The media was a buzz, the following morning. It seemed every outlet around the world had gotten wind that Princess Cossette of Martierra eloped without the King's consent. To make matters worse, Cossette released a statement about how she and her new husband would deal with the royal family’s pushback privately.

She's good, thought Magnus, playing to the emotions of the people as if she were an outcast because of the man she loves.

Not even close. He fumed, thinking of Santiago's convenient timing in reaching out.

Then there was the Christmas Ball the family needed to prepare for and Freya's visit. The latter was the only thing that kept him motivated. Well, that and the people of his country.

He’d spoken to Freya that morning as she returned to the city. As much as she wanted to pretend as though everything was okay, Magnus knew better. But she needed to be ready to share with him. He wouldn’t force her.

He spun around in his chair as Bernard prepared some documents in the office next door for Magnus to review.

With Cossette’s shenanigans, his every step would now be scrutinized as a cloud of doubt regarding his love and loyalty to Martierra were drawn into question.

It was imperative, now more than ever, he give the people a glimpse of the King he would one day become.

Martierra was an Absolute Monarchy, unlike most other countries were the King’s and Queens could advise but their final decisions were made differently. Those were Constitutional Monarchies.

"Your Royal Highness?" Bernard said, clearing his throat.

"I'm sorry. Have you been there for long?"

"Not too long. Is everything alright?"

"Just thinking." Magnus paused and said, "The future of our country isn't something I want to see in the headlines of the media. The solution could be quite simple, given the status of our monarchy. However, I don’t believe this is how my father would like to proceed. He loves the people so much and would most likely want to hear their voices on the topic.” He rubbed at his chin. “Cossette really didn’t think this through.”

"Your Highness, if I may. It would appear to me Princess Cossette knew exactly what she was doing. You see, she knows her move will not overthrow the monarchy. To do so, the people would have to revolt, and I just don't see that happening. They see your Father as a just King. However, I believe the Princess is forcing a move on you. The vote is up and coming, and I believe this is where she is hoping to gain sympathizers. You are an unknown. The wildcard. The vote will impact your reign and essentially the people of this country. Her Royal Highness is most definitely doing this publicity stunt to wreak havoc for you in the coming weeks."

Magnus was thankful to have Bernard’s forward thinking and perceptiveness. He was probably correct. Cossette was banking on manipulating the emotions of the people and make me cave, Magnus thought.

All the discussions over me abdicating the throne? Of course, if I abdicate, especially under pressure, there is no one else to take my place, forcing the King to make a move and make her Queen.

Sorry, little sister. You will not have it your way. By these acts alone you are proving to be no more than a selfish, entitled little princess. Which is the last thing our country needs? Only one person can stop this, and that person is me.

"Freya! I'm glad you answered. Is it okay to talk?" Magnus had been champing at the bit to call Freya but realized she'd be busy. The conversation at the dinner table had been kept to a minimum as the King and Queen didn't want the staff to hear anything directly coming out of the royal family's mouths. It was hard to tell if Cossette had in the process planted any spies which led to the security in the palace stepping it up and doing an entire sweep to ensure there were no bugs planted. All electronic devices were checked, and double checked as were each phone. Never had the palace felt so big.

"Hey! Perfectly fine to talk. How are you? I've been a bit worried and didn't really ask. How are your parents holding up?"

Magnus wanted nothing more than to hug Freya at that moment. She cared. She truly genuinely cared, and that only made him like her more.

"As you can imagine, this is completely unexpected. And the only thing we can do is move on."

"Have you spoken to your sister at all?"

Magnus didn't want to come across as a hurt twat, but he figured she'd probably understand better than he could explain.

"Not really. We were in each other’s presence for a moment. Basically, when we found out she'd eloped. But that was the extent of it. My parents don’t want to engage the topic so openly. It seems Cossette has planned to pressure me, fully expecting I’ll abdicate the throne. I blame myself for all the moping I did, going back and forth with my decision. I suppose it fed her hopes in a way. The smear campaigns just seemed to be a last ditched effort."

There was a moment of silence between the two, and Magnus could feel the questions lurking in said silence. He wouldn't ask her. He hoped she'd muster up the courage to ask. He wanted a friendship which encouraged an open dialogue.

