Read North Pole City Tales 03 - Vixen's Valor for Free Online Page B

and play but away from the Rein Dears who were building. Vale followed him outside, his heart swelling at the beautiful elf. How could no one see how wonderful Vixen was?
    “There you are.” Blitzen appeared with a large slab of gingerbread tucked under each arm and a deep scowl for Vixen. “Do you plan on doing any work today at all?”
    Vale bristled at the elf’s accusation, and although he shouldn’t speak for Vixen, he couldn’t help himself. “Your hard work and generosity are admirable, Blitzen, but I will remind you that kindness does not end with action alone. At times words are needed to lift spirits and touch lives. Vixen has provided these elflings with such kindness. You mustn’t be so quick to reprimand your brethren.”
    Blitzen stared at him, his eyes nearly as wide as Vixen’s. He swallowed hard and gave a firm nod before hurrying off. Well, not the apology he’d been hoping for, but it would do.
    “You defended me,” Vixen said quietly.
    “Why does that surprise you?” Vale held his arm out, and Vixen took hold of it, walking toward the construction area.
    “No one’s ever defended me before.”
    Vale was aware of the other Rein Dears watching them as they approached a house that was only halfway finished. He placed a kiss to Vixen’s cheek before picking up a hard candy hammer. “I shall be more than happy to fill the position and am at your service with the greatest of pleasure should you need it.” He nodded toward the house. “Now, shall we show your brethren what we’re made of?”
    With a wicked gleam in his eyes, Vixen picked up a hammer and joined him, whispering in his ear. “I look forward to calling upon your pleasurable services.”
    At the moment, Vale’s face most likely matched Rudy’s hair in color. It appeared the task before him was about to become more challenging. He smiled at the thought.

Chapter Four
     
    V IXEN WAS nearly bursting at the seams with excitement. Less than an hour ago, a strikingly handsome Vale had picked him up in his family’s royal sleigh, their finery drawing the attention of everyone they passed. Vixen basked in the attention, taking delight in the way he was treated like royalty merely for being in Vale’s presence.
    The previous evening, after Vale had dropped him off, Vixen had run out to find a fabulous new outfit. He’d opted for a caramel-colored frockcoat with matching breeches to go with the color of his hair. The coat was elaborately decorated with flowery embroidery in subdued pinks and green, as was the cream-colored waistcoat underneath. The look on Vale’s face when he saw Vixen had made his heart flutter and his breeches tighten. The lieutenant hadn’t been kidding when he said his desire could melt glaciers. Vixen was looking forward to the experience. For the last twenty minutes, Vixen had been standing in the grand ballroom attempting to take it all in. He’d never been to the King of Frost’s palace, and it was just as grandiose as he had always imagined.
    The ballroom was even more opulent than the one hosting the Silver Bells Christmas Ball. The entire room sparkled like thousands of tiny diamonds in the sky. The walls and roof were white with silver accents and moldings. The intricately decorated archways between the white-and-silver marble columns contained chandeliers made of sparkling crystal. The gleaming floor was white marble with silver veins. It was a glorious monument to the king of all winter.
    At one end of the room sat a large orchestra dressed in white finery and playing white instruments. Not far from them was the only item of color in the room. The king’s throne was set in an alcove four steps up and surrounded on three sides by blue silk curtains. It was magnificent, befitting its elegant king. The throne itself was white and silver with the armrests carved into fierce polar bears and the back fanned out in delicately carved white trees with curved branches. The seat and backrest were tufted blue