Loving Blitz (6 page)

“Oh.”

“What’s wrong?” Blitz asked, poking his head inside the door.

“There’s, um, only one bed.” Cupid stared at the bed. Granted, it was quite large, but it was still one bed.

“That’s okay,” Blitz replied cheerfully. “We’ll just have to share.”

“Right.” Share? A bed? With Blitz? Oh dear.

“Is that okay?” Blitz asked worriedly. “I could sleep on the floor. There are plenty of blankets.”

“Don’t be silly. Of course it’s okay. Why wouldn’t it be? We’re friends, right?” He couldn’t let Blitz sleep on the floor. It would be uncomfortable and cold. Holly’s sake. Why was he so awkward? He could do this. Just focus on the task at hand. It wouldn’t be for long, anyway. It wasn’t the first time they’d shared a bed. They did it all the time back at the Rein Dear Academy. Pushing aside his concerns, his thoughts went to the old palace. “What do you suppose it’s like in there?”

“In where?” Blitz removed some of his belongings from his trunk, arranging them neatly on one side of the room.

“The palace. It looked very big.” Cupid couldn’t help his curiosity. He was always fascinated by ruins. His faery side was drawn to them like bees to honey.

“You want to explore it, don’t you?”

Ah, Blitz knew him too well.

“It’s rather late,” Cupid said with a sigh. “Perhaps some other time.”

“Come on.” Blitz put his frock coat back on. “I know you won’t be able to sleep if you don’t at least get a peek. Your overactive imagination won’t let you.”

Cupid smiled sheepishly. Blitz was right. “We won’t be long. I promise.”

Blitz shook his head, but there was amusement in his eyes. They wrapped themselves up warm and Cupid grabbed a lantern. They decided to leave Nutmeg in his cozy nest of straw, seeing as he was fast asleep. It wouldn’t take them too long to walk there. Blitz held Cupid’s hand as they walked, telling him he didn’t want to lose him in the woods since Cupid was the one carrying the lantern.

Cupid held back a smile. He was quite certain Blitz had other reasons for holding his hand that didn’t have to do with either of them getting lost. Soon they arrived at the large wooden doors of the palace. It wasn’t as grand as the king’s palace or even Jack’s palace, but it was still impressive in size. Vines and foliage crawled up the façade, and roots from the surrounding trees had burst free from the ground between the stone walkway and steps. Just a peek. They wouldn’t be long. The sun would set very soon and it would be dark, but as long as Blitz was at his side, he’d be just fine. Besides, there was no one around for miles.

BLITZ LED
the way through the partly open doors of the dilapidated palace. He never understood Cupid’s fascination with these crumbling old places. Where Blitz saw nothing but crumbling stone, faded tapestries, and broken statues, Cupid saw magic and wonder. He could see the ruins for what they once were and not the decayed relics that remained.

“This is incredible.” Cupid released Blitz’s hand and handed him the lantern before he ran into the abandoned foyer. Blitz used the lantern to light some of the candles around the palace as they moved from room to room. He agreed with Cupid that it was a shame the palace had fallen to ruins.

“What this must have looked like back before the war. It’s amazing! Look at those gilded moldings.”

The palace was painted in hues of blue and gold, though the once-vibrant paint was chipped and flaking everywhere. There were old, dust-covered tarps over what remained of the furniture, a few chairs here and there. It looked as if the place was ransacked ages ago. The paintings were all gone, and a few shredded and moldy tapestries decorated the walls. Blitz was surprised they left the chandeliers hanging from the ceilings.

He heard a gasp, and turned to find Cupid gone. “Cupid?”

“In here!”

Blitz swiftly followed Cupid’s voice, finding him inside a huge ballroom.

“It’s almost as big as the king’s ballroom!” Cupid danced around the room as if an orchestra played a sweeping waltz.

Blitz chuckled at Cupid. What imagination. And grace. Blitz watched Cupid, admiring his energy and the way he all but floated when he moved. Cupid was enchanting. His gracefulness was mesmerizing.

Blitz wasn’t built for such poise. He took after his father, who worked at the Candy Mills, toiling away behind heavy machinery. Only skilled, meticulous, and strong elves could work the taffy machines at the Candy Mills. His father had wanted Blitz to follow in his steps, but while his father’s feet were always planted firmly on the ground, Blitz dreamt of the sky. He’d been uncertain once. His first day at Claus College. What was an elf like him doing at such a refined school? And then….

“Blitz, you have to see this!” Cupid rushed up to him and grabbed his hand, pulling him along.

