North Pole City Tales: Complete Series Read online

  “He’s our brother.”

  “To him we don’t exist.”

  “I’ve had enough of your pettiness.” Calder rose with a menacing growl, his greater stature imposing. Yet despite his tree trunk-like arms and expansive chest, Gunne wasn’t intimidated by his big brother. Never had been. “Leave Cupid be. I’m warning you.” Without another word, Calder thundered out of the room.

  Gunne never understood how Calder could accept such a betrayal so easily. What the blasted heck was so special about Cupid? Gunne and Calder were born of pure Dockalfar blood despite their winter faery mother. Dockalfar blood was always dominant, no matter the union of magical creatures. Yet their precious baby brother was gifted the best of both worlds. He possessed the beauty of a winter faery and the soul of a Dockalfar. No matter where Cupid went, he would charm those around him, unlike Gunne and Calder, whose charcoal-gray skin, white hair, and near-black eyes would give them away as Dockalfar. Their kind was spurned, and even a Dockalfar elf such as Calder, who was all but a recluse, was cast in the same light as the most evil of Dockalfar.

  Gunne swiped up the newspaper and narrowed his eyes at his baby brother smiling sweetly. Beloved Rein Dear who helped bring joy to the world. How beloved would he be if his precious brethren knew the truth? Gunne crushed the paper in his hand. Perhaps it was time he paid his brother a visit. It was time to remind Cupid of who and what he really was.

  Chapter 3

  The whole of the North Pole celebrated the joyous news of Jack and Rudy’s upcoming wedding. Few folks believed the Prince of Frost would ever find love, much less marry, but those who were close to Rudy knew it was only a matter of time. Jack was a passionate winter spirit who adored Rudy, and no one loved the frosty prince more than Rudy. Those two were meant for each other. Cupid sighed at how romantic it all was.

  “No wonder you became a pilot. Your head’s always up in the clouds,” Blitz teased.

  “Oh, hush.” Cupid chuckled and took a sip of his mint hot cocoa. “What do you suppose Rudy wants to talk to us about?” It was odd for Rudy to request just the two of them, and to such a cozy little café on the outskirts of North Pole City. It was all very mysterious. They’d hardly seen their captain since the Big Flight. From the moment Rudy parked his biplane in his hangar, he was whisked away by numerous palace attendants all eager to get started on the wedding arrangements.

  “I have no idea. It’s odd.” Blitz took a long sip of his hot cocoa, and Cupid giggled at the mustache of whipped cream left behind. “What?”

  Cupid took a napkin and leaned in, wiping the cream from Blitz’s upper lip. “There you go.”

  Blitz let out a sigh, his eyes lit up with amusement. “Can’t take me anywhere, can you?”

  “I was just thinking that,” Cupid teased. He took a sip of his own cocoa when Blitz chuckled. “What’s so funny?”

  “Looks like neither of us is fit to be out in public. You have a spot of whipped cream on your nose.”

  Cupid crossed his eyes in an attempt to see his face, making Blitz laugh. “I don’t see it.”

  “Here. I’ll get it for you.” Blitz leaned in close and gently wiped a thumb over the tip of Cupid’s nose. He was very close. Far closer than he needed to be, or maybe that was just Cupid’s overactive imagination. To his surprise Blitz moved his thumb to Cupid’s cheek.

  “Goodness, did I get whipped cream on my cheek too?” What a mess he was, and here he’d been teasing Blitz when….

  Why was Blitz looking at him like that? His gray eyes were intense, almost clouded over for some reason. Blitz leaned in a little closer, the tip of his tongue darting out between his lips. My, but he was a handsome elf. Rugged. Strong. Muscular. Cupid told himself not to gawk, but it was very difficult. What the holly was going on with him? Lately he’d been having the strangest ideas regarding Blitz. He hadn’t thought about Blitzen in such a way since their days at the Rein Dear Academy, and he’d put a stop to that as soon as the frightful notion got into his head. Nothing could happen between them. Cupid couldn’t allow it.

  “Cupid, do you—”

  “Sorry I’m late.”

  The two of them jumped as if they’d been caught with their hands in the cookie jar. Why? They hadn’t been doing anything… naughty. Had they? No. Of course not.

