Christmas at the Castle || Drabble
The snow had finally begun to fall in a gentle, almost delicate looking manner, over the quaint castle town of Selphia. The falling snow crystals glittered against the setting evening sun, which basked the town in a beautiful tangerine sunset. It was so different than that of days prior, where there has been just such an onslaught of snow, hail, and flurries that Selphia had been coated in blankets upon blankets of snow. Everyone in the town was trapped within their homes while they waited for the storm to pass, but luckily the weather turned for the better just in time for the upcoming holiday.
The royal castle was holding that of an elegant party in celebration, it was an exciting time for the whole town to come together and share in the joy and spirit of Christmas. Well Christmas Eve to be exact, most of the town during the day of Christmas spent a more calm and harmonious day spent around friends and family. But Christmas Eve was a different tale entirely. The rest of the town would be dark, while the castle would be lit with lights and laughter all evening until the first early morning cracks of dawn. This Kingdomâs Queen however, didnât seem to share in the excitement. Frey wore a melancholy look upon her features despite all of the excitement that is to come. She stood outside on her bedroom balcony, her doe like green eyes fixated on that of the falling snow. Her hair was down, still needing to be done, and she was wrapped up in her evening robe. She knew she had to gather the motivation to get ready, since she herself for one of the key hosts. Though, she just couldnât bring herself to do so.
The girlâs gaze fell on horizon far away, lost deep in the fog of her own thoughts. That was until a familiar, melodic like voice called out to her from the castleâs entrance below her.
âHellooo ~ âȘ Well hi there your highness!â Frey blinked, looking lost for a moment on just wear the voice was calling her from. She even looked behind her, had someone come into her room when she hadnât realized it? Though when she looked down from her balcony, she spotted her dear elvish friend looking up at her.
âMeg!â Frey called in both an excited tone of voice, but that tone also coming to the realization at how behind she was at getting ready. Her friend was dressed to the absolute nines, her blonde golden locks done up perfectly and contrasted nicely with her deep sage green dress. It was long and hung off of her in an elegant manner, the fabric made of a warm velvet that matched the tone of the chilly evening that surrounded them. Despite the cold, the sweet smile the elf supplied her friend was warmer than the setting sun.
âWhat are you doinâ up there? Shouldnât you be getting ready?â The girl called up from below. âI only promised to help you with your hair.â She teased in her usual kind manner, waving it off a second later before walking further up the stairs to the entrance of the castle. âIâll be up in a second, donât go anywhere since now weâre already short on time for getting you ready!â
Frey could only nod, before returning to her room and holding her hand in a distraught manner against her forehead. What was she doing? She should be ready by now, helping Camellia and Louis get ready, she shouldnât be here sulking like a child. She breathed a silent thankful prayer for her wonderful support team and hoped Volkanon wasnât having too much trouble with the kids. A 5 and a 3 year old definitely arenât the easiest to wrangle, especially into nice clothing.
Frey must have been lost in her thoughts longer than she had thought, because suddenly, âOoh, everything looks so spectacular downstairs! Clorica and Vishnal really out did themselves this year! I mean last year was great too, but wow the size of that tree in the ballroom this year is absolutely amazing!â The elvish girl chimed as she entered the bedroom, coming forward to hug her friend in greeting. âHi you,â She cooed sweetly, squeezing her tighter in the hug. Frey returned the hug tenfold, feeling comfort in seeing her friend that she hadnât seen in so long. With her being moved to another town once she had gotten married, every occasion they had to see each other became a blessing. She found herself cursing herself constantly for how her past self simply took advantage on how close in proximity their homes had been before hand.
An herb like scent tickled the inside of the queenâs nose, though the gentle hints of nature soon came as a method to calm her. âYou smell great,â Frey breathed with a soon cocked eyebrow, pulling back from the hug to question her.
