Christmas.

Whenever she thought of Christmas, she pictured a large pine tree with hundreds of colored lights, a silver garland, and the ground outside covered in several inches of fresh snow that sparkled in the sunlight.

That is how she spent the day every year since she was born.

It was also what most holiday movies showed – a small town decked out for the season with the traditional tree, lights, and families together. She knew not everyone experienced the day the same as she had. There were parts of the world where the holiday was in the middle of summer.

And that is what she was facing on the tropical island.

The original plan had been to celebrate the day in her birth country like she had the previous eight years. They had so many traditions that her people enjoyed, and this was the first one she was going to miss since finding out she was royalty herself.

Word had come from another monarchy that their princess was getting married and had decided on holding the nuptials at Christmas. Being a royal event, it was their duty as heads of their kingdom to attend to strengthen the relationship between the two nations.

So here she was standing on one of the castle balconies overlooking the ocean A gentle breeze brought the screen of salt water to her position.

A pair of strong arms wrapped around her waist and a kiss was placed on her cheek. She leaned back in the embrace, her eyes never leaving the view in front of them. She placed her hands on top of his.

Music from the reception was barely noticeable as they slowly swayed together. Several minutes passed and her husband asked, “What did you think?”

“The ceremony was beautiful,” she said softly, her gaze shifting heavenward taking in the stars that seemed to be shining so brightly. “Princess Lilianna looked exquisite and so happy.”

“Everyone looked that way.”

“Knowing that the ceremony was held at Christmas, I was expecting to see a lot more decorations associated with the holiday,” Queen Beatrix “Trixie” said. “But it was so perfect incorporating the flowers and traditions of the island with the subtle reminders of the season.”

“Do you wish our wedding was more like this one?” James Winthrop Frayne the second asked.

Trixie turned in his arms, placing her hands on his shoulders as they continued to sway.

“I wouldn’t change anything about our wedding,” Trixie answered. “While some people are focused on the napkins not clashing with the tablecloths that don’t clash with the floral arrangements, there are more important moments to remember.”

“Such as?” Jim prompted, reaching up and brushing a wayward curl back behind her ear.

“Seeing you standing there, looking so handsome in your tuxedo.” She looked at him with love in her eyes. “You married me that day and I can’t even recall any of the other details. Hearing you say ‘I do’ wiped everything else from my memory because you are all I’ve ever wanted.”

Jim leaned down and captured her lips in his own. Trixie’s hand threaded through his thick red hair at the back of his neck.

When they had to catch their breath, they separated slightly, resting their foreheads against one another.

“And you are all I ever wanted,” Jim said breathlessly.

“I love you so much,” Trixie said, giving him a kiss.

“You made me the happiest I’ve been in a long time,” Jim said. “I was living with a monster and took an opportunity to at least survive. I never knew how much my life would change when I stepped foot in Sleepyside. You gave me a family, people who honestly loved me. When you agreed to be my wife, you filled one last void that was in my heart.”

“I couldn’t let you go,” Trixie said, resting the side of her head against his chest and holding him tight to reassure herself from a tiny tendril of fear that she could have lost him forever.

“I’m glad you came after me.” Jim gave her a squeeze.

Trixie closed her eyes and just savored their time together without interruptions. They were so busy with their duties that she cherished these moments.

The traveling the day before, mixed in with the marriage celebration, hit her quickly and she felt her body slowly begin into sink in Jim’s embrace.

She was immediately scooped up as the bride had been, so she rested her head against his chest.

“Go ahead and sleep,” Jim said softly. “I’ve got you.”

“My prince,” Trixie said slipping into dreamland.

The next morning, they enjoyed a delicious breakfast of tropical fruit, eggs, toast, and ham. Once they were ready, they joined Queen Audrianna in the limousine with Prince Frederick to get a tour of their country.

“I hope the tour today is not an inconvenience for you,” Queen Audrianna said. “We could have done this before the wedding.”

“This is fine,” Trixie said. “Doing it before the wedding would have been more stressful.” Trixie took hold of Jim’s hand and gave it a squeeze. “There were so many last-minute details that popped up the day before our wedding that conducting a tour with visiting dignitaries would have been rushed.”

“I just hope your visit here isn’t cancelling holiday festivities back in your own country,” Queen Audrianna said.

“They are in good hands with my parents, Emperor William and Empress Mother Penelope,” Trixie said. “I think they enjoy the events as well as our people.”

