"Your parents are adorable. I'm glad they made up, and it seems you and your mother are doing good?" Magnus cautiously stated as he and Freya met up on the terrace before they all were to head out to midnight Mass.

She was so lovely, in a fitted black dress with a red velvet belt and those red shoes she'd been wearing when they first met. Her hair was pulled to the side in a loose braid with soft waves threatening to fall out of the braid. He wanted desperately to kiss her, but they didn't have a lot of time as the rest would be down at any moment.

"Yes, I'm glad they made up too, and I think my mom and I are headed in the right direction. But like all things, only time will tell the truth."

"There you are," Cossette hollered from the door at them, "let's go! Or we are going to be late." She waved them to her as they rushed her way.

The others were all congregated in the foyer, smiling and chatting.

"Does it upset you to see how much your father has taken to my brother?" Freya whispered in Magnus’ direction as he helped her into her coat.

He grinned, considering the question for a moment before he replied, "No. It doesn't bother me. In fact, I find it quite interesting how well they've hit it off. You know, your brother is very well connected. He seems to know a lot of the European power players on a first name basis."

"Yeah, I've noticed."

Magnus could feel the wheels turning as she stared at her brother. He didn't want the night to end with questions or doubts, so he quickly did something to change the mood.

"Your Majesty, what do you think of all arriving together, in the same limo?"

The King didn't look affronted; in fact, he seemed quite pleased. "I think that is a great idea."

"Pardon me, Your Majesty, but there has been no official announcement made regarding the Sinclair’s," the King's secretary reminded him.

"There is no need to make an official announcement. I am the King and what I say goes. The Sinclair’s and The Dahls will ride and arrive together, and our families will sit together and share the same bread and wine. What is good enough for them is good enough for me."

Magnus caught a glimpse of his mother who looked at her husband with loving pride.

"Tonight, we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, with our friends from the United States of America," the King stated cheerfully.

"Okay then, let's go. We don't want to be late for the midnight Mass," Cossette pressured them.

"I hardly think it would start without us," Magnus teased, waiting for her to give him a dirty look, except it never came.

Freya couldn't remember ever being this type of happy as Magnus helped her out of the limo.

They all walked in pairs toward the entrance of the church. Tristan accompanied Cossette, who seemed perfectly thrilled to have him all to herself, even if it was going to church.

The clergy and procession were waiting outside. Freya could only guess it had something to do with tradition. She wasn't much of a churchgoer, so she didn't know. And the church her family did attend was a much smaller non-denominational one.

"Do we need to do anything special?" Freya spoke quietly as she leaned in to ask Magnus.

"Not really. Just follow my lead," he said and then turned to ask Cossette to relay to Freya's parents to do the same.

Freya couldn't keep her eyes off Magnus, who was dashing in his suit with royal sashes depicting his family's royal insignia and order. She had so much to learn, yet, about royal etiquette and what not, but she was willing. Magnus was worth it.

A few of the clerical entourage entered, and then the altar boys with the candles followed by the ecclesiastical leaders. Once they were situated at the altar of the church, their Majesties entered, followed by Magnus and Freya.

Magnus took Freya's arm in his and stoically walked down the aisle with Freya at his side. She didn't dare to look behind her as she felt every single eye on her.

The trajectory seemed so long, but they were safely situated on their bench where the eight of them comfortably fit.

After the mass, they returned to the Palace and had a nice nightcap, and everyone retired to their rooms.

Well, almost everyone.

Magnus insisted on Freya opening a gift he'd bought her.

She released the big bow that was wrapped around the long thin box, letting it fall to the ground. Carefully opening the lid, she saw a beautiful ruby and diamond encrusted bracelet glimmering within. The clasp was a slightly larger red bow made of rubies.

Freya looked at Magnus who was grinning. It took her a minute, but she finally made the connection.

"The red bow from my shoes," she said as she looked down at her feet.

"They might have been the inspiration," he teased.

"It's perfect. Thank you. But this is too much, Magnus."

"Freya, never say anything is too much. Okay?" he said as he leaned down to kiss her. "I love you, Freya Marie Sinclair." He continued kissing her until she finally pulled away.

"And I love you."

Magnus took her into his arms, lifting her feet off the ground and spun her around a couple of times.

He was happy, he’d declared to her. Madly in love happy.

Finally, for the first time, she felt so comfortable with someone she allowed herself to be open to feeling more than just a casual infatuation.

Freya had finally fallen in love. And not with just anyone. Nope. Apparently, the universe had conspired for something much more dramatic.

Freya Marie Sinclair had fallen ardently in love with a Prince.