I would like to thank roxygoth, BurningFox6, krystal lazuli, and LukeJames for beta reading and helping me improve!
Feedback is always appreciated!
Disclaimer: I do not own Frozen. Frozen is owned by Disney. I only lay claim to Prince Edmund, Prince Lucas, Master Stephen, Prince Cade, Princess Olivia and anyone else you do not recognize from Frozen.
Chapter 34
Christmas Eve arrived quicker than anyone anticipated. The townspeople were rushing to do last-minute Christmas shopping and make sure everything was ready for the following day.
Edmund, Stephen, and Lucas made sure to get some gifts for the two sisters. The English prince got them glass slippers, while Stephen and Lucas decided on elegant hairstyle utensils so Elsa and Anna could do their hair for special occasions.
Cade realized he still had to get Christmas gifts for everybody as well. The Scottish prince remembered Edmund and Lucas talking about Theodor's Weaponry during a conversation they had the day before. Therefore, Cade decided Edmund, Lucas, Stephen, and Kristoff would like something from the weaponsmith. As for Elsa and Anna, the Scottish prince decided to get them some elegant dresses from the kingdom clothier.
He got a green dress for the princess and a turquoise one for the Snow Queen. Cade chose to get the finest armor the weaponsmith had to offer. Every part of each set of armor was ultramarine with some streaks of gold.
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After the Christmas shopping had concluded for the royals, Elsa and Anna came up with an idea of having a snowball fight in the courtyard to pass time. The sisters decided to have Edmund, Stephen, Lucas, Cade, Olivia, and Kristoff join them. They thought it would be more fun to have more people involved. Before doing so, Cade requested Gerda and Kai look after Rachel. Gerda and Kai were more than happy to oblige.
Once Elsa had created a snowball fight battlefield for everyone, the group was now wondering what they would do for teams.
"How are we going to do this? Will it be teams or everyone for themselves? I am good with either one," Edmund said.
"That sounds good, Edmund. Is there one you would prefer over the other if you had to choose one?" Elsa wondered.
The English prince thought about it for a moment. "I have an idea. How about we take votes on each one? The one with the most votes is what we will do."
The Snow Queen nodded at the suggestion. "Okay then. Raise your hand for doing teams."
All the men and Olivia raised their hands.
"Then teams it is," Elsa declared.
"What do you suggest we do for teams?" Lucas asked.
"It will be Anna, me, Olivia, and Kristoff against you, Edmund, Stephen, and Cade. Does that sound fair?" the Ice Queen asked.
"Yes. That sounds great to me," Cade responded with a smile.
"Then shall we let the snowball fight commence?" Stephen suggested.
"Yes!" Anna exclaimed as everyone got ready for the snowball fight.
Soon Elsa unleashed her first round of snowballs at the guests, while Anna, Kristoff, and Olivia made snowballs and threw them whenever they saw any of the guests.
Snowballs were flying everywhere and striking the snow structures scattered about.
The Scottish prince was stealthily making his way around the snow structures, avoiding any snowballs thrown by the Ice Queen, princess, ice harvester, or Swedish princess. It would not be long before he managed to get behind the royal family and Olivia before making his move. Before Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, and Olivia could notice, Cade managed to strike all four of them with snowballs. The four tried to get Cade, but he was too fast. Cade managed to get behind one of the studier snowy structures before he burst out laughing.
"I know that was you, Cade!" Anna shouted with a sheepish smile.
"Alright! You got me!" the Scottish prince called back with a smirk.
"I am going to get you!" the princess exclaimed before she made her move to go after Cade.
Anna soon found Cade hiding behind one of the snow structures behind one of the courtyard fountains.
"There you are!" Anna said before she threw a snowball at the Scottish prince.
Cade effortlessly dodged the snowball. He smiled as he tossed a snowball at the princess and managed to get her in the face.
"No fair!" the princess said in mock anger.
"Hey. I did not mean to hurt you," Cade replied.
"I know! I'm just kidding, Cade!" Anna responded with a grin as she made her way to try to get the Scottish prince again.
Cade failed to notice Kristoff charging at him, and by the time he saw the ice harvester, a snowball struck him in the face.
