North Pole City Tales: Complete Series Page 18

  Snapping himself out of his trance, Vale stepped up beside Vixen. “What would you like me to do?” Vixen gave him strict instructions on how many treats each elfling was to receive.

  “Remember, there’s plenty for everyone, and you’ll all get the same amount, so no squabbling.”

  Vale helped Vixen distribute all the treats, the room filled with cheerful laughter and teasing between the excited elflings who gobbled up their food. Vale couldn’t help but notice how worn out their clothes were and how some were barefoot. Their rosy cheeks were smudged with dirt. Vale leaned into Vixen, speaking quietly.

  “Where are their parents?”

  Vixen’s smile faded, and he led Vale away from the table, leaving the elflings to their treats. “They toil away down at the Rock Candy Mountains, mostly the mines. It’s the only source of income this town has. The older elflings work in the shops along with their elders.”

  “And who looks after these elflings?” They were all so tiny, the tallest just about reaching Vixen’s waist.

  “They look after themselves. Until now, this house has been the only thing keeping them warm. The town has very little, and the elves haven’t been able to afford new housing after last month’s blizzard knocked most of the aging structures down. We’re here to help.” Vixen smiled and kissed Vale’s cheek. “Thank you for bringing the treats. I told them you would.”

  Vale felt a tug at his pant leg and dropped his gaze to a tiny elf with big gray eyes and dark hair. “Are you Jack Frost?”

  At the mention of his cousin’s name, all the elflings froze. Some of them hid under the table. Well, his cousin’s reputation certainly preceded him. Vale kneeled down and smiled warmly at the elfling.

  “No. My name is Vale. Jack is my cousin.”

  “Vale is a brave lieutenant. He commands the Toy Soldier Army,” Vixen stated proudly, winking at Vale and making him blush. “He’s very kind.”

  “Is Jack truly as scary as they say?” the elfling whispered, his little hands clasped together and his stance tense, as if the mere mention of Jack’s name might conjure him up.

  “Only when he’s defending our kingdom against those who wish to do us harm. Sleep soundly, little one.” He ran a hand over the elfling’s head. “We would never let anything happen to any of you.”

  “Nick’s just a scaredy cat,” one elfling piped up from the table. “He’s scared of everything.”

  “Because his parents dropped him off here and never came back,” another elfling added.

  “Don’t be unkind,” Vixen said sternly, his hands going to his hips. “What did we discuss just this morning?”

  The older elflings lowered their heads in shame, their bottom lips jutting out as they replied in unison, “We’re sorry, Vixen.”

  “It’s not me you should be apologizing to.”

  “We’re sorry, Nick.”

  “Now that’s more like it,” Vixen said, lifting Nick into his arms. “You must all remember to be kind to one another. Take care of one another. Treat others as you would like them to treat you.” He gave them all a wink and a dazzling smile. “Having friends is always much more fun.”

  The elflings cheered and ran around, playing and sharing their treats with one another. Vixen turned his attention to the elfling in his arms. The poor thing looked disheartened.

  “Don’t be sad, little one. You have a new family. They may not be perfect, but they’ll look after you. You must look after yourself as well. You’re much braver than you believe. You know how I know?”

  “How?” Nick asked, petting the fur collar of Vixen’s flight jacket.

  “Because only truly brave elves can wear Rein Dear goggles.” Vixen removed his flight goggles and placed them on Nick’s head, adjusting the straps so they fit him. Nick gasped and touched them reverently. “See.”

  “I can keep them?”

  “Like I said. They’re for the very bravest of elves.” Vixen put Nick on his feet, smiling warmly as Nick dashed off to show his friends his new goggles, everyone excited and in awe of him. With a laugh, Vixen opened the door and told them to go out and play but away from the Rein Dears who were building. Vale followed him outside, his heart swelling at the beautiful elf. How could no one see how wonderful Vixen was?

  “There you are.” Blitzen appeared with a large slab of gingerbread tucked under each arm and a deep scowl for Vixen. “Do you plan on doing any work today at all?”

