"Are you sure you're okay to do this alone?"
King Roland uttered to a certain princess who was on the doorsteps of the castle. It was almost night time and the path back to the castle could be a bit dark at times
"I'm okay, Dad. I can handle myself" Sofia responded in a confident tone as she showed the bag she was holding "I just have to return these books to the library and I'll head back immediately"
"We could have someone else do it for you, Sofia. It's dangerous to go out at night" he reprimanded with worry on his face. But then he remembered something "I could have someone for you to go with if you want"
Sofia sighed "Dad, I can do this alone. Trust me" she didn't want to bicker with him but she had to reassure him somehow
"Are you certain?" he asked
Sofia nodded.
"Alright then. Be safe, Sofia" King Roland uttered, when suddenly, a certain puff of green smoke appeared out of nowhere and a man walked out from it, which caught his attention
"Many pardons, King Roland. That last potion was very stubborn to keep on the vial"
"It's alright, Cedric"
Hearing that name stunned Sofia. With her eyes wide opened, she turned and saw no other than the Royal Sorcerer himself with a quirky grin on his face
"Mister Ceedric?" her expressions lit up in surprise
"I was gonna have Cedric come with you to the library tonight as your escort" King Roland explained
"You were gonna have Mister Ceedric walk me home tonight?" somehow, there was a prang of regret on her eyes
"Sofia definitely doesn't need an escort, Your Majesty" Cedric then approached the young woman and put his arm around her shoulders "She's Sofia the First, strong and brave, a mere walk at night isn't a trouble for her"
"Right?" he turned to her but she didn't respond
"That's what she told me, and you're right. You don't have to go with her, Cedric. You can head back to the workshop now" King Roland said
"Music to my ears... he-he" Cedric was already halfway to the stairs when he said that. Sofia-sitting is the last thing he'd want to spend his evening on for sure
.
.
.
"Actually... it might be a bit dark at this hour."
Cedric halted upon hearing that
"What was that, Sofia?" King Roland asked
"The path to the library might be a bit dark at this hour and it might be cold too.." Sofia looked away and twirled her fingers on her back "Perhaps... Mister Ceedric could accompany me after all"
"That's no bother, Princess" Cedric slid in front of her and pulled out his wand. He then conjured a spell that brought a lantern out of thin air "Here. You're all set now" he winked in addition
When Sofia received the lantern – it was evident on her face that she was struggling to bring it up. "I think... it's way too heavy for me.."
Cedric just grinned and turned to the King who was skeptical of Sofia going alone now
"I can make it smaller if you'd like" Cedric suggested
"No, Cedric" King Roland uttered "You will accompany Sofia tonight and you must never leave her side no matter what. Make sure to walk her home tonight and stick close to her"