“That is wonderful,” King Frederick said.

“So, what is our first stop?” Jim asked.

“Our first destination is a children’s home,” Queen Audrianna said. “We have been working hard to find permanent homes for those children who end up there through no fault of their own. At this time of year, we do many more activities with them so that they feel loved and remembered as the search is underway for their forever home.”

“What kind of activities?” Trixie asked.

“We take the children shopping after they pick a name of another child in the home. They have a budget to get them whatever they want. We help them wrap the gifts and it ends up under the Christmas morning. We also purchase additional gifts, so they have multiple packages to open.”

“That sounds so sweet,” Trixie said.

“The children put a lot of thought into what to get for one another,” Queen Audrianna said. “And the recipient is so grateful.”

“The children go caroling, bake cookies, make gingerbread houses, make ornaments for the tree and just anything holiday related,” Prince Frederick said.

“That makes sense,” Trixie said.

“After the children’s home, we are going to the hospital to spread some cheer and provide some gifts to the patients,” Queen Audrianna continued. “We know that being stuck in the hospital at this time of year negatively impacts a person’s recovery, so we get creative to add some joy to the day.”

“We love these ideas,” Trixie said as Jim nodded. “We do the same thing back home. On Christmas Day, we bring all the children to the castle to get presents from Santa. They decorate cookies and enjoy a holiday meal.”

“The joy on their faces makes the day,” Jim said. “They feel the most loved. They see other kids with their families and are wishing for their own. The party allows that longing to fade away for the day since there are so many others there for them.”

“The children in our countries that need the most love are definitely getting it,” Trixie said.

They arrived at the home and were greeted by the excited children. Their hands were grabbed and they were led into the building, the protocols for meeting royalty completely forgotten.

Trixie couldn’t stop laughing as two little boys each took one of her hands, dragging her into the dining room where the table was prepped for cookie decorating. Bowls of frosting in every color imaginable were on the red tablecloth. There were sprinkles, chocolate chips, jelly candies and more that they could add to the frosting.

The two boys each sat on one of her knees and worked on the cookies in front of them, constantly showing her each time they finished one.

Trixie glanced around the room and saw her husband had a boy and girl sitting on his lap, helping them to position the candy just how they wanted it. Just the sight of him with the children told her he would be an amazing father when they had children of their own.

Her eyes roamed around the room seeing the joy on all the faces. She tipped her head slightly when she noticed a little girl around five sitting off by herself. Her brown hair hid her face as she looked at the floor.

The two boys on her lap got up to retrieve some other candy and frosting, giving her the opportunity to move over to the little girl.

“Hi there,” Trixie said settling in the chair beside her.

“Hello,” the little girl said softly.

“Do you want to decorate some of the cookies?” Trixie asked.

“No thank you,” she said.

“Do you want to go for a walk?” Trixie asked.

The little girl nodded.

Trixie offered her hand and the child took hold. They stood up and left the dining room. Walking down the hall, they stepped into the living room where Trixie saw a large pine tree that was beautifully decorated. Stockings lined the one wall of the room, a child’s name on each one.

“This is a beautiful tree,” Trixie said.

The little girl just stood beside her.

After a few minutes, Trixie moved to the couch and sat down. They girl climbed onto her lap and leaned against Trixie. The queen wrapped her arms around her and slowly rocked, getting the feeling the little one needed one on one time.

Trixie ran her fingers through the little girl’s brown locks. She wasn’t going to push her to talk. Given time, she would tell Trixie what was needed. She could feel some small knots in the girl’s hair, so she pulled out her hairbrush and slowly slid it through her tresses.

The little girl sighed after a few minutes and Trixie couldn’t stop the smile that appeared on her face.

“I don’t know what it is, but I always enjoyed when someone else brushed my hair,” Trixie said. “With my curls, they always get so tangled and I just didn’t have the patience to work them all out. But when someone else has the brush in their hand, I’m content to just sit and enjoy it.”

The little girl shifted so her back was to Trixie.

“I think your hair is absolutely beautiful and there are so many styles that you can wear.”

“Really?” she asked, turning her head to look at Trixie.

“Would you like me try?”

“Please?” she asked.

Trixie smiled and worked to make her hair smooth. She was grateful she had watched the stylists over the years and had managed to pick up a few tips to get hair looking nice without a lot of work.

In no time at all, Trixie had a single braid going from the front to the back on each side of her head, combining them to hang down her back. She took a few tendrils of hair from her forehead and curled them around the brush to give them a little twist.

