My Gifts at Christmas (Bewitched And Bewildered)

‘Tarak! Up!’ Beth squealed, lifting her arms to her large keeper.

Tarak smiled and lifted her high over his head causing her to erupt into peals of laughter.

Caspian looked from Tarak to his brother, then back to his daughter. This morning, during their festive mimosa Longnight breakfast, both Tarak and Kuruk had arrived each carrying luggage. Sebastian had only smiled and showed them to their prepared rooms. His brother had truly handled everything and in less than a day as well.

‘What do you mean, they are her guards?’ Broderick asked.

Magnus smiled. ‘I have arranged for Tarak and Kuruk to stay with Bethy as she grows, along with the healer I have requested from Storm Keep.’

Broderick’s eyes widened and he let how a long stuttering breath. ‘Thank the gods,’ he whispered.

‘Where Kuruk?’ Beth asked, as Tarak got her settled in her highchair for breakfast.

‘Getting your new friend,’ he answered.

‘New fwen?’

He simply nodded then stepped back to stand along the wall.

Hawthorne sighed as he dug into his breakfast. ‘All good things must come to an end I suppose.’

Magnus chuckled. ‘I know Adriel is eager for your return.’

Hawthorne smiled cheekily. ‘He likes to keep all his chicks where he can keep an eye on us.’

Behind them, from the direction of the antechamber, Caspian heard the door open and close.

He looked up when Kuruk and a smug looking young man entered the dining room.

‘Your Highness, I am Artemisia Dracunculus, I look forward to serving you here in Noctem Falls,’ the witch said, giving a half bow.

Caspian took in the man’s impeccable attire and smiling face then turned to see how his brother would respond.

Magnus just raised an eyebrow. ‘You will not be serving me.’

Artemisia frowned. ‘I was under the impression I would be the healer on staff for House Rioux.’

Caspian had to admit, technically that was true. He could see how this sort of assignment could have appeared to be that way to the witch.

Magnus simply pointed to where Beth kicked her feet happily as she ate her breakfast. ‘She will be your sole concern.’

Artemisia’s face fell. ‘Sire, please do not take offense, but I have worked very hard to be the best at what I do. I don’t think I will be used to the best of my abilities in babysitting…’

‘Gods!’ Tarak barked, before he lifted Beth from her highchair and turned her over in his hands. A moment later he gave her back a solid whack and a small grape few from her mouth.

Artemisia’s hands were already glowing as he held them up to her throat. ‘Feel better?’ he asked softly, when he had finished.

‘New fwen, no hurt!’ Beth exclaimed, smiling up at him from Tarak’s arms.

Tarak took a deep breath, then got her situated back in her highchair.

‘You were saying?’ Magnus asked drolly.

Artemisia blinked. ‘It was most advantageous that I was here, but…’ he looked around the table. ‘Wait. Are you saying this is commonplace for her?’

‘That would be the second time she has choked in a few days,’ Kuruk answered calmly.

‘She has also broken both her arms and burned her hands on an oven rack,’ Tarak added.

Slowly, a small tick appeared under Artemisia’s eye. All of the pomp and circumstance seemed to be draining right out of the man.

Caspian hid his smile. ‘We have every confidence in you Artemisia Dracunculus, after all, you are the very best at what you do.’

Hawthorne just nodded. ‘I hope you don’t plan on sleeping for the foreseeable future.’

‘Gods!’ Artemisia whispered, covering his mouth with a trembling hand.

‘Arte… Arteme….’ Beth frowned, as she struggled with his name.

‘Artemisia Dracunculus, my parents gave me the scientific name for Tarragon,’ he said, easing himself into the chair next to Beth.

‘Tare-gone!’

‘No, Princess, it’s Artemisia Dracunculus,’ he repeated.

‘Tare-gone is fwen. Eat Bas yum!’

‘Would you like to try a breakfast roll Tarragon?’ Sebastian asked holding out a basket.

‘I…you…she…’

Sebastian nodded and placed a couple rolls on the plate in front of him before sliding the fruit basket out of reach of Beth as she was reaching for another grape.

Under the table Caspian felt a hand grip his tightly. He looked over to see his mate watching the entire interaction with a look of desperate hope on his face.

‘You gentleman have until dinnertime to get acquainted with your charge,’ Sebastian said, pointing to Beth. ‘Then later this evening you will help us show her off at the Midwinter Ball.’

‘Will you save me a dance with her?’ Hawthorne asked.

Sebastian smiled. ‘Of course, you have done so much for her after all.’

Hawthorne chuckled evilly. ‘The guys will be so jealous.’

Caspian looked over to his brother who raised his champagne flute up in a silent toast before winking and taking a long drink. Caspian raised his glass and drank just a deeply.

Tonight he would announce to all of Noctem Falls that he had found his mate and introduce both Broderick and Beth to the Founding and Noble Families of the city.

Last night he had been terrified to face the unknown future in store for his daughter, but given the holiday miracle his brother had wrought he felt confident that the men before him would help keep his daughter safe.

Only a few short days ago he had prayed for a break in the endless monotony that his life had been prior to finding his mate. What was it Sebastian had said? Be careful what you wish for?

Smiling he squeezed his mate’s hand and settled back in his chair. This year, was just the first of many to come that they would be celebrating the holidays as a true family. He sent up his silent thanks to the gods for his answered prayers and his precious gifts at Christmas.