The trip back to earth didn't take too long, probably because I wasn't waiting to get here, I don't wanna be here. The briefing didn't last long, only a few minor things that needed looking into but nothing major had happened while I was on Luna with Cinder. When things have settled down I tried to call Cinder but she didn't answer, in the back of my mind I knew she wasn't going to but I still wanted to hear her voice.

I walked into my chambers and looked around the room, it was quiet and clean, just the way I left it months ago. I let out a sigh as I looked around the room, I knew I wanted to be here, wanted to rule, but, my heart was on Luna, with Cinder.

I walked over to one of the many windows in my chambers, it was my favorite because it looked at the streets of New Beijing. To me it was calming to look at all the people on the street, going on with their days and not letting any stop their plans. Most of the people had bags of stuff on their arms reminding me that Christmas was only a few weeks away.

I took in a deep breath at the thought of Christmas, it was just gonna be me and the castle staff this year. Or maybe not.

I turned away from the window and ran out of the room and into the briefing room I had been in earlier.

"Your Majesty." One of the commanders said when I entered the room.

They were on sitting around a table with a max of New Beijing on the table in front of them.

"I want to have a Christmas ball, here and at the castle," I said as I looked at their faces.

Most of these people I've known since I was a child, but now they are looked so foreign to me like I never truly knew them. Which happens when you grow up, you start to see the real side of people. But they stood by my father and now they stand by my side and I know they will never fail me, so I will try my hardest to never fail them.

"That's a good idea, Your Majesty. It would be a good way to show your return." One of the commanders said. They all nodded in agreement with that.

"But I want everyone welcome to it, even people from Luna," I said standing at the end of the table where my seat was placed. "I know there isn't much time till Christmas is here but, I think it would be good for all the people who don't have families to spend Christmas with."

"I think our young Emperor has a good idea." Said the man who used to be my father's right hand.

"I'm not so sure." One said.

"You've never been a fan of being in an alliance with Luna. But that is what's best for New Beijing." My father's right hand said. "Lets put it to a vote, who thinks a Christmas ball would do this country some good, raise your hand."

All except one put their hand up. "So on Christmas Day, there will be a ball held here at the castle." He said again with an agenda of his own that I was completely blind to.

(Sorry this chapter was kinda short!
I had very little inspiration for this chapter, but the Christmas ball will be its own chapter with all the characters point of views in it and it will be the day before Christmas!
Thank you for reading!)