Freya walked Tristan out to the front of the palace where Magnus had made a vehicle available to him. He would only be gone for a few days, but she felt that having him there as support had turned out to be a great idea. Not that anyone was treating her poorly; on the contrary, everyone was so kind.

"Tristan! I'm so glad I caught you before you left. I didn't have a chance to say a proper goodbye," the Princess said as she panted in his direction. "Sorry I'm so winded. Not sure why? It seems soon to be out of breath." She laughed.

"Your Royal Highness, thank you, but you didn't have trouble yourself." Tristan was all manners.

"Nonsense. You are a guest and the brother of our dear Freya." She smiled. "So, I hear you've agreed to spend the holidays here with us?"

"Yes, that is true. I'll be back in a few days. Not sure exactly when, but surely before Christmas and through the New Year. Their Majesties are very kind to have invited me."

"Very well then. I'll see you soon. Safe travels, Tristan." She stood on tiptoes to give him a peck on the cheek and quickly headed back into the palace.

Freya waited until she was sure Cossette wasn't in earshot and asked, "What was that all about?"

Tristan simply shrugged his shoulders. "She's just being kind, like everyone else here."

Freya wasn't buying it. Just the night before, she'd seen with her own eyes how he and the Princess canoodled on the terrace. But she wasn't ready to say anything. She wasn't sure if Tristan had any feelings for her. However, it was clear as day that the Princess, at a minimum, had a strong liking for her brother.

The car approached, and the driver quickly made his way around to help Tristan with his baggage and into the car.

"Are you going to be okay here by yourself for a few days?"

"Tristan, I'll be fine." She paused. "I know you probably don't want to talk about this right now, but I have to get it off my chest. Please, tell mom you won't be there for Christmas. I know you'd rather not say anything, but she deserves to know."

He didn't say a word as he stood tall, considering the words she'd said. He shook his head as if to disagree. Not the reaction Freya was hoping for.

"What is it, Tristan? You can tell me." She pushed him to confide in her.

"I had a few words with Mom before I came over here. I knew she'd find out, and I wanted her to hear directly from me. Of course, it didn't go well. In fact, she asked me not to bother going over for Christmas or any other holiday. That I'd made my choice, and the line had been drawn. I didn't bother trying to argue. It was pointless.

"Then Claire called to reaffirm mom's position and assert her support for her. She said I was wrong and that by choosing to be here with you, I'd basically cut myself out of the family. So, there you have it. I don't have time to be playing these emotional games with them. Anyway, let's not talk about it anymore. Okay?" He reached in to embrace his sister.

"Okay. But promise me, if you feel like staying, then stay. I'll totally understand and want you to do what you are most comfortable with."

"Are you kidding me? And miss out on a royal Christmas? Not a chance." He laughed. "Do you need anything from home? I have to drive up to Seattle, so I can always stop by the studio and pick anything up for you."

"Thanks, but I think I'm good. And don't go near the studio. I think Justine still has it bad for you. I don't want her to get any false hope."

He winked. "Well, okay then. That is settled. I'll stay clear of the studio in your absence. How are you doing on money?"

"I haven't spent a single coin here." She laughed. "Go on, or you're going to miss your flight. If I think of anything I can’t live without, I'll let you know."

She watched as the car drove away with her brother in it, wondering yet again, why her mother and sister were so insistent on creating such a divide.

Instead of heading back into the Palace, Freya walks toward a beautiful garden off to the side, home to a massive water fountain with a statue makeup like the Trevi fountain, only without the backdrop.

A bench well concealed within shrubbery beckoned to her as she sat to enjoy the noise of the water falling. The surroundings, the sound, it was all soothing, and for the first time in a long time, Freya felt at peace.