Princess Claus and the Great Escape

by J L Gillham

  “I’m sorry. I should’ve realized right away you’d never let Ebenezer into my home.” I look down at my feet, embarrassed.

  “No, how could you think I would’ve told the two girls from town the secret of Ebenezer at your birthday party last year?” Finn cups my face with his hand and gently lifts it until I meet his gaze.

  “But I heard the whole thing. You didn’t know I was standing behind you.” I bite my lip.

  “You heard,” Finn pauses and shakes his head then chuckles. “You heard me tell them the incorrect top-secret hot chocolate recipe.”

  Red fills my cheeks, and then I chuckle too. “This entire past year I thought you weren’t someone I could rely on. I wish I’d known how reliable you are.”

  Finn leans toward me. Whether it’s to give me a hug, kiss on the cheek, or more, I am unsure. I wipe the palms of my hands on my pants and force myself to take a quick shallow breath. With my eyes closed, I prepare for hopefully our first kiss.

  “Noelle, you’d better hurry unless you don’t plan on changing before the ceremony,” Dad says.

  I open my eyes to see Finn pulling back. He turns his head to face my father. I follow Finn’s gaze. Dad is talking to the nearest elf. Dad points at the banners on the ceiling, indicating they need to be changed immediately. Had he seen Finn about to kiss me? Was Finn about to kiss me? Just then Finn takes a step back. Fiddle-d-fizz. Finn leans against the wall, maybe sensing Dad and I have more to say to each other.

  “Dad?” I say. He turns to face me. I hurry toward him and whisper in his ear. After a slight nod in confirmation, I give my father a quick hug and head back to Finn.

  “Would you stay for my coronation?” I ask Finn, leaning forward on the balls of my feet.

  “But I thought it was only for family,” Finn says, glancing at my father.

  “Santa approves,” I tease. “After all, you did help save the day.”

  Finn nods his head. Then before I can walk away, he takes my hand, gives it a quick kiss, then releases me.

  I turn and run to get dressed for my coronation. And to my surprise, joy fills me from head to toe.

  CHAPTER FORTY

  Twenty minutes later, I’m donning my Santa uniform. This one is newer than the one I always wear in the simulations. Peeking out of the black boots are white socks. My outfit is complete with red leggings, a white sweater, and of course, my utility belt. Though Dad promises I won’t need much from it once I’ve completed the coronation and received the magic of Santa. However, today more than any other I’ve learned how much it helps to be prepared for anything. I pat one of the pockets that holds tiny candy canes.

  “Ready?” Mom asks as she enters my room.

  “Almost.” I pick up my favorite perfume and squirt twice. I can see her wide-eyed expression in the mirror. “What is it? Did Ebenezer escape?”

  Mom places her hand on her heart. “Oh, no. Nothing like that.” She walks over toward me and picks up my bottle of perfume. “You’ve loved this scent ever since you were little.”

  I stare at her, unsure where she’s going with this conversation. She hugs the bottle to her chest and looks dreamily into nowhere. “I told your father it was the only way to protect you.” She holds it out to me as she gives me her full attention.

  As I take it, I open my mouth to ask what she’s talking about. And then it dawns on me. “The perfume is what triggers the alarm at the entrance to Winter Wonderland.”

  Mom nods.

  “But what if I showered and forgot to use it. Or just didn’t feel like it?”

  “The same chemical is also in your shampoo, conditioner, and a few other places.”

  My jaw drops.

  “I guess we won’t be needing to taint your beauty supplies any longer.” She smiles.

  “But the alarm never went off when I exited through any part of the magical barrier except the entrance,” I wonder out loud.

  “We only set the super sniffer alarm for the entrance. No one ever dreamed you’d find a way out except through it.” Mom chuckles.

  “I had no idea you were so sneaky,” I say with a hint of approval.

  “You get it from my side of the family.” Mom winks, then gives me a brief hug. Then she wraps her arms around herself. “Maybe I made the wrong choice.” She sighs.

  I stare at her, willing her to go on.

  “Whenever you came to me with your frustrations about your lot in life, I tried to steer you toward the positive.” Mom moves her arms upward and begins patting her hair in random places to make sure it’s still picture perfect. “Maybe I should have told you I felt the same way.”

