The Prince's Christmas Wager

by Caroline Lee

  Enzio pushed his drink away. “I tried! I tried already!” He ran a hand through his hair. “I lied to her, Kristoff! I did exactly what her ex did to her, what she was afraid of from the beginning. I’m not any better than he was!”

  His cousin shrugged, unmoved by the passion in his words.

  “Do you regret it?”

  “I—” Enzio hesitated. If he hadn’t accepted the wager, hadn’t lied about the legend, would he have had the chance to fall in love with Nova? It was hard to regret that. Still, if he hadn’t done that, hadn’t fallen in love with her, she wouldn’t be hurting right now. And that was all the answer he needed. “I do.”

  Kristoff nodded. “Well, there’s your answer. You are better than her ex, and you need to prove it.”

  “That’s dumb. This isn’t a Hallmark movie.”

  “I’m going to pretend you didn’t just admit to watching those sappy things.”

  Enzio shrugged. “Fair enough. I’ll pretend you didn’t just acknowledge you know what they are.”

  “Come on, man.” Kristoff sat forward with a sigh and an eye roll. “It’s Christmas Eve. Despite having to wear this ridiculous outfit, I’d much rather be at the palace with my family and my lady. Instead I’m out scouring the city for your dumb self.”

  “Why are you here?” Enzio asked again.

  “I told you: Cassie.” Kristoff swiped his phone up off the table. “She’s been with Nova, getting her primped and whatever else women do before a ball. She’s been standing beside her since the party started, and Nova looks like that’s the only thing keeping her upright.”

  Enzio sat up in a hurry. “What do you mean?”

  “I mean she looks like someone just broke her heart. On Christmas Eve.” Kristoff clucked and shook his head despairingly. “Cassie told me to get out of there and don’t come back without you. I texted Viggo, but he gave me an earful about being a husband and father and responsibility.” He shrugged. “I figured it was up to me to drag your butt back to the palace.”

  I am better than Wayne.

  That’s the thought which had been bouncing around the inside of Enzio’s head for the last few minutes. He wasn’t her ex. He did regret hurting her, more than anything in the word. He owed it to himself and to Nova to tell her that in person, rather than by notes.

  And it was Christmas Eve. Maybe he hadn’t given his Christmas miracle enough time to work.

  He stood up and peered down at his cousin. “Well then, how fast can you get us back there?”

  Pretty fast, it turned out.

  Kristoff was still driving that beat-up Jeep, despite the cold weather. He’d put the roof and canvas sides on, but that didn’t help with the temperature, nor did it make Enzio feel any safer as they careened around corners and slid on ice.

  He did a lot of yelling and clutching the dashboard, while Kristoff did a lot of whooping.

  All in all, Enzio was glad he wasn’t wearing a tux by the time they arrived; his cousin was looking quite wrinkled. Of course, when Enzio pounded up the stairs to the balcony overlooking the ballroom, he regretted the plain suit which would make him stand out. He faded into the shadows of a pillar and tried to find her.

  There was Queen Viktoria, dancing with her new husband, Dr. Hayes. Naut and Kraken were lounging by one of the large windows, one scowling and the other grinning suavely at the passing ladies in their ballgowns. Viggo’s son and Princess Marcia were chatting with Arne and Emma, while Alek swept his fiancée Toni around the center of the dance floor in a perfect waltz. People were grouped around the three screens he could see, presumably watching Nova’s documentary of the Christmas traditions of Aegiria, and Enzio watched them nodding and smiling in agreement.

  There was greenery hanging from every available surface, making the whole place smell of pine and cinnamon. Gold lights, cool air, and music from the orchestra in the corner made the whole place feel like a cozy winter wonderland, and the Star of Aegiria was at the top of every tree.

  But where was Nova?

  The main doors were opened wide, and Kristoff stepped through, tugging Cassie by the hand. His step-sister-turned-lover was looking back over her shoulder reluctantly, and Enzio didn’t have to wonder why for long.

