After Freya wrapped up her meetings and touched base with Tran, she left early for the day, causing Julie to roll her eyes as far back as she could manage. It irked Freya to no end, but she was more of the ‘suffer in silence’ type. She did her best to pretend not to have noticed and left.

Focusing on work and all things Magnus had proven a tiring task. No one would enjoy her troubled mind.

Why did he invite me to his country? And for Christmas? We are just friends! She kept playing his words back in her mind, repeatedly.

When she reached the bottom floor, she noticed fewer photographers out on the sidewalk. It could have been in part due to the rain, or that she was leaving earlier than they’d probably had expected.

Taking a deep breath, she moved quickly through the glass lobby, the rotating doors, and slid right into the back seat of the waiting car.

Magnus security detail was quick. No words needed to be spoken; they knew exactly what had to be done.

“Good afternoon, Miss. Home?” the driver asked.

She nodded her head before putting her earbuds on to listen to the latest Dan Brown audiobook, Origin. He was her favorite author.

They reached the studio in record time. Commuting in a private vehicle with carpool option and ahead of the rush hour had its benefits. As soon as she walked into her apartment, she tossed her things onto the console table and tidied up. Having Marissa and Justine was great, but they weren’t the tidiest guests.

She started a load of laundry, loaded the dishwasher, and answered the call of her bed beckoning her to lie down. She still had a few hours before her first class started, so she closed her eyes. Exhaustion had finally caught up with her.

 

 

“Freya? Are you in there?”

She heard a voice and tried hard to recognize as she quickly sat up. Looking over at her clock, she’d only slept for about an hour.

“Freya?”

Claire? Her sister Claire was here? She was getting off the bed when Claire peeked around the doorway.

“There you are. How come you didn’t answer me when I was calling you?”

Claire moved to give her a hug.

“Hey. Nice to see you.” She wasn’t sure yet if that was true. If she knew her sister, she was on a mission from their mother. “I was taking a nap. What are you doing here?”

Freya froze, getting a full view of her very pregnant sister. “Claire! You are pregnant?”

“I am. I planned to tell you at Thanksgiving.” She rubbed her stomach with a loving smile.

“That doesn’t need an announcement. It’s obvious you are expecting. How come you hadn’t told me? You look like you might pop any day.”

It was true. Freya rubbed her fingers through her hair.

“Well, considering you share nothing with me, I figured you probably didn’t want to be burdened with having to hear my news.”

Freya was sure of one thing; Claire was very much the mini version of their mother, willing to take jabs at her.

“If that is how you feel, Claire, who am I to tell you otherwise. So, what brings you here and how did you get in?”

“The guards outside recognized me, and I have mom's key to your place. Ron had to come into the city for a meeting, so I tagged along. We are not staying. But I promised mom I’d check in on you. She’s worried, you know. You’ve got this whole family concerned. We can barely step outside, and a photographer or someone is all over us, trying to get the scoop on you and that so-called prince. It’s not fair to us, Freya. We didn’t sign up for this.”

Freya knew her sister well enough to know she thrived on the attention. But she wasn’t in the mood to argue.

“You can tell her I’m fine. And I’m sorry for causing such an inconvenience. I’ll try to see what I can do to help ease any of the stress.” Freya moved around her sister to put on her slippers. It was a little chilly, so she went to her closet to grab a sweater. Claire was right behind her when she spotted the red shoes.

“Oh! Those are gorgeous. They’re yours?” she’d said in disbelief.

“Yes, they are.” Freya quickly closed the closet door.

“You don’t have to be so testy.”

“Look, Claire. I don’t know what to say to you. Okay? I’m so tired of trying to fit into a box you all believe I belong in. I’m not you. I’m not mom. I have no desire to be like either of you. And before you take offense to that, don’t. I love and admire you both. But my life is different. I want different things. I have zero desire to settle down or even consider a serious relationship. This whole thing regarding Magnus and mom? All it is - is her fear. I’ve already made it clear. We are just friends. JUST friends! A friend who is a prince.” She pulled the sweater on. “All I ask is that you all respect me.”

Claire stood listening, but she wore the expression her mother did. The ‘I hear you talking, but I’m not hearing what you are saying’ look.

