Chapter Five
The next morning, Tim woke up alone. With his heart in his throat, he scrambled out of bed, clutching at his robe so it wouldn’t slip to the floor. What if Noel was in trouble, or worse? There was so much Tim needed to think about, so much he wanted to say to Noel. If anyone understood what it was like to feel alone and scared, it was Tim, and even if Noel couldn’t bring himself to admit his feelings, Tim still planned on being there for him, helping him through this. He could only imagine how exhausting it must be for Noel, always having to pretend he could take pleasure in everything that made up their enchanted world. An elf who couldn’t smell or see color was like being the only star in a sea of stars that couldn’t shine.
“Noel!” Tim bolted from the room in a panic and ran into a hard body with an “oomf”!
“What? What is it?” Noel took hold of Tim’s shoulders to steady him, his gray eyes filled with concern. “Are you okay?”
Tim let out a sigh of relief, and before he realized it, threw his arms around Noel. “You didn’t leave.”
“Of course not. I said I wouldn’t, didn’t I? Is that what’s got you flailing about this morning? You thought I’d left?” Noel’s arms tentatively circled around Tim, holding him close. “You’re jumpier than a jack-in-the-box, you know that?”
“I know,” Tim murmured, hoping Noel couldn’t tell he was pouting. Never in all his dreams would he have imagined himself being in Noel’s arms, but whenever he thought about why Noel had treated him the way he had, Tim couldn’t stop his heart from going out to him. He had to convince Noel he was no different than any other elf and was worthy of being loved. He gasped and pulled away, his hands cupping Noel’s cheeks. “Please forgive me for what I said last night when you came back from the washroom. I didn’t mean it. I was just angry and upset and—”
“It’s okay.” Noel fidgeted from one foot to the other, and when he spoke, it all came out in one rushed breath. “What I am is no fault of yours, and I shouldn’t have let my insecurities turn me into such an ogre. I’m sorry I scared you all those times at the office.” Noel turned and headed toward the living room with Tim following close behind, doing his best to hold back his smile.
Once inside the kitchen, Tim found Jack and Rudy sitting at the table with cups of hot cocoa and newspapers. Opening his mouth to say good morning, a yawn escaped him instead. He must have been more tired than he thought. Rubbing his eyes sleepily, he covered another yawn and glanced up to find everyone staring at him.
“What?” Tim took in his disheveled state but was unable to spot anything that wasn’t normally there. When he looked up at Noel, he was surprised to find Noel glaring at the two older elves. Noel stepped in front of Tim, blocking his view of the other two and straightening his robe.
“For Christmas’s sake, Tim, cover up.” Noel fussed with Tim’s robe, pulling the side hanging off his shoulder up and securing the sash tightly around his waist. Had Tim missed something? He always looked a mess when he woke up in the mornings. Quite frankly, he tended to look mussed up most of the time.
“Morning,” Rudy greeted as Noel pulled out a chair for Tim and told him to sit before positioning himself in the chair beside him.
Jack folded his paper and gave Noel a wicked grin. “If you don’t want him, Noel, just say the word and we’ll take him off your hands.”
“Shut up,” Noel growled.
Rudy chuckled and gave Tim a wink. “There’s fresh cocoa in the pot and hot cinnamon toast. Help yourself, Tim.”
Tim had no idea what was going on, but when he made to stand, Noel put a hand on his shoulder.
“I’ll get it.” He went over to the gleaming silver breakfast cart and when he came back, Tim could barely contain his smile. Noel put a plate with two slices of cinnamon toast with a pat of butter in the middle of each one in front of him, and there were exactly eight small marshmallows in his cocoa. Tim beamed up at him.
“You know how I like my toast and cocoa.”
“I pay attention,” Noel grunted and went back to his own breakfast.
“Tim, why don’t you tell Jack exactly what you saw last night,” Rudy prompted.
“Okay.” Tim went on to explain everything he had seen and heard, and afterward the room went silent as Jack tapped his fingers in thought. A heartbeat later, he turned his attention back to Tim. “You saw this hoodlum?”
Tim nodded.
“Clear enough that you could point him out if you saw him again?”
“Yes.”
