THE LOST GIFT

The golden eggs..the heirloom of the House of Oblonsky is the most precious treasures of the family. It was a traditional egg passed from generations to generation.

And ...it's lost!?!

"It's lost!" I murmured.

I am damned and felt dreadful.

I surveyed the whole area..looking for my laundry..it's a futile search.

"Is there something wrong..My Lady?" Stefan asked.

Earlier...

Lilian started to clean up the conservatory room.

She removed and change the sheets and blankets.

Then, she entered the en suite bathroom.

Collected the used towels and laundry.

When she took the clothes laying on the floor... a red velvet box.. suddenly fall down.

Lilian took it and opened the box.

It's magnificent! she muttered.

Lilian decided to put it back on the box and left it inside the dressers top drawer.

Then left the room.

"The golden egg.....is lost Your Highness! I remembered well..that...I put the box inside my jeans pocket last night! ." Beatrix cried out in distress.

'Your Highness.. do you know...who took my laundry?" she asked desperately.

I reached out to her and hugged her to pacify her agitation.

"It's ok My Lady.. everything will be ok. We will search for Lilian...she cleaned up the room while we're having breakfast earlier."

I remembered my conversation with Leonid.

"The golden eggs... that would be a perfect gift you could give to Beatrix..Your Highness!" Leonid speaking on the telephone.

They are the most valuable treasure of the House of Oblonsky. Beatrix would be very happy if you will give one to her! But it's a bit difficult find.. it would be a bit pricey! he added.

"Leonid... I don't bother with the price..just find one for me. I would appreciate it very much. Thank you for your help. And I'm hoping you'll be here on time. See you.." then we end the call.

Beatrix and I, rushed to searched for Lilian in the dining area but no avail.

I felt her desperation.

Then, went to the laundry room and Lilian is not around.

We meet Olivia on the way to the butlers pantry and asked her "Olivia, have you seen Lilian?"

"Yes, Your Highness..I ordered her to pick up some fresh vegetables in the market. She just left a few minutes ago." she said.

"Did she mentioned anything about a red velvet box? "

"No, Your Highness.." she responded eagerly.

"I see..Thank you Olivia..Will wait for her then. As soon as she arrives, let her come to the hearth room." I ordered.

I hold Beatrix cold hands and squeeze them to comfort her and lead her to the hearth rooms couch and have her seated.

Then.. I stand up and approached the piano.

I decided to play it to ease the tension.

I started to play the melody and sing the song.

"Wise men said...only fools rush in..but I can't help falling in love with you..." singing the words ...while looking at her.

"Shall I stay? would it be a sin. If I can't help falling in love with you. "

My eyes widened as he sings..made me blushing..

I felt like in seventh heaven!

Oh Stefan.. How could I hold much of my feelings for you?

My heart flutters restlessly.

I stand up and started to approached him while he continued singing..

And....I give him a peck on his cheeks.

But he faced me and... smooched me.

Then, Lilian appeared in front of us, she's static and surprised by the scene!

We disengaged immediately and feeling breathless.

I walked swiftly to the couch and seated...feeling shaky.

Stefan broke the silence.

He cleared his throat then he spoke.

"Lilian... we have been waiting for you. Have you seen the red velvet box? It's in Beatrix jeans pocket. You happen to clean the conservatory room earlier." sounding very authoritative.

"Yes, Your Highness..I left it inside the dressers first drawer." she responded.

"I see..you may leave now.. and Lilian...you don't speak ill against me..will you?"

"No your Highness.." she bow down and leave immediately.

As soon as Lilian left them.

Stefan grabbed my right hand and we quickly go back to the conservatory room.

We rushed to the dresser and look for the red box.

And we felt relieved that we found it!

I took the box and opened it.

The golden egg is mesmerizing!

It's intricate details brings me back to the past.

"My Princess Beatrix.." I heard my father's voice. "Come here...look at this!" he opened a red velvet box, showing me the most beautiful golden egg!

"That's so beautiful Papa! " I gasped.

Then, Maxim and Annika approached us.

"Oh I love it papa!" Annika said.

"Can I hold it Papa? Maxim asked cheerfully.

"Yes you can..my son! Here...hold it very carefully.."

And our mother just arrived in the hearth room.

She rushed to Papas side and hugged him.

"That's the most gorgeous golden egg we have for Easter! she said in full of excitement.

Then...

I heard a voice in my back.

"My Lady?.." he whispered.

I turned around and face him.

"Your highness! I missed...my family." I murmured.

And my tears started to fall.

He wiped all the tears away, caressing my face in his hands.

Took the red box and put it back to the drawer for safety.

Then.. he leads me to the sofa for a seat and went to the galley kitchen and took a glass of water.

And then give it to me.

"Hush now..My Lady! he said.

"Do you want the portrait of your family to be put up on the wall?" he added.

"That would be wonderful..Your Highness! Thank you."

He always know how to cheer me up!

I helped him find the perfect spot for the portrait.

And we successfully mounted it on the dividing wall facing the bed.

And I'm pleased.

We seated on the bed while watching the framed portrait.

Then, he put his arms around me and I snuggled on his neck.

"My Lady...stop worrying so much. Your family maybe gone now but they will always be in your heart. I will do my best that I can to protect you. Please allow me to love you and be my beloved?" he said it with so much love and affection.

"Your highness.. " I'm stunned.

I do not know what to say...

My heart beats faster than before.

Is this love? or just infatuation?

I will be a fool to deny it.

Stefan is a great nobleman.

He is all that I have.