North Pole City Tales 03 - Vixen's Valor by Charlie Cochet Read Free Book Online

velvet. From where he stood, Vixen couldn’t make out the details, but it seemed the throne was decorated and carved from clawed foot to the tip of each branch.
    The guests were dressed to impress, all of them chatting, sipping champagne, or dancing. For a slip of a moment, Vixen wondered if he was out of his depth. It was what he’d always dreamed of, but now that he was here, he was beginning to question whether he belonged. He might hold a prestigious position as a Rein Dear, but he wasn’t nobility.
    A hand came to rest on his elbow, and a strange peace washed over him. The same kind of peace that washed over him when he watched the falling snow. How odd. He turned, surprised to find Vale standing beside him, smiling at him.
    “Thank you for waiting. I was inquiring with my father when my uncle would make an appearance. If it were up to him, he’d remain locked in his quarters for the whole of the ball.”
    “Why? It’s all so magnificent.”
    Vale leaned into him, speaking quietly. “Have I mentioned how stunning you look?”
    “Yes, but I don’t mind hearing it again.” He ran his gaze over Vale and gave him a naughty smile. “You’re looking rather scrumptious yourself.” That blush he was getting to know so well came onto Vale’s face.
    “Thank you. May I get you a drink?”
    “I’d love a drink.”
    Vale gave him a regal bow, and Vixen watched the lieutenant walk off. Striking indeed.
    “Vixen, I’m so happy to see you here.” Rudy threw his arms around Vixen and hugged him tight. He was looking very elegant in his signature red frockcoat embroidered in gold. “Are you enjoying yourself?”
    “I’m still trying to take it all in. It’s even more glamorous than the Silver Bells Christmas Ball! Have you seen the rest of the palace?”
    “A few rooms here and there. The king doesn’t take kindly to guests roaming the halls.”
    “I’m sure he wouldn’t mind. Why else would he hold a ball? Surely guests must be curious to see the place.” There were hundreds of guests in attendance. How could none of them sneak off to see the rest of this astounding palace? It was the King of Frost’s palace. The history and grandeur contained within these walls alone was staggering.
    “Vixen, please don’t wander off on you own.”
    “Oh, for holly’s sake. You act as if I’m going to singlehandedly bring the place to ruins.”
    Rudy arched an eyebrow at him. “Vixen, this isn’t any palace. It’s the King of Frost’s palace. He’ll not tolerate any shenanigans.”
    “Yes, yes. I wasn’t going to get up to any mischief.” Vixen gave his friend a nonchalant shrug. “Besides, I have far more interesting things to do with my time, like make Vale blush.”
    Rudy chuckled. “How’s it going with you two? I’m glad to see you’ve given him a chance.” His smile fell away, and Vixen poked his friend in the ribs, making him squirm.
    “Out with it,” Vixen said, knowing there was something his Rein Dear brother was simply itching to say.
    “You aren’t toying with his heart, are you? Because he’s a good elf, Vixen. He deserves better.”
    The comment had Vixen bristling. More disconcerting was the fact he couldn’t come up with an offhand remark like he normally would. A few days ago, he could have easily brushed off the remark, but now….
    “If you’re only after what his title will bring you, then… you should reconsider a different partnership. Not to mention there’s Jack and Hollis. They’ll be exceptionally upset if you toy with Vale.”
    “Vale is his own elf, perfectly capable of making up his own mind,” Vixen scoffed. Where the berries had Vale gone off to for that drink? Vixen could do with a drink. Unable to take that wretched look on Rudy’s face, Vixen let out a sigh. “I’m not toying with his heart. I quite like him.”
    Rudy eyed him warily. “You do?”
    “He’s actually not at all as I imagined,” Vixen replied truthfully.
    “Oh, Vixen, I’m so happy for