"Gotcha!" the ice harvester exclaimed with a chuckle.
The Scottish prince brushed the snow off his face with a grin. He then made his way to run after Kristoff with a snowball.
Edmund and Lucas were taking cover under a snow fort from the barrage Elsa was unleashing upon them.
"Okay. You go this way, and I will go that way," the English prince said.
"Got it," the Belgian prince replied as they made their way from snow structure to snow structure, making sure to stay alert to avoid getting hit.
As they made their move, however, snowbanks rose from beneath them and engulfed them in snow up to their shoulders.
"Looks like I got you guys!" Elsa said as she chucked snowballs at the two princes and hit them square in the forehead. The Snow Queen giggled after seeing snow splatter all over Edmund's and Lucas' faces.
Edmund and Lucas grinned as they wiped the snow off their faces and shoulders.
The snowball fight would commence for a while. While both teams put up a good fight, Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, and Olivia ultimately won the battle. Everyone was soaking wet from all the snow.
Edmund, Stephen, Lucas, and Cade accepted defeat with grace as everyone soon made their way back to the castle.
"Well, that was fun," Edmund said with a grin.
"I agree. That snowball fight sure took a lot out of me. I never thought a snowball fight could require so much energy," Lucas replied in agreement.
"It felt like old times," Stephen added.
"I agree. Every time it snowed in Scotland, my family and I always had snowball fights. If there is one thing I have learned from my childhood, it is that you are never too old to have fun," Cade stated with a fond smile.
"Yes. You can always have fun no matter how old you are," Olivia said, beaming.
"I am glad you enjoyed the snowball fight, gentlemen," Elsa said gratefully upon hearing the princes' responses.
"Of course! I would gladly do it again sometime," Edmund responded with a charming grin.
"Me too," Lucas added.
"Me three," Stephen said.
"Me four," Cade added.
"Me five," Olivia stated.
The Snow Queen smiled. Even though Edmund, Stephen, Lucas, Cade, and Olivia were of royal status like her and Anna, it made her happy they knew how to have fun.
"Why don't we do it again after Christmas?" Anna suggested.
"That sounds like a plan," Edmund replied. He then looked at his wet clothes. "I think I am going to take a bath. See you later, everyone."
Everyone left after waving to each other to take their baths and get changed into fresh clothes.
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The rest of the day was entirely about making last-minute preparations to make sure the Christmas Ball was nothing less than perfect. Castle staff were ensuring everything was in order and was ready by the time the ball began.
The royals themselves spent the remainder of the day getting dressed for the ball.
Edmund and Stephen were dressed for the ball. The English prince's outfit consisted of a midnight blue suit with cream-colored pants, black boots, and a luteous belt.
"Do you think I look okay for tonight, Stephen?" Edmund asked.
"Of course, you do, Edmund. Elsa will be very impressed. I have no doubt whatever dress she wears tonight will astonish you as well," Stephen reassured. His outfit was an olive-green suit, gray pants, brown boots, and a silver belt.
"I appreciate it, Steph. Really, I do. You look rather good yourself," Edmund said with a charming grin.
"Thank you, Ed," Stephen replied. "I know you and Elsa are going to have a wonderful time tonight. This might be a golden opportunity for you to sweep her off her feet."
"Well, we will see. I am unsure whether it is the right time for a whole romantic relationship or anything like that. There is the possibility that we will find out at the conclusion of the ball. As I have said before, the last thing I would like to do is make Elsa uncomfortable," Edmund explained.
"Edmund, listen to me. I know how you feel about Elsa. This may be a chance for you to find your true love. I would like nothing more than for you to be happy, Edmund. Elsa probably feels the same way. It would be unwise of you to pass up on an opportunity to find the woman of your dreams," Stephen said.
The English prince nodded in understanding. "Well, only one way to find out."
"Elsa is a beautiful woman with the biggest heart of any woman I have ever met. I am certain you and Elsa will do whatever it takes to make each other happy," Stephen stated.
"She is amazing indeed," Edmund responded with a smile.
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Lucas was just finishing up getting dressed. He was wearing a lavender suit, brown pants, black boots, and a copper belt.
