Missing from the Nest
Justin slammed his hands down on the table in front of him. “What do you mean an ancient artifact is missing?”
Hue shook his head. “I’m just saying that it has gone missing and if it isn’t located I may have to take a few days off to go home and help locate it.”
“That’s unacceptable. It is a week until Black Friday and that’s when things start getting really crazy around here.” Justin Kringle is a hard Dwarf to please. He takes his job as COO of the North Pole very seriously. He looked over at me with an irritated glance. “I suppose you’ll want to go too.”
Mirroring Hue I shook my head. “No, I would stay here to make sure things didn’t fall behind. We have caught up on all the work that accumulated after the duel. We’re actually a few days ahead of schedule. If Lord Hudraer must leave for a short period of time I would remain here to make sure things stay on course.”
Justin seemed to relax a little, sinking back down into his chair. He reached for a mug with a candycane-striped handle that read, “Dwarves Do It Better” and took a long sip of coffee. When he had drained the last bit of it he looked as if he would pout for a moment. He sighed, setting the cup back down. “If everything is in order, then Lord Hudraer you may go, but not until after Black Friday. Until then I need you here making sure Lady Alizeyah is fully prepped to handle the busy season on her own if need be.”
Hue nodded beside me. “We will be totally prepared.”
“Good.” Justin shifted his attention back to me. “Uniforms said you haven’t returned the dress from the launch yet. Please do that this week so it can be cleaned.”
“I did it this morning.” I offered a smile I hope was reassuring.
“Alright, I guess we’re done here. You two, back to work. I want a report by Wednesday with a plan if Lady Alizeyah has to take over the full assignment.”
Hue nodded as he took my hand, pulling me to my feet. “Yes sir.” I followed along behind Hue as he all but dragged me from the conference room. Once outside and down a few halls he paused, stopping to take a breath. “I may have to go back sooner than that. How would you feel about spending the weekend at home in the nest? Geren is away right now and we haven’t been able to reach him. We can’t access his vaults, which is where I believe the artifact to be, without him, but still I’m sure everyone would like to see you.”
I shrugged. “Sure, but let’s do the report before we leave. You and I both know once we get home there isn’t going to be a moment’s peace.”
In a fluid motion he pinned me to the wall and grinned evilly. “I can always lock us down in my vaults again where nobody CAN bother us.” Lowering his head he dropped his mouth to mine. His kiss was instantly deep and hot, but short lived. Just as I felt myself melting against him he stepped away and tugged on my hand. Sighing, he said, “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t rush you, and you’re right that we should get the report done first.”
Four hours and six cups of coffee later we finished the report. Despite Hue’s objection I went ahead and emailed it to Justin early. I wasn’t at all surprised when he replied to me at nine o’clock at night, still working. The man was a workaholic through and through. Glancing up at Hue I smiled. “I’m all set.”
He took my hand and the world shifted around us with sparkling flurries and starlight. When the world came into view we were standing in the center of the great hall and everything was silent. “Where is everyone?” I whispered.
“I think it’s the middle of the night here.” He leaned close to me. “You can bunk with me tonight.” I felt a chill run through me but didn’t object when he guided me towards his chambers.
Lanterns sprung to life around us as we closed the door. Lifting my hand to his lips he pressed a kiss there. “I normally sleep in the nude but I believe I have some sleeping garments from your realm.” He disappeared into a closet at the far side of the chamber and when he returned he was holding a pair of blue striped pajamas.
I walked over and picked up the top half with a smile. “These remind me of a set my grandfather used to have.”
“That has got to be the least sexy thing you have ever said to me,” he said with a laugh.
I made short work tugging off my clothes. Hue, ever the gentleman, turned his back and pretended to keep busy as he changed and waited for me to finish. The PJ top came to rest just below my butt, leaving my legs exposed. I shivered as the cold stone ground under my feet. “Do you have a pull-out bed like Mom?”
Hue shook his head and scooped me up into his arms. “No, but my bed is large, my chamber is cold, and I give you my word nothing will happen until you are ready.” He lowered me onto the bed, encouraging me to get under the covers and sliding in behind me. He went still when I snuggled up beside him and rested my head against his shoulder. “With you so close I may not be able to sleep.” I started to shift away but he wrapped his arms around me holding me in place. “I’ll be fine. Besides, I can’t wait to tell Lady Jura you called her ‘mom’ tonight. She’s going to be delighted.”
I smiled as I felt my eyelids grow heavy and it wasn’t long until I drifted off into the land of Nod.
