Chapter Five:
Set me on fire, tear me apart
Loving you is like I'm dancing with the devil in the dark
Come take me higher, I feel it inside
That you're my curse, my salvation, babe
Trust me this time
-EMO, Dancing with the Devil
When they reached the bottom of the stairs, Sofia became aware of a moderately-sized bed behind her, just as Cedric threw her onto its soft comforter.
He clambered on top of her, moving to eagerly lap at her exposed breasts. Sofia gasped in pleasure, dropping her head to the side to gaze in amazement as Cedric began feasting on the flesh of her chest. He quickly moved to her nipple, sliding his tongue up and down it.
Once slippery, his tongue began swirling around its lengthening tip. She began to moan louder as he slowly wrapped his lips around her nipple and began to suck.
Once he finished languishing one side, he pulled away, letting her nipple pop wetly out of his mouth before moving on to tackle the other. His hand began to run down her, followed by his lips which began to leisurely cruise their way down the path of her body.
"Mmm" Sofia mumbled earnestly. Her hips start to sway and swing of their own accord, matching the nimble rhythm of his hungry mouth. His long nose grazed down her belly, dipping in her navel to tickle the nerves there.
Sofia let out a helpless squeal, as Cedric's face glided through her pubic hair, quickly skipping over her aching sex to torment her knee. Sofia could all but watch as Cedric lifted her leg in the air, bending her knees to tenderly kiss each of her toes in turn, before biting softly on the pads.
"Aah" Sofia gasped as his teeth indented her little toe harder, marking her as his own. When he rolled his tongue against her instep, Sofia felt she was about to combust. She was going to orgasm all over again.
Dropping her foot, Cedric inspected her right leg, before lightly picking it up to repeat the same, seductive, mind-blowing process all over again.
"Cedric" she started to whine.
"You know that only encourages me" he smirked, returning to bite her big toe, the action reverberating deep in her belly. Stuttering, Sofia felt she was about to break.
"Pplease" she begged.
"Ced".
Her lips quivered as her glassy eyes pleadingly searched his face. Her voice broke. There was something about the loving way she shortened his name which struck a chord deep within him. No one had ever given him such a tender nickname before.
Instantly, Cedric slowed the machinations of his mouth as he readily shifted his hips up the bed, settling between her thighs. Sofia's heart rocketed in her throat, knowing what was to come as she could feel his manhood pressing hard against her damp drawers.
Gazing down intensely at her, she returned his intimate gaze, committing it to memory as he slowly pressed into her, inch by inch. Sofia remembered to breathe as her hips shuddered as a sharp tendril of pain threaded through her.
"Aargh!" she let out a loud whimper, biting down on her lower lip to muffle a scream. She couldn't let Cedric know she was a virgin. That would make her story even less believable. Luckily, Cedric let out his own brief whine, understanding hers to be of pleasure rather than pain.
He pushed relentlessly forward, sinking deeper into her as she began to wrap her legs around him, resting the back of her ankles on his thigh. The change of angle helped, as the pain began to fade into a dull ache as he rocked his hips in long, pleasurable strokes. His mouth came up to find Sofia's, filling the lustness need of her wet lips as they clambered at each other, all the while thrusting steadily into her.
Sofia pulled away, savouring this moment as watched Cedric in awe. Finally, the source of her infatuation was moving inside of her. Touching places that seemed impossible to reach. Sofia let out unrecognisable noises as her body began to squirm in pleasure, her hips flexing up to grind against his.
"By gods, you're so tight" he relented, a hoarse groan rising up his chest. Sofia grumbled in response, overwhelmed by his repeated, implacable thrusts as she attempted to speak, failing at first.
"Yyou're amazing" she finally managed, eyes rolling back as she surrendered herself to him. "Fuck!" she cried out, suprised at her profanity as he hit a particularly sweet spot inside her. That earned a laugh from Cedric as he began to pick up his pace, intent on giving her exactly what she desired. Easing out of her, Sofia whimpered momentarily at the loss of him before moaning in deep satisfaction as he swiftly filled her once more.