Meg only laughed in response, raising her hand to prominently show up the herbs that decorated her hair. âItâs rosemary! Kevin started up an herb garden for me, doesnât it look nice? And it smells even better!â Her hand then fell to pat the purse that was over her shoulder. âI brought some for your hair too, I thought it would be cute if we matched!â Though, with the tone of her friendâs seeming off, Megâs own brow rose in suspicion. âWhatâs going on with you? Staring off like a love lorn Juliet into the sunset usually isnât your style, are you okay? Especially since youâre up here and not down there helping everyone get ready.â
As usual, Meg was able to point out just when she was off from her usual self. Frey was never one to allow everyone to do things for her, whether as princess or with her recently acquired title of Queen. It just wasnât her, and she knew if she was up to her usual spirits she would be down there right now, up on a latter helping putting up the final decorations or in the kitchen with Porcoline ensuring everything was going smoothly. Or helping her children get ready. The blade of guilt continued to plunge even deeper into her chest.Â
âIââ The queen started, her hands idly grasped as she fiddled with her fingers in nervousness. âI got a letter earlier today from Will.â She finally spoke as she released a bit of a laugh along with the statement, as if to dispell any worries her friend seemed to have over her. Though it didnât work well, since Frey soon merely sighed and spoke the thoughts that had been troubling her for the past several hours. âHe went to go visit his family for a few days before Christmas, but his ship got caught up in the storm on his way home and he had to dock at a nearby town. He said he wonât be home tonight.âÂ
Frey wrapped her arms around herself, sadly rolling her eyes in a way to try and convey she understood that her worries were silly. âI was more than happy just to hear that he was safe, despite the storm, but I dunno Meg. Iâve never run one of these parties without him, I guess he just sorta keeps me calm. Plus itâs Christmas, and heâs already been gone for 2 weeks, I guess Iâm just kinda sad to be without him tonight yaâknow?â Her fingers rose to brush her long locks of hair behind her ears. âPlus Camellia has been talking about him coming back for the party ever since he left, I just really donât know what Iâm going to tell her.â
Meg nodded solemnly in understanding, pulling her friend into yet another hug in an attempt to supply any comfort she could. âHey now, Iâm sorry Frey.â She rubbed the girlâs back before pulling back and smiling lightly. âHeâs safe, and thatâs the important thing to focus on. Heâll be home soon enough, and you guys can have your own Christmas as a family together once he is. Iâm sure Camellia will understand once you explain it to her, sheâs a smart girl.â She rubbed her arms in a motherly manner. âYouâve got so many people coming tonight that youâre going to have to talk to and say hello to, youâll hardly even notice heâs not there! I promise. Now letâs hurry up and start getting you ready, okay?â
Frey nodded, knowing that what her friend was saying was true. âYeah ⊠youâre right.â She spoke with yet another bit of a sigh, before obediently sitting at the chair in front of her vanity so Margaret could begin her work. The elf girl picked up a golden hairbrush that sat on the vanity and began to get to run it through her friendâs hair. âSo âŠâ Frey spoke up, hoping to brighten the mood she had dampered, her eyes looking to her friend in the reflection of the mirror. A smile played like a fawn on her lip;, sweet, delicate and with a touch of nervousness at the impending night to come. âWhereâs Kevin and your girls anyway?â
The elf filled the silence with the sweet humming of her voice, singing a bright note of a song she loved every now and again as she ran the brush through her friendâs long mint green locks. âOh Melody was being a handful as usual, I heard the terrible twos were bad, but jeez I just donât remember Harper being this bad when she was two. So Kevin offered to stay behind until the party started to help finish getting her ready.â The blonde giggled at the thought of her family, pulling the brush by the queenâs ear. âLuckily weâre staying the night at my old house, so at least theyâre already in town, but when I left Harper was fully ready and Melody was running around the house naked. Plus Kevin isnât even dressed yet since heâs spending all his time trying to get her ready.â
Frey couldnât help to burst into laughter at the image. âOh great gods! What a cute little girl! She must be really be giving you and Kevin a run for your money, but howâd I know you two just had to have a wild child? I knew as soon as you were pregnant with Melody! I was like, no way are they going to get another perfect child. This one has to be a monster.â She spoke in a joking, matter of fact type of tone.
Margaret laughed as she agreed, holding bobby pins in her mouth as she rummaged through her bag for the herbs she had brought along with her. âSheâs just so high energy, so much more so than Harper ever had been as a baby. I guess itâs definitely just taking Kev and I a little time to get a handle on her is all. Hopefully sheâll calm down a little, but if she doesnât ⊠well then weâll just have to figure it out!â She began pinning back the ends of Freyâs hair, braiding a piece as she continued. âOh! But I donât know if I told you! So Kevin and I are going to play a harp and piano piece as one of the songs for this evening, and Harper has gotten good enough to sit alongside him and play a few parts of it with him now! Itâs so sweet, youâre going to love it!â
âOh, actually on that note,â Margaret continued, âdo you think you could get your brother and Leon to look after Melody while we play our piece? She gets too fussy to sit on the piano bench through a whole song right now. Ooh, or maybe Iâll ask Rosalind and Dy.â She pondered for just a second, before she continued her chatter. âShe was telling me the other day how her kids are so quiet! Eloise apparently barely ever cries and I remember Victor being that same way. How is that fair!?â She huffed her bangs out of her face in frustration. âHave you heard the way Melody screams? Her lungs could crack the glass of a window pane.â
âDoesnât that mean sheâs going to be a great singer?â Frey retorted with a sly smile, laughing as her friend spoke, thinking back to the time that she babysat the two girls. And yeah, boy was Melody a screamer, whether she was sad, mad or even happy.