Once finished, she sent the little girl to look at herself in the mirror. Trixie stayed put. A moment later the little girls was back in the room and jumped into Trixie’s arms.

“Thank you so much,” she said, wrapping her small arms around Trixie. “I look beautiful.”

“You were always beautiful,” Trixie said. “We just had to enhance it.”

“Thank you,” she said.

“You’re welcome,” Trixie said and placed the hairbrush in the girl’s hands. “And I want you to have this.”

The green eyes went wide as her mouth fell open. “I can’t. It’s yours.”

“I want you to have it to remind yourself that you are beautiful, no matter what anyone says.”

“Thank you.”

Trixie was hugged again. The little girl let go and took off running down the hall, the blue hairbrush clutched tightly to her chest.

The queen followed her back to the room where the other children were now enjoying the cookies they had decorated, along with the remaining frosting, candies and chocolate.

She moved over to Jim and saw the twinkle in his eye knowing she was the reason the little girl was squealing in joy.

They made their way out of the building with Queen Audrianna and the director of the home.

“Queen Beatrix, I don’t know what you did with Ava, but that is the first time since she has arrived here that there’s been a smile on her face,” the director said.

“Let’s just call it a Christmas miracle,” Trixie said.

“I will take it,” the director said. “Thank you so much for joining us today as part of the tour of our country.”

“Thank you for allowing us to join in on your holiday festivities,” Trixie said. “We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and seeing the children get ready for the holiday.”

After bidding farewell and waving to the children that had gathered in the windows, they climbed into the limousine to make their way to their next destination.

They arrived at the main hospital on the island and followed Queen Audrianna inside. Stepping into the community room, they saw a bare Christmas tree standing against the wall. The tables had garlands, lights and ornaments waiting to be added.

Some children were sitting around, just looking at everything. Their eyes went wide when the royals entered the room.

“Will all of you help us decorate this tree?” Queen Audrianna asked. “This is the one Santa seems to visit every year and I don’t think he should be looking at a plain tree when he puts the presents underneath it, right?”

“No,” the children called out.

“Then we better get to work,” Queen Audrianna said.

Trixie moved over to the ornaments as Jim went to help a few of the older kids with the lights.

Three little girls moved to the ornaments and they put hooks on them which they hung off the sides of the box until the tree was ready. The ornaments were every color of the rainbow and a variety of shapes.

In no time at all, the girls were making their way to the tree with the ornaments being ever so careful to not drop any.

“You need to put this one on,” one girl said, handing an angel to her.

“Where should it go?” Trixie asked, offering the little girl her hand so they could approach the tree together.

“Near the top in the front,” the little girl with very short brown hair said, pointing toward the spot that was free of any ornaments.

Trixie lifted the hook attached to the angel and stretched up on her tiptoes to put it in the designated spot. Just as the hook touched the branch, there was a bright flash.

A cold breeze touched her legs, and her eyes flew open. She looked around seeing a lot of people standing around a tree in the darkness. She felt a gentle pull on her left hand. A woman with light brown hair led her forward as the crowd started moving.

Everyone seemed to much taller than her. Looking at her own body, she realized she was a little girl once again. She had on a dark red dress cinched at her waist that went to her ankles. Her feet were snug in a pair of boots. A doll dressed like an angel was in her right hand.

Up ahead was a castle with a candle glowing in each window. There were two giant candelabras placed at the top of the stairs.

The doors to the castle opened and the queen wearing an emerald green dress with white lace around the trim floated down the stone steps. The jewels in her crown twinkled in the moonlight as it sat perfectly in her blonde hair that was arranged atop her head.

Trixie couldn’t take her eyes off of her. She looked so regal. Everyone in attendance was watching with bated breath. When the queen stopped, a silence settled on the crowd.

“As per the tradition of our country, the lighting of candles signifies the importance of this holy night.”

Two servants lit candles from the candelabras and made their way down to the people. Moment by moment the darkness was pushed away as the candlelight grew.

When every candle had been lit, the crowd sang “Silent Night.”

Trixie looked at the townsfolk and everyone seemed happy. She looked over to the queen who just stood there expressionless. There were no other royals with her.

The song came to an end and the people began to disperse. Trixie felt the tug on her hand again, this time leading her away from the castle. Glancing back at the queen, she felt a pull of her heartstrings that the royal was alone. Feeling it was possible the queen would not receive a gift; Trixie slid her hand free and hurried back to the steps.

