Kiara steps back, quickly composing her surprised expression with one of confidence. "Are you pleased, Mother?"
Nicnivin doesn't smile but she doesn't frown. Something in her posture gives off an air of approval and Kiara beams with happiness.
"You move surprisingly well for someone carrying twins, Ever."
"Thanks. I think."
"I was useless when I was expecting Kiara. My feet were so swollen..." She trails off, looking around like she forgot that she was in the Goblin Kingdom. "Never mind that. I came with a present for you, Ever."
I look to Kiara, watching as her face falls. I know the feeling of disappointment well. My own mother forgot me around the holidays for years. I'd make it up to her somehow.
"Oh, I can't accept presents, Queen Nicnivin. I don't have anything to give you back."
She holds out her hand, a small dark blue present resting in her palm. "Nonsense. I'm sure you will find a way to return the favor."
I pause. Do I want to owe her any more favors than I already do? I look to Dare, who watches the exchange closely. If I refuse her gift, I'll look like an asshole, but if I take it, that's one more IOU from me in her pocket.
I step forward, a forced smile on my lips. "Thank you for thinking of me."
I open the box to find a pair of hair sticks. I’m not really the put things in my hair type, but I smile as wide as I can. “They’re gorgeous. Thank you.”
She tips her head before turning back to her daughter. "I expect you won't be home for the Yule celebration. I shall have your presents delivered shortly."
"Okay," Kiara whispers.
"Until next time, I wish you all a very happy Yule." With a puff of black smoke and one inky feather drifting in the wind after her departure, Queen Nicnivin is gone.
"Your mother is so interesting." I drawl the words sarcastically toward Kiara.
She snickers. "You have no idea."
Shortly after Queen Nicnivin's departure, we wrapped up our training session and I headed into the library with this giant book of names Arela had given me.
I'm snuggled up in my favorite spot. A giant leather love seat in front of a fireplace near a window overlooking the rolling hills that make up the Goblin Kingdom. Dare had left to do something. What, I have no idea, because he wouldn't tell me, so Kirin and Axel are hanging out with me, watching me like a hawk, and laughing at all the bad name suggestions I make.
"How about Adole and Annerva?"
Kirin smacks his palm to his forehead. "How about not?"
My lips twitch. "Those are perfectly good names for twins!"
"Only if you want them to get the shit kicked out of them on a daily basis," Axel chimes in, looking up from polishing yet another one of his blades. Honestly, I think he's got more weapons than I do. And that's not an easy feat.
"Fine, I'll keep looking," I huff and continue playing with the names in my head, growing frustrated as none of them seem to click into place. A scuffle sounds and all three of us perk up, our attention focused on whomever is coming toward us.
Arela bounces into sight, her robin’s-egg-blue hair flowing behind her like there's a wind blowing just for her. "Hey, guys!"
We all deflate like popped balloons when we realize it's not a threat. "Hi!" I pat the seat beside me. "Come sit. I need your help with something."
Her magenta and teal-colored eyes light up and she practically leaps toward me. "Whatever you need, I'm your girl."
I ruffle her hair and smile. "I need you two to disappear."
"But Dare said—"
"I know what he said, but I need you two to move away so I can plan a surprise." I flick my hands at them. "Shoo, shoo."
They grumble about it but they move, staying within sight but far enough away that Arela and I can whisper without being heard.
"Okay, I want to plan something epic for Yule." Arela nods excitedly. "Do you think the gargoyles are strong enough to carry presents in and drop them off?"
She bounces in place in her seat. "Yes! Oh, my gods, that would be so cool!"
"Do you think you can train them in time? What would we need to do?"
"Well, you'd have to get clothing from everyone and give one piece of clothing to each gargoyle. They'll sniff them out and drop them at my command, I think." She taps a finger on her lips. "I'd have to test it out. I can use Brodie as a test subject."
