Royal Holiday Romance: The Christmas Queen

11 - Rani

Rani took a sip of her mulled wine with a pleased smile on her face.

With the event winding down, she had found a quiet corner near the bar to take it all in: a light snowfall amidst an evergreen forest glowing with the light of a setting sun, and the hum of conversation.

Families were lining up to pose for official photographs with the Queen on their way to the valet and parking area. Even some of the public school children loitered near the back of the line - too shy to request a photograph with a monarch, but too afraid of missing out to step back. Paths were crossing that would never have otherwise intertwined: teachers making small talk with nobility, children laughing together.

Despite the impromptu speech and surprise snowball fight, everyone seemed to be having a good time.

Except Devika.

She had been casting suspicious glances in Rani's direction all afternoon. And Rani had been gracefully avoiding her by slipping in and out of casual conversations.

Thankfully, Sanjay was giving his Aunt a reprieve by forcing Devika to socialize with the posh parents of his newfound friend.

An angel, that kid.

A recalcitrant royal had joined her as well. About ten minutes into her solitude, Josef had intruded with a plea: "If we stand next to each other, and act very serious indeed, perhaps we will avoid any further conversations about vintage wines and horse breeding."

"No more manor houses and charity boards and stockholder meetings," Rani had agreed.

They had, instead, settled on a drinking game that Rani was winning more and more easily as her opponent got increasingly tipsy.

As she settled in to the next round of their game, her attention snagged on the determined stride of a tall man with blonde curls that glinted with snowflakes.

Henrik.

He walked to the bar and exchanged his empty champagne flute for a fresh one. Despite the long day, filled with official responsibilities, he appeared as fresh and alert as he had been when he escorted her out of the town car that morning.

But when he took that first sip - perhaps thinking no one was looking - his shoulders drooped and the neutral expression cracked.

Rani stared at him until she caught his gaze. And just as quickly, the visage was back.

"Uncanny," Josef was saying when Henrik approached.

He smiled at her, and she found her lips turning up before she could stop them.

A guessing game," Josef said.

"A very scientific endeavour," Rani corrected. She gestured towards the bar. "We are making bets on everyone's preferred drink."

Henrik shot a disbelieving look at his brother who raised a hand defensively and noted, "She's three for three."

"Your brother is terrible at this game."

"She cheats."

"Spoken like a sore loser," Rani laughed.

"Okay," Henrik turned to stand with them, facing the bar. A well dressed woman approached with two young children clinging to her skirts. "Her."

Rani narrowed her eyes. "I'm going to say red wine."

"Mulled wine," Josef said with victorious zeal. "It's a special occasion."

They watched as the bartender took out a wine glass and poured a large glass of red wine. The Countess accepted it with gratitude and shuffled away with the children at her feet.