by Zara Zenia
I bent down and picked him up. “Are you hungry, Smoochy?” I asked, looking in his little furry face.
He meowed back and rubbed his face against mine.
“He is a very affectionate cat,” Oskar said, watching us.
“That’s why he’s my little Smoochikens, aren’t you, baby?”
Oskar laughed. “I’ll fix his food, where do you keep it?”
“There in the cabinet, he gets half a cup of hard food and half a can of soft, which is in the fridge.” I cuddled Smoochy to my chest.
“Once we take care of Smoochy and eat, would you like to see my home?” Oskar asked, sounding hesitant.
“You mean the home with the other Reilendeer? Will they be upset that you are bringing me there?” I asked, not wanting to cause them any distress.
He turned and smiled. “No, they knew that I thought you were my mate, rakkaani. They are expecting to meet you.”
“You think I am your mate?” I asked curiously.
“I know you are, rakkaani, I felt it the moment we touched hands. I know Humans do not believe in such connections—”
“I didn’t,” I said looking at him as I set Smoochy down to eat his food, “but I think I do now. There is something between us, Oskar, that I have never felt before in my life with another Human being. A bond that is unexplainable and wholly unexpected. You broke down the icy walls in my heart and have brought joy into my life.” I moved to him, embracing him and resting my head on his chest. “I love you, Oskar.”
His chest rumbled with contentment beneath my cheek. “I love you too, rakkaani.”
I looked up at him and smiled as he dropped a kiss on top of my head. “We should eat, do you want a bagel?”
He nodded and let me go so I could make us breakfast. Once we’d eaten, he fixed up the fires again, so Smoochy wouldn’t get cold, and then we headed toward the lodge. “We need to get my dogs and the sled.”
“We’re going by dog sled to your home?” I asked with excitement. “I’ve never done that before.”
He laughed. “The dogs will love you.”
He opened the kennel and four large Malamutes of various shades barked happily and came over to us, sniffing my hands as I held them out to them.
“Oh, I bet they smell Smoochy on me. They don’t seem upset by the scent though.”
“They are used to unusual scents on me because of my clinic, so I imagine they are fine with Smoochy’s scent.”
“But will they be okay with Smoochy? I mean if we… er…” I stopped and I could feel my cheeks heat. “I mean, if I stay here with you?”
He pulled me into his arms and grinned. “I would hope that you would stay here with me, I want you here always.”
I nodded, thinking about it. “I’ll have to settle things in Indiana, pack things up and have them sent over here, Dee can probably do all that for me, if I beg.”
“Rakkaani, I can travel with you and help you pack up your home to move you here.”
“You would do that?” I asked looking up into his face.
He grinned. “I have always wanted to visit America, see the Statue of Liberty, visit Disneyworld, see the beaches in the warmth of summer. I just never had a reason to go.”
I laughed. “Then we can go together and do all of that before coming back here. I’ve always wanted to really see New York City too. I got to see it from the plane, but it’s not the same.”
He hooked the dogs up to the sled and then helped me on in front of him. He shook the reins and the dogs took off in the direction of Pyhä Luosto National Park. “This is Luosto Fell, there is an Amethyst mine on this side, that tourists visit. We make sure to keep the Amethyst growing in there, so that they leave the back side of the Fell alone and don’t disturb our village.”
“You can make the Amethyst grow?” I asked wide-eyed.
He chuckled. “Well, I can’t, but our scientists can.”
The dogs ran over the Fell and down the backside and then Oskar pushed a button on the sled and the side of the Fell shimmered and opened up and the dogs continued on inside of the Fell, down an icy path that eventually turned to stone where they stopped in a huge opening that had several sleighs and sleds lined up and across from that there was a large trough filled with water. To the right was another narrow path that led deeper into the mountain, but the strange thing was, there were lights of all different colors, like Christmas lights, lighting the way.
I looked around in amazement. I tried to take it all in, but almost couldn’t believe my eyes.
