Chapter 16

Chapter Sixteen

ALVA

T he North Pole had always been a whirlwind of activity on Christmas Eve, but this year, it felt as if every elf in the realm buzzed with extra purpose. The air was warm with the festive scents of cinnamon, roasted chestnuts, and pine wafting through the streets. I strode through the heart of the village square, dodging bustling elves and shouting last-minute orders to ensure everything was perfect.

Tonight wasn’t just Christmas Eve; it was the night when Nick would formally announce me as his bride, the next Mrs. Claus. My heart squeezed at the thought, excitement and nerves warring within me.

Tables adorned with sparkling red and green runners were arranged around the square, each one surrounded by fire pits to keep the townsfolk warm. Lanterns dangled from every tree, their soft glow lending a magical warmth to the frigid air. The towering Christmas tree in the center, adorned with the glowing Heart of Yule, was the crown jewel of it all, its light casting a protective aura over the village. The scene was breathtaking, but there was still so much to do.

“Alva, the dessert cart isn’t ready!” one of the younger elves called, her cheeks flushed with panic.

“Check with the bakery elves,” I replied, ticking off another item on my list. “They’re probably finishing the sugar plum pastries. Tell them I said to expedite it.”

The elf nodded and scurried off, and I turned my attention to the sleigh preparations. Santa was in his chambers, donning his iconic red suit, while the reindeer rested in the stables, groomed to perfection. Comet and Blitzen had made a miraculous recovery and were more than ready to execute their job tonight.

As the sun began to set, the square filled with townsfolk, their voices a joyous hum of anticipation. Tonight’s Christmas Eve dinner would be shared with everyone, a testament to the unity and resilience of the realm after the Frost Queen’s threat.

I was in the kitchens, making sure all the roasted meats and Santa’s favorite side dishes were cooked to exact detail, when an arm snaked around my waist, startling me. When Nick’s lips nestled by my ear, a shiver ran the length of my spine. “Everything is perfect, little elf. It’s okay to let go of the reins just a little.”

I spun around in his arms, our lips almost touching as I looked into his glimmering brown eyes. “I know, but tonight is extra special.”

“Yes, it is,” he said, brushing a rogue strand of hair behind my ear. “I get to officially announce you as my future bride to the whole realm. Is it so bad that I would like to have you by my side tonight? Can’t someone else take over, even if just for a few hours?” A wicked smile curled the end of his lips, and I knew I’d lost the battle. There was no denying him what he wanted when he looked at me with that sinful grin.

I handed my assistant my clipboard, and though it took every ounce of strength I possessed to relinquish the responsibility, it did feel good to let go for once and be able to enjoy the fruits of my labor. Nick guided me out of the kitchen, leading me by the hand, and I couldn’t help but marvel at how gorgeous he looked, dressed in a rich crimson long coat trimmed with gold that made his brown eyes gleam. He looked every bit the prince he’d always been destined to be.

He must’ve noticed me eyeing him, so he leaned down to whisper in my ear. “You look ravishing in that emerald dress. Green is definitely your color, though I much prefer to see you out of the dress than in it…”

I playfully jabbed his arm.

Dinner was served, and the quieting of the chatter, replaced by clinking silverware against dishes, was a sure sign the food had been a hit. Before dessert was brought out, Nick clinked his glass with a fork, drawing everyone’s attention to the head table.

Gods. The time for speeches had arrived, and I swore my knees were ready to buckle as Nick led me to the base of the Christmas tree, my heart pounding as Nick stepped up to address the crowd.

“Thank you all for being here tonight,” Nick began, his voice steady yet choked with emotion. “This holiday season has tested us in ways we never imagined. The Frost Queen sought to extinguish the joy and magic of Christmas, but we stood strong. And that strength didn’t come from me alone; it came from all of you. From your unwavering dedication to this realm, to each other, and to the spirit of Christmas.”

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the crowd before landing on me. My breath caught as his expression softened. “But there is one person who showed me what it truly means to be strong, to be selfless. Someone who reminded me of the prince I could be, the leader I want to become.” He extended his hand toward me, and my feet moved of their own accord, carrying me to his side. His fingers intertwined with mine, and his warmth made my heart rate steady.

“Alva Brightwinter has been the heart of the North Pole long before the Heart of Yule graced our tree. Her tireless dedication, her courage, and her unwavering belief in me are why we’re all standing here tonight. She is my partner, my equal, and it is my greatest honor to announce that she will soon be my wife and your next Mrs. Claus.”

