THE MERRIMENT

Lilly Stein is the Grand Duchess of Bayden.

She is famous for her taste in fashion that all Kings and Queens of Europe were very impressed.

And so, she decided to established her own Baydens Fashion House in Baden, Germany at the age of eighteen.

And she is also famous for her impudent behavior.

She gets what she wants.

And she is a notable attention seeker.

Thus, Lilly made more than a hundred fashion events, ever since she started Baydens Fashion House.

And they are all successful. She's one of the Top Fashion Designer in Baden.

Lilly's parents, King Konstantin and Queen Madeleine, had been eyeing Stefan for Royal Intermarriage for awhile now.

But Stefan couldn't stand her standoffish behavior.

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

Lilly is starting to get into my nerves again!

I do not understand why she is here for the Christmas Eve dinner! Why can't she stay in Germany and celebrate it there? Ugh! I just felt so infuriated.

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

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

They are stunned by what they heard.

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 said and feeling optimistic.

King Sven earnestly regard Beatrix's resemblance to Duchess Anastasia, the beauty, the posture and elegance. Indeed, Beatrix mirrored her physical characteristics and attributes.

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

"The Kingdom of Oblonsky was long time fallen and forgotten. 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! It's insane if somebody will claim to be the Last Heiress" she added boldly.

"Hush now Lilly!" Queen Evi reprehend.

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

He is accompanied by Master Sergeant Jones and Oskar.

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

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

And Mikael ushered the other guests on their seats.

"I am glad you came Oskar! Thank you for all the help, while we're in the Exit Glacier." I shook his hand and tap his shoulder and hugged him, the ritual greetings.

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

Different kinds of special cuisine that are served in the table.

From Swedish yellow pea soup, turkey, mashed and roast potatoes, reindeer sausage, Flying Jacob, smoked sockeye salmon, lever pate, fish and chips, king crab legs and berry cobbler and Swedish Christmas cookies. We also have some traditional Christmas ham and some German cuisine, Almond-filled Stollen, German potato dumplings and some desserts Grandma's Apple cake and Almond spritz cookies.

And Peter helped served the drinks, we have champagne and traditional mulled wines.

"Beatrix, here, take a sip of our traditional mulled wine" I offered her a glass.

She nodded and say "Thank you!"

Beatrix drink it even it's her first time to taste mulled wines.

And she enjoyed it! She likes the taste and was able to drink four glasses.

The parlor room is full of Christmas presents. I am surprised that Olivia, Lillian and Peter was able to set up the Christmas tree so quickly. 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 Swedish traditional Christmas songs.

Then, the music filled the air.

Christmas, Christmas, glorious Christmas, splendor over white forests, the crowns of the sky with sparkling light.

Gleaming arches in all the houses of God,

Psalm, which is sung from time to time, eternal longing for light and peace!

Christmas, Christmas, Glorious Christmas: shine over white forests!

And I asked Beatrix for a dance.

We gracefully danced in the dining hall.

And others followed.

This is the happiest Christmas that I have ever celebrated!

Then, Beatrix is a bit mellow.

She's been smiling.. all the way.

And amazingly she can dance with grooves.

She always fascinates me.

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 is already intoxicated.

I helped her to seat in the couch when she hold my lapel and smooched me.

Then, Beatrix went out from the lavatory and saw the gesture.

And she leaved the dining room without notice.

I liberate myself from Lilly.

Then, I followed Beatrix.

She's walking unsteadily, moving from the courtyard then to the horse stable.

The horse stable is situated at the rear part of the house.

She seated on the ground near Winters cage.

And Winter recognized Beatrix and nudge her face.

She started caressing the mares face.

And the she started talking...

"Yes, I am nobody. Our House of Oblonsky had been perished. My family was murdered! They are killed without mercy! And I felt so unfortunate to be alive." she cried.

My heartbreaks seeing her weeping.

I reached out to her and hugged her tight.

"Hush.. Hush now.. that's enough My Lady" I took her in my arms and carried her to my secret room.

I made some interior changes and few refurnished on the conservatory room, my secret room.

The conservatory room is located at the side of the house.

It's surrounded with black spruce and white spruce trees outside.

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.