A heavy oak door opened, and a doorman dressed in black and white with accessories in red, ushered the group inside. Megan gasped at the sight that lay before her. Shoes clicked on the marble floors of the Great Hall as Damien’s voice echoed in the expanse. His spiel continued, pointing out details in the stonework, wood carvings, and the multiple purposes of the room in days of old. The magnitude of it left Megan spellbound. Her entire condo in Springvale would barely fill the center ring.
Megan pushed Suzanne who dawdled as the group started to move forward. Her friend nodded upward and Megan followed her gaze. A man stared openly at them from the bannister of the first floor. Megan chuckled. “He’s as forward as you are.”
“He’s gorgeous – do you think he’s part of the royal family? asked Suzanne.
“How would I know that?” She slapped at Suzanne’s arm. “Stop gawking. The tour is leaving us behind.”
They hurried to catch up, and for the next two hours learned the history of Edstrom Castle, toured the public viewing wing from the bottom to the top, and learned much about life behind the massively thick walls hiding them from the view of commoners. The man they’d encountered at the beginning never showed his face again, but they did learn the room he’d excited from were offices that state officials occasionally used when Parliament was in. As a parting gift, they offered the group a few tempting nibbles of the royal family’s favorite foods.
Late in the afternoon, Megan and Suzanne dined at the hotel, a perfectly cooked steak, marinated in a tasty blend of spices and grilled medium rare. For sides they added a loaded baked potato and stringed green beans.
“What are your plans for the rest of the day?” Megan asked.
“Bed. I should have listened to you last night and retired earlier,” Suzanne moaned. “I promise to wake up fully refreshed tomorrow and we can shop ‘til we drop.”
“Deal,” said Megan. “I think I’ll go for a walk. I saw a ruin not too far off and thought I’d explore.”
“Haven’t you had enough history for one day?”
“It’s a ruin. There’s no tour guide there, just ghosts crying out from the old stones.”
“Have a blast,” said Suzanne. “I’m headed to the room.”
Megan strolled close to the park area and found the stone that marked the entrance to the path leading toward the old dilapidated half walls of a crumpled structure. Apparently, it was one of the castles outbuildings, used in medieval times. She turned away from the brief write up and started toward the ruin. Bushes and flowers in full bloom grew along both sides of the gravel walkway. She particularly like the bright red blossoms that reminded her of the season. Solar lights sticking out of the ground, stood ready to light the path when darkness fell on Edstrom. She still had a couple hours of daylight. The distance proved further than she’d anticipated and was relieved to feel the deteriorating cobbled stones underfoot.
The place appeared abandoned and she breathed in the solitude after a busy day with the tourist crowd. Squeezing through an opening in the six-foot outer wall, she noticed the remains of a derelict fireplace and a rectangular stone structure that might have been a table at one time. Cracked pottery, goblets and plates were cemented to the surface so spectators might have a better idea as to a medieval table setting. She moved through another opening into a large room, where the exterior walls reached only five feet in height and against the two side walls sat numerous cement platforms, she guessed the length and width of a single bed. She lay on one and hoped for their sake they had straw mattresses.
At the sound of a voice she jumped to her feet. “Not too comfortable, is it?”
“No,” Megan answered. “I’m sorry, I thought I was alone.”
“As did I,” the man said. “But what a lovely surprise to find you here. Welcome to the soldiers, Base One – first in line of fire should rascal rebels wish to invade the castle. Poor chaps, guarding here in the open space; likely died protecting the royal family. But the signal would be sent off to allow the next regiment to prepare for the coming attack.”
Megan smiled. “And here I told my friend there would be no guide at the ruins to give me another history lesson.”
“Aha, so you’ve been to the palace?”
“Today. I enjoyed it very much.”
He stepped from the glare of the late afternoon sun and Megan gasped. It was the same man she’d spied on with her binoculars.
“You are a tourist, then?” he asked.
