The Wolf – Fever Ray

Disclaimer: I still don't claim to own Sofia the First or the characters...

A/N: Because I'm in a great mood listening to Christmas tunes decorating the Christmas tree and the house with my family I decided to post this chapter earlier than I intended. Also, the nice comments and reviews were incentive. Those are always awesome to receive!

Darkness surrounded her as Sofia slipped out the bedroom door shutting it as quietly as she could so as not to wake Cedric. She walked into the living room slowly and silently, wrapping the black hooded cloak with small purple intricate details, Cedric had gotten her for her birthday over her to conceal her identity. Moments later Sofia disappeared, transporting above and disappeared into the cold night air.

Outside Sofia took a deep breath of fresh air. It had been a while since she'd stepped foot out of the castle. Thankful to have the warm cloak from Cedric, she pulled it tighter around her as she continued down the path towards the village. Normally she never walked and always took a flying coach. Tonight, she had appeared just past the castle walls so none of the guards would see her and stayed within shadows. Eventually she began to see lights in the distance.

Feelings of remorse began to fill her as she wasn't used to sneaking out but she was so sick of being stuck inside as the threats had increased and the suspect had become more risky with trying to break into the castle to get to her. Cedric was sure they would catch the person any day now. Sofia however had her doubts. It had been years since she'd been able to walk freely without worry and she was tired of living that way.

Something caught Sofia's attention out of the corner of her eye. She thought she saw something dart between trees. Not knowing what it was she decided to pick up the pace. Suddenly she felt foolish for leaving the safety of the castle. Although she wanted to prove a point that she could take care of herself and be fine on her own. She was the queen now and nobody was going to intimidate her and run her life for her through threats.

Sofia heard a branch break in the brush behind her. Her heart was beginning to race. Not wanting to look like she was running she continued to walk faster without turning around. Fear was taking over and she was about to panic. Was it the person who had been threatening her? She didn't even think to bring anything to defend herself with.

The sound of footsteps was getting closer now. By her estimations Sofia guessed the person was about thirty feet behind her. She wasn't sure if she should attempt to run or not. They say not to run if a bear is chasing you. But nobody ever says what to do if a killer is chasing you. Do you run? Or do you play dead? Or just continue to walk quickly and pretend you don't notice them?

Finally fear won out and Sofia began to sprint as quickly as she could for the lights of the village ahead. She was hoping once she made it to the village she would lose the person there and could hide somewhere. Running as fast as she could, Sofia was breathing harder and harder, her adrenaline pumping through her veins. She could still hear the person keeping up with her.

Reaching the edge of the village, Sofia darted behind a small building trying to hide between two. She didn't stop moving and slowly made her way towards another building. Remembering her ring she wondered how it worked and why Cedric hadn't come for her. She obviously was in danger. Where was he? Sofia turned to look behind her and saw that nobody was following her. Thankful she seemed to have lost the person she took a deep breath and would find a place to lay low and hide. She turned back and ran smack into someone dressed all in black.

Before Sofia had a chance to scream she was grabbed around the waist, spun around and a hand was placed over her mouth all in one smooth motion. She tried to kick and scream and fight back but the person was too strong for her. Tears stung her eyes as she realized this is it; her own foolishness is going to be the death of her. She shouldn't have snuck out of her home and away from Cedric.

In a voice that caused her to her veins to freeze, the assailant told her, "Stop fighting before I hurt you." The words were full of ice and menace. Sofia stopped moving and immediately the tears began to fall from her eyes, she had failed Cedric and her kingdom. The man began to drag her away and towards the darkness and shadows where nobody would see them.

Beginning to fight again, Sofia tried kicking him as hard as she could. He grabbed her and growled in her ear, "This is your last warning, stop or you will regret it, woman!" Sobbing, Sofia gave up. She was caught. Where was Cedric?

Suddenly, Sofia was shoved up against the wall and the person pulled their hood off their head and she gasped. "Wh-what? How, how could you?" She asked as tears fell down her face harder now and she stared into his eyes.

