THE MERRIMENT

Lilly is the Grand Duchess of Baden.

She's famous for her taste in fashion and impudent behavior.

She gets what she wants.

And a notable attention seeker.

Lilly's parents had been eyeing Stefan for Royal Intermarriage.

But Stefan couldn't stand her standoffish behavior.

I'm shocked by her outburst, calling me while I ushered Beatrix.

I do not understand why she's here for the Christmas Eve dinner! I felt infuriated.

I could feel Beatrix tremor, I hold her hands tight to comfort her.

As we approached the dining area, I introduced her to my father, King Sven and mother, Queen Evi of Wortenberg.

"Your Majesty, I would like you to meet Princess Beatrix of Oblonsky." Stefan said proudly.

Beatrix bow down for respect.

King Sven and Queen Evi is surprised!

The King asked "How could that be? It's been a decade now that the House of Oblonsky had been diminished, and well... totally perished? Charles been very busy doing some investigation about it. Hopefully, we could have some leads of the facts." he earnestly regard Beatrix's resemblance to Duchess Anastasia, the beauty, the posture and elegance.

"Well wait and see..." his eyes are captured by the gold necklace with the golden egg pendant that Beatrix worn.

"The Kingdom of Oblonsky was long time fallen. There's nothing left, except of course the vast of lands and some treasury." Lilly interrupted.

"And all of them were killed in the rebellion!" she added boldly.

"Hush now Lilly!" Queen Evi reprehend.

Then....

"Am I late for dinner?" Mikael's voice breaks the tension in the table.

His accompanied by Master Sergeant Jones and Oscar.

"Mikael..you're late!" his father stated.

"I apologize Your Majesty! I have an important errand earlier." he responded.

And ushered the other guests on their seats.

"I am glad you came Oscar! Thank you for all the help..while we're in the Exit Glacier." I shook his hand and tap his shoulder.

"Why? what happened Stefan?" the King asked sternly.

"We will talked some other time, Your Majesty! But for now... Let's enjoy the night! " I announced merrily.

"Olivia, please serve the dinner." The house keeper and the maidservant followed my order.

Different kinds of meal was served.

From pea soup, turkey, mashed and roast potatoes, reindeer sausage, Flying Jacob, smoked sockeye salmon, lever palt, fish and chips, king crab legs and berry cobbler.

And abundance of champagne is served.

"Beatrix, take a sip of wine" I offered her a glass.

She nodded and say "Thank you!"

The parlour is full of Christmas presents. The tradition of giving gifts and opening them after dinner will set the seal on the celebration.

While we are all enjoying our wine...

Princess Sophie took the seat on the piano and played Christmas songs.

And I asked Beatrix for a dance.

We danced in the dining hall.

And others followed.

This is the happiest Christmas that I have celebrated!

Beatrix is a bit mellow.

She's been smiling..all the way.

And she can dance with grooves.

I am fascinated.

She whispered that she need to take the lavatory and I escorted her.

While Beatrix is inside the room.

Lilly approached me and asked for a dance.

She's already intoxicated... I helped her to seat in the couch when she hold my lapel and smooched me.

Then...Beatrix saw the gesture.

And leaved the dining room.

I liberate myself from Lilly.

Then, followed Beatrix ...

She's walking unsteadily...from the courtyard then to the horse stable..which is at the rear part of the house.

She seated on the ground near Winters cage.

Winter recognized Beatrix and nudge her face.

She start caressing the mares face.

And started talking...

"Yes, I am nobody. Our House of Oblonsky had been perished. My family was murdered! So unfortunate to be alive." she cried.

My heartbreaks seeing her weeping.

I reached out to her and hugged her tight.

"Hush.. that's enough My Lady.." I took her in my arms and carried her to my secret room, which is the conservatory room, located at the side of the house.

To avoid people.

I opened and locked the door as we entered.

Nobody else can come inside this room except me. I'm the only one who holds it's key.

Beatrix is already sleeping.

And I carefully lay her down in bed.