“Whatever, Freya. If telling yourself that makes you feel better, so be it. I’m mostly here on mom’s behalf. She’s really upset that you canceled out on Thanksgiving dinner. You hardly come home anymore, and now you’ve been skipping out on the holidays, too. Just think about that for a moment, would you? Think about where that leaves us in order of all the things important to you? A non-priority is what it makes us.”

“Did she tell you why I canceled my plans to be with you all for Thanksgiving? I’d invited Magnus, as a friend, so he could join us and experience his first Thanksgiving dinner. It was supposed to be fun. But mom wasn’t having it and did not want him there. What was I supposed to do? Rudely dis-invite him?”

“Perhaps you should’ve consulted mom first. It is her home.”

“You mean like you did when you brought every boyfriend you ever had over for holiday dinners or important family events? Huh? So, are you admitting there is a double standard? What’s good enough for you isn’t good enough for me or vice versa? Sorry if I’m not seeing your side. I thought I was a member of this family. I might not have asked her permission specifically, but I, at least, was giving her the respect and courtesy of forewarning her I intended to bring a guest. Which is a lot more than you ever did? Yet every guy you brought home was welcomed into the family with loving arms.”

Tears rolled down Freya’s face as she angrily wiped them away. She hated that she was crying. She hated more that Claire was seeing her cry so she could go back and report to their mother.

“I’m sorry you feel this way. I had no idea you were jealous-”

Freya didn’t even give her the opportunity to finish. “Jealous? So is that what you think this is all about? If that is the case, this conversation is getting nowhere.”

“Stop it, Freya. I’m trying to help. Look. Why don’t I try to speak to mom? Maybe if you don’t want to do Thanksgiving, you can invite him over for Christmas, if he’s still around?”

And just like that, Freya’s mind was made. Christmas.

“I won’t be here for Christmas.”

A feeling of nervousness and excitement came over her all at once.

“What do you mean you won’t be here? Where are you going?”

“I’ll be a guest at the Royal Palace of Martierra.” She smiled.

The expression on her sister’s face said it all. Complete and utter disbelief. Freya was sure a few choice words were hiding underneath Claire’s creased eyebrows, but she didn’t care. Claire and their mother could grouse about it all they wanted. Their opinion of her was of none of her concern.

Thank you, Justine. Thank you for breathing courage into me.

Without a word, Claire turned to leave, but before she walked down the stairs, she turned. “I truly hope you are happy. I hope he’s worth losing your family over.” And once again she turned and walked away, taking with her the moment of confidence Freya’d built up. Her sister’s words cut like a knife. They were definitive. What bothered her the most, she spoke with such authority on behalf of the family, a family who seemed all too eager to cast her out.

And the tears ran down her face. Only this time, she didn’t care to wipe them away.

 

 

When Marissa and Justine arrived, Freya pretended to be on the phone in the office. She gave them her best attempt at a smile and returned to her fake phone call.

Once they were out of sight and in the studio getting the students warmed up, she closed the door to her office and sat there, numb.

What had happened between her and her sister could have just as easily happened between her and her mother, or her brother Will. They were typically always on each other’s side, teaming up against her. Magnus was just an excuse, a conduit to a more deeply seated issue within her family. There was a deep resentment no one was talking about, and she’d allowed to go on for far too long.

Well, she said to herself. It’s time to face my fears and embrace MY life the way I chose to. If my family cannot support me, so be it.

Taking a deep breath, she straightened up and moved forward. Crossing the threshold to the studio, where over two dozen students eagerly waited to warm up and break away for their specific training, was a reminder to Freya to embrace the passions in her life. And if one door closed, the heck with it, look for another to open.

She smiled as she ran in, reinvigorated, greeting her students in her studio. She turned and smiled at her two friends. They both smiled back, but she could see in their expression they knew there was something different. And they were right. She’d tell them later.

 

 

“What’s going on?” Justine asked, tossing a couple of towels into the studio’s washer. “You seemed off earlier, then you came into class acting like it was the best day of your life.”

Freya wasn’t sure how she wanted to tell her friends, but she needed them to be in the know. If anything, it seemed as of late her mood swings were becoming all too common. The highs and lows weren’t particularly good for emotional well-being.

