Chapter Text
Chapter 4: Lighten Up
While Cedric and Sofia were facing off with Slickwell, Wormwood soared down the hallway toward what he understood to be the jewelry room (or…portrait room, as it were). Thankfully, Sofia had blasted the door to pieces, so getting inside wasn't a problem. He flew along the uppermost part of the room and squawked when he saw an entire row of crowns.
"Oh, which one was the Crown of Angelique? Er…" His green eyes scanned the line before finally landing on the one in the center. "Ah-hah!" He flew forward, crashing into the glass case and knocking it to the stone floor below. It shattered, releasing the crown.
The Crown of Angelique was pure white (rare for a crown), and it was lined with several diamonds. According to legend, this crown was made by a young sorceress named Angelique of Alabaster when she was only six years old. She had designed it for her queen. She passed away right after creating it due to unknown circumstances. It got passed down from royal to royal before finally landing in Rudistan most recently.
Wormwood scooped the crown into his beak, instantly feeling a rush of warmth spread through him, which caused him to feel rather light and happy. "Strange," he mumbled against the crown. Though since the crown was infused with Light Magic, it didn't surprise him. He flew off to the throne room again.
"Take that!" Slickwell yelled as he hurled a blast of magic toward the duo.
"Look out!" Sofia called, shoving Cedric out of the way before using her GuardoRing to create a shield around her. She laughed triumphantly as the former steward growled in frustration. "You're going to have to do better than that to defeat us, Slickwell!" She deactivated the shield before swiftly pulling Cedric to his feet.
Cedric smiled in mild humor. "I see all those years helping me to my feet really paid off."
She laughed before activating her wand, tossing a spell toward Slickwell.
Slickwell yelped and dodged it, looking behind him to see a sizzling hole in King Magnus's chair. "Watch where you're pointing that thing!"
Sofia smirked and tapped the wand against her shoulder. "I was. Bad guys, remember? If you get hurt, that's a good thing."
CAW!
Cedric gasped and looked up as Wormwood flew into the room, a crown dangling from his beak. "Wormy! What are you doing here?" He ducked as the raven swooped down toward him. "What do you think you're doing?!"
Wormwood narrowed his eyes in concentration before flying back toward Cedric, opening his beak and releasing the crown onto his head.
Cedric paused and blinked, his eyes changing back to their normal color and his robe restored to its usual appearance. He reached up and grabbed the crown, sighing in comfort as he felt the Light Magic rushing through him. "That's amazing," he mumbled.
"Cedric, put it on Sofia's head, now!" Wormwood ordered.
"R-Right!" He quickly tied the crown to his robe. He then turned to face Sofia, only to find her pointing her wand at him, her eyes burning in anger as she glared at him. "Sofia?"
"You traitor!" she growled. "We were supposed to be in this together!"
Slickwell smirked as he stood aside, simply watching. "Maybe they'll destroy each other, and I'll get the kingdom after all." He giggled giddily.
"Sofia, we are in something together—but it's not this!" He dodged an attack she'd sent his way and frowned, lunging forward and grabbing her wrists, making her drop her wand. "Sofia!"
"Agh! Let me go!" She sent a swift kick to his side, loosening the crown and causing it to skitter off along the marble flooring as she shoved her partner to the floor, pinning him so he couldn't move. "You're a liar, Mr. Cedric."
Cedric blinked in shock as he saw the princess's eyes flash once, the familiar blue depths he was used to no longer there. "Sofia…"
"You told me we'd conquer this place together. And now you're just like every other person who's ever made a promise and broken it. So I guess this is goodbye." She smirked and quickly grabbed her wand, pointing it at his heart. "Break what's left of my heart, and I'll break yours."
Cedric closed his eyes, preparing for the worst.
Sofia froze in her spot, her wand falling from her hand once again. She gasped as her pink and purple dress returned, her hair tied back into her usual flowing ponytail, and her eyes lightened to their normal shade. She felt a rush of Light Magic sail through her, which was unlike anything she'd ever experienced. Reaching up, she removed the Crown of Angelique, gaping at it. She gazed upward, noticing Wormwood flying around in a circle. And then it hit her.
