The Nutcracker Prince -Part 3 (Patreon)

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Greetings readers! Just a warning: this next part is quite lengthy. I'm sure you've noticed a trend in part 1 and 2 to this point of seeing length but I assure you this is a lovely read and is one of my favourite parts of The Nutcracker story in any adaptation! Hopefully, you enjoy my take on this next bit and PLEASE let me know what you think of the ending to this part!!!Love, Britt xoxo

The flight carried on for quite some time it seemed. However, the young prince had no idea in regards to the passage of time as everything felt completely disjointed each time he’d woken up since becoming a nutcracker. It was possible it had been hours since Clarence had fallen asleep and it could have also been mere minutes; it seemed impossible for him to grasp fully.

However long it had been Leander did eventually start a descent. This woke Clarence who almost felt the change in temperature as the wind suddenly blew through his hair when the swan’s flight lowered them in the sky. He looked around sleepily before blushing a little and apologizing for being asleep and no less against The Nutcracker’s shoulder.

His companion was quick to reassure him all was well and directed his attention to the new sights coming into view now. There were colours and lights abound as the clouds began to clear and both young men grinned in awe and wonder as The Land of the Dolls began to come into view before them.

What truly took Clarence’s breath away however was the castle they saw in the distance coming closer and closer. It was magnificent and sparkled brightly. Everything around them looked as though it was made of candy, gingerbread or jewels but this castle seemed to be made of many things and it was hard to discern what its primary material was. Facets of light glinted off of it and yet it was not hard to gaze at. Truly it was magical and both young men were filled with extreme happiness and warmth as they gazed upon it.

Leander flew first towards a brilliant waterfall nearby and to the young men’s surprise, glided under the spray and the water. Instead of wet, they emerged in new costuming. They gazed down at themselves in wonder before looking at their companion.

The Nutcracker Prince’s former red frock coat was now a light and airy sky blue in shimmering satin with gorgeous silver buttons and accents. His long dark hair was pulled back by silver cord and he now bore a crown instead of his military hat.

Clarence had emerged in a brilliant yellow waistcoat and jacket that looked almost gold. His light honey-coloured hair was neatly tied back by a matching gold coloured bow and seemed to shine. With pants matching his jacket, long socks and polished shoes, he looked very presentable and almost older than his years.

“Nutcracker you look—very...distinguished,” Clarence complimented using the word he’d heard his sister tell Jakob.

“As do you Clarence you look wonderful. This is a most excellent colour on you; your eyes seem to shine.” 

The young man felt his cheeks blush at the compliment.

The swans finished their descent and landed then came to rest beside a magnificent walkway where well-dressed soldiers stood waiting to pay homage to the prince and assist the guests from their swan carriages. Nutcracker and Clarence’s door was opened first and the new Prince of the Dolls stepped as graciously as he could from the box, blushing a little as the soldier bowed to him, “Your Highness.” He turned and held his hand out to steady Clarence as he then dismounted.

“Thanks.”

The Prince offered a small smile before turning and gazing at the path before him where toy soldiers and castle guards were lined up parallel to one another against the edges of the wide walkway up towards the castle. He gulped but a reassuring hand on his shoulder that gave a small squeeze made him smile and feel a bit more confidence come back to him. He offered a thankful smile to his companion before taking a breath and starting up the path.

When he realized after several steps that he was leading, The Nutcracker Prince turned around. “Please you don’t have to trail me Clarence you may walk beside me. You did say we were friends after all didn’t you?”

“Yes,” he replied bashfully.

“Well I could use one beside me,” Nutcracker admitted ever so softly with a sheepish and shy look upon his features. Clarence immediately obliged and closed the gap to come beside instead.

The two did not hear the commotion behind them when the doll Marie arrived falling with a loud cry and a splash into the water. She had been too late to catch a swan but had managed to find a duck swimming in the water and had latched onto it as it took off towards The Land of the Dolls. She’d survived the journey and had also received a simple but beautiful new outfit but now she was wet. A soldier immediately rushed forward and scooped her up. “You are the most beautiful doll I have ever seen,” he whispered and she smiled shyly as she realized he much resembled the other doll she’d been dancing with on the track at the toy castle. He carried her from the water and began to escort her up the pathway like a gentleman just as Pantaloon (who was now well again) had Trudy arm-in-arm.

As they got closer to the castle, Clarence was more and more in awe. Its material still sparkled and shone seeming iridescent and yet the young man could not figure out what it was made of for it did not seem somehow like merely a jewel.

The guards at the door bowed reverently. “Your Highness.”

Nutcracker bowed his head a bit shyly in response.

Two men dressed in military uniform then stepped forward and likewise greeted The Prince. “I am Major Mint, Your Highness.”

“And I am Captain Candy.”

Clarence chortled a soft laugh at these names. The Nutcracker Prince held his composure however,

“It is a sincere pleasure to meet you both. Thank you.”

“We are most happy to be of assistance to you,” Major Mint declared. He had kind eyes set into a rounded face, dark hair and was quite a bit shorter than Captain Candy who stood slightly taller than Clarence and The Prince. The Captain was quite a bit older than the major and reminded Clarence a little of Pantaloon with his similar grey moustache and long face.

“I thank you both for whatever services you are willing to provide me. I am most grateful,” The Nutcracker Prince declared sincerely.

