Chapter 4: Simply Sensational

Summary: Cedric's mother Winifred the Wise comes for a visit at the same time the king, queen, and twins are leaving for a visit to another kingdom. As Sofia wishes to stay behind, Roland leaves the princess in Cedric's care.

Disclaimer: I do not own "Sofia the First" or any characters associated with the show.

A/N: This is the last chapter to this story, which I have very much enjoyed writing. I hope you all like this, and once everything settles down a little bit and I get a much-needed "break," I'll hopefully be able to write a couple more stories here and there for you. :) As always, thanks for your feedback, encouragement, and patience. All are must appreciated. ~AquaTurquoise

"…And then, Mr. Cedric outsmarted Ms. Sascha and used his Morpho Mirrors against her," Sofia concluded with a grin as she and Cedric were visiting with Winifred in the dining room later that evening. "You should have seen it, Mrs. Winifred. Mr. Cedric was awesome."

Cedric smiled in appreciation as he lifted a fork into the air and gestured casually. "However, Mother, it was really the princess's idea." He chuckled lightly. "She's actually pretty good at coming up with sneaky plans. I must say it makes me proud as a royal sorcerer and mentor of sorts."

The young girl giggled and lifted her own fork, "toasting" Cedric as their Fly Cake desserts made contact.

Winifred smiled in response. "I am glad to hear that you two make such a good team," she told her son and his apprentice. "Come to think of it, it almost sounds like you both draw strengths from each other. Where one falls, the other picks up."

"Kind of like Yin and Yang?" Cedric pondered aloud before shrugging and eating a portion of his treat.

"I guess you could say that." The older woman nodded toward Sofia. "While Ceddy-kins can create many things, I think planning quests or 'tricks' may be more of a strength for you, Princess Sofia."

She giggled and waved one hand gently. "I don't know if 'tricks' is the right word. I typically don't like to be dishonest or mean to people, but that was the second time that lady had gone after people I cared about…" She sighed. "I don't understand why people are just mean sometimes. She wanted my amulet this time, if for nothing else then for power. She's already a powerful fairy, but I guess it wasn't enough."

Winifred caught Cedric's look and smiled half way. She realized Cedric had backed off on his pursuit of the amulet himself, and this was the very reason. Sofia was obviously protective of the powerful necklace because of its magic and due to her promise to the king. But it seemed she also held a bit of discontent for people who liked to upset the balance of things by abusing that power.

"I just don't get it," Sofia continued, looking toward her companions. "Why be someone you're not anyway? In Ms. Sascha's case, she was Ms. Nettle and a pretend sorceress. It just seems like she's never satisfied with herself, going after the fairies' book and then my amulet…"

Cedric cleared his throat as the conversation carried on. He stirred some of the icing on top of his confection while listening to Sofia. She had a point. Then again, she always did. She was almost too smart for her age, and "wise" definitely came to the forefront of his mind. How could a little girl have so much perspective with circumstances like these?

"But," Sofia concluded with a smile as she looked toward Cedric, "if there's one person I can always count on, it's you, Mr. Cedric. I know I probably annoy you sometimes, and I'm sorry if I've messed up any of your spells in the past—especially since I sometimes forget to knock before I enter your workshop—but I really do like being able to work with you not just as an apprentice, but…as a friend?"

Neither mother nor son was expecting that.

Winifred smiled gently at the two castle dwellers. It was amazing what a little over a year, some spells, and a lot of determination could do. And if nothing else, Sofia had taught her son one of the most important things: friendship really is key.

"Y-You think of me as your friend?" Cedric clarified, seeing the girl nod. "W-Well, I… Thank you, Princes Sofia. I guess if I'd had more experience growing up, I would have been more familiar with the whole concept." He smiled at her and shrugged. "I guess there's a first time for everything."

"Right," the princess laughed before yawning. She held a hand to her mouth and smiled sleepily afterward. "I'm sad to say it, but I think I should probably get some rest."

Winifred nodded in understanding. "I know you've had a big day, dear. Go on to bed then. We'll be here when you wake up."

"All right." She stood from her chair and hugged Winifred happily. "Thank you for coming to stay. I like spending time with you."

The older woman smiled. "Same here, my dear girl."

Sofia then grinned and ran over to Cedric, enveloping him in one of her hugs she reserved just for her mentor. "Good night, Mr. Cedric."

Cedric chuckled and returned her hug. "Good night, Princess Sofia. Sleep well." As she moved back, he tugged on her braid playfully, making her giggle. "I think Queen Elsa and Princess Anna would be proud."

Sofia smiled and replied, "Thanks, Mr. Cedric…for everything." She hugged him one more time and then bid them both good night again before finally heading down the hallway to her room.

Cedric sighed before looking back at his mother and blinking when he saw her smiling knowingly at him. "Wh-What?"

"You're a good friend to her, Cedric," she told him gently. "I'd be willing to say you're probably the closest friend she has."

"Of course not, Mother… She's a princess. She has lots of friends."