Oskar unhooked the dogs who took off for the trough and got drinks while Oskar drew the sled and harnesses over to where the other sleighs and sleds were. There were various styles, some larger than others, and then there were some like Oskar’s, more of a large sled with sides and a flat bottom that you stood on.
“Come on, I want you to meet my father.”
I took his hand and then paused. It just dawned on me. “Oskar, if your father is the King… that makes you a Prince!”
He shrugged. “Yeah, is that an issue, rakkaani?”
“Well… I’m not a Princess… is that going to be a problem for your dad?”
“No,” he said, grinning. “Come, let me show you our home and then we’ll go meet my father.”
Smiling, I gripped his hand and walked down the lit path with him to the most beautiful little town I had ever seen. I was amazed at what they had created deep underground. There was light, like a golden glow from the ceiling of the town, and grass and trees, mostly firs, and greenhouses growing plants and vegetables, streets where other Reilendeers were riding bikes, or skateboarding. They were all friendly and waved to us as we walked. The dogs raced by us and into the yard of a ranch style home. The outside was blue with a white porch and white shutters on the windows. In the yard stood a yard barn that matched the house. All of the houses were of similar styles, but all different colors. I could see multiple colored lights, just like Christmas lights that lit up the entire village.
Oskar guided me into the yard of the blue house, and then went to the shed and pulled out a big bag of dog food and poured it into the four silver bowls that sat next to the yard barn. Once he’d put that away, he came back to me and said, “Would you like to see the inside?”
I nodded, too flabbergasted to even speak.
He opened the door and we walked into his front hall. The ceiling was high, at least twelve feet, the door too had been tall, and I wondered about that, but was too amazed to say anything yet. Oskar clicked a button on the wall and the room lit up. We stood in the hallway, but to our right was a family room with a cushiony looking deep blue couch, and two matching chairs that reclined, wood tables and a large entertainment center with bookcases on either side. There was a large screen television, dvds, books and a stereo with records.
To the left was a large dining room with a big table surrounded by chairs. A large wide cabinet spanning almost the entire length of the wall sat behind the table. Above it was a portrait of a man with antlers and deer ears looking very regal and important. He wore a blue suit and held a staff. “Is that your father?” I looked up at Oskar.
“It is.” He smiled.
I smiled back, feeling a little bit like Alice in Wonderland. I just hoped that his father wasn’t like the Red Queen. “He looks very regal.”
“He’s going to love you,” Oskar replied. “Don’t worry.”
I nodded.
“So obviously this is the dining room, and that’s the family room. Through here is the kitchen.” He led me through the arched doorway to a huge kitchen. “I like to cook, so I put in this kitchen. It’s been upgraded as Humans have developed better technology over time.”
We walked through the kitchen and there was a sliding glass door that led to a deck in the back that overlooked a manicured lawn where the dogs were now playing, and I smiled, watching them. To the right was another wider entrance that took us back to the hallway and then crossed into another hallway.
&n
bsp; “These two are currently guest rooms,” he gestured, and I looked in to see fully furnished rooms with large beds and the usual furnishings, “this is the guest bathroom, and then my study and another bedroom, and this is the master suite.” We entered his bedroom and I looked around.
There was a really large bed, bigger than a king size and I wondered where he’d gotten it. It was covered in a dark blue bedspread. One wall held bookcases filled with books, there was a large dresser and two night tables as well as a little sitting area in front of a fireplace. There were two doors in one wall, and a sliding glass door that led out to the deck.
“Wow, this is beautiful, Oskar.”
He smiled. “I’m glad you like it. Bathroom is through there,” he said, gesturing to one of the two doors. “The other door leads to a walk-in closet.” He looked at me for a minute and then said, “So, do you think you could be happy here, rakkaani?”
I moved into his arms, stood on my toes and kissed his lips. “Extremely.”
His grin widened. “Let’s go see my father.”
I bit my lip. “Okay.”