  Vale bristled at the elf’s accusation, and although he shouldn’t speak for Vixen, he couldn’t help himself. “Your hard work and generosity are admirable, Blitzen, but I will remind you that kindness does not end with action alone. At times words are needed to lift spirits and touch lives. Vixen has provided these elflings with such kindness. You mustn’t be so quick to reprimand your brethren.”

  Blitzen stared at him, his eyes nearly as wide as Vixen’s before he swallowed hard, gave a firm nod then hurried off. Well, not the apology Vale had been hoping for, but it would do.

  “You defended me,” Vixen said quietly.

  “Why does that surprise you?” Vale held his arm out, and Vixen took hold of it, walking toward the construction area.

  “No one’s ever defended me before.”

  Vale ignored the other Rein Dears watching them as they approached a house that was only halfway finished. He placed a kiss to Vixen’s cheek before picking up a hard candy hammer. “I shall be more than happy to fill the position and am at your service with the greatest of pleasure should you need it.” He nodded toward the house. “Now, shall we show your brethren what we’re made of?”

  With a wicked gleam in his eyes, Vixen picked up a hammer and joined him, whispering in his ear. “I look forward to calling upon your pleasurable services.”

  At the moment, Vale’s face most likely matched Rudy’s hair in color. It appeared the task before him was about to become more challenging. He smiled at the thought.

  Chapter 4

  Vixen was nearly bursting at the seams with excitement. Less than an hour ago, a strikingly handsome Vale had picked him up in his family’s royal sleigh, their finery drawing the attention of everyone they passed. Vixen basked in the attention, taking delight in the way he was treated like royalty merely for being in Vale’s presence.

  The previous evening, after Vale had dropped him off, Vixen had run out to find a fabulous new outfit. He’d opted for a caramel-colored frockcoat with matching breeches to go with the color of his hair. The coat was elaborately decorated with flowery embroidery in subdued pinks and greens, as was the cream-colored waistcoat underneath. The expression on Vale’s face when he saw Vixen had made his heart flutter and his breeches tighten. The lieutenant hadn’t been kidding when he said his desire could melt glaciers. Vixen looked forward to the experience. For the last twenty minutes, Vixen stood in the grand ballroom attempting to take it all in. He’d never been to the King of Frost’s palace, and it was just as grandiose as he had always imagined.

  The ballroom was even more opulent than the one hosting the Silver Bells Christmas Ball. The entire room sparkled like thousands of tiny diamonds in the sky. The walls and roof were white with silver accents and moldings. The intricately decorated archways between the white-and-silver marble columns contained chandeliers made of sparkling crystal, and the white marble floor with silver veins gleamed. It was a glorious monument to the king of all winter.

  At one end of the room sat a large orchestra dressed in white finery and playing white instruments. Not far from them was the only item of color in the room. The king’s throne was set in an alcove four steps up and surrounded on three sides by blue silk curtains. It was magnificent, befitting its elegant king. The throne itself was white and silver with the armrests carved into fierce polar bears and the back fanned out in delicately carved white trees with curved branches. The seat and backrest were tufted blue velvet. From where he stood, Vixen couldn’t make out the details, but it seemed the throne was decorated and carved from the clawed feet to the
tip of each branch.

  The guests were dressed to impress, all of them chatting, sipping champagne, or dancing. For a slip of a moment, Vixen wondered if he was out of his depth. It was what he’d always dreamed of, but now that he was here, he began to question whether he belonged. He might hold a prestigious position as a Rein Dear, but he wasn’t nobility.

  A hand came to rest on his elbow, and a strange peace washed over him. The same kind of peace he experienced when he watched the falling snow. How odd. He turned, surprised to find Vale standing beside him, smiling at him.

  “Thank you for waiting. I was inquiring with my father when my uncle would make an appearance. If it were up to him, he’d remain locked in his quarters for the whole of the ball.”

  “Why? It’s all so magnificent.”

  Vale leaned into him, speaking quietly. “Have I mentioned how stunning you look?”

  “Yes, but I don’t mind hearing it again.” He ran his gaze over Vale, his smile naughty. “You’re looking rather scrumptious yourself.” The blush he was getting to know so well came onto Vale’s face.

  “Thank you. May I get you a drink?”

  “I’d love a drink.”

