“What a night,” Lord Summers said, yawning politely as the group waited for the carriage to be brought to the steps. “Serenity was quite popular.” Eric nodded. Holding Seren to his side as they waved back and forth, half-asleep.

“I believe they’re the only one to meet the Queen in the city.” Lady Summers sighed wistfully. “I’ve heard she’s beautiful beyond all imagining.”

“Ssshe is.” Seren mumbled.

“What did she look like? No one’s ever seen her!” Lady Summers swept around to Seren and placed her hands on their slumped shoulders.

“Nice. She was so nice.” Seren smiled, eyes already closed and drifting far away. “I hope I see her again. And the baby is so cute.”

“Baby!?” Lady Summers gasped. “There’s a baby?”

“Mhm, little little baby.” Seren nodded.

“All right kid, come here.” Eric said, leaning down and picking them up. Seren went limp instantly as the last barrier between them and sleep disappeared.

“I can’t imagine why that’s been hidden from us.” Lady Summer sighed. “I remember when I attended the King’s presentation as a girl.”

“I remember the air of disappointment when it was announced the King was married.” Eric agreed, “Though I assumed that was mostly because people were upset about not being eligible anymore.”

“No, it was an odd occurrence. We all just assumed there was something wrong with her.” Lord Summers shrugged as the carriage pulled around and came to a stop before them. “We should get that kid back home to bed.”

“Yes, tomorrow morning is Yule. I’m sure it’ll be a busy morning for you.” Lady Summers said, getting settled in the carriage followed by her husband and lastly Eric who laid Seren down on the seat and laid their head in his lap.

“I guess,” he said, looking at Seren.

“If we had known sooner, we’d have sent gifts for them.” Lady Summers said, smiling at the sleeping Seren. “Sadly, no businesses are open on Yule, otherwise we’d bring them something. Maybe when the businesses open again we’ll pick up something. What do they like?”

“They’ve had a lot on their mind lately,” Eric said finally. “Haven’t had a lot of time to play.”

“So they have no toys?” Lady Summers asked, “every child should have toys!”

“They aren’t a child. They're in their teens and they’ve outgrown most toys.” Eric explained. Turning to look out the window.

“Books then! A well read young adult can only yield success.” Lord Summers suggested. His wife gasped excitedly.

“Yes! Books! They must read.” She said, Eric nodded.

“They have been spending time in the library,” he agreed

“I can’t imagine that you have many young adult books in your collection.” Lady Summers shook her head. “We’ll find some good collections for them.” Eric nodded tiredly. His uncle and aunt took the hint and the rest of the ride continued in silence. Up to the steps of the Summers manor.

The Summers left the carriage and Eric picked up Seren and left the carriage.

“Oh, Eric!” Lady Summers called, causing him to turn. “Merry Yuletide. It’s been wonderful to have you in the family again.” The two smiled and waved. Eric nodded and headed up the stairs to his own home. Struggling to open the door with his arms full.

Eric pushed open the door and shut it behind him with his knee. He sighed at Seren’s peaceful face. He placed them down on the sofa in the sitting room and pulled off their winter boots before removing his own and dropping them in the entryway haphazardly.

If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

The grandfather clock chimed midnight, while Eric removed his coat and slid Seren out of theirs. He contemplated just leaving Seren on the sofa but a chilly breeze blew in from the blocked up windows and he conceded. Picking them up again and carrying them up the stairs. Gently laying them down in their bed and tucking them in. He carefully took their hair out and placed the ties and clips onto the bedside table.

Seren sighed and curled into their bed covers. Eric brushed their hair out of their sleeping face. He leaned down and kissed their forehead before stepping back and wondering why he did that. Deciding he needed to go to bed himself. He retired to his room and collapsed on the bed. Not even taking the time to get into his night clothes.

The sun woke up Seren when it peeked into their bedroom window. A wave of excitement surged through them and had them leaping out of bed.

“DAD! DAD It’s YULETIDE!” They yelled while jumping on their bed. They launched off their bed and ran to their door before realizing they were still wearing their evening dress.