Chapter Sixteen
Janice
I was really nervous as we headed back out into the yard. “Do I look okay?” I asked, wondering about how I was dressed.
“You look beautiful, rakkaani.” He smiled. “Would you mind if I dropped the magic that makes me look like this?”
I smiled. I had noticed that most of the Reilendeer did not look as Human as we did. “No, I don’t mind.”
With a sigh of relief, his visage changed a little, and then he stood before me in his true form, with antlers and deer ears and when I moved my gaze over him, I noticed instead of the boots he’d been wearing, his feet were large hooves. He still wore jeans and a sweater, and still looked amazing. I held my hand out to him and he grabbed it and kissed my fingers. Together we headed down the small road to a large building. Oskar waved and greeted everyone happily as we walked.
“I’ll introduce you to everyone later,” he said as we entered the building. “This is the council building. My father is usually here with his advisors during the day.”
“Okay.”
Oskar knocked on the door to the back room and we waited to hear from whoever was inside.
“Come!”
We entered the room and I immediately knew his father the moment I caught sight of him. Without thinking about it, I dipped a polite curtsy and Oskar chuckled, so did his father. Frowning I looked up at Oskar. “Did I do something wrong?”
He shook his head. “No rakkaani, just unexpected.” He smiled at me. “Father, meet my mate, Janice. Rakkaani, my father, Halfard.”
I moved forward and held out my hand. “It is a pleasure to meet you King Halfard.”
He gripped my hand and shook it and then pulled me into an embrace. “Welcome to the family, Janice.”
I blushed. “Well, we haven’t gotten married, so I’m not sure you can consider me family yet, but soon, I hope.”
He chuckled. “I like her. Come, tytär, meet the rest of the council. This is Jari, my high advisor.”
I smiled and shook his hand. “Hello,” I greeted him.
“A pleasure, Prinsessa.” He nodded.
“Esteri, my dearest friend and assistant advisor,” Halfard continued.
“Congratulations, Prinsessa.” She smiled as she shook my hand.
“Hello, thank you,” I answered though I wasn’t sure what I was being congratulated for exactly.
“This is Eero and Jeremias, my junior advisors.”
“It’s nice to meet you, gentleman,” I said, shaking each of their hands.
“The pleasure is ours, Prinsessa,” Eero replied.
“How do you like our village? Have you seen much of it yet, Prinsessa?” Jeremias asked.
“I love it, though I admit I have only seen a small portion of it. What you’ve created here under the Fell is amazing.”
“Thank you,” Halfard answered. “Oskar, you shall have to show her the rest.”
“I will, Father.” Oskar chuckled. “Though, probably not right now. We have to get back. One of her colleagues was injured last evening and we had to take him to the hospital in Sodankylä. We have to return and pick him up.”
“Very well, but I expect a family dinner soon.” Halfard smiled and held his arms out for a hug.
I leaned in and hugged the man who reminded me a bit of my grandfather on my mom’s side. He’d been a joyful man too. “Thank you for being so welcoming.”
“You are family now, Prinsessa.” He smiled.
Oskar wrapped an arm around my waist, and we headed back out into the village. As we passed by his house, he let out a call and the four Malamutes came running and passed us as they raced back up the path to where the sleighs were.
“They must love it down here. Do they have names?” I asked.
“They do,” he blushed a little and then said, “Dasher, Dancer, Prancer and Vixen.”
I laughed. “You named them after Santa’s reindeer?”
He chuckled. “Well, they do pull my sleigh.”
I laughed as he hooked up the sled.
We headed back to the resort and he kenneled the dogs and then we headed to my cabin to check on Smoochy. Halfway there, Dee met us and said, “Merry Christmas!”
“What?” I said blinking, “It’s not Christmas, is it?”
She looked at me like I was crazy. “Yeah, it is, where have you been?”
“Oh, we found Mike last night half buried in the snow. We took him to the hospital. We have to go back and pick him up though.”
