Eric rubbed his thumb over the cool surface of Clara's locket. He tilted it, watching the candlelight reflect off the golden heart. Emitting a low sigh, he closed his eyes and let his head fall back against the chair he was sitting in. Nearly four weeks had passed since he had become king, and he still felt uncertain in the role. With Clara gone, his insecurities about ruling Parthenia had come surging back. She had been the only one to believe in him when no one else had; without her, he felt rather lost.

It took all of his willpower not to go chasing after her. But he had a duty to his people, one he was not planning on neglecting a second time. He ran the locket's chain through his fingers. Yet no sense of duty could replace the aching in his chest.

The door to the study creaked open, and Captain Candy peered inside cautiously. "Eric?"

Eric opened his eyes tiredly. "Yes? What is it?"

The captain stepped into the room and closed the door. "It's late. Why are you still awake?"

"Why are you?" countered Eric, turning the locket over his in hand.

"Because it's my duty to look out for my king's interests. Which includes ensuring he doesn't fall ill due to lack of sleep."

Eric made a noise of disgust. "Don't call me king. Not you."

Candy shrugged. "Formalities." He raised an eyebrow at Eric's boots, which were propped up on the desk Eric was sitting behind. "Not that you are exactly emitting a kingly dignity at the moment."

Eric threw his friend a dirty look. He kept his feet where they were, though he kicked at a quill that had settled against his boot. The quill rolled away, dropping off the edge of the desk and landing on the study's floor with a soft clatter.

Candy's gaze fell on the locket Eric was holding. "We'll find her," he said gently.

Eric nodded. He pressed on the locket's latch, and it popped open. There was nothing inside, but hope flickered briefly in Eric's eyes, as though the magic would work once more and transport him to wherever Clara was.

Candy shook his head. "I can't believe you didn't confide in me."

Eric snapped the locket shut and looked up. "About what?"

Candy gave him an exasperated look. "About everything. When you were…cursed." The last word was said weakly, and the captain watched Eric's face nervously. They did not often talk about Eric's curse.

But Eric didn't look bothered. He shrugged. "I suppose I didn't for multiple reasons. Guilt. Embarrassment. A desire to not pull you into it."

Candy snorted. "I was already a part of it."

"Maybe I didn't trust your ability to keep secrets," smirked Eric.

"Hilarious," grumbled Candy. He gestured to the locket. "But you told Clara. When you barely knew her."

Eric laughed. "I didn't tell her anything. She figured it out."

"Well…" Candy looked flustered, embarrassed that he hadn't been able to deduce Eric's identity when a stranger could. "She does possess magic. Maybe it helped her realize who you were."

"Or maybe she's just smarter than you," joked Eric.

Candy's face scrunched up into an offended expression.

Eric smiled. "It's alright that you didn't know, my friend. I preferred it that way. Besides, it all worked out in the end." He sobered, closing his hand around the locket. "For the most part."

Candy grimaced sympathetically.

Eric swung his feet down to the floor and stood. Slipping the locket into his pocket, he walked around the desk and patted Candy's shoulder. "Thank you."

"For what?"

Eric shrugged, not bothering to specify. He made his way to the study's door. "I'll see you in the morning." Then he was gone, leaving the captain standing in a rather disheveled-looking study.

/

The brightness of Christmas Day had softened into a peaceful evening. Snow was falling gently outside, settling onto the window sills and framing the glass panes in white curves.

Eric had stayed for Christmas supper, as suggested by Elizabeth Drosselmeyer. Clara's grandfather watched him carefully during the meal, trying his best to find further objections to the strange boy who had appeared on his house's steps as though by magic. But Eric, whom Elizabeth seemed oddly close to, was as polite and well-mannered as could be expected. The only fault the boy seemed to have was his lack of propriety when it came to Clara.

The two of them seemed strangely comfortable around each other, though Clara's grandfather was certain Clara had never met the boy before. He had made sure to place Clara and Eric on opposite sides of the table for supper, though that did little to hinder the small looks he caught them giving each other. Yet none of it was enough for him to vocally object, so he quietly scrutinized them, unable – and unwilling – to dull the protectiveness burning in him for his granddaughter.

He tried interrogating Eric to the best of his ability, demanding to know where he was from, what he was doing in town, and how he knew Elizabeth. The boy answered adequately, until Clara finally asked her grandfather to leave their guest in peace. But Eric didn't seem troubled, in fact, he looked vaguely amused. Clara's grandfather wasn't sure how to respond to such a reaction.

Eric began a new, more agreeable, conversation with her grandfather. And by the end of the meal, Clara's grandfather found, to his surprise, that he was rather enjoying it. Not that entertaining conversation could erase the inappropriate manner in which the boy had kissed his granddaughter's hand earlier, of course. Yet he found himself feeling less averse to Eric than he originally had that morning.