âGreat Gods I hope so!â Margaret tucked the rosemary into Freyâs hair, securing it with a couple more bobby pins and pieces of hair. âAt least that would put a use to those lungs of hers, plus she seems to have absolutely no interest in instruments, at least not to the degree that Harper did at that age, so weâll see what happens I suppose. And ⊠Viola!â The elf took a step back to admire her handywork, proud of the job she had done with her friendâs hair. âEnough about my two goofballs, whereâs my cute niece and nephew anyway? With grandad Volkanon?â
Frey took a second to admire herself in the mirror, her hair looking much better than she would have ever hoped it to look thanks to her dear friend. Though she wasnât used to wearing her hair down, usually she always had it up in some way or sort, but with a bit of her hair pinned back it actually looked very elegant. âYou guessed it.â She spoke with a smile at the image of her own two little monsters. âI actually havenât seen them for a couple hours, as soon as we finish up here we should go check up on how theyâre getting along.â She rose from her vanity, turning to search her room for the dress she was going to wear.Â
âThanks for the hair Meggy,â Frey cooed as she looked to her friend, her tone brightening gradually and returning to her chipper self. âYouâve got to see my dress this year! Volkanon wanted me to wear a ball gown again, but I just feel so stuffy in though big olâ things all the time! So,â She ran to her wardrobe, retrieving the dress in question and presenting in an excited manner. âTah daaaah ~! Isnât it cute? I wonât be warm at all, but Iâm hoping the ballroom will be warm enough to not even matter.â It was a long soft green dress, the longer chiffon outer skirt decorated in a slight hint of glitter that would most definitely glow under the lights of the ballroom. At least that was the plan anyway. Volkanon had always been adamant on elaborate gowns with much too much âfluffâ as Frey had coined the term, so they were happy when they decided on this glittery middle ground between their two wants.
âItâs so cute!â Meg chimed as she clasped her hands together. âHere, letâs get you into it so we can go check on how everyone else is doing okay?â
Once she was dressed in her gown, Frey had to admit that she felt immensely better than she did before. Perhaps it was because now she was done getting ready, all thanks to her friend that walked and chatted alongside her as they made their way down the hall that lead into the ballroom. And sure enough, as Margaret had mentioned, the grand hall looked marvelous.Â
It was decorated with bright white lights, hanging pine needle garlands, and satin silk ribbons of all different patterns and sizes. Her eyes were caught on the view above her, before she soon was snapped from her thoughts from the call of her young nephew. âAuntie Frey,â The voice said with a whine, soon enough the boy follow suit into view. Young Noel, decorated in his small and perfectly put together Christmas tuxedo stood at her feet with his fox like ears that seemed to be the exact copy of his fatherâs pressed flat against his head in frustration. âCan you pleaaase tell Camellia how the party is for my birthday! She keeps trying to tell me today is a holiday, and Iâm trying to tell her I know itâs a holiday. Itâs my birthday tomorrow! My birthday is a holiday, Iâm the crown prince! But she wonât listen to me!â
This happens every year, at least every year from the point that the two bickering cousins learned what exactly a birthday was and what a holiday was. It was the same argument and every year it received the same answer, well ⊠each relative with their own opinions on the matter told him their own opinions every year. Honestly its to no wonder the poor boy was so confused. âOh sweetheart,â Frey cooed as she knelt down to his height, adjusting the sweet bowtie that was secured around his neck. âItâs your birthday and a holiday, you were born on such a special time of the year weâre throwing a big party for Christmas and your birthday.â
Seemingly not very satisfied with that answer, Noel was about to speak yet again, before a loud and rather shrill, over exhausted voice cut him off. âThatâs it! Iâm done watching your damn kids!âÂ
Frey looked up from her nephew to see none other than her brother, storming across the ballroom adorned in his own evening party wear. A lovely white suit with gold metal detailing, matching the crown he wore on top of his head. In tow, a blonde young girl dressed in pure white skipped beside him, actually matching her uncle quite well in terms of attire while approaching her cousin with a bit of a âhmphâ. âMama told you the partyâs for Christmas didnât she?â She chimed in a sweet, know it all type manners as she batted her eyelashes. âI keep trying to tell you the party isnât just for your birthday.â
The boy with the foxish features held his ears once again pressed against his head, his brow knit in irritation as he wore a pout upon his lips. Though he had other matters to attend to it seems. âPapa, Daddy said you arenât supposed to cuss.â He looked to his blond father with his own wise guy sort of expression, as if he were a parent that caught his child doing something he shouldnât be.Â
âI did not cuss,â Lest spoke with a roll of his eyes, adjusting his own nephew Louis in his arms, whom seemed to be content resting his head against his uncleâs shoulder, eyes resting in eminent exhaustion from the party that even has yet to fully begin.
The little girl turned on a heel, looking up to Lest before nodding her head in actual agreement with her cousin. âMmm ⊠no I heard you cuss!â
âNo I didnât!â The man retorted.
âNo Iâm pretty sure you did.â His husband spoke from behind him, appearing beside him with the youngest member of the royal family held in his arms. Cyrus seemed awake, eyes peering at the world at the liveliness of the growing cluster of people in the main ballroom. His own fox ears, matching that of his father and brother, stood alert and turned slightly now and again as he listened to each and every noise going on throughout the hall. Leon pinched the cheek of his husband in a teasing yet affectionate manner. âNoelâs right, what did I tell you about using curse words around the kids?â
Lest, far from just irritated at this point, batted his partnerâs hand away in annoyance. âOh donât you start, and you stay quiet! Iâve got a bone to pick with Frey! Iâm sick of watching your kids!â As if on perfect cue, the youngest pup held up in Leonâs arms looked up to his foxlike father, before spitting up a mixture of toddler drool and his most recent liquid meal all over the front of himself and his outfit.
