The Nutcracker Prince -Part 2 (Patreon)

PART 1 here 

The next time that Clarence opened his eyes, it was bright all around him. He groaned as he felt a throbbing headache and heard somewhere in the distance the sound of bells ringing out in honour of Christmas Day from the church steeple.

“Clarence? You awake?” Fritz’s voice asked softly.

“Ugh, yes,” he answered groggily.

“Merry Christmas! How are you feeling?”

“My head hurts,” the older brother admitted, “Wh-where am I? What happened?”

“You’re in your bed! Pa-pa found you by the clock!”

Clarence sat up ever so slowly in his bed. He touched his head gingerly and found a bandage wrapped around it.

“Here,” Fritz declared, “I brought you some chocolates so maybe you’d feel better!” He handed over a box to his brother.

Clarence was touched by his brother’s gesture and opened it. Only, he found about half of the chocolates missing. He frowned at Fritz who laughed nervously.

“Well, I had to try them out; make sure they were good!” he chuckled. “And well they’re yummy!”

Clarence gently shook his head and smiled a little.

Then, he recalled what had all occurred the night before. “Fritz! Last night in the living room there were mice /everywhere/! And there was one /really/ big one!” he gestured with his hands. “It was the biggest and ugliest and meanest mouse ever; like a rat!”

“A rat? Well... What were you doing downstairs?”

Before Clarence could answer, their mother’s voice called from the corridor: “Fritz?”

“Uh-oh! I’m not supposed to be here!” he exclaimed anxiously, “See you Clarence!” And with that he hurried from the room as quickly as he could.

Clarence lay back a little more comfortably until movement by his door suddenly caught his attention. He looked up to see his nutcracker’s face peering into the room at what would be Clarence’s own eye level. The jaws open and shut a few times. “Nutcracker?”

Suddenly Uncle Drosselmeier appeared into the room. He had been the one holding the doll!

“Uncle Drosselmeier!” Clarence chastised.

His godfather chuckled softly at the response. “Look. As good as new,” he declared as he handed Clarence the nutcracker. “Vish ve could say za same for you. How are you feeling?”

Clarence looked up from staring at the face of the nutcracker doll to then frown at the toymaker, “Uncle Drosselmeier what were you doing downstairs last night at the clock!? You frightened me! And why didn’t you try to help Nutcracker?!”

“I am not ze one who can help him,” Drosselmeier replied but before Clarence could retort, someone else entered the room.

“And here I thought it was Fritz in here!” Clarence’s mother exclaimed coming to his side after casting a glance at Herr Drosselmeier.

“Merry Christmas Clarence!” she pressed a tender kiss to his cheek instead of his forehead.

“Merry Christmas Ma-Ma!”

“My darling, I’m terribly sorry but it would be best for you to stay in bed today! You had quite the fall! Oh! Was this why you were downstairs?” she questioned as she took the nutcracker from her son’s hands.

“Oh but Ma-Ma—”

“Now, now Clarence you should be resting today. I’ll put the nutcracker back where he belongs. And, no fairy stories... Come along Uncle Drosselmeier let us let Clarence rest... It’s time for tea.”

“I’ll keep an eye on him for you,” the toymaker whispered conspiratorially to Clarence before leaving the room.

Once the door was closed, in the silence Clarence could hear his mother speaking: “Christian I’m worried about Clarence. It’s not just this fall...”

“Now, now Ingrid he’ll be fine.”

“But all of these—”

Clarence strained to hear what his mother said next but was unable to as she and Drosselmeier had passed too far along the corridor away from him.

With a sigh, Clarence lay back on his pillows and gingerly touched the bump on his head. On the positive side, he was not expected to make any social public appearances today. On the other hand, his family would perhaps come in to visit and wish him a Merry Christmas.

He soon solved that problem in his mind with the idea that he could merely close his eyes and pretend to be asleep and they would not bother him.

With that comforting thought, Clarence smiled and turned his gaze to the window where Pavlova was pawing the window at some birds she saw. At least he had her for pleasant company...

Christmas Day turned into Christmas Night and before he knew it Clarence was yawning with fatigue. He’d barely rested during the day having not really felt tired for most of it and so he fell fast asleep with his kitten by his side.

It was uncertain how long of time had passed but there was suddenly a soft scratching noise in the room which grew a bit louder and a bit louder until it eventually woke Pavlova. She got up and carefully tottered across the bed –her little bell jingling while she investigated.

With a quick pounce onto the bedside table, she looked down curiously at a recently made mouse-hole in the wall below. All at once, The Mouse King appeared over the side of the table and startled the cat. She pounced back onto the bed and crawled under the blankets which in turn woke Clarence.

“What’s the matter Pav—” He stopped mid-sentence as he saw what was wrong and he sat up in bed immediately.

“Your slipper, I believe,” The Mouse King presented with a mocking bow as he tossed it down in front of him.

“Oh, uh... Thank you...” Clarence stammered –unsure of how to respond.

“THANK YOU NOTHING!” The King spat back angrily in a loud tone as he picked up his tail and displayed it to the young man, “Look at this!”

“I did not intend to set fire to you!” Clarence defended, “You were going to hurt Nutcracker and I couldn’t let you do that!”

