“Ugh, I’ve had enough!” I burst out. “I want to go shopping and see the Christmas markets!”

Liana is watching my childish ruckus with a raised eyebrow, totally unimpressed.

“Your Majesty, I’m afraid there’s no alternative universe in which you visiting a Christmas market won’t cause an incident that would make it to the front page of all newspapers and social media globally,” she sighs.

“You didn’t let me out for two days in a row now,” I keep ranting.

“My Emperor, it’s been snowing heavily almost nonstop,” Liana tries to reason with me. “It’s dangerous to go flying in that kind of weather. Everyone is forbidden to fly, not just you.”

“Gotrid, help!” I beg my husband to take my side.

“What am I supposed to do about it, love? Her Excellency is right,” he shrugs, but he stops working, stands up and gives me a comforting hug. “Are you having a winter spleen, my Emperor? Days are short and we can’t go flying whenever we want.”

“Maybe a little bit,” I admit and enjoy his warm embrace.

“The forecast says that snowing should stop around four,” Luviael informs us. “Let’s quickly finish our work.”

I get a motivational boost and sit back behind the table to finish my tasks. Erik returns at half past three. He smells like gingerbread and he brings us a jar of Christmas cookies.

“Elizabeth and Catherine baked these,” he explains because he was at the meetup with the Czech Prime Minister and her wife, not in the kitchens. They mostly come for diplomatic visits, but ever since Erik became their best friend, they have been visiting informally as well.

“Oh, sweet, gimme,” I stretch after the jar, but Vermiel stops me.

“These have to be checked first,” he says uncompromisingly.

“Come on, Elizabeth and Catherine would never try to poison me!” I oppose, my mouth salivating.

“I sampled them already, it’s okay,” Erik vouches for their harmlessness.

Vermiel resigns and lets me pick a cookie. The cookies are freshly baked, crunchy and full of cinnamon. I sometimes envy Elizabeth and Catherine. They are also prominent political figures, but they get to enjoy normal life. I bet they can go to the Christmas market if they disguise themselves and their bodyguards walk nonchalantly a few metres behind them wearing casual clothes.

After that, I quickly finish two remaining tasks because it really looks like it’s about to stop snowing soon. Ten minutes after four, it does stop. Yay!

“Won’t you reconsider, hon? It stopped snowing, but it’s still cold out there,” Erik tries to talk me out of it.

“I’m getting cramps in my wings,” I say resolutely and stand up. “I’ll get warm by exercising, don’t worry.”

We get to our apartment where the maids change me into a sporty robe, a winter model. It’s quite heavy and not as comfy, but nicely warm so I don’t complain. Naturally, Gotrid joins me, but Liana passes this time. I honestly have no idea how my fellow Celestials can pass on the opportunity to fly, it’s a mystery to me.

“I’ll be waiting for you with a cup of hot cocoa,” Erik teases me.

“Enjoy,” I kiss him, spread my wings and I’m off.

Flying during winter isn’t pleasant, but one can get warmer when moving their body. Also, it’s romantic to watch Prague that’s buried under snow. I fly over the Old Town on purpose to admire this year’s decorations at least from the distance. I can see a huge Christmas tree on the square and decide to fly a bit closer.

“Your Majesty, don’t you dare!” I’m stopped immediately by the Imperial Guard. “You’re already causing a ruckus down there. Look!”

I look at the square and I’m indeed causing a ruckus even though we’re still quite high in the sky. People are taking pictures of us and shooting videos, especially tourists because locals are used to regularly seeing us in the air. I sigh and ascend again. How I’d love to land, browse those numerous stalls and buy something nice.

To distract me, Gotrid takes an enchanted ball out of his robe and we start to play fetch. Twenty minutes into the game, it starts slightly snowing again. At first, we ignore it because it’s just flurries, but it gradually transforms into light snowing.

“Your Majesty, we should return,” Miruel pleads.

“Just a little longer, it’s so much fun!” I beg because I haven’t got enough exercise after two days of being confined.

The flock’s formation starts to force me back, but I decide to be stubborn today. I change my course rapidly, shooting up like a rocket. I wouldn’t dare to lose them because I’d hear endless nagging from Liana afterwards, but I’m not letting them make me go back too early either.

I smirk and try to mould snowflakes into snowballs with telekinesis. It’s quite easy to do and soon I have several dozens of them. Without hesitation, I propel them towards my protectors and I hit successfully more often than not. The guards are confused, not knowing what to do with me because every time they get closer, I hit them with another salve.

“Try it, it’s easy!” I tease them.

Suddenly, I’m hit by a snowball right into my right wing. I turn around and see that it’s Gotrid’s doing. We start flying around, trying to hit each other and evade as much as we can. As my brain releases dopamine, I subconsciously let my joy out and it affects my guards who finally join the game as well.

