2. Injury

"Come on Sof, tired already?" laughed James picking up the ball from the floor and returning to his spot.

"That's weird considering how active and energetic you are. You can ride a horse for hours but not handle a game" pointed out Amber, "are you sick?"

"Oh no I am not sick Amber, it's just that I have things on my mind that has nothing to do with the game" she rolled her eyes before flashing a sly grin. "I was only going slow with all of you."

"Oh really?" Vivian placed her hands on her hips with a smirk. Desmond made a face and Amber laughed with him.

"Don't resist please"

They were all playing in the backyard of the palace. They had invited Desmond, Vivian and Zandar to enjoy the afternoon with them, and after having lunch and rested, they had been playing for the most part. Now, Sofia was getting ready to beat her brother. She looked him straight in the eye, backed her arm lifting the ball and threw it as hard as she could. James tried to hit it with his bat, but the ball passed so fast next to him that he barely saw it.

Unfortunately, for Cedric who was busy thinking about his own stuff, was leaving the backyard with certain herbs he needed to finish a potion, didn't see the ball towards him. Sofia gasped.

"Mr. Cedric careful!" she screamed, but just when he turned around, he only felt the ball hitting him hard in the face, knocking him down. The kids' eyes widened. Sofia was the first in running to his side.

"What in Merlin!?" the sorcerer screamed, while Sofia took his arm to help him up.

"I'm so sorry Mr. Cedric"

"We didn't see you" James picked up the ball and stood beside her sister. Cedric felt something sliding down his nose, his eye beating and his face hurting. He looked at the royals and left without saying a word.

"Oh"

"Don't worry Sofia, it was an accident" Amber squeezed her hand trying to cheer her up. "Let's try again"

"Um…" she took a step back "you go on without me, I'm going to check on Mr. Cedric."

Vivian looked at her. "But…"

"I'll join you by dinner" she excused herself and rushed back into the palace.

"Mr. Cedric!" Sofia barged in his tower, without knocking, and found Cedric looking for something in his drawers. He turned to look at her when he heard her. She grimaced when she saw the damage, a black eye and tiny thread of blood down his nose. Cedric used a handkerchief to clean it up.

"What is it princess? I'm a little busy" she recognized the sarcasm in his voice and approached him.

"I'm really sorry Mr. Cedric, I didn't see you"

"What's done is done, now, if you'll excuse me, I need to clean this mess" he pointed at his face. Sofia took his hand, with a guilty look in her eyes.

"Let me help you."

"I don-"

"Please Mr. Cedric." She didn't let go of his hand, just as her eyes didn't leave his. He sighed, and sit down, while she took out a cloth and wet it with cold water. She stood in front of him and gently pressed it against his eye. Cedric groaned. After some minutes of pressing it, Sofia backed.

"Do you have any spell or potion that could speed up your recovery?"

Cedric snorted. "Healing is not my forte, but without any magic it shouldn't take too long."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't sweat on it too much, princess"

"No, really Mr. Cedric," she placed her hands behind her eyes "I'll be more careful next time."

"Sofia, if I know something about accidents, which I do a lot," she tried to suppress a giggle, knowing he referred to his many failed spells "is that they happen more times that we want." He patted her gently on the shoulder. "So, don't worry, alright?"

"That means you forgive me?"

"Yes, I forgive you" he answered, tired of her insistence. "I swear you are about to ask me to give you a black eye." Sofia laughed.

"Oh Mr. Cedric. I feel bad, but not that bad." The sorcerer raised his brows and she laughed more at his expression.

"Well, so if I stay mad about this would it be that bad then?" she narrowed her eyes and pouted, him being the one chuckling now.

"Don't being unfair Mr. Cedric, I already apologized, and I'll be the one taking care of you until it heals."

"It was a joke Sofia, and there is no need for you to help me, I'm perfectly fine on my own."

"But I want too."

If he was being honest, Cedric didn't like the idea of Sofia being in charge of the healing process of his injury. But she was eager to do it, not only because she felt guilty, but because she cared about him. He sighed and shook his head.

"I suppose you can." He murmured just as he felt her arms wrapping him in a tight hug.

"Thanks Mr. Cedric." She looked outside his window and saw that it was already dark. "Oh, I have to go." She walked to the door but stop and waved at him. "I'll see you tomorrow Mr. Cedric" she said even though they saw each other every day. "Have a good night." He waved back.

"I hope she doesn't get too into this doctor task."