Loving Blitz

Loving Blitz

By Charlie Cochet

North Pole City Tales: Book Four

From North Pole City to Winter Wonderland, preparations are underway after a royal announcement sweeps everyone into a frenzy of festivity. At the heart of the celebration are the city’s most beloved elf pilots, the Rein Dears. Once the Big Flight is behind them, the pilots prepare for the royal event. Assigned a special task of finding an Elska rose, Cupid and Blitzen are unaware of how their friendship is about to change forever.

Yet not all that glitters is gold. The sweet, angelic Cupid hides a dark secret, one that threatens to destroy his Rein Dear status, his friends, and the elf who’s captured his heart. It’s up to Blitzen to help Cupid see the light in the darkness and show him that together they can mend broken hearts.

Chapter One

THE SILVER
Bells Christmas Ball was truly a sight to behold. Its splendor never ceased to enchant Cupid. This year it was even more magnificent due to it being held at the King of Frost’s palace in Winter Wonderland, rather than Santa’s Grotto in the heart of North Pole City. Cupid had been to the king’s palace on previous occasions with his fellow Rein Dear, but never for anything as illustrious as this. Festivities were held in the smaller ballrooms, with only the most prestigious of events appointed to the grand ballroom.

The room seemed infinite, a never-ending stretch of gilded ivory columns, grandiose arches, and gleaming marble floors. The rows of diamond chandeliers hanging from the ceiling sparkled like a sea of stars. It was as regal and elegant as the king himself. At one end of the room, the orchestra’s musicians were dressed in white from head to toe as they played sweeping waltzes and holiday carols on their white instruments. On the opposite end of the room, tucked in an alcove atop several steps, sat the king’s white-and-silver throne. It was magnificent and befitting its king, with armrests carved into fierce polar bears. The back fanned out in twisting and swirling branches, and the seat was of tufted blue velvet. It was intricately carved and decorated from clawed feet to the tip of each branch.

Cupid was mesmerized from the moment he stepped foot inside the ballroom. There was certainly something different about this year’s Silver Bells Christmas Ball besides the change in venue. Something in the air made it feel… especially important. There were far more guests than usual, many whom Cupid didn’t recognize.

“Here you go.” Blitz handed Cupid a glass of bubbly pink strawberry champagne, Cupid’s favorite. Blitz was always so thoughtful. Cupid didn’t know what he would do without him. They were as different as night and day, yet their differences seemed to complement each other. Cupid couldn’t think of anyone whose company he preferred more than Blitzen’s.

“Thank you,” Cupid replied sweetly. “You look wonderfully dashing, as usual.” Blitz always looked handsome, but in the auburn frock coat with gold braiding and matching vest, he looked even more fetching. His broad shoulders, tapered waist, and muscular legs had more than one sugarplum faery taking notice. Elves too, for that matter. “I see you’ve yet to set fire to your cravat.”

Blitz tugged at the offending article of clothing. “I feel like this blasted thing is trying to strangle me.”

“I know it’s uncomfortable, but it’s only for one night.” Cupid chuckled at Blitz’s pout. Blitz didn’t enjoy dressing up as much as Cupid did. Actually Blitz hated it. He was far more content in his everyday Rein Dear garb of wine-red shirt and black vest. Whatever Blitz wore, he always looked large and imposing. Especially when he stood next to Cupid, which was more often than not. Blitz was taller and larger than the rest of the Rein Dears. Wherever they went, he stood out. Some elves were intimidated by Blitz and his somber expression, but few knew the burly elf the way Cupid did. He was really just a big softie, and he gave the most wonderful hugs.

The two of them stood to one side of the ballroom, sipping their drinks and watching the crowd as they danced or chatted. To think another year was almost gone. In a few days it would be time for the Big Flight. Cupid could barely contain his excitement. It was his favorite time of year.

All at once the guests around them broke off into applause. Cupid’s drink frosted over and he smiled brightly. Rudy and Jack had arrived.

“Fashionably late as usual, I see,” Blitz muttered. He turned his glass upside down and cursed under his breath. His champagne was frozen solid. “For the love of holly. Jack and his blasted games. I thought he’d outgrown them by now.” He placed his frozen drink on a nearby silver service cart.

