The younger maid bowed slightly after speaking what her nervous eyes revealed she deemed disrespectful. It appeared the news had hit the grapevine. The American runaway had returned and was to be treated like royalty. They’d barely set the coffee and plate of poached egg, toast, ham and a bowl of oatmeal on the tray when the door swung open again and a woman wearing a suit entered.
“Good morning, my lady. My name is Abigail Grishom and I’ve been appointed to be your secretary and counselor of state. I will arrange your schedule and assist you in learning the responsibilities of your upcoming role.” She stopped at the bottom of the bed and pulled the remaining drapery to the side. “His Majesty gave permission for you to sleep in this morning, but it is now half past nine and your first appointment will arrive within the hour.”
“I have an appointment?” Megan bit off a piece of toast and gulped coffee to settle the butterflies in her stomach.
“Yes, Lady Fairchild.” Megan started at the name she’d acquired while sleeping. Ryan had been busy. The woman prattled on. “The seamstress has an impossible task in such a short period of time. Skilled workers have been called in from the village to help. The first thing to be addressed is your appearance, my lady. The family Christmas is mid-week and the ball is in six days where you will be announced. You do want to make your King proud, don’t you?”
“Of course I do,” said Megan as she took another bite, pushed the tray off to the side and jumped out of bed. A maid reached for the tray but Megan rescued the coffee cup.
“Thank you, ladies,” Megan said while in her mind she sympathized with the grumbles in her tummy. Good thing lunch was in two hours.
“A quick clean up will be sufficient and you can wear this silk housedress. It will be easier for the staff to measure and plan your wardrobe.”
“I do have tailor-made clothes in my suitcase.” She neglected to add they’d be wrinkled from her hasty pack job last night; but they were hers and she loved them.
“You may discuss options with Ms. Chester. She is pleasant enough and will entertain your style preferences.” Ms. Grishom tapped her hands together. “Well, don’t just stand there, my lady. The clock is ticking.”
Megan fled into the washroom and began to prepare for her first official meeting – if designing a wardrobe was considered official. She wondered what Ryan was doing. Probably much the same, being fitted for new clothes to wear to the ball. Appearances appeared to be a big deal at the castle; something she’d have to get used to.
A light tap sounded, followed by an arm dangling the silk lounger in mid-air through the slight crack in the doorway. “You forgot this.” Megan snatched it from the hand and closed the door again. Not off to a good start. The staff grapevine would be buzzing today.
Ms. Chester arrived in her suite promptly at ten fifteen with two helpers in tow. They stood at a distance staring at Megan, fingers drumming under their chin and disjointed grunts of mental design forming behind their eyes. Megan was relieved when they actually spoke, voicing ideas while she pivoted as gracefully as an awkward baby fawn under close scrutiny.
“Lot’s of work to do, my lady,” said the middle-aged woman who appeared to be in charge of the trio.” If you have objections with our choices please share an opinion and we will take it under advisement. We want you to be comfortable in your wardrobe but at the same time portray your position as the King’s wife and new Queen.”
“Thank you, I appreciate that,” said Megan.
As the morning sped by, Megan realized these women knew their jobs. They explained how each style change enhanced her figure, but when the stylist turned her attention toward Megan’s hair, she cringed.
“Ryan… I mean King Ryannaus likes my hair long, so please keep that in mind,” said Megan.
“The King has a good eye, my lady. Length suits the shape of your face. Perhaps some trimming and shaping will help give it a touch of class, and a good moisturizing program is needed. I will slot the appointment in with Ms. Grishom.”
“Perhaps you can teach me some new ways to wear it?” asked Megan.
“No need, my lady. I will arrive regularly to help you prepare for the days events.”
“Like going to the hairdresser every day?” Megan asked.
“The hairdresser will come to you, my lady.” She moved aside and Megan heard a groan from the other side of the room. Ms.Chester had opened her suitcases.
Megan hurried over. “Sorry about the mess. I left in a bit of a hurry last night.”
Abigail Grishom moved in behind Megan. “There is no need to apologize to the help, my lady. Please remember your new station.” Ms. Grishom frowned at Ms. Chester. “Take the garments to the laundry and have them cleaned. There will be times when our new Queen will want to wear some of her favorite older garments – should the occasion be appropriate.”
“Thank you, Ms. Grishom. I appreciate that,” said Sandra
“Once again. No need to thank the help.”
“I disagree. Everyone has feelings, no matter their status in life, and if I can brighten one’s day with a mere show of appreciation for their efforts on my behalf, I will continue to do so.”
Ms. Grishom curtsied slightly. “As you wish, my lady.”
When Ryan appeared at her door at noon, she nearly fell into his arms but waited patiently until the room cleared before pulling him aside. He responded to her embrace and all was well in the world again.