We play and play and I snap out of it only when it’s really hard to see. I lose focus, my telepathic influence weakens and the guards come to their senses. I notice that my wristband has been blinking like crazy and I have twelve missed calls.

“Where are you?! Why aren’t you back already?” Erik screams at me when he finally gets through. “They’ve just announced that there’s a snowstorm coming and Miruel hasn’t been picking up!”

“Sorry, we got caught up in a game,” I apologise guiltily.

The gravity of the situation gets to me only when I feel my subjects panicking. I can still feel everyone’s location thanks to my telepathy, but it’s getting harder and harder to see so my subjects are blinded. I bite my lip when I realise that this could turn potentially dangerous and that I’ve been acting irresponsibly.

Everyone, follow my lead! I order the flock after I carefully check my GPS.

It’s difficult to make sure that nobody gets lost and such precise coordination with low visibility is possibly only thanks to my special sensory ability. I relax only when I get everyone safely back to the skyscraper.

“Don’t fly around and land on my balcony, that’s an order,” I say uncompromisingly because only Guard Captains have permission to land directly in the Royal Chambers.

“Ryuu, what the heck…?” Erik is waiting for me, furious. “You were supposed to return thirty minutes ago! We’ve been worried sick!”

“Oh no!” the maids start freaking out because thirty soaked Celestials are standing in the lounge. Our wings are dripping, causing a little flood.

“S-sorry, I didn’t realise we’ve been away for so long,” I murmur and turn pale when Liana storms in.

“ARE-YOU-FUCKING-KIDDING-ME?” she leashes out. She would never dare to use such a rude word towards me, so her fury is aimed at my protectors.

“Li, it’s my fault this time,” I stand up for them.

My Viceroy ignores me, though. She’s berating the guards for several minutes and nobody dares to oppose her, not even me.

“Do you have any idea how scared we were?” Erik gives me a lecture of his own and he looks seriously pissed. Well, at least he’s pissed at me. “You weren’t picking up our calls and the snowstorm was approaching Prague fast.”

“And you made the news today,” Liana rolls her eyes. “What were you thinking flying over the Christmas tree?”

“I just wanted to take a look,” I lower my head. It does seem stupid now. I feel stupid.

I want to apologise more profoundly so that she lets the guards off the hook, but I suddenly sneeze. Only now do I realise how soaked I am and that I’m starting to tremble.

“Everyone, go dry yourself immediately or you’ll catch a cold,” Liana orders and the guards disperse in panic.

“Gotrid, I’m so sorry,” I stretch my hands toward my partner to quickly get his wet clothes off, but I’m apprehended by Erik and the maids.

When it comes to Celestial hypothermia, it can get serious pretty quickly. Time is of the essence, especially when our feathers are soaked. They wrap us in blankets and Ayala starts applying hot air to our wings while Cien runs off to prepare a hot bath.

“I hope you learned your lesson,” Liana grunts, but she kindly helps Ayala with drying. “What were you doing anyway?”

“A snowball fight,” I explain. “I got too immersed in the game, let my playfulness manifest and it influenced the guards. Please, don’t be mad at them, it’s my fault entirely.”

“Catching a cold is stupid, but flying in a snowstorm is dangerous,” she keeps scolding me. “Someone could have got hurt.”

“I managed to steer everyone back safely, but you’re right,” I admit, ashamed.

“Love, I think you’re developing a fever,” Gotrid puts a hand on my forehead.

“How come you seem okay?” I frown. Of course, I’m glad that Gotrid is okay, but why do I always get it worse? Well, I guess I do deserve it this time.

“The bath is ready!” Cien calls us.

Still wrapped in blankets, we stand up and eagerly run to the bathroom. A hot bath is always the best fix for Celestial hypothermia. I quickly check on my guards and relax when I make sure that everybody is getting proper treatment.

“Ah, this is heaven,” Gotrid moans happily.

“I might as well join you,” Erik smirks because he doesn’t want to leave Gotrid having a private bath with me. He tears off his clothes in an instant and hops in.

“Li, no need to stay,” I say to my Viceroy who’s discreetly standing behind the screen.

“What if you get sick?” she worries.

“He’s sick already,” Erik sighs after checking my temperature himself. “You’d better make adjustments because there’s no way he will be in a shape to work tomorrow.”

“I feel quite okay,” I oppose. “I promise to sleep it off.”

“I don’t think so, hon,” Gotrid has to disappoint me. “You’re still shivering and we’re in a hot bath.”

“Let me know if it gets worse,” Liana demands and finally leaves.

*****

“So…,” Erik sighs after accurately taking my temperature with a thermometer. “I thought fools seldom catch a cold as the old saying goes?”

“Y-you!” I poke him, but my strength left me twenty minutes ago so he barely felt it.

“Thirty-eight degrees,” Gotrid laments. “You got a Celestial hypothermic fever, love.”

“Who else caught a cold?” I ask, worried.

