Journey to the Past

Summary: On the former queen's birthday, Cedric reminisces to Sofia about his past history with the twins' mother; in the process, he reveals some surprising details that Sofia never would have imagined.

Disclaimer: I don't own anything. I did come up with The Queen's name only for the sake of this story, so if it's actually revealed in the show and differs from the story, I'm okay with that. Also, the same can be said for if any other details in here differ from the show. 😊

A/N: Hi, everyone! I know I've been saying I wanted to wait to see what would happen with the show, but I feel like it may be a while before we actually find out. Nearly daily, I check for updates only to find that there is still nothing. With school officially back in session, I decided to proceed with the story. I just wanted to go ahead and put this out there, because I have been so excited to write it. Hope you enjoy!

Note: I have written several stories with The Queen in them in the past. If you're unfamiliar, I'll just say this. She and Cedric had a unique bond in my stories—similar to what he shares with Sofia. She was the closest thing to a friend he'd ever had until he met Sofia. He's also told Sofia about his relationship with her in the past (i.e. "Her Legacy"). In here, we'll explore their friendship more in depth. 😉

Chapter List:

1: It's Tradition

2: A Princess's Promise

3: Just Like Yesterday

*Story*

Chapter 1: It's Tradition

Cedric pulled a small boysenberry tart across his work table and conjured a single candle to rest in the center of the tart. With a simple tap of the wand, he lit the candle and watched the flame flicker back and forth for a few seconds before remaining relatively still. Still observing the small flame, his mind flooded with memories: visuals, sounds, scents, emotions…everything that reminded him of her. With a short sigh, he picked up the tart, preparing to blow out the candle.

He paused as soon as he noticed his door open, and Sofia walked in soon after. He placed the tart on the table again, turning his attention to his apprentice instead. "Sofia?"

"Sorry to disturb you, Mr. Cedric," she giggled. "When I started to knock, the door just opened instead. I don't think it was actually shut all the way to begin with." She smiled as he beckoned her inside, and she shut the door behind her before walking over and sitting across from him. She glanced toward the small treat on the table and tilted her head curiously before looking toward him again. "It's not your birthday," she affirmed. Seeing him shake his head, she blinked. "What's the candle for then?"

Clearing his throat, Cedric folded his hands on top of the table as he leaned forward a bit. "Can you keep a secret?"

She grinned. "Of course, Mr. Cedric."

"Hmm. Well, I suppose it's time I told you a very personal story." He gazed at her imploringly. "What I'm about to share with you is something I've never shared with anyone else."

Sofia smiled and reached forward, clasping her hands around his. "Your secret is safe with me."

Cedric finally returned her smile and nodded. "You have asked me before about The Queen: the mother of Princess Amber and Prince James." Seeing her nod, he continued, "There is actually a great deal I've not told you yet… Things I've never shared with anyone, even my parents." He gently patted one of her hands. "What we shared is something that I've never been able to find with anyone else—except you, Sofia."

She giggled a little at the mentioning.

"There was something so honest and pure about our friendship, and to be honest… I miss it a lot. I'm glad I've been able to find something quite similar with you, but there are days when I still wonder, 'What if?'"

"I think we all have those days," Sofia assured him. "I still wonder that a lot, for many things."

"Yes…" Cedric inhaled slowly before sighing. "Very well then. Here's my story. Today is The Queen's birthday." Seeing a look of realization on his apprentice's face, he nodded. "Every year since I first met her, I would bring her a boysenberry tart for her birthday, and she'd blow out the candle. It was a small gesture, and one not able to be celebrated for too long since she was always whisked away somewhere else, but she appreciated that I remembered her birthday anyway." He glanced toward the little tart next to him, with its continuing flickering flame atop the candle, still untouched. "Even after we lost her, I continued the tradition, every year, without fail."

"Oh," Sofia murmured, surprised by his admission. She knew that Cedric had shared a very special bond with the former queen, but she hadn't realized just how special it apparently had been. "Can you tell me about her, Mr. Cedric? About how you guys met and what it was like to be friends with her?" She smiled thoughtfully. "Mom always said she was very nice."

"She was an angel," Cedric admitted with a sad smile. "I suppose I could tell you the full story." He released the princess's hands and, using his wand, created a hologram of a woman with fair skin, amber eyes, and long wavy blonde hair. She wore an intricate gold gown with a matching tiara atop her head. Her eyes were gentle, and her smile was sincere. "Let's start at the beginning: the birth of The Queen—or rather, at that time, Princess Genevieve Lillian Adeline of the Kingdom of Venburg." His sad smile changed to one of contemplation. "Or, as her friends and family called her, Gillie."

To be continued…

End Note: The pronunciation of The Queen's nickname is Zhih-lee (ʒɪli). Genevieve is pronounced with the zh- sound as well (ʒɛnəˌviv). 😊