âOh Cy, not again!â Leon spoke in surprise upon realizing what his son had done. Cyrus on the other hand looked unbothered, blinking his big eyes in confusion as yet another long string of drool dripped from his mouth.
Lest, turning to look at the newly ruined outfit his son was in, let out yet another long drawn out groan of frustration. âSee! I can barely keep a handle on my own kids, not to mention Noel and Camellia just never stop bickering.â His hand flew to his face as he dragged it downward in an over dramatic manner, before placing his free hand on his hip with a cocked brow as he looked to his sister. âYou know just as much as I do on how much both you and I have to get done tonight, whereâs Will anyway? Leon can barely handle Cyrus, thereâs no way he can handle all four of them.â
Frey honestly didnât really know what to say, she knew it was selfish to expect her brother hadnât any of the party stress that they both now seemed to be sharing, so she only breathed a bit of a sigh. She played nervously with her fingertips again, her gaze falling down to her daughter who seemed much too caught up in lecturing her older cousin to pay much mind to what she was saying. The thought of the news discouraging her daughter absolutely crushed her, so Frey spoke in a hushed tone to her brother, gaze full of apology. âHe canât come, heâs docked at some nearby town because he couldnât get through the storm.â
Lest was about to say something, yet stopped feeling discouraged at the news and deciding against the choice of words he was going to say to his sister. âYou know what, whatever. But you owe me.â He pointed his finger toward his sister in a teasing sort of menacing manner, before calling over his shoulder. âLeon, can you go find Volkanon? Maybe he can take these crazies.â
No response.
Lest broke the eye contact he was maintaining with Frey to look behind him, only to find his husband gone, more than likely off to find a change of clothes for Cyrus. Another loud groan came from the blond boy, readjusting his grip on the sleeping Louis before announcing in an almost proud (yet irritated) fashion. âFine! Iâll go find him myself! Come on Noel!â Lest put out his free hand to offer it to his son to hold, before looking back to Frey with a glare. âIf Iâm late for introductions this is not my fault.â
Noel stuck his tongue out toward his cousin, muttering a final sassy remark under his breath before calling back. âComing Papa!â He turned to catch up with Lest, taking a hold of his hand while his fox tail batted back and forth.
Frey couldnât help her bit of laughter at the stressed and rather frazzled mess that her brother seemed to be, she watched him take his leave before turning her attention to her daughter who held tight onto her skirt. She looked up to her mother with her large, bright blue eyes and asked in a manner than almost seemed as if she was scared for the true answer. âChristmas isnât really to celebrate Noelâs birthday ⊠is it Mama?â She wore the same pouty lip that her cousin had earlier when he asked Frey a similar question, they sure were family.
Frey knelt to pick up her daughter, adjusting her hold on her while she laughed lightly at the question. âCamellia Iâve told you this already,â She chimed in a sweet sing song voice to the girl. âChristmas is a holiday, and Noel just so happened to be born on a holiday. So weâre celebrating both.â Her words rose a giggle from the young girl, more laughter flooding forth as Frey leaned in to eskimo kiss her daughter. âNow thereâs no need to argue with Noel anymore, he can believe his truth but you know the real truth. Okay?â
Camellia nodded her head vigorously in understanding, though her gaze soon getting fixated on the rosemary in her motherâs hair. Her hand leaned forward to touch it, before looking back to Frey with a bright, innocent, little girl type of grin. âYou look so pretty Mama! I wish I was as pretty as you are, but Uncle Lest isnât very good at doing hair.âÂ
A sweet smile appeared on Freyâs lips at the compliment supplied by her daughter, before using her free hand to grab a piece of the herb that adorned her hair and remove it, only to use a free pin to decorate Camelliaâs own hair with it as well. âWell I believe my little Princess is much prettier than I am, I would say Uncle tried his best.â
Camelliaâs hand rose to touch the rosemary that now lay in her hair, wearing it proudly with a bright smile. âNow weâre both really pretty! I canât wait for Daddy to see me, I bet heâll say Iâm really pretty too!â Though as the thought hit her, blue eyes blinked in realization, looking to Frey with a tinge of upset. âWhere is Daddy?â
A slight groan escaped from the Queen as it was confirmed that her daughter hadnât heard her tell Lest about Willâs delay earlier. Knowing how much it was going to crush her daughter's heart to not have her father home for Christmas was weighing heavy on her heart, though as she was about to confess, another voice interrupted her.
