As the night continued, Charlton was able to ask Serena for one dance. The two of them acted casual about it though, as not to give away their relationship.

When the song for the gallopade was next, Charlton finally was able to ask for Serena's hand and the two of them walked towards the dance floor to take their position.

"I don't know if anyone told you yet, but you're the loveliest debutante that has ever graced this hall." Charlton said with a serious face as he raised their linked hands for the dance.

Serena tried not to laugh. He was flirting and no one knew it except for themselves. She wanted to say something witty in response, but they didn't have time as the gallop was a fast-paced dance. "I saw you approach Emily earlier after you talked to the king, should I be worried?" she asked.

Charlton sighed, "the king and queen were playing matchmaker. No need to worry though. I would never let anything like that happen. If worse comes to worst, I will call my mother over for help."

"Ok, so which dance are you dancing with her?"

"The one before the intermission."

Serena swallowed. Briefly, she thought, was what she's feeling that instance what Charlton has been feeling every time he saw her being escorted and dancing with Geoffrey? It was very unpleasant, like something's clawing in her chest. "I see."

"Don't think much of it. It doesn't mean anything. Ok?" Charlton comforted as the music started to play.

Serena looked up to meet his eyes showing him a small smile. 

Then they began to dance alongside the others. 

When the dance ended, Charlton led her back to her family's side and went to find his next dance partner.

Serena on the other hand was again asked to dance by the next gentleman in her dance card.

--

When the dance reached the song before the interlude, Geoffrey walked towards Serena and asked for her hand. She placed her hand in his and the two of them walked to the dance floor. From the corner of her eyes, she saw Charlton do the same for Emily.

"It's been a year since we last danced together, I missed those days when we were still in school." Geoffrey began as they walked to take their position. When Serena did not respond, he looked at her and noticed that she has lips tightened while looking elsewhere. He followed the direction she was looking at only to see Charlton and Emily taking their position on the dancefloor. 

For a few seconds, he wondered why Serena's sporting that expression, until he noticed that she was not the only one looking but some others too. Then he realized that Emily was also part of the entertainment industry and that she was her competition in that regard. He smiled thinking that Serena was being competitive. 

He came to know that side of her when she started composing songs that could be played in balls too. The last 2 years, he has been very busy and careful so he did not approach her too much, however, he did read about her from the papers and could only silently cheer her on. 

Being well meaning, and wanting to be close to her, he leaned forward so he can whisper in her ear, "They do make a handsome pair I must admit. However, even with the two of them combined, they could not eclipse your beauty."

Serena felt goosebumps all over when she felt Geoffrey's breath on the skin of her ears. She pulled back from him on instinct.

Geoffrey thought that she was just surprised so he just gave her a charming smile as he raised their linked hands and placed his left hand on her lower back.

Serena tried to calm her heart after realizing what he said. He noticed that she was looking at them, and she could only thank the gods above that he did not think that the reason why was because she was being jealous.

She tried to focus on him as the introductory music for 'moon river' began to play. The song was played only with the instrumentals.

As they were dancing, she noticed how Geoffrey was staring at her the whole time. It made her heart feel heavy, that he was acting like she was the only woman in the world. Just a few more months. She told herself.

--

"It has been a long time since we last had a conversation. I never thought that we would have it here, and with you asking me to dance, Charlton." Emily said with a smile as she and Charlton took their position.

Charlton had no ill feelings towards Emily. Although there was a time when 'Esquire' tried to pair them up, when he denied everything and even requested that they cut it out, she has been a cool sport about it. Anyway, the only reason why he avoided her like a plague was because he considered Serena's feelings more important. Thus, given the circumstance now, he could interact with her politely.

Charlton gave her a small smile as he shook his head, "Indeed it has. Anyway, congratulations on your debut. I hope that this season would be great for you." He said as he raised their linked hands and placed his other hand on her back.

Emily gave him a demure smile as she placed her hand on his shoulder. She liked the feeling of being the center of attention what with the most desirable bachelor being her dance partner for the song before the intermission. Makes up for the irritation she felt when she read that the song chosen was Serena's song not hers. 

As they danced, Emily wondered why Charlton chose her tonight. He never gave any indication that he saw her that way before. Then again, the her last year was different to the her now. Perhaps, he suddenly had an epiphany and realized that she was the best candidate to have for his wife? 

Emily shook her head. Whatever his reason was, it would not change the fact that she was now the envy of every woman in the kingdom and the worth of her hand just increased by a hundred-fold.

--

TBC

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