“Nobody, you’re the only one,” Erik shrugs.

“Why only me again?” I cry, but I’m happy that I’m the only victim of my irresponsible behaviour.

“Your body is very delicate, Your Majesty,” Noage is also here and pushes Erik to the side so that he can treat me with his rooty tentacles. “I keep telling you, but you’re deaf to my pleas.”

“Was it worth it, hon?” Erik rolls his eyes.

“Are you kidding me? That snowball fight was epic!” Gotrid laughs, but he gets serious almost immediately when he looks at frowning Noage. “But it wasn’t worth having our Emperor get sick afterwards.”

“His Majesty should be okay after his temperature gets back to normal, but I’m afraid you’ll have an unpleasant night,” Noage informs us. “I order bedrest tomorrow and I’ll tell the cooks to prepare nutritious soups. Celestial cold isn’t caused by viruses, but a vitamin shot never hurt anybody. Please, relax and let me do my job.”

“I don’t want it,” I start struggling. “It makes me super drowsy.”

“You’re going to sleep anyway, hon,” Erik holds my left arm down.

Noage smirks because he loves doing this. The Earthborn have the unique ability to store vitamins in their bodies and use enzymes to make a remarkable mixture. Noage analyses my current condition and prepares a shot tailored to my needs. The only unpleasant side effect is that it’s a shock for the receiver, so the body shuts down to process it. I fall asleep before Noage even finishes the procedure.

*****

“It would be potentially a huge issue if our Emperor could influence us so easily,” Liana ponders, dissatisfied. “I know that his telepathy can’t make us do anything that’s against our will and core beliefs, but still…”

“Our beloved has to learn how to keep his emotions from leaking out, but he didn’t do it on purpose and it was really subtle,” Gotrid stands up for me. “I was perfectly aware of what I was doing, I was just too thrilled to join the game and lost track of time and our surroundings.”

“Li, we have to let him experience at least some level of freedom,” Erik insists. “Coming back with a cold isn’t an ideal outcome, but he had fun.”

“I’m certainly not having fun,” Liana pouts. “I had to explain to the Celestial Council how it’s even possible that we let our Emperor catch a cold in the first place.”

I’m listening to their silent conversation, hidden under a blanket. I’ve been awake for a few minutes now, but I didn’t let them know because it’s always interesting for me to discover what they talk about behind my wings. I’m glad that Erik and Gotrid aren’t making a fuss and agree that I can have my fun.

“Let him off the hook this time, Viceroy,” Gotrid begs. “It’s almost Christmas and he wanted to get into a festive mood.”

“Just this time then,” Liana decides to be benevolent for once. “See to it that he’s nursed back to full health as soon as possible. Many high-ranking seraphs from all over the world are coming for the holidays and they all want to see the Emperor.”

Erik suddenly tickles me under my feathers which makes me twitch.

“You woke up our beloved, stupid,” Gotrid berates him.

“I got a feeling that he wasn’t asleep at all,” Erik explains and pulls the blanket off me. “See?” he says victoriously when he reveals that my eyes are wide open.

“Cold!” I shiver and pull the blanket back.

“You’ve been sleeping for three hours, love, your fever hasn’t had a chance to drop yet,” Gotrid says. “Now that you’re awake, let’s have some soup.”

I want to disappear under the blanket completely, but Erik pulls me up without mercy, leaning me against his chest. I don’t feel like eating, but the soup Ayala brings me is pumpkin cream, my absolute favourite, so I empty two bowls without protest.

“Have you learnt your lesson, Your Majesty?” Liana wants to hear my clear answer.

“I won’t do it ever again,” I swear. “Catching a cold is one thing, but I could have endangered my protectors.”

“That’s right,” she nods approvingly and finally forgives me.

*****

Celestial hypothermia is quick to develop, but once a Celestial is warm again, the fever goes away just as fast as it came. It’s a clever safety mechanism. I feel much better the next day, but Noage insists I stay in bed, so we decide to use that precious free time to choose Christmas decorations.

“Purple is the royal colour,” Gotrid tries to persuade me to change this year’s theme.

“That might be, but it’s not very Christmassy,” I shake my head. “Let’s go with the classic.”

“What about these for the main tree?” Erik chuckles and shows me his phone.

“Absolutely not!” Gotrid is horrified because the decorations Erik looked up have angels everywhere.

“Just easing you,” Erik laughs.

“By the way, I’ll need some alone time,” I warn them. “I can’t buy your presents with you staring over my shoulder all the time.”

“We don’t need anything, my Emperor. Just being your Consorts is the best present ever,” Gotrid sings.

“Not mentioning our generous monthly budget,” Erik adds smugly.

“If I could, I’d buy you both a luxurious vacation by the sea,” I dream. “You really deserve in.”

“Both? You wouldn’t go?” Gotrid tilts his head.