“Did you not enjoy the pampering?”
“It was wonderful, but they all caught me by surprise. I wasn’t expecting my own staff quite so soon. Your daring rescue last night still has my head spinning.”
Ryan laughed. “The whole jumping out of the helicopter nearly gave James a heart attack. But he’ll have to get used to a more relaxed and daring boss. You’ve awakened a sleeping giant in me, Megan, and I will be eternally grateful.”
“I’m starving. Where are we eating today?”
“On the south terrace where it all began. Unless you prefer the hysterics of my sisters who are beyond control knowing you are in the castle to stay; or my mothers not so easily restrained compliant spirit. She will need a couple days to register these changes and I suggest we give her the space. She will come around – I promise - and you will love her as we all do.”
“I have no doubt.”
“I’ve asked James and Suzanne to join us, I hope you don’t mind. There are discussions to be had amongst the new foursome in the palace. But I shall let them tell you the good news themselves.”
They’d no sooner seated themselves on the terrace, when Suzanne raced through the patio doors and flung the engagement ring into Megan’s face. “Look what I got last night. And of course, I said yes. Happiness has shone it’s favor on me at long last.” She snuggled up to James. “This man is a keeper.”
Megan rose and hugged her friend. “I am so happy for you. So, if we’re sharing good news,” she stuck her diamond in Suzanne’s face, “Ryan has asked me to marry him, and I accepted.”
Suzanne squealed. “A double wedding! How perfect is that?”
James took Suzanne by the arm and sat the bouncing girl down. “Already you have forgotten what I told you. The American friend from your childhood will soon be Queen and us, being the lowly help, must treat her and the King differently.”
“How so? Megan, surely you don’t want me to curtsy every time I see you?”
Megan shrugged her shoulders and Ryan answered. “It is the way of royalty. Everyone will show respect to Megan and the only one higher in the whole kingdom will be her husband.”
“That’s a bummer. But can we still hang out in our room like old times?” Suzanne asked.
“Definitely,” Megan said while casting a steely glare in Ryan’s direction. “And in private settings, such as lunch for four on the terrace, we can be casual. You will always be my best friend and I’m thrilled we won’t have to say goodbye in the New Year.”
Ryan lifted his goblet, “Hear, hear.” He gla
nced at Megan. “Your drinks are non-alcoholic, same as me. The staff has been told.” Glasses tinkled midair.
“Ryan, you do realize I need to go home: We both do. I have a practise to shut down, a condo to sell and goodbyes to say,” said Megan.
James looked at his boss. “What do you say we take a trip with the girls after the ball and before administration resumes? I’ve never been to America.”
Suzanne squealed and Megan grabbed for Ryan’s hand. “Could you? I’d like to arrange for my father to visit while we’re there. Fences to mend, and I’d love to introduce him to my betrothed.”
“And invite him to the wedding. Let’s do it, James. Parliament is out until Jan. 10th. Perhaps it can be a honeymoon?”
Megan laughed. “No way! Ms. Grishom will have a fit if I throw a wedding into the mix. It’s far too soon, Ryan. How about calling it an engagement trip? That would include all four of us.”
“It’s done. How long do you suppose it takes to plan a wedding?” asked Ryan.
“A royal wedding? I have no idea but if you prefer, we can elope, and introduce the rebellious heads of state in proper fashion.”
Ryan and James both roared laughing. “No. You deserve a princess wedding and you shall have it.”
“Good; I promised your mother we wouldn’t elope.”
“Meanwhile there are mealtimes and Christmas with the family, and whatever fun we can squeeze in between events,” said Ryan.
The servers arrived and Megan felt so blessed. Her Prince Charming, now King wanted to marry her. Ms. Claus had it right the whole time.”
Four days later, the Queen mother sent for Megan. Actually, the great lady was scheduled in the same as everyone else in Megan’s life. She paused in front of the private parlor and recalled the first meeting behind these doors not so long ago. With new bravery she knocked and heard the invitation to come in.
“Good afternoon, Lady Megan.” She smiled when Megan bit her lip. “I’ve practised and it slips off my tongue quite easily now.” She walked toward her soon-to-be daughter in law. “It was never personal; I hope you believe that.”
“I do, and I’m looking forward to building a great relationship with my mother-in-law. Did I tell you my mother died two years ago? It’s only fitting that the best woman in the entire country of Edstrom will fill her shoes.”
“That’s very generous of you, my dear. I can see more each day why my son loves you. And Ms. Grishom is thrilled at your progress in royal etiquette.”
“It’s my primary goal to make Ryan the happiest husband and the proudest King that Edstrom has known. The two are quite separate and we are ecstatic to move forward.”
