay."
Upset, Hugo leaned against the wall, unknowingly on the door to the secret stairwell. It creaked slightly, and a practically imperceptible grunt of displeasure emanated from the servant's hidden hallway. Cedric was assuredly on the other side, listening.
"Wow, this place sure got damaged in the fighting, huh?" Hugo tried to muster his signature suave smile, but didn't seem to be quite right.
"Um, yeah. It was, horrific."
"But you got them out! Astrid, and King Aaron I mean." He kept looking around, insecurely. "We all heard how you saved them from the rioters. You're really brave, and amazing." The softer, introspective look gave way to a hardened stare at the floor between them. "Which is why I can't understand what happened Sofia? One minute you were telling me you wanted to rule Maldonia alongside me, that you finally wanted me, and the next thing I know you were kissing that, that… THAT."
With a long, deep breath she mounted the courage to respond. "There's nothing I can say that could defend what happened. I'm truly sorry that I hurt you. The thing is, I was trying to be all things to all people, instead of listening to my heart."
"But he's, oh Sofia why does it have to be him?! He doesn't have a kingdom, like I do! He isn't even coordinated, or friendly, and he's nowhere near our ages, what could you possibly see in him!"
There were a million little things she could say to answer him, how kind he could be in private moments, how exciting it was to practice magic with him, and how she felt truly special when simply being with him. But in this moment, when this man was hurting and desperate for answers, it seemed any excuse she could give him would do nothing more than injure Hugo further.
"I'm sorry it had to be this way, Hugo, but I love Cedric, and I love the way being around him makes me feel. I never felt that way with you. I hope you can understand."
From around the corner long brown hair and a tall figure emerged. Timidly poking her head around, Cecelia had come looking for Hugo. The young sorceress was less than impressed with whom Hugo was talking to, but stood in silence behind Hugo.
The young man's lips curled down, brows furrowed, and a sour disposition spread across his countenance. "You don't even care that I'm officially going to inherit the throne now, do you?"
"Not really, I… Wait, what happened to Axel?"
"He's…" Hugo looked down at the stone floor once more, "He's to be imprisoned, for treason."
"Oh no, that's terrible news Hugo." Cecelia could wait no longer, and came up, wrapping her arms around one of Hugo's languid appendages, tugging him away from Sofia. "Hugo would NEVER be a traitor to the crown like his brother. Keep away from her Hugo, or she'll try to corrupt you like she did Axel."
"Cece stop." Hugo stated angrily. "I'm trying to talk to Sofia, can you, wait in the conference room for me?"
The girl pulled away, the distress mounting, until she bolted from the room. "Sorry, Sofia. This has been really hard on her too. I mean, her own mother threw her away for some weird peasant."
"You mean Westin? Actually, that's her brother." Hugo furrowed his brows. "Don't you realize Amalthea was one of the women stolen from Friezenburg?"
In fact Hugo did not seem to know that tidbit. Neither did Cecelia, it would seem. As the shock of it set in Hugo turned to look in the direction Cecelia had run.
"So, you're really friends with her?" Sofia took a step closer as Hugo nodded.
"Yeah, I don't get why she's always so angry around you, but she's really nice to everyone else."
"I know why." Hugo looked back, confused, before Sofia set a hand on his shoulder. "She wants what I had."
"To be a…. princess?" Hugo's head fell to the side snidely.
"Well, in a manner of speaking. If this past few months has taught me anything, it's that we don't always notice the things right in front of us for what they are. Maybe, you should open up your heart to the idea of loving someone who loves you in return."
With that, she let her hand fall away. Hugo blinked back some sadness, gave a courteous bow, then turned abruptly and made a hasty retreat.
"That was hard."
A muffled, "Of all the insufferable..." Came from beyond the wall.
"Cedric? Is that you?"
The door creaked open, and a long, pointed nose made its entrance. Slowly an eyeball peered around the door, alongside silver sprigs of hair. "Is that Prince incapable of leaving you in peace?!" He whispered forcefully.
"I don't think I need to worry about him anymore. About Axel, well…"
"Indeed, the lad seems up to his eyeballs in trouble. I suppose that means you'll, I mean we'll, be gallivanting off to …" There was a flash of red from around the corner, and with a muffled yelp Cedric leapt backward into the servant's passageway.
"Sofia!" Rolland's commanding voice boomed in the small enclosure, until he was standing before her, much as Hugo had been.
"Uh, Hi… Rolland."
Overwhelmed, the man bent down, taking her hand in his own and putting her fingers to his forehead. "I never thought in a million years that Edith would attack you Sofia, and I am so, incredibly sorry that you got hurt trying to apprehend him."
Slowly Sofia pulled her hand back to her chest, as a penitent Rolland straightened. "I wish you would have listened to me Dad. Edith has always been after power, and the prestige of working for you. Cedric told me that, when their father chose him as his successor, Edith tried to kill them."
