To Love A Nutcracker

Chapter 3

It wasn't long before a flurry of guests arrived at the Morningstar household, each one a friend of Lucifer and Lilith—an eclectic mix of socialites, affluent businessmen, esteemed doctors, and accomplished lawyers. The men congregated in one corner, puffing on cigars and savoring brandy, while the women gathered around Lilith, animatedly discussing the latest fashions, showcasing sparkling jewelry, and exchanging the juiciest gossip. Meanwhile, Charlotte mingled with the other children, engaging in traditional holiday games and delighting in an array of Christmas sweets.

As the evening unfolded, the air was filled with music, and the atmosphere transformed into one of merriment as everyone began to dance. Most guests waltzed gracefully across the floor, but Charlotte, ever the performer, opted for a ballet routine. She swapped her black flats for a pair of delicate pink slippers and glided across the floor on the tips of her toes, reveling in the joy of the moment. However, her bliss was short-lived; as her laces came undone, she slipped and fell. Laughter erupted from the other children, and Charlotte's cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

"Don't take it so hard, sweetie." Rosie said, rushing to help her up. "You're a wonderful dancer. You just need a bit more practice."

"You really think so?" Charlotte asked, her voice tinged with hope.

"Absolutely! As an actress, I've had my fair share of mishaps." Rosie replied with a reassuring smile.

"Really?"

"Yes! When I first started acting, I could hardly remember my lines and ended up saying the silliest things. But I learned from my mistakes, kept trying, and now I'm the toast of Paris and beyond."

"Tell me about your last show—the one in Venice."

"Ah, well, I played Katherine in The Taming of the Shrew. I received a standing ovation, and afterward, your godfather treated me to a romantic gondola ride under the stars. But my favorite performances were always in London and Moscow."

"Why those places?"

"Because Moscow is where I met my dear Husker, and we climbed to the top of the snowy mountains to gaze out over the city. As for London, that's where my sister lives with her husband, and it was the only time we could see each other. I remember one time, the King of England was so impressed with my performance as the Queen of the Night that he invited my sister, our husbands, and me to a ball at Buckingham Palace."

"You must have felt like a princess! I wish I could have been there."

"Maybe someday you will be. If you become a prima ballerina, you'll be invited to all sorts of balls and parties."

"But I'm not good enough to be a prima ballerina."

"How do you know? You've never really tried to see if it's possible. I've been thinking—there's a wonderful ballet school in Paris, the best there is. I could put my acting on hold so you could live with Husk and me while you attend the school."

"Father would never allow it."

"Well, there's no harm in asking him, is there?"

"But I'm not even sure if I want to live in Paris or go to that school. It sounds amazing, but... I just don't know."

"I understand. We can discuss it at a more appropriate time. Right now, it looks like Husk is getting ready to hand out gifts and perform a few more tricks."

With that, Charlotte eagerly joined the other children gathered around Husk, who stood at the center of the room, conjuring wonders with a flick of his fingertips. Toys, nuts, and candies materialized as if by magic, each item sparking joy and delight. Flashes of light and bursts of color erupted from his sleeves and beneath his cape, filling the air with laughter and excitement. While the adults looked on with indifference or annoyance, the children adored Husk for his ability to pull delightful surprises from his pockets—sometimes a little man who bowed with a flourish, other times a box that released a tiny bird, hopping out joyfully when opened.