The smell of roses and lavender sent shivers to my soul.
As we are getting closer to the Mansion..
The banquet tables and decors is more vibrant with the lanterns surrounding the whole courtyard.
There are people waiting for us.
I'm amazed and impressed by the wonderful view.
Stefan quickly descent and give the picnic bag to Olivia.
And helped me to descent.
Then Peter approached us to bring Stygian and Winter back to their stables.
"Do you like it My Lady?" Stefan asked.
"Why? what is this for..Your Highness? I asked in puzzlement.
The people is coming into view.
Prince Mikael, Princess Sophie, Grand Duchess Lilly, King Sven, Queen Evi, Oscar, the Park Rangers Mr. Miller and Mr. Brown, Master Sergeant Jones and Leonid?!
"Happy birthday Princess Beatrix!" they greeted in unison.
I looked at Stefan with teary eyes....
I'm speechless!
I hugged him tight..
And say "Thank you.. Your Highness! All the while..I thought that the tour is the surprise that you promised me. I don't know what to say...." I softly crying.
I loosen my brace and started to run to hugged Leonid.
"Leonid! How are you? I'm glad you are here! " I started to cry.
"Hush now..our Princess.. How could I missed your birthday?" then took a gift bag from his back and give it to me.
"Oh..Thank you Leonid..Your presence is more than I could asked for! then hugged him tight.
Then...I returned to Stefan's side and say my heartfelt message to everyone.
" I would like to take this opportunity to Thank Your Majesty's family... King Sven and Queen Evi for celebrating my birthday! Most of all...to Prince Stefan who is very kind and thoughtful of me. I'm out words... I thought that I will not be celebrating my birthday. I'm totally surprised! Thank you everyone! "
Olivia and Lillian is serving wine and glasses to everyone.
Then Stefan announced "Let's have a toast... This for the happiness and successful journey of Princess Beatrix.. Cheers!
"Cheers!" everyone said in unison.
"The table is ready..."Guten appetit!" (Enjoy your meal!) Stefan added.
Then..he looks at me...and asked
"Are you not hungry My Lady? it's time to eat."
I nodded.
We approached the table...
I'm more impressed by the closed up look of the wood table decorations.
The center piece is a wreath of roses and lavender flowers combined, then inside the circle are glass candle holders with scented candles on it and different kinds of fruits are layered in a horizontal position.
Gold plates and glasses and bucket of wines are prepared.
And we started eating.
The night is heavenly!
Surrounded by lanterns and fireflies, a campfire at the sides to keep us warm in the cool night.
This is the most marvelous birthday I ever had since my family died.
My reverie was cut off by a small red velvet box in front of me.
I am dumbstruck.
And look up.. seeing Stefan beam.
"Happiest birthday My Lady! Hope you like my gift."
"Wow!" I gasped.
I hugged Stefan "I couldn't thank you enough... Your Highness.." and quickly kissed him on the cheeks.
And he is dumbfounded.... yet managed to show a Duchene smile.
"Please open the box My Lady...I hope you like it! " he said in full excitement.
I slowly opened the box.
A golden egg...adorned with diamonds and sapphires..and I twisted it carefully.. and revealed a tiny diamond crown that held much tinier ruby pendant.
My tears started to fall...
This is one of our family's collection.
My father Dimitri always bring golden eggs every Easter celebration.
My hands are shaking...I put it back together and returned it inside the box.
"Your Highness! All of these...
How did you know?" I asked quizzically.
"My Lady... you are very special to me... I tried my best to learn what are the things special in your heart." he said sternly.
"I don't know how to thank you enough for all of these... Your Highness" I said, feeling down hearted.
"Cheer up and be merry! It's your birthday..." he brightly said.
And a jolly music started to fill the air.
A group of musicians captured my attention.
"Can I have a dance with you My Lady?" Stefan asked.
And I nodded.
I put the box securely inside my pocket.
Then Stefan leads me to the open area of the courtyard.
And we are dancing...
Dancing under the moon and stars...in the rhythm of our hearts.
And the others joined us.
Leonid is happily watching Beatrix and Stefan dancing.
Our Princess...I hope that you will find your way back to your Kingdom soon.
The golden egg is very difficult to find but I'm lucky enough that I found one on time, it was from my merchant friend who was able to collect one of it and quiet pricey but Stefan ordered to take it.
After the revolution in Oblonsky, all of these golden eggs were sold.
These golden eggs were timeless pieces of treasures of the House of Oblonsky.
"Leonid!" Beatrix called my name while approaching my table.
"I'm very happy to see you again." she added
"Oh Our Princess Beatrix...you look like much of your mother now.. Queen Anastasia" I said positively.
Then she asked..
"Do you have any news about Lada?"
"It's better we talked about it some other time..our Princess... I wanted you to fully enjoy the night." I smiled cheerfully.
Beatrix nodded and left my table then approached Stefan.
What a perfect couple!
May God bless our Princess and Stefan a wonderful life together. I muttered.
"Is Leonid..ok?" Stefan asked eagerly while looking at Leonid and waved his hands to acknowledge his presence.
"Yes, he is! I'm about to asked him on the leads on the abduction of my friend Lada but he declined to talked tonight" Beatrix said.
"He is right My Lady! Don't ruin your night of merriment. Let's make him stay for two days.. for you to have ample time to talk."
"But for now... let's enjoy! I give Beatrix a glass of wine and make a toast.
Then she was all smiles.
And I have one last surprise for her.
I make a signal to Peter.
Then ...
The fireworks filled the dark skies..
And Beatrix felt overwhelmed with happy tears.
"Your highness... " her eyes mesmerize with so much affection.