A/N: This idea came to me on the last ship day. So this is for the prompt :Comfort. Funny, to think I participated for ship week but didn't post one Cedfia story for it.😂 I hope this turned out okay. It's been a very long time since I wrote for Baileywick and Violet. And while it may portray romance I'll only have these two in a platonic friendship. Very close. Kind like Cedfia but unlike Cedfia they won't be perusing the romance aspect. You can say they are a level below Cedfia in relationship. Please read and review!
Where To Go From Here
"All that is left is to clean the ballroom, make sure the guests rooms are ready, and see to the last of the decorations for the wedding ceremony." Baileywick told Violet as they both walked through the halls of the castle and looked over the big to-do list together.
"You are not forgetting anything?" Violet asked him in concern.
"That should be all of it. We have already given this castle minus the ballroom a good cleaning, checked with Chef Andre on the food and seen to the royal seating chart with Prince Desmond and Princess Amber. I'm sure we are already taking care of last minute wedding details tomorrow." The steward stated as he fixed his glasses, wrote down what was left on next day's list and missed the sorrowful look his soon-to-be new stewardess was giving him.
Despite having to get ready for the next royal transition, Violet felt her friend had gone about the many chores as though it was an ordinary royal event. Perhaps, having done this job for so long and seen to two royal transitions before the man was forgetting that this would be his last with Amber. This job had become second nature to him.
Giving a sigh, Violet pulled the long parchment and pen out the steward's hands then looked to the flor. "Mr. Baileywick, are you forgetting that these are your last days being the royal steward?"
After recovering from his friend's boldness the man looked down at the maid; finally noticing how upset she was. "I haven't, Violet. Why do you ask?"
"Are you not sa-" Violet started say but cut herself off by biting her lip, turning away from him to wipe away the tears that had somehow escaped then tried to cross her arms as best as she could, still holding the items she had taken away from him. "How can you be holding it together... about retirement?"
Finally realizing what the woman trying to say, the gray-haired man's expression softened. He gently turned her around to look at her but noticed she was still crying and offered her a handkerchief in exchange for his parchment and pen. Which to his relief, she handed back to him. "It does sadden me that I won't be the royal steward anymore. I have done this job for so long I never realized that this fateful day has come. It has been a day I've dreaded each day I got older. In a way, I don't I know how I can explain the many confusing emotions that are going through me right now."
"Take your time, sir," Violet gently instructed as she brushed the tendril of hair that had come lose from her bonnet out of her eyes.
Doing what he was told he continued. "I am grateful that I have served the royal family as long as I have. They had always considered me a part of the family so retiring was something I hope I would never have to do. But on the other hand, age has made me realize that I cannot be doing this forever. Perhaps, as each year passes I've started to ease into idea that while I would like to keep doing this job I feel I'm finally ready for retirement."
"I see," Violet muttered as she took off her bonnet and thought over her boss's words. "That does explain it. You feel like you are ready for for it. This isn't like years ago at the royal jubilee, is it?"
"No, it's not." The man acknowledged as he remembered the time he had given his resignation before. But this time it was different. There was no cursed object making him mess up and no villain trying to steal his job. Just a simple decision being put through. And this time, King Roland and Queen Miranda as well the future king and queen had accepted it.
"So what about you?"
Me, sir? Violet asked confused.
"You were upset a minute ago," The steward reminded her. "Do you want to talk about it?"
Feeling that this would be her only chance to tell him. Violet clutched her bonnet in both hands and finally spoke. "While I'm honored you have picked me to be your replacement, Mr. Baileywick. I don't know if I'll enjoy working here without you, sir."
"Violet..."
"I may have Suzette, Marcy, Princess Sofia and others here. But you are the closest friend I've ever had. You are special to me," The maid blushed as she confessed her last statement. "I guess I don't know where to go from here. Sure, I get to be the first royal stewardess very soon but a new job can never replace what will be leaving: You."
The steward was floored by the information he was receiving. While Violet had been a good friend to him over the years; the man never imagined she felt that deeply about their friendship. Perhaps, being so busy with his job he never really sat down to think too deep into it. Now seemed like the best time to evaluate it.
Taking her hand in his, Baileywick pulled the woman into a hug. " I must apologize to you, Violet."
"What is there to apologize for?" She asked confused. "You didn't do anything wrong."
"I did, Violet. Over the years, I was always burying myself in my work that I didn't realize how much you mean to me as well," The older man shook head. "I should have told you sooner. You have been a great help to me. Not only did you take over for me years ago without hesitation that week I got sick but you took care me. You reassure me things will be alright when I worry too much. You are very special to me, Violet."
"Oh, Mr. Baileywick, I-I-I don't know what to say." She said as she let the bonnet fall to carpet so she could return his hug.
"Let's make up for lost time. Whenever, you get a day off I'll make sure I'm open to spend the day with you."
"Really?" Violet looked up at him in surprise. "Sir, you-you don't have to do that."
"You are my friend, Violet," Bailywick clasped her hands in his. "it is only right I reciprocate in this friendship."
"I would like that very much, Mr. Baileywick." Violet stated as she kissed him on the cheek which made the man blush in return.
After clearing his his throat, the man rolled up his long parchment, put away his pen then offered his arm. "Perhaps, now would be a good time to give you, your present then wait on coronation day."
"A present?" Violet beamed.
"Yes, it was suppose to be a gift for your big day. The very first day you would finally step in but given the circumstances this seems like a better opportunity."
Taking his arm in hers, she let him lead her. "I can't wait to see it."
" I thought you would say that." He chuckled as they turned a corner.
A/N: Probably not my best work but like I said before. It's been a very long time since I wrote for these two. And given that we don't see them together very much there isn't very much to go on. I hope you liked.