“I don’t even know where to start,” she said.

“Then just start from wherever you feel most comfortable.”

“My sister paid me a visit. It wasn’t a nice one. I’d like very much to blame it on my mom, but I know all too well what she too is capable of. We didn’t end on good terms. Matter of fact, I thought all along that we were in a good place but come to find out I’ve been living in a bubble. She’s pregnant. I never found out when she’s due. But she’s very much pregnant.”

Freya could see Justine offering her a look of tender mercy. She didn’t want to come across as a damsel in distress but knowing her friend believed in her was something she needed.

Then she remembered Magnus would be by to pick her up.

“Oh crap! I almost forgot. Magnus is coming over to take me out for dinner.” She leaped off the dryer where she’d been sitting and hustled to the apartment.

She could hear Justine laughing, yelling something at her but she didn’t catch it.

What am I going to wear? Freya wondered as she jumped into the shower.

Later, as she fumbled through her clothes, Marissa announced her entry to her room.

“Hey. Prince Charming is here. You two have a date?”

“He’s here?”

“He is. There’s another guy with him. He’s married though.”

A puzzled Freya looked at her friend for a moment.

“He’s wearing a wedding band.”

“Oh.” She pushed her damp hair behind her ears. “Magnus didn’t mention being accompanied by someone else. What are they wearing? I don’t know what to wear!”

Marissa walked over to Freya’s closet and pulled out a super cute pair of Levy, notched leather, high heel booties. “Wear these! They are way too hot to be sitting in your closet,” she said as she pushed a few things around on the hangers.

“White? It’s November. Isn’t there a rule about not wearing white shoes or pants this time of the year?”

“Not anymore,” she said, pulling out a classic, double-breasted, wool blazer in charcoal color, followed by a sleeveless, open-back, silk blouse. “Where are your side zip, high-waisted, velvety black, skinny ankle jeans?”

“Over in my dresser, I think. Bottom drawer.” Freya ran the look through her head.

“Here,” she said, tossing the pants to Freya. “I’ll find your strapless bra.”

Freya squeezed into the pants, putting the booties on before she zipped up. Once she had the bra in her hand, she tossed her robe on her bed, quickly finishing up.

“Not too shabby. I’ll admit,” she said, looking into the body length mirror, “it works. But what am I going to do with my hair?”

“Classic bun. Besides, you can pull off those buns like no one else I know. Your makeup should be light. Just a little blush and mascara. Oh, and use that tinted lip balm. The one with the burgundy tint. It’ll look so good on your plump lips.” She left Freya to finish up.

It didn’t take long, and she had to give Marissa credit. The girl knew what she was talking about. Freya reached for her diamond studded earrings and her Michele, white diamond encrusted watch, figuring with the white booties and silver toned buttons from the blazer, these would work best.

When she reached the living room, she found Justine still in her dance gear, entertaining Magnus and his guest.

As soon as Magnus noticed Freya, he stood, giving her the biggest smile, she’d seen yet.

“Freya. How are you?” He walked over to her.

“I’m good.” She smiled back, realizing why Marissa had chosen the look for her. She kind of coordinated with Magnus.

“My secretary, Bernard, is with me. He’ll join us on the car ride into the city, but he’ll be retiring to the hotel.” He offered her his hand to introduce her to the man.

“Hello, Miss Sinclair. “

“Hello, Bernard.”

“I’ve heard wonderful things about you.”

She wasn’t sure how to reply. There was already so much in the tabloids. Nothing outlandish about her yet, except the speculation over hers and Magnus’ relationship.

“Thank you.” She smiled. “Well, I suppose we better get going. I have work early in the morning. And I haven’t been sleeping too well as of late.”

“It seems to be a reoccurring theme lately,” Bernard suggested.

Justine chimed in, “Well, considering it’s all been happening so quickly. Anyway, it is very nice to meet you, sir. I need to run upstairs and get cleaned up. Freya, we’ll be here when you get back.” Justine gave her a hug and whispered into her ear, “You look gorgeous. I can’t wait to see the photos they get of you tonight.”

Freya said nothing, gave no sign one way or another as to her reaction; she stood there until her friend was out of sight.