“Arrangements have been made inside for your grand return—your grand entrance rather into court. Crowds have assembled to greet you warmly as you make your procession to the grand, er, ballroom,” Captain Candy declared. “We’ve all of us in The Land of the Dolls ensured that everything is ready for your celebration. Dolls and subjects have come from every kingdom.”

Nutcracker’s wooden cheeks seemed to blush. “I... I am overwhelmed.”

“Do not be,” Major Mint exclaimed sensing The Prince’s shyness and trepidation over this news. “All wish to pay you homage and make you feel welcome; feel at home. You are only required to enjoy yourself tonight. Do not hold worries in your heart over anything.”

Nutcracker gave him a look of great esteem and gratefulness. “Thank you, Major Mint. Thank you.”

“Well whenever you are ready, we shall begin the procession.”

Nutcracker looked at Clarence. “Uh, shall we?”

Clarence gave him a warm smile. “I look forward to it. Whenever you’re ready.” His hand gently grasped The Nutcracker’s shoulder in support. This made a smile break out across Nutcracker’s face.

“Very well. Let us go in,” he declared somewhat regally with more confidence than he’d previously exuded.

The signal was given and the toy soldiers stepped away from the doors a short second before they were swung open inwardly. Immediately a trumpet blared out a short phrase before both Major Mint and Captain Candy gestured with one arm each that Nutcracker and his entourage may proceed inside; their heads bowing to their prince.

With a deep breath, The Nutcracker Prince entered the palace as many trumpets began blasting a triumphant tune. With Clarence beside him, they began the procession through the huge hall of the palace which was filled with what seemed like thousands of people lining both sides of a long and wide aisle they’d made so that The Prince of the Dolls could walk through uninhibited.

Nutcracker’s eyes scanned over people filling the hall on both sides of the aisle and also those who stood on balconies and galleries of other floors above as they cheered and clapped at the arrival of their prince as he walked in procession with Clarence, Trudy and Pantaloon as well as Marie with her new handsome escort. His eyes widened a little in awe and intimidation; feeling daunted by the sheer numbers he saw.

“I think you’re supposed to wave,” Clarence whispered loudly as they carried on.

Smiling sheepishly, The Nutcracker Prince raised his hand and began gently waving at his people. They cheered him on even louder and it appeared that the wood of his cheeks darkened with the stain of a blush.

Clarence suddenly noticed as they walked along that Nutcracker’s bearing had changed a little; he seemed to hold himself straighter; almost a little more regally. It was now that he noticed The Nutcracker Prince actually stood taller than Clarence; almost half a head in fact. Clarence suddenly felt shy looking at his companion seeing both the posture and the height difference as something a bit daunting. Maybe Nutcracker didn’t ask to be in a position of such power and reverence but he certainly held himself in such a way that exuded someone who would be given natural respect. Coupled with Clarence’s earlier conversation with Nutcracker who seemed so incredibly insightful and wise, the young man felt slightly unworthy to be beside such a commendable person. Clarence as per that conversation had admitted he did not feel he held such value and aptitude. He did not feel greatness where Nutcracker clearly held it naturally even despite his new title as Prince of the Dolls. Nutcracker had proven it time and time again over the last couple of nights.

Despite his misgivings, Clarence kept them to himself and walked onward with The Prince whose face he now saw held trepidation and shyness; perhaps as much reflecting Clarence’s own inner thoughts regarding himself. Seeing this suddenly made the young man feel calmed and more confident. “You’re doing incredible, Your Highness,” he whispered to him.

Nutcracker’s eyes turned with some surprise towards Clarence. “Goodness you don’t have to address me with that title,” he murmured back. “We are friends.”

Clarence smiled seeing a change in Nutcracker. “You’re already more relaxed. Good,” he chuckled ever so softly.

This further fueled The Prince’s confidence and he grinned with gratitude. “Thank you, Clarence.”

At last, they came to the end of the walk where waiting in front of them was a throne for The Prince to ascend to and sit upon. The small group stopped and as if on queue, two trumpeters came to flank the staircase then blasted a short phrase which left the crowds quiet within mere seconds.

The contrast of having so much sound to having none was dissonant to Clarence but before he could acknowledge it, two heralds called out an announcement:

“Presenting to you, in triumphant arrival after the end of the rivalry between mouse and doll, His Royal Highness, Prince of the Dolls!”

People cheered making him in return look shy but at a small indication from Major Mint, Nutcracker stood taller and ascended the staircase as the two military men followed behind him as a royal guard. Nutcracker turned back towards his people, away from the sight of the throne which unnerved him with the weight of its responsibility and stood still for a moment taking in the applause and cheering.

There was a short blast of the trumpet and a hush fell over everyone as a young doll stepped forward holding a coronet on a small silken pillow. Another finely dressed doll stepped forward and bowed to The Nutcracker before taking the coronet and stepping up and placing it on Nutcracker’s head. The royal item was small enough to stay in place inside of Nutcracker’s existing crown. Whenever the crown would be removed, His Royal Highness would still have the coronet on his head, indicating his status.

As the doll stepped back, cheers erupted from the crowd.

Moments later, the people quieted down at one quick trumpet blast and the heralds spoke again: “All Hail Our Beloved Nutcracker!”