Moving as quickly as possible up the stone, she came to a stop in front of the queen.

“Your majesty,” Trixie said curtsying before reaching the angel out to the queen. “Merry Christmas.”

“This is for me?” the queen asked.

“Yes, your majesty,” Trixie said.

There was a pause before the queen accepted the angel with a smile, saying, “Thank you.”

“Merry Christmas,” Trixie repeated.

“Merry Christmas.”

Trixie let go of the angel and saw a flash once again, forcing her eyes closed at the brightness.

“Trix?” she heard Jim say her name softly as he squeezed her hand.

Her eyes flew open, recognizing the hospital community room. She was standing in front of the tree.

She looked at Jim and saw he was discretely checking her face in concern. Giving Jim a smile of reassurance, she squeezed his hand.

Queen Audrianna approached them as the children began making their way back to their rooms.

“Thank you for giving us this opportunity,” Trixie said. “Events like the two you shared with us today really ring true to our hearts. I believe our two countries see things the same way.”

“I am glad to hear that,” Queen Audrianna said. “These children are the future and should be given every chance to reach their dreams.”

“We definitely agree,” Trixie said, and they slowly made their way out to return to the castle.

Riding along, Queen Audrianna said, “You seemed lost in thought after putting the angel on the tree.”

“It was a beautiful ornament and seemed much older than a lot of them on the tree,” Trixie commented.

“That angel has been the one constant ornament on that tree for as long as I can remember,” Queen Audrianna said. “Supposedly in the late 1800s, there was a little girl who gave the angel to the queen on Christmas Eve after the town’s tree lighting ceremony. The little girl thought the queen looked lonely and wasn’t going to get any presents, so she gave the queen the angel.”

Trixie couldn’t believe what she was hearing. It wasn’t just a story. It had really happened.

“It’s nice that there is something that is a tradition,” Jim said. “Those things make all the difference in the world.”

“And some of the activities or customs are new because most children have never done them,” Queen Audrianna said.

“It’s so enjoyable to see their expressions when they try something new,” Trixie said.

“I really look forward to that,” Queen Audrianna said. “And I hope that you enjoy Christmas with us as well.”

“It will be a holiday to remember,” Trixie said.

That evening after dinner, Trixie and Jim headed down to the beach. They walked barefoot through the sand holding hands. Their free hands held their shoes. The sun was beginning to set, and they found a spot on some rocks to watch the sun disappear from view.

Trixie leaned back against Jim as he wrapped his arms around her. Neither of them said anything as their eyes remained focused on the horizon.

The colors of the sky were mesmerizing as the sun vanished from sight. They sat for several more minutes watching boats make their way along the water, some of them with Christmas lights outlining their shape.

They finally got to their feet and headed back toward the castle.

“That was beautiful,” Trixie said. “We’ve seen the sunset behind the mountains, but seeing it sink below the horizon was nothing I could have ever imagined.”

“I agree,” Jim said, swinging their intertwined hands.

“This is a beautiful place,” Trixie said.

“This is definitely a Christmas I won’t forget.”

“Me either.”

They stopped walking and Jim turned to face Trixie. “Are you all right? You’ve been quiet since we left the hospital. Did something happen?”

Trixie turned her head and looked out to the ocean. Her gaze shifted back to Jim. He reached up and cupped her face.

“The story about the angel isn’t just a story,” Trixie said.

“What do you mean?”

She tugged his hand and they sat down in the sand side by side. She leaned her head against his shoulder. “I know many traditions stem from real life events and this is one of them.”

Jim kissed the side of her head and she continued. “For some reason when I placed the angel on the tree, I was transported to when the angel was given to the queen. By me.”

“You?”

Trixie nodded. “I wasn’t sure what was going on, but I did give her the angel.”

“Wow.”

“Do you think I’m crazy? Or that I’m making it up?”

“I think it did happen,” Jim said. “I saw you put the angel on the tree and then just stood there for a few minutes, staring straight ahead. Afterward when Queen Audrianna was telling the story, you seemed to know it.”

“It was so real,” Trixie said. “And then to know the reason. It felt like a Christmas miracle.”

“It was probably destiny that brought us here and for you to have that experience.”

“But what could it mean?” Trixie asked. “What am I supposed to learn from that?”

