It was as if magic that my dress was tailored and prepped to my body. White sequins of crystal and lace decorated the length of each side. The two servants braided my hair into two pigtails, tying the ends into an intricate bun.

I applied the last of my gloss and stood to observe myself in the mirror

"Beautiful" a servant beamed, adjusting the train of the off white gown. I looked down and smiled, thanking her with a smile. "Can I ask you something?"

"Anything" she pouted, taking a needle to seal the end of the train. "Does Nicholas date out.. a lot?"

"Well... you would be the first dark coca he had in his cup full of marshmallows if you know what I mean madam." the woman winked carefully.

"No! No!" I blushed, trying to stifle my laughter. "I meant...is he a playboy? Does he have a lot of women on his list?" I clarified.

"Oh..." the woman blushed now realizing her boldness and shook her head yes. "He finally settled down two years ago with Samantha. He and her had a serious relationship, she was the elf princess, but they broke up just a few months ago. He has a strict no humans rule but no need to worry about that." She grinned warmly.

Little did she know.

"But out of all the women he's snuck in here, you are the most captivating" she smiled, gently pulling a strand of my hair to push it into place.

"You are too kind." I smiled ingenuously.

"My lady, you must be off! They are crier is announcing the last of the guests! Nick told him hold your name for last"

I nodded, following the two guards as they escorted me through the doors.

—-
Nicholas

I talked to another guest, filling them in on the news of the North Pole before the announcer blew his trumpet for the last guest.

Where was Wynter? She should have been here by now?

The people in the crowd made their way to the dining table to eat but stopped as they heard the sound of bells jingle.  "And last but not least! Wynter Rider! Date to Nicholas Clause"

The crowds hushed and focused on her invasive aura, curiously inspecting her with glee. Some women gasped as they saw her slender form, invading their eyes.

She strutted down the pathway and leaned against the handrail, trailing down the steps. Her floor length gown accentuated every one of her pleasing features.

My mouth couldn't help but curl into a smile as she stepped into the public eye. Her hair was braided into an intricate design while her face made with soft glam. I salivated at her form, eagerly stepping to meet her gaze.

I excused myself from the council of men and stepped to greet her ar the end of the stairs. She smiled as she saw me and took my hand, resting her body against my chest. I placed a gentle palm against the bottom of her waist and led her through the parted crowds.

"You look...presentable" I muttered. Those those were the only words my mouth would allow me to say.

Wynter

"You're quite a man of words" I frowned, rolling  my eyes at his lack of interest. He tenderly kissed my palm, apologizing for his lack of attention and escorted her through the crowd.

Every man undressed me with their eyes while evey girl cursed me beneath a breath. Each person was curious to know the beauty was who had gotten the attention of Nick Clause.

Just as we reached the end of the room, three men whispered into his ear to inform of something. He nodded and turned his attention to me. "Wynter stay here. I have to do something."

"Nick you can't leave me here! I don't know anyone!" I grabbed his hand.

"Just stay here; I'll be back soon" he demanded and went off with the men.

I go to the table near the stairs where a tray of snacks were plated. "Can I have a gin and tonic?" I asked the servant making the drinks. Confusion rested in his eyes as he watched me.

"A hot chocolate" I smiled gently and he nodded, finally understanding my requests. A cold hand captured my waist and I sighed with relief as I felt Nick's familiar hold.

"That was quicker than I —-" I froze once I turned around and saw an unfamiliar man facing me. He was tall but pale, dressed in a sleek black tux. He had a crystal crown upon his head with a silver watch to match.

"Who are you?"I whispered, pulling away from his reach. He smirked with mischief and observed my features. "Beautiful" he cursed, taking the top of my palm into his lips, "I don't believe we had the pleasure of meeting."

"No...we haven't" I retorted taking note of his handsome features. Some might say he was pleasing to the eyes.

"Jack Frost is the name" he bragged as he lifted his drink to his lips.

"You're Jack?" I lifted a brow skeptically. He was definitely charming, with waves of blonde hair that cascaded onto his neck. He had captivating eyes, the color of bright blue crystals.

"I am whoever you want me to be" he cursed, pulling me into his chest. I try to separate but his grip was very demanding. Nick already warned me to stay away....

"Nicholas told me to avoid all men named Jack" I hinted pridefully.

"And why would my dear friend Nick say a thing like that" he frowned pretending to be shocked by the news.

"Hmm I don't know." I play dumb. He seizes my jaw and lifted a curly strand that found its way outside my bun.

"The reason escapes me as well." He whispered, softly wiping a trail of glitter from my cheek. He moved his palm through the air and garnered a thick frozen rose made of ice. It's was beautiful.

"For you my rose" he smirked and dangled it in front of my eyes. The distance between us grew smaller as I looked into his eyes. It was if, I was entrapped in a trance. Before he leaned in to kiss me, another hand pulled me away.

"Nick." I called, taken aback by his actions. He came from behind me and pushed him away, sizing him up near the table. "You just couldn't stay away" he cursed, pushing his chest into the wall.

"Nick relax. I was only giving her a rose"

"Yes one that would have enslaved her to you!" he rejected, pressing his forehead against his own.

"Nicholas chill! She wasn't going to touch it. It is a joyous night let's not make this a tussle of war" he chuckled.

I backed away as I watched them size each other up. Nick softly grabbed his neck and whispered something in his ear, patting his cheek and turning to me. His face was red with anger as he stood to face me. I could tell by his demeanor that he was judging me for my folly.

He pulled me into a quiet hallway near the back and stood over my stature. "I thought I told you to stay away from Jack!"

"I tried to but he..."

"But nothing Wynter!" he snapped, towering over me. "I told you and you didn't listen!" He fumed.

"Well..it's your fault! You shouldn't have left me alone" I turned it back, shifting the blame on him.

"You're right. It's like leaving a stupid newborn puppy without a mother to nurse" he sighed and paced the length of the room. I wanted to ask more about Jack but new it best not to...maybe another time.

"Come on. I have to introduce you to my parents. After that I'll announce the engagement then you're free to go."

"What do I say to them? I mean...i never met a guy's parents before"

"Just...act normal. You know what? Just stay quiet and follow my lead" he whispered and grabbed my hand to lead me through doors.

——