“Hurt him?” the mouse gave off a gravelly laugh, “I wasn’t going to hurt him I was going to make him into a pile of soot and ashes!”

“You’re despicable! You’re cruel and mean!” Clarence shot back angrily.

“Your flattery won’t stop me,” The King exclaimed, “Your Nutcracker will be nothing more than a pile of sawdust...a...a...heap of toothpicks by the time I’m through with him!” The mouse turned to leave.

Clarence had to think fast. “Wait!” he exclaimed, “Please don’t go just yet! I... I need to properly thank you for the return of my slipper Your...Majesty. Please, have my chocolates!” He pulled open the drawer just below the rodent monarch and gestured at them inside.

The Mouse King cast him a suspicious look.

“Please, they’re very fine; very tasty. I owe you what I can in thanks...”

Unable to resist the temptation, The King jumped down into the drawer to sniff the treats. A moment later, Clarence slammed the drawer shut catching The Mouse King’s tail in the process!

The King squealed and cried out in pain as Clarence then scooped up Pavlova and rushed out of the room and made his way quickly downstairs. The teen went straight for the doll cabinet –setting his kitten down and pulling open the doors with a desperate look on his face.

“Nutcracker!” he exclaimed to the doll who was still immobile, “Oh you’re in great danger I must hide you away!” Clarence grabbed him carefully and rushed forward to leave the room trying to think of the best place to relocate The Prince.

He almost ran into the door of the hall which shut before him and looking down in surprise Clarence beheld The Mouse King who had escaped the prison thanks to the small gap that his tail had allowed for when it had been shut in the drawer and stopped him from being entirely trapped.

“Give me the nutcracker!” he hissed angrily as he pulled out his sword to threaten.

“No!” Clarence answered firmly, stepping back, “You can’t have him!”

The King only repeated his request marching forward with his sword drawn. Clarence backed away trying desperately to think of how to escape without being swiped at with that sharp weapon.

“You can’t have him!” Clarence repeated with more gusto just as his back hit the doll cabinet and made a few things clatter with a soft CLINK.

“Fine then if you want the doll so bad then I guess I get your precious little kitten!”

“You leave her alone!” Clarence cried as he looked at Pavlova who was near a couch playing with its fringes.

The mouse ignored him and continued forward.

“Nutcracker? Can you hear me? It’s Clarence! You must wake up now! You have to wake up!” There was no response from the doll. “Please! I don’t know what to do! You must wake up!”

By now The King was almost to the kitten. Clarence took a few steps forward and looked back down at The Prince in his arms. “Please wake up! I don’t know how to protect us all from his creature!”

Sadly, The Nutcracker remained immobile.

Desperately Clarence then looked around for some weapon he might use against the foe. His eyes came across the grandfather clock again and he did a double take. “Uncle Drosselmeier!? Are you there? Please we need your help!” There was no sign of his godfather but Clarence pleaded desperately anyway in hope as he stumbled forward towards the evil Mouse King.

The room was suddenly illuminated for a moment by the bright sparkling lights; the magic that had come from atop the clock the night before.

“Nutcracker?”

Sure enough, the doll woke slowly in Clarence’s arms. “Wh- What’s going on?” he asked tiredly.

“It’s The Mouse King! He’s back!”

The King himself turned with a vicious smile as he heard conversation behind him at last.

“Wh-what’s going on? Clarence what happened to your head?” Nutcracker asked in concern as he saw the bandages.

“I’m fine!” the young man assured quickly, “But you must hurry! The Mouse King is here once more!”

“A...a sword... I’ll need...a sword,” The Nutcracker Prince murmured, still a bit dazed.

“A sword? Of course! Pantaloon! Yours is the best! The most trusty!” Clarence took it from the now awakened general who protested lightly at its taking.

“How can I help you, Nutcracker?” Clarence asked as he gave the sword and carefully set The Prince down on the ground.

“Stay back; stay safe...”

Clarence wanted to protest but a sudden thought crossed his mind: /if he kept interfering with this battle; this feud between the two, it might go on forever and The Curse may never be broken/. So, he nodded. “Be safe,” he bid the nutcracker.

“At last, my adversary!” The King sneered as he came forward. “Look who’s finally decided to wake up!”

Nutcracker had turned towards Clarence and bowed, “I shall do my best,” he was saying just before Clarence cried out:

“Nutcracker!”

And The Mouse King took a swipe at the doll with his sword. It cut into Nutcracker’s shoulder a little and he cried out softly as the wood split with an audible crack.

“Why you... heathen!” Marie the doll cried out.

“You...you... crooked tailed coward!” Pantaloon crowed.

“Crooked tailed!?” The Mouse King repeated in shock –a developing defensiveness and anger creeping into his expression.

“You despicable rodent!” Nutcracker growled as he lunged forward with a sword thrust which The King parried just in time.

Clarence watched as the two battled. He held his breath in fear and anticipation.  The teen soon noticed mice had crept out from all sorts of places to watch the fight and they cheered in tiny voices for their leader.