She dropped the crown before diving at Cedric, embracing him as he slowly sat up, wrapping his arms around her as she breathed erratically, sounding like she was possibly suffering a panic attack. "Mr. Cedric, I'm s-sorry! I'm so sorry! I… I didn't mean it!"
Cedric gently eased her back, placing his hands on either side of her face and smiling gently at her. "I know you didn't, Sofia. It's all right."
"No, it's not! I almost killed you!" She closed her eyes, feeling close to tears. "You must hate me now…"
"I could never hate you, Sofia." He lifted her chin up, continuing to offer her a warm smile as she opened her eyes again. "You're the best thing in my life, and I love you. You know that."
"Mr. Cedric…"
"Nothing you could do would ever make me hate you. Especially when that something wasn't your fault." He sighed as she leaned down, hugging him once more. "Shh… It's okay." He gently rubbed her back as she sobbed.
Slickwell scoffed. "Well, that wasn't exactly how I thought things would turn out…" He then smirked, unsheathing the Sword of Declan the Chevalier. "Waste not, want not."
Wormwood, seeing the former steward's actions, quickly flew down onto Cedric's shoulder as Sofia looked toward him, her eyes watery. "Not that this isn't a lovely sentiment and everything, but that wretched Slickwell is probably about to try to kill you both. Maybe save the mushy makeup stuff for later?"
Just as he'd finished saying that, Slickwell rushed forward and grunted, swinging the sword at the friends but missing as they quickly moved out of the way. "Stand still, you cowards!"
"You're the coward!" Sofia challenged, her eyes blazing again, but for a very different reason this time. "Turning me against my partner? Using some sort of sick mind control on us? Oh, you're going down, buddy." She activated her Enchantlet and cast a net toward the man, capturing him. She then glanced toward Cedric. "Freeze him, now!"
Cedric aimed his wand at Slickwell, who was trying to crawl out of the net. "Confuto!" He sighed in relief as the former steward stilled, frozen in place.
Sofia tapped her Enchantlet again, frowning as Chrysta's face appeared before her. "Chrysta."
"Sofia! What's wrong?" She gasped. "Have you been crying? Who do I need to hit? Is it Cedric?"
"Excuse you," Cedric argued, folding his arms as he stood behind the princess. "It wasn't me for once, so stop jumping to conclusions." He smiled sheepishly as Sofia gave him a pointed stare. "I am aware how ironic that sounds coming from me."
"Chrysta, we need you in Rudistan. We've captured Slickwell, a guy who used to be King Magnus's steward but went rogue and started causing all sorts of trouble. He's apparently been to the Never Realm, because he's got cult magic marks all over his hands."
"Yeesh… All right, I'll get a team together and come get him." Her gaze softened. "Are you okay though?"
Sofia smiled and nodded, wiping her tears away. "I will be. Thanks." She sealed off their communication before turning and immediately hugging Cedric.
Cedric, taken aback at first, sighed before returning her hug. He chuckled as she looked up at him. "Let's go home, hmm?"
She nodded. "By the way…" She smiled happily. "I love you too." She laughed as he hugged her once more, until Wormwood's cawing interrupted them. "Oh, Wormwood?" She grinned toward the flustered raven. "You're a hero now, you know."
"Ugh, I'll deny it if anyone else suggests such a horrible thing," he bit back, rolling his eyes. "Oh, and uh…you two under a wicked spell… Nothing but trouble. It's always the ones you least expect."
"Thank you for your help though, Wormy," Cedric told his familiar as the raven landed on his shoulder. "We couldn't have done it without you."
"Yes, well… Just make sure it doesn't happen again."
After explaining the situation to Magnus, whom they released soon after the events, they were surprised by how forgiving the king was. However, it appeared that he didn't want them coming back to Rudistan any time soon, considering the situation. They obliged (and happily, for Cedric, considering he didn't really care to see the man that much anyway). They then loaded up in the AutoCoach to travel back to Enchancia.