âHere they are âȘ!â
Frey looked to where the voice was greeting her, and Camellia did as well. A squeal of excitement escaped the small girl as she bounced in a giddy manner. âHarper, Harper, Harper!!â She wiggled out of her motherâs arms, causing Frey to set her back on the ground as the little girl ran up to greet the other, who was walking along with her own mother.Â
âThere they are!â Frey called back in a sweet tone as she spotted Margaret yet again, but this time with her entire family in tow. She greeted the girls and Kevin for the first time this evening, leaning forward to give the man a hug as she couldnât help her laughter upon greeting the small girl he had been holding. âWell hello Miss Melody! I heard someone was giving her daddy the run around, hm?âÂ
Kevin couldnât help his own laughter, not surprised that Margaret had told the story of his current state when she had left the house. âIâve got to say, getting this girl dressed is one of the hardest tasks Iâve ever had to do.â He squeezed the girl in his arms before speaking directly toward her. âMommy and Daddyâs little trouble maker, hm Melody?â
The little girl on the other hand seemed much too caught up in Freyâs attention to pay much mind to the chiding from her father. âAuntie!â Her young toddler hands did the grabbing motion towards Frey, to which Frey couldnât help but oblige by taking Melody from his arms.
âHi big girl!â Frey cooed. âLook at how big youâre getting! And you look so pretty in that dress!âÂ
Melody swung her legs back and forth, looking up at her Aunt and speaking simply in the words she knew how to piece together. âI dunâ like clothes!â The toddler began laughing at her own words, a high pitched giggle that made it seem as though she was immensely entertained by her own joke. Though, as if to show the proof in the pudding of her words, Melody began swinging her legs in such a way that soon her small shoe went flying off her foot. Another eruption of laughter.
âMelodyâ Did you just do what I think you did?â Margaret spoke in her stern motherly tone, rising from her kneeling position she was in while she greeted Camellia. âMommy saw that young lady, what did I say about kicking off your shoes?â The small girl ceased her previous laughter, and now only looked to her mom with the biggest set up puppy dog eyes, knowing full well that she had done something she wasnât supposed to be doing.Â
Though this time it was Kevinâs turn to laugh, he who had already retrieved the thrown shoe (like it was a task he was used to) and handed it to Margaret. âShe sure is a handful.â
Margaret still stood with her hands on her hips, glaring at her daughter for a lingering moment before leaning forward to blow a raspberry against her cheek, eliciting a squealing laugh from the girl. âNow be a good girl or Auntie Frey wonât invite us to anymore parties.â She took Melody from Freyâs grasp as her and Kevin began to reattach the long lost shoe, hopefully a little more securely this time.
While the couple was busy with their loudest daughter, Frey leaned down to greet their oldest. âHi Harper, I heard someone is getting really good at piano! Is that true?â She spoke in a sweet tone to the young girl, whom only supplied her a shy shrug in response.Â
âIâm not that good,â She spoke softly, her much softer demeanor than her sister seeming like the difference between night and day. âDaddy and I have been practicing a lot, but I still mess up a lot too.â
âOh Goodness Frey sheâs merely being modest.â Kevin spoke in a proud tone of voice, placing his hand on top of Harperâs head in an affectionate manner. âSheâs much better than I was at her age, by a long shot, and sheâs been talking all evening how she couldnât wait to show you what sheâs learned!â Harper blinked in surprise at her fatherâs words, looking up at him before returning her eyes to Frey. She smiled sheepishly and spoke how she would do her best.
âGods theyâre getting so big!â Frey gushed as she stood up, adjusting her skirt as she looked back to her friend with a bright smile. âI remember when they still couldnât even talk! And here they are, little ladies and all now! It makes me step back and realize how big Camellia and Louis have gotten now too.â
Margaret mused with laughter over her friendâs comment, nodding in agreement before speaking again. âI know! And you know whoâs also gotten really big is Eloise,â She nodded as she continued, adjusting her squirming toddler in her arms in a way that assured her to stay still while she was talking. âI swear she was just born yesterday and now sheâs almost a year old! I saw them around here somewhere, youâve really got to see her!â
â
âCome on Noel!â The recently titled King called his son behind him. Oh man, king sounded weird. So entitled, so strong, so seemingly unlike Lest. The man pondered on how much the title truly changed his already royal stature, but he supposed ever since his sons and niece and nephew were born it was a needed change. He recalled the ridiculousness of everyone calling both him Prince Lest and his son Prince Noel, and how it just didnât seem right. So here he was, the same guy he had always been but with this new and fancy title. A fancy title that changed nothing, he still seemed to have to do everything himself.Â
It was then that the man spotted his husband, finally. Leon had a freshly dressed Cyrus in his arms, adorned with a clean bib around his neck. Thatâs right, gotta be prepared incase it happens for a third time. Which, in all honesty, probably will.
Lest began to slip a little quicker through the crowd, before he supposed he went a little too fast. He bumped square into the back of a taller man. Though his stature didnât seem bothered, when the man turned to spot Lest you could see the fury in his eyes. Out of all people to almost topple over, of course the person he ran into had to be Dylas. It couldnât have been someone that would brush it off like Arthur, nope, it always had to be Dylas.