“Great. You two are attending the Silver Bells Christmas Ball tonight.” Jack held up what looked like the morning edition of the North Pole City Gazette. On the front page in big black letters, it read: RUDY REIN DEAR CAUGHT UNDER MISTLETOE WITH NEW HELPERS—ELVES! “You’ll be going as Rudy’s helpers. Everyone’s eyes will be on you three, which will allow me and my soldiers to remain hidden while we find these traitors. Tim, you’re going to point them out to me.”
“What?” Noel jumped from his chair. “Are you mad? Do you realize the danger you’re putting him in?”
“No more than the danger Jack is putting himself in,” Rudy said. “The Mouse King is desperate. He wants Jack dead because Jack has enough evidence to put him behind bars for eternity. What do you think Jack’s been doing all this time in Winter Wonderland?”
“I don’t care if he was picking peppermint,” Noel snapped. “Jack is the King’s son, a soldier, and a powerful elf. He has no right throwing someone like Tim into the line of fire.”
“What do you mean someone like me?” Tim arched an eyebrow at Noel, who winced in response. “You mean someone weak? Is that it?” Tim jumped to his feet, his chest tight.
“Tim, that’s not what I meant. It’s just you’re…”
“Small? Clumsy? Nothing like my father? Just because I’m not like everyone else, doesn’t mean I’m worthless. You of all creatures should understand that.” Tim turned and left with his head held high before Noel could see the tear running down his cheek. He wasn’t insignificant, even if he felt it at times. In his heart, he knew he wasn’t. He mattered, and he would prove it.
NOEL didn’t know what made him more furious, the ridiculous costume he was forced to wear or his own stupidity for making Tim feel bad about himself. After Tim had left the kitchen, Noel had wanted to go after him, but Jack asked him not to, suggesting that Tim needed some time on his own. Noel had suggested Jack could drive his sleigh off a snowy hill, but nevertheless, remained seated. He didn’t want to hurt Tim any more than he already had. It wasn’t that he didn’t believe in Tim; he was just scared of something happening to him. Then again, what had he ever done to make Tim’s life any easier? Tim was getting him back, Noel just knew it.
Tim sat on Rudy’s lap looking more stunning and beautiful than any creature Noel had ever known. The sash around his slim waist and all the trimmings of his costume were in glittering silver, along with gleaming silver buttons. His long coat was snowy white, with elaborate and intricate silver embroidery, and matched perfectly with the white of his vest, knickerbockers, hose, cravat, shoes, and gloves. It was exceptionally elegant and gentlemanly. Noel’s outfit was identical, only in his opinion, he didn’t look nearly as handsome as Tim.
Jack had been right about one thing: from the moment they had stepped foot into Santa’s Grotto and Rudy had been announced, all eyes were on them. Their entrance had been met with either stunned silence or a tidal wave of whispers, and the looks they received ranged anywhere from curious to tickled to aghast. Noel had never been inside Santa’s Grotto and never much cared about it, but he had to admit he was rather impressed by the colossal, exclusive club. He might not be able to see all the colors that made up the undoubtedly awe-inspiring décor everyone always talked about, but he could see the thousands upon thousands of twinkling lights that turned the ballroom into a truly magical spectacle.
The grotto’s ballroom was round with two floors, the top floor occupied by the private boxes of the Rein Dea
rs, all of whom were present and accounted for with their sugarplum fairies at their sides—or in Rudy’s case, elves. Any time Noel looked up, someone was watching them, and he was hardly oblivious to the fact a good number of those someones were watching Tim, sitting astride Rudy’s lap, his back pressed against Rudy’s chest while the pilot ran his fingers through Tim’s hair.
“Sorry, Noel, but you’re too big to sit on my lap. I’m sure you understand,” Rudy said pleasantly. Noel just grunted and crossed his arms over his chest. “And stop looking like you want to throw me off this balcony. Your position is one of privilege and desire. Do you realize how many elves would kill to be in your place right now? Try to at least look like you’re enjoying yourself.”
Well, that certainly wasn’t going to happen. Rudy patted the cushion beside him on the large gilded two-seater and reluctantly, Noel sat down, kicking the heavy velvet curtain hanging to his left away from him. At least Rudy hadn’t tied back the curtain on both sides, leaving them a little privacy. He wished the lowlife they were after would show himself so they could get this over with.