“Guilty as charged.” Megan was swept in by the infectious twinkle of turquoise in his eyes, the smooth suntanned skin, the dark chestnut hair, and the full smile that lit up his entire face. The loneliness of last night’s sneak-peek had vanished, and he scanned her as a man in full control of his heart. She became aware of her vulnerability out here with a stranger yet his stance revealed a perfect gentleman.
“Do you come here for the peace and quiet?” she asked.
“Yes. You’ve discovered my secret hiding place,” he said. “Would you care to see my favorite part of the ruin?”
“Lead the way,” Megan said.
They walked back into the main area and moved to the right, where the tallest wall in the entire structure stood. He pushed the overgrown ivy aside and allowed her to pass through the opening first. All four thickly cemented walls stood here, the roof non-existent and open to whatever weather poured into this unprotected space. Trees, shrubs, and gorgeous wildflowers spattered the ground, creating a paradise of untouched beauty.
“It’s amazing,” Megan said. “One tiny piece of the world man has not contaminated.”
She twirled in child-like awe, but stopped abruptly when she noticed him staring. Megan felt the heat of embarrassment crawl up the back of her neck, the crimson red prompting an explosive grin to spread across his face.
“A woman after my own heart. The world is far too polished with precision, and might I say modern without sounding like an old man. I love the history of my homeland and the wild, rough-and-tumble of this secret playground. As a child I would slay giants in this place; fearless and ready to challenge the world.”
Megan watched the mask cloud the brightness in his eyes as he turned his focus from her scrutiny. A last blast of fading sun touched the far corner of the wall, whereas evening shadows cast an uncanny darkness over other sections where they stood. She likened the contrast to this man of conflicting emotions.
“Do I detect a change in attitude? Perhaps you find the giants too huge to conquer these days?” asked Megan.
“I suppose I am going through a difficult time,” he said. “Will you walk the garden with me and help to revive the courageous spirit of old into my heart?”
Megan smiled and moved in next to him. They strolled in peaceful silence. How could that be? She’d just met the man, and hoped she’d not caught Suzanne’s man-fever. She listened as he told of the childhood giants he’d overcome and how many damsels in distress he’d rescued from sure death. They stopped to rest on a cement bench. He pointed to places of interest where soldiers of long ago had planned strategic schemes to protect the kingdom and arenas where they’d practised archery and other relevant skills of defence. Suddenly Megan became aware of the passage of time and noted the sun had nearly set.
“I shouldn’t linger,” she said. “I have to walk back to the Hotel Belfry.” Why did she say that – tell a stranger where she was staying. She chuckled inwardly. If he’d been the dangerous type, he’d have made his move here in this isolated spot. She needed to unwind and relax. In her line of work, she dealt with moody and often confused undependable individuals, but healthy men existed, and she’d love to discover that this tall dark and handsome stranger was among the best Edstrom had to offer.
“Will you return tomorrow? I enjoyed our time together,” he asked.
Megan could not refuse the pleading she saw in his eyes. He was troubled, and perhaps she could help him find his inner hero. She sighed realizing that being a psychiatrist had its downfalls. �
�I don’t even know your name or if you a serial killer luring his next victim.”
He laughed loud, a joyous melody filling the air. “The kingdom is protected by ghostly soldiers. Rest assured, fair maiden, Edstrom is free from such debauchery, and I, the least suspect of all.” He stood and took Megan’s hand, laying a gentle kiss on the back. “My name is Ryan, and if you would join me here at six, I will bring us a picnic dinner and you can tell me all about yourself.”
“I’m not that interesting,” she said.
“I beg to differ, Miss?”
“Fairchild. Megan Fairchild,” she said, knowing she already counted the hours until tomorrow night. “I’ll bring dessert.”
“My favorite part of the meal.” He led her outside the ruin entrance and kissed her hand again. “Until tomorrow, then.” He pivoted and disappeared back inside the stone walls.
