Fairy Tale
It was the third week of December and the people of Arus prepared for Christmas. The celebration was something Arus and Earth had in common, as settlers from Earth that had moved to Arus centuries ago had brought the tradition with them and it had spread.
In the Castle of Lions two young children watched while their father put up four socks at the front of the fireplace.
"Daddy, are the socks large enough?" asked a small blond girl with two pigtails.
"They are, Sia, there is more than enough space for Father Christmas to put sweeties in there," assured the black-haired father his daughter with a smile on his face.
"Daddy, can we decorate the Christmas tree? I want to put gingerbread figures in there," asked the black-haired boy, who seemed to be two years older than his sister.
"We will wait for your mother. She wanted to be here when we decorate the tree, remember, Rick?" asked the father.
"But she is busy with the meeting. And Coran and Nanny always keep her there for ages!" complained Rick.
"Can't Mummy get a vacation for Christmas?" asked Sia.
"She will have a few free days for the holidays, but she is the Queen of Arus. That comes with a lot of responsibility," explained their father patiently, "Now, how about we eat some gingerbread stars while I tell you a story until your Mummy joins us?"
The children nodded eagerly and got some gingerbread stars. The father started telling a story about a beautiful princess who was threatened by an evil prince that had decided he would have her as his bride and no other. The princess was very brave though and didn't give into the attempts of the prince to capture her, next to attacking her kingdom over and over again, to force her to capitulate. He told how a brave knight appeared one day in the princess' kingdom and helped her defend her country and her people and how they fell in love with each other. He told of exciting battles and difficult situations that the princess and the knight had to master before they had their happy end and married and lived happily ever after.
When he ended the story, the door opened, and a beautiful blond woman entered the room.
"Mummy!" exclaimed the children.
"Now we can decorate the tree!" cheered Rick.
"Sorry it took so long," she apologised, "but now I can help you with the tree."
The children nodded and soon the tree was filled with different kinds of decoration. From baubles and straw stars to gingerbread figures and golden bells. The candles were the electric kind as it was much safer, especially with children. In the end, the family of four was happy with how it looked like.
"I'm so happy, Keith," said Allura, "This is like my personal fairy tale ending."
He kissed her cheek.
"Mine too, Allura. This is what Christmas should be about. Family enjoying it together," agreed Keith.
Sia and Rick started to sing some of their favourite Christmas sings and their parents joined them.