“Paulo! It's absolutely stunning.” Freya worked her way around the mannequin which displayed her ball gown.

The striking seamed short sleeve bodice and low scoop back was simply put, elegant. The waist was belted with ruby red gems and crystals. The jewels were brilliant, drawing all the attention to the band. The silk-faced satin was the perfect canvas.

Without saying a word, Paulo pointed to a tufted stool that was just beside the dress.

There, in the middle of the stool, sitting on a white satin pillow, were her red shoes.

Freya looked at him, slowly making a connection. The red of her shoes were a perfect match to the red in the gems.

He said softly, “Those shoes were the inspiration for this dress. I know you’ve already worn them, but not here. They are exquisite and should not be worn only once. Come, let’s get you fitted, just in case I need to make any last-minute adjustments.”

Quickly, his assistants sprang into action, helping Freya get into the dress which wasn’t as difficult as she’d thought, considering she’d never worn a ball gown.

Paulo, in the meantime, pushed a rolling mirror in Freya’s direction. “Close your eyes,” he said.

Freya willingly complied.

“Now open them.”

“You all have seriously outdone yourselves. It fits like a glove. I don’t think anything is left to be done,” Freya said as she twirled around.

“It truly is perfection. Okay, take it off. I’ll make sure it gets one last steam tomorrow while we are getting you ready. You will be the belle of the ball.” He winked. “Okay, I’m off to get your brother fitted. Like you, he is such a delight to dress.” He leaned in to give her a friendly peck on the cheek. “See you tomorrow, darling. Make sure to get your beauty rest.”

The day of the ball had finally arrived. The Queen had a cup of tea sent to her the night before, to ensure she got a good night’s rest. It truly had worked.

Freya met up with Tristan in the gym to get some stretching in. Tristan was an avid runner and rarely skipped a day, whereas, Freya hadn’t even been to the Palace’s gym once. And she could feel it. The lack of stretching was evident as she sat on a mat feeling the burn in her quads.

“How did you sleep?”

“Amazing. Those beds truly are built for royalty. Plus, I purposely turned my phone off. If anything urgent comes in for work, Estella gave me a number they can call into and get me,” Tristan said as he ran on the treadmill.

"Does mom know you are here?" Freya asked cautiously.

"She does now. Not sure if you've noticed, little sister, but it's all over the media at this point. Plus, the local media back home has been all over picking it up because of you, a local girl," he said through a smile.

"Oh, yay me." the sarcasm in Freya's voice couldn't be feigned. "I don't know why there is so much interest. Like they'd care if I dated anyone else or if you went to any other party. You know?"

"Oh, Freya. I know you are not that daft. But anyway, that Paulo certainly knows what he is doing. I'm ready for the ball this evening. The tuxedo is a great fit."

"I can't wait until you see my dress! I absolutely love it!" She smiled ear to ear.

"You ready for all the whispering that will be taking place around you?"

"What do you mean?"

"People are going to be talking. This is their first opportunity to meet you in person. They've read plenty about you in the papers, and now they will come face to face with you. Plus, the fact that you are dating one of Europe's most eligible bachelors. I mean, I'm sure you'll get a few stink eyes." Tristan laughed.

"Well, as long as they don't act immature, I don't mind. Everyone is going to have an opinion, I get that. I won't let it get to me." She thought of what she was going to say next. There really was no way to beat around the bush with it, so she dove right in. "I sent a gift to Claire's baby. She refused it."

Her voice almost betrayed her, so she pushed herself harder in her stretching.

Tristan stopped, dead in his track. "She did what?" The edge in his voice was angry, but he controlled it.

"I had a beautiful newborn basket put together and delivered. The driver said it was refused by the accepting party. She knew who it was from and didn't want anything to do with my gift."

Freya joined Tristan on a treadmill next to him. She was adjusting the settings when Tristan finally processed and replied.

"I can't do this anymore. I'm sorry that happened, Freya. I truly am. I don't understand why Claire would do that, but it was wrong of her. And to be honest, I'm tired of these emotional games they chose to play. We are a family. If they can't get over whatever grudge they seem to be holding over you, then, you know what? Screw them."

Freya started a brisk run and nodded her head. She didn't think she could reply without becoming too emotional. Crying wasn't an option. She didn't need puffy eyes for the evening's event.

Nope, she was determined. Again, she reminded herself, turning a new leaf was the only option as she pressed a little harder in her run.

"Cossette, are you sure you want to attend tonight's ball?" the Queen inquired.

"Mother, if you believe my presence will be counterproductive, I can stay here. I won't take it personally."

