North Pole City Tales: Complete Series Page 39

  The ballroom erupted into hushed whispers, and as the toy soldier whirled Dasher in his arms, Dasher caught a glimpse of the king emerging from behind the blue velvet curtains. The music came to a halt, and everyone clapped before bowing. Dasher thanked the toy soldier for the dance and excused himself. He quickly made his way through the crowded ballroom but came to a halt several feet away as doubt struck him.

  When the king took a seat on his throne, looking as regal and imposing as ever, his expression stoic and his nearly black eyes devoid of emotion, Dasher’s doubts increased. What if he was wrong? What if Dasher hadn’t stirred emotions in the king, other than annoyance? What if he was seeing what he wanted to see and not what was there?

  “Are you all right?”

  Dasher gave a start. He blinked and looked down to Donner standing in front of him. Dasher had been so lost in thought, he hadn’t even noticed his friend. More disconcerting was the fact Dasher hadn’t seen Calder, which was quite something, considering the Dockalfar elf was far bigger and taller than anyone in the room.

  Dasher sighed. “Perhaps Cupid and Blitzen are right. This is madness.” He turned to walk in the opposite direction, but Donner caught his arm.

  “Wait.”

  Dasher turned, touched by the warmth in Donner’s violet eyes. Not long ago, Dasher had been disheartened by the king’s dismissal, and Donner—who had been warring with his own heart at the time—encouraged Dasher not to give up.

  “We both know Cupid and Blitzen mean well, but if I had listened to those around me or succumbed to my own fears, I never would have found the courage to give my heart to Calder.” Donner smiled up at his beloved, his eyes filled with adulation. Never had there been a more mismatched pair. A Christmas elf and a Dockalfar. It defied convention, and yet here the two were, devoted to each other and very much in love.

  Donner slipped his hand into Calder’s, and Calder kissed the top of Donner’s head. Calder smiled at Dasher and motioned toward the king.

  “You never know what could be unless you follow your heart. Also, he’s less likely to freeze your baubles off during the festivities.”

  Dasher chuckled. Calder was right, and not just about his baubles. Since when did Dasher balk from a challenge? Besides, if the king truly felt nothing for him other than irritation, why would he expend so much energy to keep Dasher at a distance? Why be at the gates when Dasher and his brethren arrived? Why even speak to Dasher? There was something brewing beneath the surface. Dasher just had to figure out what it was. It would require great courage.

  Thanking his friends, Dasher found he was filled with renewed purpose. If Donner and Calder could defy all odds and find happiness in each other’s arms, there was hope for Dasher.

  “You look enchanting as always, Your Majesty.”

  Eirik grunted. Wonderful. As if this night wasn’t tiresome enough. “What do you want?”

  “To bask in your beauty,” Dasher replied, bowing before Eirik.

  “I suggest you bask elsewhere.” He was not in the mood for such nonsense. If it were up to him, he would be tucked away in his library, reading a good book and not sitting here wearing layer upon layer of brocaded and embroidered, fur-lined silk. At least his throne was comfortable. He was very particular about his seating, what with typically having to sit hours on end, observing or listening. Patience was not a Frost virtue, but it was often a requirement in his position, especially when dealing with the public. Gods help him.

  “Would you care to dance?”

  Eirik peered at Dasher. Had the elf just asked… No, surely not. “Repeat the question. I believe I misheard.”

  “I doubt it,” Dasher said, his grin wide. “I asked you to dance with me.”

  Dance? Eirik stared at him. Dance? “Are you mad?”

  “No, I’m quite happy, actually.”

  Eirik opened his mouth to reply, then closed it. What the blasted holly? “I’m afraid I don’t understand.”

  Dasher held out his hand to Eirik. “Dance with me.”

  Eirik’s heart did something it hadn’t done in centuries. It skipped a beat. He sucked in a sharp breath, unable to recall the last time anyone had asked him to dance. In fact, he hadn’t danced since…

  “No,” Eirik growled, startling Dasher. “Do not ask again.”

  Instead of scurrying off to lick his wounds as Eirik expected, Dasher tilted his head, studying him. It was very disconcerting. Before Eirik could snap at the elf, Dasher took a seat on the step just below the platform near Eirik’s feet.