Megan and Suzanne entered and exited stores all the next day. Each shop held at least one treasure worth exhibiting somewhere at home. If she didn’t watch it, both her apartment and office would be a miniature replica of Edstrom Isle. She couldn’t help but feel that wouldn’t be such a bad thing – making memories suddenly became her priority while on this vacation; and maybe she’d start with her mysterious new friend, Ryan.
“You’re not even listening,” Suzanne complained as they bit into their lunch sandwiches.
“I’m sorry, you were talking about a man?”
Suzanne groaned. “Not just any man, Meg. The fella we saw staring down from the balcony at the castle. We met at the bar last night – can you believe it? I was all set to prepare for bed when the house phone rang and he invited me downstairs for a drink.”
“Is he a stalker?”
“No. Said he was here on business and saw me sitting alone on the bar stool then panicked when I heading for the elevator. He finished his meeting zip-speed then asked the clerk to ring my room. He’s under my spell, pure and simple. Claims he never saw such a mass of strawberry blond hair and blue eyes the color of turbulent sea water.”
“Sounds like you fell for overused lines,” Megan said.
“He was a perfect gentleman. Turns out he works at the castle as a consultant or something. This is as close as I’m going to get to royalty and I’m grabbing it.”
“Still think you should find the baker. You might have more in common,” Megan said as she nibbled on her sweet cake while still mowing down on her sandwich.
“Phooey! Well, we have a date tonight so you can find a lonely guy or eat alone for supper.” She looked at the smirk on Megan’s face. “What? We’re not glued at the hips, are we?”
“Certainly not,” said Megan. “I also have a dinner date.”
“You do!” Suzanne cried loudly, gaining the attention of diners close by. She ignored the onlookers and reached to cover Megan’s hand. “I am super excited. Tell me all the juicy details.”
“Nothing to tell. I met him at the ruin and he captured my interest, so I accepted his invitation to picnic tonight.”
“A picnic, under the stars? How romantic,” Suzanne swooned.
“At six o’clock I doubt we will find stars overhead.”
“Well, as my friend always warns me; be careful. I’ll have my cell phone close by if you need a quick escape from the date.”
“Vise-versa. Call me if Mr. Consultant turns out to be a dog and I’ll come running,” said Megan.
The girls laughed and finished their lunch. The day ended with not enough arms to drag the purchases back to the hotel. Some stores agreed to deliver to the hotel, and in other cases, Meg opted to send the bigger breakable items directly to New York.
And this was their routine for the next five days. Sightseeing in the day and dates in the evening. The village offered products that touched influences world-wide, but it was the Christmas and Island-themed shops that sparked Megan’s interest. The detailed works of stone, the seasonal stores, and items flavored from this retreat paradise. It all screamed buy-me. The hikes, museums, live theatre in the parks, a day at the beach, and a new spot to dine for every meal, all fought to place first on her trips-favorite-list.
But Ryan topped the list without even trying. A man of many faces; sometimes hidden but always polite and charming. The same drawing she’d felt that first glance through the binoculars continued to grow. All had progressed perfectly – the two of them tucked away in their secret refuge – and perhaps that should have alerted Megan. Today the air in Edstrom village was filled with undeniable apprehension, and even chalking the mood off to a frenzied crowd preparing for the inauguration of the new King, did nothing to settle her nerves.
Tonight, Megan and Ryan would enjoy another picnic at the ruins, similar to previous dates. Megan chose yellow capris to avoid the embarrassment of sitting on the ground in a dress. A flowery blouse of summer colors set the outfit off perfectly. After French-braiding her long locks she added sprigs of tiny white blossoms that she found in the flower bouquet the hotel apparently provided fresh each day. Minimal makeup suited the comfortable level she liked to portray, and a quick spray of a mild fragrant perfume finished her preparation. Slipping on matching sandals, with a low heel easy for strolling in the ruins, she grabbed her designer bag and walked out the door. She stopped by the hotel diner and they boxed two portions of today’s most popular dessert choice – a raspberry torte smothered in whipped cream and drizzled in sugary red stripes of sinful pleasure.