"My dear. That is not why I ask. I'm simply concerned with your health. The number of people can be a bit stressful. I don't want you to feel uncomfortable." The Queen reached out and caressed her daughter's stomach. "I want my grandchild to feel happy in his or her environment."

A knock on the door caught the Queen's attention. "Come in," she said with authority.

"Your Majesty. You have a call." The secretary didn't need to mention from whom. The Queen already knew.

"My dear, I need to take this call. If you need any help to get ready, just have someone come to get me." She smiled.

"Thank you, Mother," Cossette said as she took her leave.

The Queen waited for Cossette to close the door before she picked up the call in her room.

"Maria Celeste. How are you today?"

"Your Majesty, I'm well. A bit distraught, but well."

The Queen sensed sadness in her friend's voice.

"My friend, you are calling because you have something to share. Please, what is it?"

"My Queen, my husband has dealt with Santiago. It was a bit trying, but he finally got through to him. I know he will not bother the Royal Family anymore. When the baby arrives, we can discuss what Her Royal Highness Princess Cossette would like to do. If this is all right with Her Majesty?"

The Queen smiled. She could only imagine to what lengths her friend and husband had to go to for Santiago to back off. She was appreciative. However, she also needed to take care of her own.

"I thank you both. Yes, we can discuss any arrangements in the future. I'll see you tonight."

"Indeed, Your Majesty."

The Queen hung up the phone and took a deep breath. She could put one issue aside for the moment.

Freya's mind was swirling. Estella kept giving her updates of the guests who'd arrived. The previous evening, Freya, Magnus, Cossette, and her brother had sat for a quiet private meal while the King and Queen hosted a few esteemed guests at dinner.

Their Majesties later caught up with them in the family's private area so they could meet Tristan. They spent at least an hour catching up.

But nothing could have prepared Freya for the names she heard from Estella. "Estella, sorry. I know you are doing your job. But that's enough. Hearing you share the information with me is really making me nervous."

"Oh! Miss Sinclair. I'd almost forgot. The Queen insisted you have tea while you got ready. I'll ring the kitchen to have it brought straight up." Estella disappeared.

Freya was thankful for the Queen's thoughtfulness.

Once Estella returned, Paulo and his crew walked in.

It was more people than she'd expected. Her stomach was churning with nerves.

Paulo took one look at her and made a tsking sound. "You look overly stressed. Did you sleep well?"

"I did. But I've been cooped up in the room except for an early morning workout."

"I see."

"The Queen has ordered tea for Miss Sinclair. It's coming right up," Estella offered.

"The Queen's special tea?" Paulo wondered.

Estella nodded her head.

"Thank goodness for the fabulous Queen. I don't know what is in that concoction, but it does wonders for the complexion and any form of anxiety." Paulo motioned for Freya to take a seat in a chair one of his assistants had brought with them.

Everyone was moving around setting up a makeshift salon. Truly impressive, Frey thought.

"What's in the tea?" Freya asked.

"No one knows. Her Majesty tends to a private garden herself. Well, she has one other person, but from what I hear, that helper doesn't even know. She takes some herbs and flowers back to their floor, and she has a stillroom where she handles the herbs and whatnots. She dries these items herself and makes the tea. I heard she only dispenses a serving to very special guests," Paulo said quietly as if the Queen were within earshot.

"Interesting," Freya replied.

"Yes, indeed. Okay, now we get you ready, my dear Miss Sinclair.

Paulo caught a whiff of her shampoo. "Oh my, what is that heavenly smell?"

"My shampoo?" a confused Freya asked.

"Yes. It is a gorgeous aroma."

She blushed and answered, "Oh. Roses." She smiled. "I buy it from one of the moms from my dance studio; she makes all of her items by hand. I buy the shampoo and conditioner set and a goat milk soap I use for my face."

"You'll have to remember to get me the name of this person. She'd make a killing selling her stuff to the rich and famous. Especially looking at your hair and skin. Darling, you'll be the envy of the ball tonight. Especially when I'm finished with you." He smiled proudly.

"A modern-day Cinderella," Estella added, causing Freya to turn a deep red.

"Hardly." She attempted to brush the comment off.

"Hardly? Are you kidding me? Miss Sinclair. I'll have you know that I do not lie. If I say you are drop dead gorgeous, then you are drop dead gorgeous. None of this self-loathing will be tolerated around me. You own that beauty and who you are. Royal family or not, and I mean no disrespect to the family, but my dossier on you tells me you are quite impressive in your own right. So, don't forget that."

