Later, wrapped in a terry housecoat, she lounged on the plush chair next to the window. She also had a view of the castle and the structure was indeed majestic. The entire town of Edstrom faced the hillside where the King and Queen of the Island resided. To reach the solid wood doors at the entrance to the castle you’d need to cross a bridge that extended over a moat waterway. She grabbed the booklet of the area and opened it. Edstrom Castle took front page of places to visit. Queen Eudora lived on site with her three children, Prince Ryannaus and two girls, Princess Jasmine and Eramosa. A sheet tucked in the side folder disclosed the latest news from the royal family. It appeared the kingdom was in mourning for the loss of their leader, King Julius. Died from a long bout of cancer. The country’s flag had stood half-mast for three weeks but raised again just six days ago to encourage the citizens that life must move forward.
A knock sounded on the door and Suzanne barrelled in. “Did you read this?”
“What?”
“The castle is in mourning. What if they’ve cancelled their tours?”
“Is that the limit of your sympathy? The entire country is in mourning, but has obviously moved on to whatever comes next. The flag is raised and Christmas events are in full swing. I’m sure tours have not been cancelled.” Megan stood. “What do you want to do?”
“Jet lag makes me want to sleep but common sense says I need a walk before I collapse under the satin sheets,” said Suzanne.
“I noticed a lot of park areas as we drove in. Let’s go to the first one we come across.”
“Afterward, we can find one of those quaint café’s and have supper. I’m starved for real food. The stuff they give you on the airplane is only a teaser. I need hard core nutrition,” said Suzanne.
“Agreed. Give me ten minutes and I’ll be ready.”
The closest park to the hotel turned out to be a garden walk. A cloister of climbing flowers and colorful foliage led the way through a huge archway into Edstrom Gardens. When they came out the other side, they entered a world of summer in full bloom.
“Yes, this is perfect. The one thing I hate about winter is that is covers all plant life with white,” said Suzanne drinking in the aroma that had bombarded their nostrils.
“I like to look at it as a blanket of white, to keep the sleeping foliage cozy and warm.”
“You would. You are the ultimate comforter of all things living and dead,” said Suzanne.
“I wouldn’t knock it. We both derive a living off that trait.”
“No talk of work – you promised,” said Suzanne.
“Just saying.” Megan started down a walkway of cobblestone splattered with flecks of blue, yellow, red and green as if a painter had flicked colors onto the stone surface. “I’m equally glad you chose a tropical island for Christmas. The memories will help when we return to New York’s freezing temperatures.”
Suzanne halted on the pathway and yanked Megan to the side. “Look! More adorable male species. I think you can separate the locals from the tourists by their appearance – tall, dark, and dreamy.”
“Really? I never knew you to be so – man-hungry. What’s with that?”
Suzanne groaned. “My mother! She won’t let up on me finding the perfect man and bringing him home for supper so she can rake him over the coals and welcome him with open arms into the family.”
Megan chuckled. “I stopped bringing men home for that very reason. But now with Mom gone, I wish I’d indulged her more. They just want what’s best for their daughters.”
“And grandbabies! All her friends’ children are piling up the little darlings and my mother feels left out. Seriously, Megan; I’m not ready for children.”
“I can see that,” said Megan. “But I suspect when the right one comes along; you’ll want the whole family thing.”
“What about you? We’re not even thirty yet – plenty of time to find Mr. Right, right?”
“My mind-set is so tenth-grade in the world of romance opportunities. Work took its toll but I’m open for Mr. Right. Not just every man that crosses my path,” said Megan directing the warning toward Suzanne.
“Yep, you’re definitely the family-type. I’ll send the mature fellas your way,” said Suzanne.
“I thought this holiday was about a break. You’re making it a man-hunt.”
“Do as you please; you’re a big girl.” She caught the eye of a man who’d separated from the group. “Excuse me, I think I hear my name called.”
Megan smiled as she watched the two strangers stroll with casual ease toward each other. Suzanne must possess a magnetic power that lured men at a mere glance.
Megan turned her attention back to the flowers. She was not her friend’s babysitter. She anticipated she’s be spending a lot of lone-time hours. But that was all right because she was an introvert by nature and crowds tended to intimidate her. Wandering along the winding route, she basked in the beauty of nature and the peace it brought to her soul.
When Megan reached the part of the trail where it turned an abrupt corner and headed back in the direction she’d come, she paused and leaned against a wooden fence. On a hill to the right she could see the castle, but off to the side