A lovely rendition of “The Holly and The Ivy” floated up from the orchestra, the chorus’s heavenly voices carrying across the ballroom. Noel had to admit, it had a rather soothing effect on his nerves, and he sat back, listening to the drums while couples took to the dance floor in a waltz of exuberance and gallantry.
“Noel?” Rudy patted Noel’s knee, getting his attention.
“What?”
“Why don’t you invite Tim to dance?”
Noel stared at Rudy, perfectly aware it was more of a command than a request. Tim didn’t appear too happy about it, but he stood anyway, placed a hand behind his back as Rudy had taught them to do, and put his other hand out palm down, waiting for Noel. Taking a deep, steadying breath, Noel placed his left hand to his back, and gently took hold of Tim’s white-gloved fingers. He led Tim out of the box and into the corridor, past countless gazes, and toward the ground floor. Once downstairs, Noel stopped in the center of the dance floor and turned to face Tim.
“You’re still not talking to me.” He positioned his arm around the smaller elf, took Tim’s gloved hand in his own, and pulled him close. “Please talk to me, Tim. I’m so sorry for what I said. I really didn’t mean to imply you were weak. I think you’re one of the strongest, bravest elves I know.” He led Tim in a sweeping waltz, noticing how Tim pressed his lips together whenever Noel turned him. Pretending not to have noticed, Noel picked up his pace just a little and pulled away enough to spin Tim, who let out a snicker. Twirling him back, Noel grinned broadly. “You laughed.”
“I didn’t want to,” Tim said with a pout.
“Admit it, you’re enjoying yourself.” Noel pulled Tim into another quick turn, smiling when Tim giggled again, though he quickly pressed his lips together afterward and shook his head in denial.
Well, it was now or never. He had to tell Tim how he really felt, or he was going to lose Tim before he even had a chance with him. “I need to tell you—”
“There he is,” Tim gasped.
“Who?” Noel turned them so he could look around. Three familiar figures dressed in black costumes stood close by, talking.
“It’s them, the two soldiers and the Mouse King’s hoodlum. We have to tell Rudy, so he can let Jack know. I wonder what they’re talking about. Get us closer.”
Despite knowing it was a bad idea, Noel waltzed with Tim closer to where the three were, but far enough away not to get them noticed. Tim stood on his toes to whisper in Noel’s ear.
“Take me to that pillar over there and pretend you’re stealing a kiss.”
Noel’s cheeks burned at the suggestion but he did as Tim asked, hoping the smaller elf knew what he was doing. He pulled Tim behind the large marble pillar and gently pushed him up against it, his hands on Tim’s waist as he bent his head and nuzzled Tim’s neck under his ear, aware of the little hitch in Tim’s breath.
“That’s good. I can just about hear them.” Tim subtly peeked around the side of the pillar, his voice somewhat shaky. Noel held back a smile and put his lips to Tim’s skin, raining kisses along his neck and under his jaw. Tim melted beneath him, his fingers curling around the material of Noel’s sleeves and squeezing. “The soldiers are saying they haven’t—oh, that… that feels nice…”
Spurred on by Tim’s reaction, Noel slipped his knee between Tim’s legs and gently pinned him to the pillar, drawing a gasp from him. “How’s that?” Noel ran a hand down Tim’s side to his thigh and gripped it firmly.
“That’s… um, that’s very… Noel?”
“Hm?”
“When this is over, would you like to come over for some cocoa?”
The shy, soft-spoken request caught Noel by surprise, and he drew back to look down at Tim. “You’re inviting me over for cocoa?”
Tim nodded shyly. “My place isn’t fancy, but it’s welcoming, and there’s a lovely fireplace perfect for… um, well, getting cozy.” He lifted his eyes to meet Noel’s and smiled. “Please say you will.”
Noel was stupefied but managed to snap out of it before he could look any more like a dope. “Yes, of course I will. I promise.”
“Good.” Tim smiled and pulled Noel closer to him. He paused. “I can’t hear them anymore.”
“I can.” Noel leaned into Tim and listened to the three unsavory characters.