The fight went on for awhile. The two foes used the various furniture around them as their battleground; climbing up and tumbling down the various levels as they fought for dominance. At one point, the two slipped from the edge of a small table and rolled on the ground after impact. Luckily for The Nutcracker, it was The Mouse King who tumbled furthest and hit the edge of the hearth of the fireplace where he was then burned by the small embers that lay there.

This prompted such a feral ferocity in the rodent that his next attacks sent Nutcracker’s sword flying through the air away from him and towards the Christmas tree. “Lose something Your Highness?” The King taunted as he lifted Nutcracker’s cravat with the tip of his sword.

The other mice began to laugh. This pleased the large mouse and he grinned a nasty smile, “Oh don’t worry my prince I’ll make this quick! You won’t feel a thing! Ha-ha! I’m lying! This is going to be terrible! The end of The Nutcracker!” He cackled evilly and his fellow mice joined in.

Nutcracker saw the opportunity and rushed past his adversary and headed for the tree to recover his weapon.

When The Mouse King realized, he rushed after him with an angry battle cry hell-bent on destruction now once and for all.

Nutcracker realized that his sword had somehow hit the trunk of the tree and stuck there which meant he needed to climb atop a gift box to pull it out. He worried he would not have much time. He needed something to buy him a bit more.

And then he saw it: the small bag of marbles that Fritz had left on top of another gift nearby. Nutcracker pulled himself up and pulled the drawstring releasing the balls to hit The Mouse King and slow him down. Then, he quickly jumped to the next gift and attempted to pull out his sword.

It was more difficult than anticipated and Clarence watched anxiously as The Mouse King climbed onto the gift box and faced Nutcracker with a snarl. The Prince turned just in time to see the mouse sauntering forward wasting no time now in bringing about the end of this battle and of his opponent.

Before he reached Nutcracker, however, he tripped and fell and was pulled backwards off of the gift box! He landed on top of Pantaloon who had moments ago grabbed his tail and pulled the mouse off in defiance of the unfair fight!

“Why you meddling old fool!” the mouse hissed as he raised himself up with an angry glare at the doll.

Nutcracker whipped round and pulled out his sword then interrupted the confrontation, “Your fight is with me you miserable mouse! Not a defenseless old soldier!”

In a last act of cruelty, The Mouse King kicked Pantaloon backwards and the tin soldier hit the leg of an armchair breaking the wind-up mechanism protruding from his back.

The Trudy Doll gasped in shock at the incident.

The Prince who had not quite seen the severity of Pantaloon’s fall decided to try and gain an advantage over his furry opponent and he turned and disappeared into the boughs of the tree just as the mouse ascended the gift box again. Nutcracker threw a glass ball down at his adversary which only prompted an angry growl as the decoration crashed and splintered into sharp pieces.

“Come back here!” the huge mouse snarled as he realized the position of the doll prince and climbed up after him.

“There’s no one to save you now!” he snarled cruelly, “There will be no escaping me!”

Unable to see them now, Clarence turned his attention to the injured Pantaloon instead. He helped Trudy and Marie down who then attended to the injured soldier. “Will he be alright?”

“It’s completely broken!” Trudy exclaimed softly, “We need to get him to The Land of the Dolls if he’s going to have a chance...”

“Then let’s get him there!”

“We can’t! We can’t return until we are free of The Mouse King!”

Clarence’s face fell. So it wasn’t just The Nutcracker who was cursed to have his fate tied to that nasty rodent then...

Meanwhile The Nutcracker Prince and The Mouse King were still fighting inside the boughs of the Christmas tree. The battle had become fierce now; both angry and filled with motivation to win over their opponent. The Prince had decided his best hope was to gain the upper ground on the mouse and so he climbed quickly up the branches in hopes to then look down and see his foe coming.

Only, the tree showed no signs of movement when he paused and realized he’d alighted quite far up the tree now. Anxiously he waited and looked around him for The Mouse King. He had hoped to take /him/ by surprise but it appeared now the tables had turned.

But a moment later, the rodent emerged from behind him with a triumphant cry. “Die!”

Clarence and the dolls turned their heads at the sound but before they could make out any figures they heard another cry as someone fell down and down through the branches of the tree.

“Nutcracker!” Clarence exclaimed in alarm –not entirely sure that the cry was not from The Prince.

At last something hit the ground with a tinkling sound –a crown- before a body then hit the floor too. It was the crumpled figure of The Mouse King.

The audience of mice cried out in shock and despair. They could not believe the loss. They scattered in fear without hope; without a leader.

The dolls and soldiers of the cabinet cheered happily for their prince’s victory.

He soon was seen climbing down from out of the bottom of the tree. He paused over the body of The King before he threw down his bloodied sword in almost fear and disgust and clambered slowly over to his allies. He looked tired and it was with no one to blame him.

“Oh Nutcracker!” Clarence exclaimed from his position knelt down beside Pantaloon, Marie and Trudy, “I was so worried! We all were!”

“Clarence—”

But Pantaloon’s loud exclamation interrupted his prince’s words. He was talking gibberish now; a broken toy; a broken man.

Nutcracker soon understood as he caught a glimpse of the broken mechanism. “Oh Pantaloon your sacrifice...” The Nutcracker Prince began softly but came up short as emotion overwhelmed him, “It was too much. I owe you an incredible debt.”

