Extraits

“YOU LOOK enchanting as always, Your Majesty.”

Eirik grunted. Wonderful. As if this night wasn’t tiresome enough. “What do you want?”

“To bask in your beauty,” Dasher replied, bowing before Eirik.

“I suggest you bask elsewhere.” He was not in the mood for such nonsense. If it were up to him, he would be tucked away in his library, reading a good book and not sitting here wearing layer upon layer of brocaded and embroidered, fur-lined silk. At least his throne was comfortable. He was very particular about his seating, what with typically having to sit hours on end, observing or listening. Patience was not a Frost virtue, but it was often a requirement in his position, especially when dealing with the public. Gods help him.

“Would you care to dance?”

Eirik peered at Dasher. Had the elf just asked…. No, surely not. “Repeat the question. I believe I misheard.”

“I doubt it,” Dasher said, his grin wide. “I asked you to dance with me.”

Dance? Eirik stared at him. Dance? “Are you mad?”

“No, I’m quite happy, actually.”

Eirik opened his mouth to reply, then closed it. What the blasted holly? “I’m afraid I don’t understand.”

Dasher held out his hand to Eirik. “Dance with me.”

Eirik’s heart did something it hadn’t done in centuries. It skipped a beat. He sucked in a sharp breath, unable to recall the last time anyone had asked him to dance. In fact, he hadn’t danced since….

“No,” Eirik growled, startling Dasher. “Do not ask again.”

Instead of scurrying off to lick his wounds as Eirik expected, Dasher tilted his head, studying him. It was very disconcerting. Before Eirik could snap at the elf, Dasher took a seat on the step just below the platform near Eirik’s feet.

“What are you doing now?” Eirik asked, sighing. The elf was both perplexing and exasperating.

Dasher smiled up at him. “Enjoying your company.”

“If you think for one moment I’m going to allow you to sit here and babble away nonsense, you best think again.” All he had to do was lift a finger and his toy soldiers would escort Dasher away.

“My lips are sealed,” Dasher replied, winking at Eirik. Winking.

Eirik narrowed his eyes. “Why the blasted holly would you choose to sit in silence when faced with such merriment? You’re a Christmas elf. Frivolity and cheer are in your nature.”

“That’s true,” Dasher agreed, his smile warm. “It’s also in my nature to want to share such merriment with one I hold dear.”

Eirik scoffed. “Well, then, I suggest you go find him.”

“I already have.”