  “What?” I lean forward.

  “All of this,” she says, waving her arm out before her, “is magical. But when it’s all you see day after day, it can become a burden.”

  And that’s when I realize why my parents never told me I had to be the next Santa. At some level, they knew I couldn’t handle it. And they were right. It would’ve pushed me over the edge sooner. Or, maybe it would’ve forced me to embrace my destiny from birth. I scratch that thought, knowing how little being forced to do anything works on me.

  “I never knew you felt like that,” I whisper. How different would my life have been if I’d known I wasn’t the only one who felt like a prisoner here? Were there signs of Mom’s unhappiness I was too unobservant to see? I’d noticed the transformation in Nicky after only one day spent outside of Winter Wonderland. It’s then I realize other than Dad delivering gifts on Christmas, I’ve never known about either of my parents leaving.

  “Mom, when is the last time you ventured outside the dome?” I take her hand and hold it.

  I expect Mom to give a general season of her life. Instead, her answer is specific. “Six thousand, five hundred seventy-one days ago.”

  I try to calculate how many years that is. Luckily, Mom answers for me. “It was shortly before marrying. I was hesitant to love your father because he was the future Santa.”

  I felt like I’d just been rubbed all over with poinsettias. Is that how Finn feels? Will he change his mind about being with me because of all the baggage I bring to the relationship, even if it is nicely decorated in green and red bows?

  “I knew I’d have to spend my life here.” Mom continues speaking, pulling me from drowning in worries. “But at the time, that meant being able to leave and travel with your father whenever we wanted. However, when we discovered the extent of Ebenezer’s evil plans...”

  “You never left again,” I finish for her.

  Apparently, I wasn’t the only one in this snow globe prison. Unfortunately, I’d spent my entire sentence in isolation. A flicker of hope causes my smile to build. “Until today.”

  She looks at me, eyebrows furrowing. Then the corners of her mouth lift. She claps her hands together. “Your father and I can go on our honeymoon!”

  I laugh, letting her joy be contagious.

  Mom presses on. “And our family can have our own days at the beach.” She begins pacing around the room. As each new idea of where to travel bubbles up to the surface, an underwater volcano no longer dormant, she counts them out on her fingers.

  “There are so many preparations to be made.” She glances at me and the exultation radiating from her is contagious. A warmth spreads through me and as it does, the last of my worries melt.

  “Ready to go?” Mom asks.

  “Yes, except for my pink hat.” I begin pulling clothes out of my hamper. “I can’t find it anywhere.”

  “No time for it now. You’ll just have to do without,” Mom says.

  I am about to protest, but I stop when I see the twinkle in her eye. “Okay,” I say reluctantly. We leave my room, and Mom escorts me to the back door of the dining hall. Did the elves have enough time to replace the birthday decorations with the ones for my coronation? Maybe if I tell Mom she can offer more time, I can have a minute to slow my rapid heart.

  Before I open my mouth to speak, Mom knocks on the door twice, then says, �
�Take a deep breath.”

  I do as ordered. Then two elves open the double doors. I look down and see a blue velvet carpet lining the walkway. When I look up, all of the elves rise. They are taking up the seats filling the room. The first thing I notice after crossing the threshold is that my birthday decorations have been removed. I glance at the table overflowing with birthday gifts as I walk past it.

  Facing forward, I look up. The “Happy Birthday” sign has been taken down. In its place are matching banners, all of which showcase our family crest. Mom accompanies me as I walk slowly, making sure to wave at the elves sitting in the rows.

  Suddenly, a spriket hops toward me. My eyes widen, and I gasp. I bet that’s just one more thing Ebenezer did, uncage all of the sprikets. I lift my toes up, while keeping my heels on the ground threatening to crush any hopping invader. Instead of approaching, the spriket must realize there are better things to do than mess with the future Santa. It hops down an aisle.

  Dapple scoops it up into his hat, then puts his hat on his head. I giggle, imagining the miniature monster hopping inside its cloth cage throughout the ceremony. I pass Finn. He stares at me with a smile that makes me blush.

