The Fox’s Tale

I cracked the box open and just gaped at the contents. “It’s all beautiful, but Ellery…” I didn’t want to seem ungrateful, but my mind couldn’t grasp what was inside. She scooted next to me.

“These,” she indicated to two gleaming fox heads attached to a chain, “belonged to the last fox Shifter to marry into House Thorn. I had them made into a lapel chain for you. Don’t worry; they’re platinum, not silver.”

She pointed to a gold signet ring. “This belonged to the last Duke of Light and Shadows. He left it to the family for the next man to be given the title.”

She pointed at a set of two earring and cuff combinations. One was platinum and the other gold, both with small fox heads engraved on the cuffs. “These I picked out for you, one for each court.”

She took a deep breath and pointed to the last item in the box. “And this….this is,” Ellery became choked up and looked away for a moment. “This is the wedding band Rowan had made for Jojo.”

She took a deep breath. “He’s never worn it, but he’s kept it with him all these years. He wanted you to have it for our wedding ceremony. I already have the one he had made for her.”

She looked away as she wrestled with her emotions. “None of it is meant to be worn on a day to day basis, at least not now, but I thought you might like to have something meaningful when you do have to get gussied up. I know it must be weird for you, being thrown into the deep end of Court life so suddenly, and well…”

I didn’t let her finish. This time I pulled her into my lap and kissed her until she gasped for air.

“Does that mean you like the gift?” she asked when I turned her loose.

“I love all of my gifts. I cannot think of a single gift that I have ever received, for any reason, that has been as thoughtful as these are. Had I not just spent myself inside you a few minutes ago I would be doing that right now. You are amazing, Ellery.”

My stomach rumbled, interrupting my declaration of love. She covered her mouth to hide her smile. “Um, as I was saying.” My stomach growled again and this time she burst into laughter.

“Why don’t you tell me what you wanted to say while we eat breakfast? Then we can get ready for the family celebration this afternoon.”

We took our time eating breakfast in front of the tree, discussing who we’d like to give the spare set of tickets to, and thanking each other over and over again for one gift or another. When we finished I stretched out on the leather sofa with my new scarf around my neck and cracked open the book on Faerie Lore.

There was something niggling at the back of my mind that I hoped it would make clearer. Ellery had just taken her new pajamas, the jewelry, and her massage oils into the bedroom when the doorbell rang.

“Are you expecting guests, Princess?” I called.

Ellery dashed back into the living room as the door opened and Alastair strode through.

“I come bearing a message from Queen Esmeralda,” he said, as he glared at me. I sat up, but didn’t stand.

“Mathair Mhor has never sent a messenger boy on her behalf when she wished to speak with me.” Ellery was still in her pajamas and wearing her fox slippers, but she managed to look as imposing as any queen decked out in full regalia.

Alastair scowled back at her. “Your behavior at the dinner to congratulate you on finding your Other upset her and her Council. She charged me with expressing her wishes. As such, I must inform you that your grandmother is disappointed that you have once again chosen to spend Yule with your Seelie family.”

“Alastair, the agreement for the holidays was settled between Mathair Mhor and Papa years ago. Besides, she does not celebrate Yule and never has. Samhain is the holiday we celebrate together.”

Ellery managed to keep her voice calm, but I could tell she was even more livid than I was.

Alastair seemed to be oblivious to her growing anger and continued on in his unctuous way. “Be that as it may, you are, sadly, her only family and heir. That you spend so little time in the realm you are intended to rule one day is not lost on the Council or your subjects.”

“Again, Mathair Mhor, Papa, and both Councils determined what my duties would be when I was still a baby. I do not visit the Seelie Court any more than I visit the Unseelie Court.” Ellery’s voice could have chipped ice.

He snorted. “Yet you live in the Seelie realm.”

“Our home is connected to the Seelie realm, but I live in the human realm, as was agreed upon!”

“The Unseelie deserve to see more of you Crown Princess.” He looked her over from head to toe. “Much more. It is your duty to see to the needs of your subjects.”

My breakfast, which had settled like a lead weight in my gut the minute Alastair walked through our door, now threatened to return with violence.

“Well now, you’ve delivered your message, Alastair," I said in a clipped tone. "Yule is a holiday for family and friends. As you are neither, I suggest you run along.”

He sneered at me. “I don’t take orders from you.”

“Leave Alastair. You will not darken our doorstep ever again.”

Ellery had used her persuasive powers and I could see Alastair fighting back. He ultimately lost the fight and began walking to the door.

“I look forward to dancing with you on Twelfth Night, your highness,” he called over his shoulder.

“Didn’t Mathair Mhor tell you? I will not be dancing with you, Alastair. I would wish you well on your journey home, but we both know I’d be lying.” Ellery’s voice was cold.

He shut the door with a bang. For a moment neither of us said anything.

“Get some sage sticks, Ellery,” I said at last. “I want his scent out of our home.” I went and examined the door. “I could have sworn this was locked.”