As soon as he finished getting ready, a knock was heard at his door.
"Come in," Lucas replied.
The door opened to reveal Olivia, wearing a matching lavender dress. Her blonde hair was curled, and her sparkling green eyes were radiant.
The Belgian prince's golden eyes widened in awe as he took in Olivia's appearance.
"You look beautiful, Olivia," Lucas said.
"Thank you, Lucas. You look rather dashing yourself," the Swedish princess replied with a smile.
"Are you ready for the Ball?" Lucas asked.
"I certainly am. Are you?" Olivia wondered.
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"Yes," Lucas responded with a nod and a grin. He offered his arm, and the Swedish princess gladly took it. The two royals then left Lucas' room and made their way to the ballroom.
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Anna was wearing a green dress, finishing with preparing herself. Before she had begun getting ready, she asked Kristoff to be her escort to the ball, and the ice harvester happily obliged.
A knock sounded at her door. "Anna? It's me, Kristoff. Are you ready?" the ice harvester's voice sounded from the other side of the door.
"Just a minute!" the princess called as she hastily made the finishing touches with her ball outfit before answering the door. "Sorry if that took too long. I was just making sure I looked presentable for tonight."
Kristoff chuckled. "It's alright, Anna. You don't have anything to worry about."
"Okay good!" Anna exclaimed. "Anyway, are you ready for a lovely evening, Kristoff?"
"Yes, I am," the ice harvester responded with a grin as the couple started walking to the ballroom.
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Elsa was fully dressed for the ball. She was hoping the outfit she chose would impress Edmund. The Snow Queen was wearing a midnight-blue off-the-shoulder sleeved gown with a velvety texture and a large fur collar with small stones inside. Underneath a small gap at the center was a small part of a porphyrous undershirt. To fit her regal status, her outfit featured a transparent blue cape, but she noticed it was slightly less transparent than the previous capes she possessed. Like her first Snow Queen outfit, Elsa was wearing dark blue ice kitten heels. On the chest, cape, and rims of the outfit were diamond-shaped crystals scattered across, with some forming the lower part of her snowflake emblem on the neckline and a larger pattern on the back of the cape. In her hair was a small winter berry wreath pin.
The Ice Queen opened her door and saw Edmund waiting for her. Elsa had asked the English prince to escort her to the ballroom. He looked incredible in his dark blue suit.
"You look beautiful," Edmund praised as he took her hand.
"Thank you, Edmund," Elsa replied with a smile. "You look pretty good yourself."
"Well thank you," Edmund responded.
Elsa sighed.
"Are you okay?" the English prince asked, concern in his blue eyes.
"I am a little nervous. When I was a little girl, I never thought I would find a man due to my powers. However, my parents reassured me that someday, I would meet someone who would see past them and see me for who I truly was," Elsa explained.
Edmund nodded in understanding. "I promise we will take it slow, Elsa, and I really mean that. Nothing that will make you uncomfortable will happen tonight. I promise you we will have an enchanting evening tonight."
The Snow Queen grinned. "Thank you, Edmund."
"Of course, Elsa. Anything for you," the English prince replied sincerely.
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Cade was wearing a peach-colored suit, and Rachel had a small matching dress. The Scottish prince decided to spend some time with his daughter before they prepared for the ball.
"Are you ready for a fun evening, Rachel?" Cade asked.
"Yes Daddy!" the little girl exclaimed.
"That is the spirit," the Scottish prince responded with a beam.
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Once the royals reached the entrance to the ballroom, Kai opened the doors. He called the attention of everyone who was attending the ball. Eyes fell on the royals, with Kai taking a deep breath to announce them one by one. With each name the head of the castle staff stated, the royals stepped forward, bowing and curtsying respectfully.
"Presenting Her Majesty, Queen Elsa of Arendelle, accompanied by His Highness Prince Edmund of England. Her Highness Princess Anna of Arendelle, accompanied by Sir Kristoff. Princess Olivia of Halmstad, accompanied by Prince Lucas of Ostenda. Sir Stephen White of England. Prince Cade of Scotland, accompanied by his daughter, Princess Rachel," Kai announced.
