Free North Pole City Tales 03 - Vixen's Valor by Charlie Cochet Page B

his son alone was frightening. Vixen turned and headed for the front doors. What could a Christmas elf do? He had no powers. It was best he remain out of the Frost family’s way. There was nothing he could do. That’s what he kept telling himself as he left the palace, his heart splintered and aching.

Chapter Seven
     
    D ESPITE TELLING himself he was making the right decision by walking away, seeing as how there was nothing he could do to help matters, he still felt like sludge. Hailing a sleigh outside the palace, Vixen knew who he needed to see. There was only one elf he could turn to at this time. The same elf who’d always been there for him. Who he knew would always be there. Who Vixen had always taken for granted and treated so poorly.
    Vixen found Rudy in an expansive, grand study inside Jack’s palace. A lump formed in his throat when he thought of his behavior toward his friend. He was so ashamed.
    “Rudy….”
    Rudy took one look at him and rushed over to him, drawing him into his embrace. “Is it true?”
    Vixen nodded and hugged his Rein Dear brother. “Vale told you?”
    “No. Hollis.” Rudy pulled back, looking both worried and frustrated. “Vixen, how could you? That scepter has remained untouched since the Frost War. There’s no telling what will happen.”
    “I never meant to hurt anyone. One minute I was fine, the next everything was hazy. I was talking to someone, and he kept asking. I must have let it slip.”
    “You shouldn’t be here, Vixen.”
    Vixen’s head shot up, his eyes wide as he stared at his friend. “But… I don’t know what else to do. I need you. You’re my best friend.”
    “I promise you I’ll do whatever it takes to sort this mess out, but Vixen, Jack is here. Hollis told him what happened. If he finds you here, there’s no telling—”
    A howling wind slammed the study doors open and a swirling storm of snow and ice burst through the room. Jack thundered in, and Vixen hid behind Rudy, his eyes shut tight with the ridiculous hope that if he couldn’t see Jack that Jack couldn’t see him.
    “Where is he?”
    “Jack, please.” Rudy held a hand up in an attempt to placate the blustering winter spirit, but Jack was having none of it. He spotted Vixen and grabbed him by the lapels of his jacket, lifting him off his feet.
    “You stupid little elf. What have you done?”
    “I’m sorry,” Vixen squeaked, wishing the blustering spirit would put him down.
    “Sorry? Not only have you destroyed my cousin and his reputation, but you’ve unleashed a dangerous weapon upon the world. For what? Your ego? For another story in the paper of how great you are? No amount of press will make it so.” He dropped Vixen roughly onto the floor; the Rein Dear would have fallen on his backside if Rudy hadn’t steadied him. Jack’s words wounded Vixen, but he knew it was best to remain silent.
    “Jack, please don’t be cruel to him.”
    “ I’m being cruel?” Jack scoffed and started pacing the floor, the wind howling and the snowstorm causing a terrible chill inside the study. The windows were open, and the curtains whipped furiously. “His selfishness has brought down a good elf who has shown him nothing but kindness, affection, and the utmost respect. Who has treated him as more than a quick romp in the snow. And what does he give in return? He puts himself first, like he always does.” Jack rounded on Vixen, looming over him, the words nearly spat out. “You are so bloody obsessed with having everyone love you that in the end you make it impossible for anyone to do so. Which is why you have been and always will be alone.”
    “Jack!” Rudy snapped, drawing Vixen into his embrace. “That’s quite enough. I know Vale is your cousin, but please show a little restraint.”
    Jack opened his mouth, but instead of more angry words, he pursed his lips, breathed heavily through his nose, and snapped his fingers. The doors and windows slammed shut, and the storm subsided.