“I would be sleeping the whole time in our comfy bed,” I purr, happily snuggling under two fluffy blankets. “That would be my holiday.”

“Don’t tell me that you need a break from us!” Gotrid plays horrified.

Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.

“As if,” Erik chuckles and caresses me between my wings.

“Y-you! I’m still recovering,” I shake him off, trying to hide that his touch aroused me. But there’s no hiding my true feelings from my partners. Our Christmas planning session suddenly transforms into a cuddling session.

*****

“I want to go with you,” I complain, frowning.

“It’s not safe for your wings, hon,” Erik shakes his head uncompromisingly. “The kitchen wasn’t made for Celestials. Your huge wings could accidentally touch hot surfaces or bump into something when you turn around.”

“Pchm,” I decide to mope a bit.

“Your beloved husband baking cookies himself isn’t enough?” Erik raises his eyebrows.

“It’s more than enough, of course, it’s just… I’d like to share this with you,” I explain, saddened.

“I know,” Erik nods and I can tell that he’s reminding himself of all those things he can’t share with me. It’s a sore subject for both of us, so I decide to change the topic.

“I want almonds, cinnamon and chocolate,” I make demands.

“As you order, my Emperor,” Erik nods happily. “I can’t guarantee that they will be as good as our chef Tateena would make them, but I’ll do my best.”

“I don’t care about that,” I assure him. “I’ll love them because they are from you.”

Erik smiles at me, kisses me and he’s off to the kitchens, leaving me alone with Liana and the rest of my ministers and adjutants.

“Wait… where’s Gotrid?” I widen my eyes when I realise that I can’t feel him in the skyscraper. He was supposed to meet the Czech Minister of Commerce, not leave the premises.

“He went to fetch something,” Luvieal explains. “Don’t worry, Your Majesty, Taranah is with him and he took fifteen guards.”

“Fetch?” I’m confused. “What?”

“That’s a secret,” Luviael puts a finger on her lips. “Please, don’t be distracted and return to work, Your Majesty. We still have three more tasks to finish today.”

I obey, but I can’t shake off nervousness. Gotrid has never gone outside on his own before and fifteen doesn’t sound that many to me. How come my partners aren’t as anxiously guarded as me? Don’t my subjects realise how precious they are to me?

“He’s back!” I stand up quickly when I can feel Gotrid again.

“Nope,” Liana catches a hem of my robe when I try to flee the Royal Office. “Gotrid asked me to keep you here for at least two more hours after his return.”

“Whaat? Why?” I purse my lips.

“Your Majesty, don’t you understand that he’s preparing a surprise for you?” Liana rolls her eyes. “Give him a chance.”

“Oh, right,” I sit back, embarrassed. I feel stupid for being so clingy. Still, when do I get some time off to prepare something for them?

I keep working, but it’s pure torture. I can feel both Erik and Gotrid getting all excited and meeting in the Royal Chambers. Apparently, my maids are in it with them. Well, it’s only two weeks until Christmas so I guess it’s high time to get everything ready.

I look sideways at Liana and she’s discussing something with Minister Forent. My adjutant Luviael is rescheduling a few meetings for the rest of this week and isn’t paying attention to me. With everybody occupied, I decide to use this rare opportunity to check out some presents on my computer.

Last year, I gave Erik a helicopter and I honestly don’t think that I can top that. Besides, we have everything we can think of. Erik has a huge collection of brand suits, quality shoes and expensive watches, so I don’t want to add to that. Gotrid has a ton of robes as well.

Absent-mindedly, I browse the jewellery section, realising only a minute later that I’ve never seen my husbands wearing anything of that sort. I want to close it, but a pop-up window hits me and announces a new collection of wedding rings. My finger freezes over the close button. Wedding rings?!

Weddings are not a Celestial custom as we find making vows unnecessary, but Erik is human. He became my Consort, but there was no ceremony to officially ratify that. Maybe he would like to have a ring as proof at least?

I browse the ring collection and filter only the most expensive ones. I don’t want to save even a Euro on something as important as this. When I finally choose the one I like, the shop asks me automatically if I want two of them. I hesitate. Should I get one for Gotrid as well? I’m thinking so hard about it that I stop paying attention to my surroundings.

“Hee, wedding rings, huh?” Luviael comments, peeking over my shoulder.

I twitch, startled, and accidentally hit Luviael’s chin with my left wing. She moans in pain, but she doesn’t get annoyed. She knows that it was entirely her fault for sneaking up on me.

“Wedding… what?” Liana stops working, intrigued.

“S-so what!” I turn red. “I want to give Erik and Gotrid something nice.”

“It’s not a Celestial custom, Your Majesty,” Luviael reminds me. “We can’t throw you a human wedding, Lord Erik is your lawful husband already. We have no use for marriage vows, especially when it comes to our Emperor. Lord Erik and Lord Gotrid are as devoted to you as Royal Consorts should be.”

