feeling at once complete and yet already yearning.
Chapter Three
“No, no,” I say, shaking my head. I turn to one of the palace servants, pointing to the fire in the middle of the room. “You have to make sure that the fire is just high enough, but not too high. We don’t want to start a fire in the middle of all this paper. Can you take care of it?”
The young woman bows low. “At once, your highness.”
I suck in a deep breath, looking around the palace’s ballroom. It's important to me that everything is just right for this evening in particular. It will be Margot's first introduction to a Denmark style Jul, or Christmas. I really want her to fall in love with the season in the ways that I have.
Maybe I went a little overboard, hiring special decorators to come into the palace and create this wonderful scene. But I can't be held accountable for being too enthusiastic, can I? I chew on my bottom lip as I survey the scene set before me.
There are a dozen towering pine trees set as the backdrop for my Jul scene, each one decorated with beautiful hand crafted red and white Christmas decorations and lit candles. Fake snow is piled everywhere, laying prettily on the landscape. At the bottom of the trees a mountain of gifts spills out, all the packages wrapped in red and white paper and tied with gleaming bows. On the far left side of the ballroom stand six full-size reindeer that are harnessed to a sleigh, with another heap of presents piled high in the back.
On the far right side, I have had the palace caterers set up a long white cloth table covered with steaming plates of my favorite foods: fried blodpølse, meatballs in sauce, pork roast, and the sweet rice pudding with cherry sauce. At the end of the table, a whole pyramid of champagne flutes is stacked high, just waiting for a palace servant to begin pouring.
And in the middle, I had the designers set up a homey little room. Rugs on the floor, white couches and dark wood furniture on top of that. A freestanding brazier of hot coals sits beside the furniture, making it warm and adding to the cozy feeling. When I look at the elaborate scene I have set up, I know that Margot is going to be equal parts impressed and appalled at the lengths I went to put this scene together.
I pace, anxiously looking at the furniture. I desperately want to make this holiday meaningful to Margot. I want to start some traditions for her, here and now. She didn't grow up with much of anything so it's going to be new, no matter what.
"King Stellan?" my secretary calls. I turn toward the door, arching my brow. He bows a little. "You wanted to know when Queen Margot was on her way. She just left your private chambers and is heading here now."
I run my hand down my black cable knit sweater, heading toward the door to wait for her.
My secretary wrinkles his nose sympathetically. “The last few weeks have been a bit of a challenge, your highness. It’s nice of you to put this together for her.”
My mouth creases. “Ja. Margot's coronation was a big deal and I’m still a little stressed about it. The press has always been very interested in our relationship in general but they've been whipped into an absolute frenzy lately.”
He nods. “That sort of interest can cause an undue amount of stress on any relationship, but especially one as new as the one you have formed with Queen Margot.”
I shoot him a cool smile. “We've only been married just over a month and Margot has only been Queen for half that time. It’s been a whirlwind. I just want to make sure that we are rock solid as a couple going into this holiday season.”
He bows deeply. “I understand. I will be in my office if you have any need for me later tonight.”
"Thank you.” I nod my head in response. “That will be all. You should go home and enjoy your evening.”
He bows again. “Thank you, your highness.”
I wait outside the door, looking down the long, navy carpeted hallway. The hall that leads to the ballroom that I'm standing in is especially majestic. All white marble underfoot and gold fixtures overhead, understated Navy tones with huge gilded mirrors on the walls.
Margot appears coming down the staircase, still wearing her gold lamé gown