  Nova stepped into the frame of the open doorway. She was dressed in a simple red gown, which left her shoulders bare and made her glow. Her hair hung in perfect ringlets, and dimly, Enzio had the thought that she would’ve looked just as gorgeous in a ponytail and sweater.

  But she wasn’t in a sweater; she was wearing a ballgown at a ball, and looking miserable.

  Oh, he could see her smile from here, as she nodded to her friend and shooed Cassie and Kristoff towards the dance floor. But Enzio was good at smiles, and he recognized this one.

  It might not have a number, but it was her I’m-breaking-up-inside-and-don’t-want-anyone-to-know.

  He’d smiled it a few times today as well.

  He was the cause of that false smile, and in that moment, Enzio knew he would be the one to fix it. He’d have to fix her heart.

  And he’d have to trust in the legend of the Star of Aegiria to do it.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  As grateful as she was to Cassie for standing beside her tonight—and sometimes holding her up—it was a little bit of a relief to send her off with Kristoff when he got back from wherever he’d been. Nova needed a little time alone.

  Time to breathe, to bask in the success of her documentary. The queen had opened the ball with a welcoming speech and a toast—an actual toast!—to Nova and her team. She’d been blushing by the time the queen was through with her praise, but everyone seemed to agree it had been well-deserved. The video was looping throughout the ball, and was airing on the national television channel that night too.

  All of Aegiria was enthralled by her work and seemed to be thrilled at learning about their old traditions.

  The night was a triumph, but instead of pleasure, all Nova felt was emptiness. There was a void in her chest instead of pride. She’d already taken the time to send a text to her parents, telling them of the documentary’s success, but the one person she wanted to share it with wasn’t there.

  That’s because you chased him away.

  It was stupid to mourn the fact Enzio wasn’t at the ball with her, when he’d never indicated he would be. But still, she’d assumed since this was his family—and it was Christmas Eve—he’d be here. She’d thought maybe they could dance a few dances together. Then, after last night, she’d assumed she’d have to be strong and steady and ignore him tonight.

  Only now that she was here, now that he wasn’t here, she knew the truth: she couldn’t ignore Enzio. He was a prince, but more than that, he was a man.

  Her man.

  The man she wanted to kiss, the one she wanted to help become a better person. The one who was smart and kind and funny and still didn’t believe in himself, so he had to make stupid wagers and string her along with stories he knew she’d like.

  And now she’d hurt him. That wasn’t right. It had felt natural, to lash out like that, but her stomach was all tied up in knots because of it. His wager…she was honest enough with herself to admit she wasn’t as devastated by that reveal as she’d originally been. He’d approached her because of the wager, but that wasn’t why he’d continued to pursue her.

  And if she had the chance, she’d beg his forgiveness for her harsh words, for hurting him, and ask if there was any way he’d consider starting over.

  But this wasn’t a Hallmark movie. This was real life, and in real life you had to deal with the consequences of your actions. Even the painful ones.

  Shaking her head, Nova turned away from the ballroom, back to the antechamber. There were fewer people out here, and a few secluded benches around the decorated Christmas trees. Maybe she could rest for a—

  Movement on the stairs startled her, and she had to glance again. A man was hurrying down the main staircase, a man in a plain suit and a determined expression. He
passed the large tree on the landing, and the golden light from the star-shaped decoration caught him and made his skin seem to glow.

  Enzio.

  She was already moving towards him when she realized what she was doing, but decided it didn’t matter as they met at the bottom of the stairs. He didn’t say anything, but reached for her with open arms, and she was happy to step into the circle of his warmth, his being, and press her forehead against his.

  In this position, she could hear his heartbeat, breathe his breath. His skin was warm, his hair frazzled, and he was breathing hard, as if he’d just run some distance. But he was here now. With her.

  And she was holding him, which meant…what?

  If she’d taken a moment to think when she’d seen him on the stairs, would she have talked herself out of this? Since it was an instinctive reaction, was this, this forgiveness, this holding, her true feelings?

