An Anonymous Christmas

"Lizzie, I'm freaking out," Jackson said, bursting into her chambers.

"Relax, Jack," Lizzie said, snipping off the end of some red ribbon. She'd been wrapping gifts most of this morning. Now she just needed to add the finishing touches. "I'm sure everything will go fine." She began curling the ends of the ribbon with her scissors. Her brother was so lucky she'd already wrapped his gift.

"What if she says no," he said, rubbing a hand through his hair.

Lizzie rolled her eyes. He'd been asking her the same 'what if' question all week. "Do you really think Avery will say no?"

"I don't know. Avery is sneaky sometimes. I can't figure out what she's got going on in her head."

With a chuckle, Lizzie set down her supplies. "Avery will not say no. Trust me. That girl is as solid as it comes."

And she was. Jackson was a strong guy--he had to be as Commander of the Royal Guard-- it only made sense that he'd have a mate that was tough and durable. Not that this would be hard. Lizzie knew the answer in her sleep.

Jackson was just nervous. Which was something she'd rarely seen as she got to know him. "Jackson, I promise you, she will not say no."

Then Jason, Ethan's best friend, came in the room. "Lizzie, Eth and the photographer are waiting for you in the great room."

What? She shoved her sleeve back to glance at her watch. "It was just 2! I thought I had an hour! I don't even have my dress on."

Shit, shit, shit. Like a whirlwind, she rushed to her closet, slammed the door, and whisked her Christmas dress off the hanger. "Jason, can you go stall?" She asked through the door.

Jason's reply was muffled. "Stall? Of course, darling, but I'm not sure how long my ruggedly handsome friend is going to wait before he comes looking. And as much as I hate to say this, my shining personality only goes so far."

"If I punch you in the face, how much will that take away from your 'shining personality'?"

"Harsh," Jason said, but he must've left because he didn't say anything after that.

She wiggled into the burgundy strapless dress with some ease, though the zipper in the back would be an issue. "Jackson? Are you still out there?"

"Yes."

"Can you help me zip up?" She asked as she opened the closet door. Her black heels to match the short, pleated dress rested by the couch in the sitting room. She'd been too afraid she'd forget which ones to wear if she'd put them near the colossal wall of shoes in the closet. 

While her brother zipped up her dress, Lizzie sighed. "Look, Jack, I know you're nervous, and it makes sense. This is serious. But if I know anything about Avery, it's that she loves you. Trust her to make the right decision if nothing else."

Jackson's breath fanned over her exposed shoulders. When he was done with her zipper, he stepped back. "You're right."

"She loves you," she reminded him, "and you love her."

"I do."

"Good." She gave her brother a pat on the chest. Today was one of his few days off. With only two days until Christmas, she'd take all the time with her brother she could. Especially since the jerk had to work Christmas day. "Lizzie, crime doesn't take a holiday," he had told her.

"You're coming to the party, right?"

"I will be there."

"Awesome," she smiled. "Now, how do I look?" With a little twirl, she showed her brother the dress. It was shorter in the front, longer in the back, and with the pleated skirt and off the shoulder straps it made for one of her more mature dresses.

"You look great. You gave Avery the list for all the people coming, right?"

She rolled her eyes. "Yes, Commander. I gave your assistant the names of all the people coming so that security won't hassle them when they get here."

"They're still going through the metal detectors. And I'm scanning all the gifts and--"

"Jackson," she reached up and cupped his face, "this is your day off. Let someone else freak out about the security."

A worried expression took over, but he still took a deep breath and dropped it. "Right."

"Okay, I don't mean to flee, but I really have to get to this photoshoot before my Destined kicks my butt." She snagged her strappy heels and ushered Jackson out the door. Then she left him in the hallway. "Party starts at seven!"

When she got to the great room, the guards had already opened the massive door, as if they knew she'd come running in like some frantic beast. "I'm so sorry."

Jason and Ethan had their heads crowded together. The second she flew in, they broke apart as if they'd been shocked. She narrowed her eyes, "what are you two up to?"

"I was trying to convince our lovely Prince to convert the great room into an indoor snowboarding paradise," Jason piped up.

It was obviously a lie, but Lizzie ran with it. "And did he crush your dreams?"

"All of them."

"That's my boy."

Photography equipment had been set up along the east wall, across the way from the windows. There was no backdrop--with the red and green sashes draping the walls and wreaths pinned here and there, there had been no need for a Christmas backdrop--however, a few of those light umbrellas had been spread out.

The photographer, a pretty young woman with elegant features, messed around with a camera. She'd looked up when Lizzie had entered.

"So, where are we doing this?" Lizzie asked her.

The woman gestured with her hand at the spot behind the light umbrellas. "Over here, Lady Elizabeth."