“On the other hand, it’s just a nice accessory,” Liana shrugs. “I can’t see why not go for it if His Majesty wants to make his partners happy. Still, I’d strongly advise you to choose a ring with a precious stone. That way, you can enchant it.”

“Oh!” I slap my forehead. “I can imbue it with a protection spell. Why didn’t I think of it sooner?”

“Enchanting is still in active research, Your Majesty,” Liana points out. “I know that it feels longer than that but we transformed merely two years ago.”

“It’s a good idea, though,” Luviael admits. “Lord Erik can consider it to be his wedding ring while it will also have a practical usage.”

“I want to make them myself,” I state. “Luvi, order just base golden rings, two diamonds and I’ll engrave them and enchant myself.”

“As you wish, Your Majesty,” Luviael bows.

*****

“Surprise!” Erik and Gotrid greet me cheerfully when I finally finish my work for the day and get home.

“You did all this in just two hours?” I can’t believe how lavishly decorated every corner of our huge apartment is.

“We did our best,” Erik grins. “Do you like it? I know that last year we decorated our apartment together, but we wanted to surprise you.”

“If I like it? I love it!” I kiss both of them on their cheeks.

“And that’s not all,” Gotrid takes my hand and leads me to our living room.

“That’s the thing you went to fetch? A real tree?” I open my mouth wide. “Aren’t real trees super expensive and hard to get these days?”

“They sure are,” Gotrid nods, “but this one was a courtesy of the Czech Prime Minister. Besides, it’s in a pot. We wouldn’t dare cut it down.

“It’s not decorated?” I realise.

“We figured you’d like to decorate at least something yourself,” Erik says and points toward several boxes that are still full of decorations.

“You bet!” I smile and start right away.

I use mainly my hands and resort to telekinesis only for spots I can’t reach. When the tree is lit, my eyes get wet. I’m so lucky to be able to spend Christmas with my two amazing partners. When it’s time for bed, I notice that there’s mistletoe hanging above the doorframe which is a nice touch. I use it as an excuse to kiss my husbands right there and not wait until we reach the bedroom.

*****

“There’s no snowstorm forecasted for today, but it’s very cold so we implore you to return in an hour,” Luviael reminds me.

“I promise,” I nod, spread my wings and take off. Erik and Liana are taking care of something at the Dragonkin embassy so there’s no use waiting for him.

I want to head up immediately, but I notice a strange uproar below me. I stop my ascend and hover for a while, straining my eyes to focus hundreds of metres down. It’s always empty around the Draconian skyscraper because unauthorised people aren’t allowed in the vicinity so I’m confused when I see a huge crowd.

“Gotrid, what’s that?” I ask, but Gotrid is just as confused as me. However, for some reason, our guards stay perfectly calm.

“Love, look over there,” Gotrid points. “Aren’t those wooden stalls?”

And then I realise that I can feel both Erik and Liana in the crowd. I position my wings to descend and because the guards aren’t stopping me, I go all the way down even though normally I’m not allowed to. The people below make space so that we can land on a small square between office buildings.

“Surprise!” Liana says, grinning.

“Li, what is all that?” I look around in a haze.

“What does it look like?” she winks at me. “We couldn’t let you attend the city Christmas market so I figured we could make our own.”

I gasp for breath. That’s…

“…the best present ever!” I cry and hug my Viceroy.

“I know,” she grins. “Go explore, my Emperor, everything is safe to either eat, drink or buy.”

“Did you know about this?” I turn to Erik and Gotrid.

“Nope,” Gotrid shakes his head, just as surprised.

“Liana told me just two hours ago when we went to the embassy. She was afraid that if we knew, you could see it in our minds,” Erik explains and takes my hand. “Let’s go exploring!”

It’s only Draconians from the skyscraper here so our guards don’t have such a hard job. Besides, we’re still within the shield. I can’t believe that Liana was able to put up something like this.

“Oh, hi, Tateena,” I greet my chef at one of the stalls that sells fried potato pancakes, a traditional Czech street dish. “Can I have one?”

“Make it two!” Gotrid says quickly.

“Three!” Erik adds.

“I was hoping you would,” Tateena smiles at me, revealing her spiky Dragonkin teeth.

I watch as she fries three pancakes right in front of us. I appreciate that the Draconians around us are giving us space. Liana must have made it a condition for them to attend. Knowing that they are forbidden to bother us, Draconians start shopping and chatting, creating a pleasant natural ambience for such an occasion.

“Oooooh, please, can I have a cup?” I rush to the stall that sells mullet wine when we finish eating. “It’s not only for non-Celestials, right?”

“One cup,” they allow hesitantly.

It’s not like Celestials can’t drink at all, but we have very low alcohol tolerance and get drunk easily. The staff carefully prepares three cups for us.

“So hot,” I warm my hands against the cup and sip slowly. The mullet wine is sweet and strongly spiced.