Cedric's arms began to tremble as his efforts to hold back his relief faltered by the minute. He drove into her harder, and faster, pushing Sofia closer and closer to a cliff edge.
"Come for me, Sasha" his voice harsh and raw, a seductive sibilance rolling her name off his tongue.
All she heard was Cedric calling Sofia's name, as light exploded behind her eyes, detonating a bubble of pleasure which rippled through her whole body. Her release felt like a wave finally crashing on the shore, as her body spasmed around Cedric's, splintering into a million pieces. It was a blissful feeling Sofia had never experienced before. A heaven she knew she never knew existed. Now that she did she wanted to redo it a thousand times over.
As the ebbs of pleasure crested and plunged, Cedric thrust into her warmth once more into her before falling apart, reaching his own climax. His seed pulsed resolutely within her, emptying himself into her convulsing womb.
Sofia panted heavily, slowing her breathing to still her thumping heart. Cedric's eyes flickered open. His warm gaze was intense, but soft upon her cheeks. Sofia gathered herself together, recollecting the fractured pieces of her which the universe had seemed to have flung on either side of the cosmos.
Leaning down, Sofia paused as Cedric gently pressed a kiss against her nose. He started to withdraw, coming up on his elbows as he slowly pulled out of her. Sofia winced, slightly from pain, but mostly from the loss of him as his flaccid member came to rest on her lower stomach. She felt empty without him completing her.
"Did I hurt you?" Cedric asked, his eyes full of concern as pressed his forehead against hers.
"No.." Sofia quickly defended. A smile began to pull at her lips as she thought of a suitable excuse. "I'm just not used to one as big as yours" she smirked, awaiting his reaction. He reciprocated her mischievous look, smiling sardonically as his eyes stared into hers, probing. A little demanding even.
"You called me Ced" he frowned, hesitantly, drawing his eyebrows closer. Sofia bit her lip, taken aback. The nickname had just slipped out. She had never called him Ced before, not even in her dreams.
Unsure how to answer, she provided "I like it", her spirits lifting once more. Before he answered, Cedric leaned forward to capture her mouth in a loving kiss, moving up to leave a brief peck on the tip of her nose.
"Me too" he whispered impishly, running his hands through her silky hair. Sofia wasn't sure what would happen next. Most people would probably cuddle each other tightly until dawn arrived where it would whisk them into an uneventful day, spent in each other's arms. However time wasn't on their side. All the night's actions flashed before her eyes, from the lively ball to the quiet hallways to Cedric's dark tower. An unshakable fatigue thrummed through her muscles as the weight of exhaustion pressed her into the mattress.
"Ced" she started on a yawn as she instinctively raised her arm over her mouth, a result of years of etiquette drummed into her.
"Yes, Sascha" he responded, his tone equally as tender and reactive as hers. Sofia grinned sweetly at his casual words.
"We should sleep" she stretched out her limbs, rolling onto her side to face Cedric. She didn't remember ever feeling this tired. Normal activities like flying horses or running made her feel sleepy. But this felt like a debility edging on losing herself in a trance.
"I have to agree" he sighed wearily, a sad look passing over his eyes as he realised they couldn't spend the whole night fucking.
The moonlight shone thinly like a veil through the window, casting an ethereal glow which basked the bed in a silvery halo. Sofia shifted cozily towards him, leaning her head forward to nestle again his bare chest, his hair tickling her nose as she pressed closer. Cedric's hands wove into her luscious hair as Sofia mumbled in a sleepy hum, tracing lazy circles with her fingernails on his skin.
Sleep stole them away, as they melted into each other. Before Cedric could mutter some facetious comment, they were fast asleep, their legs tangled together and fingers mingled as they slept as one- seamless and inseparable.
Dawn shone through the windows as the sun rose over the horizon, splintering golden shards of light through the dark, unlit sky. A luminescent ray caught Sofia's eye as she brought her hand to shield her face, rubbing the sleep from her lashes.
