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Rafe and Hope waved as they tossed Mardi Gras beads into the crowd.
Finally Aviana entered, riding in a sleigh that was pulled by her harnessed slaves. People screamed and cheered as they took her in, sitting on a bench and covered with a shimmering blanket.
At the rear of the procession was Evan Frost, dressed as Santa and belting out a hearty, “Ho, ho, ho.”
Right behind him was his helper, handing out candy canes, and Maddie reached for one.
She grinned after she secured her prize. “This is so much fun!”
Her enthusiasm was infectious, and Zander grinned back at her.
“Isn’t it?” she repeated.
His admission might be reluctant, but the depth of the sincerity surprised him. “Yeah.”
“If I didn’t know better, Master Zander, I’d think the grinch’s heart is getting bigger.”
He scowled, but she laughed at him. The sound was as pure as it was gleeful. She dazzled him. Fuck if he could remain unhappy for even five seconds in her company.
After completing three circuits, the royalty took their seats. Then Mistress Aviana was assisted from her sleigh and onto the throne that sat on a raised dais.
A group of elves detached her slaves from their harnesses and moved the sleigh over toward the tree and Santa’s high-back, velvet-covered chair.
Evan and his assistant took their places, and then the trumpeter signaled another announcement.
“Welcome to the Quarter’s Holiday Extravaganza! On Milady’s command, the tree will be lit, and Santa will start reaching into his bag with presents for the naughtiest of attendees.” He paused for dramatic effect. “You know who you are.”
Cheers and chuckles rippled through the atmosphere.
“Our Ladyinviteseveryone to parade past the reviewing stand.”
The emphasis on the word meant it was a royal decree.
Aviana’s slaves offered their assistance as she stood. “Join me in counting down from ten.” Her voice boomed melodically through the entire dungeon. No doubt there was a mic hidden on that bodysuit, but where was beyond imagination. “Ten!”
The crowd joined in getting louder and more raucous as the numbers dropped lower.
Then, exactly on cue, the tree exploded with bright, blinding color. The club’s AV team switched on red and green spotlights that danced off the tinsel Zander hadn’t even noticed until now.
The music cranked up, and Mistress Aviana resumed her seat.
Her loyal subjects fell into a long, snaking line that would lead them past the ice princess and her court and straight to a visit with Santa.
Maddie grabbed his arm. “We have to do this.”
Of course she refused to disappoint, and he loved her for it.
“You’re a DM.” She shrugged. “Your absence would be noted.”
She had a point. Aviana would certainly not be pleased if he didn’t pay his respects, especially after she’d made her wishes clear.
The line was slow and painstaking, and for a brief second, he envied Hayes for making his timely escape.
In the end he offered his arm to Maddie. “Shall we?” He could deny her nothing.
When they eventually reached the reviewing stand, he shook hands with Rafe and promised to call soon.
“Do that.”