Megan began the trek, scolding herself when realizing the futility of keeping her pace down to a respectable walk. Her mind swam with thoughts of the upcoming date and it pushed her forward at a betraying rate of speed. From a distance, she waved and her heart did a flip-flop when he responded with a boisterous motion of his arms. Excitement was written all over his face and she was pleased to see the attraction was not one-sided.
Megan made her way inside the walls and watched from the opening as he stretched a fluffy blanket on the ground in old soldier barracks. Food stretched along one of the cement bunks.
“It all looks so delicious,” Megan said. “I’m curious if you are a chef on the side, or if you order these remarkable picnic meals pre-made every day?”
“I must admit, I order take-out. I want to make a good impression, and poisoning you in the first week would not be wise.”
Megan laughed. “Cooking is not my forte either. I work full time and find myself resorting to frozen dinners from the grocery store or delivery at the condo.”
He motioned to the blanket. “Shall we indulge? I wish to hear all about your work. You’ve been ignoring the subject thus far and I’m insanely curious. Let me guess; you are a lawyer.”
“Not even close. I gave my word to Suzanne that we would never mention work, but I suppose I can indulge you since she is off on another date with Mr. Consultant.” She laughed at his quizzical look. “Never mind. We don’t compare dates or guys.”
“Glad to hear that. So, if not a lawyer, perhaps a clothes designer?”
She roared. “Are you kidding? I need to ask the sales person to put outfits together before I purchase it.”
“Well I love that yellow outfit. I hope you gave her a tip?”
“We don’t tip – it’s enough to pay the amount on the price tag.”
“Okay, one final guess. How about a caregiver? I see a tender heart that reaches into my soul. I find it rather invasive and freeing at the same time.”
Megan spread a napkin across her knee as he passed her a plate that he’d filled with a little taste of everything he’d brought. She watched him close for his reaction, “I am a psychiatrist. Dig all that confusion out of people’s minds.”
He grinned. “Splendid! Providence has sent you to me, for my head is indeed confused.”
“I thought so too,” said Megan.
Ryan pouted. “Are you suggesting you only accepted my invitations to mend my muddled-up brain?”
“Not in the least. I’m on vacation, sir, but have been quite willing to listen when you’ve
chosen to unload. Although I warn you; my reputation is ruthless. But I can have you confronting your demons and back running life’s race long before I leave.”
“I feel we’ve merely scratched the surface, and you speak of leaving already. How long are you in Edstrom?” asked Ryan.
“My girlfriend and I are here until after the New Year.”
“Splendid! The village is known for its events this time of year.”
“Yes, Edstrom Isle is a five-star retreat according to leading magazines. The shops have convinced me,” Megan said as she bit into her chicken salad. “I will need to purchase a third suitcase to tote my treasures home.”
“An easy solution. I shall send them airmail and they will be waiting for you when you arrive,” Ryan offered.
“There’s no need. Some shops provide that service and I have time to grow a third arm. I will manage either way.”
“Independent, yes? I like that quality, as long as you don’t remove all the fun from your male suitors. Our egos are fragile: We like to appear indispensable to females that we like.”
Megan lifted her brow. “And you think you like me? You haven’t got my bill for the psycho-analysis yet.”
“Mm… but never fear, I can afford it. I’m in state politics and it pays well.”
“I see clearly now why you grieve. A position in politics is a task too great for one puny man-size brain,” said Megan.
“And now you assume my brain is puny – I am confused emotionally but not about the future of Edstrom Isle.”
“We may as well start the session sir. Unload while I devour this food.”
“You have a beautiful smile, especially the teeny dimple,” Ryan said.
“I can see where your mind is confused. Problem solved. I’ll just smile forever.”
“Forever, that’s a noble offer.”
“Well, you’ll have to settle for a two-week forever span. After that, facetime through the air waves. I live in Springvale, New York – in America?” she added when she noticed his questioning glance. “But back to you. The clock is ticking, and I charge by the hour.” She grinned and took another bite.
A Crown for Christmas Page 3