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Once upon a snowy evening, a lone nutcracker stood watching over the realm like a silent sentinel. Dressed in a fire truck red parade jacket with snow-white trousers and coal-coloured boots, he was almost as proud as the illuminated tree on the opposite side, decorated with an array of colourful baubles and sparkling tinsel. A warm glow radiated from the crackling fireplace, a stark contrast to the world outside the window, leading to the land of ice and frost.
From his position on the counter he could see every nook and cranny in the kingdom, from the burning logs in the fireplace, to the tiny toy train chugging along the tracks. From the paper chains draped from the ceiling to the brown-paper wrapped presents, tied with ribbons, stacked high under the tree.
Year after year he stood watching over the kingdom for the King, the Queen and their family, the young Prince and Princess, and while he continued his duty without complaint, he longed for something more in his life, for something to change.
The royal family hurried in from the cold, their boots caked in snow from their travels. The Princess ran into the kingdom, taking refuge by the fire, clutching a young maiden in her arm.
Beautiful blonde curls tumbled down her back with a silky pink ribbon fixed on her crown. Dressed in a milky-white dress with a sash tied around her waist, she was the picture of perfection. The Nutcracker gazed at her, his cheeks grew rosy, but he told himself it was from the warmth of the fireplace.
She turned to face him, a smile appeared on her lips but her hazel eyes held a hint of sadness. The Nutcracker wondered if his kingdom was foreign to her and if, despite the Princess’s kindness, she was happy to be part of it.
Evening fell into night and soon the royal family retired to their bedchambers, leaving the kingdom in the safe hands of the Nutcracker. As the embers of the fire dwindled, he scouted around for the young maiden. But to his surprise he found the Princess had left her beside the window where she gazed longingly at the land of ice and snow.
The Nutcracker left the young maiden to adjust to her new kingdom, watching from afar. For the days and nights that followed, he witnessed her sitting in the same place every night, still gazing at the land beyond the window.
On the eve of Christmas, the Nutcracker hopped down from his station and marched towards the maiden, but when he arrived by her side he saw tears rolling down her porcelain cheeks.
‘My Lady,’ he said, shocked to see her in such a way. ‘What troubles you?’
‘Oh, it’s nothing,’ she sniffed, wiping away her tears as she pulled herself away from the window but not before she took one last look at the world beyond.
‘Forgive me for saying, but your problems are important. It is my duty to protect all those in the kingdom, that includes you too.’
The young maiden smiled, wiping the last of her tears. ‘You’re sweet, but the problem is silly,’ she said.
‘Humour me.’
They stared at one another for a while before she finally gave in, ‘I’m a dancer. I used to dance from sunrise to sunset without tiring, yet not once has the Princess asked me to dance.’ She said, her tone solemn. ‘What if I’ve forgotten?’
It’d been a week since her arrival, and not once had the Nutcracker seen the poor maiden dance. She’d attended various tea parties with the young Princess, sharing endless sweet treats, played different games with the royal family and read many stories with the Princess. But he’d never see her dance.
The Nutcracker extended his hand to her, bowing before the young maiden. ‘Then perhaps my Lady,’ He said, with his other hand he clicked his fingers.
An orchestra atop the mantelpiece above the fireplace began to play, a symphony of strings echoing throughout out the kingdom.
The young maiden’s hazel eyes lit up in delight. ‘It’s beautiful,’ she said.
‘Would you like to join me in a dance?’ the Nutcracker asked.
‘I would love nothing more,’ she replied, taking his hand.
The Nutcracker pulled her gently to the centre of the room, upon the plush snow-white rug beside the fireplace. He took her in his arms and allowed her to lead, watching as her smile grew. She was in her element, twirling around the rug like it was her very own stage. Her confidence flourished and soon she danced circles around the Nutcracker till he was dizzy.
Together they continued their waltz until the sun began to rise.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVzzIa7JRz