As they rode in the magical machine, Sofia sat next to Cedric, resting her head against his shoulder and playing with her hair as she was finally able to relax a bit.
"You know Slickwell's powers were from the Never Realm," Wormwood reminded them both as he sat on the seat opposite them. Seeing the two friends' wary expressions, he sighed. "That can't be good."
"It isn't," Cedric confirmed with a shake of his head. "I'm quite familiar with the place. I know the horrid things that have happened as a result of the Never Realm. And…" He paused as he noticed Sofia sitting up, turning to look at him. He frowned. "I think I owe you a bit more of an explanation about it… I've been rather secretive, but considering the fact that it's become so much more prominent recently, it's only fair."
Sofia nodded. "I was going to ask, but I didn't want to pry…"
"Give me a few days to collect my sources—and my nerve—and I'll tell you everything… Even my background with it. I promise."
She smiled nervously. Even his background…? Why did that frighten her a bit. Still, it was Cedric, and she trusted him. "Okay."
When they returned to Enchancia, they explained in detail everything that had occurred to cause their strange behavior to Roland and Miranda, and thankfully, they were pardoned. Of course, they helped repair everything they'd damaged, and soon all was forgiven.
A few days later, on October 6, Sofia celebrated her eighteenth birthday with her family and friends, not to mention the entire castle (and village). She'd received a huge cake (courtesy of Amber, naturally), numerous gifts, and plenty of well wishes. Her party was both grand and intimate (which was how she preferred it), and she'd gotten to spend time talking to everyone she cared about.
Happily, Cedric had initiated a dance for once, which she'd been more than thrilled to accept. She even got to dance with Roland, James, and Baileywick (momentarily, until he freaked out and rushed to check on a soufflé). All in all, it had been a wonderful day.
"Sofia, come here," Cedric told her quietly as the party was still going on. The guests were eating their second helping, and kids were playing games, so everyone was preoccupied.
"Right now?" Sofia asked with a small laugh as he took her hand and tugged her along toward the tower. "What is it, Mr. Cedric?"
"I wanted to give you the birthday gifts I got you before you get roped into more mind-numbing conversation with those stuffy royals." He smiled playfully as she giggled. "Granted, it's not much, but…"
"I always love whatever you get me, so don't worry about it. You didn't even have to get me anything. You initiated a dance! That's more than enough."
"Perhaps, but…well, you'll see."
Once they'd made it to the workshop, where Wormwood was already sleeping, Cedric left Sofia standing next to the worktable as he withdrew two small wrapped boxes and an envelope. "Open this one first," he told her, passing her the smallest of the boxes.
Sofia smiled and untied the purple ribbon from the pink box, gasping as she looked inside. "Wow, it's beautiful…" She set the box down and withdrew a shimmering barrette in the shape of a hydrangea—the blue and purple hue set off by the light.
"I made it myself," he told her. "And it's magical."
"No," Sofia said in feigned surprise, grinning. "What does it do?"
He took the barrette from her and walked behind her, gathering a portion of her loose hair together and fastening it with the barrette. "It enhances your senses and can even create a shield if you tap the center." He walked in front of her again. "Give it a try."
Sofia did as he suggested and gasped, noticing the purple shield now surrounding her. "Awesome!"
"And to remove it, simply tap the barrette twice." He nodded as she did so, removing the shield. "And even if you have no reason to wear it—"
"Are you kidding?" she laughed. "I'll wear it all the time! I've been meaning to get new hair accessories, but I keep forgetting. This is perfect."
"Well, still, it sort of accompanies your GuardoRing, I suppose." He smiled and pointed toward the second box. "All right, next is this one."
Sofia smiled and removed the lid from the little black box, laughing as she withdrew a plush strawberry with a smiling face on it. She inhaled slowly, her smile widening as she realized the plush toy smelled a lot like fresh strawberries…and magic. "Should I even ask about this one?"