"I'm trying to show you how senseless you were being by sneaking out and how easy you were to follow and catch. I heard you as soon as you climbed out of bed and transported above. I simply followed you and made you think I was the suspect." Cedric told her angrily. "I should be asking you – how could you? I trusted you Sofia, how could you sneak out on me. You could have been killed if I were anyone else."

Feeling overwhelmed with relief he was not her killer and also remorse for her dangerous acts tonight and a little bit of anger at Cedric for having scared her (even if she did deserve it) she collapsed into his arms. He held her up as she wrapped her arms around his neck. "I'm so sorry, Cedric. I regretted my decision almost immediately. I just needed to get outside and get fresh air. I'm so tired of feeling trapped. I want to live a normal life." She cried as he held her.

"I understand all that but you could have just told me. Please don't ever sneak out on me again. If I hadn't heard you and someone else had captured you… I don't even want to complete that thought." Cedric told her.

Resting her head on his chest, Sofia felt safe in his arms, "I know, I'm so sorry."

"Ready to head back to the castle?" Cedric asked her with a raised eyebrow. "Have you had enough fresh air?"

"Yes, I think I've learned my lesson." Sofia said looking down shamefaced. Pulling his hood back on, Cedric took her hand in his and together they walked out to the main street and began their walk back to the castle. Suddenly he stopped and pulled her back against the wall shielded by his body.

"Shhhhh…" He whispered in her ear. "There is somebody who matches the description of our suspect walking in the shadows across the street towards our direction."

Sofia remained still and her heart began to pound. Although she felt more safe having Cedric with her, she really wished she had just stayed home tonight rather than putting both of them in danger. Aware of their close proximity as their bodies were pressed tightly together Sofia wrapped her arms around Cedric's waist and up his back inside of his cloak. His eyes quickly darted to hers but he didn't say anything. Then, ever so slightly his eyes dropped to her mouth before quickly rising up to her eyes again.

"I think the person is walking this way." Cedric whispered as he listened to the person's footsteps draw closer to their location.

"What do we do?" Sofia asked with frightened eyes.

Cedric looked into her eyes and back at her lips again before answering her, "I apologize in advance, Sofia but please just go with it until the person passes. Okay?" Sofia nodded, looking confused. His intentions dawned on her as his face began to descend closer and closer towards hers. Her heart began to beat faster and her belly felt those butterflies again despite the circumstances they were in. Suddenly she felt his lips touch hers and her whole world melted. Sofia responded almost immediately pressing closer to him. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer and letting his hands explore her body slowly.

Sofia opened her mouth to let Cedric in, deepening the kiss as his right hand caressed her thigh, lifting it up placing it around his waist. Without breaking the kiss he lifted her other leg around his waist, and pushed her against the wall causing her to let out a small moan.

He was aware of the person slowly walking past them but with both of their cloaks was unable to see their faces. Although, most people would never assume the queen was out kissing in an alley up against a wall in a compromising position. The person continued past them obviously concluding it was not the queen.

After a moment Sofia and Cedric broke apart. Both were breathing heavily and stared at each other. Cedric slowly let Sofia down to her feet but didn't back away or take his hands off of her and neither could she remove her hands from his chest. Finally, breaking eye contact Sofia turned down the street to see the person about to turn a corner.

"Cedric…" She said, trying to get his attention, "I think they're about to get away…"

Finally breaking out of his trance he responded, "Right, yeah um, right." He shook his head and stepped away from Sofia. She immediately felt cold without him next to her. "I should deal with this now."

"What should we do?" Sofia asked.

Turning to look at her, Cedric smiled, "There's no WE about this. Sorry, love. You know the drill." With that he gave her a quick, chaste kiss and sent her back home safely under the castle.

As she appeared in their home Sofia stomped her feet and screamed in frustration. Cedric kissed her tonight and kissed her good; up against a wall no less! And then he thinks he can send her away! Well she'll show him...