"I, didn't know that Sofia. But," He reached forward again, taking her by the hand, "That doesn't change the fact that Cedric is just as dangerous as Edith." She started to object, but Rolland pressed on, "Please, Sofia, listen to me. He's a frightening person, and the longer you're around him, the more danger you'll be in. Please, don't go near him any longer."
Quickly she pulled her hand back, "I won't do that. I love him, and he.."
"He doesn't LOVE you Sofia, I don't even think a man like that can love someone else more than he loves himself. And that's what I want for you, someone who will put your needs above their own."
"Cedric gave up everything he had to try and protect me. His job, his station, knowing full well you'd try to kill him. That's not selfish!"
"An did he protect Anne?!" Rolland was furious now, but not able to exact revenge on Cedric he tried to tamp down the rage. "Sofia, if you keep associating with him, you'll end up dead like her!"
Silence hung in the air as Rolland's arms slowly fell back to his sides.
"I'm sorry Dad, but I won't abandon him."
"Don't you hear what I'm saying Sofia? Okay, I know what he said to try and justify what he did, but Sofia, even if what he said was true, then Anne, my Anne, the mother of my children, was collateral damage for his malice against me." He took another step forward, practically begging, "Please, Sofia. You were almost killed this week because you were around him, and I don't… I can't even imagine, what that would do to everyone who loves you." The genuine concern the king had for her cut through the strains in their relationship, and she leaned forward, letting her head fall against Rolland's chest.
"I know you've been worried about me, but Cedric spent the last four days tirelessly healing me. He really loves me Dad, and I, really love him. I know I have no right to ask you to forgive him, but please, don't try to kill him anymore. All this anger and hate invites more suffering, and there's been enough pain."
Rolland stood there, his breath slowly swaying her brunette locks. "But it's my job to protect my family and Sofia, you're the piece that made us whole."
Not. One. Word.
The entire evening was spent in a deafening silence. A stew had been set upon the hearth, Cedric intent on staring at the fire's embers rather than address whatever was bothering him. Occasionally he looked back to the bed, then straight back at the fireplace.
Sofia had taken a seat on the intricately woven rug alongside the hearth, running a sewing needle through the hem of the servant's dress she now wore. "Living in this castle, is kind of giving me the creeps. But at least no one is fighting anymore, that's something."
He simply stared at the fire. Realizing this was more than just a contemplative funk, she put down her sewing and scooted closer to him, laying her head down on his leg and gesturing up to his head. "Hello? Cedric, what's going on in there?"
His eyes finally darted from the fire to her, then guiltily they found their way to the bed. He shook his head, then looked back at the fire. More minutes of silence, and she started twisting the Amulet of Avalor between her fingers.
"I don't know if you were listening today, during the discussions." He didn't move. "But the root of the problem is the Autunite still in Maldonia. Amalthea said it's really hard to destroy."
"Practically impossible." He finally uttered.
"Yeah, and it would take a huge amount of magical essence to destroy that much Autunite." He just stared at the fire. "Well, I was wondering, could we use the Amulet to do it?"
He straightened, his slumped shoulders falling at his sides before slowly turning toward her. Finally, his attention was captured. "I beg your pardon? Did you just imply that you intend to harness the power within the Amulet of Avalor for destructive purposes?"
"Uh, yes? But it would be a good thing to get rid of all the Autunite. That way, the Friezenburger's could go free, there would be peace, and people could rebuild their lives."
"Sofia, that's a truly terrible idea."
"Why?! The Amulet is powerful enough, isn't it?" He started to stammer, but it most assuredly was.
"And just how do you suppose you'll convince the Amulet of your noble intentions, Hmmm? It can be a rather testy jewel, if one cares to recall."
"I was thinking that, you could brew the subjugation potion." Cedric's mouth fell open. "You know, the one in the book I gave you on magical stones."
Several more rounds of convincing were needed before bed, but he seemed resigned to helping her mount the mission for this last piece of the puzzle. As the hearth dimmed she slowly stood up, shyly undoing the robe she'd worn all day. Cedric turned away, heading for a stool at the end of the bed. Immediately she stopped undressing, reaching for him. "Wait."
He didn't speak, but merely stood there, the one hand she'd caught trailing behind him like a forgotten appendage.
"Aren't you going to come to bed?"
A long, awkward silence that had started with Sofia laughing softly to break the tension refused to lift. Worry that had been echoing in her brain all day suddenly grew louder. Miranda's dire words about not touching her unless he truly loved her resounding through her mind. Finally, he turned.
"I want to, but I… shouldn't."
Heartbroken Sofia stood there, trying not to cry. "But, why?" She squeezed his hand tighter, hoping that he'd never pull away. "Is what Mom said, true? That you don't… truly… love me." Cedric spun, squeezing her hand in return.
"No! Sofia, I… It wasn't what your mother said, but… Rolland, and Amber, and even that insufferable prince Hugo." He took a step closer, setting his head on to of hers. "All the people who love you Sofia, they're all united in their hated of me. If they all agree, then, perhaps they may be… right."
