My Gifts at Christmas (Bewitched And Bewildered)

To their shock they had both fallen asleep on the lab floor and didn’t wake up again until almost dinnertime. Laughing like children about to be caught with their hands in the cookie jar, they tried to sneak past the antechamber to their quarters without being seen.

‘Where have the two of you been?’ Sebastian asked, walking up to them holding a garland. He got within three feet then stopped. He sniffed the air, then his eyes went to Broderick’s neck. A broad smile appeared as the squire chuckled. ‘Never mind. I can see that your time has been well spent. After you wash up, could you join me and Beth in the antechamber? She would like to show you what we have been working on all day.’

Caspian cleared his throat. ‘Of course.’ He turned to Broderick and bowed. ‘After you, darling.’

Shaking his head Broderick hurried toward their room. Once the door was closed behind them, they looked at each other and began to laugh.

‘Poor Sebastian,’ Broderick wheezed.

‘That is nothing. He washes our clothes and bedsheets as well.’

Broderick gasped. ‘No! That’s too embarrassing!’

Caspian shrugged. ‘It will be fine. Now, about that bath.’ His hand cupped Broderick’s groin causing him to hiss and pull back. Caspian stared in shock. ‘Love?’

Broderick shifted from foot to foot trying to adjust his pants. ‘I’m still a bit sensitive.’

‘I am so sorry darling,’ Caspian cooed.

Broderick just stared at him flatly. ‘You are not in the least bit sorry.’

Caspian grinned. ‘Well, no. But, yes.’

‘You have to quit answering like that.’

‘I will draw your bath and wash up in one of the guest rooms. I fed deeply from you, but we both skipped lunch, and you more than I need the nutrition.’ He kissed his cheek. ‘Just give me a moment and you can soak in the tub.’ Whistling, he went into their bathroom to start a bath.

Broderick sat down on the edge of the bed and ran his fingers over the bite marks that Caspian had left behind. There was no question now that he had been claimed. He frowned. He never should have let other’s words come between them. If he was going to live as a member of the royal family he knew that he and Caspian needed to create and nurture an indomitable show of solidarity. Nothing and no one should ever come between them again. The lovers of the city may hold Caspian’s past, but he and Beth were his future and he would defend that to his last breath.

*****

Broderick had just finished dressing after a luxurious bath when he heard Magnus’ panicked voice.

‘Hawthorne!’

Broderick ran from the room and nearly collieded with Caspian in the hallway. They both turned and ran toward the antechamber. When they entered they saw Magnus standing near the front door and Sebastian was hovering to his right.

‘How did she get out?’ Sebastian asked frantically.

Magnus held Beth in his arms looking positively ill. ‘I found her walking the palace hallway, I think she may have been looking for me.’ He swallowed hard. ‘Her arm looks wrong.’

‘Let me see her,’ Hawthorne said, reaching out to take Beth.

Magnus gently handed her over.

Hawthorne set her in his lap. ‘Which arm?’

‘Right one.’

Hawthorne lifted Beth’s right arm and the skin sagged in the middle. ‘I would say that is definitely broken.’ He smiled. ‘Don’t worry princess, I will have you all better in no time.’

Beth just nodded bravely.

Once again Hawthorne’s hand glowed and slowly Beth’s arm straightened and began to look whole once again.

Broderick heard a clinking noise and saw that Magnus hadn’t even waited for Sebastian to serve him. He had gone to the sideboard and poured himself a tall glass of Forbidden Fruit.

‘A small glass for me as well, please,’ Broderick said, his voice shaky even to his own ears.

‘Gods! A double for me,’ Caspian added.

Magnus just nodded and poured them both drinks before carrying them over.

Once Hawthorne’s hands no longer glowed Beth yawned and blinked sleepily. ‘Seepy.’

Broderick looked to Sebastian. ‘Has she eaten?’

Sebastian nodded. ‘She is a child after all. I did not think she should wait for a formal dinner hour.’

Broderick handed his drink to Caspian and scooped her up. ‘I will put her down.’ He looked at Hawthorne. ‘If we set up a bed in her nursery, would you sleep there?’

Hawthorne was already nodding. ‘Absolutely.’

‘Give Papa a kiss Bethy,’ Broderick said, trying to keep his voice calm and cheerful.

‘Nigh nigh, Papa,’ Beth kissed Caspian’s cheek.

Broderick noticed his mate’s eyes shined. ‘I love you baby.’

‘Dove do.’