“All Hail Our Beloved Nutcracker!” the people echoed in one loud voice.

“Long Live His Royal Highness!”

“Long Live His Royal Highness!” they returned.

Nutcracker saw Major Mint make a small motion with the hand that was towards him indicating him to lower and The Prince obliged, sitting on the throne.

Instead of cheering, the seemingly thousands of dolls and others present began lowering to their knees and bowing to The Nutcracker Prince.

Clarence immediately lowered himself when he realized. Seeing this, The Prince at once felt a pit of nervousness hit his stomach. He could manage all of these strangers bowing to him but seeing Clarence do so made him feel unworthy. He took a slow, deep breath and tried not to start shaking. He found being made of wood however helped tremendously with this task.

Once he had composed himself Nutcracker saw Captain Candy and Major Mint looking at him in expectation. He quickly realized many were looking at him, waiting. Clarence’s gaze seemed gentle; understanding of fear that his friend was currently facing. This gave Nutcracker a renewed confidence as he recalled Clarence’s kind words earlier that had raised the doll’s spirits. The Prince cleared his throat in nervousness and spoke to the people, “Thank you for such a warm welcome,” he began; his deep tone carrying well through the castle hall which seemed to carry on and on past comprehension to where they had entered only minutes ago. “I promise to be a good ruler to you all; kind and just, fair and understanding.”

Clarence caught Nutcracker’s eye and smiled warmly at the words that were being spoken. Nutcracker smiled back a little before he concluded his speech with confidence,

“Just as you have all accepted me without reservation I promise to return to you that same kind courtesy of friendship and trust. Thank you all I am truly honoured!”

The crowds broke out into applause and chanting of the previous phrases praising the new royal and hopes for his long rule as slowly but surely everyone got to their feet again.

“Next is the feast and performances in your honour,” Major Mint told Nutcracker quickly, “You must decide whether to go ahead or decide on your own order of events. You are free to do as you choose with any activity that you choose. You are not obligated to take part in anything now.”

The Prince shook his head. “I’d be delighted to carry on with what everyone has prepared. That is so incredibly kind!” He stood up from his throne and gently raised a hand (as he’d seen royals do in his previous life) and the crowds quieted. “Thank you all for this reception. Let the revelries now begin that you all have so kindly prepared.”

At his word, immediately groups of people began moving around to set up and assemble what was to come.

“Very well if you will come with me Your Highness we will go to the ballroom that overlooks the water and start the feast and the festivities.”

Nutcracker smiled a little and gestured for the men to lead the way. He turned back to Clarence and their other friends and gestured for them to follow as his guests. They followed with an eager pace feeling humbled.

“Beside me, Clarence,” Nutcracker encouraged a moment later as he turned his head seeing them all behind him. The boy blushed some but nodded and matched pace to be beside The Prince again. “How did I do?” he mumbled as they carried on through the hall towards the ballroom, “be honest.”

“You did wonderfully. Congratulations.”

Nutcracker smiled fondly at Clarence’s compliments. “I felt like I was shaking. But my wood is sturdier than I expected,” he gushed.

“I think we are both discovering strength within ourselves we did not expect,” Clarence expressed with warmth. The two shared a fond expression between them for a moment before they were finally within the ballroom.

“Your table, Your Highness,” a castle doll exclaimed with a bow and a gesture of his arm. The Nutcracker Prince looked to see a large rectangular table atop a lengthy dais. There would be a fine view of the performances or dancing from there.

“Thank you so much. May we please set out places for my friends to be at my side?” he requested.

“Of course, Your Highness!”

Immediately dolls rushed to make the changes so that Clarence, Trudy, Pantaloon, Marie and her escort could sit with The Prince at the table.

“It’s no trouble. You all helped in the fight against the mice. I wish for you to be comfortable and at my side for being so wonderfully kind and selfless,” Nutcracker spoke when Trudy tried to protest. She humbly smiled and accepted his wishes.

Once they were all seated on the comfortable plush covered chairs, one of the butler-looking dolls clapped his hands together and wait staff brought out confectionaries of all sorts on huge trays that they effortlessly carried to be brought before The Prince and his guests.

Clarence was in awe at all of the choices and he took treats one by one to his golden edged plate in front of him. The head butler explained the origin of most of the treats: all from the finest recipes in the kingdom and those it bordered. There were gingerbread delights from the best gingerbread bakers, fruit turnovers from The Land of the Flowers and twisted candies from The Land of Sweets, to name a few. It was an overwhelming amount of items and The Prince himself turned to Clarence with surprise but was relieved to learn the young man also felt overwhelmed.

“Back at court all those years ago I never saw such wonders,” The Nutcracker whispered, referring to his time apprenticing.

“It is incredible,” Clarence agreed as he stared wide-eyed at even more dishes and trays coming out in an endless stream from the sides of the tables. The more he tried, however, the less full he felt. He thought by now he’d feel ill but no such thing had happened!

Eventually the endless stream of treats and delicacies ended and many trays were left on tables at the side of the room for other guests to enjoy. It was only now that Clarence seemed to realize that they had been joined by at least a hundred or so other dolls presumably from each of the aforementioned kingdoms here to pay tribute to their new ruler and partake in the celebrations.