“What? Is he okay?” Dee asked. “I thought he was sleeping off that bender in his room!”
I shook my head. “No, I think he drank some more and then decided to play peeping tom on us, but then fell and hit his head.” I sighed. “He’s fine though, according to the doctor.”
“Well good. We’re all meeting at the tavern later, are you two going to join us?”
Oskar smiled. “It’s up to you, rakkaani.”
Dee’s face lit up. “I know that word! Somebody found herself a Christmas romance after all!”
I blushed. “Yeah, I think it’s more than that, Dee. In fact… Oskar is going to come back to Indy with me. We’re going to pack up my apartment, and then after a short visit to some sights, I’m moving here to be with Oskar.”
Dee threw herself into my arms and hugged me. “I’m so happy for you!”
I grinned. “Thanks, I’m pretty happy myself,” I said looking up at Oskar and squeezing his hand in mine. “We should probably check on Smoochy and then head to Sodankylä to get Mike.”
“Okay, see you later, and Merry Christmas!” Dee hugged me again and then hugged Oskar.
“Bye, Dee.” I waved as we continued down to my cabin.
“You’re going to miss her.”
“I am,” I said. “But we can always video chat, and I can always bring her here to visit. I don’t think she would be too sad to stay in another cabin here at the resort.” I smiled.
“I’m glad.” He followed me in, and we checked on Smoochy, restoked the fires, and then headed back out.
The drive to Sodankylä was pleasant, we sang Christmas songs along to the radio and he gave me directions to the hospital. We arrived about ten minutes before Mike was released and entered his room holding hands.
Mike looked at us and groaned. “You two. I hoped the doctor was wrong when he said you two brought me in.”
I arched a brow. “I imagine you did. What they hell were you doing peeping in my cabin windows, Mike?”
“I don’t know, I was drunk. I’ve been pretty drunk for a couple days now, since Erin left anyway. I don’t remember a whole lot.”
“Really?” I asked, looking at him.
“Hey, do you know what happened to my phone?” he asked. “The doctor said I didn’t have it on me.”
“Sorry, we were more worried about getting you here than your phone. You were half buried in
the snow when we found you.”
“That’s what the doctor said.” Mike nodded. “I’ve got a helluva headache. The doctor said I hit my head and that I just barely avoided blood alcohol poisoning. Made me swear to lay off drinking, at least for a while. Not that I ever want another drink, ever. I feel like crap.”
I grinned. “Merry Christmas, Mike.”
“It’s Christmas?” he asked.
I laughed. “That’s what I said when Dee told me. I’d forgotten all about it.”
“Mr. Mills, you are free to go,” a pretty, young nurse said from the doorway.
“Thank you, Anna. You have been an angel,” Mike said, giving her a brilliant smile.
I looked over at Oskar and he grinned.
“We should go.” Oskar gestured for us to leave.
“Do you need help, Mike?” I asked.
“No, I’m fine. Just a bruised ego.” He chuckled. “So you two are together, hmmm?”
I nodded as we headed down the hallway to the entrance. “Yes,” I said and looked up at Oskar.
“I knew it. The minute you looked at the big guy, you couldn’t take your eyes off of him. Guess that I never had shot, did I?”
As we climbed into the SUV, I looked over my shoulder at him. “No, sorry, Mike.”
“It’s okay. I guess I’ve been kind of an ass.” He leaned back in the seat. “I think I’m gonna cut this trip short and head back to the States early.”
“We might all do that,” I said as I drove.
“What?” Mike asked from the backseat. “You aren’t staying with the mountain man here?”
Oskar laughed. “We’re both going. I’m going to help Janice pack up her place. She’s moving here, after she turns in her dissertation and we take a tour of a few U.S. sites.”
Mike shook his head. “Better you than me. I’ve had about enough of polar nights and frigid temperatures. I’m thinking of moving to Florida. Maybe Miami where it’s always sunny and warm.”
Chapter Seventeen