“You ready?” Magnus asked. She nodded.

When they settled into the SUV, Marcus immediately talked. “Bernard is here to help us deal with our joint public statement, in hopes to get the media to lay off you. He and I also have a few other matters of state I need to address. And, well, he will go over the plan of your visit, if you accept.”

Freya could hear the hope in his voice at the latter statement. He didn’t know she’d already decided.

It might come across as a rushed decision to the rest of the world. But she didn’t care. Not anymore.

“How about we address the visit first?” She tried her poker face. “I will accept your invitation to be your guest for the Christmas holiday.”

Magnus would have jumped out of his seat if he hadn’t been strapped in by the seatbelt. Instead, he reached over and squeezed her hand. “Thank you,” he said, and pulled her hand up to his lips, gently kissing it and sending all kinds of mixed emotions through her. Dear God, I hope I’m making the right decision, she thought.

“Miss Sinclair, that is excellent news,” Bernard said flatly. She wasn’t sure if it was a Galician thing or just his role with the Royal Family, but she didn’t care now. There was so much else to stress about.

“Now we know this, we’ll craft the press release with a few elements of vagueness in preparation for having to respond once the media finds out you are in Martierra.” He hesitated. “Miss Sinclair. No one, not even the Queen will know you will be going. She’ll be briefed the morning of. They have already made King Ferdinand aware. It is best to keep these matters as confidential as possible.”

All that ran through Freya’s head was Claire. She’d told Claire. It wasn’t her sister Claire or her mother saying anything about it, but Will’s wife, Penelope, had a tendency for gossiping. When she finds out, it’ll surely make it back to the press.

“Bernard?”

“Yes, Miss Sinclair.”

“I think we might have a problem.”

Bernard looked up from the paper pad he was writing on. “What might that be?”

“My sister knows I’m going which means it’s only a matter of time the rest of the family will know.”

“Can we call your sister and ask her to not share the news?”

She fidgeted in her seat.

“Freya, it’s okay. You can share anything with Bernard. He’s my most trusted confidant,” Magnus urged.

She looked at him and, swallowing her pride, turned back to Bernard. “Certain members of my family are not keen on Magnus. Friend or not. They believe I’m making a big mistake in associating with him. My mother believes Magnus is only interested in a fling, and I’m too naïve to notice the difference.”

Freya couldn’t look Magnus in the eyes. Instead, she turned to look out the window as the cars zoomed by.

Magnus, however, carefully caressed her face, turning it slowly to him. “Freya, it’s okay.” He smiled. “What matters is how you feel about all of this. I won’t pressure you either way.”

Relieved he hadn’t taken offense to the revelation, she said, “I’m going. I’m excited.” She smiled.

“Well,” Bernard continued, “we must get ahead of this before it isn’t us who releases the statement. Your Highness, I know you were hoping to leave in early December, but may I suggest leaving sooner?”

“Why, Bernard? What difference does it make?” Magnus challenged.

“We have the issue from Spain we still need to address. And all things considered, it is best you are with the family and all standing together, in solidarity as this matter breaks in the media.”

Freya noticed Magnus slightly turn his head and scrunch his eyebrows. It was subtle, but she picked up on it.

“You’d suggest that. I suppose if we are to prepare for Freya to join us, it is best I see the matter is properly addressed.”

Bernard nodded his head to Magnus.

“All right then, you and I can discuss the logistics of your trip home later tonight, when you’ve returned from dinner. In the meantime, the joint statement. Here is what I’ve penciled,” he read.

 

“His Royal Highness Prince Magnus of Martierra and Miss Freya Sinclair of Seattle, Washington, have jointly directed the following statement:

 

“There has been a lot of speculation surrounding the relationship between the Crown Prince and Miss Sinclair. Let it be known they have quickly become close friends, enjoying the Prince’s holiday in the Pacific Northwest of Washington State.

 

“The Prince is enamored with the area and has much appreciated Miss Sinclair’s, a local Washingtonian, willingness to play tour guide.

 

“It is uncertain, for the time being, how much time Prince Magnus will remain in the area. But he hopes to repay the kind hospitality Miss Sinclair has shown onto him soon by inviting Miss Sinclair to visit his country, Martierra.