  Vale bowed regally, and Vixen watched the lieutenant walk off. Striking indeed.

  “Vixen, I’m so happy to see you here.” Rudy threw his arms around Vixen and hugged him tight. He looked very elegant in his signature red frockcoat embroidered in gold. “Are you enjoying yourself?”

  “I’m still trying to take it all in. It’s even more glamorous than the Silver Bells Christmas Ball! Have you seen the rest of the palace?”

  “A few rooms here and there. The king doesn’t take kindly to guests roaming the halls.”

  “I’m sure he wouldn’t mind. Why else would he hold a ball? Surely guests must be curious.” There were hundreds of guests in attendance. How could none of them sneak off to see the rest of this astounding palace? It was the King of Frost’s palace. The history and grandeur contained within these walls alone was staggering.

  “Vixen, please don’t wander off on your own.”

  “Oh, for holly’s sake. You act as if I’m going to singlehandedly bring the place to ruins.”

  Rudy arched an eyebrow at him. “Vixen, this isn’t just any palace. It’s the King of Frost’s palace. He’ll not tolerate any shenanigans.”

  “Yes, yes. I wasn’t going to get up to any mischief.” Vixen gave his friend a nonchalant shrug. “Besides, I have far more interesting things to do with my time, like make Vale blush.”

  Rudy chuckled. “How’s it going with you two? I’m glad to see you’ve given him a chance.” His smile fell away, and Vixen poked his friend in the ribs, making him squirm.

  “Out with it,” Vixen said, knowing there was something his Rein Dear brother itched to say.

  “You aren’t toying with his heart, are you? Because he’s a good elf, Vixen. He deserves better.”

  The comment made Vixen bristle. More disconcerting was the fact he couldn’t come up with an offhand response like he normally would. A few days ago, he could have easily brushed off the remark, but now…

  “If you’re only after what his title will bring you, then… you should reconsider a different partnership. Not to mention there’s Jack and Hollis. They’ll be exceptionally upset if you toy with Vale.”

  “Vale is his own elf, perfectly capable of making up his own mind,” Vixen scoffed. Where the berries had Vale gone off to for that drink? Vixen could do with a drink. Unable to take that wretched look on Rudy’s face, Vixen let out a sigh. “I’m not toying with his heart. I quite like him.”

  Rudy eyed him warily. “You do?”

  “He’s not at all as I imagined,” Vixen replied truthfully.

  “Oh, Vixen, I’m so happy for you.” Rudy brought him in for another embrace, though Vixen couldn’t fathom what for. It wasn’t as though he’d declared himself in love or some such nonsense.

  To his relief, Rudy excused himself and ran off to join Jack, who’d cast Vixen one of his charming glares. With Vale nowhere in sight, Vixen decided it wouldn’t hurt if he took a look around. He wouldn’t go far, just down the hall. That way if Vale called for him, he would run back, and no one would be the wiser. He’d say he went to the little elf’s room.

  He slipped out of the ballroom, finding the anteroom clear, and beyond that, the corridor was empty as well. Who was going to miss one elf among all these guests? Which direction should he take? West. With one last glance to make certain no one spotted him, he hurried down the expansive, elaborately decorated hall. It was just as exquisite as the ballroom. Beautiful paintings of wintry landscapes and members of the Frost family lined the walls. Every few feet between closed gilded doors were marble tables containing stunning bouquets of white roses with frosted leaves and berries painstakingly arranged. Each set of double doors stretched from floor to ceiling, with spotless golden handles. As he walked down the corridor, he wondered what lay behind all the doors. The farther he got from the ballroom, the quieter it became.

  Did the king ever get lonely living in this big palace all by himself with only the staff? Jack lived in his own smaller palace, as did Chancellor Malachi Frost and the Frost twins. Could that be why the king was so grumpy all the time? As much as Vixen loved the thought of living in a grand palace, he didn’t think he’d like to live in it all by himself. Peeking through one of the open doors, he found a gorgeous library with wall-to-wall books and plenty of comfy-looking spots to read. Did the king retire to this room often? Stacks of books sat atop a great, big mahogany desk as well as on the carpet around it. Not wanting to linger, especially if the king spent a good deal of time in this library, Vixen headed to the end of the hall and turned right.