Clarence smiled at all of the colours and various styles of costuming that he could see though he was certain there were many others he hadn’t caught glimpses of yet. What he could make out seemed to be dolls in fancy outfits based on their kingdoms and dolls from all parts of his known world outside The Land of the Dolls! Clarence suspected that like his own world dolls too had different kingdoms and countries. It was such a wonder to see pieces of his own known globe mixed and mingling in with all of these unfamiliar but fantastic new cultures.

Once the trays had all been set down or taken away from the room (His Royal Highness asked to ensure that no food was to waste and though the head butler looked surprised by the specific request he assured the sovereign that the treats were indeed to be delivered to the dolls flocking within the rest of the palace) then the noise of the room began to quiet and a tall, well-dressed doll emerged to bow before The Prince and his table. “Your Royal Highness,” this doll began, “I am Marzipan, court maestro and the organizer of tonight’s entertainment for your celebration. I humbly stand before you ready to present dolls from far and wide and also from your own kingdom here to provide you wonderful performances in honour of your defeat over the evils that be and your triumphant arrival here!”

“Thank you,” The Nutcracker expressed warmly. “I look forward to seeing what you have prepared. I am truly humbled to be welcomed thus.”

After a short introduction, Marzipan stepped aside to let the first performance begin. The entertainment tonight, he explained, was based upon the kingdom it was from and most also upon a special food or drink.

First up was the dance to represent chocolate. Their large, fancy skirts on the female dolls and percussion in their music made Clarence think of the country of Spain which he had read about as a child and had encountered in a travelling Spanish troupe in his early teens. “Chocolate? That was more like hot chocolate,” he chuckled to The Prince as the next troupe was assembling to dance for them. The music had been energetic as had the dancing. The Prince laughed softly and nodded.

“Next we represent for you an exotic taste of coffee from our friends from the Far East!”

This dance was quite a bit slower and almost more sensual but all present appreciated the fluid movements of the dancers and the gorgeous embroidery of their costumes.

Next came tea. Clarence suspected these dolls to be right from Asia in his own world. Their costuming was unmistakable even if the song itself was more to represent the drink they were presenting than the culture that Clarence knew about.

Following this, Marzipan announced a dance from The Land of the Sweets called a trepak which ended up being short but extremely high-spirited. The Nutcracker was wide-eyed and clapped loudly for this group of all male dancers who jumped, leapt and twirled around the ballroom floor before them -all dressed like candy canes. Even the air smelled of peppermint and Clarence inhaled deeply throughout the performance and for a few moments after it was done too.

Then Marzipan himself told them he’d be dancing with a few others from his former kingdom of The Land of the Sweets to represent the sweet of his namesake: marzipan. It was such a sweet little dance with flutes and other wind instruments accompanying it and Clarence, The Nutcracker and his other guests found themselves smiling throughout it.

After this, a herald called out “Mother Ginger and her children The Polichinelles of The Cookies and Cake province in The Land of Sweets.” No sooner had he spoken but a large, plump woman with unruly red hair came forward towards the table and paused only a second before, to the surprise of all, her skirt lifted by the hands of ten little children who had been hiding underneath! The spirited music, sounding like the tapping of spoons and plucking of string instruments, began. The little ones laughed and played around their former hiding place as Mother Ginger herself spun then flipped herself onto her hands whereby her skirt flipped and the most wonderful looking designs of cakes and cookies were shown meanwhile putting the smells of freshly baked goods into the air. All of the children were dressed differently looking like little cakes themselves; their sashes and belts resembling icing and other decorations. Just as Clarence began to recognize most of the sweets they were dressed as, Mother Ginger’s twirling (on her hands still, mind you) came to an end and she flipped herself right way up again making the skirt fall back outside in and hiding her children once more. The clapping for this display was quite enthusiastic as she bowed to The Prince and exited.

“That was incredible!” Clarence and Nutcracker whispered between themselves as Marzipan ushered forward the next dancers, “It was like magic!”

As the next dance began, the fires of the many candles, lanterns and sconces lighting the room up so brightly suddenly seemed to dim. Nutcracker looked around in surprise and saw that they had all turned blue instead. Even the air suddenly seemed a bit colder as flutes and harps began to play to begin the introduction for the dancers from The Land of the Snowflakes.

This time Clarence was certain it was magic as these sparkling, snow-white dancers floated around their dance floor as though they were light as air whilst actual snow appeared to be falling from the roof overhead even though they were indoors. He recognized their dance as a waltz and suddenly these ‘snowflakes’ opened their mouths and began to sing to the notes of the music. It sounded like a heavenly choir. Clarence thought it was absolutely beautiful and this performance would be his favourite of the entire night.

“Next, The Sugarplum Fairy wishes to dance for you on behalf of The Land of the Fairies to represent the sweetness of her people,” Marzipan announced.

Her melody was sweet and tinkled through the air like a music box that Louise, Clarence’s sister, might own. The fairy danced ballet and the young dancer at Nutcracker’s side was impressed and inspired.

So when Marzipan announced that The Land of the Flowers would perform their dance before inviting the Prince and all of the guests to participate in a waltz followed by more dancing for all to take part in, Clarence rose from his seat. “May I do a dance then first to honour His Highness?”

Nutcracker stared up at his new friend with surprise just as many of the others in the room began to.

Marzipan recovered his surprise quickly and smiled. “Well of course you may! I do not see why not so long as His Highness allows it!”