“We can still help him Your Highness. We must get him back to The Land of the Dolls.”

“But... How? How do we get there?”

“Oh they know nothing!” Marie huffed, “Why, through the castle of course!” she indicated as she gestured at Uncle Drosselmeier’s magnificent contraption which lay dormant in the corner.

“The castle...?” Clarence repeated in awe as he gazed at it.

“C’mon let’s go...” Marie urged and The Nutcracker and Trudy helped to support Pantaloon and began to make their way towards the castle.

“Wait—” Nutcracker proclaimed, “Clarence- come with us.”

“Oh!” The young man felt surprised by the suggestion. “I-I would love to but you see... I can’t. Even if I wanted to, I’m far too large.”

Nutcracker’s face fell.

Suddenly, a voice spoke out from the grandfather clock: “Time zat vas, time schall be. But vaste it not ere it vaste thee...”

“Uncle?” Clarence exclaimed as he turned in the direction but he could not make anything out with his eyes before suddenly being surrounded by magical lights falling like sparks all over the living room. The moment they touched Clarence, he suddenly felt different.

“Wh-what’s happening to me!?” he asked as he suddenly shrunk to be three inches shorter. He grinned as he realized: “I’m shrinking! Oh it’s so strange and wonderful!” He felt a huge rush of excitement: he could go to The Land of the Dolls!

“Quick!” Nutcracker spoke up in realization, “Clarence! Place us all up atop the castle while you still can!”

“Oh yes of course!” Clarence agreed as he rushed a step forward which only saw him shrink even shorter with each passing second. At this rate, he had mere seconds left before he’d be too short to help his friends!

Clarence however was also surprised to find in those few seconds that the bandage on his head seemed not to be shrinking but before he could pull it off, it fell down around his shoulders like a scarf leaving his hands free to place his companions atop the castle.

He helped the trio of Pantaloon, Nutcracker and Trudy first. But when it came to Marie: “Oh no, no I’m not dressed for travelling...”

“Well then we leave you behind,” Clarence exclaimed quickly in panic as he turned towards the castle again –shrinking as he spoke and the bandage from his head fell from his shoulders to the floor at last.

“Wait! Oh alright I’ll—”

Clarence wasted no time in grabbing Marie into his arms earning a crying out from her painted lips and he swung her up onto the base of the castle just in time.

Then he looked up and watched the base rise further from his reach as he shrunk even shorter. Soon, it would be too late for him and he would have to find another way up on his own.

“Give me your hand!” The Prince urged as he leaned down and offered his own. Clarence reached up but shrunk out of reach of their hands connecting. “Ooooh!” he exclaimed in worry and then all at once he jumped up and grabbed onto the ledge.

“I’m slipping...” he panted in fear.

With a firm grip, The Prince took hold of the young man’s wrist and watched as Clarence shrunk even smaller. “C’mon everybody!” he urged his companions who immediately held onto him to help, “Let’s get him up! Pull!”

Clarence shrunk his final inches just as the efforts of the dolls pulled his weight the rest of the way up and he landed on his stomach –they on their backs- and for a moment all was silent.

Then, The Nutcracker spoke: “Clarence are you alright?” He had stood to get up and help the young man to his feet but Clarence had already gotten to his own.

“Yes I’m fine thank you. Thank you all!” he grinned. Then he took a second to evaluate the situation. 

“My goodness I’m...I’m so small!”

“One gets used to it my dear!” Trudy chuckled warmly.

“The bandages from your head-” Nutcracker pointed out in surprise.

“They fell off. I feel absolutely fine,” Clarence responded as he touched his head and smiled. “Truly!”

Pantaloon cried out something about mice and men and their attentions were once more turned to him and the urgency of the situation.

“We best get going,” Clarence advised.

The dolls all nodded their agreement. “Marie? I need your help. Would you mind doing the honours?”

She scowled at Trudy. “Oh why meee?” she drawled yet she came forward anyway to step into Trudy’s hands so that she could reach the clock face on the clock tower. “I wasn’t meant for such menial labour. I was simply meant to be pretty and adorable...”

Trudy rolled her eyes at the young doll.

“Now why don’t I do that?” The Nutcracker Prince offered instead.

“Oh no Your Highness. We wouldn’t dream of it...”

“Please it’s fine,” he swore to Trudy, stepping forward.

“But your shoulder... You’re in pain. Please, it is quite alright,” Trudy assured.

The Nutcracker had been trying to hide the steady pain he’d been feeling from The Mouse King’s blow early in the battle. His wooden shoulder was split slightly. It would take this visit to his new magical kingdom to heal his wounds.

Clarence was about to offer his own help when he heard a mewing coming from below them all. He went to the edge and looked down to see poor Pavlova gazing up at them mournfully. “Oh Pavlova don’t worry! I’ll be fine! I’ll be back soon I promise!” he vowed.

Meanwhile, Marie reached the clock face and swivelled the minute hand upward to make the time midnight and the castle lit up instantly as it had done when Uncle Drosselmeier had introduced it at the party the night before.