Blitz chuckled and obediently followed. It wasn’t all dissimilar to his first day when he met Cupid. Cupid was speeding down the hall with an armful of books, his concentration on something other than where he was going. He slammed into Blitz and bounced off, books and sheets of foolscap floating everywhere. Blitz was ready to give Cupid a piece of his mind when he was met by the most beautiful, sweetest face he’d ever laid eyes on.

“Do you remember when we met?” Blitz asked as he followed an excited Cupid into one of the many vast rooms strewn with furniture covered in tarps.

“Of course I do. You were so very chivalrous, helping me pick up my books and walking me to class.”

“It was the least I could do.”

“I was the one who bumped into you because I wasn’t paying attention. Remember?” Cupid sneaked peeks under the tarps to see what wonders they hid. Blitz imagined the only wonders were of the fluttering moth variety.

“More like you couldn’t see over the huge stack of books in your arms. It was taller than you.” Blitz heard a creak, and he stilled. Cupid didn’t seem to notice. Blitz looked around him, but there was no other movement besides theirs. It was likely the old place creaking. Who knew how long it had been here before the war swept through?

Cupid continued to chat as he lifted tarps and darted around the once elegantly decorated room. There were statues of woodland creatures made of marble, and as the sun set they gave off the most ominous shadows.

“Perhaps we should be going,” Blitz said. As much as he hated cutting Cupid’s fun short, he always trusted his gut, and something told him they should leave this place. “Cupid?” He searched around for his mischievous friend.

“I found a music box!” Cupid said excitedly, turning to show Blitz his treasure. A loud creak resounded, and Blitz looked up.

“Cupid, look out!” Blitz lunged at Cupid, and they rolled out of the way just as a huge chandelier smashed to the floor. He shielded Cupid with his body as the crystals shattered and an onslaught of tiny shards sprayed them. A sharp sting pierced Blitz’s shoulder, and he stifled a growl. When it was over, he pulled back and looked down at Cupid lying startled beneath him. “Are you all right?”

“I… I think so.”

Blitz let out a sigh of relief. He ran a hand over Cupid’s hair and smiled warmly. “Good. I was worried you might have been hurt.”

“I’m all right.” Cupid’s cheeks looked a little rosier than usual and he shifted his gaze, as if he couldn’t quite look Blitz in the eye. That was odd. Cupid’s eyes went wide, and he gasped. “I’m not hurt, but it looks like you are. Oh, Blitz, your arm.”

Blitz turned his head and spotted the stain of blood on his left shoulder. A shard of crystal had sliced through his coat and shirt. “It’s only a graze. I’ll be fine.” He’d had far worse in his hangar while taking apart his biplane and reassembling it.

“We need to get that patched up.” Cupid gently pushed at Blitz, and he reluctantly rolled off. “Let’s hurry back. Will you be all right until then?”

“I’m fine. Really.” Cupid loved to fuss over him.

Cupid was having none of it. They hurried to the cabin, and Blitz was relieved to be back. There was something about that place that didn’t sit well with him. He removed his coat and laid it neatly to one side, followed by his vest. He tugged the torn side of his shirt over his shoulder to give Cupid access. Then he sat still on the edge of the bed as Cupid made a big fuss. He really didn’t need a bandage, but if it would make Cupid feel at ease, then he would sit quietly like a good little elf.

Cupid buzzed about, getting supplies from his trunk. It looked as if he’d packed an entire medical kit. He put some strange gooey stuff on Blitz’s arm that had him cussing up a storm.

“Holy holly berries, are you trying to set me on fire?”
Crabapples
, that stung.

“It’s Mother’s recipe. She used to make it for me when I scraped my knee or cut myself. I know it stings, but it will help you heal much quicker.”

The sight of Cupid puckering his plump lips and blowing softly on Blitz’s shoulder made his blood rush to the most inappropriate of places. “Thank you.”

Cupid smiled cheerfully, apparently oblivious to the effect he was having on Blitz. “You’re welcome. What do you suppose happened?” Cupid asked as he finished bandaging Blitz’s shoulder. “I wonder what caused it to fall?”

“It’s very old. Who knows how long it’s been in the process of falling. Terrible timing.”

Cupid pursed his lips in thought. “I suppose you’re right.”

“You don’t seem certain.”

“I don’t know. I just feel odd.”

“I’m sure it’s nothing.” Blitz rubbed his hands up and down Cupid’s arms for comfort. He didn’t want to worry Cupid by telling him he felt the same. Poor Cupid was rattled. “Come on. Let’s get some sleep. I’m sure everything will sort itself out in the morning.”

