Special Holiday Chapter

I know they don't celebrate the way we do in modern times, but I wanted to make a cute holiday chapter. This chapter is just a random story so it does not have to do with the main story. You can skip it if you'd like!

I hope you all have a great holiday. And be safe out there! Happy Holidays everyone!

I felt a cold chill creep up my body through the blankets that covered me. I inched my body closer to the warm body that laid beside me. I felt a warm hand wrap around me and pull me even closer. I couldn't help but smile when I was face to face with Francis as we laid our heads against the soft pillows beneath us. "Good morning," Francis whispered to me. His voice was still trying to wake up from the slumber he had just arouse from. I wiggled my body downward and buried my face into Francis' chest. I took in a deep breath, inhaling the sweet scent that surrounded Francis. "Good morning," I mumbled back to him. Francis snickered and lifted the covers so that he could see me. "What are you doing?" He asked me. I buried my face even further into his warm chest. "I don't want to get up."

Francis reached lifted his right arm and reached it toward me. He played with the loose hair that laid on his right arm. "We don't have to." I looked up at him, then put my hands underneath me so that I could push my body upward. "We don't?" I asked in confusion. Francis smiled warmly at me. "It's Christmas" Francis gently pulled me toward him and kissed me. When he pulled away he continued to have his warm smile covering his face. "Merry Christmas, my love."

I smiled back at him. It felt like butterflies filled my stomach whenever I saw that smile. "Merry Christmas, darling." I leaned in again and planted a kiss on his lips. When I pulled away this time Francis pulled me toward him and wrapped his strong arms around me. "How are you and the baby?" Francis asked as he reached down and put his hand on my much larger stomach. It had been three months since we had found out about the pregnancy. Francis was always so great about making me comfortable and happy.

"We are both great." I gushed. Francis gently rubbed my stomach with the tips of his fingers. "Let's stay like this for a little while longer," Francis said as he placed his head back on the pillow.

We had stayed close to one another for only a little bit longer. We decided that the longer we spent lying in bed the more work we would have to do when we got up.

During Christmas, everyone was so much more cheerful and happy. It was a time of year when you showed the people you love how grateful you are. I had a lot to be grateful for, definitely for all the wonderful people I had in my life.

As I walked through the lively halls I was greeted by every servant that passed me. They would bow and smile warmly, then wish me a happy day. It put me in such a wonderful mood. One I didn't want to lose all year.

I let my arms swing back and forth at my sides as I walked through the newly decorated halls. I did not have a lot to do today, unlike Francis who was always busy. There was going to be a ball tonight and I couldn't wait. I would finally have all of Francis' attention to myself. I was also looking forward to the hall, where the ball was being held since it was going to be decorated with all sorts of holiday decor.

I was passing the time by exploring the halls, although I knew this castle quite well now. The servants had decorated all over the castle, so I wanted to check every corner of the castle to see the cheerfulness it brought.

After some time had passed my feet began to get a little sore and they forced me to start heading back, but it turned out that the event had already started without my knowing. I made my way to the hall at a steady pace and found Francis waiting at the entrance. When he spotted me walking toward him he immediately jogged toward me. "Mary, I was getting worried! You should not be walking around by yourself." Francis said in worry as he grabbed onto my arm as if I needed the extra support. I only laughed and smiled. My mood was far too cheerful to start anything with Francis. "I wanted to see the decorations. I am quite alright walking by myself."

Francis didn't argue with me even though it looked like he wanted to. We walked into the hall together, arm in arm. Just as I expected the hall was decorated with lovely ornaments and wreaths. Ornaments hung from the ceiling, some red or white. They were all different colors. The wreaths hung below each window with a different centerpiece in each one. It was all so beautiful and it truly put you in the holiday spirit. "Do you like it?" Francis asked as he squeezed my hand in his. I nodded as I continued to fascinate over the wonderful decorations. "I love it," I responded happily. Francis smiled at me then gently pulled me forward. I put my attention back on Francis because of his sudden movements. "Would you like to dance?" Francis asked me. I quickly nodded in response. Any opportunity that I was given to dance with Francis I took it. Francis was gentle with me as we danced surrounded by other lovely couples. He always kept me close and made sure I didn't move more than I had to already. Even though he was doing all of that my feet were begging me to take a seat. I tried to ignore the slight pain as we danced but it seemed like Francis had already noticed my discomfort. He quickly paused and placed his hand on my waist. "What is it? What's wrong?"

I shook my head, trying to get him to calm down. "Nothing. My feet are just a little sore from walking." Before I could say anything else Francis led me to a chair and helped me sit down. "You need to be more careful. You do not need to walk around the castle all the time." Francis said worriedly. I raised my brow. "I can handle a small walk, Francis." Francis was about to speak up again but suddenly Bash and my ladies approached us. "Follow us," Lola said in excitement. Francis looked at them all skeptically. "Why?" He asked Lola. Kenna giggled and grabbed Francis' arm. "Come on!"

Francis attempted to shake Kenna off of him but Kenna was relentless. "Mary should be getting rest." Francis tried. I rolled my eyes and slowly stood up from the wooden chair. "Where are we going?" I asked Aylee, who was standing the closest to me. She gently wrapped her arm around my own and pulled me forward. "You'll see."

They led Francis and me out of the castle and into the garden. The whole garden was covered with a large amount of snow. Everywhere you looked you could see the bright sparkles that came from the white snow. I smiled in delight as I took in the beautiful sight. Francis seemed impatient as we stood there and admired it. "Are we done?" He asked the group. Bash scoffed at Francis' impatience. "This isn't it." Francis turned toward Bash in confusion. "What-" Before Francis could even ask for further clarification Lola had thrown a snowball at Francis.

At first, everyone was silent as we all tried to process what just happened, even he was standing there in shock. After a few moments, Francis quickly crouched down and shoved a pile of snow into his bare hands. He squished the snow into the form of a ball and without another thought, he threw it right at Lola. His aim was a little off as the snowball flew into her shoulder. It exploded into dust at impact, creating a little mist of snow to fall.

With that, it only took a few seconds for everyone else to join this snowball fight. I watched in utter amazement and happiness as my friends threw snow at each other. I couldn't stop laughing no matter how hard I tried, but I didn't care. These were the type of moments I was most grateful for. When everyone was together and laughing together. They were the type of memories I never wanted to forget.

I looked down at my stomach and placed my hands on it and smiled. These were the type of moments I wanted my child to experience as well. These wonderful and cold moments.

Suddenly snow flew into my chest and exploded into a mist. The larger pieces trickled down my dress and back onto the ground, but some of it was stuck onto my dress and was starting to melt from the heat my body gave off. Everyone was frozen as Francis quickly ran over to me, his feet trudged through the thick layer of snow that covered the ground. "Are you okay?" He asked me in a panic. I stared at him blankly for a moment, then reached down and brushed some of the snow into my palm. I tightly packed it together and stood up straight, then I pushed it into Francis' face with little effort. I couldn't help but laugh at Francis. He was already covered in snow, but now his face was dripping with melting snow. Even my ladies began to laugh. Francis brushed off the snow on his face, then quickly leaned down and began to push the snow toward me in retaliation.

I was filled with joy. I wanted time to freeze and allow us as much time as we wanted in the snow and together. I never wanted this to end.

This was definitely what I was most grateful for.