  Of course it is, you idiot.

  “I can practically hear your brain whirring, Nova,” he whispered softly.

  “I’m wondering if this was smart.”

  “What?” He straightened, but didn’t move away. If anything, he stepped closer to her. “Rushing towards me like that? You think it showed you were ready to forgive me too soon?”

  “Forgive you? I’m the one you should be forgiving! I can’t make you grovel when I owe you an apology.”

  His arms tightened around her. “Are you sure? I have a really good grovel. It’d be a shame to waste it. You can apologize after.”

  “Very well.” She stepped backwards a little, but not so far that she lost contact with him, and waved one hand regally. “Grovel.”

  The corner of Enzio’s eyes crinkled just a bit, but the rest of his expression remained suitably somber. He dipped his chin just a bit and took a deep breath. When he met her eyes once more, she saw the sincerity in them.

  “I’m sorry, Nova. I’m so sorry I hurt you, and I’m sorry I lied to you.” Another deep breath. In preparation? “But I’ve been thinking about this. The kind of man I was before, I wouldn’t have pursued you. I was intimidated enough by you as it was!” His lips twitched slightly, then his expression fell once more. “Naut’s wager was what kicked my butt into gear, what made me approach you. So as terrible as it was, I… I don’t think I can regret it.”

  He reached for her free hand, as if her hold on him wasn’t enough. As if he was afraid she’d back away and he’d lose her. But his words…they made a kind of sense Nova couldn’t ignore.

  His dark eyes glittered with the reflection of the lights on the trees as he gazed sincerely at her. “And as for the legend, I’ve known the story for years. But when I realized you’d never heard of it, when I realized there was a reason you might need me...” He shook his head a bit, but didn’t drop her gaze. “Well, I’m sorry I took advantage of it. But it was all I could offer you. All I could do to keep you interested in me.”

  Was it? Nova tilted her head to one side, studying him thoughtfully. “You know, the sign of a good grovel is generally not offering excuses.”

  “Well, then.” He shrugged. “I guess I’m sorry for that too.”

  She lifted her chin. “Besides, you’re wrong.”

  His lips twitched ruefully. “I usually am.”

  “No, you stupid man!” She smacked his arm, then rubbed it in apology, realizing what she’d said. “No,” she repeated softer. “I mean about you not being appealing to me. By the end of that first date—and, yes, it was a date, I have to admit—I was very interested. You were gorgeous, and you were trying so hard to be charming. But it was the other things, the times you let me see your real self, which intrigued me. You’re intelligent and witty, and I find that incredibly appealing in a man, appearances aside.”

  Something changed then. Enzio let out a breath, his shoulders loosened, and he smiled. Really smiled. His eye-crinkles crinkled and he looked as if he could conquer the world.

  Oh.

  “Do you forgive me then?” he asked. “I could do some more groveling, if you’d like.”

  She wiggled her hand free from his and reached up to cup his cheek. “I’ll admit, it’s heady, having power over a prince.”

  A small eye-roll on his part, but his smile didn’t drop. “I told you, I was captivated by you the moment I saw you in that courtyard. You glowed, Nova. And once I got to know you, you became the light in my world. You’ve made me a better man.”

  “No,” she said sharply, drawing him closer by her hold on his cheek. “No, Prince Marc Enzio of Velarno. You. Are. A. Good. Man.” Each word was punctuated by a little shake. “You’ve been a good man all along. You were just lost and lacked confidence.”

  He scoffed but held her gaze. “I was a charmer, Nova. It’s all I was good at.”

  “No,” she repeated. “You were good at being thoughtful and witty, and a million other little things, but you’d never thought to share that with anyone else, so they hadn’t seen those things in you. I didn’t make you anything—you’ve always been that man.”

  She took a deep breath, then said the words she’d been wanting to say since she’d sat there in her bathroom and sobbed. “And I am so, so sorry I ever made you feel less than you are. You are all those things and more, and I shouldn’t have said what I did in my room last night. I love how brilliant you are, and how kind, and how you don’t even realize all the wonderful things about yourself. I want to be the one to help you see yourself the way I do.”

