Leonard seeing that Jack was driving a carriage rather than just riding a horse knew that Charlton must be inside.

"Charlton, come out. Don't pretend that you're not inside."

Charlton having no choice stepped out of his carriage.

"Hey Leonard. Long time no see." He replied. 'Does this mean that I already failed with my mission without even catching a glimpse of Serena?' he wondered. He was planning to hand the letter and wait for her. If he were just outside, he believed that at the very least, Serena will come out to meet him.

"I did tell you to stay away from my sister. What are you doing here?"

Charlton did not answer. What else would be the reason for him to be there?

Leonard sighed. His words will never get through his friend's thick skull. From the beginning he should have just nipped it at the bud. Anyway, what was done can not be undone. So, he beckoned him to follow. He hoped that if Charlton sees how sincere Geoffrey was being with Serena now, he would stop his pursuit.

"come with me." Leonard beckoned Charlton to follow.

Charlton was surprised. Was Leonard going to help him? 

--

"Geoffrey, I'm sorry. Last time at the ball was a mistake. I do not know what came over me, but I just don't see you that way."

Geoffrey just smiled at her and didn't let her words dampen his mood. "Serena, I understand. We haven't spent that much time together for you to feel that way about me. However, I believe that feelings could be cultivated through time. If you give me a chance, I will do my best to make you happy."

Serena wanted to tell him no, but he looked so earnest. Besides, Charlton was not communicating with her at all. Perhaps it was really over between them? Should she just give Geoffrey a chance? Then she recalled her family and all the servants in their dukedom. They have been nothing but loving to her. If she were to break her engagement, they will be the ones to bear the repercussions. She would let each and every one of them down. How could she be so selfish? 

Geoffrey looked at Serena in the eye as he asked. "would you let me?"

Perhaps she should give him a chance. Give him the opportunity to win her over, to persuade her into love. Maybe she doesn't feel that way now, but she owes it to her family to at least try. 

However, she also did not want to Ignore her gut, her instincts, her emotions and her heart. So, she only said, "I will consider it."

Geoffrey nodded his head and gave her a beaming smile. "Thank you, Serena."

--

Leonard led Charlton through the gates of their ducal home. The pathway from the gates to the palace was long, and Charlton observed that there were royal guards wearing the insignia of the crown patrolling the area. 

"Geoffrey is here?" he asked feeling his palms sweat.

"Yes. He sent a card. Everyone has been anticipating his visit ever since their engagement has been announced."

"Oh." Was the only reply he could muster. Although he knew what he was getting into from the very start, there was still a part of him that could not help being guilty. Geoffrey was his own cousin. 

"Charlton, I know that you think that I was harsh last time, and I apologize. We have been friends for a long time, and I can see your sincerity towards my sister. However, you have to stop with whatever you are doing."

"I do understand where you're coming from, but Leonard, I love her. I hate to admit this to you, but I can't even imagine my life without her by my side. I will talk to Geoffrey and…"

"Stop. Do you think that you really understand?"

Charlton furrowed his brows. What was Leonard getting at?

"Do you know why your card has been rejected?"

"Did you play a part in that?" 

Leonard sighed. "Charlton, it was not just me. Do you know how much is at stake on Serena's marriage? Each and every person in this house wants Serena to marry the crown prince."

"Why? I understand that the crown has its allure, but why reach for that seat? Don't you think that Serena's happiness is more important?" 

"What made you think that you can continue making her happy?"

"Leonard, aside from the queen seat, I can give her everything and so much more. Do not forget, I am still the only son of the grand duke. My title is not simply for decoration and my inheritance is not merely a pittance."

Leonard raised his brow, wanting to rebuke him. What can guarantee that he will still have his title and inheritance if he continues with the path he was taking? Does he not know how precarious his father's position in court was? Anyway, he was in no position to voice his opinion in that regard. His mother was still the full-blooded sister of the king, so he doesn't really know what happens behind closed doors.

Now, he wanted to explain that there was so much more that's depending on Serena and Geoffrey's union. However, he thought that it was not right to say those words out loud. Besides, even if he does, there was no guarantee that Charlton will understand. Even worse, what if he tells those words to Serena? It might even cause a rift in their family. Thus, rather than words, he will bring him to see Geoffrey and Serena from afar. At least that way, no other words will be needed for him to back off. 

"You won't understand." Leonard answered after thinking it through.

"I guess I really won't. Now, what about my letters?" He was starting to doubt if Leonard played a part regarding why Serena was not replying to his letters.

"What letters?" Leonard pretended to be innocent. Besides, he did not do anything to them aside from burning them to ashes.

--

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