  When I get to the front, Mom whispers, “Happy birthday, darling,” then takes the empty seat next to Nicky. He gives me a thumbs up.

  Both sets of my grandparents are there. I lock eyes with Gramps. He dabs at his eyes with his sleeves. I know this is a special day for him, seeing his granddaughter become the next Santa. I blow him a kiss and make a silent vow to make him proud and try to live up to his legacy.

  Then I realize Cole and his parents are sitting in the second row. Cole waves at me. A feeling of completeness fills me.

  “How’d you get here?” I whisper to Cole.

  “Think I’d miss your coronation?” is his only answer. Cole’s mom and dad give me matching wide smiles. They must’ve arrived after I snuck out this morning and have been helping the elves put out the fires. I wave at all of them, then focus on what is before me.

  The snow globe rests on a table to the right of Dad. On his left stands the wooden staff I glimpsed earlier today.

  “Noelle-Gwen,” Dad says, then pauses a moment. He begins blinking rapidly then continues, “...of the town of Winter Wonderland, please kneel.”

  I do as asked. Then I watch amazed at what happens.

  After Ebenezer was captured, the snow globe and staff were separated. Now Dad takes the staff in one hand. Then he lifts the snow globe. He holds one up after the other in the air. “This snow globe is not only a representation of the magic of Winter Wonderland, but also the core of its strength.”

  After a deep breath, Dad continues. “This staff harnesses the power of the snow globe.” He slides the snow globe into the top of the staff. The base of the snow globe fits perfectly between the clasped, half-open wooden petals of the staff. Then father whispers something that no one but the globe can here.

  A few seconds later, I hear the faint sound of wind, but feel nothing on my cheeks. I realize the sound is coming from the snow globe. The tiny snowflakes whirl inside in a frenzy. This must be what Ebenezer planned to do to imbue himself with the power of Santa. I’m grateful he never got the chance. Before I can linger on what if thoughts, Dad continues.

  “It is time for the next Santa to be given her powers.” Dad emphasizes the word her. I grin. Maybe it’s not so bad to be the first female Santa.

  “And, so on this December 24th...” He pauses, his tone turning from solemn to celebratory. “...on my precious daughter’s birthday.” He lowers the staff until it hovers above my head. “I crown you with the power of Santa.” He touches my head with the tip of the snow globe.

  I breathe slowly, and close my eyes. One second, two seconds...On the third second, I begin to feel something. A tingle that starts at my head pulses down to the tips of my toes. It’s as if my entire body is full of electricity.

  Images from what must be my future come rushing at me. I’m flying through the air on the sleigh. Next the whole town is gathered around the biggest, brightest Christmas tree I have ever seen. Then I’m looking at a postcard from Hawaii signed Mom and Dad. Finally, I’m wandering around a maze made up of ice.

  I feel snowflakes falling softly on my face and remember where I am. This must be what Christmas magic feels like!

  When I open my eyes, I see that the staff and snow globe have been separated and are once again on the tables. Unsure of what to do, I remain kneeling.

  Mom hands Dad a standard Santa cap, except this one somehow seems brighter. The white ball of fluff at the end is iridescent, like the wings of a bird. The red of the hat is as deep as wine. Dad places the cap on my head, and says, “Noelle, I crown you Santa.”

  The entire room erupts in cheers. I scan the audience, waving frantically. Next comes an embrace from Mom. “What, no crown?” I tease.

  “Even better.” She whispers the next part in my ear, “The cap is reversible.”

  I yank off the hat and take a better look. The color of the inside is pink, just like the one I use for the simulations. “You are the best!” I tell her, then give her a longer hug.

  “And I’m so sorry for telling you that you made up the evil elf. And...” I have so much to apologize for.

  “It’s alright. I understand.” She gives me a smile that promises conversations to come, and I’m looking forward to them.

  “Great job! I’m going to go make our preparations,” Dad says. After a long hug, he heads off.

  Instead of a hug, Nicky picks me up.

  “Put me down!” I shout.

  “That’s no way to treat the next Santa,” Cole teases.

  Nicky lowers me, but doesn’t move from his spot next to me.

