The Royale Murder: He's Mine - King Roland x Cedric

Partners in Crime

Cedric made his way down the dimly lit corridor, his heart hammering as he approached the grand dining hall. Evening had fallen, and the flickering glow of candlelight cast long shadows against the stone walls. 

Tonight, like every other evening, he was one of the lucky few invited to dine alongside the royal family—a privilege he often found nerve-wracking but, lately, thrilling in light of recent events. 

This meal, however, held a unique sense of anticipation; he and Sofia had their plan in motion, and with Queen Miranda seated just across the table, the weight of their scheme felt both exhilarating and heavy.

He pushed open the gilded doors, and a soft murmur of voices greeted him. The dining hall was already bustling, with the royal family and their closest aides seated around the massive table. King Roland was at the head, his regal demeanor softened by his warm smile as he chatted with his family. 

Queen Miranda sat beside him, her usual radiant presence casting a glow over the room, blissfully unaware of the whispers that had been exchanged behind closed doors.

As Cedric entered, he spotted Sofia at her usual seat, her face as calm and collected as ever. He took his own seat nearby at the far end of the table, across from Baileywick, who seemed his usual stoic self, observing the dinner preparations with the same dutiful expression. Cedric suppressed a smirk, glancing at Sofia, who gave him the smallest, most knowing nod.

Dinner that evening was a lively affair in the royal dining hall. Sofia, Amber, and James were seated near each other, excitement still shining in their eyes from the day's events. Across the table, Cedric and Baileywick sat alongside the family, an unusual honor granted to celebrate Sofia's first day at Royal Prep.

 King Roland sat at the head of the table, his gaze warm as he observed his children, but he occasionally cast subtle, lingering glances in Cedric's direction—a detail that Baileywick did not fail to notice.

Dinner began with the clink of silverware as trays of food were placed around the table. Cedric tried to steady his nerves, reaching for his glass to take a sip, his hand only trembling slightly. He watched as Miranda laughed lightly at something King Roland said, her hand resting on her husband's arm affectionately. 

Cedric's stomach twisted, though not with guilt. 

Soon, he thought.

 It would all be over soon, and he'd no longer have to watch her sit beside Roland.

From the corner of his eye, Cedric caught Sofia's steely gaze flicker toward her mother, her mouth curling in the faintest smirk. There was a chilling coldness to Sofia tonight, a side of her only he had seen—and fostered. 

He couldn't help but feel a glimmer of pride at her resolve, her willingness to take what was necessary to protect her father and the kingdom... and to help him get what he wanted, too.

Sofia looked over at her siblings with a smile, her cheeks pink with excitement. "Royal Prep was amazing!" she said, her voice bright. "There were so many new things to learn, and everyone was so nice! And Ms. Flora, Ms. Fauna, and Ms. Merryweather all gave me such a warm welcome."