Page 72 of Christmas Magic

He thought of the tension during yesterday’s visit to the fortress. Perhaps it would be unbearable for Cora, because of her past with his lordship, to request a private audience with him? She might be too anxious to ask him to be Santa at the party.

Gentling his tone, Lucian said, “’Twould be a good idea to get his permission.”

She rolled her eyes.

“Perhaps I could ask his approval?”

Her gaze dropped to the table, and she unnecessarily straightened her napkin and spoon “I don’t see any reason why you’d have to.”

She might not, but Lucian had no wish to offend Santa. ’Twould not bode well for him or Galahad, and he would not have the squire’s prospects ruined because of a calamity Lucian could have prevented.

There was no other option: He must find a way to get Santa’s approval.

“Roberta and I are really looking forward to you being our Santa, Lucian.”

Such anticipation shone in her eyes. Bollocks. How could he disappoint her?

“We know it’s a hectic time of year. You don’t have to be at the event all evening. Maybe for just an hour or so?”

That didn’t sound too much of a hardship, provided he’d gotten his lordship’s permission.

“Don’t worry, you won’t have to track down a Santa outfit. We have the perfect one already.”

They’d even secured him garments similar to his lordship’s? Lucian’s head swam, for that demonstrated calculation on their part. He had to wonder what else they’d planned for him.

“The outfit’s in my car.” Cora waved her bejeweled hand. “It’s in the dry-cleaning bag on the back seat. You probably saw it earlier.”

He had seen the bag. “Look, Cora—”

The pretty young woman stood beside the table. “Have you decided yet?”

“I’ll have the Belgian Waffle with two eggs and fruit instead of hash browns,” Cora said. “Lucian?”

He hadn’t even looked at the menu, but he did love the fluffy, syrupy deliciousness of waffles. “Same, but with hash browns instead of fruit. Thanks.”

“I’ll put the order in for you.” The waitress wrote on the pad she carried and then went to the next booth.

“So? Will you do it?” Cora fluttered her lashes. “Will you help us out?”

“First, I really would like to speak with Santa.”

“As I said before—”

“He’s busy. ’Tis to be expected, for a man of his importance. But, I should get permission from his lordship.”

“His lordship?” Cora snorted. “Don’t you dare call Fred that to his face. It will inflate his sense of importance.”

Lucian gritted his teeth. Of course, he’d address Santa, Lord of the Elves, with the respect he deserved. Why would she tell him to do otherwise?

She’d spoken unwisely. However, Lucian would never repeat her words to anyone else. That would be a betrayal of trust, and he didn’t want to see her come to harm. He did, after all, need her to get the formal introduction to Santa. Perhaps Lucian should be a bit calculating himself and ensure they both got what they wanted.

Reaching across the table, he entwined his fingers with hers. Her eyes widened.

“I will be your Santa. That I promise you.’

Delight softened her expression. “Thank you.”

“All I ask is that you introduce me to his lordship.”