20 THE FEELINGS

Beatrix is sleeping peacefully.

I removed her shoes, her hair accessories, and her lacy gloves.

Looking at her makes my world turned upside down.

Oh, Beatrix! You always bring me to the paradise of fantasy and the dreamy world of romance.

You drew me to kiss you... and O how I wanted to sleep beside you in bed.

But, I need to focus.

I need to talk to Mikael, I wanted to know more about Beatrix and her birthday!

I left the conservatory room and closed it.

And I decided to go back to the parlor room.

They started to open the Christmas gifts.

"There you are! Where have you been?" King Sven asked with questioning eyes.

And all of the excitement of the gifts just interrupted.

Princess Sophie asked, "My dearest brother, where is Princess Beatrix?"

"Well.. she's already fallen asleep. She was not able to say goodnight since she's a bit intoxicated." I responded apologetically.

"Olivia...give me some wine, please! Let's opened those gifts! I announced in full excitement.

I approached Mikael while everyone is busy.

"My younger brother! Merry Christmas! Haven't you opened your gifts yet?" I asked while giving him a glass of wine.

"Your Highness! You knew well, how I dislike this tradition! It's just a waste of time" he said annoyingly.

I laughed out loud.

"Have you forgotten? You are always excited to open gifts every Christmas Eve when we were younger? And you always make sure that you are first to open! " I told him in mockery.

Mikael's face is in red, feeling embarrassed.

I smiled.

"Hey loosen up! It is okay, just enjoy the night! Cheers!" Then, I make a toast with him.

Mikael smiled.

"Younger brother, I just wanted to know..if..do you have any information about Princess Beatrix? like her birthday?" I asked sternly.

"Uncle Charles told me last time we talked... if Beatrix is the youngest child of King Dimitri and Duchess Anastasia.. their youngest daughter was born on December 25th of 1962 and so ..she will be turning eighteen... tomorrow!"

he said eagerly.

"Well... that's what was she had written in her journal notebook! " I muttered.

"Younger brother, I wanted you to do something for me..." and give him some instructions.

When suddenly... Lilly appeared in front of us, swaying, and started to fall on me.

I braced her to keep her still. Then, I ordered Mikael to transport her to one of the guest rooms.

And he carried Lilly to her room.

I hugged my parents and greeted them Merry Christmas.

And so as my little sister Sophie.

Yes, she is my little sister but she is already eighteen just like Beatrix.

She is being betrothed by the Prince Sebastian of Knossos.

"Will Princess Beatrix be the coming Queen of Dothinghelm? Oh, My elder brother Stefan! Your eyes speak of words from your soul" then she giggled.

"There is something about her that is telling me, she is the perfect one for you. I'm pretty sure about that! Here is my gift for you... open it!" she said in full of excitement.

"Thank you dearest little sister!"

It's a small red velvet box.

I slowly opened it.

My eyes just glow as the big stone of diamond, curved into a flower shape, it glitters beautifully on top of a gold band ring.

I gasped and speechless!

"My beloved elder brother, give this ring to the girl, to whom your heart desires" she smiled from ear to ear.

"Don't you worry, the ring is adjustable! I'm pretty sure it will fit perfectly!" she added.

My heart melts with the gift, I have received.

Then, King Sven and Queen Evi give their gifts to Stefan.

The gift given by his mother is an heirloom necklace. It is made of diamonds and seven cabochon emeralds set with a ring.

Queen Evi said "This is the heirloom passed from my great-great grand mother, Queen Alessandria. I want you to give this to whom you choose to be betrothed." then, she kisses me on my cheek.

Then, King Sven said, "Now my son, open the gift I give you."

I opened it and it is a diamond onyx gold ring with the symbol of Dothinghelm.

"My beloved son, that ring is an heirloom passed from my great-great-grandfather Philip, the first King of Dothinghelm," he said proudly.

My heart is full of joy and happiness.

"Thank you, Your Majesty! Thank you, little sister! These are the most awesome gifts I have ever received. I am overjoyed!" I kiss them in their hands and their cheeks.

Then, King Sven and Queen Evi said their good night and ready to retire.

Princess Sophie hugged me and thank me for the gifts she also received.

And I kissed her cheeks and say goodnight.

As soon as everyone is settled.

I immediately leave the parlor and returned to the conservatory room like a lightning.

I surveyed the room as soon as I entered.

And saw Beatrix still sleeping soundly.

I freshened up myself and changed to my blue striped, cotton shirt pants pajamas.

I approached the bed and feel the warmth of her body...and the sweet smell of roses lingers in the air.

It's been difficult for me to control my sexual desire.

But... there's always a perfect time for everything.

Tomorrow is a big day.

It's already late and I need to sleep.

I lay down beside her on my back.

Feeling restless...

And doze off.

The sunrise brings life and colors to the conservatory room.

Beatrix opened her eyes...and feeling surprised!

This is the first time...I have been into this room.

And saw Stefan... soundly sleeping on the right side of the bed.

He looks like one of the gods of Mount Olympus! He makes me drool.

Before my daydreaming caved in...

I move slowly to rise.

Then... I checked myself if everything is ok.

And I'm pleased.

I walked around and surveyed the room.

Glass is..all over the room!

Glass ceilings, glass walls, and glass windows.

Plants are all over the place, providing some privacy, some plants are hanging, some big potted plants near the bedside, there's a butler's pantry, a sofa and dining table, and an en suite bath.

This is the most beautifully designed room!

And trees surrounding outside the room.

Then, I heard some footsteps .. getting closer ...at my back.

"Good morning My Lady! Do you like it? " he asked in a gruff voice.

I turned to face him.

I cheerfully said "Good morning Your Highness! Yes, it's beautiful..I love it!" while grinning from ear to ear.

Then...I added "I couldn't remember...if we have a room like this in Oblonsky" and sudden nostalgia plastered across my face.

"My Lady.... cheer up! Don't be sad. I have a surprise for you today. Freshen up and be ready ... breakfast will be served in twenty minutes." he said.

"But my suitcase..."

He interrupted and pointed on the floor near the sofa.

And I said "Thank you... Your Highness!"

and bow down for respect.

My face suddenly in hot flashes... recalled Stefan's warning.

Stefan's eyes are teasing.