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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