The Christmas Elf & I - 7. Chapter 7

Lucien walking into the Royal Family wing of the castle.

Three hours later, I returned to the family wing of the castle. Thalion was being babysat by one of Richard’s guards to make sure he stayed in the castle. I gave myself an internal pat on the back for choosing a boyfriend that would understand my children. Upon seeing me, Thalion rocketed into my arms, speaking so fast that I had to stop him and make him start from the beginning. He told me everything that had happened, including going to Richard as he was in the home office, as he liked to call it. Again, there was that feeling of unhappiness that he went to Richard and not me, but I quickly realized that would have been the better choice, as Richard had said. He knows the Human World in ways we do not. Besides. He didn’t go alone. The house was in an uproar as we ate dinner. Drystan wanted to follow after Richard, but I put my foot down. Using the same reasoning that Richard did. That appeared to calm them somewhat, at least until the staff came and interrupted me.

“Majesty. Lord Richard has requested you and Thalion meet his team at the Plaza Healers Hall.” That had Thalion on his feet before I could even respond.

“Stop.” was all I said, and Thalion froze at my tone. “You will calm yourself, Thalion. Richard has an entire team and is probably using the Plaza Healers Hall so he can use a large portal in the Plaza itself.” I said as I looked at the staffer.

“Possibly correct, Majesty. Royal Guards are moving to secure the area around the entrance to the Hall and a portion of the Plaza. Portal Specialists have also been summoned.” I nodded to myself. That would be what I would do if I wanted to anchor the Portal to this side after it opens from the other side instead of using the power of the Mage on that side. I smiled internally. Humans, for all their insecurities, are adaptive if given time. Richard has obviously taken the time to adapt to our strengths and weaknesses.

“Very well then. Thalion, let’s go see what Richard wants from us.”

Richard

“Move Carlos and the other three directly to the Healers.” I said, then pointed to one of my Guards. “Grab a few of the Royal Guards in the Plaza to monitor our new guests. Tell the King and Thalion not to interact with any of them until they talk to me.”

“Yes, Lord Richard.” He said with a bow as he turned and waited for the approval to move through the gate. I watched as the Portal came to life and the Specialist on our side waved my Guard forward before he gave the orders to the other side to anchor the Portal. I heard my orders being followed as the Portal was anchored. My Guard stepped through and quickly had several others, stepping to intercept the King and Thalion as they moved towards the gate. I saw Thalion try to argue and huffed as I raised and drove my Mythril staff into the cement. Sending a loud metal bang that garnered everyone’s attention.

“Thalion. I called you and your father here to be on hand. You will wait, out of the way, off to the side. You will not approach Carlos or anyone else as they receive treatment from the Healers until we have spoken. Have I made myself understood?” I may have been a little too menacing and cold as I spoke, but in my defense. I was wet, cold and tired. A growl from my stomach made me smirk as a few of my people heard it and laughed. Yes, I was hungry too.

“Yes. Lord Richard.” Thalion said, as he gave me a bow. It was full of the happiness of my return with Carlos, the sadness he couldn’t go to him now, the worry as he didn’t know what Carlos’s injuries were and the apology to me for what he said earlier. I returned a dip of my head as he moved back and my people moved through the gate with the four guests for the Healers. I turned and looked up. Touching my pendant.

Kylryss. Time to leave. You can use the Gate in your dragon form. The response was a roar as he came and landed by me. His head nudged me gently before he ambled through the gate. Lifting off as he reached the other side as I watched Carlos being taken into the Healers Hall. I nodded as I looked around me. Only my personal trio of guards remained. I moved up to the gate and motioned them to go before me as another crack of thunder roared while the building behind us burned. Stepping through the gate before it closed behind me and another of my staff approached with mugs of hot chocolate and various snacks for us all. Lucien had the presence of mind to leave us alone as we ate, drank and spoke to ourselves. Before I handed off my mug to one of the staff and asked them to lead everyone to my offices for an after action report. I sighed internally as I turned back to see Thalion, just about ready to yell at me as he bounced around, waiting.

