Page 52 of Tis The Season for Secrets
“Come in. Mum and Lyla would never let me hear the end of it if I let you freeze to death.” Mason moved aside.
They did as instructed, and Will noticed how Juliet stood shivering by the fireplace.
“I’m not going to pretend that I’m okay with what you’ve done, Will. You’re taking one hell of a risk bringing her here.” Mason’s gaze fell to Juliet. “However, I don’t believe our laws should separate families and those who love each other. I’ve had my own battles with the council over such beliefs.”
Will knew he was talking about Lyla.
“Thank you,” Juliet started, and Will gripped her hand as Mason cut her off.
“Don’t thank me yet. You’ve both broken numerous laws. As Klaus I have some sway, but to convince the council, who speak for the village as a whole, will be a different story.”
“We know the risks, and we’ll be more careful.”
“I’ll help you petition the council on the 26thDecember, in keeping with tradition. It’ll be easier for them to accept you if I put it forward,” Mason said, offering Will a reassuring look.
“I don’t know how to thank you.” Juliet squeezed Will’s hand, and he could feel her elation. He wanted to hug his friend for helping them; Mason’s backing gave him greater hope that he wouldn’t be separated from her.
“Thank me by promising that until that day comes, you’ll be careful. Juliet, please refrain from talking to anyone you don’t have to, and you must remain with one of us at all times. I don’t want to see either of you banished,” Mason warned, very much the leader of the village and not Will’s friend.
“You have our word,” Juliet said, and Will nodded in agreement. He owed his friend one hell of a Christmas present.
“Good.” Mason softened. “Now, I suggest we all get ready. We have a snowman-building competition to prepare for.” And to Will’s surprise, he embraced him.
“I think my snowman-building days are behind me,” Will joked. Being able to share his secrets with his friend eased his own troubles.
“Kevin! Will just told me he wants to help you with your snowman,” Juliet called out, removing her wellies and coat. Will scowled at her, and Mason chuckled.
“Why are you smirking?” Will asked him. “If I’m spending the afternoon freezing my ass off, you’re going to be standing right beside me.”
Mason’s smirk disappeared.
Lyla rushed into the foyer and enveloped Juliet in a hug. “Are you okay? We were worried you went into the forest!”
“Sorry to worry all of you – I wanted to get some air. Finding out about Yule and my family… it’s all been rather overwhelming,” she admitted. Spotting Mrs Klaus lingering by the stairs, she made her way over to the older woman. “I’m sorry I left without telling you. I never wanted you to feel bad about helping me.”
“My motherly instincts kicked in, and when Eloise gave me those letters, I couldn’t help but empathise. If you were my daughter, I don’t think I could bear to be separated from you for so long, but I should have been more sensitive to how you would receive such news,” Mrs Klaus told her.
“Please don’t be sorry. I’ll never be able to thank you enough for helping me– all of you. I know this is a lot to ask, but I’m so grateful to have your support,” Juliet said, and Will could hear how much she meant it.
Mrs Klaus suffocated Juliet in a hug which they clearly both needed. Mason’s mum had a heart the size of Yule, and Will was sure she would support Juliet in front of the council. He got the feeling Juliet wasn’t used to having a group of supportive people in her life. Hell, he knew she wasn’t. Her own family didn’t even let her sleep in the main house. If he could give her a family that loved her, blood-related or not, he’d damn well try.
“Enough of the sappy nonsense – we have snowmen to build,” Kevin called over the second-floor banister. “Will, you and I are going to get that trophy, so consider your girlfriend your enemy for the next few hours.”
Will rolled his eyes. He’d forgotten how competitive the Klaus family could be.
“That means you’re free to partner with me.” Lyla grinned, taking Juliet’s arm. Some fun was desperately needed, and seeing Juliet’s smile was well worth the risk of her being seen in town.
After breakfast, Mason informed them that they were to meet in the town square at two, which gave Will and Juliet some time to explore the village. Will bundled Juliet up in a thick winter coat, scarf, and mittens, and refused to let go of her hand as they walked through the streets of Yule. She took in the sights and smells of the home she could’ve had. She wasn’t sure how long it would take for her to get used to it always being so dark. Still, with darkness came the beauty of all the twinkling lights.
“What’s that?” she asked, looking at a particularly imposing building.
“The town hall,” Will told her. “They’re currently decorating it for the end of year ball.”
“I think I’ve had enough of those for a year,” Juliet mumbled, thinking of how the last formal event they’d been to had ended. “And that?” She tilted her head, studying the circular building across from the square.
“That would be one of the oldest buildings in Yule– the Hall of Guardians, where I trained and boarded for most of my teens.” She noticed how proudly he admired the building.
“You lived there? It looks… intimidating,” she commented, looking at the church-like place with a tall spire and star on top.