  Rudy took a seat across from them, thanking the waiter, who brought Rudy his favorite cinnamon hot cocoa. The royal wedding was the talk of the town, as were the grooms. Every newspaper and magazine featured stories on the couple, from their favorite drinks to who tailored their suits. It was astonishing and very exciting.

  “Thank you so much for meeting me. Jack is off with his father preparing the necessary scrolls and documentation for my title.” Rudy took a sip of cocoa and sighed in contentment. “It’s only been a few weeks, and I’m already run off my feet.”

  “How’s Jack handling all the attention?” Cupid asked, though he had an idea what Rudy’s answer would be.

  “He’s taking it as well as can be. You know he absolutely detests the press, but he smiles and plays nice. I don’t think anyone would dare go too far. He’s still the Prince of Frost, and you know Jack won’t hesitate to give them a good scare.” They chatted a little about nothing and everything, the usual pleasantries before Rudy got down to business. “I have a very special request for you both. It won’t be easy, perhaps even impossible, but if anyone can do it, I know you can.”

  “We’ll do our very best, Rudy.” Cupid was curious. What could be so important that Rudy would seek them out specifically? The Rein Dears had insisted on helping Rudy prepare for the big day. Despite the hundreds of royal staff on hand to arrange everything, the Rein Dears knew Rudy would need them at his side, not simply to help ease the pressure, but to provide support. Planning a royal wedding for several hundreds of thousands of guests was enough to send even Rudy into a panic.

  “There’s a very special gift I would like to give Jack on our wedding day, but I’m afraid I’ve had no luck at all obtaining it. Unfortunately I can’t carry on my search outside Winter Wonderland or North Pole City with all the wedding preparations I must see to. Not without rousing Jack’s curiosity.”

  “What are you searching for?” Cupid couldn’t believe there was something so rare it couldn’t be found in such grand kingdoms. It must be a special object indeed.

  “It’s known as the Elska rose, and it’s extremely rare. Some believe they were all destroyed during the Frost War, but I’ve learned they might still exist. If there is any chance of finding this flower, it would mean the world to me, and to Jack.”

  Cupid blinked at Rudy. “A rose?”

  Rudy nodded. “When Jack was a boy, he would play in the palace gardens while his mother tended to her flowers. Her favorite of all were the Elska roses, gifted to her by the King of Frost. I’ve seen paintings of the roses in several of the portraits around the king’s palace. They are the most exquisite flowers, recognized by the way they glow. I just know it would make him so happy to hold an Elska rose in his hand again. I’ve not had much luck, but you’re closer to the flora than any of us.”

  “I would be honored,” Cupid said. He was touched Rudy had tasked him with something of such importance. Rudy was right. As part winter faery, Cupid was naturally drawn to flora, his connection greater than that of his brethren. His elf brethren, on the other hand, had a stronger connection with fauna than Cupid, especially the bigger creatures.

  Rudy’s smile warmed Cupid. “I knew I could count on you.” He turned to Blitz. “Will you accompany him? I don’t know where the journey will lead, and I’d feel better knowing you’re with him.”

  Blitz gave a stern nod. “You don’t even have to ask. Of course.”

  “Thank you, my friends. Do be careful.” Rudy finished his drink before giving them each a hug. He ran off to his next adventure, his hair soon but a bright red dot on the horizon.

  “Are you sure, Blitz?”

  “Of course I’m sure. I have no intention of
letting you go out there on your own. Who knows where the quest for this flower might lead? If this rose can’t be found in Winter Wonderland or North Pole City, who knows where we’ll have to go?”

  “You’re right.” Cupid finished his cocoa and stood. “Thank you.” His journey would be far more pleasant with Blitz at his side. He was grateful for Blitz’s wonderful company. “I think I know where to start. There’s a kindly old dwarf just outside the Enchanted Woods, in a little village. My mother used to purchase seeds from her, and they would talk about flowers for hours over tea. Perhaps she can tell us where we might find the Elska roses.” Now that he thought about it…. “Perhaps we should pack for our journey in case it takes us farther than we anticipate.”

  “Good idea. I’ll call us a sleigh.”

