A Thousand Years – Christina Perri
A/N: So sorry for the extremely long delay. I just lost interest for a while and life happened. But I am back and decided to finish it. This is the final chapter. It has been a pleasure to write this story. Thank you to everyone who has Favorited, followed, commented and reviewed this story. I hope you all enjoyed it.
Sofia stood in front of the mirror looking at her reflection. She looked beautiful. She wasn't narcissistic or boastful, but she truly looked beautiful in a white wedding gown with lace trimmings. Baileywick appeared behind her in the mirror smiling. Sofia turned around and noticed a tear appear on his cheek.
"Oh Baileywick, I'm so happy." She said.
"I know, I must say you look dashing by the way, my dear. I'm so happy for you. Your family would be happy for you, too. And so very proud of you." He told her as he placed her veil on her head gently before taking her arm in the crook of his elbow. "Are you ready?"
"Yes. I've never been more ready for anything." She replied breathlessly as the door opened before them…
EPILOGUE – 10 YEARS LATER
"Mooooooommmm!" A little girl screeched running through the halls of the castle, little feet paddling along the floor. On her tail was her older brother giggling as he chased her with a slimy toad. As they rounded the corner both children collided into Baileywick who was carrying a tray of food sending it all flying up into the air and coming down to land over the man's head and clothes.
"We are so sorry Baileywick!" Both children shrieked feeling remorse. Baileywick was covered head to toe in ice cream and French fries, he had been on his way to deliver to the once again pregnant Queen. The little girl pulled out her wand and quickly cleaned the mess with the flick of her wrist and a sweet giggle.
Baileywick sighed as he forgave them and let them continue on. How was he going to survive in this castle with ANOTHER one of these kids running around causing mayhem? With a smile he stood up and walked back to the kitchens to get more food for Queen Sofia.
Later that day, Cedric found his children huddled speaking in hushed tones outside in the garden. He slowly approached so as not to give himself away trying to hear what they were speaking of. Not being able to make it out he tapped them both on the shoulder, smirking as his son and daughter jumped and yelped in surprise as they turned around. Faces blushing he knew they were up to no good as they took a sudden interest in their shoes.
"What are you two up to…?" He asked suspiciously. Remembering some of the fun he would get into with Sofia when she was younger he decided to help them out, "And how can I help…? Cedric added in a sly tone. The kids eyes widened in shock.
"Really daddy? You'll help us scare Baileywick?" His older son asked.
"Of course, your mom and I used to enjoy getting under his skin all the time." He replied with a wistful look in his eyes remembering torturing poor Baileywick all these years. The past five years or so he and Sofia had let off a bit. With a smile he turned back to his kids, "I think it's time to continue on where we left off. Don't you agree?" He asked them. They both nodded eagerly, wondering what their dad had in mind.
The children summoned Baileywick saying it was urgent. They heard his quick footsteps as he made his way towards the sitting room they were currently occupying. As he made his way to them he was immediately on guard as their faces had too big of a grin on them and he knew them well enough to know they were up to no good. He stayed a safe distance away before addressing them.
"How may I help you?" He asked, still uncertain what they were up to but a feeling in his gut made him feel like this was possibly a trap. Looking around he didn't see anything. Suddenly, Cedric appeared beside him and slapped him on the back in a brotherly fashion.
"What a splendid day this is, right Baileywick?" He asked him with a smile before joining his kids to look at their favorite steward.
"Um, uh, well, yes, I suppose it is. I was summoned. Is there anything you need? I was told it was urgent…?" He again asked looking around anxiously.
The little girl looked up at him innocently and put on a fake confused face that would make her daddy proud and said cutely, "Ummm, actually I can't remember what I wanted. I'm sorry Baileywick."
Now knowing something was definitely up he took his leave bowing with a tight smile before turning and leaving the room, missing the kids covering their mouths with their hands to hold in their laughter while their father just looked on with a big grin.
Baileywick made his way down the corridor mumbling about something when a quiet maid approached him tentatively and gave him an awkward hug. He stared at her in horror before extricating himself, "What is wrong with you? Get off my person at once!" And he hurried off in a huff completely unaware of the "HUG ME" sign on his back on official King's Orders parchment that all the staff knew meant it had to be obeyed.
As another remember of the staff began to approach him with outstretched hands he made a leap away from him and began to back away quickly with the man following him trying to give him a hug. "What are you doing? What is wrong with everyone?" He finally went into an all-out sprint as other staff members saw the sign and took to trying to hug Baileywick. Seeing his bed chambers in sight he opened the door, shutting it hard and locking it behind him. With a sigh he ran his hand through his hair and made his way to his desk. As he began to unbutton his jacket to take a break he noticed something on his back. He turned in the mirror to see the sign. In outrage he remembered the King approaching him and slapping him on the back in greeting. He turned red with anger and then quickly paled in fear as he realized what was in store for the rest of his career with the offspring of Sofia and Cedric running loose in this castle. "Oh dear God…" He mumbled as he sat down hard onto his bed.