“Keep looking. He’s here, I can feel him. You know what to do.” The Mouse King’s hoodlum walked off in one direction, while the two soldiers went off in another.
“They’re splitting up,” Noel said, letting out a frustrated groan when Tim slipped out of his grasp. “Tim, wait.”
“We can’t lose them. You go tell Rudy. I’m going to follow the Mouse King’s hoodlum and see what he’s up to.” Tim turned away, but Noel reached out and caught his arm.
“It’s too dangerous. Who knows what he has up his sleeves? We don’t even know who else he may have brought with him.” Noel gave the room a cursory glance, knowing full well he wouldn’t see Jack. No one had seen him for hours. “I wish we knew what Jack was planning.”
“Not even Rudy knows what Jack is planning. I know how to stay out of sight. If you go, he’ll spot you for certain. The moment I see where he’s going, I promise to come right back.” Tim’s reassurance did nothing for Noel’s peace of mind, and Tim could clearly see that. “Please, Noel. I can do this. No one ever notices me.”
“I noticed you,” Noel replied quietly.
Tim’s expression softened, and he stood on his toes to give Noel’s lips a quick kiss. “I’ll be fine. Now go, before we lose them.”
Reluctantly, Noel agreed and forced himself to walk calmly toward Rudy’s private box, all the while wishing with all his might that Tim would stay hidden.
Chapter Six
Maybe this hadn’t been such a good idea after all.
Tim peeked around the corner of the pillar he was hiding behind, watching as the Mouse King’s hoodlum stopped in front of one of the large gilded doors at the end of the expansive and empty corridor. At this time, everyone was in the ballroom, though it was strange that there weren’t any toy soldiers posted down at this end like there were farther up.
The hoodlum knocked on the door and was permitted inside, the door left slightly ajar. Oh, this couldn’t be good at all. But what was he supposed to do? Scanning the corridor, he hoped to see Noel with Jack in tow, or even Rudy. No one arrived.
Biting down on his bottom lip, Tim kept low to the ground as he dashed from his hiding place to the pillar not two feet away from the open door. Taking a deep breath, he snuck a quick peek inside. The room was dimly lit, but Tim could just about make out three shadowy figures, one of them the Mouse King’s hoodlum who was furious with the other two, who Tim could only assume were the traitorous toy soldiers.
“What do you mean he isn’t here? Of course he’s here, you idiots! You two are lucky the Mouse King needs soldiers on the inside, or he would have
zapped you by now. As usual, I’ll have to take care of this myself.” The hoodlum sighed and one of the toy soldiers marched up to him and whispered in his ear before disappearing back into the shadows. “Well, now. Finally, some good news. Bring him here.”
Oh no, they had someone! But who? Someone seized Tim’s arms and he was lifted off his feet. Pixie dust! It was him! Tim groaned as they carried him into the room, the door closing behind them. The lights came on and Tim gasped. It was filled with the Mouse King’s hoodlums. Bah humbug, now what?
“Hello my little church mouse.” The hoodlum in charge walked over to Tim with a menacing smile. “You’re a crafty little thing, aren’t you? First time an elf gets the drop on me.”
“You’ll never get away with this,” Tim spat out angrily, struggling against his captors. It was futile, but he wasn’t about to give up easily.
“How very cliché,” the hoodlum drawled. There was a commotion from the other end of the room, and a familiar voice brought Tim’s struggling to a halt. He wished with all his might it wasn’t who he thought it was.
“Well now, looks like this is proving to be my lucky day.” The hoodlum turned and Tim’s heart leapt in his throat.
“Oh no. Noel…”
“I’m sorry, Tim.” Noel hung his head in defeat. “I had to come find you.”
The hood gave the soldiers holding Tim a nod and they released him. Without a second thought, he ran into Noel’s open arms and hugged him tight. “I’m so sorry, Noel.”
“Well, this is a jolly day indeed,” the hood stated cheerfully, holding up a black walking stick, its pommel a silver rat’s head with sharp teeth now glowing. “Not only do I get to rid myself of you two, but I get to do it while trapping Frost.” Tim glared at the hoodlum, earning him a chuckle in return. “Now don’t look at me like that. At least you two will be going together. That’s rather generous of me, isn’t it?”
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