âLest I swear to the Gods,â The man with the horse like features spat in annoyance. âKing or not, if there was one misplaced hair on Eloiseâs head Iâll throw your ass straight into river outside. Crown and all.â
Oh so he gets to cuss and no one says anything. How fair was that? âHey, youâre fine! And Ellieâs fine too! Right Ellie? You wonât let your dad throw me in the river will you?â The little girl who was held up in Dylasâ arms only blinked, being only a year old she didnât seem to have much say in the matter. Her own horse like ears rose in curiosity, before giggling at the blonde man in full force. âSee? She loves her Uncle Lesty! No need to throw me, or my crown, anywhere!â
Though before Dylas could even make a remark, especially on the Uncle Lesty part, his wife cut him off. âOh Lest there you are!â Rosalind chimed in a bright tone, approaching the two along with their son Victor beside her. âItâs been a while! Well with Will gone traveling, we havenât had our book club meetings in the library for a couple weeks, how have you been?â The duchess began her idle chatter, and Noel approached Victor to talk while the adults did the same.
âOh speaking of which!â The girl chimed as she batted her hand. âRemember those tea cookies you liked so much? The ones that Max got from Kardia the last time the club got together? Well he was able to get me some more and I brought a tin for you and your family for Christmas, I handed them off to Vishnal as we walked in so youâll have to ask him where he put them.â
Book club, yeah Lest didnât read. But a weekly gathering in his house, with food and drinks that he wasnât a part of? He couldnât have that.Â
âSee! Rosieâs sweet to me, I donât understand how anyone like her could put up with a grump like you Dy Dy.â Lest spoke, to which the girl couldnât help her laughter as her husband merely rolled his eyes and groaned.
âRosalind see, youâre nice to him and then he uses it as ammunition to defend himself for his stupid actions. All you need to do is ignore him and move on with our lives.â Dylas scoffed, before blinking in surprise at the hand that soon rested itself on his shoulder. He looked to the side to see none other than the father fox himself.Â
âIâve tried to ignore him, it doesnât work. Then I tried even harder to ignore him, and then we got married.â With a cocky grin Leon spoke in a teasing manner, greeting the other couple with pleasantries about the holidays before Lest pointed his finger in an accusatory manner directly at him.
âAnd where have you been!? You know what, nevermind, I know where youâve been.â Lest scoffed as he readjusted his nephew in his arms. âDid you see Volkanon anywhere?â
Leon, taking the question very seriously as Cyrus chewed and slobbered on a golden ribbon that hung off of Leonâs outfit. âHmm, no babe. I saw Vishnal and Clorica in the back room but not olâ grandad.â
Lest leaned forward, slipping the ribbon out of his sonâs mouth and handed him a teething toy from his back pocket. What? A dadâs always got to be prepared. âHm .. well I wonder where heââ
All of a sudden, a loud and booming voice began over the loudspeaker set up in the ballroom. âGreetings everyone, residents of Selphia and guests from towns from far and wide!â Lest and Leon then both share an all knowing look, nodding in confirmation as they both confirm that, yes, there he was.
âI, head butler and caretaker of this magnificent castle along with the staff and of course the royal family, thank you for spending your Christmas Eve here with us!â While his voice continued to greet the ballroom of now many guests, all of whom had arrived throughout the various events that went on during the evening thus far, Lest and his husband did his best to slip through the crowd. Though, a sudden realization came to the blond. He blinked, stopping dead in his tracks as he turned to look at Leon.
âWhereâs Noel?â He spoke in a moment of alert confusion. Leon, obviously not knowing that answer any better than Lest did, took a look around him before his eyes shot around the room. And there he was, spotted at the edge of the ballroom next to the dequidant table filled to the brim of different sweets and pastries for the party goers to enjoy. The crown prince seemed to be gaving quite the good time himself, continuously reaching up and grabbing fist fulls of the lower tierr of what he only assumed could be his birthday cake. His hands, and mouth, coated in frosting.
âWhaâ Oh my godsâ Noel!â Lest cursed in a hushed tone to not attract too much attention from the people around him. âLeon! For the love of all that is holy, do something about your son!â He spoke while swatting at the man beside him.
âOh when he gets into trouble like this suddenly heâs my son.â Leon scoffed with a bit of laughter under his breath, he was always used to the way that Lest would get riled up during events like this. These were the only type of events where he was truly supposed to act princely, well now kingly he supposed, and anyone could tell from a mile away that the level of expectation put upon him came with a great deal of stress as well. âIâve got it, no need to worry. Go on up, weâll be there in a second.â
As Leon walked to go take care of the boy, Lestâs nephew suddenly stirred in his arms, yawning and blinking his eyes in confusion at all the sudden amounts of people surrounding them. âHm ..?â He glanced around, before holding more securely onto his Uncleâs neck for balance and looking to him with large curious orbs. â ⊠Whatâs going on?â He asked in a sleepy manner.
