Author's Note: So my brain wouldn't let Christmas go by without another vignette - enjoy Christmas in Granzreich. :)

The evening festivities were over, the guests were asleep, and the princes were on their way back to their own chambers for the night.

"Well, good night, brothers," Leonhard said around a yawn, stretching as he did so.

"Yes, good night," Kai said softly.

"Pleasant dreams!" Licht said brightly, patting each of his brothers on the head, and getting a disapproving glare from Bruno in the process.

"Good night, brothers. And merry Christmas," Bruno said quietly.

"Merry Christmas," the others echoed.

But as each prince entered his room, he found a small, wrapped package on his bed, with an envelope attached.

"Huh," Leonhard murmured, picking up the small gift and the envelope. Then he recognized Heine's handwriting, and tore open the envelope. Inside was a note that read:

"Dear Prince Leonhard,

Please accept this gift not only as a token of the holiday season, but as a reminder that your hard work does not go unnoticed.

Heine"

For a moment, Leonhard just sat and smiled, then he set aside the note and opened the package.

"What the…" he said in surprise, then he laughed aloud as he beheld a silver fork with a monogrammed L, with a small tag attached promising an extra slice of torte one evening after dinner.

"A fork just for torte," Leonhard sighed happily.

Licht's pale eyebrows arched as he picked up the long flat box, and he also recognized the tutor's handwriting. Opening the envelope, he found a note that read:

"Dear Prince Licht,

I hope you find this useful as you continue to perfect your coffee-brewing talents.

Merry Christmas,

Heine"

Licht sat cross-legged on his bed and began tearing off the wrapping paper. As he lifted the box lid, he found a white apron like the one he wore working at the cafe, with a monogrammed L on the pocket.

"Heine, darling," Licht murmured, standing up and putting on the apron. "Now I have something to wear here at home as I practice creating the perfect blend!"

Kai sat on the chaise longue and shook the small box gently, trying to figure out what was inside. Then he opened the envelope and read the note within:

"Dear Prince Kai,

May this gift keep your hands as warm as your heart this holiday season.

Heine"

Kai then unwrapped the box and found a pair of soft red wool mittens, monogrammed with an ornate K. For several moments, he just stroked the soft wool with one finger, a shy smile on his face, then he slipped them on and hugged himself.

"So soft…"

Bruno stared at the square, flat package in surprise, then he cautiously picked up the envelope and opened it. Inside was a note that read:

"Dear Prince Bruno,

I am certain you will fill these pages with the same calibre of writing as your papers. Merry Christmas,

Heine"

Bruno bowed his head and smiled, then he folded the note and placed it back in its envelope. Then he carefully unwrapped the gift and found an elegant, leather-bound journal within. On the inside front cover was the inscription, "To my apprentice."

The prince hugged the journal to his chest, rocking back and forth and silently, joyfully laughing to himself.