Page 38 of Return of the Nutcracker Prince

“We have to double up on horses to get everyone home.Are you comfortable with someone else riding with you, or would you rather ride with me?”

His love bit her plump lip, then answered.“I can help carry someone.”He swallowed hard with a nod of acknowledgment.

Gingersnaps.He wanted her riding on Peppermint with him, but she wouldn’t turn away from someone in need.

Damn, he loved that about her.

Yes, after fighting his feelings for several days, Klaus had to admit to himself that he was in love with Clara.He had been since that fateful Christmas Eve ten years ago.

She was staying in the castle.There would be time for a private conversation later.And plenty of kisses for his savior.

Klaus resigned himself to riding by her side again.They both hosted a wounded soldier with them on their mounts.The artilleryman assigned to Klaus had taken some serious hits.His black coat hid the blood, but the dirt showed he’d given the mice as good as he’d gotten.

“Thank you, Your Highness.”Before Klaus could even ask his name, the man slumped over Peppermint’s neck, dead asleep.He leaned forward and patted a startled Peppermint.

“It’s alright, boy.Our friend here has had a very rough day.”

He swiveled to see Clara assisting a young soldier into Tinsel’s saddle behind her.The young man’s arm dangled in a sling and he sported a bruised eye that would certainly be purple by the time they arrived.“Can you hold on?”She asked the man with concern in her voice.

“Yes, ma’am.”He wrapped his one good arm around Clara’s waist.“The name is Felix.”

She turned her sunshine smile onto Felix.“Nice to meet you, Felix.I’m Clara.”

Klaus’s chest burned as he ground his teeth.When Felix’s eyes grew wide, Klaus realized he was glaring.But he wasn’t sorry.

As it turned out, Felix had a girlfriend.When Clara asked about her, he’d waxed poetic for most of the ride home.He made it very clear after only a few minutes he had no designs on his girl.

Good.

A somber company entered Sugar Plum Palace as dawn broke.Even the horses’ heads drooped.His failure churned in his gut.And he still had to face his parents and explain what went wrong.

Had their intelligence been faulty?Or were the mice just that much smarter than them?

Silent villagers greeted them in the palace courtyard.Parents sought their children, afraid to call out in case they weren’t among the survivors.Klaus’s heart broke further.He’d failed them as well.How could he face his people?

He helped the injured artilleryman off Peppermint.The poor man had dozed the entire ride home.Two of the Healers swept him away and half-carried him towards the infirmary.

Clara eased down off Tinsel, handing her reins to a stable hand.“Take good care of her for me, please.”

“Yes, Miss Mage.”

As the young boy led the mare away, Klaus gave in to the urge to reach for her.“I need to meet with my parents, but could I see you afterwards?”he asked as he led her towards the palace.

“If I’m not asleep, Your Highness.”

“None of that.You’re not my subject.”

She cocked her head at him and crossed her arms.“Am I a Dreamer, or not?”

Gingersnaps, he really put his foot in his mouth this time.“You are, but I would have you call me by name.”

“As you wish, Klaus.”She spoke low.“I didn’t want them to think I was getting special treatment.”

Some of her hair had escaped her battle braids, and he tucked it behind her ear.“But you are special.”

“Klaus…” That word held a warning.Too many people around them for this.

“I will come to you after I speak with my parents.And wash up.”He was sure he stank.

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