“Goodbye Pavlova!” Clarence proclaimed before returning to the side of his companions and looking up at the castle’s splendor.

“It’s...it’s even more spectacular up close like this. It’s...it’s like...”

“Magic...” The Prince whispered in reply.

Magic it was indeed for the moment that Marie had changed the clock face, the castle seemed to grow upwards and outwards so that its splendor seemed not only magnified but now all of the dolls and Clarence would be able to fit through the doorway and go inside.

As they all smiled in agreement to The Prince’s soft exclamation the group slowly made their way through the doors and into the castle itself. They were inside the ballroom immediately and they watched the figures spin round and round for a few moments in awe.

“Incredible...” Clarence muttered. It was such a wonderful experience to get to see things up close like this. Uncle Drosselmeier had put more detail in than his godson could have ever seen when he had still been his normal size.

Marie was instantly distracted. “They do look /so/ refined,” she agreed in a gushing tone of voice as she made her way forward and put herself into the arms of a male figure who was between partners on the track of the dance floor. “I’ll say you’re rather cute. What’s your name? Are you here alone?” she asked as she pulled him towards the direction of a set of doors so that he wouldn’t rejoin the other dancers on the track and instead be secluded with her.

“Well we can’t wait while Marie dances the night away,” Trudy pointed out, “Let’s go...”

They nodded and helped Pantaloon across the hall where two mechanical footmen opened the doors to them to reveal a glorious courtyard ahead.

Clarence sucked in a breath of surprise as he saw the wintery wonderland before them. “What a wonderful garden,” he praised softly looking around at the snow covered terrace which led out towards the small lake where the swans sat on the water. The entire place was swan themed actually seeing as the pillars all around them were faceless white swans tucked elegantly into straight shapes to form the designs. Everything was covered in a soft amount of snow or ice which sparkled and made for a pretty sight.

“It’s not even cold or anything,” Clarence noted with wonder as he stepped barefoot across the place to admire his surroundings. He couldn’t help but think that the courtyard looked different to the one he’d seen on his godfather’s castle two nights before but Clarence’s thoughts were interrupted before he could place his finger on any differences,

“The snow looks like vanilla or coconut frosting,” The Nutcracker proclaimed.

Clarence reached out and touched the nearest pillar and the snow came off on his finger. It felt an odd consistency and he hesitantly smelt it before trying a lick of it carefully. “It /is/ frosting!” he exclaimed with excitement.

The group clambered forward towards the water at Trudy’s beckoning.

Clarence’s eyes widened as he saw for the first time the swans on the lake which did not look like toys on a track but instead actual living and breathing swans large enough to ride on! “Swans with golden necklaces...” he noted softly in wonder, “Oh if Louise could see this...” he whispered.

On the backs of the two swans (which were harboured at the edge of where the terrace met the water) were large box-like saddles. These swans were indeed meant to be ridden it seemed...

“They’re beautiful,” The Prince whispered with a smile as he came forward helping to still support Pantaloon with Trudy and they attempted to get the soldier into the seat on the back of one of the swans.

“Careful and steady now Pantaloon,” The Prince murmured. The old toy sat down successfully and Trudy smiled and nodded her acknowledgement to her prince for his help.

“Do they have names I wonder?” Clarence murmured as he examined the other swan that looked back at him with equal curiosity.

“That’s Leander. And this is Hero,” Trudy pointed out with a warm smile.

That only made Clarence grin. “Hello Leander!” he greeted happily. The swan seemed contented by the greeting somehow although the boy couldn’t explain how he knew that.

“Uh, allow me,” The Nutcracker Prince declared as he opened the door to the carriage on Leander’s back before then bowing to Clarence respectfully.

“Oh Nutcracker stop bowing! You needn’t be so formal with me! We’re friends, aren’t we?”

That made him smile a little as he followed Clarence in. “Always,” he replied softly as he sat in his seat.

“Eh, home Leander!” he went on after a second.

The swan understood and began to move gliding across the lake to cross under the bridge before he spread his magnificent wings and took off. Hero followed in suit with Trudy and Pantaloon riding along.

“Goodness me I might actually enjoy being a prince,” The Nutcracker mumbled as he watched their ascent with wonder from his seat. 

Clarence was likewise captivated grinning at the sight of the snow covered ground growing smaller and smaller as they rose high into the night sky. The sight of Clarence’s house around them was nowhere in sight now.

When Leander had seemed to level off, The Nutcracker and Clarence both looked at one another with smiles. “This is splendid,” Clarence declared.

“I really must agree! I didn’t expect such wonders...”

“Nor did I,” his companion agreed.

The two sat in comfortable silence for a moment until at last The Prince broke it, “So, Clarence, you are Herr Drosselmeier’s godson?”

“Yes I am.”

“Ah. He is, no doubt, good to you.”

“Oh yes! Why it was he who gave you to me; told me your story.”

“Did he now? He always likes making up stories...”

“So your story isn’t true then?” Clarence looked at The Prince with expectation although the hope was leaving his eyes.

“Oh perhaps it is. But I imagine that with so many years gone that details have altered in the retelling from person to person. I guess in a way though the end of this battle is truly a beginning. Why, I’m going to The Land of the Dolls to be their Prince. How I came to be this prince besides the detail of slaying The Mouse King who cursed that kingdom doesn’t really matter going forward so long as I am a good prince to my people.”

