Page 77 of Christmas Magic

“You’re still volunteering for the organization?” he asked.

“I am.” She looked at Lucian, still down on his knee with his head bent. “At our age, it’s important to keep active.”

Fred’s bushy eyebrows rose—as she’d hoped.

Ha! Let him wonder about the relationship between her and Lucian. A thrill raced through her that Fred would realize she was a Cougar.

“As you know,” she added, “there’s a lot to enjoy in this charming town.”

Lucian cleared his throat and raised his head a fraction. Her words had clearly made him uncomfortable—and if he walked off, she’d lose her leverage to torment Fred.

“Oh, goodness. Where are my manners?” She gestured to Lucian. “Fred, this is Lucian Lord. I’m sure you remember his grandfather, William, who owns Black Cat Antiquities. Lucian helps manage the store now.”

Lucian still didn’t glance up or rise. Surely he wasn’t waiting to be given permission to stand? Even if he didn’t suffer from arthritis, as she did, if he stayed on that knee too much longer, the joint might lock. Then he wouldn’t be able to get up even if he wanted to. They might have to call the paramedics. Cora barely resisted the urge to nudge him with her foot.

“’Tis a great honor to meet you, milord,” Lucian said.

Fred chuckled as though he’d heard a good joke. “Did you call me ‘milord?’”

“I did…milord,” Lucian said.

Laughter rippled through the people standing close by. Cora smiled. Best to play along for now.

“Ho ho ho,” Fred boomed. “What jolly good fun.”

Tension crept into Lucian’s posture, but he still didn’t straighten and stand. “Not mere fun, milord. I seek an audience with you.”

“Ho ho ho. Of course, you do.” Fred waved at the crowd. “Lots of other folks have also come to speak with me today.”

“I have not seen any knights among them. Why—?”

“Are you a Christmas knight?”

“A knight, aye. One who wishes to serve the renowned Santa, Lord of the Elves.”

Surprise rippled through Cora. Lucian was playing along with Fred’s suggestion of the Christmas knight. Maybe Lucian had decided it would be the best way to connect with Fred and get his permission for the holiday party? Getting Fred’s approval had, for some reason, seemed crucial to him.

The parents standing nearby were laughing. Judging by their grins, they loved the dramatics. They must think it was a performance arranged by Coquina Castle to entertain them while they waited in line.

“You are a very noble fellow, O Christmas knight.” Fred tapped his chin with his finger. “If only I had a holiday sword with which to knight you.”

“Use one of the Nutcrackers’ swords,” a mother called.

Chuckles spread through the crowd, while the mother gestured to the two wooden figures near Santa’s throne.

“But milord, I was knighted long ago.”

Poor Lucian sounded indignant. Maybe the idea of being knighted by a fake-sword-wielding Santa embarrassed him.

“Ho ho ho. Of course, you were knighted before. Otherwise, you couldn’t be a Christmas knight!”

More laughter.

“Silly me. My mistake,” Fred went on. “Please, rise now, O Christmas knight.”

Lucian rose and brushed off his trousers.

“So.” Fred smiled at Lucian. “Are you here to undertake a quest? Have you come to help me deliver toys to all of the good boys and girls?”