“Clarence, you really… o-only if you wish, I…” The wooden prince stammered, still very much taken aback by the offer.

“Why shouldn’t you be honoured by one of my kingdom; my world?” Clarence responded with confidence that surprised even himself. “I wish to pay tribute to your succession here tonight.”

At this Nutcracker bowed his head in permission and acceptance.

Clarence suddenly realized he had been rash to offer his skills as a dancer so quickly: he was not quite dressed to dance ballet. When he had entered this kingdom, his nightgown had been transformed into pants, shirt and jacket of shimmering gold. But going to nervously rub his hands on his pants and apologize for his oversight he found instead he had on ballet tights of the finest quality and proper dancing slippers. ‘Magic!’ he raved internally with excitement.

“Who should I, um, speak to regarding my music?” he asked Marzipan quietly as he descended onto the dance floor while Marie murmured some words of surprise to the Trudy doll.

“Simply begin your dance and the music you need shall appear,” the maestro informed him with a happy, warm smile.

Therefore, Clarence picked a spot to begin and took a large breath and closed his eyes. He had always wanted to dance one day in The Grand Ballet and this was a step, in his heart of hearts, to showing that he could and would one day. After only a few moments’ pause, he began.

For the next few minutes, it was just Clarence and his dance and his audience watched in revered silence as this young man showed off his talent and simultaneously offered a tribute to The Prince. While the music that accompanied him suited everything perfectly, neither Clarence nor Nutcracker seemed to pay it heed. For, Clarence’s dance was what was truly remarkable and breathtaking.

As he concluded, the sixteen year old held his final pose for several moments in silence before suddenly it was like a cord snapped bringing everyone back to reality. The Nutcracker Prince seemed to be the one that initiated the clapping and everyone else joined in as Clarence dipped into the proper ballet bow he had long ago been taught.

His heart seemed to be willing to thud out of his chest as he then caught Nutcracker’s eye and the two stared at one another for a moment or two before a smile spread across The Prince’s face. Clarence took a breath which brought him peace and he managed to smile back before returning to his seat.

“I… I am speechless Clarence. What a fine dancer you are,” Nutcracker praised softly as the next dancers, Flowers, assembled.

“And what a great prince you will make,” Clarence responded fondly with a smile.

Nutcracker took Clarence’s hand for a moment and squeezed it just as Marzipan made his next introduction.

The dance from The Land of the Flowers was also incredible as they swirled around and for moments at a time it looked like actual petals and stems twirling to and fro around the room. As to be expected, the room began to smell fragrant with so many wonderful smells of earthy and flowery tones that lingered into the night as the rest of the guests and The Prince were invited to the dance floor to waltz.

The young man was surprised to find himself again dressed in the formalwear he’d had before; all traces of ballet attire gone now.

With a quick introduction phrase of music, the dancing then began. 

Though he was often separated from view of his Nutcracker, Clarence actually found himself enjoying dancing with the various partners that met him on the dance floor. The atmosphere itself was so happy and energetic that the young man could have danced for hours without feeling bored or tired.

However, once two waltzes and a tarantella were danced (Clarence found himself able to follow all of the steps as though he’d been dancing these his entire life), it was time for a pause in which The Sugarplum Fairy would perform another dance accompanied by a partner.

“Would the young man be so kind as to be my cavalier?” she asked as Clarence went to follow his friends back to the table.

Nutcracker who had gotten up onto the dias and noticing Clarence had paused, turned his attention to what was happening.

Clarence was surprised by the fairy’s request. He hesitated, feeling nervous.

“It is customary for a partner to be chosen by Sugarplum just before the dance begins. It is customary good luck for all in the room,” Marzipan explained.

“Oh well… Certainly I will try my very best to partner you, Your… Your Grace,” he tried a formal title.

“I have no title,” she whispered from her sparkling lips, “though your kindness is quite appreciated and acknowledged. Just dance with me and all will be well,” she assured.

Feeling confidence from this declaration, Clarence followed her to their starting position. And again as before, he saw his ballet attire had returned and felt himself knowing the correct steps to whatever dance this happened to be that she was performing. Shortly after it concluded, he would tell Nutcracker and his friends this. “The magic of this place makes everything seem to happen in the way it should,” he murmured with a small smile. “I’ve never danced that dance as a cavalier before… Nor have I ever seen it performed!”

“Indeed,” Nutcracker had to agree.

Marzipan then announced that there would be more dancing for the entire room to participate in.

Nutcracker and Clarence however were content to just sit and watch for awhile and smile and laugh happily and talk.

For the first time in years, Clarence felt truly as though he were sincerely happy and at ease at a party. Not once did he feel nervous or bored or unheard and it was all thanks to Nutcracker -and the rest of his new friends.

The Prince himself suddenly noted the unadulterated joy on Clarence’s face as he laughed at an antidote Pantaloon made having just returned from dancing with Marie who also seemed to have relaxed a little and was smiling too.

So when Marzipan announced some minutes later that it was time for The Prince of the Dolls to now dance a pas-de-deux with a partner of His Highness’ choosing, Nutcracker almost had no hesitation in a choice. “May it be anyone?” he clarified.

“It may be anyone, yes, though customarily the royal chooses from anyone who has performed at his or her coronation as a symbol of peace, connection and goodwill between all of our many kingdoms.”