A few seconds of fast steps on my part had him in my arms as he apologized for his earlier comments. I returned his tight hug as I shushed him. Kissing his head, and spoke slowly about what had happened to Carlos and what we were going to do about it. Including giving him time to rest with the Healers before he tried to smother him with affection. He listened and tried to interject a few times as I shushed him again and again.

“I know you want to do everything for him and someday you will be able to. But today you will let the people that have the abilities to deal with it do their job.” His mouth opened again, and I stared him down until it closed with him sighing softly on my shoulder. I looked over at Lucien and he gave me that look that he gives me when he was impressed at how I handle his children before he bowed to me with all the gratitude and love he could muster. Which made me pat Thalion’s back.

“Can I hug your father now?” I asked, and he smiled at me before he kissed my cheek.

“Of course…dad.” He whispered and stepped out of my way. Lucien tilted his head.

“Back street battle dress?” he asked as he looked at me from head to toe. I was in my tattered jacket and ripped jeans with heavy boots. The hoodie under my jacket covered my head.

“Something like that. I’m going to need a shower after I get done and some food.” I whispered before my lips touched his. His arms held me tight as we kissed.

“So.” He asked as he squinted at me. “Are you asking me to help you in the shower again?”

“I believe I am,” I said as I pulled away. “So the two of you go sit in the waiting room. I want to talk to the Healers and then I need to pop over to my office for a discussion with the team and I’ll be back to get the two of you.” I said, as I backed away. Lucien nodded to me as Thalion looked a little upset as I turned and went to find the Healer in charge.

* * *

I took a minute to change into some dry clothing after I talked with my people, which was mostly thanks for a job well done. We had some other questions we talked about and agreed to meet in two days’ time to go over them. My Guard was nice enough to open a Portal Gate to Healers Hall so that I may get there quickly. Not that my being Lucien’s boyfriend, and soon to be mate, has crowds stepping out of my way. This is just easier. Entering the Hall I checked with the Healers again. And just as I thought, Thalion tried to get in to see Carlos. Something I will have to explain to him. Which I did when I returned.

“My dear Thalion. Soon to be stepson. You have trouble following instructions?” I said as I approached from Carlos’s room. He flushed all the way up to his ear tips.

“Yes. Richard. I’m sorry.” He mumbled as I reached down and pulled him up into my arms.

“I know. It’s hard when someone you care about is hurting, but we need to talk about some things. He is sleeping now and will continue to do so until tomorrow morning. So, we can go in and you can kiss his head and then…” I looked at him sternly, “we are going home. And if I have to have your father lock you in your room until morning and restrict your magic. I will. Have I made myself clear?” His look told me it wasn’t clear, but he nodded anyway.

“Good.” I said as I held out my hand and he took it. Just as Lucien came around the corner. Perfect timing for me to get a kiss. Which I did.

Lucien

I kissed my Richard and then followed as he led Thalion by the hand, with a tight grip, to the room Carlos was in. I wasn’t surprised that as long as Richard is here, Thalion is the perfect child. He already snuck away on me twice. Standing back and watching as Richard pulled Thalion to his side as they approached the bed. Carlos was asleep, but that didn’t hide the extent of his injuries. Thalion dropped his head on Richard’s shoulder as he spoke. Holding my son, our son tight, before Thalion nodded and Richard released him. I watched as he moved over and gently brushed Carlos’s hair back before he kissed him and mumbled a few words before he was back in Richard’s arms again. He turned and moved the two of them back towards me and the exit.

“Let’s go home, baby. It’s been a long day.” Richard said as he moved past me. In the hall, I was able to get on the other side of Thalion, so he was between us. Richard’s Guard came to attention as the Portal Specialist looked to us.

“Home please.” Spoke Richard softly. The Specialist bowed and turned. Opening a Portal Gate directly to the outside of our residence. Which I step through first, followed by my boyfriend holding my son, then the rest of the Guards and staff. The Footmen at the entrance doors opened them for us as we passed, followed by the next set of doors being opened before us.