Jason disappeared and Ethan stepped forward, placing a light kiss on her lips. His hands rested on her waist as they lined up where the photographer wanted them. "Your hair looks beautiful," he said.

Lizzie grinned up at him, "thanks, I call it the 'oh shit, I'm late' look."

Ethan fixed a few strands for her, but the curls that the hairstylist had put in this morning seemed to be keeping together. "I like the curls," as if to prove his point, he pulled lightly on one and watched as it bounced back.

"I like what you've got going on as well, Your Highness." Today, Ethan had had a stylist comb his hair into a partially neat, partially messed-up masterpiece. The back was mostly combed and gelled, but the front stuck up and had a few pieces falling out. With his three-piece black suit and navy tie, Ethan looked ready to break some hearts. "Will you be wearing this for the party?"

He fiddled with a cufflink. "I might have to. I've got a few meetings today and don't know if I'll have time to change."

"I can bring you an ugly sweater to wear if you'd like."

His low chuckle made parts of her come alive. "I want to say yes, only to see what you scrounge up for me."

She wiggled her eyebrows, "don't underestimate my skills."

"Okay, Lady Elizabeth, can I get you to come to the front of Prince Ethan Alexander? Yes, just like that. I need you to slightly lean back, further, good. Your Highness, if you could wrap an arm around Lady Elizabeth's waist. Perfect. Now Lady Elizabeth, please put your left hand on His Highness' arm. Tilt it out a bit. Wonderful."

And so the photoshoot went. Mostly it was following what the photographer wanted, which Lizzie didn't mind. This one was just a quick, Christmasy look-how-happy-we-are shoot for the public. Both Melena and Ethan's public relations specialist agreed that photoshoots were the best when it came to updates on their lives. Melena said their love kept the people going. Though Lizzie would never have said it did that much. Still, she didn't mind showing the kingdom how happy she was here with Ethan.

Prince Ethan Alexander, her mate. Wow, it still had a nice ring to it.

It took an hour and a half for the shoot. When it was over, Ethan unbuttoned his suit, removed his jacket, and started to roll up his sleeves. Lizzie's stomach clenched. She loved it when he did that.

"If you keep looking at me like that, I'm not going to make my meetings."

"I'm not doing anything," she said innocently. She knew he had to take off--his schedule was always packed. At least after today, he'd be free until after Christmas. He'd promised her that he was going to give her every bit of his attention for Christmas. She literally couldn't wait.

"Uh-huh."

She stepped forward and traced a thumb over the Acemark at his temple. "I love you, Ethan."

His expression was dark and sent fiery heat into her. "I love you more."

When she thought her heart would burst, he kissed her. His cologne brushed against her nose, his soft shirt under her fingertips, and he was everywhere. Their kiss molded into two, and then three.

She didn't want to let go. Though after the third--not that she was keeping count--he let her go with a groan. "I have to go."

"Good luck today. Want me to take your jacket up to the rooms?"

"No, I might need it. Thank you, though."

"Anything for you, my prince."

Before leaving, Ethan pointed at her. "We will continue this later."

"After the party."

"Yes, after the party."

Then he left, and somehow Lizzie felt hollow without him.

↞❄❄❄↠

Every year the palace threw a winter ball. However, because winter was quite an expansive season, the ball took place at the end of January instead of during December. Since the palace always saw tour groups and numerous political visitors, the decorators decked out the palace with numerous holiday decorations.

Lizzie loved it. Each room had been styled differently with multiple colors and themes. The parlor, where she'd decided to throw the party, followed a gold and red theme. Even the rather large, expensive tree in the corner had white lights, gold ribbon, and red and gold ornaments.

About a month ago, she'd told Ethan about her desire to throw a Christmas party. After the crazy last year, she wanted a small gathering of her favorite people to come together and have fun. But mostly, she wanted a chance to convey just how grateful she was to all of them.

Her mate had been on board and had offered to hire a party planner, but Lizzie didn't want that. All they would need was a room, some snacks, and friends. She didn't need an elaborate party, nor did she want one.

Now, seeing her family and friends come together, she was so happy she decided what she did. Everyone was here--Jackson and Avery sat on the white and gold couch. Next to them, Ian and Havana cuddled close. On the floor Ziggy (who somehow managed to get his camera in), Cam, and Sarah lounged around. Her father, Adrian stood by the snack table with Danika. Eli might've stepped out for a bit, but he was here somewhere and Josh--

An arm curled around her shoulder. "Chlo, I gotta say, you're lookin' mighty fine in that ugly sweater."

She turned to her best friend, taking in the giant pug in a Santa hat on his top. "That pug, though...if this were a contest, you'd definitely win cutest sweater."

Josh pulled at the bottom of his green sweater. "This isn't cute, this is manly. Ask Danika."