Lest merely responded with a bit of an exhausted laugh, why couldnât of his kids have been the ones to sleep through all the excitement. âIâm glad youâre awake there buddy! I was getting worried about you, weâre about to do introductions, you remember what I told you to say yeah?â Louis merely nodded, before Lest took off to continue slipping through the crowd.
Leon on the other hand, grabbed the back of his sonâs shirt and lifted him sheer off the ground. âAnd what do you think youâre up to little pup?â
Noel squealed in surprise at his sudden capture, also surprised that he was now unable to move his arms or legs due to his sudden change in gravity. He looked around in confusion, before his eyes went big with excitement at the sight of his dad. âItâs my birthday!â The boy chimed happily, completely unaware of how bad he truly had ruined the bottom tier of the cake on the table, where entire fitfulls were missing.
A snort of unamusement escaped from Leon, lifting him up further with his strength to connect eye contact with his boy (while his other boy sat content chewing on his teething toy in his fatherâs other arm). âNice try bucko, your birthday is tomorrow. Plus, you donât get a free pass on doing bad boy things just because its your birthday either.â Globs of frosting dropped from the boyâs face as he supplied yet another signature pout. âAnd jeez, come on boy wipe your face.â
Noel intensified the puppy dog pout (or in this case, the fox pup pout) as his ears drooped and his eyes got wide and glossy. âBut Daaaaaaad âŠâÂ
This sort of act may work on Lest; Leon knew, he used the fox pup pout on him too, but it sure didnât work on the king of the fox pup pout. âCome on boy, some crown prince you are completely covered in frosting. Do it for your papa so you look nice for introductionsâ Hey and do not wipe it on your sleeves!â
Noel merely grumbled as he looked toward the table and did his best to reach for a napkin, to which the paper cloth was just an inch or so out of reach from his lifted into the air position being held by his dad. He struggled, leaning over and stretching his hand to the greatest length that he could make it. Several more seconds Leon let him struggle, whimpering and whining as he really just couldnât reach the napkin. Leon rolled his eyes, before moving his son just an inch closer, close enough for him to grab the napkin in his grasp and begin wiping off of his face.
Meanwhile, Lest and Frey both arrived at the same time, the pair seeming equally out of breath at their sudden rush. Frey stepped forward to take Louis from her brothers arms, thanking him under her breath.Â
Volkanon luckily always took forever to begin the opening introductions for any type of party, but throw in the spirit of Christmas and there was nothing that could stop the man from blabbering on and on about how thankful they were to have so many people come together on such a special holiday. Though as he noticed the siblings on his right and left side, he laughed in surprise. âOh! Well hereâs the royal family now! I suppose we should start with their introductions now, no? Letâs begin with the children as per usual, Lest my boy, whereâs your little Noel?â
As Volkanon continued, it all of a sudden hit Frey. She hadnât let Volkanon know beforehand that Will wasnât going to be here this evening. Oh Gods, so she was going to have to tell him, over a microphone, in front of everyone, while Camellia nor Louis didnât even know the news yet? This had âbad ideaâ written all over it, but what was she going to do now? Her hand rose to press against her cheek, Camellia was going to throw a fit.
Though soon the crowd erupted in a slew of awhs, to which they snapped her from her thoughts, causing her to look up and see Noel center stage with both his fathers standing behind him. âFirst up, we have our crowned princeâ Noel Asher!â
âHi everyone!â He chimed through the microphone his grandfather had handed him. âI want to thank all of you for coming to my birthday! Iâm going to be six whole years old tomorrow, so I expect six presents from everyone for each year I have been alivâ Ouch!â The boy winced as his fox featured father nudged his back. âI meanâ thank you all for spending my birthday with me.â The awhs continued.Â
âAnd that was our very own crowned Prince Noel! Then of course we have the newest member of the royal family, the second son to our King Lest, young Cyrus Tsel. He canât speak just yet, but do you have anything to say to crowd little prince?â With the microphone held up to him, Cyrus blew a spit bubble, giggling as it popped. Yep, you guessed it, even more awhs.
âA big round of applause for King Lest himself, along with his husband Leon!â Lest had always been a lot more charming in these sort of situations then Frey ever had been. Sure it was sort of an awkward thing, these introductions, that Volkanon forced them into, but Lest overtime seemed to get used to it and even seemed to enjoy it.
âHiâya everyone!â He greeted in an incredibly casual tone. âJust wanted to say thanks for coming to my sonâs birthday party, because you know his birthday is tomorrow. So make sure you wish him a happy birthday. Thanks.â Okay he was still kind of awkward, especially when he seemed to be aggressively trying to rub a point in Freyâs face.Â
âNext up, we have our one and only princess of the Kingdom, little miss Camellia Emmeline Ingrid Antoinette!â Camellia skipped out center stage from beside her mother, holding innocently onto the hem of her dress. She brushed off her cousin, ushering him out of her center stage light, before talking sweetly into the microphone.