He chuckled. "Do you remember when you told me about that dream you had? About dressing up little strawberries in tiny dresses?" Seeing her nod, he cleared his throat. "I, um… I had the same dream after you told me about it."
The princess grinned. "Seriously?" She giggled as he nodded. "Kind of cute, right?"
"Yes, yes, well…" He pointed at the strawberry. "There you have it. Your dream in real life."
"I love random gifts," she told him, nodding and cuddling the plush toy. "And this one…" She reached down to pick up the envelope, but she blinked when he placed his hand on hers.
"You… You can read that one privately," he told her, hoping she'd oblige. Seeing her nod, he smiled. "I'd rather you read what I have to say when I'm not around. If that makes sense."
"It does." She hugged him, sighing. "Thank you, Mr. Cedric." She then placed her free hand on his shoulder and kissed his cheek before smiling at him and leaving.
Cedric watched her leave before sighing and sitting down at his worktable. He turned toward Wormwood, who'd woken up and had now fluttered to stand next to him on the table.
"I know what's in the letter," the raven admitted, frowning. "Never mind my hesitation… You were incredibly brave to write what you did."
He blinked at his familiar. "You… You think so?" He sighed. "I hope she's not angry with me when she reads it."
"She'd have no right to be," Wormwood argued. "She asked for honesty. You're giving it to her. If I know the princess like I think I do, she's going to appreciate you and—bah—adore you even more after this."
Cedric flushed a bit in embarrassment. "That's not what this is about, Wormy. It's about making sure that she understands that she can trust me. That our partnership means something more than just a title. That I trust her as much as I hope she trusts me…"
The raven stared at the sorcerer for a while before smirking. "You're such a sap."
Cedric scoffed. "I am not!"
"Cedric the Great. Psh, Cedric the Sappy!"
"You rotten raven!"
Sofia settled down in her room that evening, after having bid her guests goodnight and thanking them for all the wonderful gifts and time spent together. She'd placed everything in its own spot before cuddling up with the strawberry plush toy Cedric had made for her. She unfastened the hydrangea barrette and placed it on her nightstand. Lastly, she hesitantly unsealed the envelope and pulled out a rather lengthy letter. It was a few pages, handwritten. "Oh, wow, Mr. Cedric…" She leaned back against her pillows, cuddling the strawberry plush as she read.
My Dearest Sofia,
First of all, happy birthday. I would try to claim that I'm not a sentimental man, but you'd call me out for lying. The truth is, I was nearly in tears recently when I realized you were turning eighteen, because it's so hard to believe. It's been an honor to see you become the beautiful, kind, amazing young lady you are today. There is no one else in this world who understands me like you do, and I only wish I could properly thank you for making such an amazing change to my life all those years ago.
With that being said, I feel I owe it to you to tell you a dark secret I've kept from you (and even my own family) all this time. I told you that I'm familiar with the Never Realm. I am. So is Greylock, and so is Sir Finlay. Granted, we never delved deep enough into the realm to become immersed in it, as Slickwell was, but we were so very close, Sofia…
Sir Finlay was the first to realize what a bad idea the Never Realm was. The cult leaders there made us very intriguing promises: secrets about magic that no one else knew, powerful magical abilities that no other sorcerer possessed, immortality, the ability to read and control others' minds… The list went on. Since Sir Finlay had experienced a rather posh and respected upbringing, he saw the Never Realm for what it was: a dangerous farce that would only suck us in and destroy us. Therefore, he abandoned Greylock and me to make our own decisions. But don't think poorly of him, because he was certainly right to do so.
Next, I came to terms with how shady and unsafe this realm was not long after. Granted, I hadn't had the happiest of upbringings after Cordelia's hair incident, but for all things considered, my family did care about me, especially my mother. The disappointment she would experience if I were to bring dark magic—cult magic—into our family history would be unfathomable. Therefore, like Sir Finlay, I backed out.