Broderick met Caspian’s eyes over Beth’s head. His eyes mirrored the fear and panic that was in his heart. Turning to his daughter he smiled wide. ‘Let’s show Hawthorne your favorite dolly and how we get ready for bed.’

‘Kay.’

As they settled into their nightly routine Broderick prayed with everything in him that the gods would keep his baby safe.

*****

Later that night after a quiet and somber dinner, Caspian waited until his mate’s breathing evened out before he slipped from their bed. He wrapped his robe around his body and quietly made his way toward his brother’s chambers. He knocked once softly.

‘Come in, Caspian.’

He opened the door, walked in and softly closed the door behind him. As he had predicted his brother was still dressed and sitting at the desk he used in his personal chambers.

‘Brother, I have need of you,’ he whispered, nearly choking on the words.

In a flash Magnus was up and across the room. He placed both hands on his shoulders. ‘Caspian, you know there is nothing I would deny you. You are flesh of my flesh and blood of my blood, if there is anything you need, you have only to ask.’ Magnus’ voice was steady and exuded the strength he needed.

He looked into his brother’s familiar face. ‘I am so scared Magnus. I am terrified that we are going to lose my precious baby girl. One day we will not get to her in time.’ He leaned so his forehead rested against his brother’s shoulder. ‘I cannot sleep for the fear.’

Magnus steered him to one of the chairs and had him sit. He knelt down in front of him. ‘I swear it to you on my life Caspian, I will do everything in my power to keep your baby girl safe. This do I swear.’

The formal vow from his brother was exactly what he needed to hear. If his older brother, who could accomplish anything said he would keep Beth safe, then that is exactly what would happen.

‘We cannot lose her Magnus. We just cannot.’

Magnus stood and walked over to his desk. ‘It will not come to that. I will not allow it.’

Above his desk a small clock chimed midnight. Magnus turned to him. ‘Brightest of Blessings on this Longnight brother. May the gods watch over and soothe you on this day.’

Caspian felt a well of strength appear at his brother’s words. He stood and placed his hand over his heart before bowing. ‘Brightest of Blessings on this Longnight brother. May the gods protect and guide your steps.’

‘Go to your mate Caspian, I will handle things from here,’ Magnus promised.

Caspian straightened and smiled at his brother, a small breeze of relief swirled around his heart. ‘Goodnight, Magnus.’

‘Goodnight, Caspian.’

Feeling much lighter than he had before going to his brother, he made his way back to his mate, and this time when he laid down, sleep finally claimed him.

*****

Magnus watched the door shut and waited until he knew Caspian was well and truly in his own chamber before he pulled out the communication crystal to Storm Keep.

He tapped it and the room became illuminated from it’s soft golden light.

‘Storm Keep Magical Academy, after hours support. This is Caroline. Who is calling?’

‘This is Prince Magnus of Noctem Falls. I need to speak to the Headmaster at once.’

‘Sire, please hold for one moment. It’s quite late here and we have started our Longnight festivities. It may take some time to reach him.’

‘I will wait. The situation is most dire.’

‘Understood, Your Highness. Thank you, for your patience.’

Magnus looked at the clock. Just past midnight on Longnight, he knew the old bastard at the Magical Academy was awake. Probably had a pretty, young, enterprising witch under him as well. He would give him ten minutes to reach the crystal.

After waiting nine minutes a flustered voice was heard. ‘Caliel Bircham. Who is this?’

‘I would think the lovely young lady would have told you.’

‘She said some nonsense about Prince Magnus calling.’

‘This is Prince Magnus.’

Silence filled the air.

‘Uhh, how do I know this is Prince Magnus?’

Magus stared down at the crystal in shock. ‘Unless things have changed. The fae crystals that allow this type of long distance communication was spelled so that the name of certain callers appeared in your reception base. My name and coat of arms should be there plain as day for you to authenticate.’

‘Right, my apologies, your highness. What can I do for you this Blessed Longnight?’

Apologies my ass!

‘I require the strongest and best witch you have in the field of healing to be stationed in Noctem Falls for the next one-hundred years, minimum.’

‘Wh-wh-what?’ the man stuttered.

‘Do I need to repeat myself?’

‘No, sire. But you have to admit, it’s strange for the city of rapidly healing vampires to request a healer.’

‘Do I?’

‘What?’

‘Do I have to admit anything?’

‘Sire?’

Gods above save me from small-minded, self-important power-mongers, he prayed.

‘I require them to report to Noctem Falls by dawn.’