“I hear you are going on a trip to America and wanted to give you an engagement gift prior to the announcement at the ball. Perhaps you will do me the honor of wearing it if it compliments your gown?” The queen mother went to her desk and passed Megan a case, wrapped in Christmas red with gold ribbons.
Megan accepted it and brushed a tear away. Taking the small card, she opened it first. The handwritten welcome to the Edstrom family triggered more tears. When she reached the salutation, she gasped. It read, Peace to follow your Dreams; Family forever, Ursula Edstrom. Megan pulled the ribbon on the packaging and tore the paper free. A square green box faced her and with trembling hands she opened it. Inside lay the tear drop pearl Tiara – not an ornament, but the real thing. A few colorful stones of Christmas magic were placed in the setting and Megan could not hold back the rush of tears.
“Whatever is the matter, dear?” the Queen mother hurried to her side.
“A wonderful gift choice.” She almost asked, how did you know, but decided to stop trying to piece the puzzle together. “Before I came on this vacation, I received an anonymous gift of a pearl Tiara Christmas ornament for the tree, and included with it was a scroll that read, Peace will follow your Dream. This trip has challenged my past, present and future, with lack of peace at the core snuffing out my dream. Your gift is a confirmation that I’m where I’m supposed to be. It’s more than I could have hoped for.”
“I wonder if we might carry this coincidence a bit further? Months ago, the family went abroad, and Ryannaus and I went shopping to purchase jewelry for the girls. He saw this pearl Tiara and had to have it – he said, for the woman who waited for him just around the corner.” She laughed. “He has special memories of his grandmother and she was partial to pearls. He asked me to put it aside. Yesterday he suggested I give it to you from both of us; for all the grief we’ve put you through and to mark a new beginning with a touch of old.”
“It’s perfect and I will wear it to the ball. And don’t worry about my outfit clashing. Mother always said that pearls go with everything.”
Megan was amazed at the extent of organization that went into an event at the castle. On a personal level, the staff fussed and pampered her until she suspected her skin would tingle forever. After a light lunch with the family, everyone disappeared again to continue preparing for the evening ball.
Her satin dress of turquoise fit where it touched at the top and continued to hug her waistline. From there it flowed to the floor with material gathered in folds so her skirt would whirl when she danced with the King. It was sleek and elegant and triggered a Princess-like state of mind. North Pole magic was still underway and she held on for dear life.
The stylist wound waves of loose curls on top of her head anchoring the tiara into its layers. The remainder fell into long spirals down her back, each one sprayed with hints of ivory and holiday colors. Slipping into her heels completed the ensemble and she barely recognized the woman in the mirror.
Ms. Grishom arrived at eight o’clock to escort her to the Ballroom. “You look lovely, my lady. The King will not be able to take his eyes off you.”
“Thank you. I hope you will linger close by in case I offend some lord or lady and start a national war.”
“You underestimate yourself. You will do the crown proud.” She opened the door. “Shall we go? King Ryannaus and his mother have greeted those invited to the ball and everyone waits with baited breath for the King’s special guest to arrive. News has leaked, as it always does, that you are the King’s choice for marriage.”
Megan walked the halls and as she passed through rooms tried to wrap her head around the fact that this was now home sweet home. Two weeks had changed her life and she could not be happier. At the top of a winding set of steps, Ms. Grishom glanced at her watch. “Wait to be announced, and then enter the ballroom like the Queen you will soon be, confident and in full control.”
Megan laughed. “In control you say? That is if I don’t trip halfway down and break my neck.”
“I believe break a leg is the saying for luck. Let’s go with that scenario.” Ms. Grishom rarely smiled, but the one she offered now provided the lift Megan needed. “Have a pleasant evening, my lady.” She left Megan alone and focused on breathing deep as she waited for her name to be called.
Presently a trumpet sounded and over a loud speaker a male voice spoke the words that would change her life forever.
“King Ryannaus Julius Alexander Edstrom welcomes Lady Megan Sherise Fairchild, of Springvale, New York, his betrothed and the next Queen of Edstrom. All rise.”
Megan began the trek downward, watching her footing on the stone steps. She held her head high as taught, and slid the tips of her manicured fingers along the polished rail. Her diamonds reflected off the bright party lights and sparkled, and all the while her eyes scanned the room for her love. When she noticed him moving toward the bottom of the stairs, she relaxed. Her smile narrowed in on him alone, taking scant notice of the entire congregation gathered below. At the final step, Megan stopped and he reached for her hand.
Ever so gently Ryan led her onto the dance floor and the room seemed to let out a sigh of relief as the waltz started. Megan followed his lead and the moment was every bit as magical as she’d dreamed. Her Prince Charming had found her, and this night celebrated the inception
of their happily-ever-after.
*****
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A Crown for Christmas Page 9