"I'll be sure to do that."

Ethan strolled in then, his hair messed up and his tie askew. "I'm late, I know. I'm sorry."

Lizzie shook her head. "You're fine. I understand."

He curled his hand around the nape of her neck and pulled her in for a hug. "At least I'm done now."

"Completely?"

"Completely."

"Heck yeah, now we can really start Christmas. You good?" She asked Ethan.

"I'm amazing now that I'm next to you."

She snorted at the cheesiness, but only nudged Ethan with her shoulder playfully. "I already promised you my night after this. Now you're just wasting your time."

"Are we having a competition to see how sappy we can be?" Josh asked, then called across the room. "Danika! Come here and be sappy."

Danika flipped him off.

"Okay, love you too, sweetheart," he said.

Lizzie laughed into Ethan's shirt.

"Did you want to do presents right away?" her mate asked, "or did you have something else in mind?"

"Maybe. One second." Across the room, she met Jackson's eye and gave him a questioning look. He looked a little nervous and miserable, but he nodded. "We are all good."

Jason appeared then, almost out of nowhere. He clapped his hands loud to get everyone's attention. "Our future queen wants to do presents!"

Everyone settled down then, and Lizzie approached the mound of wrapped gifts under the tree and passed them out. She'd gotten something for each of them. Some of them were sentimental, some were goofy, either way, she watched with excitement as they opened their gifts.

"No way!" Josh laughed as he opened his. She'd gotten him a goofy t-shirt that said, "it's lit."

"Thanks, Lizzie," Havana said as she unwrapped her new wireless headphones. Last week she'd mentioned that her pair broke.

"Oh, cool!" Ziggy ripped the paper from the new camera. It was expensive, but she had money at her disposal now and she'd rather have spent it on her friends and family.

Jackson grunted as he opened the walkie-talkie set. On the back, she'd written a little note. For constant check-ins with minimal movement.

The only one who didn't get a gift was Ethan, but she was saving the new acoustic guitar she'd purchased for Christmas day. She wanted to take the time to really see his reaction.

When all the presents were unwrapped and the 'thank you's' were done, Lizzie nodded to Jackson. There was one more present under the tree, and it wasn't from her.

Jackson got up and picked up the box. His forehead looked a little damp, and Lizzie could see his nerves from a mile away. Still, like the strong man he was, Jackson sat next to Avery on the couch and handed her the gift.

A few people were murmuring and talking and not at all paying attention to the big moment happening across the way. Lizzie focused hard, trying to hear every word. She snapped at Ziggy and pointed at Jackson, who spun automatically to record.

Avery was confused as Jackson handed her the box--no one else had gotten two gifts. "This one's from me," Jackson assured.

She undid the paper with a delicacy Lizzie would never have. When it came to presents, Lizzie ripped them open. Avery however, took her time. After what felt like forever, Avery held the blue satin box in her hand. "Jackson," she whispered, heavy knowledge in her voice.

Every single person in the room paid attention now. Jackson got up, grabbed the box from her hand, and got down on one knee.

Lizzie held back her squeal. Instead, she gripped Ethan's hand as hard as she could.

"Avery, you make me one of the happiest men in the whole kingdom. I cannot imagine for one moment what my life would be like without you. I'd be a mess, that's for sure," the room laughed. "But now, I want to be your mess. And I want to have you there, by my side, for the rest of my days. Avery, will you marry me?"

Avery lifted her glasses to wipe tears. "Yes, yes of course."

The room erupted into cheers and whoops as the two embraced. Lizzie's cheeks ached from all the smiling. Jackson had been so nervous when he didn't need to be. Avery adored him in the same way he did her. Anyone could see it, just in the way they stole glances of each other. The mate connection helped a lot too.

When the rounds of congratulations and hugs died down, Lizzie stood and grabbed a glass of champagne off the table. She took a deep sip, then turned to her friends and family. As if they knew, they all gave her their attention.

"I just wanted to say thank you all for coming. Though some of you live here and I would've dragged you down here by your ear if you didn't come, I'm still happy you're here." Everyone laughed and she waited until they quieted to continue. She traced the edge of her flute with one finger. "There has been a lot over this last year. And though some of it was terrible and scary and heart-wrenching, there was also a lot of wonderful things. I don't...I have no idea where I'd be without each and every single one of you. You make me happy to live the life I do and I love you. I guess what I'm trying to say is, if there's ever something else that throws itself in my way, I'm confident that I'll get past it because I have you. So...thank you."

"Love you, Chlo!"

"Awe."

"Lizzie!"

"Why are you so cute?"

"I think my eyes are leaking."

Lizzie laughed, her own eyes filling. "Merry Christmas, everyone."

"Merry Christmas!"