  Cupid followed Blitz out of the warm shop and into the snow. It was busier than usual that morning, with sleighs whizzing by occupied by elves hurrying here and there. A flurry of snow fell from the sky, soft flakes that tickled Cupid’s nose. Jack was in good spirits these days, and it reflected in the snowfall.

  The task he’d been given by Rudy was daunting, but Cupid was determined to find the Elska rose. Cupid loved flowers. He remembered his mother’s beautiful gardens. How often he would sit in awe as she frosted over petals with the greatest of care. Although Jack did have an artistic eye and created the most beautiful ice fractals, the Prince of Frost could hardly see to every leaf and petal. That’s where winter faeries like his mother came in.

  “What are you thinking of?” Blitz held out a hand, calling for a sleigh, and one quickly pulled up. Cupid thanked Blitz for helping him in.

  “Hmm?”

  After Blitz directed the driver to the Rein Dear Estates, he turned his attention back to Cupid. “You were lost in thought, and you had a wistful smile on your face.”

  “Oh, I was thinking of my mother. How she used to love her garden and bringing winter to the flowers.”

  Blitz nodded. Everyone was familiar with the work of winter faeries. It was greatly admired. “Such detail. I’ll bet she had very skillful hands. Like you.”

  “Me?” Cupid looked down at his hands. He’d never really thought about his hands before.

  “Yes. You’re very good with your hands.”

  Blitz took Cupid’s hands in his, and Cupid felt his cheeks grow warm. He was quite certain he’d never felt this strange warmth at Blitz’s touch before. They held hands when they danced, but they wore gloves at the time. It was hardly the first time they’d touched, but this feeling was certainly new.

  Blitz placed his hand next to Cupid’s. “See, I have big clumsy fingers. But you, no matter what you do, your hands work deftly, and your touch is like a delicate feather.”

  “It is?” Cupid studied his hand. Well, he was quite good at icing the cookies and treats when he and his Rein Dear brothers baked for the elflings down at the orphanage. They would always run straight to him so he might draw little animals or stars on their cookies. “I suppose you’re right. But you’re the strongest of the Rein Dears. In fact, you’re one of the strongest Christmas elves I know. You can carry far more gingerbread than I can.” Blitz did the work of three elves when they built gingerbread houses for elves in need. He carried large slabs of gingerbread under each muscular arm, all without breaking a sweat.

  Blitz seemed to think on it. “True. I build the houses, but you make them a home.”

  “Why, Blitz, what a lovely thing to say.” No one had ever said anything so sweet to him before. He did his best not to get emotional. Home was something he’d always yearned for but never managed. He supposed he only had himself to blame. He’d turned his back on his family. But then, it never felt like a home to him. Not the way it did with his mother.

  “Shall we meet at yours?”

  Cupid snapped himself out of his somber thoughts. Goodness, they were at the Rein Dear Estates already? “Okay.”

  Blitz thanked the sleigh driver, and they headed in. Blitz’s apartment was only one door away from Cupid’s. A sudden sadness struck him when he reached his door.

  “I miss it, don’t you?” Cupid said, taking a sniff of the hall.

  Blitz cocked his head to one side. “What’s that?”

  “The smell of cinnamon. It always smelled of cinnamon when Rudy was here.”

  “You’re right.” Blitz’s expression turned sympathetic. “We all miss him. But we’ll see him often. Just because he becomes a prince doesn’t mean he’ll stop being a Rein Dear.”

  “Do you really think Rudy will stay captain?”

  “He loves being a Rein Dear. I don’t see him giving up his position anytime soon.” Blitz pulled Cupid in for a hug. How did Blitz know he was in dire need of one? Things were changing quickly around here, and Cupid wasn’t very good with change. He loved his Rein Dear brothers, no matter how much they might squabble or tease. They were a family.

  “Thank you,” Cupid said, pulling away from Blitz. He was a little embarrassed. What must Blitz think of him, getting sappy over such a little thing?

  “It’s my pleasure. Anytime you need me, you know where to find me. And in case you’re wondering where that might be, it’s wherever you are.”

  Cupid opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out. Instead he nodded like a silly goose, spun on his heel, and scurried away into his apartment like a field mouse running from a hawk. He closed the door behind him and leaned against it. What was happening to him? His heart beat furiously and his face felt as if he’d sat far too close to the fireplace. Blitz had never said anything like that to him before. Cupid was at a loss. He had no idea what to do with himself. He walked to his kitchen and wandered aimlessly until it dawned on him his suitcase and general belongings would not be found in the cookie jar.