There was a round of applause and cheering as everyone stood up straight.
Edmund led the Snow Queen to the front of the room.
"Let the Christmas Ball begin," the Ice Queen declared. The music started up again, and Elsa noticed Olaf was with the musicians, wearing a blue bow made of ice. While this did surprise some of the guests, the Snow Queen reassured them Olaf meant well. The snowman was a pretty good singer, after all.
"May I have this dance?" Edmund asked.
"Of course," Elsa replied with a smile as the two royals made their way to the center of the ballroom.
The English prince placed a hand on Elsa's slender waist, and the Ice Queen put a hand on Edmund's broad shoulder. Then they started to dance to the music.
As they danced, they smiled at each other. There were occasional moments when they saw Anna with Kristoff, and Olivia with Lucas. Stephen was watching the couples with a smile, and whenever his eyes met with Edmund's, he would wave, and the English prince waved back. Cade danced and gently swayed his young daughter in his arms, which made her giggle.
"Are you having a great time?" the English prince asked.
"Very much so. I am glad to have you as a dance partner," Elsa responded with a beautiful smile.
"Likewise. I could not have asked for a better dance partner," Edmund replied, sharing the sentiment.
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Olivia and Lucas were dancing, smiling at each other.
"What do you think, Olivia? Are you having fun?" Lucas asked.
"Oh yes!" the Swedish princess replied, grinning. "I do not think I have ever had a better partner to dance with than you."
"Well thank you. I am pleased to hear I can appease you," the Belgian prince stated with a charming grin.
The Swedish princess realized Lucas was not just a humble gentleman, he was also very handsome and such a nice man. Though it was still quite early, Olivia was nonetheless curious as to what would happen if she ever did marry the Belgian prince in the future. What she did like, however, was Lucas was not one to rush anything when it came to love. He seemed to be the kind of guy who would be perfectly fine with being friends with her if their relationship did not blossom into romance. Based on how things were going between them, the Swedish princess would not be surprised if she and Lucas did become a couple one day.
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Anna and Kristoff were swaying to the music when the ice harvester gently spun the princess around, finishing with a dip.
"This is a good time, huh Kristoff?" the princess asked.
"It is always a good time with you," Kristoff responded with a smile.
Anna then noticed Elsa and Edmund dancing with each other. It pleased the princess Edmund and Lucas had taught her how to dance. "Looks like Elsa is doing just fine on the dance floor."
Kristoff nodded in agreement. "She sure is. Elsa is not the only one who didn't know how to dance when she was younger."
"You mean the trolls didn't teach you?" Anna wondered.
"Maybe a little bit, but I see it's completely different when humans teach you. Without you, I probably wouldn't have the slightest idea what I would be doing," the ice harvester admitted. "I have you to thank for knowing what dancing is about."
"It's all about happiness, which I have found being with you, Kristoff," the princess said with a smile.
"Likewise," Kristoff replied with a grin.
"Anyway, I'm thirsty. Could we please take a break and get something to drink?" Anna asked.
"Of course, Anna. Would you like some water or something?" the ice harvester offered.
"Yes please," the princess said as the couple made their way to the refreshments table.
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Cade was giving his daughter some chocolate to consume. While he had some chocolate himself, he gave Rachel milk chocolate, while he himself had dark chocolate. The Scottish prince did not mind any kind of chocolate, but he preferred darker chocolate as it was healthier than milk chocolate. Still, on special occasions, he was willing to have any kind of chocolate that was given to him.
He was happily watching Edmund, Lucas, and Kristoff dancing with Elsa, Olivia, and Anna. It made him happy the three men had great dance partners. Cade may not have had a woman to dance with, but it was perfectly fine with him. He did have Rachel, after all.
The Scottish prince was also seeing Stephen enjoy himself by eating and drinking the heathiest options of food and drink the ball had. It surprised him that Edmund, Stephen, and Lucas did not consume alcohol, but Cade totally respected that. He never envisioned himself consuming beer or wine either, as he preferred putting only good things in his body. Even then, he was still too young to drink alcohol anyway.
"What do you think, Rachel?" Cade asked his daughter.
"This is fun!" Rachel exclaimed.