âThank you to everyone who came today! The castle can be so big and lonely sometimes, weâre so happy that you all came to celebrate Christmas with us â„!â She gave a small curtsy to the crowd, one she had been practicing and perfecting for weeks, before returning to her side beside her mother.Â
âIsnât she a cute one folks? And last but not least of the royal children, we have little prince William Terry Louis the fourth! But donât worry folks, he just goes by Louis.â Frey still held him in her arms and she stepped out center staged with a bit of a bashful smile as he was greeted, though when his grandfather held the microphone to his mouth, Louis spoke loud and clear.
âHappy Birthday Cousin Noel!!!!â
Frey blinked, Louis barely understood what a birthday was, let alone that it was Noelâs birthday. Though when she looked over, she spotted Lest giving her boy a proud grin and a thumbs up. Surely, whatever it was, it was taught to him by his uncle. Louis also looked seemingly proud of himself, happy he was able to remember what Uncle Lest had told him to say.
âAnd then of course we have our lovely Queen, mother to both Camellia and Louis,â Oh boy, here we go. Frey tried to motion to Volkanon, whispering in a soft voice to skip Willâs introduction, but he seemed to be caught up in himself to really hear her. âIsnât she just a vision of loveliness everyone?â She motioned again, and once again was ignored. There was not getting through to him, well she supposed this was her own fault. She should have let him know earlier, she should have been helping him get her children dressed earlier, she should have been doing something earlier. Something other than sulking away as she was, staring at the sunset when she had so much more to be attending to. She was strong, she could do things by herself, she had always been so self reliant, and Will, she knew, was supporting her always, even from afar.
As she glanced among the crowd, she spotted all of the faces whom had come there to celebrate the evening with them. Friends, neighbors and so many people that had become as close to them as family. She spotted Meg amongst the crowd, waving to her as Kevin beside her did the same as Melody sat on his shoulders. They were all here supporting them too.Â
Though she couldnât help herself from wincing as Volkanon continued with her paired introduction. âAnd then of course her dear husbandââ
âDaddy âȘ!â
Frey blinked, not realizing she had been closing her eyes. Confused, she noticed it had been Camellia who had screamed out, making her way off the risen platform that was their stage to run across the ballroom floor. As the crowd seemed just as confused as Frey was, they parted like the sea as the young princess ran through them. That was then that Freyâs eyes spotted him, at the front door to the large hall slipping off the scarf that was covering his mouth and shaking the snow from his hair. It was Will.
âDaddy daddy daaaaddy!â Camellia called as she ran toward him, the man finally taking notice of the calls as she got closer to him and he couldnât help the wide smile that spread across his lips. He knelt to greet her, and almost toppled over and the sheer running forced the small girl had while throwing her arms around his neck. âI missed you! Where were you all day?! Grandpa Volkanon and Uncle Lest had to get me ready and they couldnât do my hair the way I like it, I missed you! I was worried that you had forgotten about us on Christmas!â
The man couldnât help his laughter at the words his daughter rushed forth with. âSorry Iâm late my little princess, I didnât mean to make you worry.â He spoke in a soft tone of voice as he held her close to him. âYour dad got a little caught up and seemed to lose track of time.â He lied, knowing full well that Frey hadnât gotten a chance to break it to the little girl that Will had previously believed he wouldnât be able to make it home at all.
Everything Frey mentioned earlier about all that support from everyone in town? Yeah well, she meant it sure, but at the sheer sight of her husband, well she couldnât help the rays of sunshine that seemed to blossom forth inside her chest. She hurried her way down the stairs, following along through her daughterâs path that had been made through the crowd of people, not even stopping for a moment to care that practically every eye in the room was on them.
âOh thank the Gods,â Frey breathed as Will rose from his knelt position, Camellia clinging to him as he lifted her into his arms. âYou had me so worried,â She chided, though being filled with so much relief that she couldnât even pretend for a moment that she wasnât happy to see him as she embraced him in greeting, both children now being squished between them.Â
âNot you too,â Will teased as he hugged onto his wife, hoping to cease any of the worries that he knew he had caused her. âHere I was, trying to make a quiet entrance so I could slip upstairs and change to surprise you guys, but I suppose that plan is ruined now, hm? Since it seems every guest and their brother seems aware of my return now.â
Louis, whoâs face was squished against his fatherâs shoulder, looked to him with a wide smile of his own. âHi Daddy! Did you know itâs Noelâs birthday?â He didnât even seem phased, as if he didnât even realize his father had been gone. âWhatâs a birthday?â
Will and Frey both laughed in unison, before Frey began to correct him. âLouis honey, itâs Christmas.â Her gaze turned up to look at her husband, finding all the comfort and support that she had ever needed to get through the evening, to get through life in general, in the smile he looked to her with. âMerry Christmas Will â„.â
Will continued with his own laughter, holding Frey and the children closer to him and feeling thankful to have such a warm welcome back home. Despite the crowd watching them, he leaned forward and pressed his lips against his wifeâs. âMerry Christmas Frey â„.â
Louis, still incredibly confused, asked another question upon his previous one going unanswered. âWhatâs Christmas?â