In minutes, we were in the family dining room sitting down to eat. Snacks for Thalion and me with a full meal for Richard. Thalion sat between us and asked questions of Richard and me. It didn’t take long before the answers were being deferred to me, except when Thalion asked where Carlos will live. Richard looked at me as he spoke.

“He’ll be staying with the others I brought back. For a few days at least. Then your father and I will discuss with the two of you what I think should happen next. But. That will be after I fill your father in on my ideas. It will probably change before the four of us sit down and discuss it. Members of my Human-Elf integration team are already working with them or will be in the morning, anyway.” He said before he continued to eat. And I could tell he was hungry. He was also starting to droop a little, which told me I might need to hold him up in the shower. Thalion leaned over and hugged him, placing a kiss on his cheek, which he stopped eating long enough to mumble out.

“Love you, kid. Carlos is going to be fine after a few weeks.” Thalion kissed him again and leaned over onto me as I wrapped an arm around him. He started to sob softly.

Richard

Four days later, Lucien and I summoned the two of them to my work office. I had been busy earlier in the morning with another group of Human-Elf mate prospects. That program was working out well. It is certainly keeping Michael busy. It took me several days to finally get a plan together that would be acceptable for the other three people we brought back. The marvels of magical healing. They came to us with a variety of drug-related issues as well as physical injuries. Nothing compared to how I left Mani and his crew. They will probably be under medical care for days. Thankfully, we have the process in place now to keep the three new arrivals separated from non humans for a few weeks as we educate them. Carlos is going to live here in the city now. As my team had discussed with him his options. Since he wasn’t going to university, he wanted to stay here instead of risk being found by Mani again.

“Thalion. Just because he lives in the city now, doesn’t mean you can spend all day with him. Carlos has a job here now.” I said, as Lucien turned his head away. I knew he was trying not to laugh at the look Thalion gave me.

“But.” Thalion started and stopped as my eyebrow lifted. He closed his mouth and mumbled. “Fine.”

* * *

It was several months later, on the evening of the Winter Solstice, that they stood on the dais of the Great Hall. The roof had opened to provide a view of the night sky. The precession had walked down the stairs and formed on the dais. Lucien in his full Royal Dress including the crown. Richard standing next to him similarly dressed as were the children. They formed a circle around the two. The Queen Mother and King Father were also appropriately dressed and stood next to Lucien and Richard. The audience was a mixture of guests from around the Realm. All in their true form. The formal words were spoken by the King’s father, to be followed by Lucien and Richard speaking simultaneously. When they finished, Riven and Anston approached. Each holding a silver tray with a ring placed in the center. Lucien began by taking a ring and speaking the formal words as he placed it on Richard’s finger. Richard followed the same procedure as he placed a ring on Lucien’s finger. The children moved back as Lucien began to glow a golden white. The Queen Mother spoke softly as her hands moved and Richard began to glow a silver white. When Lucien and Richard embraced, the two glowing auras mixed and swirled. The children spoke as a slow incantation and the mixing of golden white and silver white appeared to fight for dominance between the two before it spread across the floor and covered the six children. Once fully engulfed, they spoke another incantation. When Lucien and Richard’s lips met in a kiss with a blast of golden silver that streamed high into the sky. Once it reached its desired height, it flashed across the sky. Creating a golden silver display of northern lights. When they separated, the entire hall erupted in applause as they looked up to watch the display.

Richard

They warned me. Or I should say the Queen Mother warned me. The spells that are cast to form the bond between Lucien and me would be a shock to my system. And they were. It felt like I was being pulled in multiple directions at once. She told me to just relax and let the magic flow through me. When it cumulated, I felt my inner self was one with Lucien. When I pulled away from the kiss, not just did his eyes glow and he had that goofy smile, but the heavens above us radiated with a gold silver aurora that was created by us. I staggered slightly and Lucien pulled me tight to him as we listened to the applause. Ariel approached us with the other children and held a circlet crown in her hands, smaller than the one the king wore. Lucien turned to me and she lifted it, placing it on my head before the children bowed as one to me.

