Celine did not know what to say. She was mortified with the second-hand embarrassment she was feeling for her daughter. When she heard Serena's voice singing, she wanted to immediately warn her that they have a guest. But how could she go to where she was? Then, when she came to view, she had her eyes squinted, singing and dancing. She did not even notice them. 

Anyway, she finally recovered when she heard Geoffrey chuckling, she turned to face him, "Geoffrey, I assure you, my daughter is not always like this…"

Hearing Celine speaking, he shook his head as he straightened and said while still smiling, "It's alright auntie Celine, I like Serena just the way she is." He frankly admitted.

Celine blushed but her eyes mooned. As a mother, she felt glad that Geoffrey seemed to accept that her daughter can be, well, the way she was. Many men would never agree to what her daughter was doing. Building a career as an entertainer, singing loudly, and even acting brazenly like she just did.

When Serena reached the landing, it finally dawned to her that Geoffrey was there. Anyway, it's not like she can rudely drive him away, so she walked towards them.

"Serena, Geoffrey here came to visit. He wanted to speak with you before you leave for Militeia tomorrow." Celine said as she pulled Serena to stand on her side.

Serena smiled as she faced Geoffrey, "Geoffrey, thank you for coming over to see me. However, I must apologize for I won't be able to keep you company. I already have an arrangement for this afternoon. Everyone has been waiting for me and we should be leaving shortly."

Before Geoffrey can speak, Celine, thinking that the two should develop mutual affection, said, "No worries my dear, Geoffrey said that it would be short. I will leave you two first and wait with the others. Fin, please guide Geoffrey and Serena to the Parlour."

Serena furrowed her brows. What did Geoffrey say to her mother? Anyway, since she can do nothing about it, she'll just listen to what Geoffrey wanted to say.

Geoffrey smiled gratefully at Celine.

Fin was walking in front while Geoffrey and Serena fell in step behind him.

No words were exchanged as the butler was with them.

Fin opened the door and inside was a coffee table for two.

"Your highness, milady, Shall I send for tea?" Fin asked.

"No need, I won't be here long." Geoffrey answered, just wanting the butler to leave already.

Fin acquiesced with a bow then he left.

When the door was closed, Geoffrey immediately pulled Serena and enveloped her in his embrace.

Serena was surprised. What was he doing? "Hey…" she said as she tried to push his away.

However, Geoffrey did not let go. "Please, just stay still for a moment and let me hold you." He said, his voice trembling.

Serena did not know what got into him, always troubled if he figured her relationship with Charlton, she asked, "Why? What's wrong?"

Geoffrey shook his head as he inhaled the scent of her hair. Her asking made him smile. It made him feel like she cared.

"I just thought I should tell you. I won't be able to see you for a while."

What does he mean by that? "Of course, you won't. I'm heading to Militeia." She replied.

Geoffrey held her tighter, "I mean I won't be able to visit you the whole summer even after you come back. I will be very busy. So, the next time we meet would most probably already be in school."

Did he come here to bring this great news!? Serena felt elated. She doesn't have to worry seeing him the whole summer! She can almost forgive him for hugging her now. Still, she tried to hide her blossoming happiness. What if it's a trap?

Trying to sound a little saddened by the news, she said, "Oh… may I ask the reason why?"

Hearing her slightly lowered voice made his chest swell. Will she miss him? He wondered. He loosened his hold on her, then he used his right hand to raise her chin so that their eyes could meet as he gave her an earnest smile. "Would you miss me?"

Serena's eyes widened in surprise with his action, then she smacked his hand away. "No!" she exclaimed.

Geoffrey did not take it to heart and just chuckled. He thought that she's just denying it because she's too shy to admit it. "Okay."

Serena already wanting to leave asked, "is that all?"

Geoffrey nodded his head, "Yes, and I wish to tell you bon voyage. Enjoy your trip and take care of yourself. Also, don't forget to bring something home for me. You can hand it over once we get back in school."

"Fine. Anyway, everyone's waiting. So, this should be goodbye." Serena said as she turned around to open the door and leave.

Before she could, Geoffrey hugged her again, this time from behind. "I will miss you, every day, every hour, and every minute. Please stay safe on your trip, okay?"

Serena could feel her heart ache with some guilt. 'Geoffrey, oh Geoffrey, why do you have to be like this?' she wanted to ask. But she knew she could not.

So, she just patted his hand as she nodded her head. "You also take care of yourself."

Geoffrey wanted her to say she will miss him too but knew that that was asking for too much. Still, hearing her warm words soothed his heart. "I will."

"That's good. Now, I really have to go."

Geoffrey tightened his hold once more, then kissed the top of her head. He wanted to kiss her lips, but he's afraid that he'll want more if he does. Anyway, knowing that everyone was indeed waiting, he finally let her go.

Serena opened the door and walked out of the room. Geoffrey followed behind her. Observing polite etiquette, she sent him out of the main door where his carriage was already waiting.

Geoffrey went to his carriage opened by his aide, then, as if recalling something, he turned back to see Serena who was still waiting for him to get in. Thinking that they won't see each other for long anyway, he took the courage to walk back.

Serena furrowed her brows, "Did you forget something?" she asked. 'Just leave already.' She thought.

"Yes, I believe I did."

"What is it?" she asked.

"This." He replied. Then, he held her arms in place as he swiftly placed a kiss on her lips.

As soon as the kiss landed, Serena wanted to push him away, but he was holding her arms. Thankfully, the kiss was only a fleeting touching of the lips. Though that doesn't mean that she wasn't angry. Gods, she wanted to use her hand to wipe her lips, then slap him. However, he was still holding them. "Let. go." She said.

Geoffrey knew that she must be angry, but he does not regret it. He did not let go of her arms immediately, afraid that she might hit him. Like a mischievous boy, he gave her a smile before saying "I'll see you in September." Then he let her go, turned his back and went inside his carriage.

Serena wanted to hit and scold him but did not want to chase him like some mad woman to do so. She could only stand there and take a deep breath. There's no point getting worked up over it. Besides, at least she won't have to see him again until September.

--

TBC

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