"I can get clothes. If you can get some too, that would be good. You might need to get them from Eryn. She's watching me like a hawk anytime I'm near her, so she'd probably be able to tell that I was up to something."
"I can do that!" She squeals. "I'm so excited!"
"I am too. I think this is going to be a great Yule." I rub a hand over my belly. It's probably going to be the best Yule I've had to date. In MECA we'd done a present swap, each person only getting one thing. But now, I've gone completely over the top for my crew and Dare's family. I just couldn't seem to help myself. We went to an outdoor market and I went on a shopping spree. Most of it is useful but a few things are sentimental.
Arela's expression changes from excited to serious and I reach for her hand. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing is wrong. Everything is so perfect. I'm just scared I'm going to do something to mess it up." She grips my hand hard in hers. "I've never had a family like this before."
"Well, no matter what you do, we'll always be there to catch you when you fall and pick you up and dust you off." I wrap my arm around her shoulders. "That's what family does. It's not something you turn off and on."
Arela sniffles and my heart breaks a little bit for her. She's been through so much for someone so young and yet she still is the most cheerful person I know. "Thank you, Ever. For stopping that day at the fountain. I don't know where I'd be if you hadn't."
"I don't know where I'd be either. You've taught me so much, Arela. My life is better with you in it." It's the truth. She's taught me more about what it is to be selfless than anyone else I know. I couldn't imagine my life without her in it now. It would be less bright though.
"You're going to make me cry." Arela rubs at her eyes, pulling back and smiling softly at me.
I wipe at my own eyes. "Too late. I'm already teary."
We sit and talk about baby names and how we're going to steal clothing from everyone and just which gargoyle she thinks will fit for each person I've got a gift for. She tells me what she's gotten everyone and I tell her about my presents too and the moment is happy. It's carefree and light and everything I need after a stressful few months and more surprises than are probably healthy in one person’s lifetime.
Dare wanders back into the library sometime later with a cup of hot cocoa for me and I reach for it excitedly.
"Gimme!"
"Say please, mo grá." He holds it away from my reach and I roll my eyes playfully.
"Pretty please can I have the chocolatey goodness you're so meanly keeping from me?"
He laughs, dropping a kiss to the top of my head and handing over the warm mug. I hum joyfully and take a sip. "Yummy. Thank you."
"Anything for you, Ever." Dare sits next to me, his posture stiff, and I watch him closely, not sure what has him tense.
"Is something wrong? Did something happen?"
"No, of course not." He moves his hand from behind his back and holds it out, palm facing upward, a small gift with a bow resting in the center.
I put my mug down on the table in front of us and reach for the present. "What's this? It's not Yule yet."
"I know, but I couldn't wait any longer to give this to you." He nods at the small package resting in my lap. "Open it."
I untie the bow, gently unwrapping it even though I want to tear through it like a wild beast. It's a small box. Too small to be a weapon. "What is it?" I ask, curious if he'll give me a hint.
"Open it and see." He rests his hand on my knee and I do as he says, opening the box.
I gasp. "Oh, my gods. Dare." Nestled inside the box is a white-gold ring. The band is thin but
sturdy when I pick it up and the surface is smooth. Small diamonds form a sort of scattered pattern on the top, resting flat rather than sticking up. It's breathtaking in its simplicity. It's both beautiful and practical. I'll be able to wear it all the time rather than having to take it off when I'm fighting. "It's perfect, Dare." Tears form in my eyes and I look between this big, rough goblin I love and the ring I've got pinched between two fingers.
"Ever, I know that we cannot hear each other's thoughts, but I can feel you so deeply in my chest. I know that you are destined to be my mate, despite the lack of obvious signs. I can feel it in my bones. Would you do me the honor of wearing my ring and showing the world that you belong to me?"
I nod, tears dropping on my cheeks, and I lean forward, wrapping my arms around him. "Yes. Of course I will." I let him go, holding the ring out to him. He takes it from my fingers, the small metal circle looking even tinier in his large fingers. I hold out my left hand, and he slides the ring onto my fourth finger. It's a perfect fit.
