North Pole City Tales 03 - Vixen's Valor (8 page)

“I have some grave news. Somehow, in the dead of night, my queen’s scepter was stolen.”

The air seemed to have been sucked from the room, and Vixen went still. It was worse than he’d thought. Jack took a step forward, his expression one of stunned disbelief as he addressed his father. “How is that possible?”

Vale turned to Vixen with a questioning look, his face having gone pale. He could deny it. No, he couldn’t. He couldn’t lie to Vale. Vixen racked his brain when a foggy memory came to him. He’d been speaking with someone last night. They’d been discussing…. His heart dropped to his stomach, and he stared at Vale. Oh no. It was just as he’d feared. “I’m so sorry. I never meant to bring you any trouble.”

“What did you do?” Vale looked as if someone had plunged a knife into his back and twisted. Vixen supposed he’d done no better.

“I had too much to drink last night, and I was chatting with someone. It must have slipped. I’m sorry.”

Vale closed his eyes, the hurt on his face breaking Vixen’s heart. Vixen took hold of Vale’s sleeve. “Vale?”

After a silent moment, Vale took in a deep, steady breath and released it. When he looked down at Vixen, his sparkling gray eyes had turned to hard steel. “Whatever happens, do not say a word.”

“I will find whoever is responsible for this, and they shall pay dearly,” Jack fumed. His words caught Vixen’s attention. Good gods, what if Jack found out what Vixen had done? He’d turn him into a giant ice cube.

“It’s my fault.”

Vixen gaped at Vale, watching as the lieutenant stepped forward, his shoulders rounded, and his chin lifted high. The king looked upon his nephew with confusion.

“Vale? Speak.”

“I showed the scepter to a friend. I believed they could be trusted.” Vale’s hands balled into fists at his sides, his words and expression striking Vixen in the heart. “I was mistaken.”

“This is truly disheartening news, Vale.” The king glanced at his brother, who closed his eyes, his head hung in resignation. With a heavy sigh, the king sat at his throne. “Until the scepter is returned, I’m afraid I must strip you of your powers, title, and duties both as a member of the Frost monarchy and the Toy Soldier army. You are hereby required to surrender your uniform and are forbidden from setting foot on the monarchy’s soil. You will be reinstated once this mess is resolved.” His voice softened as he held his hand up and closed his fist. A fierce wind swept through the room, circling Vale and lifting him off his feet.

Vixen watched in horror as the whirlwind picked up speed. Vale’s eyes frosted over white before his eyes returned to their foggy gray. The white strip of hair on the side of Vale’s head drained away toward the tip until it disappeared, and Vale let out a frightful gasp, as if he were struggling for breath. Then all at once, the gale placed Vale gently on his feet before rushing to the king and sweeping through him. The king’s eyes and hair went white momentarily before returning to their pitch-black state.

“I will do my best to keep this out of the papers. It would be best if you found somewhere quiet and… out of the way to retreat to for the time being.”

“Yes, Uncle,” Vale replied, sounding somewhat breathless. He smoothed out his hair and bowed regally before meeting his uncle’s gaze once more. “I only hope that you may forgive me in time. If you require my services, please do not hesitate.” Vale bowed stiffly and turned on his heels, marching toward the doors with his chin held high. Vixen discreetly scurried after and caught Vale’s arm once they were outside in the foyer and alone.

“Please. You must believe—”

Vale pulled his arm out of Vixen’s grasp, his voice quiet when he spoke. “I trusted you.”

“Vale….” His heart felt as though it was about to burst into a thousand tiny shards. He wanted Vale to look upon him with that warm smile and affectionate gaze, not the icy stare that sent a chill through him.

Without another word, Vale walked off, leaving Vixen standing there feeling helpless. Hollis appeared beside him, giving him a start. He didn’t bother looking at Vixen when he spoke, but the low growl in his voice expressed his displeasure well enough.

“I hope whatever you gained from this has been worth it. You’ve taken everything from him. I knew you’d be nothing but trouble.” Hollis stormed off before Vixen could find his voice. Even if he had managed to find it, what would he have said? It struck him then what he’d done.