"I am glad you think so," the Scottish prince said with a beam.
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Eventually a slow dance took place, and Olaf was to sing during the music playing during the slow dance.
Edmund gently wrapped his muscular arms around Elsa's waist, and the Ice Queen wrapped her arms around the English prince's neck.
As the music began to play the slow dance tune, Olaf started singing to the song.
"Olaf is a great singer, if I must say," Edmund said, impressed.
"Yes, he is," Elsa replied in agreement with a smile.
The two royals smiled at each other as they gently swayed to the peaceful music echoing throughout the ballroom.
Olivia and Lucas, along with Anna and Kristoff, were doing the same thing as Elsa and Edmund were. Stephen was smiling as he watched the peaceful, tranquil scene before him.
Cade noticed his daughter was beginning to get tired. Therefore, he excused himself from the ballroom, making sure to find someone to watch Rachel while she slept until the Scottish prince himself went to bed. He arrived back to the ballroom just in time for the end of the song. The Scottish prince was smiling at the joyous sight in front of him.
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The Ball went deep into the night, and everyone had a wonderful time.
After the Ball ended, Edmund escorted Elsa back to her bedroom. They were holding hands, smiling at each other as they walked.
"Did you have a great time, Elsa?" Edmund asked curiously.
The Snow Queen nodded with a beam. "I had a wonderful time, Edmund. Thank you so much for a lovely evening."
"You are very welcome, Elsa," the English prince responded with a respectful bow.
Giggling lightly, the Snow Queen leaned forward and kissed the handsome English prince on the cheek.
Edmund's eyes widened in surprise before he looked at the Ice Queen with an embarrassed smile and blushed.
"Merry Christmas, Edmund. I thank you again for the amazing evening," Elsa said, smiling.
"Of course. Merry Christmas, Elsa. I will see you in the morning," Edmund replied with a charming grin before he gently took Elsa's hand and kissed it.
The royals smiled at each other one last time before Edmund made his way back to his room. Unbeknownst to him, Elsa watched him walk back to his guestroom, a beautiful smile on her face.
The Snow Queen realized she might be developing feelings for the English prince. He was not only a magnificent man, but Elsa also had to admit Edmund was the handsomest man she had ever met as well.
Elsa may not have known him for a month yet. However, she was slowly starting to think Edmund might be the right man for her, after all. The Snow Queen decided time would tell whether that would be the path the two would follow.
Smiling to herself, Elsa began to get ready for bed. She was excited to see what Christmas had in store for herself and everyone else this year.
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Anna and Kristoff were in the princess' room, still dancing with each other even though there was no music in the background. They did not mind, however, so long as they danced with each other.
"That was one heck of a Ball if I must say," Anna said with a grin.
"I agree," Kristoff replied with a nod, smiling. "It would not have been any fun without you."
"Ah, you're so sweet, Kristoff," the princess replied with a blush. "I think Elsa and Edmund like each other."
The ice harvester smirked. "It seems Elsa and Edmund were not the only ones having a great time with each other. I saw Olivia and Lucas dancing with each other as well."
"Ah yes! I think Elsa and Edmund would make a great couple, as would Olivia and Lucas," Anna replied. "I feel bad for Stephen and Cade though. Wish they could've had dance partners themselves."
Kristoff sighed, placing his hand on her shoulder before he smiled. "I am sure Stephen and Cade weren't upset at all. Steph looked like he was content just watching the pleasant atmosphere, and Cade did have Rachel to keep him company."
"Rachel is so adorable. I bet Cade is very lucky to have her for a daughter," Anna said.
"Cade is a great father, especially for someone who became a parent while still a teenager. As he said, he did have to grow up rather quickly after Rachel was born," Kristoff stated.
"Yes. I've heard parenting can be challenging," the princess replied.
"Cade did say the challenge is worth it in the end, though," the ice harvester pointed out.
"He did. Just imagine how good he will feel once his kids grow up and can take care of themselves. It'll leave him feeling good, knowing he did well as a parent," Anna said.
"I'm sure Cade would like to enjoy the time he has with Rachel while she is still a kid. You wouldn't want to overwhelm him with the thought of her growing up," Kristoff responded.
