Christmas at the Castle - Part 3
The continuing story of Baron and Naomi's Christmas at the castle with the Royal family....
A Game of Chess
David approached his uncle...
"Maybe you'd like to play a game of chess with me?"
"Yes, I would enjoy that..."
"You set up the game, and I'll be there as soon as you're ready..."
"Okay let's begin..."
Lawrence came over, "Best of luck..."
"David has become quite the champion of late. He even defeats me most of the time these days."
Baron hadn't played chess for a while....and it showed....
"Hmmmm..."
....but David was just too good...
Fun & Games
While David was busy defeating Baron at chess, the ladies were playing some cards....
While Ringo tried to teach his Dad to make a snowflake. His first one didn't turn out quite right.
"You have to fold the paper like this...."
While Shadow made the rounds....
the Toast
When everyone was seated for dinner....
Lawrence rose, to make a toast....
"Here's to a wonderful Christmas...."
"...and to family...."
"...and good friends..."
"...and an especially warm welcome to our newest friend, the lovely Naomi...."
"Thank you Sire...."
"... It's truly been an honour to meet you all today...."
Christmas Dinner
It was a 'casual' dinner, with just Baron, Naomi, and the Royal family...although some thought had gone into the seating arrangement...
Baron was seated beside Lawrence like usual...
...and Naomi beside him.
She was seated in the middle between Baron and David....
David was only too happy to be sitting beside Naomi....
He had quite the crush on her....
Ringo wasn't too happy that he wasn't sitting beside her....
But at least, from his seat across the table....
...he had a better view than his big brother....
The two Princesses always liked sitting near their Father....especially little Nami....
It was a wonderful dinner....
Plans
Naomi was starting to feel quite comfortable...
...and she was having a very nice time....
"So...what are your plans?"
"Well....there's the wedding..."
"I've always dreamed of an outdoor wedding, and your Mother has the most beautiful garden...."
"So....that means not until this summer then?"
"Yes....I suppose so...."
Baron was secretly a little disappointed. Summer seemed like such a long way off.
Monica turned to Naomi...."Have you given any thought as to what you'd like to do in the meantime? Baron tells us that you are quite the accomplished seamstress."
"Yes, I've always loved sewing, and working with beautiful fabrics. Back home I had a dress shop, and I was thinking I might like to do that again here as well."
"That would be wonderful! Our Royal Dressmaker left last year, and we've had to have everything custom made just by measurements, then sent here from the continent. It was so much nicer to be able to chose fabrics in person... as well as being able to go for fittings and watch the gowns being made. Plus, I think it's important to help support our local economy. So, if there's anything I can do to help, please let me know."
"Thank you Ma'am. I really appreciate that. Being new here, I will definitely need some advice on sourcing supplies. Especially when it comes time to make my wedding gown."
A Gift
That evening, as they were getting ready for bed, Baron presented Naomi with a gift....
"I have something for you....'
"Thank you..."
"That's so sweet of you..."
"You know....I had a really wonderful day today."
"The King and Queen were so warm and welcoming, and the children were so delightful...."
Baron tried to redirect her attention to his gift...."Go ahead and open it..."
Naomi wondered what it could be...
She opened the box....
To reveal something...
...carefully wrapped in red tissue paper...
It was a beautiful silver jewelry box, adorned with her favourite flowers...
"It's beautiful! Thank you so much!"
"It's beautiful! Thank you so much!"
The Ring
Baron was excited for Naomi to see what was inside the jewelry box....
"Go ahead....open it.."
"Go ahead....open it.."
"It's a ring! It's 'my' ring!"
"It's the ring I showed you in the jewelry store window back home. The one I stopped to look at every time I went by..."
Baron took out the ring, and slipped it on Naomi's finger....
"It's gorgeous.....and it fits perfectly."
"But....how.....when....did you get it?"
"Well....do you remember....one of the last days when we went back in the fall...."
"...and I went out to get us some coffee the one morning...."
"...and you complained about how long I was gone...."
"Well...that was because I stopped in at the jewelry store to buy this ring."
"I knew how much you loved it..... and I had planned for it to be my wedding present...."
"But I couldn't wait any longer...."
"That's so sweet of you. Thank you.....I love it so much!"
"...and I love you even more."
* next - Knights on Patrol
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