“Your Majesty, we have a short cultural event prepared for you,” Liana announces and our eyes turn towards a small podium in the middle.

My subjects bring us wooden chairs and a small table so that we can sit comfortably and the concert starts. The singers are nervous to perform in front of the Celestial Emperor and I’m pleasantly surprised to see that the choir consists of all races.

They start singing acapella and their voices elegantly complement each other. Celestials aren’t able to produce deep sounds while it’s super easy for the Dragonkin and vice versa. I keep watching and sipping my wine until the cup is empty.

I sigh because I didn’t have enough. Erik is holding his cup, but I see that Gotrid barely touched his and placed it in front of him on the table. Everyone is watching the show so I decide to be naughty a bit. I slowly push Gotrid’s cup towards me with telekinesis. Then I craftily exchange them and pretend that I’m still drinking my own.

I’m usually allowed just half a cup at formal dinners and I don’t miss it. However, the sweetness and spiciness of mullet wine is something special to me, maybe because I’d never really celebrated Christmas before I met Erik.

Surely one more cup won’t do anything to me, right? It’s not like this is hard alcohol, it’s more like candy. Gotrid is watching the carols so intently that he completely forgets about his drink. Thanks to that, I’m able to empty his cup whole. I giggle when the group performs a variety of famous pop carols and they slightly adjust the lyrics to reflect the existence of Draconians.

“Let’s ring the Christmas bell over there!” I stand up energetically when the performance is over, but my head spins and I wobble. Fortunately, I land safely on Erik’s lap which makes me laugh even harder. I hug my partner around his neck and kiss him.

“Love, did you drink Gotrid’s cup when he wasn’t looking?” Erik gets suspicious.

“Maybe I did, maybe I didn’t,” I giggle.

I notice that there’s a bubble maker machine nearby and it seems like a good idea to stir it with telekinesis. Suddenly, there are bubbles everywhere which makes me giggle even harder.

“His Majesty got drunk?!” Liana slaps her forehead. “Gotrid, why weren’t you watching your cup?”

“I never suspected our Emperor would do such mischief,” Gotrid refuses to take responsibility and pinches me under my feathers. “Love, you’ll feel so embarrassed about it tomorrow.”

“Come on, don’t be so strict for once!” I giggle.

“We’re returning immediately before more Draconians notice what’s going on,” Liana decides resolutely. “Gotrid, Miruel, Vermiel, cover His Majesty with your wings and make sure that nobody sees him in this ungraceful state.”

“I don’t wanna go,” I protest, but Erik lifts me and there’s no arguing with him.

I let myself be carried and I don’t think about the consequences. I’m smelling Erik’s perfume, touching his mind and enjoying that Gotrid is carrying my wings. I don’t want to leave the Christmas market, but I want to be alone with my partners as soon as possible.

“Your Excellency, I think it’s no use to scold our Emperor until he sobers,” Gotrid assesses when we’re safely hidden from prying eyes.

“I’ll save it for the morning then,” Liana sighs and wants to leave, but I catch her sleeve.

“Li, I love you sooo much,” I chuckle. “I feel like I’m not saying it often enough.”

“Y-Your Majesty,” Liana turns completely red. “Don’t you think that it will save you from scolding.”

“I’m so glad our beloved isn’t bisexual,” Gotrid is shaking his head.

“Yeah, being polyamorous is a handful already,” Erik agrees.

“I’d better leave you to it then,” Liana quickly leaves, still red.

At first, Erik and Gotrid naively think that I’m too drunk and they want to make me lie down, but I persuade them with several kisses that it’s not the case. I want them and I want them now. I’m whispering lewd words into their ears—things I’d never say when sober. I’m making love to my beloved partners and it’s the best Christmas gift I could ever hope for.

*****

I wake up with a hangover and, regretfully, a perfect memory of all those embarrassing things I did and said yesterday. Fortunately, Liana is too busy to come to scold me and Erik and Gotrid generously let me off because they suspect that I’m preparing something special as their Christmas present.

I get some Earthborn herbal remedy for a hangover from Noage and when my head stops throbbing, I declare that I want to spend the day in the Celestial research centre. Luviael informed me at breakfast that the materials arrived which means that I can start working on the rings. I sent my husbands to help Liana in my stead while I head to the magical workshop.

“It’s much easier to make than my gift to Liana last year,” I comment happily when I run a few preliminary tests on much cheaper semi-precious stones.

“Naturally, we know about enchanting much more than we did back then,” Rina, the Head of Celestial Magic Research, is assisting me. She swore to secrecy however much Erik and Gotrid might pester her.

“What are you getting Her Excellency?” Nestelle, Rina’s assistant, asks eagerly.

“I arranged for several wellness procedures and I’ll force her to take three days off,” I say because it’s impossible to impress my Viceroy with material gifts. “On top of that, I’ll give her my blessing each day for a week.”