"That is true," Anna said. "You think Stephen might find his true love one day?"
"I'm not sure about that. It's his business whether he would like to do that or not," the ice harvester said. "Everyone's lives are unique. While some people do find their true love, others will remain single for their entire lives."
"At least you're glad you're not one of those people that will be single for the rest of your life?" Anna asked flirtatiously.
Kristoff chuckled. "Of course, Anna. I love you more than anything, and I would do anything to make you happy."
"I feel the same way," Anna said as the two royals hugged each other. "I love you, Kristoff. Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas, Anna. I love you too," the ice harvester said as the couple kissed each other passionately.
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Cade returned to his guestroom to see one of the castle staff members watching his daughter. Making sure to be as quiet as possible, the Scottish prince carefully walked up to the castle staff member.
"Rachel has been sleeping peacefully, Prince Cade," the castle staff member quietly said.
"Thank you for watching over her," Cade stated.
"Of course. Merry Christmas, Prince Cade," the staff member replied.
"Merry Christmas to you as well," Cade replied with a smile as they waved to each other before the castle staff member quietly left the suite to let the Scottish royals get some rest.
After getting ready for bed, Cade smiled down at his sleeping daughter. She looked so peaceful when she slept.
Cade slowly leaned over and gently kissed her on the forehead. She stirred a little bit but did not wake up.
"Merry Christmas, Rachel," the Scottish prince whispered as he went to bed himself and fell into a blissful sleep.
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"Thank you for a spectacular night, Lucas. I enjoyed every second of it," Olivia said gratefully as Lucas escorted her back to her guestroom.
"You are welcome, Olivia. It was a fun night, to say the least," Lucas said in agreement. "Is there anything you need before you go to bed?"
"No, but thank you," the Swedish princess said with a smile as the two royals reached the entrance to Olivia's guestroom. She planted a kiss on the Belgian prince's cheek. "Merry Christmas, Lucas."
Lucas blushed as he smiled down at the beautiful Swedish princess. "Merry Christmas, Olivia. I will see you in the morning."
"Good night, Lucas," Olivia smiled as she entered her guestroom and closed the door gently.
The Belgian prince let out a bashful sigh as he went back to his guestroom. He may have known Olivia for only a few days, but there was something special about her he really admired. She was not only beautiful. Olivia was also gracious, polite, and a very optimistic young woman. Lucas had every intent on taking it slow, but he could not help but wonder if he and Olivia were to ever marry one day. He had always dreamed of settling down and becoming a father and husband one day. The Belgian prince was going to be patient with it, however. What he preferred was avoiding doing anything he would regret for the rest of his life. Smiling, he got ready for bed upon reaching his suite and went to sleep.
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"It looked like you and Elsa had a wonderful time this evening," Stephen said.
"We did. One of the greatest nights of my life," Edmund replied with a smile.
"Have you thought about whether you like her or not?" Stephen wondered.
Edmund thought about it. "I suppose I cannot deny any longer I do like her. However, I am unsure when would be a good time to ask her on a first date."
Stephen placed a hand on his student's shoulder. "I think Elsa would be the perfect woman for you. Not only is she beautiful, but she also has the biggest heart of any woman I have ever met. I think you and Elsa would do anything to make each other happy."
"I appreciate the encouragement, Steph. Really, I do. It is just I would like to take it slow with her. The last thing I would like to do is take the next step too early and regret it for the rest of my life," Edmund explained.
"I know you will make the next move when the right time comes. While I know only you can know when the right time is, I am encouraging you to not pass up a golden opportunity like this. Ever since you were born, I always envisioned you becoming a father and husband one day," Stephen elaborated.
Edmund smiled. "I appreciate everything you have done for me, Stephen. Where would I be without you?"
Stephen shrugged. "I honestly do not know where you would be without me. However, I am confident that even if we never met, you would still be the great man you are today."
"I guess we will never know," Edmund said. The English prince then grinned. "Merry Christmas, Stephen."
"Merry Christmas, Edmund," Stephen said with a smile of his own.
The two men got ready for bed before they went to sleep, eager for Christmas morning.