Sultonna Nadine Author

And with them all the celebrations, among them costume balls! And who doesn’t like to dress up every now and again and indulge in a bit of fantasy?

Speaking of fantasy and holidays, did you know there is a scene in Master of the Fleet during the winter solstice? It is the Mariner’s Guild Winter Ball, which comes around every year. Each of our MC’s has decided to keep their costume secret from the other until they arrive at the ball.

How about an excerpt?

From the sparkling silver circlet, one end of her long scarf trailed behind her. An ornate pin pulled the other end to drape gently across her face as a veil, fastened to her head with twinkling faux diamonds and silver. Only her dark eyes showed above the icy fabric, while the metallic threads interwoven in it reflected back the light.

“Madame, you will be the center of attention this evening. You certainly look like the Winter Queen, all in snow and frost. It is grand!”

“I wish I knew what Richard was wearing,” Anne-Marie mused.

“I know, Madame, and I tried to find out, but nobody will tell me. It must be a surprise for Madame and no one must know.”

Anne-Marie laughed at the thought of her maid spying on her husband.

“I guess I’ll find out at the ball.”

Swirling her cloak around her shoulders, its velvet blackness in perfect contrast to the icy gown beneath, she glided down the stairs to meet Richard. Pacing by the door, he was already cloaked as well.

“I guess it will be a surprise for us both,” he chuckled. “I do hope the frost hasn’t hardened your heart, my queen.”

“And who do I have the pleasure of addressing?”

“Ah, now that would be telling, wouldn’t it?”

Kurt drove them to the guild hall, where the event would take place. As they stepped down to the sidewalk, Anne-Marie saw several clever costumes, but she thought hers was best, so far.

“Shall we, lady-mine?” Richard asked as he offered her his arm.

At the door, one of the younger lads, dressed as an elf, took her cloak. Turning toward Richard, she saw only the back of his cloak until her turned toward her.

“Oberon?” she asked.

“And who but Oberon could escort the Winter Queen to the ball?”

And in Whiskey Jug Genie we enter into the Christmas season, with ornaments created by djinn magic. Imagine what could be created in a world full of magic.

Anyway, take a break before the season gets too crazy. Grab something to drink–mulled cider, a nice cup of tea, a delightful glass of wine–a good fantasy, with maybe a hint of romance, and enjoy a little magic.

Stay warm out there this winter. Have fun, but stay safe.

And remember,

Always Look For the Magic