Freya smiled. Paulo really did make her feel a tad better about herself even if she was curious about what dossier he had on her.

"And I almost forgot! My dearest Cali and Patricia will be here tonight. I'm sure you'll get to meet them. They are charming people. And Cali, well, she is a true gem." He smiled as if remembering.

"Yes, His Royal Highness did mention they'd be in attendance. I believe he is good friends with both of their husbands," Freya offered.

"Indeed." He smiled and said, "You know, I worked with Cali as well. She was just as nervous as you are. We almost lost her to a brain aneurysm, but, thank God, she survived. Anyway, not my story to tell. But you should hit it off just fine with both women."

Paulo talked about his worldly adventures as he fussed with Freya's makeup. He had another assistant help him with Freya's hair, so he could step back and give instructions.

Freya could see Estella getting all dolled up as well. She was invited to the ball to help Freya keep names straight or give her advice when needed.

Freya was utterly curious to see what she looked like, but in true Paulo style, it was to remain a mystery until the full unveiling.

"Can someone please get Miss Sinclair's shoes on her? And is the dress ready?" Paulo cheerfully snapped orders out.

"Is it that time already?" Freya asked.

"Yes, how are you feeling? That tea kick in yet?"

"I believe it is starting to. I don't feel as nervous now." She smiled.

"Good," he said, "I need you to stand upright over here." He pointed away from the make-up station. "One of the gals is going to place the dress in the middle, and I'm going to have you walk into it, and they'll help you pull it up. I can't have your hair and makeup ruined." He laughed.

She obediently followed directions, feeling the softness of the beautiful gown against the areas of her bare skin. Freya carefully pushed her arms through the sleeves, and Paulo helped zip her up and carefully clasped the gorgeous belt. One of the assistants walked around Freya with a portable steamer. As she adjusted the full skirt, she steamed in areas that apparently needed it. But to Freya, it looked perfect.

Once the assistant was done, everyone stepped back and took in the view.

"Not fair," she said with a giggle, "I don't get to see."

Paulo slowly circled around Freya. "Miss Sinclair, I think it is time for your unveiling," he said in a serious tone.

He gave her his arm and moved her toward a portable paneled mirror area with a step up to a platform.

"Miss Sinclair, I'm going to ask you to close your eyes. Don't worry, I'll guide you."

She obediently followed Paulo's instructions.

"Carefully take a step up," Paulo said, not releasing Freya's arm, as she carefully did so.

"Okay, hold still for a few more moments," he said, then spoke quietly to someone, then everything went silent.

"Miss Sinclair," he said, "please bow your head a little for me." So, she did. He tugged around her hair a little, and Frey could feel something weighty placed at the top. He then put something on her neck, just as heavy as whatever had gone onto her head, and finally, he told her to stand straight, and put something on her wrist.

He must be putting jewelry on me, Freya thought.

"I think we are ready. Miss Sinclair, open your eyes." Paulo took a step back, and Freya lifted her gaze.

She hardly recognized the woman staring back at her in the mirrors. She turned ever so slightly to catch a glimpse at everything Paulo had put together. The headpiece was a gorgeous cluster of the same stones from the belt, and it was a matching set to the necklace and bracelet.

Freya had to admit she looked beautiful as she smiled at her reflection.

"Paulo, you've really outdone yourself. I can hardly recognize myself."

He reached into his pocket and took out a beautiful cushioned-shaped ruby-red ring, with diamond-like stones surrounding the square shape.

"Miss Sinclair, all the gems you are wearing are precious. The Queen inquired as to your evening's attire, and it was her idea to allow you to wear jewelry from the family's vault. Even the belt is assembled from stones kept in the Royal vault."

Freya teared up and quickly fanned at her face to hold back the tears. "Child! Don't you dare cry and ruin what I've created," Paulo scolded. "Come here. Now, you hold it together, all right?"

Freya nodded. "It was an extremely kind gesture on Her Majesty’s behalf. I suppose I'm just overwhelmed by it all."

"Yes, well, you have a little of tea left. You should probably drink that. You still clearly need it," Paulo attempted to say straight-faced, but he wasn't as hard as he liked to make himself out to be. "I'd hug you right now, but I don't want to give you any wrinkles."

Everyone laughed.

"My job for the evening is done. There is a private area off of the family's private washroom downstairs that is set up for touch-ups. I'll be there when you need me. Because, you will need me, even if it is to get away for a moment and gossip." He winked. "Go on now, we'll clean up here. Estella, make sure you get her to me throughout the night to touch her up."

Estella nodded as she escorted Freya from the room, on their way to the Christmas Ball.