 

“His Royal Highness and Miss Sinclair appreciate your continued kindness, support, and respect toward their privacy and that of their friends and family.

 

Thank you.”

 

 

Magnus couldn’t stop looking at Freya as he sat across from her at the restaurant.

“Do I have something on my face?” Freya questioned him nervously.

“No. Why do you say that?”

“Because you are staring at me weirdly.”

“I’m admiring the beautiful, brave woman before me.”

Freya laughed. “Okay there, Romeo. Remember, I’ve agreed to go, but we are only friends.”

Magnus smiled. Oh, but you and I will be so much more than just friends, Miss Freya Sinclair. I promise you-you will be my Queen, he told himself while Freya sat across from him, utterly oblivious to the Prince’s developing feelings.

The maître d once again appeared in the private dining room, accompanied by their server. Freya had mentioned she’d never been to the restaurant before, so the attentive server took more time carefully explaining the dining experience.

Magnus watched with intrigue how Freya genuinely listened to the careful explanation.

The server then asked what they wanted to drink.

“What do you have in the form of a Syrah?” Magnus asked.

“Several locals. If you are looking at a bottle, sir, I’d recommend the Cayuse En Cerise. It’s from Eastern Washington. Walla Walla, to be exact.”

“Great! Bring us a bottle of that along with the scallops,” he said, pointing at the menu, “and the wicked shrimp.”

“Both excellent choices. I’ll have the bottle uncorked immediately.” The server disappeared.

“I hope you don’t mind me taking the initiative in ordering.”

“Not at all. Like I said, I’ve never been here so I wouldn’t know where to start.” She laughed.

“How about we go over the menu and decide what we will have for dinner?”

“Excellent idea.”

Magnus and Freya sat quietly in the wine room which boasted floor to ceiling wine compartments. The ambiance was perfect for a candlelight dinner away from onlookers.

A tall gentleman walked in. “Good evening, Your Highness and Miss Sinclair, I’m David Faustino, the General Manager.” Behind him, two servers entered with complimentary food items prepared specially by the chef. “These appetizers are not on the menu. However, I wanted to inquire if we should still place the order your server has?”

Freya looked at Magnus briefly, turning her attention back to David. “Thank you, this looks stupendous. No, I think these appetizers are just fine. Please give our thanks to the chef. We truly appreciate his thoughtfulness.”

Magnus felt his heart skip a beat at how quickly Freya responded to the situation. Albeit, it was an appetizer order, but it showed her ability to ad lib. Mostly, he loved the way she referred to them as ‘we.’

“Very well, Miss. I’ll also have a table-side crab and shrimp salad brought out in a few minutes. The balsamic vinaigrette is delicious. If you have questions at all, please, call on me. I’ll be back to check on you both later. Welcome, and enjoy.”

“This is kind of them. Impeccable service with an exceptional attention to detail.”

Magnus smiled as she finished speaking, diving right into a seafood dish with a slice of bread.

“Umm. This is the best. Plus, it helps that I am hungry.” She giggled. “Stop staring at me and join me, please.”

He couldn’t resist her and complied. “Oh wow! You weren’t kidding. That is good. What is that? Rosemary in a butter reduction?”

“I don’t know. I just know it’s delicious.”

“It reminds me of jerk shrimp.”

“Well, I can sit here and dip the bread in butter all night.” She laughed out loud. “I don’t think my clothes will appreciate it. Speaking of. We need to discuss the trip.”

Magnus felt a twinge of panic. He sincerely hoped she would not back out.

“I need to figure out when I can leave. But first, we need to speak about logistics. What is expected of me while I’m there? I don’t want to arrive and make a complete fool of myself.” She hesitated. “Maybe I’ve watched one too many corny movies. You know, a complete nobody visiting a royal palace and doing exactly everything opposite of what is expected of her. The dynamics are different since we are friends.”

“I’m glad we are having this conversation. I’d like to arrange for you to arrive on the first of December.”

He observed as Freya did the mental jog, scrunching her eyes.

“Magnus, you realize the first is on a Friday? You are asking me to leave the week after Thanksgiving and spend Christmas there?”