‘Dawn?’ was the answering squawk.

‘I say, is English your first language? Should I switch to French?’

‘Council Elders are not able to requisition witches.’

‘Yes, I know.’

‘Then you know you cannot request a healer.’

‘Caroline are you still in the room?’

‘Yes, sire.’

‘You seem to have a firm grasp of the situation and a good head on your shoulders. Could you possibly get Angus Cottonwood to the crystal to accept my request?’

Magnus smiled when he heard Caliel gasp. ‘You cannot do that!’

‘I will be back momentarily, sire.’

‘You get back here!’ Caliel yelled.

‘Magnus you cannot just order my staff about.’

Magnus ignored him.

It took a bit longer to fetch Angus, all the while Caliel tried to tell Magnus what he could and couldn’t do. Magnus simply poured a glass of Forbidden Fruit and sipped on it slowly.

‘Prince Magnus, this is Angus Cottonwood of the Witches’ Council. Caroline said you wished to speak with me.’

‘Angus, please make a note that going forward I will never speak to Caliel Bircham via this crystal again, and should I reach out, my call should be escalated to you immediately.’

‘Gods above Caliel, what did you do?’

‘Sir, he requested our best healer to be assigned to Noctem Falls!’

‘And?’

‘And he can’t do that as an Elder.’

‘Prince Magnus, you have my most profound apologies. If you are amiable, I will commission a second communication crystal to be crafted that I will keep in my personal chambers at the Council Manor,’ Angus replied.

‘What!’ Caliel yelled.

‘Leave at once!’ Angus roared.

‘Magnus Rioux is just a vampire Elder,’ Caliel insisted.

‘Caroline, could you please see if Caiden Ironwood is about?’ Angus asked.

Magnus could have sworn he heard a slight giggle before it was smothered. ‘Yes, sir.’

A few moments later Magnus heard a strong knock on the door. ‘Angus, what’s this all about?’ Magnus recognized Marshall’s son’s voice immediately. The boy sounded exactly like his father.

‘Caiden, I’m so sorry to pull you from the celebrations. But I will need you to act in both your capacities I’m afraid,’ Angus began.

‘Of course.’

‘We also have Prince Magnus of Noctem Falls with us via the crystal.’

‘Prince Magnus, Brightest Blessings to you from the Valley of Secrets, what can we do for you this Longnight?’

‘Caiden, you are an honor to your family. I am requesting the strongest and best healer you have to be assigned to Noctem Falls.’

‘That shouldn’t be a problem sire, are you well?’ Caiden asked.

‘The healer is not for me,’ Magnus began.

‘Because vampires don’t need healers!’ Caliel interrupted loudly.

Angus growled. ‘Caiden, can I assume, that, as usual, your brothers came with you and are waiting outside?’

‘Oh, yes. They’re here.’

‘Could you have them escort Caliel to his personal chambers and seal him in until I can get to him?’

‘It would be a distinct pleasure.’ Magnus heard Caiden take a step back. ‘Kyran, Tristan, can you join me?’ Caiden called out.

Magnus heard the door open. ‘We were listening. Come along Caliel, time to go walkies,’ either Kyran or Tristan said.

‘You can’t do this! I am the Academy Headmaster!’

‘Yes, yes, good for you,’ the same calm voice said.

‘Get your hands off me!’

Magnus heard the beginnings of a spell.

‘You finish casting that against my brothers and I will rip out your voice box and serve it to you on a platter,’ Caiden threatened.

The spell casting stopped at once.

‘The council will hear of this! I am…’ A loud thud came across quite clearly.

Magnus blinked. The sudden silence nearly startled him.

‘Thank you, Kyran, you both may go. Your brother will be catching up to you after a small errand,’ Angus said, sounding tired.

After hearing the door shut, Angus resumed speaking. ‘Prince Magnus, what can I do to right the many wrongs you have experienced this night?’ Angus asked.

‘My brother has recently mated.’

‘Congratulations! A thousand blessings on their mating,’ Angus replied with genuine joy in his voice.

‘Many thanks. Broderick brought to their mating a darling baby girl. She is most beloved already in the City of the Night and it is for her that I am requesting a healer.’

‘Gods above, it’s for a baby?’ Angus breathed. ‘The only baby living in Noctem Falls at that. No wonder this situation is dire. Is she well?’

‘Currently, yes. But, in the couple days she has been here, she has already choked, broken both her arms and has severely burned her hands.’

‘Gods!’ Caiden and Angus exclaimed.

