Page 4 of Return of the Nutcracker Prince

“Yes, Papa?”

Her father clapped his hands and puffed out his chest.“My dear, you have a suitor.”

“A suitor.”Who could it be?Her brows furrowed in confusion.

“Yes, the von Galens came to me today to discuss a marriage between you and their son.”

But their only son was...“Berengar?”

“The very same.”

No.No, no, nono!She tried to wipe her clammy hands on the book in her lap.“But Berengar despises me.”She hated how her voice trembled.

Finally, Mama spoke.“It’s time for both of you to grow up past this silly childish nonsense.The von Galens are a fine family.By the wedding next year, you will be ready to be a proper wife.”Margareta’s glare showed that her lessons in embroidery and commanding servants would soon become more intense.

Clara’s breaths became short, and she inwardly cursed that she had insisted Heidi tighten her corset.This urge to please her parents would be the death of her.

Papa drew closer and kneeled down so he could look her in the eye.“I know it’s a lot to take in.But don’t worry about it right now.”Clara could hardly register the remorse on his face; she was so shocked at this betrayal.He must have expected a more positive reaction, but she didn’t care about how much money this other family had.She cared about how their son had treated her.And somehow her own dear Papa had promised her hand to that brute.

“We won’t be announcing it right away.Baron von Galen didn’t want to overshadow the Christmas Eve celebrations, so we’re going to announce it at the New Year’s Eve party.That will give you time to get used to the idea.”

She only had one week to come to terms with the worst announcement in her life.And now she had to go to the Christmas Eve party and pretend nothing was wrong.Clara tried to swallow the lump in her throat.Of her twenty-three Christmases, this was the worst.

“We need to greet the guests, Friedrich.”Mama reminded him.

“Yes, the guests.I’m coming, my love.”

Papa rose and linked Mama’s arm through his and turned to leave.

“May I…” When she spoke, they turned their heads.“May I speak with Mama for a moment, please?”

Margareta patted her husband’s arm and turned back to Clara, a gentle smile on her face.Once the door had shut behind Papa, she asked, “Are you frightened, my daughter?”

“I — yes!”How did Mama know?

“The first time is painful.I won’t lie to you.But after that, it’s much better.”

Oh heavens.That’s not at all what she had meant!

Her face heated as she stammered.“No, Mama.That’s not it.”She shook her head.“I just, I always wanted what you and Papa have.I want a husband who loves me.”Not a bully.

Despite how her heart hurt, in her head, Clara knew her parents loved her in their own ways.Papa gave her far more leniency than her peers’ fathers, having never found an educated woman intimidating.Mama meant well with her lectures, but neither fully understood what Clara desired, nor, she feared, did they care.

Margareta held her arms out and Clara accepted one of her rare hugs.“My dear child, your papa did not love me when we married.Nor did I love him.The love happened gradually.It will come in time.”

Her heart sank as her mother released her and nodded at her in encouragement.“Now it’s time for the party.Put the book away and come on down.”

She took the time to pat at her eyes with her handkerchief before placing the novel back on the shelf.Clara had realized a long time ago that life would force her to shelve her books one day.Many women her age had long been married and were already mothers.Still, the thought of becoming Mrs.Berengar von Galen felt as though someone were cutting out her heart with a rusted spoon.

She didn’t want to be a peacock in a gilded cage.But what choice did she have?

Gathering her wits, Clara made her way down the hall to the drawing room where her parents stood welcoming their guests.There would be time to cry after the party when she lay in her bed.Happy Christmas, indeed.

She stood next to her mother and played the dutiful daughter.Thankfully, the von Galens were already enjoying the festivities.Berengar was surely notifying his best friend Fritz that they were to be brothers-in-law.

She prayed Fritz wouldn’t ruin the party by announcing her fate early.

“Happy Christmas, Stahlbaum family!”Clara’s childhood friend burst with delight as she and her family entered the house.

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