Celine saw her daughter's sad expression but knew that even if she had feelings for Charles' son, it would be futile. Simoun told her about the mess the court right now is. The radical faction was moving and gaining momentum and the king was not pleased at all. Since last year, the court has been divided to two major factions. The monarchists and the radicals. When they decided to engage Serena to the crown prince, they have already casted their dice and tied themselves to the crown. 

Meanwhile, although the Duke of Suffox was married to the king's younger sister, the king still put him at arms-length. Mainly because the leaders of the other faction were once his brothers in arms, and that he was too popular with the masses. 

Anyway, the couple chose to change the topic. They praised Serena to high heaven and told her that they support her on this venture of hers. They will be sure to purchase a lot of copies. 

--

When Serena left, Simoun called Leonard to join him in his office. Celine chose to leave the two.

"Leonard, you tell me the truth. What is Serena's relationship to Charlton and how is the crown prince treating her?"

Leonard swallowed the lump in his throat. What else could he say?

"I believe that she has taken a liking to Charlton and their feelings are mutual. However, the crown prince has taken interest on Serena. Please rest assured father, I have already warned Charlton against their relationship."

Simoun sighed. "I feel bad about this, but you do understand our position and why I made that choice. Do you think that I'm a bad father?"

Leonard understood quite well why they had to pick a side. He shook his head in response. "No father, you were just trying to protect us. Serena will understand. Also, Geoffrey is not indifferent to Serena. If she gives him a chance, she can grow to love him."

"I hope you are right." 

--

Bang! 

Geoffrey tried not to frown as his father threw a square like object almost hitting his face. Thankfully, it missed and hit the wall instead.

"You know what that object was?" the king bellowed.

Geoffrey chose to remain silent. He didn't know what he did wrong and why his father was angry. However, he knew that shutting his mouth was the best response in situations like this.

"I chose the best lady for you in the whole empire, and you let Charles' son parade around with her?"

Geoffrey did not understand what his father was getting at.

"I told you before, that boy is a snake just like his father. They are just waiting for the right time to bite us. Go pick up that object and look at it."

Geoffrey went to pick up the object and saw on the cover was Serena and Charlton sitting together in front of a piano. He felt jealousy, but he did not believe that Charlton and Serena were in that kind of a relationship. Also, he was the one to blame for them being pushed together. Besides, Serena kissed him.

"Father, please do not misunderstand. Charlton would never do that, plus think of auntie. Aside from that, Serena and I are on good terms." Geoffrey defended.

"Then tell me why you did not know about that? Anyway, that is also good, she needs to endear herself to everyone as the future queen, but you should never let her eclipse you. You understand me?" the king said. The crown was not getting any popular with the masses and his daughter-in-law will be useful on that regard. 

"Yes father."

Geoffrey had a point. Charlton was his nephew and his own flesh and blood. He will prove to be quite useful in the future, and he do not really want to hurt his only living full blood sister. His innocent sister that has always been living in a fairy tale, shielded from the reality of the bloodstains surrounding the crown.

He dismissed Geoffrey by waving his hand.

The king sighed. He understood that his son was quite excellent in areas he was not. However, he just could not hone his attitude. Even when he tried to toughen him up, it was only his exterior that changed but inside, his heart was just too damn soft.

He worried how he can manage being the ruler with that attitude of his. Anyway, that was also one of the reasons why he liked Geoffrey. He was not as ambitious as his brothers. He also could not eclipse his own popularity despite his excellence.

--

Taking the gamble was easier said than done. Charlton paced around his room over and over. It had been 3 days since their break-up, and he could not for the life of him stop thinking about her.

As Suffox was a 2-day journey away and his mother wanted to visit, they decided to spend the Christmas and new year in their palace in the capital. Upon arrival, his mother was ecstatic to meet him and ask him about his recording. She praised how handsome he was and how he looked just like his father when he was younger. Then she told him how his father will not be able to join them this year. Charlton understood that his father was a busy man, so he did not ask further. 

Anyway, he told her that it was not all him but Serena who wrote the songs. He just sang them with her. Her mother ever the romantic can only lament that Serena was Geoffrey's intended. 

When shoved with the image of him and Serena together, he could not help but remember all the happy times they shared together. Could he let them go? What if she decided never to be with him again?

He could not think of a life without her. In the end, he was willing to eat his pride and be whatever she wanted him to be if it meant that he could stay by her side.

He called Jack as he penned his first letter.

"Have this delivered to the Ducal house of Maxwell."

Anyway, Serena's home was just four hours away. He wondered if he should just go and visit her. 

Deciding that he should wait for a reply first, he placed that thought on hold.

--

TBC

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