"Freya, if you ever have any questions, please don't ever feel as if you cannot ask them. There will be questions I cannot answer, for the simple reason that certain matters of state are confidential, but I'll do my best to answer what I can."

"I appreciate it, Magnus. And trust me, I totally understand. I suppose I'm just wondering if there was any indication whatsoever of your sister being this spiteful? I'm only wondering because it seems to have caught your family off guard, whereas at least in my family, I know to expect some backlash."

He thought about the question for a moment and how he'd answer. Freya had opened up, even if it were just a sliver, but she'd shown him a little of herself.

"Cossette is a woman of very strong opinions. She’s always been about tradition and lived for being a princess and, I suppose, a queen. To her, royal duty was one and the same as breathing. So, in that sense, yes, we were taken back. However, she's also craved a certain level of authority. Power.

"I know I didn't help with being so indecisive and vocalizing time and time again about potentially abdicating. I guess it gave her hope that our father would change royal decree and make her queen."

Magnus took a deep breath before he continued. "Just before my trip to Spain, I'd made it known that I would be more involved in the duties of the monarchy. The trip to Spain was one of diplomacy, and I went on my father’s behalf as the royal representative. It was that trip that put everyone on notice that I had every intention of fulfilling my royal duties. And I guess it was when Cossette figured her window of opportunity was closing."

"WOW! That's a lot to take in. I can’t imagine the thought process of sabotaging one's own sibling, but I suppose it happens. And you don't have to be royal." She laughed.

"Well, she's had a lot of time on her hands to think about these matters. But enough of her. How's the packing coming along?"

"Ugh. Magnus. I don't know what I'm supposed to wear. I don't really own any designer anything. I shop from the sale rack as often as I can if and when I shop. Honestly, I'm overwhelmed." Freya's voice gradually became more anxious as she spoke. "Plus there are so many days? And not knowing how many times I'll have to change in one day? Dinner dresses. Appearance dresses. Heels. Will we go horseback riding? How about the beach? If we go to the beach, what is the appropriate attire? What is the appropriate hem length? Shoes? Hues? Hats? Do I wear them? How about jeans? Boots? What's the weather like? What can I wear to sleep? Do I take loungewear? I just don't know!"

"Freya. My dear, don't fret. Please. No need to make this too complicated. Look, bring what you are most comfortable with. Sure, a few dresses for dinner and heels, especially those red ones you were wearing when I met you." He smiled. "You have impeccable taste, and your look is timeless. You'll find you fit right in."

"I'm going to hold you to that, Prince Magnus."

"Oh? I'm a Prince now, am I?"

"Yes. I guess I'm supposed to address you by your royal title. Or at least that is what I've learned."

"In public, yes. In private, no. You may continue calling me by my given name."

"I have a question?"

"Go for it."

"Will you have to change your name when you become a King?"

Magnus smiled. "I don't have to do anything which I do not want when I become King."

"Nice," she teased. "Well, Your Royal Highness. Some of us must work to pay the bills. So, I need to go. Especially if I plan on taking all of this time off just to visit you."

He could hear the playfulness in her tone, and it warmed his heart. "If you must go, my dear, then I say goodbye, but not for long. How about you call me before you go to bed tonight?"

"I can't make any promises. I'm still trying to catch up with sleep. But in the event I don't call you tonight, I'll call you tomorrow, on my way to work."

"Sounds great. Have a good day, Freya."

"You too, Magnus."

Speaking to her always lifted a weight off his chest.

A knock at his door brought him back to the current moment as he stood to open it.

It was a staff member. "Your Royal Highness, the King, and Queen have requested to have a quiet dinner in the family's private sitting room. They request Your Highness' presence in fifteen minutes."

"Thank you. I'll be there."

He closed the door and washed up. A nice private meal with his mom and dad was exactly what he needed. He wanted to discuss the Christmas Ball and Freya.

He really only wanted to discuss Freya, but he figured he'd be too obvious about his. And the ball gave him an excuse to bring her up. It also would bring up Cossette. There was simply no avoiding the topic. It needed to be addressed.