Page 45 of Return of the Nutcracker Prince

“I did.”

“Why didn’t you tell her?”

“She didn’t feel that way about me, and I knew it.But it doesn’t matter.Everything worked out the way Fate intended.”Ludwig patted her hand.“I wouldn’t want to live in a world where my great-nephew doesn’t have his Clara.”

She took a deep breath, pushing tears back once more.Her godfather understood what she was giving up best of all.Because he’d helped Marie do the same.“I hope I’m an acceptable replacement.”

“Of course, child.Now,” he said as he put his hand on the door.“No crying yet.At least let an old man sit down before he makes a fool of himself.”

She grinned at her silly godfather.Then he opened the door and led her outside.

The music changed.Citizens of the Land of Sweets and Toys stood as she entered the courtyard.Clara floated down a crimson aisle runner on Drosselmeyer’s arm from the door to their archway.When she caught sight of Klaus, everything else fell away.He stood at the end waiting for her next to their dwarven officiant, in a white coat with gold epaulets and buttons, his boots polished to a perfect shine.A small gold crown shone atop his head.His eyes and smile glittered in the sunlight.All for her.

“You look beautiful,” he whispered on a breath when he lifted her veil.Then they stood, hands clasped, before the priest.

She couldn’t recall exactly what he said, or what vows he had them repeat.There were some additional promises made as the future rulers of the land.Part of her wondered if that was part of the ritual to enhance her powers.But mostly she marveled that this was happening at all.

“You may now kiss the bride!”

Cheers erupted from the gathered crowd of citizens and servants alike as Klaus bent her body back and kissed her with intense passion.She clutched his neck until he raised her once more.The band played the recessional, and they walked arm in arm back toward the palace.

“Are you alright?”

“You kissed me silly!”Her head still spun a little.He laughed, then leaned in close so only she could hear.

“Just wait until tonight.”

Well, she certainly fit the blushing bride stereotypenow.

Their receiving line took forever, as the wedding was open to the entire Land of Sweets.Clara was grateful when someone ushered her and Klaus into the ballroom.Once they sat down, the party began.

She waited throughout dinner, but nothing felt different.After she and Klaus cut the fabulous cake that Cook had made for them, there was still no change.Where was this increase in her magic?

Before the dancing started, she tapped her new mother-in-law on the shoulder.“Galiena, could I speak with you for a moment?”

“Of course, dear.”She patted Alaric on the hand and turned to her.“What is it?”

“Klaus said my magic would increase, but I don’t feel any different.”

Galiena’s cheeks turned a pale shade of pink.“Well, it doesn’t actually come from the ceremony.”

“It doesn’t?”

“The ceremony is still necessary, to open the door, if you will.”Goodness.She hadn’t seen the queen so flustered before.“The power surges with the consummation the night after.”

Gingersnaps.

Klaus approached the two most important women in his life, grateful to the Goddess they were getting along.He reached for his beautiful bride.“Come, it’s time to open the dance floor.”

She slipped her hand in his, but her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes.

“Darling, what’s troubling you?”

“It’s nothing.”

They swept into the area cleared for dancing.He wrapped his arm around her back and drew her into the waltz as the band played.“I don’t care if it’s the tiniest thing, anything that upsets you is never ‘nothing,’ but especially today.”

She worried her lower lip, which only made Klaus’s concern grow.

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