  “Hey, stranger.” I know I don’t have much time before I have to join Dad, but Cole’s lack of communication recently stung. “Haven’t heard from you lately.”

  Cole furrows his brow. “Sorry. I knew if I sent you any kind of message I’d ruin the surprise of my coming early to make it for today.”

  That makes sense, but I’d really needed him this week. I force a smile. “Thanks for coming.” Then I give him a hug. Next his mother and then father embrace me.

  “I didn’t know you all would be allowed to see the coronation ceremony,” I say to Cole’s parents. Then I make sure to add, “But I’m glad you were.”

  “It’s typically reserved for the elves and family, but seeing as we attended your Dad’s...” Cole’s father shrugs.

  Dad has returned from his brief conversation with a group of elves. He gives a light punch on Cole’s father’s shoulder. “If there is one family we trust with our secrets, it’s this one.”

  I glance at Finn, then Cole. Dad’s right. But there are a few secrets, namely my feelings for Finn, I think I’ll keep to myself.

  “There’s one more thing we need to do before we can leave.” Aksel nods to Santa, then he hurries off through the back door. Two minutes later, three elves enter the room, all carrying trays of mugs. The largest mug has whirling wisps of coral, sapphire, and cerulean.

  “Is that Aksel’s famous drink? Chai with three shots of espresso?” I ask.

  “Theirs is, but not yours,” Dad responds, then gives me a wink. “A little extra energy for tonight.”

  Once Finn, my family, and Cole’s family each have one, Dad raises his. “To the future Santa.” Then he doesn’t take a sip, but chugs the entire thing.

  I glance around. Mom has a large gulp. The boys clink their drinks. I sniff as I peer down. The liquid is clear, but I’m sure it’s not water. I lick the rim of the mug. It tastes a bit like soup with a juniper berry broth. I feel energy pulsing through me. It’s not as strong as when Dad touched my head with the scepter, but close.

  Before I can ask any more questions, Dad continues. “Noelle, we need to hurry.” Aksel takes the stein back, bows, and retreats.

  Then Dad adds, “We have a long ride for you to tell me all about this morning’s adventure
.”

  CHAPTER FORTY-ONE

  To my surprise I don’t feel fear, but relief. It’s time to give up all the secrets and hiding. And maybe with my being upfront, both Mom and Dad will divulge some of their secrets too, like if there are any other magical objects inside Winter Wonderland and where they are all kept.

  I follow Dad outside. “What happened to your sleigh?” Before us rests the backup sleigh, the one I used earlier today to make my escape and eventual return. It’s piled high in the back with gifts.

  “It was destroyed in the fire. So during your preparations, we enabled this one to fly.” Dad sighs and pats my sleigh. “This would’ve been too if it wasn’t safe with you.”

  Dad’s being gracious. I want to add that it’s my fault the evil elf made it into Winter Wonderland in the first place to wreak all this havoc. Instead, I ask my next question hesitantly, “And the reindeer?” If anything happened to them, Ebenezer will have a lot more to worry about than just being in prison.

  “They’ll be alright,” Nicky answers for Dad. Nicky must’ve asked the elves the same question. Following closely on Nicky’s heels is Tiny. I watch as Nicky hooks Tiny up to my sleigh. “Got it in ya for one more ride today?” my brother asks the polar bear.

  I turn and face Dad. “Really?”

  “The fires scared the reindeer.” Dad rubs Tiny behind the ears. “The animals are scattered all over. Even if we could gather them quickly, it wouldn’t be kind to force them to work tonight in their state.”

  “Sweet.” Nicky pats Tiny on the head.

  Then Dad holds his hand out for me. I let him lead me to the side of the sleigh. “If you would do the honors of reading this.”

  Written in the snowflake alphabet is a saying I’ve read countless times, but never with the power of Santa. “To flight we take on this night in this magical sleigh. To bring gifts and joy for every good girl and boy.”

  Once I’m done, I feel the tips of my fingers tingle. I brush them along the engraving.

  “It’s time.” Dad climbs in, and then he reaches his hand toward me. I take it. The moment I do, he helps me into the sleigh. My heart pounds, and I suck in a deep breath.