‘Caiden, you’re more familiar with the younger graduates. Who shows promise?’Angus asked.

‘Without a doubt, Artemisia Dracunculus,’ Caiden replied, almost instantly.

‘I know the policy in place regarding sending out young witches, but I need someone I can trust with my niece,’ Magnus said.

‘Sire, Artemisia is young, but that will work in your favor. You will need someone who can keep up with a child,’ Caiden explained. ‘As for his dependability, I have no qualms in assuring you that he is one of our best and brightest. He has a natural born affinity for healing, which is rare. Had you not put in a request for a healer, he was to be sent to the far east to study their plants and medicinal herbs.’

Magnus relaxed a bit. If this witch impressed a man like Caiden Ironwood, he was probably worth his weight in gold. But, nothing was ever that easy.

‘Caiden, why do I feel like there is a lingering, but…’

Caiden chuckled. ‘He’s a bit pompous. Not rude, by any stretch of the imagination, he just knows he’s good.’

Magnus laughed. ‘After a week of changing diapers that should start to correct itself.’

‘Prince Magnus, I feel like I should be thanking you for giving Artemisia the opportunity to test his skills,’ Angus said.

Magnus shook his head. The man was good. ‘I will need him immediately.’

‘In the morning, I will find him and shove him through the portal myself,’ Caiden promised.

‘You have my most profound thanks.’

‘Prince Magnus, is there anything else we can do for you?’ Angus asked.

‘Promote Caroline. She is wasted babysitting the crystal and is the only reason why I did not open a portal and come find you myself,’ Magnus answered darkly.

‘I agree with you completely,’ Angus replied quickly.

‘I will let you get back to your celebrations. Goodnight.’

‘Goodnight, sire.’

Magnus took another sip of his drink and sat back. A pompous, yet talented witch would be with them starting tomorrow. He would need help.

He looked at the clock and winced. Standing, he stretched before he opened his bedroom door and headed toward the antechamber.

‘Where are you going?’

Magnus jumped. ‘Dammit Sebastian, what did I tell you about doing that? And, do you ever sleep?’

Sebastian just stared. ‘Sleep is hard to come by lately.’

‘I am taking care of it.’

Sebastian exhaled in relief. ‘Caspian is at his wit’s end.’

‘I know.’

‘Géroux or Belle Rose?’

‘Damn, you know me too well.’

‘Who else would you turn to, especially so late at night?’

‘Géroux.’

Sebastian smiled. ‘I like those boys. They would be good choices.’

‘I believe so as well. They will temper the problem child witch we have coming in the morning.’

‘Problem child?’

‘He is delightfully talented.’

‘So, full of himself?’

‘A bit. But Caiden assured me he was a good man.’

‘I think our Bethy will be a good influence on him.’

‘Agreed.’

‘So, you are paying an unexpected visit to one of your Founding Family heads at one o’clock in the morning?’

Magnus winced. ‘Yes. For her, yes.’

Sebastian nodded then went to the sideboard. He bent down, opened the cabinet and began to rummage around. A moment later he stood, holding a bottle. ‘It is a rare second year bottle of Forbidden Fruit. This should help pave the way.’

Magnus smiled and took the bottle. ‘Thank you.’ He looked down and sighed.

‘I have more, just as good, saved for special occasions, now, go get our baby girl the help she needs.’

Magnus lifted the bottle in salute and made his way toward the transport tunnel.

It didn’t take long until he found himself standing in front of the Géroux’s door. He reached up and knocked.

Moments later a surprised looking Tarak opened the door. ‘Sire?’ He looked around. ‘Are you well?’

‘Yes, but I do need to speak to Simon.’

‘Of course, come in. I will see if my uncle is still awake.’

Magnus followed the tall vampire. ‘And how is it that you were the one answering the door?’

Tarak half turned and flashed him a smile. ‘I was raiding the kitchen.’

‘I see.’

‘Please, make yourself comfortable, I will check on my uncle.’ Tarak pointed to the sofas.

Magnus had only just sat down when he heard voices further down the hall. Moments later Simon and surprisingly, Leana, joined him in their dressing robes, both looking concerned. Magnus stood when Leana entered the room.

‘Prince Magnus, what do you need of us?’ Simon asked, almost immediately.

‘First, I wish to apologize for the late hour. If the situation were less dire, I would have waited until morning.’ He handed Simon the bottle of Forbidden Fruit. The man’s eyebrows rose nearly to his hairline when he saw the label. He looked back to him then realized they were still standing. ‘Of course, sire. Please, sit.’ Simon indicated to the sofas.