  “What are you doing now?” Eirik asked, sighing. The elf was both perplexing and exasperating.

  Dasher smiled up at him. “Enjoying your company.”

  “If you think for one moment I’m going to allow you to sit here and babble away nonsense, you best think again.” All he had to do was lift a finger and his toy soldiers would escort Dasher away.

  “My lips are sealed,” Dasher replied, winking at Eirik. Winking.

  Eirik narrowed his eyes. “Why the blasted holly would you choose to sit in silence when faced with such merriment? You’re a Christmas elf. Frivolity and cheer are in your nature.”

  “That’s true,” Dasher agreed, his smile warm. “It’s also in my nature to want to share such merriment with one I hold dear.”

  Eirik scoffed. “Well, then, I suggest you go find him.”

  “I already have.”

  Dasher’s soft words took Eirik aback, and his voice eluded him. His ire flared. What insolence! He should have Dasher thrown out into the cold for speaking to him in such a manner—as if he were some tittering sugarplum fairy or blushing elf. He was the King of Frost!

  “You are too bold, elfling,” Eirik warned through gritted teeth. “Mind that impertinent tongue, or you may yet find yourself on the receiving end of my winter fury.”

  “I wasn’t being flippant.” The intensity in Dasher’s ocean-blue eyes unsettled Eirik, and he turned his attention back to the ballroom.

  Impossible. Dasher barely knew him. No doubt what he believed he knew of Eirik he’d heard from whispers and rumors. Did they think he didn’t know what they said about him? How sad and tragic it all was. How he had lost his heart the day he’d lost his beloved queen, never to recover, preferring to hide away in his palace. The pain had dulled over the centuries, but he’d resigned himself to a life of mostly solitude. He had his family, his library, and his garden. What else could he possibly need?

  True to his word, Dasher remained blissfully silent. What was more, he did so with that silly grin on his face. As if he were taking joy in simply being in Eirik’s presence. The notion was unheard of. Not even Eirik’s family endured his stretches of silence for long. They felt the need to speak, as if he expected it, when in truth he didn’t. Granted, Eirik didn’t make it easy for them. If he didn’t have his nose stuck in a book or wasn’t losing himself in his art, he was often lost in thought. Not even Jack truly understood. His son had inherited every Frost male trait. He was impulsive, passionate, adventurous, and in possession of a fiery temper. Such terms could never be associated with Eirik, other than the fiery temper. That he had in spades.

  No creature had piqued his curiosity since his queen, Vera Frost. Why on earth would a Christmas elf do so now? He found himself studying Dasher’s profile, his thick chestnut-colored hair falling just below his nape, the ends curled from him tucking the locks behind his ears. He was the oldest of the Rein Dears, and although Blitzen was the biggest, Dasher was not far behind. He was leaner than his larger Rein Dear brother, yet his frock coat pulled at his upper arms over his biceps. Light freckles sprinkled his nose and cheeks, and his blue eyes seemed to change color much like the tempestuous seas. He possessed a smooth jaw, full lips, strong hands, a slender waist, and powerful-looking legs. All in all, he was a very strapping, handsome elf.

  Eirik stood abruptly, and Dasher was at his side without hesitation.

  “Are you all right?”

  No. He was not. Handsome? Had he jus
t thought of Dasher as handsome? Worse, he’d admired Dasher’s lips, among other things. What the holly was the matter with him? Suddenly he needed air. The room closed in on him, his chest tightened, and his breathing became labored.

  “Inform Jack I will return shortly,” he commanded as he turned toward the velvet curtain, not waiting to see if the blasted Christmas elf had gone off to do as instructed. Eirik swiftly left the anteroom and headed down the long corridor, then took a left at the end and hurried toward the nearest garden. He snapped his fingers, and the doors flung open. Outside in the crisp winter air, he could finally breathe. He closed his eyes and inhaled deeply.

  Stepping up to the stone banister, he gazed out across the pristine snow-covered garden. All at once he felt calm. It was frustrating not knowing what he felt yet knowing the source of it. How could a Christmas elf stir such reactions from him? Whatever was happening, he could not allow it to continue. It certainly didn’t help when said Christmas elf took it upon himself to follow Eirik.

