Chapter 33: Leaving for Torton VIII

Geoffrey stood in his ceremonial military day dress comprised of a navy-blue double-breasted tailcoat with standing collar faced white with gold edging and gold shoulder boards, a gold laced blue trousers, and a cocked hat, as Serena gave him another once over.

"Seen enough?" Geoffrey asked Serena as he gave her a lopsided smile.

Although Serena should have already been immune to his charms by now, there were days such as this when Geoffrey's pheromones would suddenly take her off-guard. Realizing that she might be blushing like a girl with a crush, Serena slightly lowered her head before slowly reaching out to pull at the edge of Geoffrey's left sleeve adorned with golden stripes. She gently shook her head to indicate no. "I will miss you."

Geoffrey's eyes curved before pulling Serena in an embrace. Although he knew that she was putting on a show for everyone to see, he also understood that she was being true. "I will miss you more, my princess. Now, stop giving me that look unless you want me to carry you inside the vehicle and let the imaginations of the spectating crowd to run wild." He whispered.

Serena blushed to her ears not only because of Geoffrey's words but also because she could feel the hardness of his length as he pressed their body together. In her embarrassment, she could only burrow her head on his chest.

Geoffrey chuckled before pulling back. Looking at Serena with gentleness that can turn any normal lady into a puddle of goo, he tucked some loose strands that escaped her updo to the back of her ear before kissing her forehead. "Serena, I have to go."

Serena at a loss for words could only nod her head in response as she unwrapped her arms holding Geoffrey. Although it was her idea to display their affections in public for her own selfish means, it never fails to astound her whenever Geoffrey would take the reins.

Geoffrey knew that it was really time to go but he couldn't help but give some reminders. "Serena, promise me that you will take care of yourself while I'm away. Don't let mother's words get to you and, well, I guess I don't have to worry about you being bored given the upcoming Season. However, don't tire yourself too much. Attend only those you deem to know you will enjoy, and since I'm not here, you can have your brother, Leonard, escort you to whatever occasion in my stead."

Serena sighed but couldn't help her lips from tilting upwards. Geoffrey was worrying about her when it should be the other way around. "I promise. However, Geoffrey, I will just be here while you, on the other hand, would be the one heading far with a challenging mission ahead. Please, lay your worries at rest, take care of yourself, and focus your attention on your mission for all I can do is pray for your safety and wait for your return."

Geoffrey smiled as he nodded his head. "Alright. Then, wait for my return and I will try to get back in time for the Kensington ball."

"Yes. Now, it's time for you to go, everyone's waiting." Serena finally urged.

Geoffrey gave Serena a look which says, 'I can't believe you', before taking a step back. Then, he tipped his hat towards Serena, before walking towards the waiting vehicle, a black ford model T, which would take him to Torton.

Serena watched Geoffrey about to enter the vehicle's door when suddenly, he turned to look at her. To her confusion, he began trudging back towards her.

Geoffrey felt that he forgot something, so he walked back to Serena. Seeing her perplexed expression, he smirked before grasping her chin. "For luck." He whispered before lowering his head for a kiss.

Serena could only widen her eyes in surprise and shock. The last he kissed her on the lips in public was on their wedding day!

The royals could only frown, the nobles were half-half, while the spectating crowd cheered, some even catcalling.

"Stop worrying over nothing. No one can, nor will ever take your place. I love you, Serena." He whispered before finally pulling back, satisfied. Not waiting for a response, he tipped his hat once more before walking to the car and entering it.

--

After Geoffrey and the rest of his entourage left, Serena knew that it was time to go. Turning around, she was greeted by the sight of the royal family, ehem ehem, Geoffrey and her family, looking at her.

King Edward V, Geoffrey's father, as usual did not seem like he cared so as their eyes met, he just gave her a nod of acknowledgement before turning around to be the first to leave.

Queen Loretta looked at her then her eyes moved to Annalys then back at her again as if telling her that she should get started with what they talked about and agreed on, before following the king towards their shared vehicle.

Queen consort Floresca, the king's second wife, did not show any expression along with her son, third prince Edmond (age 22). Meanwhile her other son, second prince Frederick (age 23) gave her a sarcastic smile. She understood what he meant because to the royal family and the rest of the upper nobility, her real situation was no secret.

She chose to return Frederick's smile with a sweet one of her own. She knew that he, along with his mother and Edmond, hated her for obvious reasons. They were also waiting and finding opportunities to bring her, and hopefully Geoffrey, towards their downfall. Not that she was worried for she has long labeled them as cannon fodders.

Then, there was Princess consort Daniella (28), the third wife of the king, whom she was more friendly with. She smiled at her, while her children princess Danica (8), and Prince Albert (6), waved at her. She gave a more sincere smile in return and waved back at the children.

Since her position was above theirs (since she's crown prince Geoffrey's legal wife), she was given the priority to leave first. On the way, she saw her lady-in-waiting, Annalys, and like usual, instead of letting her follow behind her, she looped their arms together so that they can walk side by side on the way to her waiting vehicle.

--

TBC