  Hm. He hadn’t expected to get lost so quickly. From the outside, it all looked so easy to navigate, but inside it was a maze. Most of the corridors looked the same. Wide twisting staircases at each end of the floor lead to other floors and countless rooms. How did anyone find their way around here? He headed down another hall and made a left. Sneaking a peek into another room made him groan. Either the palace had five libraries, or he’d walked in circles. He stopped and worried his bottom lip. Had he turned left at the end of the hall the last time or had he made a right?

  Turning, he was momentarily distracted by a stunning painting of the Queen of Frost. She sat on a throne next to the king, both looking so happy. Standing beside her was a fledgling Jack Frost in a royal blue frockcoat and breeches, a mischievous smile on his face. The queen had been so young and beautiful when the Frost War broke out. Her loss still saddened him. He’d been at the Rein Dear Academy when the news had reached them. Jack had lost his heart to the ice that day, for the first time.

  A door creaked somewhere toward the end of the hall, and Vixen panicked. He backed up against the painting only to fall through it. What the holly? Flailing, he landed on his backside. With a groan he stood and rubbed his bottom. What happened? Where was he? He looked around and gasped. It was some sort of secret room behind the painting. The room was dimly lit and contained nothing but a glass case in its center. He needed to find a way out, but his curiosity got the better of him, and he slowly approached the glass case.

  Inside was the most beautiful scepter he had ever seen. It was silver and gold with gilded roses and vines, tiny diamonds inside each rose. The end of the scepter contained a delicate blooming rose made of sparkling crystal, and a large blue stone glittered from its center where it was nestled.

  “You shouldn’t be here.”

  Vixen gave a terrible start and spun around, his heart in his throat. To his relief, it was Vale. For a moment he feared he had been about to be turned into an icicle. Then again, Vale looked mighty upset with him. Vixen put a hand to his chest and let out a sigh of relief.

  “You frightened me.”

  Vale came to his side, his eyes going to the scepter then to Vixen. His frown deepened.

  “I’m sorry. I know I shouldn’t have wandered
,” Vixen said with a pout. He stepped closer to Vale and put a hand to his chest. “Please forgive me. I didn’t mean to upset you. I was so excited to be here, I got a little overwhelmed.” He lifted his gaze to meet Vale’s and bit down on his bottom lip. Vale seemed to consider his words carefully, and Vixen held his breath, releasing it when Vale wrapped his arms around his waist and sighed.

  “It’s all right. I shouldn’t have left you alone for so long. I got caught up by other guests.” He gave Vixen’s cheek a kiss and ushered him away from the scepter. “Come. My uncle will be very sore if he discovers someone’s been here.”

  Vixen stopped in his tracks and smiled sweetly. “Can you tell me about the scepter?”

  “I don’t think that would be a good idea,” Vale replied, once again moving Vixen toward the wall he assumed was the secret door. Vixen had stumbled across one of the King of Frost’s secrets. He couldn’t simply walk away not knowing.

  “All right.” Vixen did his best to sound and look disappointed. Just as he’d hoped, Vale let out a resigned sigh and led Vixen back to the scepter.

  “You must promise me you shall remain utterly discreet about what you’ve seen and what I tell you. No one has laid eyes on this since the Frost War.” Vale went pensive before he spoke again. “I’ve never trusted anyone with this secret.”

  “I promise not to tell a soul.”

  “Back in the beginning, when the world was but snow and ice, the King of Frost fell in love with an Alfeim princess whom he cherished with all his heart. On their wedding day, he bestowed upon her a special gift: the Scepter of Vetrokfesta.”

  “It’s stunning.” Vixen studied the scepter in awe. It was striking, bold yet delicate, much like their queen had been.

  “It’s also very powerful.”

  “Powerful?” Vixen asked. It didn’t look very powerful. Could something that pretty contain such magic?

  “Yes. As the Queen of Frost possessed no magic herself, the King of Frost devised a way for her to always be under his protection even when he was away bringing winter to the world. The scepter contains the power of Frost. It not only calls upon the king’s power but can undo his magic as well.”