A Crown for Christmas Read online

  “I see you like our village?”

  “Very much. Tell us about it,” said Megan.

  “I have lived in Edstrom my entire life. Most historical settlers who landed on the island, never left. It’s a magical place, filled with the respect of the old with splashes of the new which draws visitors like you.”

  “Oh, no, sir. I am drawn by the old,” said Megan. “I love the architecture.”

  “Tudor style is warm and inviting. And the stores fronts will keep you shopping for days.”

  “The cobblestone roads are a bit bumpy; don’t you think?” asked Suzanne whose style was sleek and smooth.

  “Perhaps compared to the paved freeway running the length of the island, but I prefer the uneven ride. It reminds me of who I am and where I came from. My house sits on the edge of such a road and as a boy I laid in my bed and counted the cars as they riddled by.”

  “I count sheep,” said Suzanne.

  Megan watched the scenery unfold before her. The wide expanse of parkland with benches, waterways, and unusual vegetation, some green and luscious while others with blossoms and leaves displaying the entire color wheel. The stores did look inviting – everything from practical services and goods to accommodate the general population to specialty shops displaying treasures from every season and theme one could imagine. It appeared she’d be buying a third suitcase to house all the purchases to bring home. When a carriage, drawn by a team of horses, passed by, she nudged Suzanne and nodded in that direction.

  “Yes, Yes! I am so ready for this vacation.”

  The Belfry Hotel stood three stories high, its grandeur unmistakable, yet its presence not overpowering the quaint countryside.

  Megan pointed to the top of the building. “Look Suzanne, a bell tower.”

  “Great; I hope they don’t ring it in the morning as a town wake-up-call.”

  “Didn’t you grow up on a farm and wake up to a rooster?” asked Megan.

  “I did but don’t remind me. I’m a full-fledged city-girl now who likes to sleep in while on holidays.”

  The driver spoke as he pulled up to the rotating doors. “The bell only chime on special occasion, ladies. But the desk will ring you on the phone if you wish a wake-up call.”

  “Thank you for clarifying that,” Suzanne said, as she passed him money for the fare. “Keep the change.”

  A busboy rushed to the car to relieve the women of their luggage. Suzanne smiled with interest at the employee, whose bulging muscles did not fit the description of a boy. Megan poked her friend casting a stern look in her direction.

  Suzanne responded to the reprimand by leaning in close and whispering, “is every man on this island gorgeous? However will a girl choose?”

  Megan sighed and followed her luggage into the foyer of the hotel, her. heels announcing their arrival as they clicked on the white marble floor. Positioned under the balcony of the first-floor rooms, the granite columns rose to brace it and continued upward through the remaining floors to the ceiling where stained glass filtered the sunlight bathing the lobby. An efficient desk clerk checked them in quickly and soon they were riding the elevator to the third level. The floors along the hallway that led to their room were carpeted in a deep wine color while the walls continued with the marble theme, which Megan now noticed, enhanced the fine streak of red that ran through the stone’s pattern.

  “Room 306, ladies.” The bellhop unlocked the door and deposited the bags inside. “The dining room and bar is open twenty-four hours for your convenience and we have a hotel taxi you can hire for outings to the beach. Please call the desk if you have any questions or concerns.” Megan passed him a tip and after taking it, he said “good afternoon, Miss.” He turned and left.

  Susanne had left to go investigating and Megan shook her head as a delighted squeal filled the air. Megan followed the sound and arrived in a bedroom just as Suzanne plopped her body onto the four-poster bed. An old-fashioned canopy of elegant sheer material billowed across the top frame and draped loosely around the posts.

  “I’ve died and gone to heaven,” Suzanne exclaimed as her hands reached out to feel the texture of the white spread.

  “It is rather exciting, isn’t it?” Megan said as she walked into the room. At one of the long narrow windows, she paused. “And there is the castle. Your dream staring at you from the comfort of your hotel bedroom.”

  Susanne jumped to her feet and hurried over. “It’s larger than life, Meg. Looking at it makes me feel so small. Like I’m waking from a dream and walking into a new reality.”

  Megan laughed. “Or the other way around. Keep your feet on the ground, Princess. This only last nineteen glorious days then you’re back to the doldrums of city life, which I recall you claimed to love.”

  “Phooey. Go find your room. I want to unpack.”

  Megan walked across the main living space, which housed comfy seating around a fireplace on the wall below and a full screened television above. Positioned lose to the patio doors were four chairs slid under an ornate marble table, and on it rested an enormous bouquet of flowers. A roll-top desk sat off to the side. She grabbed her suitcases on the way past and rolled them toward a door on the other side.

  Opening it she gasped. It was every bit as beautiful as Suzanne’s. In the wardrobe she unpacked her outfits and, on the vanity, she placed her jewelry and makeup. Through another door she saw her own personal bathroom, relief flooding her that she’d not have to share with her primping friend. Suzanne could easily waste two hours preparing to meet the day. A claw tub beckoned to her and she turned on the ivory faucets and let the water fill. On the counter she saw a basket full of oils and bubble bath. Yes, perhaps Suzanne was right – they’d surely died and gone to heaven.

  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 she sighted ruins and wondered what had existed there. She decided it was a place worthy of exploration. Her eyes were drawn to a half-wall where a lone figure sat, kicking his heels against the stone and gazing off into the distance. Taking out the small binoculars she carried in her bag, she studied his profile. Tall, dark and handsome – to use Suzanne’s description of the men on the island – but sadness screamed into the breeze, and as if caught the wind, carried the emotion straight to her. Megan jolted with a strange shock when the onslaught of grief hit her.