"Don't say that. It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks, I love you." She felt him buckle at the knees, letting his hands wrap around her hips.
"But Sofia, as much as it pains me to admit it, Anne would be alive today, if not for me. And most certainly you wouldn't have almost died this week, if not for me." He started rocking side to side, taking her along for the ride.
"It wasn't your fault that Edith burned me Cedric, please stop blaming yourself."
"But what about the next time!" Cedric started shaking against her. Rolland had finally had the impact he wanted on Cedric, the man's confidence obliterated. "It's been torturing me all afternoon, but perhaps I haven't been thinking of what is best for you."
"I am the one who decides what's best for me Cedric, and I decided on you."
Dejected, he slumped over onto her head further. "Perhaps you should marry the prince, at least then you'd be rid of this nuisance of a sorcerer, and there will be no next time where you pay the price for associating with me."
She took a long, deep breath and wrapped him in the tightest hug she could. "The next time, I'll be there with you, and I'll be fine. Cedric, I wasn't lying earlier when I told Hugo why I love you. I admire you, and I feel happy when I'm with you. If I don't have long to live, I want to spend those moments with you."
Slowly he absorbed her words, letting them all sink in slowly. "Only you could forgive my weaknesses, Sofia." Was whispered softly in her ear. He finally turned to kiss her neck softly, then pulled back the covers to sleep alongside her.
The scene she created the following morning was one not long forgotten. Striding in, she took her seat alongside Miranda, the Queen giving her but a sideways glance. It seemed Miranda was still distancing herself from both Rolland and Birk, while Victor strode in late, Hugo noticeably absent. Before proceedings could begin, Sofia rose.
"I have been consulting Cedric, and we've discovered a way to destroy the Autunite."
Rolland blistered, Victor scoffed, and Birk leaned intently to hear what she had to say. Encouraged by Miranda, she continued. "We will brew a special potion that can control a powerful magic stone. Using that, we can amplify Amalthea's spell to wipe out all of the Autunite."
Birk smiled uncomfortably. "But sweet pea, it's all still underground."
"That's okay. I was talking with Cedric, and he thought that, since it runs in thick veins we could start a chain reaction that would follow along the veins of Autunite underground, wiping it all out. Magic stones amplify their power, so he thinks if we get enough magical energy into the initial blast we can overcome the threshold that will let the Autunite, in essence, destroy itself."
Birk sat back, and slowly began to nod. "It's true, I spent over a decade harvesting the cursed stone. Where there is one sprig, more lurks connected within the mountain."
Cautiously she turned to Victor, who was having a minor panic attack. "This will never work!" He shouted. "You, you're not even sure the spell can be amplified, and just where would you get a magical force powerful enough to accomplish this!"
"Indeed." Miranda looked over, but then turned her attention to Victor. "But shouldn't you be happy that this plague affecting your country will finally be over."
Caught off guard, Victor's face flushed as Rolland interjected, "Dear, you can't possible think we should let Cedric, of all people, near a powerful magical force."
"Cedric is going to brew the potion, Dad, not cast the spell." She stood and turned to Amalthea, who'd been eying her suspiciously. "Amalthea, if you'll teach me, I will cast the spell."
"Shouldn't I be the one to do it?" Amalthea leaned against Birk's chair. "After all, if this plan backfires, then everyone's favorite princess isn't blown to flinders under Maldonia."
"Blown to… You cannot do this!" Victor jumped up, frothing at the mouth, "Yes, YES! You cannot do this, why an explosion of that magnitude could blow my country off the map."
"Cedric thinks.."
"I don't care what that reject of a sorcerer thinks, I'll not let a foreign foot set down upon my kingdom's shores." Violently Victor rose, "I think this concludes the, peace, negotiations. Good day."
"Victor, wait.." Rolland had stood, reaching out to the older man as he stormed off.
"Please Rolly, stop him." He nodded toward Miranda, and was off.
"Well that was pretty unreasonable of him." Amber tossed her hair back, straightening. "Your plan has merit Sofia, but where are you going to get a powerful magical force?"
"It was, a gift." Sofia sighed, turning the Amulet of Avalor in her fingers.
Amber rolled her eyes, "Fine. Be cryptic, but I don't understand why King Victor is being so defensive."
"Because Maldonia stole more than just men for laboring in the mines." Amalthea shot back. "If he loses the Autunite excuse, then they may have to let the stolen women return as well, which could rip apart their country." Amber flushed, then turned to look across the table at Sofia, mouthing 'did you know this?!' She could but nod 'yes', as Amber feigned fainting in her seat.
"Sofia, I need you to give me a straight answer. Was this Cedric's idea or yours?" Miranda had turned, looming over her daughter.
"Well, it was mine. But I need Cedric's expertise to make it work."
Miranda turned to Birk, who nodded. "Alright Sofia. This sounds like the best idea we've got. So, what do you need."