Page 112 of Christmas Magic

Funny? Hellfire. Lucian couldn’t remember having so much trouble getting an opponent to fight.

“I have to get ready for the parade.” Santa adjusted his hat and turned to the float.

Lucian must convince the old fellow he was serious about a duel. Raising his arm, Lucian brought the blade swooping down—a move that made the steel flash again.

“Oooooohhh,” said the crowd.

Santa jumped back. His eyes bulged. “Are you crazy?”

“Let’s settle this matter of honor,” Lucian seethed, “unless you have decided to yield to me?”

“No way.” Santa snatched the painted wooden sword from one of the Nutcracker figures and pointed it at Lucian.

“Modern Santa squares off against his vintage counterpart,” a man called.

A woman giggled. “I know who has my bet.”

Lucian’s gaze locked with Santa’s. “That’s a poor choice of weapon, milord.”

“Lucian.” Cora sounded anxious.

“Don’t worry, Fair Maiden,” he called back to her. “Before the parade starts, his lordship will have apologized to you.”

Santa’s face reddened. His mouth opened and closed several times, as though he tried to speak. Then, he turned.

Fled.

“Coward!” Lucian bellowed.

“Fred!” an elf cried. “Where are you going?”

Santa disappeared behind the float.

Several people in the crowd clapped.

“So creative. I’ve never seen publicity like that,” an onlooker said.

“Are you sure it was an act?” a woman asked.

“Of course, it was.”

“I’d donate to Coquina Castle and the historical society to see that again,” a man added.

“I will count down from five, Santa,” Lucian yelled. “If you do not return—”

“He’s running away,” another man called then laughed. “He’s running pretty fast.”

“Running away?” Lucian choked. How insulting, to both him and his Fair Maiden.

At a small sound, he spun, his sword still raised.

Cora gasped. She stood on her own a few steps away. He’d heard Roberta earlier, but she wasn’t within sight now.

“Lucian.” Cora sucked in a breath. “Your dramatics are very exciting, but—”

“I promise, Fair Maiden, I will avenge the slight Santa cast upon you.”

“That’s gallant of you, but—”