Page 40 of Return of the Nutcracker Prince

“Well, I didn’t know she was a Dreamer by blood, either.”

“True.”

Father also rose and grasped him in a hug.“The mistletoe is never wrong.”He threw an arm around Mother.“It showed us the way.”

Klaus grinned.“I’m going to clean up and then go see her.”

“Good luck, son.”

Chapter 12

Freshlybathedanddressedin another gown, Clara paced the guest suite sitting room.Klaus had yet to make an appearance.She should sleep, but her mind wouldn’t let her.Trixie had taken her mage robes to be laundered, so she couldn’t send a message with her.Huffing, she sat down at a small desk in the corner.

On a hunch, she lifted the lid and found a pen, ink, and paper.Perfect.Dipping the pen in the ink, she etched out a quick note.

Klaus,

I’ll be in the courtyard.

Yours,

Clara

Folding it into thirds, she wrote his name on the outside and left it tucked between the French doors to the suite as she left.She took her time descending the stairs, her skirts rustling.The palace was abuzz, people scurrying about.

She meandered toward the courtyard door that Klaus had shown her their first day here.Goodness, had it really only been two days?She’d lived a lifetime in this realm.If she returned to her own realm now, she’d never survive.The magic buzzed within her, and she loved it.Every day it strengthened; going home would mean smothering it forever.

She could no sooner do that than cut off her arm.

The sun shone pink in the lavender sky.Would she miss the blue sky of her own realm?Godfather Drosselmeyer would surely take her back to visit if she did.But how would she explain to her parents that she wanted to stay in this realm and break their engagement plans for her?

Trixie’s suggestion that she trade Klaus for Berengar rang in her ears.She absolutely would, in a heartbeat.

Klaus caught up with her as she wandered toward the arbor they’d kissed under her first night back.“Clara!”

She spun to greet him.“You got my note.”

He nodded.“How are you not exhausted?”

“I couldn’t possibly sleep after that battle.”

Taking his arm, they sat on a bench in the sun, free of mistletoe distractions.Clara welcomed its warmth.Klaus had cleaned up post-fight, donning a casual shirt and vest.

“I’m sorry I took so long.There was something I had to find.”

“It’s alright.I just couldn’t sit still any longer.”

“Magic usually takes energy out of a mage.”

“I rested when you were unconscious.”Her cheeks warmed, remembering how intimate it had been to cradle his head in her lap.

He leaned in and whispered, “Next time my head is on your thigh, I want to be awake to enjoy it.”

She gasped at the impropriety, even as she laughed.“You’re a terrible tease.”

“Only for you, my darling.”His gaze caressed her face.“I love you.”

Her vision went hazy until there was only her, Klaus, and the bench they occupied.“Klaus…”

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