Page 31 of Return of the Nutcracker Prince

Drosselmeyer shrugged.“That I was a family friend, and she was an only child.That in order to take care of her, I had assumed the mantle of brother so no one would question it.”He gave her a sad smile.“Not that far from the truth.”

She threw her arms around his neck.“I’m so sorry you lost her.”

“I am only sorry she missed out on her legacy.”He patted her back.“She would be so proud of you.”She released him, and he leaned forward.“Marie would be head mage, not Zelda Gingerbread, had she stayed here.”

She gawked.“That’s quite a statement.”

“It’s true.”

“Those are big shoes to fill, Godfather.”

He smiled at her, his violet eye twinkling as he winked.“And I think you shall surpass her.”

Throughout dinner, Clara reflected on her godfather’s story.Pieces kept falling into place, drawing an arrow to point her towards the Realm of Dreams.That’s why he’d always called her a Dreamer.Why she’d associated them with him.

More and more, she felt like she belonged here in this realm more than her own.Could she really follow in her grandmother’s footsteps and abandon one world for another?

Klaus did his best to distract her from her thoughts when the dancing started.She laughed and twirled in his arms.Here, all was right with the world.They could address her worries later; for now, she wanted to cherish this time with her Nutcracker Prince.

After the banquet and dancing, Klaus escorted a glowing Clara back up the stairs to her wing.She’d turned plenty of heads, but she’d only had eyes for him.And no one would dare approach her when it was clear who her date was.

Sometimes it was good to be the prince.

Uncle Ludwig’s revelation had stunned him.The prince’s heart soared when he realized she was a Dreamer by birth.Shehadto be permitted to stay in the realm!

But the reason for the celebration weighed heavily on his conscience.It was a sendoff, a last night of merriment before the soldiers and mages set out to do battle with the mice.To say he was conflicted would be an understatement.On one hand, he had the utmost faith in her and to hear she was the granddaughter of such a prestigious mage gave him hope for the coming fight.However, the danger she’d be in was no simple thing to accept.

As they ascended the steps, Klaus laid his hand over Clara’s.“Promise me you’ll stick close to me tomorrow.”

Her mood sobered immediately.“But the other mages —”

“Please.”He stopped and turned, taking both her hands in his.“I will never forgive myself if anything happens to you.”

She squeezed his hands; her face was serious.“I can shield you, too, you know.”

Klaus nodded.“You can.And I would be grateful for it.”Her eyes widened, and he grinned.He’d surprised his Caster.“But I won’t be able to focus if I’m wondering where you are.”

“Will you be able to focus if I’m nearby?”

“I certainly hope so.”He leaned forward and kissed her soft cheek.At her hitched breath, he pulled back and started walking again.There were still people lingering around the entrance to the castle, and he wanted to keep her to himself while he could.

She seemed deep in thought as they continued to the guest suite doors.

“Klaus, you brought me here so I could fight, right?”

He stilled.He hadn’t realized it, but yes, in his desperation, he’d brought her here to do exactly what they were doing tomorrow.

She continued without him answering.“Did you change your mind?”

“No… not exactly.”She meant so much to him now, and seeing her in the flesh differed completely from clinging to a memory.“Do you regret coming with me?”Uncle Ludwig would take her back in a heartbeat.

“Never.”Clara turned to him, her mouth set in a line.“But if you hold me back, then it was all for nothing.”

“I would never hold you back.”Klaus was going to kick his own ass for letting her think that.“Even as a child, I saw how fierce and brave you were.And you’re going to be amazing tomorrow.I’m just…” Worried.No, terrified something would take her from him.Whether that was a mouse’s sword or an engagement back in the Realm of Waking, Klaus was running scared.

Because he loved her.

Her eyes softened.“I know.”Klaus’s heart stuttered as she reached up and cupped her hand around his face.“But I need you to trust me.”

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