As the dishes were cleared away by the servants, Elizabeth suggested that they all retire to the parlor. Clara nodded eagerly, stepping closer to Eric. Her grandfather was reluctant, but it was hardly late enough to insist that they go to bed, so he was forced to agree.

Tommy settled onto the rug in front of the parlor's fireplace, playing with his new toys. Clara and Elizabeth sat on the sofa, while Eric occupied a chair placed near Clara's side. Her grandfather took his usual seat in an overstuffed armchair near the fireplace, not interested in joining in any more conversation. Instead, he occupied himself with reading the paper from yesterday morning.

Elizabeth, Clara, and Eric bowed their heads towards each other as though confiding in some great secret. They chatted softly, their voices mingling with the crackling of the fire. Casting at glance at Clara's grandfather to be sure that he wasn't paying attention, Eric reached out and grasped Clara's hand, prompting a smile from her.

The glint of firelight on glass caught Eric's eye, and his gaze fell on a small side table, upon which sat a familiar snow globe. He stared at it in surprise. Realization dipped his mouth into an amused slant, and he glanced at Elizabeth.

Noticing Eric's distraction, Clara looked at the snow globe. "Oh. Isn't it lovely? It was a birthday present from Aunt Elizabeth years ago."

"You have good taste," Eric said smugly to Elizabeth.

Elizabeth winked. "Thank you."

Clara's grandfather shifted in his chair, and Clara hastily withdrew her hand from Eric's. Her grandfather pulled out his pocket watch to check it, then let out a grunt. "It's getting late," he said. He pushed himself to his feet and turned to face them. "We should all be going to bed."

Disappointment seeped into Clara and Eric's eyes.

"Surely it is not that late," insisted Elizabeth.

"It is indeed," said Clara's grandfather. "And I will not be responsible for Clara or Tommy acquiring poor sleeping habits." He waved impatiently at Tommy. "Go on, lad."

Tommy sighed, but he obediently began to gather up his toys.

Eric stood and helped Clara to her feet. "I suppose I should be going," he said regretfully.

Sorrow swept across Clara's face.

"I shall escort Eric to the door," said Elizabeth.

Eric turned to Clara's grandfather. "Thank you for having me," he said, holding out his hand.

Clara's grandfather shook the offered hand and nodded. "Yes, well, I'm glad to know that some of Elizabeth's acquaintances are halfway decent."

"Uncle," chided Elizabeth.

But Eric just grinned. He gave Clara's grandfather a nod, then followed Elizabeth out of the parlor and into the entrance hall, Clara close behind.

"Are you going back to Parthenia?" Clara whispered, once they were out of earshot of her grandfather.

Eric looked reluctant to answer. "I suppose."

"Tonight? But it's so late." Clara looked at her aunt pleadingly. "Can't he stay, Aunt Elizabeth? For one night? Surely the maids can prepare the second guest room."

"You know your grandfather would never agree to such a request, Clara." Elizabeth patted Eric's arm affectionately. "You do know how to travel back through the passage, yes?"

Eric gave Elizabeth an exasperated look.

"I'm only being cautious," Elizabeth said with a laugh. "You aren't exactly as experienced in world traveling as your father was." She eyed Eric's clothes. "Though you'll probably freeze to death before making it to Mulberry Park." She ushered Eric over to a small closet near the door. Opening it, she rummaged through the hanging clothes until finally pulling out a dark grey winter coat.

"Who's is that?" asked Clara in confusion. "It's not grandfather's."

Elizabeth looked rather coy as she answered. "It's Eric's now." She shoved it into his hands.

Eric eyed the coat curiously. He studied Elizabeth as he slipped it on, wondering how much he truly knew about her. After all, if Clara possessed magic, who's to say that her aunt didn't have similar talents? What kind of blood ran through the Drosselmeyer family, anyway?

Elizabeth nodded to the coat's pockets. "Don't forget the gloves."

Eric dipped his hands inside the pockets and found a set of leather gloves. They fit perfectly, as did the coat. "Thank you," he said.

Elizabeth placed her palm against the side of his face, smiling. "Your father would be proud of you."

Eric's throat tightened at the words. He gave Elizabeth a look of the utmost gratitude, then turned to Clara. "I'll return soon. I promise."

Clara took his hands in hers. "I know."

Eric glanced up the hallway, but Clara's grandfather was nowhere in sight. He pressed a kiss to Clara's cheek and gave her hands a quick squeeze. Nodding at both ladies, he opened the door and slipped out into the night.