Clarence considered those words. “Well yes I suppose that’s true in a sense. Who you were before your curse I suppose can be put behind you as you start new.”

“Yes.” The young prince smiled thoughtfully.

“Honestly I don’t really recall much about before all this anyway,” he admitted a short moment later.

“Really? You don’t?”

He gently shook his head of dark hair and the small chain on his hat moved with the action. “I know that I was not always a nutcracker. And I know that some time has passed for when I knew your godfather he did not have a godson. How old are you, Clarence?”

“Sixteen. And you?”

“I’m not sure exactly. Perhaps around your age. Older if we want to count my years asleep. I don’t feel older, though. Do you suppose that’s strange?”

“No. You don’t look much older than me and besides dolls and nutcrackers don’t age.”

The Prince laughed softly. “No I suppose they don’t.”

There was a short patch of silence. “I’m awfully sorry you got involved in all this in the first place.”

“I’m not,” Clarence admitted.

“Why did you want to help me so much anyway?”

“I just... I didn’t think it was fair that you were under attack by a force who knew their advantage while you didn’t. And besides all that I suppose I felt protective ever since Fritz—”

“Fritz?”

“Yes my brother —younger brother—took you from me and broke you. Thank heavens for Uncle Drosselmeier who was able to fix you so easily. But I suppose when I saw you under attack I just knew I had to do something if I could.”

“Well I thank you; sincerely. You’re incredibly noble and selfless. I owe you a debt of gratitude, Clarence.”

“It was nothing. Truly. Especially in comparison to you, Your Highness. I really don’t think I could have faced that terrible and ugly Mouse King face to face being the size that we both are now...” Clarence shuddered.

“Are you cold?” The Nutcracker asked immediately. “I’m sorry –I barely feel the cold. Could be that I’m a doll; could be that I have on my coat. Here.” The Prince picked up a folded blanket from the floor of their carriage on Leander’s broad back.

“Oh. Thank you.” Clarence flushed slightly when he realized he was still in his nightclothes as they spread the warm blanket out (for his sake mostly).

“That must certainly be better now.”

“Thank you. Yes,” Clarence smiled.

“I can’t believe we’re going to The Land of the Dolls,” Clarence murmured a moment later. “It just...feels so magical and unreal. Like a dream, really.”

“Well I have never been there either, so we’ll see it for the first time together,” The Nutcracker Prince grinned.

“It’s so exciting!”

“Have you ever been to a royal court before?” the doll asked.

Clarence shook his head. “I’ve dreamt of it though. I want to one day dance in The Grand Ballet and dance all over the world.”

“That...certainly does sound exciting,” The Prince agreed with wonder and surprise on his face. “So you are a dancer even now then?”

“Yes. Ma-Ma and Pa-pa even got me new dancing slippers for Christmas. I’ll need them if I’ll ever have a hope of making it into The Grand Ballet.”

“I’m sure you will make it.”

“You haven’t even seen me dance yet,” Clarence chuckled nervously.

“I feel as though I have. And besides if your parents did not believe in you, why, they would not have bought you new slippers I’m sure... Besides, Clarence, if it is your dream you must go after it.”

At first the young man did not know what to say to that warm advice. He felt a bit moved that The Nutcracker Prince would believe so strongly in him. “Well...thank you humbly Your Highness.”

“Oh dear you...you needn’t call me that,” he blushed in his tone.

“Oh. I’m sorry. But perhaps you ought to get used to it: you are after all a prince now...” Clarence pointed out slowly.

“Yes you are right.” The Prince smiled gently.

“And, for what it’s worth, I think you will make a fine prince...”

If he didn’t have such wooden cheeks, The Nutracker was certain he would be blushing now. “What makes you say that?” he had to ask.

“You’ve already displayed selflessness and honour to defend your people,” Clarence explained, “You woke up disoriented and confused but immediately sprung to action without question to help them and take on your role... You were ready to fight to the death. If I were a doll of the kingdom I could not think of anyone else more suited to be our leader; our prince and protector...”

The Prince smiled shyly.

“I’m sure you could get accustomed to being royalty. That’s the joy of being a prince or king –or so I’m told—that people must keep you comfortable and happy...”

“Oh I’m sure of that. But what about them? What about their happiness?”

Clarence couldn’t help his smile. “And that right there is reassurance that they will be happy under your rule. You’re still thinking about them despite yourself.”

The Prince looked at his boots shyly for a moment.

“Tell me more about...your life,” he asked Clarence. “Are you constantly in practice for your ballet?”

“No. Well, lately I’ve been helping with preparations for Christmas. Every year our family hosts at least two parties for Christmastime. They’re often magnificent. People talk about them throughout town very fondly.”

“Oh how wonderful! What do you do at these parties? Who is in attendance?”

“Often many of Ma-Ma and Papa’s friends in town all come as well as one or two from other places. They bring their families most often. Our house is quite full of people of all sorts and we have a small orchestra play music throughout the evening. It can be quite overwhelming at times but it’s wonderful to sit on a chair and watch the people talk, eat and dance together...”