The Nutcracker’s face parted in a gentle smile. “Then I choose Clarence.”

“What?” the young man muttered in surprise.

There were a few other sounds of surprise at the choice as well.

“May I have this dance?” Nutcracker asked as he held out his wooden hand to his selection of partner.

Clarence stared back at the doll for a few moments of gentle silence. And then, his overwhelming sense of trust for Nutcracker overcame him and Clarence put his hand into The Prince’s and walked with him to the middle of the dance floor far from their table.

The two began to dance together in a mixture of ballet and steps from other traditional dances that both knew from their lives outside of this kingdom. Again, they moved seamlessly and fluidly together to the violin and string orchestral as though this had all been rehearsed many, many times before.

Clarence stared into Nutcracker’s deep blue eyes as The Prince stared back into Clarence’s green gaze. The two felt as though a mutual understanding, trust and care for one another was flowing through them as the dance carried on making both forget about the world around them. In fact, it even appeared to them as though clouds or a white fog was enveloping the ground and slowly the palace ballroom around them.

Sensing a feeling of privacy and isolation, The Nutcracker Prince slowed in his movements and Clarence followed in turn until they were both framed together in a closer position to each other.

“Clarence?”

“Yes?”

“I am truly so happy.”

The young man smiled at Nutcracker’s gentle and bashful expression at professing the truth. “So am I,” Clarence answered easily. “So much so.”

“Then stay with me?”

“Hm?”

“Stay with me: here in The Land of the Dolls.”

“Here?” Clarence repeated in wonder.

“Yes! Be at my side. I know that I can rule happily and fairly if you were by my side!”

The young man felt himself suddenly astonished by the declarations.

“Truth be told Clarence, I am afraid. I am afraid of this new life and this new kingdom and all of these new people. And most of all of my new responsibility! I never asked for greatness once in my life. I have always felt more happy in a lowly but respectable and honest station in society. All I ever wished for was to be a humble apprentice. And now, now I am Prince of the Dolls and I am responsible for all of these dolls; these people who have accepted me to care for them and rule over them without ever knowing me! I must rule over all of these dolls and I am afraid of letting them down! I feel overwhelmed but humbled to take this on with my whole heart.

“I could use someone kind and familiar, a support to ground me and to make me feel a little less lost and daunted by all that is ahead. With you here; a friendly and familiar face, someone to talk to and be honest with, someone to share this new experience with, someone whom I trust wholeheartedly and someone who has accepted me and supported me I just know that I need not be so afraid or daunted by the life ahead!

“In you, I’ve already received more comfort than I can ever describe. You and I...we… we have been so important to one another through this journey we’ve both undertaken since I awoke dazed and in much confusion. We have shared pieces of ourselves uninhibited. We may not be the same for I am now wood and a prince and you a young man but yet I feel as though our hearts are made of the same stock.

“And so, please, stay with me here and be my confidant and friend and let me always be here for you as you have been for me and I know will continue to be. Please, stay and maybe we can manage to navigate our fears together.”

The Nutcracker’s eyes looked so hopeful now and it broke Clarence’s heart.

“I…” He looked around anxiously -feeling the air pressing in around him at the weight of Nutcracker’s request. The fog had cleared now and only a little remained at their feet. Seeing the guests again, Clarence thought of all of these dolls around him and how happy they all seemed. He knew Nutcracker would be a good ruler to them: kind and fair.

But Clarence wasn’t a doll. This was not his kingdom, as beautiful as it may be.

Clarence felt nervous as, with a heavy heart, he began to reply: “Oh dear Nutcracker, this is like a wonderful dream come true! The Land of the Dolls is so extremely beautiful and everyone here is so very kind! It is a lovely home!”

“Then you’ll stay,” Nutcracker exhaled in relief and growing happiness.

Clarence’s face fell even more as a pit in his stomach formed.

This made his companion finally aware of the young man’s sadness. And it wasn’t just the music that had suddenly seemed to take on a melancholy tune too that drew The Prince’s attention to the matter. “What is it? What’s wrong?” he asked with immediate concern as he stopped dancing and took Clarence’s hands.

Clarence’s green eyes began to fill with tears and he looked down at his now lovingly clasped hands by his Nutcracker. “I...I want to stay here, but I can’t,” he whispered. “It… There is too much...”

“I don’t understand Clarence,” Nutcracker professed and his companion met his eyes again then pulled his hands gently from the doll’s and wiped the tears that were threatening to stain Clarence’s cheeks. “I do love you; all of you, but this place— I don’t belong here; not truly. I am not a doll or a wonderful ethereal being like any of you. I’m just a boy— a boy becoming a man and as much as it scares me I know it’s what I want to do: I want to grow up and try and fulfill my dreams.

“I have so many places I want to see and people I wish to try and meet. I want to dance in the ballet and see the world and take on its adventures!”

Nutcracker smiled though it was sadly. “You could dance here and travel all over the kingdoms here,” he offered, knowing somewhere inside himself that this would not be enough.

“Oh I would love to but…” Clarence put his hands to his head and stared around him. “Nutcracker I can’t. I can’t stay here forever! My parents will wonder where I went, even Fritz and Louise will be sad or at least, I will if I were never to see them again! And Pavlova! And Uncle Drosselmeier!”