“You’re right. A little rest will do wonders.” Cupid gave Blitz’s shoulder a gentle kiss.

Rest would be the least of Blitz’s worries if Cupid continued on the path he was on. It occurred to Blitz perhaps Cupid wanted to be on that path. What if he wanted Blitz to join him? There was only one way to find out.

Chapter Five

CUPID PULLED
on his nightshirt and did his best not to think about sharing a bed with Blitz. Despite their various setbacks and mishaps, he was enjoying his little adventure with Blitz immensely. He felt guilty for having gotten Blitz hurt. Blitz had saved him and was injured in the process. Cupid needed to rein in his curiosity. It was an accident, but still. His thoughts went back to their current predicament.

Sharing a bed would be fine. He was being silly. After giving himself a good talking to, he headed into the small bedroom just as Blitz was dressing. He was bare to the waist and wearing only his undergarments. Heat flooded through Cupid, and all he could think about was tracing his fingers down Blitz’s spine, maybe planting a kiss on his shoulder, placing a hand over his….

“There you are. I was wondering where you’d gone off to.”

Something resembling a squeak escaped Cupid, and he pointed behind him. “Using the little elf’s room.” Everything was fine. Peachy. Ugh, why was he so terrible at this?

“We’ve been friends for hundreds of years, haven’t we?”

Cupid smiled and cocked his head to one side, curious as to why Blitz was bringing it up. “Yes. And I’ve cherished every moment.”

“Me too.” Blitz bit down on his bottom lip. “Ever since the Silver Bells Christmas Ball, when we danced, and kissed, I’ve been wondering if—”

Before he could say more, Cupid cut Blitz off with a big yawn. “Oh, dear me. I’m so terribly sorry. It’s been such a long day.”

“You’re right, it has been. Perhaps we should get some sleep.”

Cupid smiled warmly and pretended he didn’t notice the disappointment in Blitz’s eyes. He felt terrible for putting that look on Blitz’s face, especially since his heart had an idea what Blitz was trying to say. Cupid was dying to hear the words, yet at the same time he was terrified. Things were changing between them. Cupid could feel it down in his belly. There was nothing he wanted more than to tell Blitz what was in his heart, how he no longer looked at Blitz as just a dear friend, how he wished for so much more. Then that terrible little voice in his head reminded him of how he was deceiving Blitz. Of what he was. How could he crush Blitz’s heart like that? If Blitz did care for him the way Cupid believed, that affection would turn into hurt and disgust. Cupid would rather Blitz remain his friend than not have him at all.

Cupid waited for Blitz to climb into bed before getting under the covers beside him. “Good night, Blitz.”

Blitz smiled at him, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Good night, Cupid.” He rolled over, facing away from Cupid. Cupid already missed his warmth. He’d hurt Blitz by rejecting him so harshly. Cupid was tempted to reach out, place his hand on Blitz’s back, and apologize, but he didn’t. It was better this way.

That night Cupid tossed and turned. He couldn’t shake the feeling there was something he was missing. First the shadow chasing them, and then the chandelier? If it was something out of the ordinary, why wouldn’t it present itself? There was definitely something there. He could feel it in his gut. It lurked in the darkness, waiting. Maybe he just needed to go for a walk and clear his head. Blitz would be worried if he woke up and found him gone. He should leave a note just in case. Judging by his friend’s deep, soft snores, Cupid doubted he would stir. Blitz was a heavy sleeper and no doubt tuckered out.

Cupid gingerly slid off the bed, taking care not to make any noise when he dressed. He scribbled a note to Blitz and left it on the dresser. He wouldn’t be long, and they were far enough away from the palace to hopefully not draw any unwanted attention from whatever presence followed them into that place.

Outside the radiance of the moon illuminated the woods, casting the most beautiful glow on the trees and leaves growing through the snow. Cupid walked west from the cabin toward a small path clear of snow. He wondered if someone had been by recently. Everything else was covered in snow except for this dirt path. Beautiful flowers grew along its edges, and the dirt path soon became cobblestone. Perhaps it led back to the village.

He followed the path until he arrived at a dead end. That was odd. There was a large boulder covered in vines and ivy. Cupid was drawn to it. He stepped close and studied the foliage, noting how the vines seemed to swirl around and around a small stone at its center. Curious, Cupid touched the stone. He jumped back when he heard the boulder move. Slowly it rolled inward and to the side, revealing a secret grove of greenery. It was astonishing.