Clara's shoulders drooped as the door snapped shut. He was gone. Again. After everything, after he came for her, he was gone.

"He'll be back, dear," Elizabeth said softly.

Clara nodded, though she didn't raise her gaze to her aunt. She turned away and quietly walked to the staircase in the entrance hall, trying to ignore the empty bleakness swarming within her.

Alone in her room upstairs, she undressed and put on a rose-colored nightgown. It was not the same one she had worn the night before, but the similar color scheme comforted her, reminding her of Parthenia.

Of him.

She sighed, pulling out the pins that had held her hair up. How long until she was to see him again? He hadn't exactly been specific about that. She wandered over to her bedroom window and pulled back the curtains.

The night sky spread out above her, mostly covered in clouds that continued to send gentle waves of snow down onto the streets. Moonlight broke through where it could, spilling onto the snow-covered cobblestones. It was fairly still outside, save for a horse-drawn carriage lazily rolling down the far side of the street.

And a single figure pacing on the sidewalk below.

Clara frowned, squinting into the darkness to get a better look. Then her eyes widened, and she hastily unlocked her window. She pushed it open, shivering as the winter chill brushed against her. She leaned outside, hope flaring within her.

"Eric?" She tried to keep her voice low, but she could not help her excited tone.

The figure paused and looked up at her. A bright smile spread across his face.

"What are you still doing here?"

"I…" He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "I couldn't leave. Not yet."

Clara propped her arms on the window sill, looking down at him in amusement. "Are you planning on spending the night on the street?"

Eric smirked. "I hadn't thought that far ahead yet." He eyed the wooden trellis covering the wall outside of Clara's window. Empty of the vines that usually grew over it during the summer, it looked rather bare with nothing but snow to blanket the intersecting wood. A mischievous glint flashed in his eyes, and he strode forward, reaching for the structure.

"Wait," said Clara nervously. "Will that hold you…?" She trailed off, watching anxiously as Eric climbed up the trellis towards her window. The wooden planks trembled slightly beneath his weight, but they held, and he climbed on.

Eric grabbed the sill, and Clara grasped his coat sleeve. Together, they heaved him into her bedroom. He tumbled to the floor with a thud, and Clara caught him against her with a grunt. They stilled, listening anxiously. Moments passed, but not one came to investigate the sound.

"Are you mad?" Clara hissed. "Who knows what Grandfather will do to you if he finds you here."

"Then we'll have to make sure he doesn't find me," said Eric. He sat up and smiled, placing his hands on either side of Clara's neck to pull her into a kiss.

Despite her fear of them being discovered, Clara found herself sinking into his touch. She placed her hands on his cheeks, rubbing warmth back into them as he kissed her. Her heart raced as he clutched her to him; this was beyond inappropriate – it was utterly scandalous. If anyone, not just her grandfather, found them like this in her bedroom, with her wearing nothing but a nightgown

She should send him back outside immediately. He probably didn't have money that would work here, but surely Elizabeth could lend him some for a hotel…

Then he did something with his lips that sent a shuddering sensation through her, and Clara's thoughts melted into nothing beyond the feeling of his mouth on hers.

He was here. He was here, with her. The thought coursed through her violently, like oxygen soaring into lungs that had been deprived of it for too long. She raised her hands to his hair, running her fingers through the snow-dusted dark strands. Loosened snowflakes drifted onto his coat, where they quickly melted in the heat of the room. She smiled, sighing blissfully as he pulled away.

His eyes brimmed with the deepest relief as he gazed at her, soaking up every detail of her features.

"Eric, you look like you haven't seen me in months," Clara teased, her voice breathless from the kiss.

Eric cringed. "Not months, thankfully. But five weeks was terrible enough."

Clara stared in shock. "Five weeks?" She gaped at him. "But I was in Parthenia yesterday!"

Eric smiled bitterly. "The unfortunate side effects of world traveling, I'm afraid."

Panic seized Clara. "You can't leave, then. Who knows how much time will pass before we see each other again?" She shook her head frantically. "No. No, you must stay. Or take me with you. Please."

"And what? Leave a note for your family, telling them you've run away?" Eric shook his head. "You would regret such an action, Clara. Maybe not immediately, but soon enough."

Clara pressed her lips together unhappily. "I know." She took Eric's hands and drew them into her lap. "Then what are we to do?"

"I think my father's scepter can help. I haven't been able to test it out much, but I'm fairly certain my father used it to lessen the time-changing effect when he traveled."

Clara tugged Eric's gloves off and tossed them aside. She closed her hands around his once again, without the barrier of fabric between them. "You don't sound too sure about it."

Eric quirked an eyebrow, smiling. "Alright, I'm sure it'll work. You trust me, don't you?"

