"Your Highness...." she looked at me in full adoration with teary eyes.
"I am thankful for everything that you do.. You made my birthday so special.. "How could I reciprocate your kindness?" she added.
"My Lady...you deserved all of these..after all the pains and struggles you have been through. You don't need to repay me...I just wanted you to be happy because you made me happier each day. " I ardently responded.
The fireworks just ended, leaving us all with so much pleasure.
Princess Sophie approached us and give their gifts to Beatrix.
She hugged her and greeted "Happy birthday! I hope you like our gifts for you... You and Stefan would be a wonderful couple! For quite a long time..my elder brother Stefan had never given such special attention to any girls...she teasingly added.
"Little sister?!?!" I sneered.
Then, she hugged each of us and bid goodnight.
And so us King Sven, Queen Evi and the other guests.
Leonid is the last one to say his good night.
Beatrix hugged him while asking him to stay for two more days to catch-up.
He nodded and escorted by Lilian to his room.
And we are left alone... we seated near the camp fire.
While Olivia and Peter is busy cleaning out the area.
We just smiled.. savoring our moment, seating next to each other... treasure the time and peace while sharing a bottle of wine.
After awhile...
Beatrix is squiffy, she leaned closer and put her head on my shoulder, I wrapped my arms around her to give her some support.
"My Lady...It's time to rest." I whispered in her ears.
And no response.
I gently caress her face to awaken her..and tucked her hair that loose behind her ear but she's sleeping soundly.
I carried her swiftly back to the conservatory room.
While Peter brought the presents and leave immediately.
I slowly lay her down in the mattress.
Then, removed her sneakers, her head scarf, her lion head earrings, and leather jacket.
And tucked her to bed.
Then I took my hot bath.
When...I heard footsteps...and the doors opened.
"My Lady!?!
I'm taking my hot bath...my eyes widened in shocked.
She's sleep walking.
She unconsciously undressed herself in front me.
And then lay down on the floor.
I am stunned!
And tried to be calm and controlled.
I got off from the tub, took my towel and extra towel for Beatrix.
I covered her with the towel and carried her back to bed.
Goodness Beatrix! I sighed.
I pulled my hair up, to hold myself and release my tension.
NO...I don't like it this way.
I want her to be ready for me.
Everything has its perfect time.
I don't like to be advantageous of her.
And decided to take a quick shower to finish my bath and cool off my body.
Then slipped into my pajamas.
I left and went to the library room.
I felt cold...
It's so dark...
"Your highness? Stefan? I called out and feeling scared.
I moved my body to reached out the other side but....Stefan is not around.
And...
I'm naked?!?!
I swiftly run to the shower and check myself in the mirror.
Is there something different?
But Stefan is not around.
What could have happened last night?
I decided to freshen up and changed into a cotton, floral puff sleeve shirt dress, red sweater and leather sandals.
I checked the time...in the English oak wall clock.
It's eight in the morning and still dark outside.
I opened the door and bumped with Stefan.
He catched me before I've fallen on the floor and helped me to stand still.
"Your highness... I've been looking for you. I would like to know... What happened last night? " I shyly asked.
"My Lady... don't worry.. nothing happened..I slept in the library last night." he responded.
"I'm pleased to know. Thank you.. Your Highness for the high regard! May I know if you have seen Leonid? "
"Yes, he's in the dining.. ready for breakfast. And I'm supposed to fetch you, I believe your all set?"
"Yes, Your Highness..Thank you!"
He hold my right hand and escorted me.
I seated in between Leonid and Stefan.
"Good morning Leonid!" I hugged him tight.
"How was your sleep? Was Nana retrieved?
"Is there any leads about Lada?"
"Our Princess, Irinas body was not recovered. And I have a merchant friend, who told me that the ship who took Lada was sited in the Port of Novorossiysk. So, Lada is possibly in Russia at this moment."
"I prayed that she's fine and alive! Have you reported the abduction of Lada and the killing of Nana to the authorities?"
"Yes, our Princess.. by the time I left you in the Port of Anchorage. I traveled back to Myshkin and reported the incident. Galina was devastated and furious about the news." he responded.
"I felt bad about it"
Stefan reached out my right hand and squeeze it for comfort.
"Let's leave the investigation to the authorities.." King Sven said.
"Let's have our breakfast... we are catching up with our trip back to Sweden." Queen Evi announced.
And we all silently..eaten our breakfast.
Then Mikael arrived to fetched the Royalty of Dothinghelm and Grand Duchess Lilly.
And Leonid decided to travel back to Myshkin for business reasons.
Then, we bid goodbye.
I decided to take a rest and Stefan escorted me back to the conservatory room.
When.. I remembered my gifts.
It's occupying the sofa.
I asked Stefan to stay with me and help me open the gifts.
Then, we started to opened the widest, square shaped box.
There's a message that's written.
Our beloved Princess,
You are our precious gem. I'm praying that you'll find your hearts home. Always follow your intuition. Your kin and Nana will be with you always.
Leonid
I'm in teary eyes while opening the gift.
I'm speechless!
It's our family's last portrait.
It's very beautiful!
"Oh my beloved mother, father, Maxim and Annika.. I missed you all!" I muttered.
"Hush now ..My Lady..we still have more gifts to open! he cheerfully said.
And we opened all quickly.
A multicolored poof set from Princess Sophie.
A gold tear dropped earrings from Queen Evi.
A gold peacock ring from King Sven.
A make up set from Grand Duchess Lilly.
And a two toned sweatshirt from Mikael.
Wait....where's the red box?
I rushed to the bed and shower room to check and my clothes last night? where is it?
Stefan is confused with her actions.
"My Lady..is there something wrong?"