Magnus paced his father's office back and forth as his parents sat quietly observing the behavior. He hadn't told them about Freya, although he knew his father had an idea as to who his guest would be. But as always, the King gave him his word and space to share on his own terms.

"Mom, Dad, I've invited Miss Sinclair to come spend the holidays with us."

Neither said a word, waiting for him to continue.

He continued pacing. "I really like her, and I hope you will show her the same kindness you show all of our guests."

"Son, of course. Is that why you are nervous?" his father inquired.

"Yes. Well, only a little. Freya's father suffered what appears to have been a mild heart attack. Jean-Paul sent notice to me at once. I'm hoping he’s okay. But that’s not all. You see, Freya’s family, for the most part, do not approve of our friendship. The issue stems deeper. She’s not open to discussing this yet, but I know at least that much. However, Jean-Paul witnessed her mother being cruel to Freya at the hospital. It seems her mother is set on blaming Freya for the father’s heart attack, citing all the attention from the media is simply too much.”

The King stood and made his way toward his son. “Magnus, these issues of acceptance do not come easily to some people. No one should control how another person feels. It seems your friend is willing to explore this friendship, and that is telling as to where she feels her emotions lay.”

"I understand, Father. And yes, I believe, due to all the animosity members of her family have caused, she's learned to not own their issues and focus on helping herself. If that makes any sense," Magnus offered.

"Son," the Queen spoke, "we trust your judgment implicitly. And welcome her with an open heart. Shall I head the arrangements for her arrival?"

"Thank you, Mother. That means the world to me. I believe Bernard and I have the details well under control. I'm bringing on Estella, Gerard's daughter, to assist with Bernard's wife, Sophia, seeing to the more intricate details of royal etiquette."

"Estella?" the King wondered.

"Yes. She's been interning at one of the stations in Spain. But she will not be hired on. Gerard spoke to me about giving her the opportunity to help so she can gain the experience and perhaps help her in securing a full-time job."

"Son, but isn't she a journalist? Are you certain you want to give her access to the family, especially to your friend?" the King continued, and Magnus understood where he was coming from.

"She'll be signing all the appropriate non-disclosure documents. I'm sure Bernard is factoring in the appropriate wording while taking into consideration Estella's background."

"Very well, Magnus. Just ensure that your guest, Miss Sinclair, is versed in not shedding too much light into her personal affairs. This person, after all, will not be her friend. She'll be an employee, and that line needs to be clearly defined."

"Yes, Father. I'll make sure this is communicated to Freya."

"Magnus?" The Queen interrupted.

"Mother?"

"Whatever you do, please, leave your sister to me. I'll handle this matter."

"Mother, I'll do my best. But I cannot make you any promises. Especially if she continues to badger me in press conferences."

His parents both looked at him sympathetically. It was hard for him to hold them responsible for Cossette's actions. Her parents would not approve her behavior.

Magnus took his leave. Freya would be up by now, and he wanted to reach out, learn about her father's condition, and offer his support. He didn't divulge too much to his parents, but he was livid with the report he'd received from Jean-Paul. How was it that Mrs. Sinclair could blame Freya for Mr. Sinclair's health setback?

He'd understand if Freya was an irresponsible person with constant issues, but Freya was so much more responsible than any parent could desire.

Magnus shook his head at the thoughts and called her.

"Hello?" she whispered.

"Freya, how are you? How is your father? Jean-Paul told me."

"Give me a sec, let me walk out of the room to talk."

He could hear her speaking to someone, but the voice was muffled, and before he knew it she was back on the line.

"Hey! How are you?" she asked.

"I'm okay. But you haven't answered me. How's your father?"

"He's going to be okay. As a matter of fact, I believe he might actually go home later today if all checks out well."

"That's great news. How are you doing?" She sounded as if nothing had happened as Jean-Paul had described to him.

"I'm good. I'll probably head back once he's released. I have so much catching up to do at work. And there is a high possibility I'll be losing my right-hand assistant in February. So I need to figure out hiring logistics if I'm going to be gone as long as we'd originally planned."

He could hear a bit of stress in her voice.

"Where is your assistant going? Did she turn in her notice?"

"Kind of. Well, she prepared me for something that will most likely happen. She might be getting married if all goes as expected and if she does, well, she will not be returning to work."

"Her fiancé doesn't want her to work?"

"He's not technically her fiancé, yet. And to answer your question, she'd be moving to another country. He's well off so work will not be necessary."

"I'm confused."

"Trust me, it's a tad confusing. Anyway, I need to get back to my dad. How about I text you later, once I find out if he's going to be released today and if you are still up, we can chat more then?"

"Okay. But Freya, if you need anything at all, please, do not hesitate to reach out to me or let Jean-Paul know."

"Thanks, and I'll talk to you later."

Magnus took a deep breath. He was happy to hear Freya's voice. But it did nothing as far as clearing his mind for what he wanted to say to Cossette.