Once Upon a Fiery Christmas (Return to Avalore Book 3) by Elianne Adams Page A

ready to deal with him yet, but after all the work they had put into the celebration, she expected he would at least attend.
    Katie clapped her hands, getting everyone’s attention. “Everyone hush! Drake is bringing Queen Rhiannon in now.”
    The din ceased in an instant and the only noise was the sound of people breathing. Chantelle held her breath as their queen’s energy came nearer, lifting her spirits. She had missed having her friend around these past few days.
    “I’m hungry. Can’t we go eat first? Whatever Evan has to discuss can wait a few minutes, can’t it?” Rhia’s voice drifted into the open doors.
    “This will only take a moment, I promise, and then you can feast all you want.” Drake’s words filtered in just as they crossed the threshold.
    “I—” Rhia’s eyes grew wide and her hands flew to cover her mouth.
    “Merry Christmas.” Drake kissed her damp cheek before taking one of her hands and leading her into the room. “Chantelle and Katie wanted to surprise you.”
    Eyes luminous, Rhia searched the room until she found Chantelle. Her smile brightened the room as she made her way through the crowd to her. “You did this? For me?” Rhia wrapped Chantelle in her arms and hugged her close.
    “I had a lot of help. Katie for one, and well… everyone.” Chantelle hugged her back, basking in the warm energy seeping into her.
    Rhia pulled back, her eyebrows furrowed just a touch. “We’ll talk when this is done?”
    Chantelle didn’t pretend not to know what she was talking about. Rhia was too astute, too in tune with everyone around her, not to know when something was amiss. Chantelle forced her smile back on and nodded. “For now, we celebrate.”
    As if on cue, the carolers started singing. Rhia, still in shock, spun to face the group, clapping her hands as the words “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” rang through the room. Her energy expanded with her joy, making everyone smile along with her. Drake stood behind her, his arms wrapped around her waist as they listened and swayed with the music.
    “Woooooow.”
    This time, Chantelle’s smile came naturally. Little Max Matthews stood at the foot of the tree, staring up past the decorated branches to the star at the top, then down again to the base where piles of gifts were stacked high.
    “Maxwell, get away from that tree.” Barbara, the child’s mother, came rushing behind him, ready to intercept whatever he had planned. Max’s little lip quivered as he pouted.
    “Isn’t it pretty? Look at all the lights.” Chantelle came down to his level. “It’s very important not to touch it, though. You never know if it could come toppling down.”
    Max smiled again. “Is that a real star, Chantelle?” His gaze flicked back to the top of the tree.
    The star, infused with energy, shone bright. “It looks pretty real to me. And did you see all the presents? I bet there’s probably one or two in there for you.”
    Max’s eyes nearly bulged as he took in the mounds of gifts. “You think so?” Before either Chantelle or Barbara could react, he reached down and grabbed the gift closest to him, tearing at the paper.
    “Max, no!” Barbara took the box with the torn red paper from his hands. “I’m so sorry.” The woman blushed and tugged her son to his feet. “Max, remember what we discussed? You are not to touch anything unless you’re asked to do so.”
    Hearing the commotion, Rhia smiled at the boy and came close to ruffle his hair. “Don’t worry, Max. I can hardly contain myself either. But if we wait, it’ll be so much better, isn’t that right, Chantelle?”
    Chantelle couldn’t stop the laughter from bubbling up. Between Rhia and Max, she didn’t know who was most excited. “She’s right. It won’t be much longer.”
    The carolers started singing a different song, and Rhia’s brows furrowed before she started laughing. “I’m not an expert on Christmas carols, but I’m pretty sure Frosty isn’t a happy, sappy