Vixen turned to find the King of Frost speaking with his brother. They looked angry and upset. Vixen took a step forward and stopped himself. What the holly was he going to do? Even if he admitted to the king it had been his doing, what would come of it? Besides, surely the Frost family could find one little scepter. The power wielded by the king and his son alone was frightening. Vixen turned and headed for the front doors. What could a Christmas elf do? He had no powers. It was best he remain out of the Frost family’s way. There was nothing he could do. That’s what he kept telling himself as he left the palace, his heart splintered and aching.

Chapter Seven

D
ESPITE
TELLING
himself he was making the right decision by walking away, seeing as how there was nothing he could do to help matters, he still felt like sludge. Hailing a sleigh outside the palace, Vixen knew who he needed to see. There was only one elf he could turn to at this time. The same elf who’d always been there for him. Who he knew would always be there. Who Vixen had always taken for granted and treated so poorly.

Vixen found Rudy in an expansive, grand study inside Jack’s palace. A lump formed in his throat when he thought of his behavior toward his friend. He was so ashamed.

“Rudy….”

Rudy took one look at him and rushed over to him, drawing him into his embrace. “Is it true?”

Vixen nodded and hugged his Rein Dear brother. “Vale told you?”

“No. Hollis.” Rudy pulled back, looking both worried and frustrated. “Vixen, how could you? That scepter has remained untouched since the Frost War. There’s no telling what will happen.”

“I never meant to hurt anyone. One minute I was fine, the next everything was hazy. I was talking to someone, and he kept asking. I must have let it slip.”

“You shouldn’t be here, Vixen.”

Vixen’s head shot up, his eyes wide as he stared at his friend. “But… I don’t know what else to do. I need you. You’re my best friend.”

“I promise you I’ll do whatever it takes to sort this mess out, but Vixen, Jack is here. Hollis told him what happened. If he finds you here, there’s no telling—”

A howling wind slammed the study doors open and a swirling storm of snow and ice burst through the room. Jack thundered in, and Vixen hid behind Rudy, his eyes shut tight with the ridiculous hope that if he couldn’t see Jack that Jack couldn’t see him.

“Where is he?”

“Jack, please.” Rudy held a hand up in an attempt to placate the blustering winter spirit, but Jack was having none of it. He spotted Vixen and grabbed him by the lapels of his jacket, lifting him off his feet.

“You stupid little elf. What have you done?”

“I’m sorry,” Vixen squeaked, wishing the blustering spirit would put him down.

“Sorry? Not only have you destroyed my cousin and his reputation, but you’ve unleashed a dangerous weapon upon the world. For what? Your ego? For another story in the paper of how great you are? No amount of press will make it so.” He dropped Vixen roughly onto the floor; the Rein Dear would have fallen on his backside if Rudy hadn’t steadied him. Jack’s words wounded Vixen, but he knew it was best to remain silent.

“Jack, please don’t be cruel to him.”

“
I’m
being cruel?” Jack scoffed and started pacing the floor, the wind howling and the snowstorm causing a terrible chill inside the study. The windows were open, and the curtains whipped furiously. “His selfishness has brought down a good elf who has shown him nothing but kindness, affection, and the utmost respect. Who has treated him as more than a quick romp in the snow. And what does he give in return? He puts himself first, like he always does.” Jack rounded on Vixen, looming over him, the words nearly spat out. “You are so bloody obsessed with having everyone love you that in the end you make it impossible for anyone to do so. Which is why you have been and always will be alone.”

“Jack!” Rudy snapped, drawing Vixen into his embrace. “That’s quite enough. I know Vale is your cousin, but please show a little restraint.”

Jack opened his mouth, but instead of more angry words, he pursed his lips, breathed heavily through his nose, and snapped his fingers. The doors and windows slammed shut, and the storm subsided. With an unintelligible grumble, he walked behind his desk and sat down.

“You’re right,” Vixen said quietly.

Rudy and Jack spoke up in unison. “What?”

Vixen dropped into the tall, wingback chair. He felt so small. Still, he forced himself to meet his friend’s kind gaze. “I try so hard to make everyone love me, never feeling fulfilled with what I have, always comparing myself to you. I see how happy you are, and no matter what I achieve, I feel as though it’s never enough, that I will never be as good as you.”

Rudy knelt down before Vixen and took his hands in his own. “I don’t understand why. You’re like a brother to me, Vixen. Why this constant need to one-up me?”

“Let me guess, your parents didn’t give you enough love?” Jack offered dryly.