“Oh. Do you not participate in all that?” The Prince asked curiously.

“I do; I must. Well I do enjoy to chat here and there. But it’s difficult especially now that I’m older...”

Clarence’s companion looked at him carefully and did not urge him to go on even though he was captivated to hear more.

“I’m sorry; that was quite frank of me and perhaps out of place.”

“I don’t see how,” The Nutcracker murmured. “You have spoken ill of no one and even if you had I do not know anyone but you and Herr Drosselmeier that would have been in attendance at the parties...”

Clarence nodded a bit shyly. “Well quite true... And it is not quite anything against anyone in particular anyhow,” he clarified, “It is me, I fear. I’ve become worse at making conversation as time has gone on. Perhaps it is the expectation of conversation that contributes to my being unable to formulate it appropriately. Others find it so easily to socialize. My sister Louise practically thrives on it. But I... I fear that there are few I know that understand the...aversion I have in living up to social expectations. I find myself sometimes at a loss on what to say. Sometimes I find myself completely bored with what the other person is saying and I wish to escape the conversation. Such a thing happened the other night with Elsa Schmidt. Granted, she is one of the most insufferable persons you could ever meet in the first place but she also goes on and on in conversation without stopping for breath so even if you did wish to comment or say something in order to escape you are at a complete loss... And with some others it feels rude to make such a short conversation and then excuse yourself. I find there are not many people in my town that I find pleasure in talking to anymore...”

“That is most unfortunate,” The Nutcracker Prince commented in sympathy.

“Indeed. I wish I knew more of what to say or had more of an interest in conversation and socializing. It feels like a chore; necessary though undesirable...”

“And yet, you are...conversing with me,” The Prince pointed out bashfully.

Clarence felt his cheeks warm a little at the realization. “Yes... Well I find you and I have something to say. It is not always a chore...” he mumbled shyly, “It is not so difficult if you have the right person to speak to and find you have something to talk about.”

“Well I’m glad to know that...” he smiled gently.

“I like speaking with you, Nutracker,” Clarence admitted honestly.

“And I like speaking with you,” he returned warmly.

“Is it okay that I call you Nutracker?” Clarence asked suddenly nervous.

The smile on his companion’s face only brightened. “Yes of course. As you said earlier, we are friends and I like the familiarity better than ‘Your Highness’ for I’m sure the same reason as you did not wish me to bow to you,” The Prince spoke.

“Wonderful,” Clarence mumbled with a small smile.

“Clarence?”

“Yes?”

“I... I do not know if I perhaps understand correctly, but I... I think I know what it’s like to some small degree to feel more comfortable in being outside conversation and socialization rather than in it. I remember vaguely standing and listening to others speak around me when I was an apprentice long ago. I felt happy to not be included but to take in those moments... I am not certain that it is the same to what you described yourself but...”

“I believe it is almost exactly what I described,” Clarence encouraged eagerly. “Sometimes it’s just wonderful to sit and watch others and take in their happiness and warmth as they spend time together...”

The Nutcracker smiled softly. “Yes.”

“I often feel...out of place for wanting to sit aside at the party even if I don’t actually do it.”

The Prince studied him carefully for a moment as he considered Clarence and his words.

“It’s just that I’m expected to go around and talk to our guests and to dance a few turns with the young ladies at the party and to seem completely happy to do so in all of it. And I suppose I would if I could actually stand most of my dance partners and if our family and friends did not ask all of the same trivial questions all the time. Some of them even ask something to be sociable and pretend to be interested in the answer but I can tell they aren’t really; some of them are even eyeing the food on the table and some actually don’t even bother to listen to the reply they merely carry on because they see someone else to speak to or they’ve just asked the question to...well I’m not even sure...” he exhaled with some frustration. “It makes it all the harder to make conversation when you are trying but not actually being...invested in it... I know none of these people who simply carry on do so because they are like me and dread conversation; they adore conversation but they just don’t wish to converse with me for any considerable length. I feel sometimes as though they have a quota to fill; to speak to as many people as they can and then to stop and take the longest with their family or their closest of friends for the rest of the evening. Why even bother? Would it not be better to not feel the need or the pressure to converse so superficially and to instead carry on with those you most desire to converse with?” Clarence sighed, “Perhaps it is I who is just too different not to understand or perhaps to understand too much and overthink it all... I’m sure they all know that some conversation is more worthwhile but they also see the necessity of proper form not to be rude and merely stick to socializing with only a select few. I on the other hand feel... pulled under by social conformities sometimes; I feel wrong for dreading social gatherings and having those longings to escape. I’m too different in wishing to sit by my lonesome. I oftentimes despise the feeling. I...I’m no good at trying to prattle on... At least they can find things to say. I suppose adhering to social conformity is a lot easier and considerably less pressure when you know what to do and what to say. I just...can’t sometimes without terrible difficulty.” He let out a final sigh which blew a puff of vapour out into the night air.