At this seemingly final decision spoken aloud, the dolls nearest to Clarence and Nutcracker suddenly froze stiff and upright and a moment later Clarence watched their doll faces return before each of them fell to the floor as the magic animating their lives left them.

“Oh no please! Please don’t take it that way!” Clarence cried out into the air. “Everyone here is so wonderful! They really are and I would love to stay awhile longer and then return again and again! But I simply cannot remain here forever! It’s not possible! A-and I could never survive on cakes and candies and all of the wonderful treats we had here tonight!” he added as he rushed forward trying to revive some of the fallen dolls nearest a dessert table.

Poor Clarence was horrified to find his friends Pantaloon, Marie and Trudy all collapsed there back to their old inanimate selves. “Oh please wake up!” he begged desperately. But his plea went unanswered.

“Clarence—” Nutcracker exclaimed as he took a step forward but stopped as suddenly one of his arms reverted back to its previous large, stiff wooden form and dragged him down a little with its weight. “No,” he whispered in his own plea of desperation which also went unanswered. Within another moment, as he tried reaching out to Clarence, Nutcracker felt the magic spreading through his chest and he stumbled forward and fell to the ground with a clatter.

“Please, try to understand,” he heard Clarence saying as The Prince rolled over onto his back and felt his neck stiffening up again as the fog from the floor settled around him.

And then a shadow crossed The Nutcracker’s face and his eyes saw something that at once terrified him. “Clarence—!” he cried out weakly, frightened for the young man and upset that he could not help him now. A single tear formed in Nutcracker’s eye and as he slowly blinked he felt the last of the magic leave him; his eyes opening on a painted wood face, his tear cascading slowly down the polished wood surface of what was now just a toy again lying on its back on the floor dressed in its red as the crown and coronet lay nearby from the tumble just moments before.

Clarence meanwhile had been looking around him, stood and anxious to know where his beloved had gone to. The fog seemed to have thickened over the entire floor swallowing all of the dolls one by one. “Nutcracker! No! Please!” Clarence begged as he looked this way and that to no avail.

And then he turned and cried out as a figure loomed over him only a step or two away. Clarence gasped and instinctively took a step back in fear. This raggedly breathing presence was none other than The Mouse King himself.

“No! You can’t be here! How are you here!?” Clarence cried out as he backed away even more and bumped into a table causing him to pause. “You should be dead!”

The King did not answer but to breath on in his heavy, ragged breaths and saunter forward clutching his chest. Clarence made out the dark stain under The Mouse King’s paw. He was wounded, certainly, but not yet dead from the epic battle earlier. With its other paw, The King held his sword and it soon held it up as though meant to strike Clarence.

His dancer’s quick reflexes got Clarence out of harm’s way in time and the sword destroyed a cake and tray of tarts instead. But the danger was not over, for The Mouse King wielded his sword again and came after the young man. Clarence threw things at his adversary but baked goods and sweets did little to impede the approach of the evil sovereign.

Just before the mouse was close enough for a proper attack, Clarence grabbed a large now empty metal tray and brandished it. The clash of the sword against it made a loud, disturbing metallic noise but Clarence tried not to let it get to him as he focussed enough to hold his shield up again and defend against another attack.

The Mouse King fought against the terrified Clarence who cried out for Nutcracker’s or anyone’s help over and over as he retreated away from the formidable, intimidating creature that seemed to loom over Clarence with every strike. He knew he wasn’t shrinking and yet he felt as though he were growing small under attack by such a terrifying force.

He tried driving the monarch back but though the mouse stumbled it renewed its advance against the boy with the same relentlessness as before.

A quick attack parried by Clarence with each blow suddenly knocked the tray from his grasp. It clattered against a nearby railing before falling over and down to what was presumably water below. Clarence turned to run away but was met with the sight of having arrived to the edge of the balcony now. He whipped around to face his foe and realized he had no easy escape.

The Mouse King met his eyes with a stare that made Clarence’s blood run cold. He was intent to kill and there was no mistake as the rodent snarled, revealing its ugly yellow teeth and charged forward at Clarence. He leapt aside just enough not to be hit by the blow but now The King was in close quarters with Clarence and had destroyed a piece of the balcony railing which frighteningly broke off behind Clarence in a large chunk and fell with a large splash below. If he dodged again, the entire railing might go and if he didn’t Clarence would most definitely meet his end by sword.

He barely had time to think as his adversary raised his arm again and swiped his sword at Clarence and moving out of the way just enough to survive did cost the rest of the railing holding him up pitching Clarence backwards and The Mouse King forwards towards the watery chasm below!

Luckily for Clarence his fall connected him with a piece of sturdy cloth bunting that had been draped upon the outside of the balcony and instinctively he grabbed it tightly to stop himself from falling as The Mouse King both surprised by the pitch over the edge and being so weakened by his wound carried on falling until Clarence heard a loud splash somewhere below.

Taking a few shaky breaths, Clarence then used all of his might to pull himself back up onto the floor of the balcony and stand as the survivor of the encounter.

It only took him mere moments however to search out his ally. “Nutcracker! Nutcracker where are you?”

Clarence saw that the fog was thickening even more as he begged and begged running through the ballroom in search of his precious companion. But he never found him.

Clarence awoke with a start breathing heavily. He soon registered that it was daybreak and that he was in his own bed.