  He nibbled on a tasty sugar cookie covered in sprinkles while he made his way into his bedroom. The butterflies in his stomach were in a frenzy. Was Blitz merely being sweet with his words, or was there something else behind them? He sat on his bed and finished off his cookie. What if Blitz did feel something when they kissed that day at the ball? And what had Blitz been about to say at the café before Rudy showed up? What if Cupid tried to kiss Blitz again? Would his advances be welcome?

  Then what? Will you tell him the truth?

  Cupid frowned at his thoughts. Blitz cared for him. What difference would it make if Cupid confessed what he was? It wouldn’t change Cupid. But what if Blitz looked at him different? What if he thought less of Cupid?

  “Humbug.” He had no time for this. His telephone rang, and he quickly answered. “Hello?”

  “Cupid, I’m so glad I caught you before you left for your journey.”

  “Rudy, is everything all right?” Rudy sounded out of breath.

  “I’m fine. Thank you. It’s difficult to sneak away at times. I’m calling because Jack and I will be having an intimate dinner party in four days to announce our wedding date. It’s important for you and Blitz to be there with all the other Rein Dears. Do you think you can make it, considering your trip?”

  “Four days?” Goodness, that didn’t leave very long at all to search for the Elska, but Cupid understood Rudy’s concern. If they weren’t there, Jack might grow suspicious. “We’ll be there,” Cupid promised. They couldn’t miss the dinner.

  “Thank you so much. I owe you a great debt.”

  “Nonsense. That’s what friends are for.” They exchanged pleasantries for a few more minutes before hanging up.

  Cupid swiftly went to his closet and removed his small trunk. It had been a while since he’d taken a trip anywhere. Hmm. What to pack? A warm, fuzzy blanket might be a good idea. He might be a winter faery, but sometimes even he felt a chill during the iciest storms. Plus he quite enjoyed being toasty warm—a trait he’d picked up from his Rein Dear brothers. They loved gathering around a warm fire.

  Making sure to add only what he needed, Cupid made quick work of packing. His small trunk was heavy, but nothing he couldn’t carry. The bell in hi
s room jingled, and Cupid smiled. Blitz was at his door. With a quick sweep of his apartment to make sure everything was in its place, he answered the door to a smiling Blitz.

  “Ready?”

  “Ready.” Why was he feeling nervous? He’d never felt nervous around Blitz before.

  Blitz took hold of Cupid’s trunk and tucked it under one strong arm. With a thank-you, Cupid closed his door and followed Blitz down the hall. He never tired of its deep-red hue or the elegant silver wall sconces neatly arranged every three feet. There were nine doors, all with red velvet curtains in front, some parted, most closed. One apartment lay empty now that Rudy lived with Jack in his palace. Cupid tried to not let the thought sadden him. Rudy was in love and happier than ever. That’s what mattered most.

  They headed out back into the stables where one of the hands had prepared them a sleigh, along with the massive buck with enormous antlers that was to pull it. Blitz must have come out earlier and made the arrangements. The pale-blue-and-silver sleigh was cozy, just big enough for the two of them. Cupid wondered why Blitz hadn’t asked for a slightly larger one. The Rein Dears had all types of sleighs in various sizes for their use.

  There were plenty of warm, furry blankets draped across the royal blue velvet seat, and Cupid climbed up to sit underneath them. After Blitz placed their trunks on the back of the sleigh, he slipped in beside Cupid and took the reins. Cupid tried not to fidget. The two of them were pressed up against each other. This sort of sleigh was typically reserved for getting cozy with a sweetheart.

  In seconds they were off, the bells on the sleigh jingling merrily as Nutmeg trotted briskly from the stables with instructions to take them to Sandalwood Grove. Cupid hoped the friendly old dwarf still lived in her tiny house. There was a nip in the air, enough to make Cupid’s cheeks rosy.

  “Are you warm enough?” Blitz asked, maneuvering them toward the main road of North Pole City, which would lead them toward its borders.

  “Yes, thank you.”