  This close, his dark eyes flicked back and forth between hers, as if trying to see the truth in them. She stood silent, letting her true feelings show, hoping he’d see them.

  “You love those things about me?” he finally asked, hesitant.

  She nodded firmly and allowed her thumb to caress his cheek. “I do, Your Highness.”

  “So if I asked you for a kiss right now, what would you say?”

  It hadn’t been the reaction she’d expected from her declaration, and so her tongue darted out across her lips before she answered. “I would say…yes please.”

  “Okay then.” He inhaled deeply. “Would you like to know the whole legend?”

  She’d been expecting a kiss. “What?”

  “The whole story of the Star of Aegiria. Assuming you didn’t read the manuscript I sent you today?”

  She shook her head, not sure where he was going with this. “I didn’t. I couldn’t. I was too— I couldn’t stand the thought of—” A frown tugged at her lips. “I’m sorry.”

  “Shh.” Enzio shook his head, then covered her hand with his, so it was pressed against his skin. “Sending that book to you was the only thing I could think of to show how sorry I was, the only thing I was really sure you valued.”

  “I value you.”

  “I’m glad you didn’t read it now. Because I want to be the one to tell you the whole thing, okay?”

  She nodded.

  “The island was conquered by the Norwegians in the thirteenth century, but it wasn’t united until Magnus Haraldsson was granted the land as payment for victory in battle.”

  “The official history is that he was so successful in defending it, he declared Aegiria independent from Norway.”

  Enzio nodded. “Yes, except we know there was more to it than that. He had the support and strength of the locals. The tribes were used to choosing a new king at the beginning of each year, so the idea of accepting Magnus, who was obviously powerful, must’ve been appealing.”

  “So they did what humans have done for millennia; they tied two houses together via marriage.”

  The way he smiled told Nova the exciting part was coming.

  “Exactly. But in this case, Ljós was the one who set it up. The story my ancestor wrote down, which he had heard from his ancestor, was that the moment Ljós and Magnus saw one another, they knew they were destined to be together.”

  It was a nice story, but Nova knew romantic legends often arose to mask mercenary intentions. “That was certainly convenient.”

 
“Yes, it was.” His lips twitched. “Especially because with their union, the country accepted a new king, and a new kind of king. One who ruled because of blood, not chance.”

  “The kingship—or queenship, I suppose—became hereditary. So the new king they chose that night became the king for the rest of his life.” She was nodding along, understanding. “And he was a good king.”

  “And the night he was chosen was…?” he prompted.

  Nova saw the sparkle in his eyes and gasped in understanding. “The longest night of the year! The solstice! When they burned the Konungyr!”

  He dropped her hand to wrap one arm around her back and pull her even closer. “The night Magnus and Ljós joined together, the night they declared their love to the heavens, was the night he became king of a united Aegiria. The longest night of the year—very much like this one. And when they united, the stars themselves celebrated. They cast a golden glow over the entire island, as they each shone with eight points.”

  “Oh,” Nova breathed, entranced by his story and the look in his eyes. “That’s beautiful.”

  “And now…” He pulled her closer, his arms around her, and her hand slipped behind his neck. He lowered his voice. “And now, may I kiss you, Dr. Nova Willetts?”

  Unable to look away, Nova whispered, “I wish you would, Your Highness.”

  The touch of his lips against hers wasn’t spectacular; a merest brush. When he pulled back, she realized that was the kiss he’d been planning.

  That’s no way to win a wager!

  Pushing herself up on her toes, she tightened the hold on the back of his neck, and she kissed him.

  Light pulsed against the inside of her lids, and he made a little noise in the back of his throat, halfway between a moan and a curse. Because this kiss, this kiss…

  It was everything.

  When he’d approached her in the cafeteria that day to ask for a kiss, she had no way of knowing what he would come to mean to her. And no way of knowing what an intense experience it would be to be held by him!