  She lowered the eyeglasses. Maybe her friend had gauged her right, as it appeared, she carried this nurturing obsession a bit too far today. The last person she wanted to meet on her vacation was a needy man. But she couldn’t stop herself from peering one last time before she headed back. His eyes grew misty now and he wiped away a tear. A sentimental man; she could handle that as a four, in a scale from one to ten. The sun reflected on his unmasked glaze and allowed her a glimpse into depths of troubled sea-green waters. He chose that second look in her direction.

  She dropped the binoculars and stashed them into her purse. Hopefully, he sat too far away to see her with his naked eye. She spun around and hurried up the path. It was time to eat.

  Suzanne hailed her as she rounded the final corner before the archway. “There you are.” She jogged over. “Are you ready to eat?”

  “What happened to lover-boy?”

  “Don’t be absurd. I’m not a floosy, you know. Just wanted to say hi,” said Suzanne.

  They settled at a table in an outside section of Trifton Café. The menu did not include full course meals but provided what might be labelled as fast food in America. But a cheeseburger would hit the spot so both girls ordered one fully loaded. When their plates arrived, they burst out laughing.

  “Not your average burger patty,” said Suzanne. “How do they expect me to get this mountain of meat and fixings pushed into my mouth?”

  Megan picked up the knife and fork. “Cut up into bite size servings.”

  “Takes all the fun out of it. May as well be eating steak at a fancy diner.”

  “Tomorrow we can satisfy that appetite. Tonight, I’m happy with a burger then bed,” said Megan.

  “So, this is it? You’re calling it a night at six o’clock?”

  “I thought your body craved sleep?” asked Megan.

  “It does,” Suzanne sighed. “I just don’t want to miss anything. I have this strange feeling we’re meant to be here, at this appointed time. Gives me the goosies all over.”

  “Mm, sounds mysterious,” kidded Megan as she bowed her head and said a prayer of thanksgiving for safe journeys to this vacation retreat and for the food. After she bit into the first morsel, she groaned with pleasure. “Oh, Suzie, this is not your average burger.”

  After the main course, they ordered the specialty cookies of the day, which arrived packed inside a small box so they could take the treat to their rooms. They strolled leisurely back to the hotel. Once through the swinging door, Suzanne eyed the bar, or more likely, the guy on his way inside.

  “How about a night cap? Help you to sleep better?”

  “You know I don’t drink alcohol, but I’ll join you for a warm cup of cocoa.”

  “Chocolate? That’d keep me walking the floor ‘til midnight.”

  “Not me; it’s on of my list of comfort-food.” She saw her friend eyeing the barroom door. “Why don’t you go by yourself. I’m going to have room service deliver mine to the room and pig out on these cookies.”

  “Promise to save one for me?” pleaded Suzanne.

  “I promise. Good night, love-child.”

  On the way past the desk Megan ordered her drink of choice and took the stairs instead of the elevator. She fingered the white shiny railing and as she climbed the carpeted stairway, and marveled at how the red supports, complimented the overall décor of the grand foyer. It was like walking in a mix of modern-day Christmas land and the traditional feeling of old. Decorating was not Megan’s strong suit but she appreciated seeing the results of other’s talents in the places she visited.

  After the staff delivered her drink, she took the cup and the cookies and headed for the balcony. The sun was setting over the castle and she grabbed her phone to snap a picture before settling into a lounger. Now this was near perfection. She could live a lifetime gazing at that spectacular scene of nature. It blended with the best of man’s creation, spreading a cover of yellows and reds over the massive structure. Excitement grew for the upcoming tour. Tomorrow at ten she’d cross that bridge and beyond those huge doors. Another world awaited her.

  Two overexcited tourists gathered with a group of ten in the hut assigned, and waited for their travel guide to arrive. When he did, Suzanne sighed and Megan plowed an elbow into her side. “He just works here – no royalty.”

  “I know,” whispered Suzanne.

  “Welcome everyone. My name is Damien. Edstrom Tours are pleased that you included this excursion as part of your stay in our village. The royal family welcomes you to their home. Of course, they live in sep
arate quarters. which will not be included in this tour.” The crowd groaned – Suzanne the loudest. “Please, follow me. Wouldn’t want any of you to lost and end up in the dungeon.”

  He led the group to the bailey; an enclosed courtyard, and they began their trek across the bridge. On each side of the heavy wooden structure nature had provided a water-filled ditch that flowed freely and enhanced the area with decorative springs, which Megan noticed light up last night shining colourful beams of light against the stone walls of the structure. Damien stopped at the wooden doors that would swing inward and grant them entrance.

  “The Edstrom monarchy have ruled this kingdom for generations. Many castles throughout the world have served different purposes; to house wealthy families, military personal during times of unrest, but one thing they have in common – there’s always an abundance of space to store war materials or food and water supplies. In this castle, five of the twenty-three bedrooms in the guest quarters serve this purpose.

  Suzanne whispered in Megan’s ear. “I think one of those rooms has my name on it – next to the Prince.”

  Megan frowned at her. “What part of guest didn’t you understand. They wouldn’t put you anywhere near a Prince – for his own protection.”

  The doors began to swing inward and before them loomed a huge courtyard. Stone pillars held an overhanging balcony, and the main floor verandah stretched around the entire u-shaped structure with vertical stone walls as high as she could see.

  Damien pointed to a large center entrance. “The Keep is a well protected tower inside the outer walls. The royal family’s personal quarters are located through that entrance. The inner court, similar to the one you’re standing in presently, leads to the garages, the barns, a chapel, the Royal Residence, guest quarters and the many rooms used for entertaining – none of which we will be viewing today.” He paused until the group settled. “But we do have photos of present-day changes for you to see hanging on walls in stately rooms preserved with historic medieval splendor” Damien pointed to the left. “The tour will continue this way. Follow me.”