“Oh,” both Nestelle and Rina are taken aback. Not by the wellness programme, but because I mentioned seven blessings in a row.

“A-anyway, let’s continue with the imbuing,” I cough because the atmosphere has suddenly turned awkward. Once again, I forgot what a privilege receiving even one blessing from the embodiment of magic is.

I run a few more tests and when I stop failing, I feel confident enough to imbue real diamonds. I get a bit nervous because these little precious stones cost a small fortune, but they are perfectly polished and respond easily to my attempt to imbue them with a transfiguration. It seems the better the stone is, the more sensitive towards our mana it becomes.

I decide to make the rings a bit different. Gotrid’s ring will have the ability to store the wearer’s leaking mana and recharge itself automatically while Erik’s ring will need regular charging from me, but it will be passively healing Erik to a certain extent. I’m not sure how efficient it’s going to be, maybe it will ward off only a common cold and heal minor bruises, but it’s better than nothing.

As for the second enchantment, I want Erik and Gotrid protected so I go for the most powerful protective spell currently in my arsenal. The stones are too tiny to withstand ongoing attacks, but there should be enough power to create one all-encompassing shield in case of dire danger.

I berate myself that I should have thought of it much sooner, but then I realise that I mastered that particular shield spell only two months ago and it’s difficult to sustain in the heat of a battle so I didn’t think about further application.

“That’s brilliant, Your Majesty,” Rina is beyond excited, “this spell is so hard to maintain, but putting it into a crystal beforehand can relieve the strain on the caster!”

“As always, everything our embodiment of magic does for the first time becomes a new Celestial invention,” Nestelle comments and I notice that he was taking notes when I was working.

“Your Majesty, I’m afraid that your presence is required in the Royal Office,” Luviael comes to pick me up. “Her Excellency tried to cover for you the whole morning, but President Bennett asks for an audience.”

“I’m not finished,” I frown because I have yet to engrave the rings.

“My Emperor, there’s still a week till Christmas,” Luvi tries to reason with me. “You can finish it tomorrow.”

I sigh and put the rings carefully back into their little boxes. If there’s anything that I hate about my job, it’s that I’m not the master of my own time and schedule. But then I realise that Erik and Gotrid are waiting for me in the Royal Office and suddenly it’s not such a chore anymore.

*****

“I’m sorry, Your Majesty, but I’m afraid that there’s no way for your Christmas to be spent only with Royal Consorts,” Liana has to disappoint me.

“What about moving the reception to the twenty-fifth?” I suggest, still hopeful somewhat.

“That wouldn’t work, Celestials wish to dine with Your Majesty and give you a present on Christmas Eve as the Czech tradition dictates,” Liana shakes her head. “Besides, most of them arranged accommodation months in advance. Except for Ingri, Julia, Haldis, Noage and a few others, this will be a strictly Celestial event.”

That makes me ponder how things have changed. Last year, it was a Draconian Christmas. This year, it’s a Celestial audience. In a few years, we might stop celebrating Christmas altogether. What will we celebrate instead I wonder? Is there a Celestial-exclusive holiday in our lore?

“When we finally free ourselves from human conventions, I guess we will celebrate the birthday of our lovely embodiment of magic instead,” Gotrid catches what has been going through my head.

“Eeeh? No way, that would be so dull!” I puff.

“Frankly, we feel embarrassed that we didn’t get to celebrate Your Majesty’s birthday last year,” Liana feels uneasy about it. “I know that everything was too hectic at that time, but…”

“Think nothing of it,” I wave my hand dismissively. “I didn’t tell you the date of my birth anyway, so you had no way of knowing.”

“Next time will be different,” Liana claims. “We’re already planning for a big birthday party.”

“Eeeh? My birthday is at the end of February, it’s so far away,” I roll my eyes.

“It’s only two months away, high time to start sending invitations,” Liana insists and sends me another pile of documents to approve so that I don’t have time to argue with her.

*****

Luviael lied to me and I don’t have time to continue working on the rings for three days straight. When I finally do, it’s only four days till Christmas and I’m super nervous. Imbuing rings with spells is one thing, the hard part comes now as I need to engrave the rings. Being the embodiment of magic certainly doesn’t mean that I’m good at handicrafts.

“I can’t do it,” I give up when I mess five iron rings I chose to practice on. “Call Haldis to do it for me.”

Haldis shows up almost immediately which surprises me. I thought that our Dragonkin artisan is extremely busy these days because I heard that they are flooded with commissions from Celestials.

“It’s a personal request from Your Majesty,” Haldis bows and feels honoured that I called for them specifically. “What can I do for you, my Emperor?”

Admittedly, it feels weird to be called ‘my Emperor’ by anyone who isn’t a Celestial, but Haldis swore allegiance to me, denouncing the Dragonkin.