The words caused a sharp pain in Vixen’s heart. He lowered his gaze, feeling shame for his behavior. Jack was right about everything. He was selfish and needy, thinking only of himself. Rudy had been nothing but a true friend, caring, always ready to sacrifice for others, and all Vixen did was belittle the wonderful gifts his friend rightfully deserved. When had Vixen ever sacrificed anything? He spent his years frolicking and concerned with only himself, with having fun, and trying to be better than his friend. He’d taken his old wounds out on his relationship with Rudy when his friend deserved so much better.

“You knew Vale was risking a great deal,” Jack stated angrily. “You promised him your discretion, and at the very first test of your loyalty, you betrayed him. That love you have been searching for has been right under your nose, but your blindness has resulted in its destruction.”

Vixen faced Jack. Was it possible? Could Vale truly be in love with him? Vixen’s heart swelled in his chest and at the same time plummeted. “Who said anything about love?”

“My cousin lost his heart to you a long time ago, but you were too busy preening for attention, you never noticed. So concerned with prestige and excitement, you dismissed the best thing to ever happen to you.”

Oh gods, what had he done? Vixen wished the ground would swallow him up. Vale had loved him, yet he’d always put Vixen first. Keeping his distance, believing it’s what Vixen wanted. He’d kept a firm hold on his desire, asking Vixen for permission, taking things slow, courting him, enchanting him, showing him everything that was possible if only Vixen would give him a chance.

Rudy patted Vixen’s arm. “Vixen, what happened at the pub?”

“I don’t know. I was at the White Hart with Dasher, Cupid, Blitzen, and some of the helpers. I had a few drinks, and then everything becomes hazy. I don’t understand why. I don’t recall having had that many. I was trying to behave myself.” Until everyone had started gossiping about Rudy and Jack. What a fool Vixen had been.

Jack gave a snort, and Vixen threw him a murderous glare. “Believe what you will, but I was doing my best.” He felt his cheeks flush, and his gaze dropped to his fingers. “I didn’t want to disappoint Vale.” In the end, he’d done so much worse.

“I believe you,” Rudy assured him. “Please try to remember.”

“I brought it up to our brethren. It was stupid. But I swear I said nothing of what the object was or where it could be found.” He recalled that much. His Rein Dear brothers had asked, but Vixen knew he hadn’t said anything more on the subject.

Rudy stood to face Jack. “What if someone slipped something into his drink?”

“It would mean someone was watching him.” Jack seemed to consider this. “They may have overheard him when he mentioned the object and decided to get it out of him. It’s possible.” Jack laced his fingers on his desk and peered at Vixen. “Who did you speak to beside your Rein Dear brothers and helpers? Was there someone else?”

“I remember sitting away from them, so I must have.”

“So they separated you from the others. What else?”

There was a knock at the door, and Jack bid them enter. The doors open, and Vixen was on his feet. “Vale….” Vixen’s words caught in his throat at the sight of the once proud and elegant lieutenant. The handsome elf stood in only his hessian boots, black trousers, and white shirt. It was unfastened at the collar, exposing his neck, which led to a jaw full of stubble. His eyes were bloodshot, his once neatly parted hair disheveled and falling over one side of his brow. Although there was a familiar stir in Vixen’s loins, it was quickly tamped down by the slump of the elf’s shoulders. He truly looked vanquished. Vixen’s heart broke once again knowing he’d been the cause of this.

“Forgive me. I didn’t realize you had a visitor.” Vale turned to walk out of the room, and Vixen caught up to him.

“Vale, wait.” To his relief Vale stopped in his tracks, but he didn’t turn to look at Vixen. “I… I didn’t know you were here.”

“I’ve been very fortunate. Jack’s palace is his own and not part of the Frost Kingdom. It means I can stay as his guest.”

Vixen nodded, though he doubted Vale could see him do so. He stepped closer, needing to feel Vale, even if it was a cold breeze that surrounded him rather than the warmth he once felt.

“You must regret ever having laid eyes on me.”

Vale was quiet for a moment before letting out a resigned breath. “No. I regret allowing my sentiments to get the better of me. It was too much to ask of you. I put you in a difficult position. I brought this on myself.”

“What? No!” Vixen moved in front of Vale, and gently took hold of his hands. They were bare and cold. “What I did was selfish and deplorable. You trusted me with a precious secret, and I was so concerned about myself, I did little to keep my promise. I’m going to make this right, Vale. I swear to you.”