"Ah, yes, and when does she see these friends? I'm assuming you mean the young ladies she brought with her to Mystic Meadows, correct?"

"Well, those are some of her friends. She sees them every now and then. But what about all the friends she has at school?"

"Cedric," she said lightly, laughing. "Of course she has lots of friends. She may be a princess, but she's also a kind soul who can reach anyone. But let's keep in mind, son, that she sees you far more often than any of her other friends."

Cedric blinked and pondered. Was that true?

"She cares a great deal about you, you know," the older woman continued. "You'd be hard pressed to find someone like her more often than not. For that reason… If you're still after her amulet…"

The sorcerer shook his head. "Mother… I don't think I could do that even if I wanted to. All things considered, things are looking up for me… Father finally trusted me enough to give me our Family Wand. People are complimenting my work more often, including King Roland. And…Sofia…"

"It would break her heart if you took the amulet, wouldn't it?"

He nodded. "Most certainly." He waved a hand with a light scoff. "Besides, even if I did take it, I doubt it would work for me. It would probably curse me for doing something evil. I'm not about to fall into that sort of trap. I've had my share of bad luck, and I really don't think I need anymore." He adjusted the cuffs of his olive shirt beneath his robe and cleared his throat. "So therefore, I suppose my previous goals will be seeing a change here soon. I'm sorry if that disappoints you."

Winifred simply laughed and walked over to her son, pulling him to his feet so that she could hug him. "Disappoint me? My darling child, you make me proud each time you better yourself. That's all I've ever wanted for you—happiness and good achievements. I'm sorry if I ever misguided you."

Cedric returned his mother's hug. "It's all right, Mummy. But thank you for believing in me."

The next day, the trio spent some time together before ultimately seeing Winifred off to Mystic Meadows again. She promised to check in often and to visit when she actually had the permission of the king (most of the time).

Almost immediately after Winifred left, the royal family returned in their flying coach. Amber and James greeted Sofia excitedly before rushing into the castle.

Sofia blinked as her parents walked over to her and Cedric. "Where are they going in such a hurry?"

Miranda and Roland exchanged glances with a smile before the queen replied, "We promised them that they could throw a party next weekend, so they're likely getting their cakes and decorations in order." She leaned down and hugged her daughter. "Well, it looks like you survived."

Sofia giggled as she moved from Miranda to Roland and hugged him also. "Of course! Mr. Cedric is a very good guardian."

"I see," the king responded with a smile as he stood up, Sofia moving back to her spot beside Cedric. "Well, Cedric, it looks like we may never have a need for a royal babysitter. It seems that a Royal Sorcerer will do just fine."

Cedric held up his hand with a nervous chuckle. "A-As long as it's just Princess Sofia, Your Majesty," he requested. "I'm still a little uncertain of the other children."

Roland laughed. "Very well. I'll give you that one." He held his arm out to Miranda, who took it gingerly. "We're about to get some rest before supper. Cedric, as a thanks, you're welcome to join us." He led the queen into the castle.

The sorcerer blinked in surprise before calling, "Th-Thank you, Your Majesty!" He looked back at Sofia with a grin. "Can you believe it? I have been invited to supper!"

She giggle. "It's about time." She took his hand and playfully tugged him toward the castle once more. "Now come on! Let's show Mom and Dad that we've perfected the Prism Spell!"

Cedric chuckled as he followed the young girl into the castle. "I'll, um… I'll go get our wands. You head into the dining room and I'll meet you there."

"Okay!" Sofia turned and skipped happily into the dining room as Cedric returned to his tower.

He walked into the workshop and picked up his and Sofia's wands before looking at his table where there lay a single newly-baked Fly Cake and a note. Curious, he picked up the note and read it.

Cedric,

Thank you for keeping me close to your heart. I'm proud of your progress, and I know your father is, too. If Princess Sofia is any indication, you have a bright future ahead of you—whether it's as an educator or simply a sensational sorcerer. You can be anything you want to be, my son, as long as you believe in yourself. If you need me, you know where to find me.

Love,

~Mummy~

Cedric smiled and folded the note, tucking it into his vest pocket before turning and leaving the room and meeting up with the royals again.

Later that night, Cedric lay in his bed, staring at the stone ceiling. He sighed and reached under his pillow, pulling out his wand and lighting it with a whisper of a well-versed spell. He then gathered the note from his mother, now moved to his bedside table, and read it over and over. He then smiled in satisfaction, dousing the light of his wand and holding the cherished note to his chest. As he drifted to sleep, he considered her words.

Maybe, at last, he was sensational…and he really could be anything he wanted to be. As long as he had the love and encouragement of his mother and his young apprentice, then there was no doubt in his mind that he could in fact achieve his goals and dreams.

The end

(A/N: It's kind of bittersweet to end this story. I enjoyed writing it, but I know it's time to end it. :) Thanks for the reviews and motivation. You're all very sweet and kind, and you're the reason I keep writing. I hope I get around to writing again soon enough, but for now I'll be taking a break and getting back into my work. Have a great weekend! All my best. ~AquaTurquoise)