#ft. cedric x aurora

[monarhrh]

@opalnoble | Cedric & Aurora at the Soldiers Taverna

The sun was beginning its descent, casting a warm golden hue over the city of Paraty. Located just a few hours' ride outside of Rio De Janeiro, Paraty was known for its scenic beauty, sandy white beaches, and quaint homes. Just off the main beach, rows of charming shops lined the boardwalks, creating a lively atmosphere.

Princess Genevieve was among those enjoying the late afternoon, browsing the shops with a casual grace. Cedric had been instructed to grant her privacy, so he decided to take a walk and admire the seashore. As he strolled along the boardwalk, the rhythmic sound of the waves lapping against the shore provided a soothing backdrop. The scent of the ocean filled the air, mingling with the faint aroma of nearby food stalls.

Cedric's thoughts were interrupted when he unexpectedly crossed paths with Crown Princess Aurora. "Your Highness," Cedric greeted her with a respectful bow, his voice steady despite his surprise. "It is an unexpected pleasure to see you here."

[monarhrh]

"Your trust means a great deal to me, and I assure you, your secret is safe with me. Genevieve is astute, but I will not be the one to reveal your whereabouts." Cedric replied warmly. The Captain of the Guard decided to share a fond memory he had with Genevieve. It was one of their very first interactions. Cedric chuckled softly at the memory, his expression fond as he explained, "Genevieve was quite curious about my background and motivations, especially when we first met. She has a knack for asking insightful questions, and that particular time, she decided to test my patience and see how well I could handle her relentless inquiries for two hours straight." He paused, reflecting on the moment with a hint of amusement. "All in good jest, She has a way of getting to the heart of things, doesn't she? Yet, even in her curiosity, there's a deep respect for understanding."

Cedric's smile widened at Aurora's surprise and her eager acceptance to join them. He could sense her genuine excitement, and it warmed his heart to see her enthusiasm. "Yes, you," he replied warmly, his voice carrying a hint of amusement at her initial disbelief. "I would be honored to have you join our company." As Aurora gracefully stepped down from her barstool, Cedric extended his arm in a gesture of gallantry, ready to escort her to where his friends awaited. His demeanor was calm and composed, a testament to his role as a trusted companion. "Please, never hesitate to ask for my assistance," he continued sincerely, his eyes meeting hers with reassurance. "I am entrusted to keep your sister safe, but that also applies to you."

she was thankful he heeded her request — aurora often found people felt they couldn't drop the formalities around her. she wanted to be treated like anyone else, like someone they didn't have to walk on eggshells around. cedric was great at his job, and she would not have faulted him if he didn't want to shirk what seemed like a duty. aurora smiled, breathing a sigh of relief when he assured her he would not be telling her sister where he had seen her. genevieve was smart, and aurora had no doubt she could figure it out if cedric gave her the details. " i greatly appreciate it, cedric. i fear she would never let me live it down. " that was close to the truth.

the princess looked surprised when he offered for her to join them. she would never ask to intrude. " me? really? " she let out a soft laugh, before nodding her head. " i would love to join you! " she exclaimed, stepping off the barstool she sat on. aurora's excited grin softened as he offered his services to her, at any time. in this moment, aurora realized that perhaps she could trust him to hide her secrets, and assist her in her . . . sneaking out, as she would call it. it would be smart of her to cover her tracks on the french side of her . . .situation. " i must apologize to you, cedric. perhaps i should have asked for your assistance coming here tonight. i realize i trust you to keep my secrets, and with my safety. "

[monarhrh]

Cedric listened attentively to Aurora's words, his demeanor respectful and understanding. Her request for informality resonated with him, and he nodded in agreement. Her presence, stripped of the usual regal attire and formalities, intrigued him deeply. In that moment he realized both sisters were not so different from one another. He remembered the first time Genevieve, requested him to call her by her name and not by her title. It took him a while to get used to the idea. "Aurora, it is a pleasure to have you here," Cedric replied warmly, a hint of admiration in his eyes.

He met her gaze with sincerity, noting her concern for Genevieve's perceptions. "Rest assured, your secret is safe with me. I won't breathe a word to anyone, not even your sister," he assured her gently. "As for the birthday wishes, I'll pass them along. It will mean a great deal to him. Would you like to join us, even for a little while?" He leaned back slightly, giving her space to absorb his assurances. "If there's ever anything more you need, Aurora," Cedric offered sincerely, "whether it's here in the taverna or within the walls of the palace, please consider me at your service. Your well-being is of utmost importance to me, as it is to Genevieve."

“ it is nice to see you too, “ the beauty mused, but then aurora couldn’t help but laugh slightly at his words. she had tried to blend in, that was true — she didn’t want to be noticed or perceived by anyone that didn’t know her face well; like her love. she hadn’t considered that perhaps someone else, like the head of the royal guard, could also recognize her without all the jewels and finery that a crown princess was usually adorned with. her dress was plain, pink and unimpressive. her strawberry locks, pinned back in an innocent, simple half-updo. “ thank you, cedric — and you may call me aurora. “ she assured him, “ i hardly look the part of a crown princess right now, we needn’t fool with formalities. “ not that aurora ever cared for them to be used, and truthfully would rather forgo them all together.

she nodded in relief as he assured her that her sister was safe, in the palace. not that she thought cedric would ever be foolish enough to bring her here — but that her sister was just like her, and stubborn enough to disregard propriety for her own desires. “ that’s wonderful, celebrating his birthday. do wish him a happy one from me, “ she said with a smile, “ — and i greatly appreciate you keeping my secret, but please, do not even tell my sister. “ try as they may to hide it from her, aurora knew of his gentle gaze and weakness towards her little sister. she knew better then anyone what a gaze full of longing looked like. while she loved genevieve, aurora kept the doings of her private life entirely so. anyone who knew she had an eye for the high king of scotland only knew it as that, and she wanted to keep it that way. if genevieve knew aurora was in the taverna, she would draw conclusions herself.

[monarhrh]

Cedric inclined his head slightly, a small smile playing at his lips. "Your Highness, it's a pleasure to see you here," he said, his tone respectful yet warm. "I did not expect to find you in such a place, though I must say, you blend in remarkably well." It was a rare and precious moment to see her away from the gilded walls and endless protocols of the palace. In this modest setting, she appeared more human, more approachable, and yet, in his eyes, no less regal. He offered a small smile as he glanced around the taverna, noting the modest surroundings before returning his gaze to Aurora. "Your sister is not with me tonight. She is safe and well-guarded back at the palace." Genevieve, with her kind heart and gentle spirit, had a way of making him feel alive in a way that nothing else could. Cedric had always been careful to maintain his professionalism, but his feelings for Genevieve ran deep, hidden behind the stoic facade of duty.

"I was out with the men," he explained, his tone lightening as he continued, "It's one of the guard's birthdays. We thought a change of scenery would do us all some good." He paused, a smile playing on his lips as he added, "But I never expected to find the crown princess here of all places. Your secret is safe with me"

the taverna was hardly a place anybody would expect the crown princess to be and truthfully — she thought nobody would find her there, as she awaited her love’s arrival; dressed plainly and without royal jewels adoring her hair. the princess looked surprised when she heard the formalities associated with her birth and turned her head to find cedric there, greeting her with a bow.

“ cedric, i could say the same about you. “ she smiled, turning to face him. aurora glanced around, noticing that he was alone. " — is my sister not with you? " aurora asked, curiously, though she would be glad if her sister wasn't with him at this moment, for this was no place she should be.