  “Do not linger in doorways. It’s rude.”

  There was no reply, and Eirik waited in silence. As expected, Dasher came to stand beside him. Eirik turned, ready to reprimand the bothersome elf, but was stilled by Dasher’s troubled expression. Eirik’s growing anger swiftly subsided, much to his annoyance.

  “I’m sorry if I upset you,” Dasher said quietly. “It wasn’t my intention.” He stared off into the distance. After a moment of silence, he turned to face Eirik. “Say the word and I’ll never pester you again.”

  Eirik opened his mouth to reply as Dasher met his gaze. Something in Dasher’s eyes gave Eirik pause. This was his chance to rid himself of the elf once and for all. Why was he not pouncing on it?

  “I—”

  “Or maybe you’ll consider spending the occasional moment in my presence. Would that be so terrible?”

  Eirik pondered Dasher’s words. “What is it you want from me?”

  “Nothing,” Dasher assured him.

  “I am the spirit of all winter. The King of Frost. Why should I entertain such a ridiculous request?”

  Dasher’s warm smile reached his eyes. “Even a king can use a friend.”

  Eirik was at a loss. This was absurd. All he had to do was say the word and Dasher would be out of his hair for good. The Christmas elf was many things, but he was an honorable elf; that much Eirik knew. It was a noble virtue. If Eirik asked him to leave and never pester him again, Dasher would do so. The thought had a lump forming in Eirik’s throat, and for some unfathomable reason, his heart was at war with his head. Dasher was giving Eirik what he wanted. Why wasn’t Eirik taking it? It was what he wanted, wasn’t it? To be left alone?

  “Did you inform Jack as I ordered?” The words tumbled out of his mouth before Eirik could stop them. That’s not what he’d intended to say. He’d meant to send Dasher away for good. Eirik cursed his traitorous heart.

  “Yes, Your Majesty.”

  “And?”

  “He was worried, so I told him your pelisse wasn’t properly fastened and you were seeing to it.”

  Eirik nodded. Dasher had eased Jack’s worry when he’d had no reason to. Instead of simply relaying Eirik’s message and leaving Jack to whatever conclusion he might come to—which would most likely be that Eirik was once again avoiding everyone—Dasher had assured Jack that Eirik’s disappearance was due to a minor wardrobe malfunction. It was no grand gesture, but it meant more to Eirik than Dasher could possibly know.

  “Face me,” Dasher requested.

  Eirik cast him a sideways glance.

  “Please.”

  With a heavy sigh, Eirik turned, his eyebrows shooting up to his hairline when Dasher reached up and straightened his pelisse. He ran a hand over the white silk, smoothing it down.

  “There,” Dasher declared, smiling up at Eirik. “Your pelisse has been seen to.”

  Clearing his throat to regain some form of clarity, Eirik turned toward the doors. “I’m ready to return.”

  “May I escort you?”

  Eirik nodded.

  They returned to the ballroom the same way Eirik had gone. He resumed his seat at his throne, and Dasher was about to sit on the floor as he had before, but Eirik scowled at him.

  “What are you doing?”

  Dasher’s expression fell. “Oh, forgive me. I thought—”

  “You are no one’s pet. Do not act like it.” He pointed to the seat to his right. “Elves with manners sit in chairs.”

  Dasher blinked at him before quickly taking a seat. “Will no one mind my sitting here beside you?”

  “And if they do?”

  Dasher chuckled. “Right. King and all that.”

  Eirik held back a smile. “Yes. King and all that.”

  Chapter 3

  Dasher couldn’t sleep. He’d never lost any sleep over someone before, and now all he could think about were beautiful nearly black eyes and silky black hair that Dasher yearned to comb his fingers through.

  The King of Frost was larger than life—tall, strong, broad, and imposing. Dressed in his regal white garb, the expansive fur-lined cape adding to his ethereal image, he was a sight to behold indeed. Dasher caught his breath every time he laid eyes on the king of all winter. He’d never seen such beauty… or such sadness. The king might deny it, but it was there behind his captivating eyes. Whatever the king might think, he was meant to be loved. Dasher believed it with every fiber of his being.