When Tarak went to leave, presumably moving toward the kitchen, Magnus raised his hand. ‘Tarak, a moment of your time as well. Could you also see if your brother is awake, this concerns the both of you.’

Tarak’s eyes widened and he didn’t say a word, just turned on his heel and sprinted down the hall.

‘Gods above, is Beth well?’ Leana gasped.

‘Beth?’ Simon asked.

Magnus nodded to Leana. ‘You have been blessed with your mate Simon.’ He took a deep breath. ‘Beth is well, for the moment.’

Hurrying footsteps were heard before both Tarak and Kuruk ran into the room before stopping themselves abruptly. They both bowed. ‘Your Highness,’ they said together.

‘Boys, please join us.’ He pointed to the chairs along the wall.

They sat down quickly.

Magnus looked from them to Simon. ‘Tonight, Beth had another accident.’

‘Again?’ Tarak asked. ‘Did she not just burn herself?’

Magnus stared and Tarak blushed. ‘The warriors were worried.’

Magnus gave him a reassuring smile. ‘I understand, but to answer your question, yes, she did just burn herself and terribly. So far, since arriving in our city, she has nearly choked to death, broken both of her arms and, of course, you know about the burns.’

Everyone’s mouths dropped.

‘Gods! She needs a keeper,’ Kuruk muttered.

Magnus smiled. ‘Exactly.’

Simon sat back. ‘I see why you brought the bottle.’

Leana tapped her lips. ‘They really are perfect for the job.’

Kuruk and Tarak exchanged looks. Magnus expected them to push back against such an arduous task, but when they turned to him, their faces shined with excitement.

Tarak spoke first. ‘We get to take care of the baby?’

Magnus shook his head. ‘This is not a babysitting request. I would estimate this to be along the lines of front line combat, for decades.’

Kuruk gulped. ‘You want us to keep her alive.’

‘Yes.’

Tarak frowned. ‘We will not be able to help her if she gets hurt.’

‘I have arranged for a witch from Storm Keep to arrive tomorrow. Artemisia Dracunculus. He shows much promise in the field of healing.’ He smiled. ‘You may have to be a bit patient with him.’

‘He will keep Beth healthy and well?’ Tarak asked.

‘That is the plan.’

‘Then we can do whatever it takes to make it work with him,’ he promised.

‘You sound as though you have already made up your mind,’ Magnus observed.

Tarak looked to his brother and Kuruk nodded. Tarak smiled. ‘We have. She stole our hearts that first day, Prince Magnus. Both my brother and I long to help others, but the life of a warrior never appealed to us. To be given a chance to protect that tiny baby? That is more than we have ever dreamed.’

Magnus eyed them both. ‘You will have to be able to withstand watching her in pain.’

They both gulped.

‘Seeing a child that young, burned and broken, even at my age, I felt like I would be ill. This is the daily life I am asking you to lead.’

Kuruk looked shaken but he still met his eyes. ‘Sire, we know it will be hard, but to be honest, we do not trust anyone else to do it.’

With those words, Magnus knew he had found the ones to watch over his baby niece. ‘I will need you to start in the morning. One of you will stay with Hawthorne to watch over Beth, the other will greet Artemisia at the portal. From there I will trust you three to work out your own schedules.’

Both Tarak and Kuruk smiled. ‘Yes, sire.’

Magnus stood and everyone stood with him. He glanced to Simon who was staring at the boys proudly then turned back to Tarak and Kuruk. ‘You will be given every privilege living on Level One demands.’

They both stared.

‘Furthermore, from this moment forward you will be like family to House Rioux, for we are trusting you with our most precious treasure.’

Leana gasped and covered her mouth with her hands.

Both boys dropped to one knee.

‘Prince Magnus of House Rioux, we do solemnly swear to watch over and protect Elizabeth Monroe to the best of our abilities. We will safeguard the interests of House Rioux and from this day forward you will be as blood kin to us,’ Tarak announced in a ringing voice.

‘So do we swear,’ Kuruk vowed.

Simon scowled at him. ‘Magnus, you stole my nephews.’

Magnus smiled at him slyly. ‘Have a drink.’

He clapped both boys on the shoulder before heading to the door. ‘Blessed Longnight, House Géroux.’

‘Blessed Longnight, Prince Magnus of House Rioux.’

Magnus closed the door behind him.

‘Gods above watch over us,’ he whispered, and made his way home.