Serena took another glance at Geoffrey who was sitting beside her in the car. She could not help it. Seeing him wearing his princely regalia again after 8 days of just seeing him wear casual clothing, she thought him very handsome.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Geoffrey asked as he turned to face Serena.

Serena bit her lip. Gods, how was she supposed to sleep in a different bedroom from him tonight? They haven't even reached the palace just yet and all she's wanting to do was go back home and make love to him over and over again.

Geoffrey chuckled. If not for who they will be meeting, he would kiss and make love to her that instance despite them being in a moving car. He pinched and thumbed her chin gently. "Don't worry, dinner should be short."

Serena blushed. They were just about to have dinner with his family and there she was only thinking of having him for dinner. Ugh. Come again? Argh.

She shook Geoffrey's hand off. Then she took a deep breath. She should focus.

This was the first time she would be having dinner with his family. She does not think Geoffrey has a great relationship with them given how he doesn't talk about them much, but it couldn't be that bad. He was, after all, given the title crown prince at age 3.

Anyhow, she only met the king twice, first was during the Charlotte's ball, second on her wedding day. Really, the man doesn't seem to care about his son's spouse. Then again, it's not surprising as he has 3 wives. Perhaps, he just does not believe the sanctity of marriage. Just by that, Serena could already assume that he was very patriarchal, objectifying women at will and perhaps only thinking of them as brooding mares.

Then again, it was the norm of the era. Women were indeed like objects owned by the husband upon marriage. Lucky for her, Geoffrey was not like that, well, at least the way he's been treating her, she knew he was not like that.

The queen, she met her 3 times, but only talked to her once. In contrast to the favor she gave her during Charlotte's ball, she doesn't seem to like her much. Talking to her in private, her words were 'You were not my first choice for my son, but I hope you wouldn't disappoint me.'. How could a daughter-in-law like those words? Though of course, she was a bit of a disappointment given the reality of her situation, but why did the queen say, 'not disappoint me' instead of 'not to disappoint Geoffrey'? What did she mean by that? 

Moving on, the other member she met was Frederick. Honestly, there were not a lot of chance encounters between them in school as they were in different levels, so nothing much to say. But she did notice him looking at Geoffrey sinisterly once or twice. Perhaps jealous of his brother being the crown prince. She did not think much of it though. She was too focused on Charlton that time to care about Geoffrey's life.

The other members of his family, she knew of them but did not think much of.

There were Geoffrey's other half siblings, 3rd prince Edmond, age 18, Princess Danica, age 4, and 4th Prince Albert age, 2.

The king's other wives, the 2nd queen Floresca, daughter of Duke Geralt, given the title queen consort, and the 3rd wife, Daniella, daughter of Earl Hubert, given the title princess consort.

It was a complicated family tree as far as Serena was concerned, good thing that they have their own separate home. Anyway, she could only hope that Geoffrey would not follow his father's footstep.

--

Entering the palace, they were led by the royal butler to the private and more opulent dining room only used by the immediate royal family members. Pale blue has been chosen for the chairs as well as the curtains framing the large windows. It was the only splash of color in the room otherwise dominated by white walls and lavish plasterwork painted gold. The table for 12 was set up for 8.

Inside, Geoffrey's other siblings, particularly Frederick and Edmond were already present. They were both children of the 2nd Queen.

Serena did not know what Geoffrey's relationship with his other siblings was like, she never met them save for their wedding, but whatever it was, she expected it to be normal, or somewhat cordial at worst. They did share biological blood through their father after all. On Frederick looking sinister at times, well, maybe it was nothing as he was even Geoffrey's best man during their wedding.

The two turned to look at them who entered the room. Edmond greeted with a "Brother Geoffrey" then looked at Serena to give her a nod of acknowledgement. He was civil but distant. Serena was not sure what to make of it.

"Brother! What do I say? Married life is becoming of you!" Frederick greeted with a smile brimming with sarcasm.

Geoffrey chose to ignore Frederick like he always does.

Frederick annoyed at being ignored turned to look at Serena, "Sister, how do you find being married to my brother? Is it more to your liking than being a… Songstress?"

The first thing that Serena thought when Frederick greeted Geoffrey was that their relationship must be really good for him to greet him that way. When Geoffrey did not answer, Serena immediately understood that that was not the case. Then, when Frederick addressed her only to say those words… Serena now knew what Geoffrey's relationship with this sibling was like.

Geoffrey furrowed his brows hearing Frederick's words.

Serena knew that Frederick was provoking Geoffrey through her. If she were any other lady, she might have become flustered with the backhanded insult. However, she was Serena, and she too can be shameless with ease.

So, instead, she smiled prettily then, like a lady in love which she actually was, she shyly took a glance at Geoffrey, then answered, "I find it most gratifying."

--

TBC

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