“Actually, I’m asking you to leave the week after Thanksgiving and spend the New Year there.”

“What? Are you insane? Magnus, I have a career and a business. As much as I’d love to simply pack up and go gallivanting halfway across the globe, I can’t. I can figure out the studio with the help of Justine and Marissa. But my job is an entirely different scenario. December, especially around the holidays, is much busier for us. Besides, I don’t even know if I have enough vacation time to cover that leave.”

“Is it the money?”

“Magnus? You do not understand me. I work. Like I work for a company who says whether I can go. Money aside, I’d still have to get permission.” She seemed frustrated. Rightfully so, he thought. Magnus forgot that others didn’t have the same liberties he did. Or he would for long. He knew once he focused on matters of the monarchy, his availability would quickly change.

“My apologies, Freya,“ he said, reaching across the table to hold her hand. “Please forgive me. I don’t want to come across as insensitive or unrelatable. I’m dense sometimes and do not remember that not everyone has certain luxuries.”

The latter didn’t come out right, he could sense it.

“No, we don’t have the same luxuries. But that’s not your fault. We don’t choose the families we are born into.” There was a tinge of sadness in her words, reminding Magnus of the comments she made to Bernard.

“Not to drastically change the topic. I just need to know what exactly is going on with your family? If I can help to settle any doubts they might have, please, tell me? I’ll do all that is necessary. The last thing I want to do is cause any friction between you and your loved ones.”

Freya released his hand and sat up straight. “It’s complicated. But I can assure you the fact they are using our friendship as an excuse to be upset with me is just that, an excuse. The issues between my family and I go deeper. I don’t even know what truly it is they want from me. However, I can assure you I’ve done what I can to try to fix it. And it’s not like I’m giving up on them. I just don’t have it in me to deal with the passive-aggressive drama.”

“The offer stands, whatever I need to do. Just let me know.”

She nodded her head. “Now, back to my visit to your country. I don’t know how much time I can get off. Making no promises, I’ll try.”

Magnus was immediately excited. “That’s all I can ask of you.”

“Magnus?”

“Yes?”

“How will I need to address you? You know, when we are over there?”

“Well, in private you may continue calling me by my name. That is what I prefer. In public, either Prince Magnus or Your Royal Highness.”

“Do I have to curtsy? To you? To anyone?”

“Oh, referring to the ‘ancient traditions’ of a monarchy? Yes, you’d curtsy to all who have royal blood running through their veins and their spouses.”

“You will tell me in advance who these people are?”

“I’ll do my best, and even better. While you are on holiday, you’ll be assigned a secretary of sorts. This person will see that your day-to-day matters are adhered to and will bring you abreast of the day's agenda and any people, including royals, you might be meeting. So, you’ll have a heads up.” He smiled.

“Sounds formal. But I understand. Besides, it makes sense. I always wondered in those movies why they wouldn’t do something like that for the girlfriend of a prince. Movies.” She laughed.

Their server came in with the bottle of wine and poured two glasses. “How are the appetizers?”

“Delicious!” Freya said.

“Good. Has either of you peeked at the menu? There is no rush. I know the GM ordered a table-side salad for you.”

“Honestly, we haven’t. Check back in around fifteen minutes, and hopefully, we’ll know by then.”

“Great! Okay, if you need anything, let me know.”

“Are we going to have room for all this?” Freya asked as soon as the server disappeared through the door.

“Of course! Haven’t you heard? I love food,” he said confidently, causing Freya to laugh.

“Fine! You are eating everything. I don’t want to see any of this leftover. Understood?”

“Yes, Miss Freya.” He laughed so hard he swore his belly rolled.

Freya opened her menu, carefully skimming through it. “Everything sounds divine. I believe they are well known for their steaks, but I’m tempted to have the seafood. I don’t know,” she said looking back and forth from different items. “What are you going to have?”

Magnus smiled as he observed her eyes going back and forth to different places on the menu. “I’ll order the steak, and you order the seafood, and we can both share. How does that sound?”

“You, a Crown Prince, sharing? Is that allowed? It hardly seems to adhere to the rules of proper etiquette.”

“I can do whatever I want with my food, in private.” He laughed. “Besides, I’m with you, it’s hard to decide. But I love a good steak.”