The brilliance of the morning stung, sending a shoot of ache through her head as she felt the inevitable aftermath of three glasses of champagne. The memories of last night came trickling back, slowly at first before reality hit her like a train crash.
She had slept with Cedric.
It wasn't a simple loss of virginity. They had spent hours devouring each other first; their bodies tangled in an unrestrained indulgence.
There wasn't a part of her body that had not felt the swipe of Cedric's warm, wet tongue or the nibble of his pearly teeth. She was marked as his own. His strong scent of sandalwood and masculinity clung to her like a bedsheet.
Her eyes followed the trail of his presence, until they landed on the sight of Cedric, snoring sleepily on the pillow beside her. Breathing softly, the sight of Cedric asleep made her heart swell in sweetness. Her breath held in her throat as she leaned forward, inhaling his sexy aroma. His intense, spicy scent made her want to flex her hips up in salacious desire. She could watch him sleeping for hours. But, beneath the surface, a more primal thought stirred; a hungry, carnal desire. An urge to take advantage of the situation. To fill her sexual longings while she still could.
Brushing those thoughts aside, she knew Cedric wouldn't regret their actions last night. Upon threading her hands in her hair, the long, silken strands confirmed she was still Sascha. The reminder put her mind at ease. Leaning over him, Sofia pouted her lips to leave a feather-like kiss on the end of his nose. In response, Cedric's unconscious self let out a dozy, muffled moan as he shifted instinctively, nudging closer to Sascha.
A bittersweet hollow swelled in her chest that Sascha and all her memories would have to come to an end. Responsibility called and for once Sofia longed to ignore its persistent interruptions and live a simple life. However, being a princess meant that was never an option.
Sighly dolorously, Sofia pushed aside the bedcovers, stretching her legs. She didn't even need to bend them, her feet already meeting the floor. She could get used to this height. Sofia cautiously tiptoed out of the room, taking in her surroundings now that daylight illuminated every corner. The room was modest, but a perfect fit for just Cedric. A queen-sized bed stood prominently in its centre while a wardrobe stretched along the adjacent wall. Its door was slightly ajar, revealing a neatly arranged row of robes in dark, shadowy hues, though Sofia noted Cedric always wore the same one.
An array of knick-knacks were lined up on a wooden dresser, including a carved, miniature model of a raven, no doubt Wormwood. Sofia smiled faintly, recalling how dear Cedric valued him. In truth, the bird was really the only other friend he had.
Stealing one last glance at Cedric, Sofia treasured this precious memory, only wishing she could wake up to this sight every morning. But reality refused to wait. Forcing herself to turn away, she woefully ascended a small flight of stairs before entering the workshop for the first time since last night.
Evidence of their sporadic love-making remained as Sofia laughed, seeing their clothes messily strewn across the floor. Sofia began searching through a bundle of clothes, before finding her gown, crumpled up in the same place it had been hastily discarded. Fishing through in its deep pockets, her fingers brushed against a cool metal, clamping around it. Withdrawing the compact, Sofia tentatively opened the lid, facing her reflection as she had done for the first time not one day ago. It had felt foreign to her then, but now it held such familiarity. It felt as if a whole year had passed.
As light glinted off the reflective surface, the weight of reality reaffirmed her. This incredible experience with Cedric was already slipping away. Soon, Baileywick would arrive at her chambers to wake her. She would have to return to her royal obligations. To her tedious, unchanging routine. Although this time, there would be one difference. Additionally, she would have to carry the burden of her deception, necessary to steal these precious hours. The aftermath of feigning illness awaited her and Sofia couldn't dismiss it much longer.
She sighed despondently, the words melting out of her. "ruptura incantus" she slurred. Her eyes fluttered shut, as the enchantment spell began to immediately reverse, her features unravelling. Her hair began to bounce back into its natural waves, her limbs shrank and her delicate face softened into the youthful roundness of Princess Sofia once more.