Only a moment later he heard hurried footsteps that he recognized as Fritz’s coming down the corridor and seconds later the bedroom door burst open and Fritz entered in a frenzy. “Oh Clarence you’re awake! You won’t believe it!” he proclaimed boisterously, “Last night Pavlova must’ve caught a mouse! A real big one by the toy castle! It was so ugly! Pa-pa got rid of it! Y-you should’ve seen it! It—” Fritz prattled on as excited young boys do but his announcement had only jogged his brother’s memory and Clarence immediately threw back his covers and put himself over the edge of his bed to put on his slippers.

“Nutcracker!” he exhaled as he ran from the room leaving Fritz shocked and confused.

With only his nightgown and slippers on, Clarence ran downstairs and through his house to arrive at the doors to the room holding their Christmas tree and the toy cabinet. He pushed them open, surprising his father who was seated inside in an armchair, and ran immediately to the castle with a desperate look in his eye. Seeing nothing out of place and no dolls laying in, beside or on the castle or its display, Clarence hurried on towards the cabinet.

“My darling boy what’s wrong!?” his father Karl’s voice boomed in alarm.

“H-he’s gone!” Clarence exhaled shakily as he saw Marie, Trudy, Pantaloon and all of the other soldiers and dolls back in their place as though undisturbed except that The Nutcracker was missing!

“Gone? What do you mean?”

“Pa-pa! Where is my Nutcracker? I must know! Please! Didn’t Ma-ma return him here last night? Where is he?”

“I-I don’t know, son,” his father responded honestly. Karl watched his son run from the room.

“Ma-ma!” he exclaimed as he saw her in the corridor, “Oh Ma-ma! Where is my Nutcracker?”

“Your Nutcracker? Clarence? Why are you out of bed!”

“Please Ma-ma just answer me! I need to know where The Nutcracker is! I need to know that he’s safe!”

“He should be right where I put him back in the cabinet,” his mother responded.

“Fritz!” Clarence called to his brother who was now coming down the staircase again, “Oh Fritz do you have The Nutcracker!? If you do please return him to me! Oh it’s not funny at all! Please he’s… I need to know that he’s safe! You haven’t stolen him or broken him, have you?”

“No of course not!” Fritz defended with concern, “I already broke him by accident and you were pretty cross. I figured I shouldn’t touch him again!”

Clarence tore at his own unruly blonde hair and let out a growl of frustration and worry as he took off running again. This time, he headed for the wardrobe and withdrew his coat and exchanged his slippers for boots.

Louise came around the corner and gazed at him in surprise. “Clarence! Clarence what are you doing? Where are you going? You should be in bed!” she exclaimed, holding tightly to the tray she had in her hands containing tea and porridge that she had just been about to take up to his room for him.

Clarence did not answer his sister or even acknowledge what was in her hands as he threw open their front door and took off running. The voices of his mother and sister echoed out over the snow after him but he ran and did not stop until he got into town to his destination.

“Uncle Drosselmeier!” he panted in a loud, heaving tone as he banged his fists against the door to his godfather’s shop. “Uncle Drosselmeier are you here!? Please, open up!” he begged.

A few seconds later in the silence that followed, Clarence realized he ought to try the door himself and was relieved to find it unlocked. He burst through it just as his uncle came around the corner.

“Oh Uncle Drosselmeier something terrible has happened!” he exclaimed, trying to catch his breath in the warm air, “The Nutcracker! He’s missing!”

“Is that so?” the toymaker replied with some sliver of astonishment.

“Oh please! If you’ve taken him, I must know!” Clarence begged as he came forward and clasped the front of the man’s coat in desperation, “Please!” he begged again, tears starting up in his eyes.

“Now, now Clarence take a breath,” the man encouraged just as his shop door shut tight to the cold behind the young man.

“Please, Uncle! I must...I must know that he’s safe! I’ve done something terrible and I—” Clarence furiously wiped away his tears with the back of one hand.

The older man stared back at him with pity and a gentle, warm smile. “Do not vorry, Clarence,” he began.

A sound behind Drosselmeier caused him to pause and Clarence was startled by it so he turned his attention away to look. He saw the sound had been made by a large wooden clock tapping against the frame of the entrance to the back room as the person carrying it was bringing it into this room of the store. The item was so large that only the top of a hat could be seen over it thus meaning whoever carried the clock had been unable to see where presumably he had been going. Clarence and his uncle watched quietly as the clock was set down on the counter carefully.

“Uncle who was at the shop door?” a deep, rich voice asked.

Clarence felt his breath catch in his throat.

But a moment later, the figure emerged from behind the counter and Clarence stared at the person dumbfounded for a few silent seconds as Uncle Drosselmeier replied: “My godson.”

Clarence stared wide-eyed back at the other person; a young man with dark hair under his apprentice’s hat, tall wearing a simple brown and white outfit with flat black shoes and sparkling blue eyes that looked back at Clarence with a startling and familiar openness and kindness.

“Clarence, I vould like you to meet my nephew, Hans,” the inventor introduced, “Hans, my godson Clarence.” Clarence’s hands gently released their hold and Drosselmeier stepped away quietly now that introductions had been made. 

“Hello, Clarence,” Hans greeted with a gentle smile.

“H-hello…Nutcracker.”

PART 4 here