The Nutcracker took a breath before replying, his hand carefully resting against Clarence’s arm for a moment in concern, “Clarence I do not think you are wrong in having the thoughts you do. You are certainly no less for having them. So you have nothing to say in conversation? So what? Perhaps those conversing with you just aren’t within the sphere of your interests or knowledge and there is nothing wrong with that. As you said, there /are/ those who you /can/ converse with more easily. I do not think it is a slight against you if you have nothing to talk about with any man or woman or any young boy or girl at a party or elsewhere. But there /are/ those out there who you are happy and comfortable to talk to which leads me to think that you will find more of them in the world. You said you wished to travel the world and dance well perhaps that’s just it then: you will encounter people on your journey at that time. I do not see why you won’t find people to talk to and dance partners you can more than tolerate but enjoy your turns with. And when you wish to sit out and take in your surroundings, do so. If it makes you happy; if it enriches you and the good feeling in your heart then it is not wrong to desire to do so and it is not for anyone to judge if you do do so.

Th-those are my thoughts anyway,” The Nutcracker concluded quickly and somewhat embarrassed for being so open and forward in return to Clarence’s honest and rather raw declarations.

In response Clarence found himself leaning forward and he met The Prince’s lips in a quick and tender kiss. He pulled back with some surprise at himself and his response and felt completely nervous. “S-sorry...” he managed to vocalize, feeling at once embarrassed for such a strong and surprising reaction to what his companion had said to him.

“It’s...alright,” The Prince murmured feeling surprised a little but appreciating the gesture all the same as means of thanks for what he’d just done in encouraging Clarence not to feel so upset and different because he preferred to be more introverted.

Clarence did in fact express his thanks audibly, “Thank you, I mean...”

“There’s no need,” Nutcracker assured. There was a short pause before he went on,

“Are you cold?”

“Oh no I’m alright,” Clarence lied a little but The Nutcracker Prince reached out and helped him pull the blanket up a little closer to his neck and Clarence willingly adjusted it pulling it tight around him. “Thank you. Are you sure you’re not cold?”

“No. I guess when you’re made of wood...”

“Yes but the pain in your shoulder is still there,” the young man pointed out.

Nutcracker gazed down at the splinter in the wood of his shoulder. “Tis not so bad anymore.”

Clarence took his word –unsure of what to do about it anyway.

“All will be well in The Land of the Dolls they say.”

“Yes. Are you...still anxious about being welcomed as Prince of the Dolls?”

“A little still yet I suppose. But as you’ve said, I’ve the potential to be a good ruler for them because I do care. I will try to let that thought guide me.” He paused a short while before going on— “You know my uncle he always wanted more for me but I was content to just do the work that he did. I was happy.”

“I’m sorry you lost that,” Clarence expressed gently.

His companion smiled but it wasn’t sad. “Thank you Clarence. I appreciate that. But, perhaps my uncle was right: I’m meant for something more.”

“Perhaps,” the young man agreed with a smile.

The two were silent for awhile –listening to the sounds of the night and Leander’s broad wings flapping with strong force as he carried them through the night sky home to The Land of the Dolls.

“It’s such a peaceful night,” Clarence commented with a yawn.

“That it is,” The Prince agreed freely, glancing sideways at the sound of a yawn.

Clarence gazed out sleepily to the sights around them; a mixture of clouds and tiny twinkling dots -lights below it seemed. He felt content and relaxed and considering it was the middle of the night, he began to slowly nod off to sleep. Slowly but surely, his head drooped until it finally came to rest against The Prince’s shoulder.

For his part, the doll was neither surprised nor bothered by the development. His head gently turned to look down at the young man now asleep leaning against him and a slow, soft smile graced his lips. He made sure Clarence’s blanket hadn’t slipped down or fluttered off the young dancer’s feet or legs before he gazed back out himself at the practically magical sights around them. Soon, The Nutcracker’s own head gently came to rest against Clarence’s however his movement was by choice.

He was extremely glad to have met this young man who had such a good heart and a pure soul. This young man who had such care and concern towards helping in a fantastical battle; a complicated situation that had nothing to do with him and yet he still had devoted himself to helping Nutcracker and the other dolls in the defeat of the evil Mouse King. This young man who was both a saviour and a vulnerable individual in his own right. Nutcracker thanked whoever and whatever had brought Clarence into his life. He suspected that would have been Drosselmeier and yet how he might’ve known how important both young men would feel to one another seemed impossible. Ultimately, Clarence made The Prince feel less scared about facing the future; one that seemed ever so daunting and uncertain. In fact, the boy had always made Nutcracker more at ease with anything he had faced ever since he’d woken up in this body.

He felt happy that he had been able to provide a little reassurance to young Clarence in return when Clarence had expressed so openly his fears, his shortcomings and his desires. The Prince hoped that no matter what, his companion would find acceptance internally within himself. And he hoped that ultimately, Clarence would find people as he had tonight that he wasn’t afraid to be himself with and could talk openly and easily with in the years to come. As if to answer that wish, a shooting star shot across the sky to his right making The Nutcracker smile.

Here you go everyone you've waited for it! That was Part Two in The Nutcracker Prince!  Each new part will be released every Sunday in December! 

Please, please, please leave me some feedback I'd love to have it! I hope you enjoy! Only 17 days until Christmas!

-Britt xoxo

PART 3  here