The ball was a major success as far as Magnus was concerned. His beloved Freya shone like royalty. His thoughts lingered on that as he seriously wondered if she could be the one. He smiled as he walked toward the family's private area to greet his mother who was quietly seated drinking one of her teas.

"Good morning, Your Majesty," he said, giving her a kiss on the cheek.

"Good morning, son. Did you sleep well?" she asked.

"I did. I'm famished. Have you yet broken your fast?

"No. I've sent word to Freya and her brother to join me for a private breakfast out on our terrace. I didn't have an opportunity to chat with her brother very much, and I'd like to get to know him a little better."

"Have they accepted?"

"Yes, they should be up here at any moment. Will you join us?"

"Mother, what kind of question is that? I'll take any opportunity I can to enjoy my time with Freya. Unless you'd prefer it to just be the three of you?"

"Nonsense. Your Father is busy this morning. And I've made sure a tray was brought to your sister. She really needs the rest after the long night."

"Aww, yes. Father mentioned he was going to meet with a few important figures regarding the vote. As much as I'd love to join you three, I believe I should be with Father. I'll grab something to eat in the kitchen. Besides, I always get better food when I go there myself." He laughed.

"Just don't create more work for the staff. They put in so much effort into the ball and did a splendid job. They must be exhausted themselves."

Magnus gave his mother another kiss. "Don't scare my girlfriend away, or you'll never hear the end of it," he teased.

"Hardly. She is such a lovely young lady."

Magnus took the back way out to avoid running into Freya. He knew if he did, he wouldn't find his way to his father.

The Queen stood as Freya and Tristan joined her in the private sitting room. Freya curtsied, and Tristan bowed. She smiled warmly at them both as she greeted them with a good morning.

"Did you both sleep well?" The Queen asked as she motioned for them to sit.

"Yes, Your Majesty. I was telling my sister how my bed, at least, feels truly fit for a king. I usually struggle a bit to fall asleep. But that hasn't been an issue since I arrived."

"Believe it or not, the King and I chose the mattresses for the palace. When I first arrived here, I had the most difficult time sleeping. My back and neck were in constant pain. I didn't want to complain because I'd been taught it wasn't proper. I had a masseuse visit me regularly, and it was she whom finally told me I needed to get rid of the mattress. The stress it had caused my body and my emotions were somehow correlating with my lack of producing an heir. Those were difficult times, and it all stemmed from the mattresses.

"The Queen Mother thought me too delicate to be able to stand next to my husband. A lot of my unhappiness was because of my lack of proper REM sleep. When I finally questioned the senior staff, no one could remember the mattresses ever having been replaced. For kicks and giggles, the King had someone investigate how old they were. I won't even tell you two, it is so embarrassing." The Queen laughed, "So we now keep a record of the mattresses and how often they've been slept in and when they need to be replaced, according to industry standards.

"Every room in the Palace, including that of the staff, has the same kind of mattress the King and I do."

The news seemed to surprise both Freya and Tristan as they smiled at the Queen. "But don't tell anyone." She winked.

They both laughed. "No worries, Your Majesty," Freya replied.

"Tristan, are you a tea or coffee drinker?" the Queen asked as she moved toward a silver tray that was set up on an elegant rolling cart.

"Neither, Your Majesty. I'm more a fresh juice drinker. Or warm water." He smiled and added, "But no worries. I'll be fine with a glass of water."

"Interesting. What is the reason you choose not to drink tea or coffee?" the Queen quizzed him.

"Your Majesty, I know this might sound a bit silly. But I don't like anything that can cause an addiction. Now, I know there are non-caffeinated versions. However, I figure, if I give into those options, it will only be a matter of time before I'm making excuses for myself to indulge the others.

"I don't find them evil in any way nor do I begrudge those who enjoy them. It's simply a choice I've made." He smiled.

"Tristan, I really admire that. Truly, I do. It is easy to succumb, but your tenacity speaks volumes." She reached for a teacup and served him hot water. "Just allow that to cool down a bit. How about you, my dear. What shall I serve you?"

"I'd love some tea, Your Majesty. Unfortunately, I don't have the same willpower as my brother. I mean, someone has to keep the coffee and tea business afloat." Freya looked relieved when the Queen joined her.

"Yes, I agree with you, Freya. I do my part in seeing to it that it is a thriving business. Although, I might try to practice a little more restraint," she said as she prepared Freya cup of the same tea she was drinking. "I didn't have much of an opportunity to get to know you better, Tristan. And since my husband is busy, I figured he could catch up later this afternoon. But I don't have the same obligations as he, and it is hardly fair to make me wait." She smiled.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. It has been a true honor getting to spend time with your family and attend the magnificent ball. Truly, every detail was impeccable. The Christmas decorations were like none I've seen before. The Palace was truly a sight for holiday spirit as was the ambiance. And even up here, on your private floor, the Christmas decorations make me feel at home. You've done a lovely job, Your Majesty."

"Thank you, Tristan. Christmas is my favorite time of the year. Something about the holidays really brings joy to my heart, a warmth I simply cannot put into words. This leads me to make a special request. Please, do not feel obligated or pressured. The King and I would like to extend an invitation to you to spend Christmas and New Year here with us as a personal guest. We believe it would be good for Freya to have someone from her family at her side, and as a family, we'd like to get to know you better."

The Queen could see the look of disbelief in Freya's expression. Tristan, however, held the same polite smile she had difficulty reading.

"Oh, Tristan. Her Majesty’s invitation is wonderful, and I'm so thankful for her thoughtfulness. But I'll totally understand if you want to spend it back home with the family," Freya said.

Queen Esperanza appreciated Freya wasn't quick to jump on the bandwagon. It was very telling of her heart.

Tristan smiled at his sister and turned his attention back to the Queen. "Your Majesty, I'd love to spend the holiday here. I'll have to fly back home to handle some business, but I'll return. Thank you."

The Queen was surprised by the relief she felt at his acceptance, and quickly added, "If you don't mind, we'd like to offer you a private flight upon your return on the royal plane. Also, if you feel security is of concern, we have a security detail that is at the ready to travel. Just say the word."

"Thank you, once again, Your Majesty. I truly appreciate the offer. I'll gladly accept the return flight. But as far as security is concerned, I think I'll be okay."

"Very well. I think our breakfast has been served. Shall we head out to the terrace now?"

Both Freya and Tristan nodded.

The Queen knew Freya had no inclination as to her brother's line of work. It was his secret to keep. The King and she had made the decision to bury the one clue which could unveil this. Not even Magnus would know.