Getting Scared – Imogen Heap

Disclaimer: Still don't own Sofia the First nor the characters. This chapter starts to get into the good stuff. It's a little on the short side. Enjoy!

Trepidation in her steps, Sofia continued forward down the long hallway. Each step echoed through the corridors as her shoes met with the hard floors. Cedric squeezed her hand in reassurance. Finally they reached the door and pushed it open and entered. Inside sat Kings and Queens, and other royal dignitaries from lands near and far. Finding a seat, Sofia sat beside Cedric and raised her head high and sat with her back straight as if she'd always belonged in meetings such as this.

Sofia could hear a few murmurings and see people turning their heads to look at her but nobody directly addressed her or Cedric. They continued on with the meeting as if nothing had happened. Sofia glanced at Cedric from the corner of her eye and he gave her a small smile while nudging her with his foot and then looked forward again. Sofia felt herself relax a little knowing he was beside her. She took a deep breath and settled into her seat to sit through this tedious meeting of the royals that takes place every month.

"Do we really have to attend this every single month?" Sofia asked with dread as they left the meeting a few hours later.

"Yes, I'm afraid so. It's one of the most awfully boring meetings there are. So if you can survive that you can survive anything." He smiled at her as they loaded into their flying coach. Once inside and sitting beside each other, Cedric told the driver to depart. They flew off unaware of cold eyes watching them from behind a large stone pillar with malice and hate.

Arriving home, Sofia jumped down before Cedric could help her. They transported below ground and she ran to her room to change clothes. As she emerged she complained, "Ugh, I really dislike having to dress in those restraining queen's dresses. I feel like I can hardly breathe in them."

"I wouldn't know…" Cedric smirked.

"I think you should have to try and squeeze into a tight corset and gown and wear heels. It's a form of torture, let me tell you!" Sofia exclaimed, giggling.

"I'll just take your word for it." He chuckled, grabbing a snack off the counter and retreating to his workshop. "We have an early day tomorrow, don't stay up too late." He called out as he made his way down the hall.

The following day, Sofia and Cedric prepared for a busy day in the village. There was a celebration in honor of the local children's theatre. They would be putting on a special production in front of the whole town but especially for the king and princess. Sofia was rather excited for it. She enjoyed spending time around the children.

Holding out his hand for her, Sofia took Cedric's hand and stepped out of the carriage and into the village. Children and adults alike were running around them frolicking, giggling, and dancing to the live music enjoying the activities of the day. Sofia couldn't help but smile, feeling overwhelmed but the joyousness of the occasion.

They walked arm in arm toward the center of the village where the stage was set up. Sofia smiled warmly at everyone and stopped to greet and hug the children along the way. Cedric would nod and greet them with polite smiles. He was certain Sofia would make a wonderful queen.

Suddenly, Cedric felt a chill run down his spine. He stood up straight and looked around them. He didn't see anything out of the ordinary. There were so many people, booths and activities going on.

Reaching out for her, Cedric grabbed her arm, "Sofia, let's move along." He said in a tone that told her not to argue. She told the children goodbye and moved along with Cedric.

"What's wrong?" She asked quietly so nobody could hear them as they walked quickly through the crowds in a zigzag pattern.

"I don't know. I just have a strange feeling." He said.

Eventually they reached a spot he felt more safe where he could see everything. He created a protective charm around them and they waited for the children's theatre to begin. Noticing Sofia looking nervous, he pulled her hand into his and squeezed it. "It's okay now." He reassured her with a smile. She smiled and relaxed slightly. Soon the show began.

Sofia forgot the incident and was lost in the laughter of the children on stage. Cedric however never lost focus of his surroundings. Someone was out there watching them. He knew it. He could feel it. The hairs on the back of his neck were standing on end. Suddenly he saw something out of the corner of his eye pass between two trees quickly. Something wasn't right.

Leaning over, he whispered in Sofia's ear so not to alarm her. "We need to leave now." Sofia turned and looked at him with wide eyes and nodded. He stood and grabbed her around the waist and they transported away before anyone noticed they had disappeared.

Someone noticed, however. As they had been darting closer and closer between trees they suddenly noticed the king and princess vanish. "Damn it!" They cursed as they slammed their fist into a tree, causing the skin on their knuckles to break open and bleed. People turned to look as they quickly walked away before drawing any more attention to themselves.

Arriving underground, Sofia asked Cedric frantically, "What was that? What happened?"

"I don't know. I just had a feeling. Something was off. Something wasn't right. Someone was following us; watching us." Cedric said, both hands on the counter leaning over it, breathing hard.

Sofia walked over to him and placed a hand on his shoulder and then pulled him in for a hug. They stayed that way for a while, neither letting the other go. Finally breaking apart they took a step back from each other but continued to stare into the others eyes.

"I… I'm scared Cedric. What if it's going to be another attack like before?" She asked beginning to tremble.

In a reassuring tone Cedric told her, "I won't let anything happen to you. I'll always protect you."

At that moment there was a ringing noise. It was the box Cedric had given Baileywick years ago when they'd first moved underground for emergencies. Sofia collapsed in a panic and Cedric caught her.

"I'm sure it's nothing. Let me go find out what's going on. You stay here. Promise me you'll stay here." Cedric begged of her as she cried into his arms.

"You can't leave me here. Let me come with you. You said you'd never leave me." She pleaded.

With a sigh, Cedric rubbed his face and his hand through his hair, thinking about what to do. Noticing his hesitance Sofia jumped on it and continued to plead and beg. But finally Cedric demanded one last and final time, "No, you have to stay here. That's an order. If there is anything dangerous up there I will not let it hurt you Sofia. I can't stand to lose you." He told her. "I will go see what Baileywick needs but I'm sure it's nothing. I will be back shortly. Until then I'm going to bind your magic so you can't come after me just in case there is anything dangerous going on." He looked into her eyes and saw hurt and pain. "I'm sorry, Sofia. I'm doing it because I love you. I know you're angry at me." He kissed her on the forehead and stood to leave.

Without looking back he said a spell that binded her magic so she couldn't transport out of their safe home and then he left. Sofia began to sob on the floor.