The crowd erupted into cheers, their faces alight with joy and approval. Tears pricked my eyes as Nick squeezed my hand, his smile brighter than the twinkling lanterns overhead. Santa stepped forward then, his presence a commanding force of love and warmth. “Tonight, we not only celebrate Christmas Eve, but also the joining of two hearts that have proven themselves worthy of this realm. Alva, your devotion has not gone unnoticed. You have always been family to us in spirit, but now, we officially welcome you as one of us.”

Mrs. Claus nodded, her eyes glistening. “Welcome to the family, Alva. We are so proud to have you.”

Nick’s younger brother, Leif, grinned mischievously. “Guess this means I’m off the hook for taking the throne. Congrats, Alva.”

As the cheers and laughter from the crowd began to settle, Nick squeezed my hand, giving me the courage to step forward. My heart pounded in my chest, the weight of the moment sinking in as all eyes turned toward me. I took a deep breath, my voice trembling slightly as I began, “Thank you, Santa… thank you, Mrs. Claus… thank you, everyone.” I paused, scanning the sea of faces, from the youngest elves with their wide-eyed wonder to the elder ones who had guided and taught me over the years.

“When I was a young elf,” I continued, “I used to dream about what it would be like to serve the North Pole. To be part of something bigger than myself, to work in harmony with all of you to make Christmas the magical event it is. And when I became Head Elf, I thought I’d reached the pinnacle of my dreams. But tonight… tonight, I realize I was wrong. ”

I turned to Nick, my eyes locking with his. “Because, never in my wildest dreams, did I imagine standing here as your future Mrs. Claus. Never did I think that the heart I poured into this realm, the love I have for this work, would be recognized in this way.”

My voice caught, and I had to blink away tears. “It’s been my greatest honor to serve this realm, and it will be an even greater honor to serve it alongside Nick. This prince, who has shown me what it means to love with courage and devotion. Who has reminded me that even in the darkest times, light can prevail. Nick, your belief in me, your willingness to fight for us, has changed my life. You’ve shown me that together, we are stronger than any storm, any threat.”

The crowd murmured in agreement, their faces beaming.

“To all of you,” I said, addressing the townsfolk, “thank you for trusting me, for welcoming me into your family, for allowing me to share in this incredible legacy. I vow to give everything I have to this role, to this realm, and to all of you. Christmas is about joy, love, and unity—and it is a privilege to help bring that to life. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.”

I took Nick’s hand, his smile shining brighter than the moon on this pristine night. The applause that erupted filled the night air, carrying with it the promise of a new chapter—not just for me, but for all of us.

A short while later, the moment everyone had been waiting for finally arrived. Santa climbed into the sleigh, his famous crimson suit glowing in the light of the lanterns. The reindeer, their antlers adorned with silver bells, stomped their hooves eagerly, ready for flight. The runway, lined with Christmas lights, sparkled like a path to the heavens.

The crowd counted down in unison. “Three… two… one!” And with a crack of the reins and a hearty “Ho, ho, ho!” Santa and the reindeer soared into the sky, the sleigh leaving a tr ail of stardust behind. The crowd cheered, their voices carrying into the night as the sleigh disappeared into the horizon.

As the festivities wound down and the villagers returned to their homes, Nick took my hand, leading me back to his chambers. The warmth of the hearth in his room greeted us, the flickering flames casting a golden glow over the room. A Christmas tree stood in the corner, its ornaments sparkling like tiny stars. Fur blankets were spread across the floor, and Nick guided me to sit beside him. “Do you want to open a gift early?” he asked, his voice alight with mischief.

I nodded, and he reached for a small velvet box. When I opened it, my breath crystalized. Inside was a diamond pendant shaped like the Heart of Yule, its brilliance unmatched. “This is to remind everyone—and you—that you didn’t just save Christmas,” Nick said as he turned me around so he could fasten it around my neck. “You saved me .”

Tears spilled down my cheeks as I threw my arms around him. “It’s beautiful, Nick. Thank you. I have a little something for you, too.” I reached into my cloak and pulled out my gift to him. “My grandfather was one of the North Pole’s most skilled toy makers, but his greatest passion was building clocks and watches.” I handed Nick the small square box. As he opened it, I said, “Before passing away, he gifted my father a golden pocket watch engraved with the words Love Is Timeless. Before my father passed, as he didn’t have any sons, he gave it to me. I would like you to have it.”

Nick was stunned silent, his throat bobbing as he held back tears. “Alva… this gift. It’s priceless. I could never accept this?—”

“Nick, my father would’ve liked for you to have it. If he were alive, he’d see you as his son. Please, honor me by accepting the gift.”

Nick stared at it, his fingers tracing the inscription. “ Alva… this is the most perfect gift anyone has ever given me.”

We kissed, and as the fire crackled and the world outside settled into Christmas peace, we made love beneath the glow of the tree, the promise of our future sealed in every touch and whispered word.