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"Virginia, my sweet creampuff," Wolf called from outside the cottage. "Please consider looking out the window."
Virginia looked up from her knitting. Hastily, she shoved her materials and half-finished project into a bag. So far Wolf hadn't even asked what was in the bag so her surprise was safe for now. She got to her feet, peeked out of the window over the sink…and let out a yip of surprise.
There, in their front yard, was a white sleigh drawn by a large brown horse. The driver was a man wearing the Fourth Kingdom livery. He stood beside the horse and sleigh, his hat held in one hand and a letter in his outstretched other hand.
Wolf took the offered letter. He unrolled the parchment and began to read.
Virginia couldn’t see the words from where she stood at the window, and so she pulled on her boots and went outside. The day was a warm one and snow crunched beneath Virginia’s boots. She came up behind Wolf, leaned against him and read over the letter over his arm.
Dearest Virginia and Wolf,
News of your taking up residence in the Fourth Kingdom has reached your father, Anthony, and I. I'm quite happy to allow you the continued use of Snow White's cottage, as I believe this would please my grandmother and I'm rather fond of you. However, I do beg of you both to accept my invitation to the castle. Your father misses you very much, Virginia and it would good to see old friends.
Always yours,
King Wendell Winston Walter White
"I guess our secret is out, creampuff," Wolf said.
Virginia hummed agreement. "So it would appear." She had to admit that she was missing her dad too. Not to mention, Virginia liked Wendell as much as a man as she had when he was a dog and it would be nice to see him again. "I think we should go. Just for a visit."
"Your wish is my wish," Wolf agreed. He rolled up the letter and pointed it at the driver. "Good sir, we will be back in a moment for we must pack. Please hold."
Virginia was already heading back into the cottage, making a mental list of what they would need. Warm clothes, toiletries, her knitting bag.
There was no talk as Virginia and Wolf packed a bag each.
Wolf put the food in the ice box with extra ice, though without the fire going, the cottage would cool enough that nothing should spoil.
Virginia put out the hearth fire and packed the last of the gingerbread cookies into her bag to give to her dad and Wendell.
Within ten minutes the couple was standing on their front lawn, ready to go. The driver kindly took their bags and put them in the sleigh out of the way. Then he turned to them. He reached into his uniform and withdrew a beautiful silver flask. "I have been asked to give this to a Miss Virginia Lewis with the message that it is not a bribe, from sir Anthony Lewis, consort of King Wendell White, king of the Fourth Kingdom."
Virginia raised an eyebrow. "Consort?" she echoed.
Wolf rolled his eyes and let out a growl. "Huff puff, sounds like Tony is screwing the pooch."
Virginia lightly punched Wolf's arm.
Wolf offered her a sly grin but did not apologize.
Virginia took the flask and saw that it was carved with an apple tree on the side. She unscrewed the top and sniffed the contents. The scent of sweet hot chocolate reached her nose, making Virginia's mouth water immediately. "Oh, dad's hot chocolate," she said. Her heart ached from fond memories. Virginia put the flask to her lips and drank. It tasted delicious. When she was done, she handed it to Wolf. "Try some."
Wolf obliged. His eyes widened with surprise when he got his first taste. "We need the recipe."
Virginia nodded agreement. "Then I guess we better go." She climbed into the sleigh.
Wolf climbed in next to her. He put an arm around Virginia's shoulders, pulling her close to him. The fur of his coat tickled Virginia's nose.
Their driver got into the driver's seat and picked up the reins. He gave a light tap of the reins and the horse began walking.
Virginia leaned her head against Wolf's shoulder, letting her eyelids slide closed. She enjoyed the view but Virginia was tired lately. It turned out that growing another person was exhausting. "I'm glad we aren't walking this time."
"This is faster," Wolf agreed.
"Do you really think my dad and king Wendell….?" Virginia asked. She nuzzled Wolf.
Wolf returned it. He took her hand with his free one, laced their fingers together. "I think we're going to find out."