Clara's mouth curved upwards. "Yes." She trailed her fingers across his palm, her tone growing serious. "Well, since it's been so long since I've been there now…how are things in Parthenia?"

"Well as can be. We've been trying to repair the Mouse King's damage, but it's a slow process. There always seem to be more to do."

Clara traced the skin near his thumb, and his fingers twitched. A soft laugh escaped her. "Sensitive there?"

Eric tried to hold back a grin. "No."

"Liar," smiled Clara. She sobered as she studied him. "I know it can't be easy, not when the kingdom has so much to recover from. I'm sure you're doing the best you can."

"What if my best isn't enough?"

"It is," said Clara sincerely. "I know it is."

Eric curled his fingers over Clara's hand.

Muffled footsteps passed along the hallway outside of Clara's door. Eric and Clara froze, apprehension on their faces as they listened. The footsteps faded, and Clara let out a relieved breath.

Eric looked back at Clara with a pained expression. "I can't stay," he whispered. "But I had to see you once more, privately, before leaving." He glanced about them warily. "I'm sorry, I know this isn't proper in the least."

"Don't be. I needed to see you too – without Grandfather looming over us."

Eric gave her a smile. Then he drew away and snatched up his gloves, tugging them on as he stood. He helped Clara stand, and together they went back to the open window.

Gripping the edge of the sill, Eric swung out onto the trellis. He paused, hands wrapped around the crisscrossing wood as he looked up at her. "I'll come back soon. I promise."

She bent down to give him a brief kiss. "Then I go with you," she said, her tone leaving with no room for argument.

He laughed softly. "Yes, then you come with me."

Clara's hands tightened on the window edge as she watched Eric climb down the wall. He landed lightly on the sidewalk and crossed the empty street, his figure illuminated by a nearby lamppost. Once across the street, he paused and turned back to catch a final glimpse of her.

She waved, and he returned the gesture. Then, he was gone, disappearing into the darkness.

/

It was late morning. Clara wandered through Mulberry Park, watching wistfully as other couples strolled along the snowy paths ahead of her. Children ran about wildly, hurling snowballs at each other and shouting excitedly. A dog barked playfully at his master, who was tossing a stick into the air.

Elizabeth's stay at the Drosselmeyer house was coming to an end soon; she was to leave at the end of the week. This morning she was visiting friends, leaving Clara alone with her grandfather and brother. In an effort to escape the stifling atmosphere of the house, Clara had decided to take a walk through Mulberry Park.

She reached beneath her scarf, clutching her locket. She never took it off, finding its presence a comfort. Clara usually prided herself on her aptitude for patience, but now, it was becoming rather difficult to wait. If she and Eric could exchange letters, that may help the distance somewhat. But how could one send letters across worlds?

She sighed, withdrawing her hand from the locket. She was being ridiculous. He was a king now, he couldn't run off to see her whenever he wanted. Besides, it had only been a fortnight since he had returned to Parthenia. Hardly something worth despairing over. Shaking her head, she raised her gaze to the pathway in front of her.

Someone was approaching her. He was too far away for her to make out his face properly, but she couldn't help but notice the similarities of the grey coat he wore to the one Elizabeth had given Eric. Hope sparked in her, and she quickened her pace. She only needed to go a few paces before she was able to discern his features. He was smiling.

She gave a shaky laugh, and then sprinted towards him. Eric broke into a run as well, rushing forward to catch her. Clara clung to him, kissing frantically along his jaw, across his cheek, and over his lips. Eric laughed, kissing her when he could, but mostly allowing her to do what she pleased.

"You came," Clara said breathlessly between kisses. "You came."

"Of course I did," whispered Eric, grinning. He pulled away slightly and dug into his coat pocket, drawing out a ring. The golden band of the ring was made up of three interweaving thinner bands. Embedded into its top was a shimmering gemstone Clara had never seen before. In fact, she doubted it was something that could even be found in her world. It looked like a diamond, but when moved about, it reflected various hues in the sunlight that would be impossible for a regular gemstone to create. It radiated a special aura one could sense just by looking at it – something distinctly magical.

"Eric, it's beautiful," she breathed.

His touch gentle, Eric took her hand and slipped the ring onto her finger. "I should have brought it the first time. It would have been a proper proposal then."

Clara smiled. "No, it was perfect before."

Eric pressed a kiss to her adorned ring finger, then looped her arm through his. "Shall we go to your house? I have a question to ask your grandfather."

Clara nodded excitedly. Bright joy lit up her features, and she gave Eric an eager yank down the pathway. He stumbled after her, his laughter ringing alongside hers as they hurried through the snow.