“Nope, that’s not gonna work.” Seren shook their head and threw off the dress and wrestled into comfortable pajamas. Throwing their door open with a crash.

“It’s Yuletide!” They yelled. “Dad! Dad! D-” Seren stopped at the top of the stairs. Everything went cold and silent. They didn’t hear anything, even as Eric stumbled around tiredly and came up behind them.

“Hey, let’s get breakfast going.” He said gently. Pulling them into a hug. Seren choked and wrapped their arms around him. Pushing their face into his stomach. “It’s okay.” Seren only whimpered in response.

“Are you hungry? Let’s make breakfast.” Eric gave them a gentle push and Seren turned and tearfully went down the stairs. Eric followed after them into the kitchen.

“We have lots of leftovers, I think I can manage toast.” Eric said, trying to lighten the mood but Seren only stood by the counter staring at the ground.

“I don’t think I’m hungry.” They said quietly.

“Okay,” Eric said. He started on making coffee. “Would you like tea, or cocoa?” Seren shook their head. Eric nodded and put the kettle on.

“We could get the presents for Yuletide. Open them up?” He offered, Seren sniffled and a few tears slipped down their cheeks. They shook their head and tried to stop themself from crying.

“Serenity, that is enough.” Eric said sharply. “You need to move on and focus on something productive.” Seren glared at the ground.

“Here.” Eric said as he put down a mug and filled it with fresh coffee. Then grabbing a container of cream and sugar. “Do with that what you will.” Seren looked at the coffee, the curiosity merging with their grief. They climbed up on the stool and sniffed the cup. Taking the cream and pouring a generous helping of it as well as the sugar.

The doorbell rang and Eric looked up from his mug at the door. Then to Seren with a confused look. He shrugged and left the dining room. Seren didn’t follow, too concerned with the foreign alchemy of making coffee palettable.

From the kitchen they heard the door open.

“Oh. It’s you.” Eric said monotonously.

“Merry Yuletide!” Came the sickly sweet chirp of Nicole. Seren rolled their eyes.

“Who’s this?” Eric asked.

“My eldest son. The one you said you’d take on as your apprentice?” Nicole said. Seren’s ears perked up and they put down the sugar to listen.

“Did you get it in writing?” Eric asked.

“Yes, yes. Writing or it didn’t happen.” Nicole sighed irritably. “I did, in fact, get it in writing. See?” Seren’s jaw dropped and they slid out of the chair to creep to the archway. They saw Eric reading a document, putting his mug down on a side table.

“You said if and when the time came you ever took on an apprentice, my son would be the one you took on.” Nicole said, Seren could hear the smugness in her voice. “So I expect to send him over on the first monday to get to work. He has a lot to learn before he takes over the business.” Seren’s jaw was on the floor. Waiting for Eric to tell her off.

But he didn’t.

“Very well,” he said. “Monday.”

Seren felt their heart snap. The door shut and he turned and saw Seren staring at him.

“What?” He asked.

“You’re taking him on as your apprentice.” Seren said accusingly. “I thought you already had me.”

“I did. But I am also your guardian, and I did make a promise.” Eric said, crushing the document Nicole gave him.

“But, that’s not fair.” Seren said, watching him past by them. Waiting for something, anything.

“There’s a lot of things in this life that are unfair.” He said tossing it into the incineration can. “But contracts are contracts. You also have to think about what’s best for business.”

“Which isn’t me.” Seren said, gritting their teeth.

“Serenity, I never said that.” Eric said, he held out a hand to them. “Let’s forget about this. It’s nothing to worry about.”

“It’s everything to worry about!” Seren snapped.

“Do not take that tone with me!” Eric snapped back. “I told you not to worry about it and I don’t want to hear another word about it!” Seren’s lower lip trembled, they stomped their foot but didn’t get a chance to yell;

“Go to your room!” Eric yelled. Seren stomped again but turned and ran up the stairs.