Page 39 of Return of the Nutcracker Prince

That got him a chuckle.“An excellent idea.I’ll be waiting.”She winked and strode away, up the staircase to the guest suite.

Leaving him to make his way to the war room.He recalled Mage Gingerbread mentioning ways to amplify Clara’s power.He would ask his mother about it and hope that his parents would trust him to fix this.

When he knocked at the sturdy wooden door, he heard his mother call, “Enter.”Galiena and Alaric sat in their dressing gowns, clearly having just awoken when they arrived.

“Mother, Father, I… The battle didn’t go as I expected.”

Father’s brow furrowed in concern.“What happened, Klaus?”

“We lost twenty percent of the soldiers, and both artillery guns had to be abandoned.”At their astonished looks, he continued.“They were waiting for us.”He explained what he knew of the battle, and that he’d nearly had the mouse captain.“The lieutenants assured me we did some damage to their numbers, but with Mage Gingerbread calling for a retreat, it’s hard to say.”

“This is most concerning.Alaric, did someone compromise our network?”The Sugar Plum Fairy asked while pursing her lips.

“It’s always possible, my love.I have not heard from the spy network since our last meeting.They could have captured someone.”

“Clara saved us,” Klaus told them.“Mother Gingerbread said she cast dozens of spells simultaneously, allowing us to retreat.”

And saving his skin, not that he’d admit that to his motheragain.

“Dozens?That’s impossible.”

“She said her power needs refining, but we don’t have a lot of time.But she mentioned there’s a way to enhance a mage’s power and told me to ask you about it.”

Galiena considered it.“A Tinkerer’s charm?I’m sure Ludwig would make her one.”

Klaus shook his head.“No, she said there was something stronger.”

Understanding dawned on his mother’s face.“Well, there is one, and it would work for any mage.”

He had to know!“What is it?”

The Sugar Plum Fairy huffed.“Last time I brought it up, you weren’t thrilled with me.”

“What are you talking about?We’ve never discussed this.”

She chuckled.“My dear son, if you, as the Prince of the Land of Sweets and Toys, marry a mage, her powers will become ridiculously strong.It’s a result of the land accepting a new potential Sugar Plum Fairy.I’ve been trying to get you to take a bride for years.”

Klaus blinked at her.Was it really that easy?

“I want to marry Clara.”

Galiena sputtered.“Where is this coming from?”

Her words drifted past as he floated on the air, all his concerns removed.“This is perfect.She’s the strongest mage we have.Just ask Zelda.And she’s a Dreamer by blood.”

“Yes, Ludwig informed us.”Father crossed his arms and sat back.“Son, are you sure?”

“I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life.”At his mother’s skeptical look, he continued.“Ten years ago, before she left the realm, we kissed under the mistletoe.”

“You were just a child then!”

“It doesn’t matter.The mistletoe has spoken, and… I’ve known for a long time no one else will do.”

“That’swhy you went back.”She glanced at his father and her expression softened.“Ask her quickly.If she agrees, we’ll have the wedding tomorrow.”Mother sat back down in her chair.“Klaus, I did not know.”

He ran a hand through his hair, then winced when he pulled a twig out of it.“After everything that happened that night, I didn’t want you to be even angrier with me.”

“Son,” Galiena was up and out of her chair, opening her arms for a hug.“A match blessed by the Goddess?I never would have been angry.”

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