𝒜 𝐿𝒾𝓉𝓉𝓁𝑒 𝒞𝒽𝓇𝒾𝓈𝓉𝓂𝒶𝓈 𝑀𝒶𝑔𝒾𝒸

𝒞𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝟪

AN: Merry Christmas Eve, everybody!

Confidently, Nathaniel strode up to the licorice gates. I followed him with anticipation, wondering who in the world he was talking about. We waited a few moments for them to open, but nothing happened.

"I hope they haven't forgotten me," Nate mumbled.

"Maybe you're supposed to, like, knock?" I suggested.

"Could be." He shrugged. "I'll wait a little bit longer before doing so."

Right after he'd finished speaking, as if on cue, the gates swung open, revealing a peppermint-paved path. A young woman in a long, dark purple gown rushed out to meet us. Her long, chocolate-brown hair hung down her back in masterful curls.

"Prince Nathaniel, you've returned at last!" she exclaimed, enveloping him in a hug.

"It's nice to see you too, Sugar Plum." Nathaniel was grinning from ear to ear. "May I introduce you to the young lady who broke my curse?" He gestured toward me.

"Certainly! And you must tell me all about how this came about." She smiled warmly.

"Well then, I would like you to meet Miss Clara Stahlbaum, my uncle's goddaughter. Clara, I would like you to meet the Sugar Plum Fairy, my chief advisor and regent."

I curtsied politely. (I used to binge-watch period dramas, so I learned some manners from there.) "It is an honor to meet you, Sugar Plum."

"And it is a pleasure to meet you, dear Clara. Come now, let us go to the palace. It's better than standing out here in the cold. Once we're inside, my prince, you can tell your tale."

I inadvertently shivered. I hadn't realized how cold it was outside.

Huh. Usually, I'd be freezing. I guess I've been so caught up in my adventure that I didn't even notice it. Honestly, I'm hoping this is all real and not some crazy dream. If it is, well, I'm gonna be really mad. And sad.

Sugar Plum led us down the path and ushered us into the gingerbread castle. I couldn't help but look around in awe at my surroundings. I couldn't believe how creative the architecture and décor were. Sure, it was all candy or desserts, but it was still masterful architecture, from sugar glass windowpanes to old-fashioned chocolate lampposts lining the path. Powdered sugar snow covered the ground. I now understood what Hansel and Gretel thought about the witch's house. I wanted to sample everything!

"Here we are!" she announced as we stopped in front of the palace. She opened the door with an unusual amount of grace and waited for us to enter.

When I stepped into the building itself, I couldn't help but gasp. "So much candy! And it's so beautiful!"

The fairy clapped her hands, and two little girls in matching white dresses appeared. "Girls, I'd like you to spread the news to everyone. Our prince has returned, and his curse has been broken! Have everyone meet here in the throne room."

The girls curtsied and raced to spread the word, excited looks on their faces.

"Now, my prince, please tell me your story," she requested.

Nate face-palmed. "How many times do I have to tell you this, Sugar Plum? Please, just call me Nathaniel or Nate, at least when it's not a formal setting."

"Nate is too informal." She sighed. "I will call you Nathaniel, then. Now, will you please tell me your story, Nathaniel?"

"I would like to wait for the rest of the court if you don't mind."

"C'mon, Nate, why are you procrastinating so much?" I smirked. "Is there something you're trying to hide?"

"No—ugh, I just don't like to talk about it." His face turned bright red, and he looked down for a moment. "Besides, it's important. Everyone has to know about it so I'm not bombarded with questions."