We watched the auroras throughout the evening as we ate our meal and danced with our guests. Lucien leaned into me and whispered softly.

“Majesty. May I have the next dance?” I sighed softly as I turned to him. My lips touching the tip of his nose.

“I love you and I hate being royalty.” I whispered as my lips touched his. Just a peck. “Yes. You may have this dance and any other dance you want tonight.” I saw the white flash through his golden eyes.

“Perhaps you could help me in the baths again after we put the children down for the night.”

“Perhaps I could.” I said seductively as I rose to join him on the dance floor. The Crowns must have some magical way of staying on our heads as we danced several fast with the slow dances during the evening. Which included some head movements that should have sent them flying.

During the festivities, I was approached by the American Santa and the rest of the Santa Brigade, as I call them. “Your Majesty.” He said as he bowed to me. “Since your Christmas Wish came true. Do you believe in Santa Claus now?” Which made me laugh. My halfhearted wish was to find someone that would love me with all my problems and warts… and I did.

“Yes Santa. I think I can.” I said as all the Santas smiled. “Now. About that train set I never got when I was 7. Can we exchange it for railroad stock?” I asked humorously, and they all laughed.

* * *

Several months have passed since our mating ritual. Thalion and Carlos split up, with Carlos returning to the human world. He still works for me in one of my companies now. And that’s how life works here in Ever North and the Magical Realm. Humans become the owners of companies in the human world and live life between the two. I am building it up with a competent management staff and employees. I’ve decided to capitalize on the natural health care industry and use the knowledge of the Magical Realm on the healing powers of certain plants to produce products. Everything from immune boosters to weight loss and skin care. It’s amazing that I found things that used to be used in the human world were pushed aside by companies that promised a pill for every ill. And yet, if you used natural means to begin with, a little supplement every day. Then you didn’t get sick to begin with because your body had the ability to fight illness off. My projections show that people that use our products will live longer. Possibly to over 100 years old on average and be happier at the same time. Unfortunately, I have to slow introduction and spread it out over 50 years to make it look like my company is discovering the products… which in a way my staff of scientists are. I closed my laptop and cleared my desk before heading out for the day. Out of my office in North Carolina. Into the car for a drive back to the estate… 5 minutes away. Into the house and a nod to the Portal Specialist and I was stepping through to my office in the Royal Residence and heading to meet my family for dinner.

A member of my staff walked with me, tablet in hand, going over my schedule for the next few days. Which mostly I have used the DAD principle, just like I do at my company. Delegate And Disappear. It’s the only way I can get anything done with all the responsibilities I have. Which I hate as it takes time away from me and my family. Soon to be a growing family. I thought as I smiled to myself. Anston and Riven timed their arrival at my sides just as I finished with my staff and cleared the last entrance into the Family Residence. Quick hugs and they attached themselves to my sides as we walked through the residence. Only to pull away when Lucien approached and took me into his arms for our greeting kiss. The glow now has been the mix of silver and gold with streaks of white that denote the two of us together and the children.

“Hard day at the office, Richard?” He asked after we separated from our kiss.

“Time consuming. I will be home earlier tomorrow and working from my home office with Michael and Yavanna.”

“Lunch then?”

“That would be nice, but I will have to see. I may be having a business lunch with the Elf-Human team. Perhaps you could join us for that if I do?”

“I will block out my schedule for you.” I smiled up at him as my lips moved to his. The kiss was light and passionate.

“Then we should get to dinner so I can see the rest of the family.” I said as he took his position on my left side and the kids moved to our free sides. Today was Riven’s turn to walk with his hand in mine as Anston held Lucien’s. We split apart as we entered the dining room to find all the rest of the children, boyfriends in tow, there to greet us. Sitting after hugs had been dispensed, and enjoyed our meal.