Page 82 of Once Upon a Midnight Clear

“You are those things, Nicholas. You are hope and love and compassion for your people. I saw it in the faces of Lars and Ava and their children. I saw it in the faces of the people who live in your castle. Both you and Noella spread the spirit to all of them, even though you may not realize it.”

“Ella…” He breathed her name, his breath white smoke between them.

He tipped his head to one side, his lips slightly parting. She knew what he meant to do and she wanted it. Her eyes fluttered closed in anticipation.

There, at the base of the massive Christmas tree, with the shards of the Star in his palms and her hand over his heart, he kissed her. His lips were cold but soft as they met hers, making her heart soar with elation. Her pulse raced. Her mind took in every detail because she never wanted to forget that magical moment.

As they kissed, a yellowish bright light flashed between them. He pulled back. She opened her eyes, fighting away the disappointment the kiss was over.

“Ella, look.” His voice was a rough whisper.

She tore her eyes from his and glanced down. In his palm, was the shining Christmas Star and it was whole again.

“You did it,” he said, admiration and adoration in his tone.

“I…I don’t understand how.”

“Because you have the Spirit of Christmas inside you, dear.”

Noella’s voice made them both jump. Ella dropped her hand from his chest. They both got to their feet and turned to face his mother, the queen. She wore a winter white gown with a brocade pattern in snowflakes, the edges trimmed in fur, and a matching cloak. A sprig of holly was pinned in her hair that was piled high on her head with ringlets framing her lovely, aged face. Her bright blue eyes twinkled with happiness and her red lips were curved in a smile.

“Mother, you really should announce yourself when you arrive. How long were you there, anyway?”

“Long enough.”

She said it in a sing-song voice which made Ella think she’d been there all along and heard her speech. Her booted feet crunched on the snow as she approached and peered down at the shining Star in his hands.

“Nicely done.” She sounded impressed.

Then she used her magic wand to lift it with a spray of magic. Higher and higher it went until finally it rested on the top of the tree. She gave her wand one last shake, lighting the rest of the tree in tiny twinkle lights.

“It’s beautiful,” Ella said.

“Of course, it is. You made it possible,” Noella said.

“I helped,” Nicholas said, sounding a bit vexed.

Noella patted his shoulder. “You were a bit disheartened about the Star. Come now, if it hadn’t been for Ella, it would never be repaired.”

When he frowned, his mother gave him a cheeky grin. Ella stifled a snicker.

“Now, then. I’m off to find the mayor and tell him the good news.” She disappeared in a puff of magic.

Before either of them could move, she popped back in.

“I almost forgot.” She reached into her pocket and pulled out a small vial with a cork. Inside was a shimmering substance. “This will send you home, Ella. When you’re ready, pull off the cork and sprinkle a bit around you, then think of home.”

Ella, her hands shaking, took it from Noella. “Thank you.”

And she was gone in a puff of fairy dust once again.

Nicholas remained rooted to his spot, staring at the space his mother vacated. His face was unreadable. Ella clutched the vial in her gloved hand, staring down at it with her heart in her throat. This was it. Her way home, which meant her adventure with Nicholas had finally ended. Finally, he turned to her and reached for her free hand. He grasped it in his, squeezing it.

“Well,” she said, searching for the right words. “I guess this is it.”

“Your stepmother will want to know you’re safe. I’m sure she’s been worried about you,” he said.

Ella doubted that, but said nothing. Her stepmother likely only missed her servitude. She gave him a weak smile and a nod. Tears threatened again but she blinked them away. There would be time to break down when she returned home.

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