  He got up and pulled his black snow boots over his royal-blue pajama bottoms before walking to the wardrobe to remove the thick matching robe lined in black fur. He tied the sash around his waist and headed out, silently closing his bedchamber door behind him. If he remembered correctly, he made a right at the end of the long corridor, then walked to the end of that wing. There he’d find the door that would lead him out into the king’s garden.

  The king would most likely be in his library if he wasn’t asleep. The palace was quiet at this late hour, with only toy soldiers and some staff walking the halls. As Rudy’s guest, Dasher wasn’t questioned when he passed a toy soldier on his way to the garden. He wouldn’t stay long, but he was desperate to see where the king spent most of his time. The library was next on his list. If he couldn’t be at the king’s side, Dasher would search out the next best thing. He needed to feel closer to the blustering winter spirit. Hopefully that desire wouldn’t lead him to certain doom. Would the king truly freeze him if he caught Dasher? Dasher didn’t think so, but he could be kicked out, and he didn’t want to create such a spectacle during Jack and Rudy’s wedding celebration.

  Finding the doors leading out to the garden, Dasher made certain no one was looking, then cracked one of the heavy doors open. He slipped outside and pulled the door closed, leaving it slightly ajar so he wouldn’t be locked outside. That would certainly be unpleasant. It was cold, but nothing Dasher wasn’t accustomed to.

  Stepping out into the garden, he gasped at the beauty around him. The snow and ice reflected green, red, and purple as the northern lights rippled high above in the night sky. It was a clear night with thousands of stars twinkling among a blanket of colored lights. Ahead of him, the garden seemed to stretch on endlessly, even with thick forests surrounding the palace grounds. Dasher walked down the stone steps and past the snow-covered hedges shaped into frolicking forest creatures. The path he was on led to an archway of snowy trees, and he ventured forward, marveling at the curtain of glittering ice beads at the end. Carefully he parted one side and walked through, a gasp caught in his throat at the enchantment before him.

  Snow flurries drifted down from the sky, adding to the pristine snow coating the branches of every tree around him. Forest creatures carved from ice moved around him, bunnies hopping, birds fluttering their intricately carved wings. Deer frolicked and foxes scurried around. All made of glittering chiseled ice. A huge unicorn approached, and Dasher couldn’t stifle his soft laugh as it nudged his cheek with its muzzle. It wasn’t a real unicorn, but Dasher didn’t c
are. He was lost in the breathtaking dream, and he gently petted the unicorn’s muzzle. It turned, walked off, then stopped to look back at Dasher.

  With a smile, Dasher followed, crossing over an ice bridge into another section of the garden. There he stilled, mesmerized by the large pane of thick, curved ice etched in perfect detail. The gorgeous winter scene showed all manner of enchanted creatures, animals at play, and swirling foliage and lush trees along with music notes floating through the air. It burst with life and love, except for the small structure at the center of the expansive kingdom. Dasher’s heart hurt, and he stepped closer, running his fingers over the beautiful palace standing in isolation.

  “If only you would let me in,” Dasher said quietly. It occurred to him then that if the ice creatures he’d just encountered were moving, then the king couldn’t be far. Dasher’s pulse raced as he realized the large curved ice etching reached nearly from one end of the path to the other, forming a wall, and blocking anyone from venturing farther. Turning, he found the ice unicorn settled in the snow.

  “I wonder…” Dasher approached the stunning beast and petted its muzzle. “Can you take me to him?”

  The unicorn lifted its head toward Dasher, then nudged his leg. Taking that as a yes, Dasher climbed onto the unicorn’s back, realizing only too late that he had nothing to grab hold of as the entire beast was made of ice. As the unicorn stood, Dasher threw his arms around the unicorn’s neck, hoping he wouldn’t slide off. Once he felt steady enough, he sat up and smiled, unable to believe this was happening.

  The unicorn walked to a wall of trees, and Dasher lit up when several of the arched trees straightened, allowing them to pass. Soon they were once again on the path, and ahead of Dasher was a clearing. In the center of the clearing, the King of Frost lay on a chaise lounge made of ice and snow, his fingers laced on his stomach and his eyes closed. Dasher slid off the unicorn and petted its neck before slowly and quietly walking toward the king. Was he asleep? How often did he venture out in the wee hours of the night to create creatures of ice and sleep under the stars?