“I thought so too. I’m glad to see he hasn’t. It’s obviously Rudy’s influence.” It saddened Cupid to know Jack had lost himself for so long. He’d always been a playful and mischievous winter spirit. After the queen’s death, Winter Wonderland lost its heart to the ice, much like its prince. Thanks to Rudy and his love for Jack, the Prince of Frost was becoming the winter spirit he’d once been. “I’ve never seen him so happy.”

“You’re right,” Blitz conceded. “He doesn’t seem as grumpy. Sometimes. On leap year.”

Cupid laughed and teasingly nudged Blitz with his elbow. “Admit it, you think they’re adorable together.”

Blitz huffed and folded his arms over his chest. “I’ll admit to no such thing. Adorable is not a word I would ever associate with Jack Frost. I can think of a few choice words, but I assure you none are remotely close to adorable.”

Despite Blitz’s cranky demeanor, Cupid could see the humor in his gray eyes. The orchestra broke off into a cheerful melody Cupid instantly recognized. Oh! It was his favorite dance. He swiftly handed his glass to a passing waiter and grabbed Blitz’s wrist. “Dance with me.”

Blitz looked uncertain. “But this dance is for sweethearts.”

“Well, we’re best friends. That’s kind of like a couple.”

“I, uh….” Blitz’s uncertainty melted into a warm smile. “Okay.”

They headed to the circle of sweethearts forming in the center of the dance floor, among them Jack and Rudy, and Lieutenant Vale and Vixen, who’d emerged from out of the snowy blue. Those two were like a couple of snow bunnies, always scurrying off to do who knew what together. Cupid hadn’t seen them since they arrived together over an hour ago. Vixen seemed to draw out the more mischievous side of the bashful lieutenant, while the lieutenant had the oddest calming effect on Vixen.

Blitz was right, this dance was for sweethearts, but it was so much fun. Besides, there was no one he wanted to dance it with other than Blitz. It was an odd sentiment to have toward his friend, but he enjoyed dancing with Blitz too much to care or give it any more thought. And seeing as how Blitz was currently without a beau, there was no reason for them not to dance together.

Everyone held hands and they danced in a loop. They stopped so Vixen could break from the group and take Cupid’s hand. The two of them danced in a circle before parting. Vixen took Vale’s hand while Cupid took Blitz’s. They whirled, then switched partners again.

Jack was in especially good spirits, twirling Rudy at the end of his turn and making Rudy laugh before they switched partners. The circle continued, this time with small lifts instead of taking hands. Cupid couldn’t help his giggle when Blitz took hold of his waist and lifted him off his feet. The lifts were really meant to be hops, but Blitz could lift Cupid without the least bit of effort. The pairs broke off into a scandalous version of a waltz where they were all but pressed up against each other. As always, Cupid was forced to look up to meet Blitz’s eyes.

“I can see why you enjoy this. It’s fun and very sweet.” Blitz’s hand pressed ever so subtly against Cupid’s lower back when they turned, and the strangest tingle went up Cupid’s spine. That was… unusual.

“Are you all right?” Blitz asked so only Cupid could hear.

“Yes, of course. Why wouldn’t I be?” Cupid smiled. Was his face red? It felt a little hot.

“Your cheeks are flushed. More than usual. Are you tired? Would you like to stop?”

“I’m fine,” Cupid reassured him. He hated that he made Blitz worry. Maybe it was the champagne. He wasn’t very good at all the bubbly stuff. Two glasses was usually his limit. Though now that he thought about it, he’d only had one, and not even a full glass at that.

“All right. But you’ll tell me if you’re feeling unwell?”

“I promise.” Cupid gave Blitz’s arm a gentle squeeze in assurance.

“Good.”

They finished the waltz when Cupid noticed everyone moving on to the next part.
Plum pudding
! “I forgot about this part.” The very last dance included giving your sweetheart a kiss. That was all very well and good for the other elves in the circle, but…. Cupid turned to Blitz, who shrugged.