“As long as you will not get rank stripped for sharing, I’m all for it. So you decide on the steak, and I’ll choose the seafood.”

“Any way you’d prefer the steak?”

“I’m not very picky. Just as long as it’s not bleeding on my plate. A good sear will do.”

Another thing to admire her for, Magnus thought.

They sat a few minutes in complete and utter silence as they looked over the menu.

“I love halibut, but the lobster is tantalizing. What do you prefer, Magnus?” She looked up from her menu, causing his stomach to flutter.

There was a comforting familiarity between the two of them. She wasn’t intimidated by him, the person. Sure, she was curious and probably nervous about the trip, but she seemed to have the right ideas, and most importantly, she wasn’t complicated.

“Why don’t we order the add-on lobster medallions and lobster tails. Then you can order the halibut. I had halibut for lunch. How about the shareable sides?”

“I was looking at the char-grilled in a blood-orange balsamic reduction, rainbow baby carrot.”

“Yes, that sounds good. Do you like Brussels sprouts?”

“I love Brussels sprouts! Okay, so I think we’re settled.”

“Absolutely.” He smiled across the table at her.

 

 

The dinner had been everything she’d expected and more. The food was divine, the service impeccable, and the company was great. She couldn’t have asked for anything more.

Freya quietly made her way to her room. It was late, and the dinner had lasted forever, especially with Magnus insisting on dessert. They’d ordered two, so they could share. He had the Crème Brûlée, and Freya had opted for the spiked bread pudding.

The wine had gotten to her a tad, but only enough to allow for conversation to flow easily between the two of them. Not that she needed it, but the stress of being out in public with royalty had the potential of causing anyone to be nervous.

After wrapping up her nighttime routine, she slipped into her silk chemise and headed straight to bed, falling right to sleep.

“Wake up, Sleeping Beauty!”

Freya wanted to ignore the person attached to the voice. She wanted to sleep in, even knowing she didn’t have the luxury, especially with having to request time off from work.

“What?” she grumped at Marissa.

“How did it go? I didn’t even hear you get home.”

“It was amazing. We had so much good food. I even had two glasses of wine.”

“Two glasses of wine? Freya, you really need to get out more. So, when do you see him again?”

“Marissa, stop harassing her! I already told you. Freya will share with us what she wants when she wants? You don’t think it’s enough with all those reporters constantly badgering her?” Justine hollered from the hall.

“Oh, you shush! You know you want to know just as much as I do.”

Freya sat up, feeling bloated. “Do either of you have a water pill? I think I overdid it last night with the food.”

“I have some. Hold on. I’ll grab them from my purse,” Justine said.

Marissa curled up under Freya’s comforter when Freya got up to brush her teeth.

“Here. Just be warned, you’ll be peeing like crazy. Just make sure you drink plenty of water,” Justine said, handing two pills to Freya.

“Thank you.”

“Not to rain on your parade, but a press release came out of the palace. It is a joint press release from the Crown Prince and yourself,” Justine said, giving her a scolding look.

“Oh! Yes. Bernard, Magnus’ secretary, went over that with us in the car yesterday. He wanted to try to field some questions coming out of the press.”

“Is that all?” Justine pressed.

“No. Did I tell you two that Magnus invited me to the palace for Christmas?”

She put her fingers in her ears, knowing well that what was to follow might leave her deaf.

“WHAT??? Oh. My. Gosh. Freya!!! You said nothing. That is so cool. OMG, OMG!” Marissa jumped up and down.

Freya observed as Justine carefully studied her.

“So, what are you going to do?” Justine finally asked once Marissa took a breather.

“I want to go. But I need to discuss it with you two and my boss.”

“You know well we’ve got your back here at the studio. So, don’t hold back on our account.”

“Thank you, that’s basically what I told Magnus.”

“When would you leave?” Marissa finally calmed down enough to ask.

“Magnus wants me to join him there the first Friday of December through the New Year.”

“What?” Justine’s eyes about popped out of their sockets. “He’s asking you to spend a month at the palace, with his family? Are you sure you two are only friends?”

For once, Marissa had nothing to say. She sat quietly waiting for Freya to answer.

