Royal Holiday Romance: The Christmas Queen

Prologue

"Yes, thank you, Melissa. This is Sarah Dash, reporting from the Winter Palace.

"Her Royal Majesty Queen Augusta the Third has just announced - moments ago - her intention to abdicate the Throne of the Kingdom of Wynterra.

"In an unusual move for the Palace, the Queen made her announcement via their new debuted social media account. The short message was deleted a few moments later.

"As you can see, quite a number of other news outlets are set up on the lawns on this brisk autumn day... Waiting to see if the Royal family will make an appearance to deny this statement.

"Queen Augusta would be the first reigning monarch to abdicate in over three centuries. The last monarch to do so - King Aldrich - is believed, by some historians, to have done so-- Oh!

"And there we see the curtains being drawn back on the balcony doors, indicating that someone is coming out. Let's get a bit closer, shall we?"

The sound of leaves crunching under her boots, and the rustle of movement as everyone on the lawn heads closer to the balcony.

"Yes, a microphone is being set up. We see Willa Cooper, the Press Secretary, setting up. And now we see Prince Henrik stepping out. Followed by Prince Josef, with a little wave to the crowds. And of course, Her Majesty Queen Augusta the Third. Let's listen in, shall we?"

A hush fell over the crowd.

"If I had known how..." the Queen pursed her lips and surveyed her front gardens, covered in reporters and cameras. "Troublesome retirement would be... I would have opted for a quiet death, years ago."

From his armchair in Creek Hollow, Vikram Chatterjee gave a hearty laugh that was interrupted by his granddaughter Rani's sharp, crystal clear voice. He could sense the light dim as she turned the small television set off. "How many times are you going to watch that?"

"They play it all day."

"You are enjoying it a bit too much," She said, and he could hear the smile in her voice, as she placed his morning Chai carefully in his hands. He took a deep breath of the cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves as they filled the air.

Vikran patted his granddaughter's hand affectionately, his fingers tapping against the amethyst

beads she always wore around her wrist. With a chuckle, he admitted: "It is the happiest news I have heard in a long, long time."

"She hasn't abdicated yet," Rani laughed, kissing him on the forehead. "You still have to be her nice loyal subject until Christmas. And who knows what you'll say about Prince Henrik then?"

"King Henrik," Vikram tried out. "Anyone's better than old Queenie. Long live the King!"