“It’s just a small kiss.” Blitz gave him a wink. “I’m sure I’ll survive.”

Cupid nodded. He wasn’t quite certain
he
would survive. This evening was taking a somewhat unexpected turn. The two of them were very close. They’d snuggled together on the love seat at the White Hart or at the Rein Dear Estates in the lobby. Usually with cups of hot cocoa, and sometimes in front of the fire. It was Cupid’s favorite spot. At times they’d even fallen asleep together. But kiss?

Everyone leaned forward and puckered up. Cupid did the same. Sort of. He stood on his toes and Blitz bent at the waist to meet him. The kiss was a small, quick press of the lips. A spark unlike Cupid had ever felt spread through him when Blitz’s lips touched his own. It took Cupid by surprise and he jerked back, his fingers going to his lips. Blitz’s eyes were wide, and it was clear he was as startled as Cupid. The circle broke off into applause, drawing their attention and snapping them out of whatever trance they had been in.

“There you are, cutie. I’ve been looking everywhere for you.” Dasher ruffled Cupid’s hair, and Cupid swatted his hand.

“Stop it.” Cupid smoothed down his hair and glared at Dasher.

“Can’t help it. You’re so adorable.”

“I’m three hundred and sixty-five years old. Nearly as old as you.”

“Don’t remind me. Are you sure you and Blitz didn’t swap birthdays? Because you look more like two ninety-eight than he does.”

“Hey, watch it, old timer.” Blitz narrowed his eyes at Dasher.
Uh-oh.
Here we go.

“Old? I’m slightly older than Jack. Slightly. I’d like to see you call him old to his face,” Dasher muttered.

“What do you suppose is going on?” Cupid’s question was aimed at no one in particular, but if he didn’t intervene, these two would get into an argument over something silly like they always did. The last thing he needed was to break up another of their roughhousing sessions. Not an easy task considering both elves were so much bigger than him.

“Why would you think something was going on?” Blitz asked.

“There are more dignitaries in attendance than usual. There are even a few monarchs from other kingdoms. Also, when has the king ever attended the Silver Bells Christmas Ball?” Did the king never get lonely in this huge palace all by himself? His only company appeared to be the help, his brother who often visited him, or Jack. It was common knowledge the king rarely left his home. It had been that way since the queen’s death. So very sad.

Dasher shrugged. “It’s rather hard for him not to attend when it’s in his own palace.” He took a peppermint julep from a waiter’s tray with a wink. Ever the flirt.

“You know what I mean,” Cupid said. “Jack’s often mentioned how his father is somewhat of a recluse. He hates parties. Why would he host the Silver Bells Christmas Ball at his home? And why so many distinguished monarchs?”

“It’s a shame he doesn’t leave this place more often. He’s quite something to look at, isn’t he?”

Cupid gaped at Dasher. “Are you mad? It’s the King of Frost.”

“What?” Dasher looked genuinely perplexed. “It’s a simple observation.”

Simple observation? Did the elf have any idea of who he was discussing, as if he were some heartthrob elf from the magazines?

“We all know your ‘observations’ too well by now,” Blitzen scoffed.

“How can you not see?” Dasher motioned across the floor to the throne where the king had taken a seat, his royal white-and-ice-blue robe flowing around him. He certainly was a sight to behold, and Cupid supposed the king was rather handsome. But Cupid would never dare to look at the King of Frost in such a fashion. Dasher must have slipped on some oil in his hangar while tuning up his biplane and hit his head. “He’s… incredible,” Dasher added.

Cupid and Blitz exchanged glances. Oh my. This didn’t bode well. Blitz was the first to speak up.

“I hope you’re kidding.”

“I’m not kidding. I mean, I have no idea how old he is. No one does, but he barely looks any older than Jack, yet more distinguished and regal. He’s not as immature.”

“Well, he is ancient.”

“Blitz!” Cupid gasped. “For holly’s sake, have you forgotten where we stand? What if someone overhears you two?”

Blitz gave him an apologetic smile. Dasher, on the other hand, continued as if Cupid hadn’t said a word.

“He’s fascinating.”