Picture Perfect Royal Christmas☑️

Chapter 5: Unwrapping Hearts

As Christmas Eve dawned over the palace, Sophia felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness bubbling up inside her. The day promised more festivities, culminating in the grand Christmas Eve dinner—a tradition the royal family held every year with friends and close advisors.

Sophia hadn't anticipated an invitation to the dinner, but to her surprise, Eleanor had delivered one to her the previous evening, insisting she be part of the celebration.

She spent the day photographing various holiday activities around the palace—snowball fights among the palace staff, children ice-skating on a nearby pond, and the royal chefs preparing intricate holiday desserts.

She captured candid moments of King Edward laughing with Queen Isabella as they decorated their own private tree and Eleanor sneaking freshly-baked cookies from the kitchen.

In every corner of the palace, a warmth and joy radiated that felt wonderfully contagious. Yet, every so often, her thoughts drifted back to Nicholas, their quiet moments together, and the gentle kiss he'd placed on her cheek under the mistletoe. Her heart ached with the bittersweet knowledge that these memories would soon just be that—memories.

As evening approached, she found herself standing in front of her mirror, smoothing the delicate green dress Eleanor had insisted she borrow for the evening. It was a simple yet elegant gown that flowed gracefully around her, reminding her of something from a storybook. Eleanor had even arranged for a royal hairstylist to curl her hair softly, making her feel more like a guest and less like the hired photographer.

When she descended the grand staircase into the main hall, she spotted Nicholas waiting at the bottom. He looked up, his eyes lighting up the moment he saw her. He approached, offering her a warm, admiring smile.

"You look stunning," he said softly, his voice carrying a warmth that made her heart skip a beat.

She smiled, feeling her cheeks flush. "Thank you, Nicholas. And thank you for inviting me tonight. I know it's a family occasion."

"It wouldn't feel right without you here," he replied, offering her his arm. As they made their way to the dining hall together, Sophia couldn't shake the feeling that tonight might be more significant than she'd realized.

The dining hall was aglow with candlelight, festive garlands, and towering floral arrangements. Long tables were adorned with crystal glasses and gold-edged china, creating an atmosphere that was both regal and intimate. Sophia found herself seated between Eleanor and Nicholas, surrounded by the warm laughter and lively conversation of the royal family and their closest friends.

As they enjoyed the meal, Eleanor leaned over, whispering to Sophia. "After dinner, you have to join us for the Christmas Eve tradition."

Sophia raised an eyebrow. "And what tradition is that?"

Eleanor's eyes sparkled with mischief. "You'll see."

After dessert, the guests moved to the grand hall, where the fireplace crackled, filling the room with a cozy warmth. A large, ornately decorated Christmas tree stood in the center of the room, and beneath it lay a stack of carefully wrapped gifts.

"Everyone takes turns giving one gift tonight," Eleanor explained. "It's something special, meaningful, not just about the value, but what it represents. It's one of my favorite parts of the holiday."

As each member of the family began to present their gifts, Sophia watched with a mixture of awe and joy. Eleanor gifted her mother a beautifully bound book of pressed flowers, each one holding a memory from their travels together. King Edward handed Nicholas a compass that had been passed down through generations, a symbol of finding one's true path. As Nicholas held it in his hands, a deep emotion crossed his face, and Sophia felt herself drawn into the warmth and connection they all shared.

Finally, it was Nicholas's turn. He rose from his seat and, with a quiet smile, approached Sophia. She looked at him, startled.

"This is for you," he said, handing her a small, delicately wrapped box.

Sophia felt her heart race as she took the box, carefully unwrapping it to reveal a tiny silver locket shaped like a snowflake, reminiscent of the ornament he'd gifted her at the market. Inside was a small, handwritten note that read, "To remind you of the magic you've brought into our lives this Christmas."

Tears pricked her eyes as she looked up at him. "Nicholas, it's beautiful. Thank you."

"It's a little selfish," he admitted quietly, so only she could hear. "I wanted you to have something to remember us by, no matter where you go."

Their eyes met, and for a brief, heart-stopping moment, the world faded away. It was just them, standing in a room filled with warmth and light, a silent understanding passing between them.

Just then, Queen Isabella's voice broke the spell, suggesting they end the evening with one final tradition—a slow dance. She waved her hand, and a string quartet began to play a soft, enchanting melody.

Nicholas extended his hand to Sophia. "May I have this dance?"

She hesitated, a rush of emotions flooding her, but she couldn't resist. Taking his hand, she allowed him to lead her to the center of the room. They began to sway, moving slowly in rhythm with the music, his hand warm and steady on her back.

As they danced, Nicholas leaned closer, his voice barely a whisper. "I never imagined I'd meet someone like you, Sophia. Someone who makes me question everything I thought I wanted."

Sophia's heart pounded. "I didn't expect this, either," she replied, her voice trembling. "But I know I'll never forget it."

They continued to dance, lost in each other's gaze, as if the world around them had disappeared. For those few precious moments, they were just Sophia and Nicholas, no royal titles or obligations, no looming expectations—just two people caught in a fairytale evening.

The music slowed, and Nicholas's hand lingered on her back as they stopped dancing, their faces only inches apart. He leaned closer, his eyes searching hers as if waiting for permission. Just as she closed her eyes, bracing herself for the kiss she knew was coming, a nearby clock struck midnight, breaking the spell with a loud chime.

The guests began to clap and cheer, celebrating the arrival of Christmas, and Nicholas pulled back, his expression one of reluctant understanding. They shared a knowing smile, and she felt a bittersweet pang of longing.

As everyone gathered around to exchange festive wishes, Nicholas stayed by her side, his hand resting lightly on hers. Their connection felt deeper than ever, but she knew that by morning, the weight of reality would settle in.

For now, though, she savored every second, treasuring the warmth and magic of this royal Christmas Eve—an evening she would carry with her for the rest of her life, no matter where the new year would lead.