I grip his face between my hands and plant a kiss on his lips. It's soft and sweet and full of promise and love. "I love you, Dare." I say the words between breaths and kisses, my heart overflowing with wonder and delight.
"And I love you, mo grá. More than words can explain."
4
A lot of tears, more love than I thought imaginable, and a wee bit of sneaking around, and Yule is here. The energy in the castle buzzes with excitement and everyone has put on their best clothes. For the women, that means their best dresses, and the men, their un-ripped shirts and pants and some fancy buckles. For me, that means a pair of leggings and a long, flowy top that Kiara gave to me a day early so I could wear it. It's a deep red, and the arms end in wide openings near my hands, silver thread creating a beautiful pattern at the edges. It frames my stomach perfectly and makes me feel like I'm not some sort of waddling duck ready to pop at any minute.
I'm sitting next to Dare in the main hall at the longest table I've ever seen here, and my face hurts from the smile that I can't seem to dim. This is my family. And we're safe and happy and everyone has a place and is loved.
I look down the line as Axel and Kirin bicker with each other, playfully threatening to stab each other with the cutlery, and I shake my head. Eryn is seated next to Dagan, who's frowning at her as she speaks to him, and I pause. Eryn's face is pinched in anger and they both whisper heatedly at each other. Hmm, I wonder what that's about. Dagan says something, turning to face Eryn, and her cheeks turn red. Her mouth opens before she snaps it shut and turns her attention away from Dagan, to Kiara on her left.
Dagan's eyes practically glow with rage at her dismissal, but he closes his eyes and takes a few breaths, the action seeming to calm him a bit. I store that little tiff for later so I can ask Eryn about it. I know they've been on watch a lot lately, but if they're not getting along, maybe we can switch it up so they're not so upset with each other.
"Why are you frowning, Ever?" Dare whispers the words in my ear and I shiver at the sound of his voice.
"Eryn and Dagan are fighting. I was thinking that maybe we should switch up the watch shifts so they aren't so aggravated with each other?"
"Dagan hasn't said anything to me." Dare eyes his brother.
"Eryn hasn't mentioned anything to me either." Which is odd. Normally if something is bugging her, she'd tell me. "I guess we'll leave it alone for now. I don't want to meddle."
Dare chuckles. "Yes, you do. If you'd like, I'll speak to Dagan."
"No, that's okay. Let's just see what happens." Despite the fact that I'm dying to ask Eryn a million questions, she won’t tell me anything until she's ready to. That's just how she works.
"When would you like to tell everyone our news?" Dare asks, taking my hand in his.
"Now is fine. Help me up." I stand, pushing the heavy chair out behind me so I don't bump the table with my belly, and I clear my throat. No one hears me. I look to Dare with a do-something stare and he chuckles at my impatience.
He grabs his glass of cider and taps his fork against it, the sound ringing out through the hall. Heads turn our way all at once and I'm hard-pressed to not step backwards and hide from all of the attention. Gods, that's nerve-racking.
"Can we have your attention please? Ever and I would like to share some news with everyone."
Cheers ring out and I wave my hand, hushing them. "So, as most of you here know, we found out we'll be having not one baby but two. A boy and a girl." I smile as everyone whoops and hollers, clapping and whistling. Excitable bunch today. "Dare and I have decided on names for them."
"Tell us! Oh, this ought to be good," and various other statements of excitement echo off the walls of the hall and I smile up at Dare.
"Our son's name will be Ronan." The goblins seated in front of us bang their fists against the table, causing all the plates and glasses to shake, and Dare grins like a fool.
I clear my throat. "And our daughter's name will be Raley!" Everyone stands up and shouts their excitement, clapping and turning to hug each other. I'm told it's been awhile since there was a child born of the Teags' line, but I'm pretty sure it's a mix of drink and Yuletide spirit that's causing such a reaction.