“Maybe it isn’t a lesson that needed to be learned,” Jim said. “Ever since we were teens, we have always done things for others who were in need. We’ve shown so much kindness to others because we care and maybe that was just a reminder that there are more people in the world just like us who think about others.”

“You don’t think it’s a sign for our future?”

“Like what?”

“I don’t know, Jim,” Trixie said with a sigh, running her hand through the sane. “I think this just rattled me and I’m trying to figure out why.”

“But?” Jim prompted.

Trixie sighed again. “But there might not be an explanation.”

Jim kissed the side of her head. “Keep it as a memory of our tropical Christmas adventure. You are a kind, loving, fair queen, the epitome of what a good ruler should be.”

She turned to look at him, seeing love in his eyes. “How did I get so lucky to have you as my husband?”

“You barged into a dilapidated house to make sure it was secure since the owner had been taken to the hospital and didn’t back down when an exhausted, terrified runaway pointed a shot gun at you.”

“That was the best moment of my life.”

“You are the one that has made all of my dreams come true,” Jim said.

“I am so grateful we have a future together.”

“I wouldn’t want to be with anyone else.” Jim leaned in and gave her a kiss. “Even before you found your royal lineage, I knew you were the one for me, for all eternity. I love you so much.”

They kissed in the moonlight.

“You know,” Jim said when they broke apart. “We could always plan for a warm getaway every year, either early November or January when there are no holiday events to cover. It could be a relaxing time before the holiday commitments or recovery after them.”

“That’s definitely a good idea,” Trixie said snuggling in close her head on his chest as he wrapped his arms around her. “A January break probably makes the most sense to give us a reprieve from the snow.”

“We could set up on a remote island and spend a couple weeks walking on the beach and just having one on one time.”

“It could be done until we have kids,” Trixie said.

She felt her husband freeze.

Leaning back, she looked him in the eye. Even in the moonlight, he looked pale. “What is it? What’s wrong?”

He continued to stare at her, his mouth hanging open slightly.

Trixie shifted to her knees, so she was right in front of Jim, cupping his face in both of her hands. “Jim?”

“Is it true?” Jim asked, his voice barely heard over the crashing waves.

“Is what true?” Trixie asked.

Jim placed his hands on her waist as he met her gaze. He asked softly, “Are you pregnant?”

“Pregnant?” Trixie squeaked, her eyes going wide.

“You just said we wouldn’t be able to take a break in January once we have kids because of their schooling.”

“I said ‘until we have kids’,” Trixie said. “I know we’ve talked about having children someday, but that time hasn’t come yet. It was all hypothetical.”

“I know we talked briefly about having a family in the future, and we haven’t really set a date for that, but I also know that it can happen even if protection is in place,” Jim rambled quickly. “And while I am excited for us to start a family, I’m still getting used to it just being us as a married couple. I mean, we’ve been married for over a year and some people may be wondering why we haven’t created an heir for the throne and be questioning if there will be a succession for the throne.”

“Jim,” Trixie said.

“I can’t believe I jumped to the wrong conclusion,” Jim said, embarrassed.

“Jim, we will have kids when the time is right,” Trixie said. “I can see how my comments may have suggested that I was carrying the next heir to the throne, but unfortunately, now isn’t the time. I am certain that you will know I’m pregnant long before I do as you are so in tune with my habits. You and I are both still getting used to this full-time royal stuff and while a baby or several babies will be a blessing, the right time will come. It’s just not now, not for a lack of trying.”

“You are right,” Jim said with a smile.

Trixie tipped her head slightly to the side to gaze into his green eyes and said with a loving smile, “I’m looking forward to the day we start a family of our own.”

Jim returned the grin. “I wouldn’t want anyone else to be the mother of my children.”

“I love you, Jim.”

“I love you, Trix.”

They kissed and then the waves crashed over the rocks in the distance and up the beach soaking the sand.

“AHHH!” Trixie cried out as a cold wave crashed into them, drenching their clothes.

They both scurried backward to get away from the water. Feeling they were far away from the next wave, they dropped back to the sand laughing.

“Well, that will be a memory we won’t forget,” Jim chuckled.

“We finally got to enjoy the ocean,” Trixie commented.

“I think we both would have preferred it during the day.”

“I don’t care as long as it’s with you.”

“I love you, Queen Beatrix.”

“I love you, my prince.”

They rolled onto their sides and kissed, unaware and uncaring that the waves were going to reach them once again since they had not moved far enough away.