“I wanted to do it myself, but I’m just not good at handicraft,” I sigh and show Haldis five messed up rings with crooked writing.

“I see,” Haldis nods. “Don’t feel bad, Your Majesty, engraving metals requires quite a bit of physical strength which Celestials do not possess. I would be honoured to do it for you. The writing should say ‘eternal love’, correct?”

“Ehm, yes,” I turn red. Having Haldis say it aloud like that sounds lame now that I think about it. I haven’t come up with anything better, though.

Haldis sits down and lets me watch as they skilfully engrave both rings with beautiful letters. I’m a bit sad that I couldn’t do it myself, but I’m glad that I have people I can depend on. I’m astonished how nimble Haldis’ hands are considering that the Dragonkin are rather bulky, but Haldis has always been delicate.

“Thank you,” I appreciate when Haldis is done. If they were Celestial, I would gladly give them my blessing, but other races are insensitive towards mana.

I’m overjoyed that my main present is finally ready. Of course, I bought Erik and Gotrid many other presents, but this is the most significant one.

*****

Frankly, the best Christmas present for me is that I get two full days off. My afternoons and evenings are going to be busy with social events, but Liana promised that mornings will be just for me and my husbands to enjoy privately. We decide not to do anything special and just watch fairy tales, nibble Christmas cookies and cuddle.

In the early afternoon, the maids dress me into a beautiful dark green robe with a train, Gotrid gets a dark blue robe (without a train, not fair!) and Erik puts on his most expensive suit. We reunite with Liana who’s wearing a bright red dress with golden lining and she gets compliments from all of us. Still, I suspect that she would rather hear a compliment from one particular person.

“Where’s Soren?” I ask because I don’t see him in our entourage.

“Making sure the venue is safe for Your Majesty,” Liana says. “With so many people invited, the Royal Guard is nervous.”

“We’re in the Draconian Tower and the guests are predominantly Celestials, what’s there to be nervous about?” I don’t understand.

“We always worry for Your Majesty’s safety,” Liana shrugs. “Anyway, I’ve just got a message that everything is ready.”

I was forbidden to enter the reception hall these past few days so I’m twice as surprised by the beautiful decorations when I’m finally allowed to enter. The hall gets silent when I appear, everyone bows to me in the deepest respect, but after the formalities are done, I can mingle freely. There’s live music, buffet tables are overflowing with delicious food and everyone is chatting merrily.

I meet many Celestials whose faces I know only from videocalls and while everyone is more than eager to talk to me, nobody is pushing. It seems Luvi and Liana made a schedule and guests are allowed to get to me based on some kind of order.

The audiences take the whole afternoon and finish just in time for dinner. I eye Liana in the crowd and see her chatting with Soren at the buffet tables. They are standing close to each other and their wings are touching. Knowing how sensitive Liana is when it comes to proximity, I’m glad to see that things are going in the right direction.

After we fill our stomachs, we hurry to the Christmas tree. As expected, I got a ton of gifts even though I had implored my subjects that I didn’t need anything. Still, I have to appreciate how thoughtfully the gifts were chosen. Knowing my geeky hobbies, I don’t get any robes or jewellery, but only things like books, video games and rare collectibles.

“Erik, Gotrid, these are for you,” I take two little boxes out of my robe because I was too anxious to leave something so tiny under an avalanche of presents under the tree.

Erik and Gotrid look at each other, confused that their presents are the same size. Their eyes widen and their emotions flutter wildly when they unwrap it and reveal the rings. They are staring at the diamonds for several long moments, unable to speak.

“I know that wedding rings aren’t a Celestial custom, but I want you to have them,” I say shyly. “I imbued them with the strongest shield spell that I can currently cast and they can be recharged easily.”

“Eternal love,” they read the inscription in unison and their eyes get wet.

“I know that you would probably want to save them because they were expensive, but could you please wear them all the time?” I chew my lip. “I want you protected and I’ll be checking regularly that the spell holds. Also… I… ehm… I want everyone to know that you’re taken. I might as well mark you with these.”

I have probably overdone it with that last part because both Erik and Gotrid turn completely red, but I wanted them to know why I chose rings and not bracelets. I have yet to uncover everything about myself, but I know one thing for sure—when I fall in love with someone and bond with them, it’s forever. I’ll never stop loving Erik and Gotrid.

“Luviael, I don’t care how you’re going to explain it to the guests, but we’re leaving,” Gotrid turns to my adjutant. “Our beloved has just managed to make a huge confession, so there’s no way we’re going to leave it at that.”

“That’s right, we’re going to make love to our husband and there’s no stopping us,” Erik adds, his expression all smug.

Suddenly, I find myself in Erik’s arms and Gotrid is hastily grabbing my wings. Now it’s me who turns red because they did it in front of more than three hundred guests. Having two loving husbands is the best gift ever and get to enjoy that every single day, not just at Christmas.