I lock gazes with Arela and nod, giving her the signal that now's the time to bring in our special treat for everyone.
She puts two fingers in her mouth and whistles loudly, drawing attention to herself before everyone's focus shifts to the thirty or so gargoyles flying into the great hall carrying presents in their grip. They chirp and flap their little wings, each of them making a beeline for who I hope is their intended recipient.
"Merry Yule, everyone. Please check the tag on the present to make sure it's yours. I'm not one hundred percent sure that they didn't mix up one or two."
Anarchy and Chaos land on each of my shoulders, both holding a small gift in their mouths. I reach up and take them from them, scratching under their chins and giving them kisses on their snouts. "Thank you, my little beasties."
They chitter at me but stay where they are, watching all the festivities, and I turn, handing both presents to Dare. "These are for you."
"I told you not to get me anything, mo grá." He narrows his eyes at me but still accepts them.
"Well, I didn't listen. So open them." I clap my hands together, excited to see his reaction. I'd only gotten him one, but after of his early present to me, I added a second one.
He rips through them, smiling when he sees the leather cuff bracelet I got him. There's a strip of silver in the center that seemed to match his usual style of leather and metal so I grabbed it before anyone else could. "This is perfect. I shall wear it always."
I nod at the other present. "Open that one." I shift from one foot to the other, impatient to see his reaction to this one.
He smiles at me and does as I say, ripping the packaging in two before seeing a small black box similar to the one he presented to me in the library. He removes the top of it and smirks.
"You copied my idea, then?"
I swat at him. Smug goblin. "Of course I did. If I'm going to wear a ring, you are too, goblin." I snag the thick band in my fingers and toss the box on the table. "I feel you in my bones too, Dare. With every breath you take, it's like you breathe life into me. Would you please wear this ring and show everyone that you're as much mine as I am yours?"
"Of course, mo grá." He holds out his left hand, and I grab it in my smaller one. I slide the wide band onto his finger before gripping his palm and bringing it up to my lips, kissing the ring. He notches his knuckle under my chin and lifts my face to his, brushing his lips over mine before deepening our kiss.
"Oy, that's how you ended up in this mess in the first place!" Kirin shouts.
We break our kiss and I grab a biscuit to throw it at him. Dare catches me before I do, waving a finger at Kirin. "Kissing is not how we made babies, I'll tell you that much."
Warmth spreads upward from my chest to my cheeks as I blush. I hit Dare with the bac
k of my hand on his chest. "Hey! No one needs to know the details! Mind your own, Kirin, or I'll throw more than food at you!"
He holds his glass of whatever the hell he's drinking up and laughs. "Cheers to the expecting parents. Don't worry, Ever, I'll drink a glass for you."
I flip him the bird but laugh anyway. All this revelry surrounding me is infectious. I smile, leaning into Dare as I watch our families mingle. It's not how I expected my life to turn out but I can't think of anything better than this.
Thank You!
Dear Reader,
Thank you so much for taking the time to read Yuletide Revelry. I hope you enjoyed reading about Ever and her crew as much as I enjoyed penning their story.
Currently I have quite a few books planned for Ever and her merry band of misfits as well as a few other projects such as my Dragon Stone Saga. If you’d like to stay up to date on all of my upcoming books, please sign up for my newsletter here: http://bit.ly/GKNewsletter. Or make sure you follow me on Facebook @GraceleyKnox!
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Stay Wicked,
Graceley
Also By Graceley Knox
The Wicked Kingdoms Series:
1. Mark of Truth
2. Crown of Betrayal
3. Throne of Secrets
4. Castle of Illusions (Coming Soon!)
The Dragon Stone Saga:
Kiss of Frost
Exclusively in the Sirens & Scales Boxed Set
(Coming January 9th 2018)!
Up in Smoke (Coming in 2018)
Shake the Ground (Coming in 2018)
Yuletide Revelry: A Wicked Kingdoms Christmas Short Page 3