As she blinked her eyes opened, her reflection stared back at her, smaller and unmistakable younger. Compared to Sascha's striking appearance, she seemed underwhelmingly plain and immature. However, her appearance was no longer a priority as her ears sharpened to a noise. A sudden ruffle shattered the silence.
Sofia's heart jolted, her pulse quickening as she twisted her head sharply towards the strange sound. Sofia's eyes flared open, pupils dilating in alarm as her face began to drain from its colour. A black flash of feathers told her this was a bird.
Sofia slowly tiled her gaze upwards, as she came face to face with Cedric's raven, Wormwood. The dishevelled raven had flown in from the window to perch on a wooden frame. Resting against the light, the sun cast an inky silhouette of the bird, his ragged plumage jutting out like daggers from his body.
His black pupils were searching Sofia's pale, ill-stricken face until their eyes locked. His unwavering ogle flickered over her, his head cocking in growing suspicion. Sofia had spoken to Wormwood many times before, mostly answered by nasty squawks, but she felt unable to as her jaw hung open on a gawk.
The weight of silence burdened the air, thick with unspoken truths. The raven cast Sofia a bewildered look, craning its head to one side as his eyes began to narrow. When he did speak, his voice came out on a vile, low, cutting snark.
"You're not who came with Cedric".
Sofia felt her head shudder, seized with panic as she desperately tried to form an excuse. Any reason to deny why Sofia had just stepped out of Cedric's bedchambers, Sascha's clothes clutched in her trembling hands.
Before she could let out a whimper, Wormwood mercilessly snapped at her " You're an imposter".
His accusation struck her like a blow as a guilty thrum echoed through her body. She was an imposter. She gulped, swallowing a wave of anxiety which rose in her throat.
"I need to go" she quivered, grabbing the remnants of Sascha's jewellery and corset from the floor.
Clutching them tightly, she turned to flee, running as fast as her legs could carry her. When she arrived at the door, her hands were full, forcing her to momentarily pause to shift the clothes in her hands. This had cost her precious time as Wormwood beat her to it. He was blocking her path.
Sofia stood back, startled as her pleading eyes met the raven's black, piercing pupils as she retrieved the clothes she'd dropped from the floor. She'd never been afraid of Wormwood before. She supposed he was admittedly an intimidating bird, much like his master. Though unlike Cedric, Wormwood lacked a heart, often committing wicked acts without hesitation or remorse.
"Not so fast" he squawked, his tone cold and insensitive.
With a flustered flap of his wings, he landed on the door knob, his sharp talons curling possessively around it. Sofia quickly recoiled, snatching her hand back to prevent his claws drawing blood from her soft skin. Sofia's jaw tightened as she attempted to speak on shaky breaths.
"I'll let you go, Sofia".
Her voice caught in her throat as Sofia's heart lurched to a stop.
"If you do me one favour" Wormwood's voice dripped with mockery.
His unblinking, midnight stare burned into Sofia's blue swells. Her terrified gaze dropped frantically to the floor. Sofia nodded obediently, willing to do anything to escape his unwavering, fiery eye.
"Anything" she finally croaked, wishing to bury her head under her pillow, safe in her bed.
The raven let out a satisfied caw, bobbing his head in approval.
"Good" he murmured, inching along the door knob until the tip of his beak just hovered above the curve of her neck.
"Meet me in your room before breakfast" he finished, blinking painfully slowly.
A shiver raced through her as he finished "We'll discuss my favour there".
With that, the bird swiftly flapped his wings to perch himself on the windowsill, as before, crooning its head to watch Sofia. Without hesitation, with trembling hands she grabbed the door handle, yanking it open before bolting out the door. She scurried down the spiraling tower steps, being careful not to trip as she rushed through the empty corridors. Her heart hammered in her ears, only calming when she finally reached the door of her bedroom. Slamming the door shut, the hinges rattled under the rust. Her breath came in heavy, shallow pants as she slid down the back of her door, her head falling into her hands. What was she going to do?
Fun fact:
Other than reading other fics, 'Too Late' by Colleen Hoover and 'Fifty Shades of Grey' by EL James were very helpful in writing this scene :)