Disclaimer: I do not own Sofia the First.

A/N: Happy Holidays! Our little discord decided to do a wassailia gift exchange this year, and I got Aquaturquoise. And I hope both she, and you, enjoy this little story I cooked up.

Skye landed quietly in a soft patch of snow within Sofia's secret garden. The Protector in training quickly descending from his back.

"Happy Wassailia," she wished him once more. Hugging him around the neck.

"Happy Wassailia to you, my princess," the unicorn repeated. His face shifting to one of concern as he remarked. "I hope you're family is not too upset by you coming home so late"

"Oh," she laughed nervously, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "I'm sure they'll be fine. But you should hurry home to your own family."

"Right!" he agreed. "Fare thee well, my princess!" Spreading his wings, and soaring back up into the snowy skies.

Sofia smiled as she watched him fly out of sight, then sighed. Knowing she couldn't delay her own return any longer.

Quickly she traversed the gardens. Making her way to the castle steps, when another figure caught her eye.

"Mr. Cedric?"

The man stopped upon hearing his name. Looking down to see the young girl.

"Sofia?" his brow raised. Surprised to see her out here. Before he could inquire however, she beat him to the punch.

"Happy holidays! Did you enjoy spending Wassailia with your family?" Knowing he'd been at Mystic Meadows.

"Well, yes I did," he admitted. "Surprisingly so..." Especially now, that he and Cordelia were getting on again. And while he'd had his reservations about his father. Especially considering his attempted coup earlier that year. Goodwin had been rather amicable as well. Seemed what mattered to the old wizard was that his son had indeed eventually done the right thing, even if he'd taken the roundabout route. Plus, the visit had given him the opportunity to be away from the castle for a bit. Where, save for the second princess, he still wasn't exactly wanted.

It would have been perfect, if only Wormwood had come along. However his animal familiar had vehemently refused. Something that was becoming more common recently...

Shaking the matter from his mind though, and refocusing on the girl before him "But what are you doing out here? And dressed like that. Surely you haven't been out all day?"

"Oh, well yeah," she admitted, seeing his inquisitive expression. "I just... had a friend I really felt I should spend the holiday with." Leaving him with that vague, but truthful answer.

"Oh," well he supposed he couldn't fault her for that. It was just in her nature to care about others; and being a beneficiary of her kindness as well, he certainly hoped this other friend was grateful.

"I just hope mom and dad aren't too upset about me coming home so late..." she confessed, rubbing her arm.

"I'm sure they'll be fine," he assured. "Though we should probably hurry on in..." Reluctantly staring at the door. Still hesitant to go in himself, although for different reasons then hers.

"Yeah...," taking his hand, and giving him a reassuring smile when he looked down at her. "Come on," leading him inside, to face this little trial together.

Sofia smiled softly to herself, as she finished the passage from her childhood diary. Despite her worry, Cedric was right about her family not being upset with her. They were just happy to see her home safe and sound. Amber having tempered any worries in her absence.

She sighed, closing the tome as she listened to the ambient howling wind outside. That had been her first Wassailia as a protector; and she had spent a few others in the Isles with her friends since then.

This year, however she had opted to stay home with her parents and... her new husband.

Grinning giddily she examined the ring on her finger. They had married shortly after her twentieth birthday, and thus were still enjoying their honeymoon phase; and while they had spent many Wassailias together in the past, she was still excited for their first one as a married couple.

The door creaked open, and she looked up to see Cedric coming into their room. His own ring twinkling in the cande light, as he smiled at her.

"Well," he declared. "I think the castle is magically merry enough." Approaching her and bending down slightly to give her a kiss. "What are you doing?"

"Oh, I was just reading in my old diary about some of our past Wassailias." Gesturing towards the book in her lap.

"Ah, Well did you read the one where you gave me my magnificent wand case?" Carefully placing his family wand in said box for safe keeping.

She grinned, "I actually hadn't gotten to that one yet," closing the record, and setting it aside on a table. "The last one I read was my first wassailia in the Isles. Back when I was still secretly training to be a protector."

"Hmm... yes, I think I recall that one as well..." Looking out the window as another gust of snowy wind rushed by.

"I don't think we've had a blizzard like this since that first Wassailia you became princess," he remarked.

"Well, I think it's fitting," she said. "Considering that this is our first Wassailia together being married."

He smiled, taking a seat next to her on their sofa. "And it looks like it'll be a quiter one this year, too."

She nodded, knowing Amber, who had been courting Desmond, was already in Mezbez for the holiday with his family. As for James, he was currently out with Sir Finnegan. But would soon be traveling to Zumaria, to celebrate Christmas with Vivian a few days hence.

This left just her, Cedric, and her parents, as well as the rest of the castle staff to hunker down and celebrate the coldest day of winter together.

"I guess Greylock won't be able to join us either."

"No," he confirmed, "He's actually spending the holiday some place warmer with his new lady friend."

Her eyes sparkled in interest, "Ooh! Who is it?"

"I can't recall her name," he shrugged. "Only that she's a professor Greylock describes as 'a cool drink of water'" his wife giggling in response.

"I must admit, I am just a little jealous... Not of the lady friend!" he quickly clarified when he saw the look she was giving him. "But of the warmer weather. I mean, I love Wassailia snow as much as you. But this is a little overboard don't you think?" Glancing out the window at the raging storm once more.

"Aww," she cooed playfully. "Do you need something to warm you up?"

His brows raised, as a crooked grin reached his lips. Liking the tone of her voice. "Perhaps..."

"Something sweet and... soft?" Pressing her body into his.

The man was now grinning wildly. Oh, he definitely was liking where this conversation was going...

"Close your eyes," she purred.

The sorcerer obeyed. A sugary scent wafting briefly under his nose, before a pillowy confection was shoved in his partially open mouth.

Opening his eyes he saw Sofia holding two mugs of hot chocolate she'd conjured. Topped with big fluffy marshmallows. A mischievous grin on her face.

He swallowed down his treat, and chuckled, "Cheeky girl." Taking his chocolate and snuggling close. Wrapping his arm around her as he whispered. "I'll still want some of your sweetness."

Sofia snickered, nearly spitting out her cocoa. Cuddling closer to her husband, both to enjoy the current warmth; and in anticipation of how he'd be warming her soon after...

Meanwhile, Baileywick directed the servants as everyone worked to make sure the was castle perfect for this evening's festivities.

"Got everything set up for their majesties, and the newlyweds," Violet remarked with a chipper tone. "Nice to know we'll have at least one set of young lovers home for the holidays."

"Young?" the steward raised a brow. Checking his pocket watch to confirm they were on schedule. "Sofia perhaps. Cedric on the other hand..."

She chuckled, "Oh come on. Don't tell me you're still hung up on that."

"Well... you know I've always had my reservations," he admitted. "I mean, Cedric's fine. But I just don't know what exactly Sofia sees in him."

"Well, perhaps she sees someone who's always been there for her," the maid suggested. "Someone she admires... and finds handsome." Giving him a knowing smile.

He smirked back, "Are we still referring to Cedric?" To which she giggled in response.

"I suppose I can't be too bothered by the age difference," he conceded. "Considering our own situation."

She nodded, glad to know he'd seen some reason.

Checking his watch one last time he gave a satisfied hum, and offered her his arm.

"Well, regardless, let's be sure to make this one of the happiest Wassailias they remember."

"Of course," she smiled., "I know it will definitely be one of mine."

Adjusting his glasses, he gave her a grin, before escorting her to the dining hall to oversee the grand holiday banquet together.