“Yes. We are only friends.”

Freya didn’t really understand why it seemed weird. Was it weird? she wondered.

 

 

Tran had returned late the night before and was giving Freya a full report on the investigation along with her recommendations. Freya agreed with this and was about to dismiss her, but she stopped herself.

“Tran?”

The petite Asian gal said nothing and sat there, acknowledging her question.

“I might take a leave of absence. If I do, I’d like to have you cover me in my absence. Would you agree to this?”

Tran, who barely showed any emotions, gently smiled. “Is everything okay?”

Freya nodded. “Yes. Everything is fine.”

“Then yes, I’d be more than happy to cover in your absence.” Tran hesitated for a moment. “When would you leave and how long would you be gone?”

“Well, I haven’t spoken to the big boss yet. I’m planning on a few weeks starting the first Friday of December through the end of the first week after the New Year.”

“You’ll be back for my pre-approved leave in February, that’s all that matters.” She smiled. “That’s all, right? I need to go get all of this typed up and have you sign off on it. Let me know how it goes?”

“For sure. And thank you again, Tran.”

Freya logged into the HRIS also known as their Human Resource Information System to follow up on her vacation time. She knew she had tons of hours since she rarely took a vacation, and because of her level of position, her hours rolled over as a perk. She also had a load of sick pay. She printed out a report and head over to her boss’s office who was expecting her.

“Hello, Freya. I saw that Tran is back. How’d it go? Close the door and have a seat. Can I get you a tea or coffee?” Steve moved to refill his mug.

“No, thank you. And yes, she returned late yesterday evening. It went well. It doesn’t seem it was as bad as we’d initially thought; she’s typing up the recommendations as we speak. Your warehouse manager will need to be written up, and I’m recommending retraining in our management program. Preferably, one on one.”

“Sounds doable. I leave it in your capable hands,” he said, putting his hands behind his neck. “So, how’s it going out there? You know, with your Prince Charming?” He snickered.

It didn’t bother Freya that he was asking. She knew Steve well enough to know he didn’t have a mean bone in his body.

“It’s good. My life outside in the open is not the same, but I’m surviving. I have a security detail that is with me, and they let no one get too close.”

“So, I’ve heard.”

“Steve? I have a request.” She mustered up her courage. “I want to take time off. I know next month is kind of busy for us, but I can check in with you and Tran during my absence, just in case you need anything. Plus, I’ll have my laptop to work on my year-end budgetary requirements.”

Steve sat straight up in his seat. “Freya, it’s about time you take a vacation. I’m assuming this has something to do with Prince Charming?”

She nodded.

“Okay. So, what are the dates? We have one important meeting, but if you can conference in, I think that should be okay. It’s not like you’d be the first or the last to take a leave during the holidays.”

“Well, that’s just it. It’s a little long. I’d be gone for a few weeks.”

Steve sat back and blew a whistling sound out of his mouth. “That’s a long time in December. I suspect you won’t be back until after the New Year?”

She nodded.

“Okay then. That’s fine. But yes, you’re gonna have to check in with Tran at least once a week. I know you have more than enough vacation time. I was just going over numbers with finance, and as always, they were complaining about the rollover numbers.” He laughed. “I suppose not everyone is as committed as you are to this company. They see only the number. I see the person who is dedicated. Vested.” He winked.

“Thank you, Steve. And whatever I need to do to make this process go smoothly, just let me know.”

“Nah. I trust you. Like I said, we’ll have one meeting I can’t have you miss. Other than that, enjoy yourself. Where are you going if I might ask?”

She blushed. “Martierra, as a guest to the Royal Family.”

Steve sat quietly for a few moments and then cheered her. “That’s great. I’m sure you’ll have the time of your life. But if you need anything, I mean it, anything at all, you call me. I’ll get you right back home. You just never know how it’ll turn out, and I don’t want you to feel stuck.”

“Thank you again. I really appreciate this. I’ll get my leave paperwork taken care of right away so you can sign off before you leave the office today.”

As Freya walked away, she couldn’t help but feel thankful for the support she had from her two friends, her boss, and her right-hand person. Yet still, that nagging in her heart. Why was it so difficult for her family to feel the same way?