And then there was Greylock. Like Sir Finlay, his family life was pretty good. He had wealthy parents, who had an upstanding reputation in the magical world. But he was deeply unhappy, or so he told me. The pressure put on him to be better than everyone (especially me) was incredible. His father and my father were always going head to head, putting us in competition with each other. That's probably why I came to resent Greylock so much: because it was expected. Of course, now we have a better relationship and somewhat-friendship with each other, which was a bit unexpected. However, it took a very long time for me to allow that to happen.
Anyway, eventually, Greylock also realized that the Never Realm wasn't worth it. Dabbling in dark magic was forbidden, and with very good reason. It could be not only dangerous, but also deadly. We were three stupid boys—teens—fascinated with power and the possibility of grandeur. Luckily, we didn't let it go to our heads.
But I'd like to take you back several years. Do you remember Grimtrix and his Medusa Stones? Of course, you must. I'm sure it will not surprise you if I told you that those came from the Never Realm. Grimtrix had always been an outstanding headmaster at Hexley Hall, not to mention a good man, so I'm not quite certain what caused his personality change and fall. However, I'll bet every last potion I own that the Never Realm and its members corrupted him. As angry as I was and still am at him for nearly causing a rift between you and me all those years ago, I can't help but wonder if the Never Realm was the one truly responsible for his demise. It would not surprise me at all…
Why am I telling you all of this, you're wondering? I want to be as transparent with you as I can. It's the least I can do. Your father told me to always remember what you did for me; you saved my life, Sofia. You rescued my heart as well. I didn't think it was possible to care as much about this royal family as I do now, until I met you.
I was almost taken in by the dark magic cult of the Never Realm, and I was far more impressionable than I'd like to admit now. I've never wanted to know what would have happened to me (or to the others) if I had willingly gone along with the cult's plan. It could have been me in Grimtrix's place. Or Slickwell's… Or any of the other villains we have encountered. Vor was one of the top masters of the Never Realm, you know. Does that surprise you? I doubt it.
I'll say this, my girl. If you ever have any questions about this part of my past, from now on, I'm an open book. I told you when you became my partner that we share everything. That includes the negatives, if necessary. I won't have anything tearing us apart.
I love you so much, Sofia, and I wish you the happiest of birthdays. You deserve it.
Love,
Your Partner
Cedric
Sofia inhaled slowly as she finished reading Cedric's letter. Never would she have imagined that he'd had experiences with the Never Realm—at least not to that extent. The whole idea of it made her uncomfortable, but she knew that he was putting the truth out there so that she'd know she could trust him. And she did. She trusted him more than many believed she should. Still, he was her best friend and her partner. He'd saved her so many times, just as much as she'd saved him.
"Thank you, Mr. Cedric," she murmured to herself, smiling at the letter before sliding it back into the envelope. "I'm glad you told me…" She doused the lamp beside her bed before grabbing the strawberry plush and drifting off to sleep, the moon high in the darkened skies as a new year of life (and an upcoming new adventure) began for the youngest princess of Enchancia.
The end
Ending Note: Okay, guys! A few things. That strawberry plush will make a lot more sense when we get to "Bittersweet." 😉 There's a lot going on with that story—more than meets the eye. Also, Cedric's confession about the Never Realm will play into the next story: "The Never Realm." You'll hear Sir Finlay's side of things, not to mention Arabella's. Also, I wouldn't put it past a lot of the negative figures and objects in STF being from the Never Realm at all. It would make sense, too. Of course, this is just a head canon, so take it with a grain of salt, but there you go. :D Also, those who called Wormy saving the day, bravo! :P I wanted that to happen the whole time I was plotting this thing a few months ago. 😊 I have no further plans for Slickwell, who will be locked up on the Mystic Isles now. So, farewell to him. Haha. And we've got some big changes on the horizon, so I hope you're ready. :D Meanwhile, I've been thinking about maybe doing a Q&A chat at some point. I'm not sure if it will happen, but it's possible. If you're interested in it, let me know in the reviews, and I'll see if I can come up with a date/time for it. I just figured it might be good to have some one-on-one conversation with you guys at some point. Maybe around my birthday, which is coming up in a few weeks. 😊 Haha. Later! ~AquaTurquoise