Sneak Peek - Christmas Story 1

Ozara's Story

“You’ve helped all of them, and you continue to do everything you can to help them. So don’t for a second doubt yourself and think you’re some horrible ruler because you couldn’t stop things out of your control.” You squeeze her hands, “you’re too amazing to doubt yourself.”

She snorts, “I would not go as far as you are going, but -”

“Well,” you interrupt, shrugging your shoulders, “that’s why I’m here. To remind you as much as needed. It is a job that I take extremely seriously.”

She exhales deeply, looking you over before bringing your hands up to her lips and placing a kiss there. “How lucky must I be to find myself someone so devoted.”

“Devoted. Dedicated. Infatuated.”

“I am disappointed. You ruined your streak.”

Bringing her close, you wrap your arms around her waist and smile into her neck, “then let us change the last one to desired.” She pulls back so that you can see her face, a curious and amused brow raised.

“Oh, hush and just kiss me,” you laugh, the word hardly leaving your lips as she does as you ask.

Nour's Story

“Can I confess something?” You tear your eyes from the view to look at Nour, who still watches it, though there is a touch of sadness in golden eyes that you are far too used to seeing sparkle.

“Ever since you were taken, the view has not been the same. I used to love coming out here, with or without you, and staring at the rise and the setting of the sun upon the mesas. I came out here after your kidnapping to seek solace, and the sight just grew ugly and cold.”

“And now?”

“It is still the same. I see the warmth of the colors, but it feels as if my brain tells me differently. This sight is dull and mocking. Perhaps it’s due to too many years without you. Even when we came through here last, my thoughts did not shift to something merrier.”

“I remembered such a moment was full of silence mostly. I had just thought that you were captivated by all of it.”

“I never did tell you what was bothering me at that moment, did I?”

You snort, “you never truly do, Nour. You think about others before yourself and, in the process, forget that your feelings are just as valid.”

They frown, “you had enough problems at that moment.”

Resting your hand on their shoulder, you encourage them to gaze at you, “and now those problems are in the past. So, tell me.”