Chapter 3: Leaving the Dukedom

Arriving at the dining hall, Serena first noticed how large the table was. It was meant for at least 24 people. Seated at the head chair was who, she assumed must be her father. Duke Simoun looked like a man in his early forties rather than his actual age of mid-fifties. Although seated, one can tell that he was tall and well-proportioned. His dark blond hair was brushed back while his 3-day stubble beard was the most attractive she has ever seen, considering she likes clean shaven men. His eyes were bluish gray, his nose tall. He looks like someone who just came out of a fashion magazine! On his left is who she assume must be her mother, duchess Celine. Her golden brown hair was tied in a braided bun and her hooded hazel eyes were charming. She looks elegant and very beautiful, perhaps if there's a Mrs. Universe here, she will surely win. In front of the duchess should be the adopted son Leonard. With his back facing Serena, what she can tell so far is that his broad shoulders look very sexy.

"Oh, Serena, you're here! Come take your sit" duchess Celine called her as she continued, "Wow, what did you do today to look like a blooming flower my dear? I can already imagine the sound of breaking hearts! Don't you think so Mon?" She asked as she looked at her husband.

Duke Simoun turned to look at his daughter and quickly frowned "Although I admit that you are very beautiful today, don't you think that your dress is a bit inappropriate?"

"What are you saying Mon? What inappropriate? My daughter is a beauty and there's no harm in showing that. I bet that if you did not engage her to the crown prince, after her first day of school, suitors will be lining our duchy."

Serena smiled, blushing slightly because of the praise and moved to sit beside her mother as she started observing Leonard who acknowledged her with a nod then continued eating.

Leonard's hair is the shade of sunflower, he has fine facial features, downturned icy blue eyes, high bridge nose and thin red lips. His complexion is of warm ivory. Although he is only an adopted son, one can not immediately say so. He is very handsome indeed, really deserving a main character role.

"Serena, I highly suggest that you avoid smiling like that in school. Your smiles should not be simply given to anyone." The duke advised.

The duchess simply rolled her eyes. Fathers and their over protectiveness.

"Dear, the servants have already prepared all your needs for school. I can't believe that you shall be living there and can only come back after a year. I have never experienced having you separated from me for so long" the duchess continued as she wiped drops of tears from the corner of her eyes. "Leonard, you better look after your sister, you know how precious she is to us."

"Yes mother, don't worry, with me in school, Serena will surely never experience any grievance.." Leonard replied.

The duke kept his silence, but obviously, he was also reluctant to part with his little princess. During her younger years, he showered her with hugs and kisses. But as she grew older, the duke can't do that because of propriety.

After breakfast, the family of four stood up from the table and proceeded to the main entrance. The duke walked with Leonard beside him, while the duchess walked with Serena with their arms looped.

Three horse-drawn carriages were already waiting for them. The middle one is white in color with gold accents. That should be the carriage the siblings will ride on. The other two were carrying their luggage, guards and servants.

"Take care of yourselves and write to us from time to time. We shall visit our estate in the capital next month and pay you both a call once we arrive." The duke said.

"Yes father" Leonard and Serena replied at the same time.

"I shall miss you my dear" the duchess told Serena as she hugged her tightly.

"I shall miss you too mother"

The duchess let her go, then proceeded to hug Leonard "I shall miss you, take care of your sister"

"Yes mother, I shall miss you too." Leonard replied, hunching slightly as he hugged her back.

Serena then hugged the duke "I shall miss you, father!"

'well, might as well give him a reward for letting me live a luxurious life in this lifetime!'

The duke blushed and awkwardly tapped her back, "I will miss you too, if you encounter any difficulty, just tell Leonard, or better yet, just write to me and I will personally resolve it"

'haha... duke, don't you know why your daughter became a blackened villainess? Just look at that attitude' Serena thought as she grinned.

The coachman of the white carriage opened its door then bowed at the side, indicating them to ride it.

Leonard walked towards the carriage and then offered Serena his hand to support her and let her enter first.

'what a gentleman' Serena thought as she placed her hand on his palm.

Serena took the seat at the rear facing the horses while Leonard took the seat in front of her. The door was shut by the coachman, and soon after they started moving.

Serena then took it upon herself to look outside the window, smiling while waving goodbye to her parents.

The duke and the duchess waved back. It is only after the carriages can not be seen when the duchess faced her husband.

"she must be really excited for school to smile a lot like that" the duchess told her husband as she started wiping her tears.

"Our daughter has grown up..." The duke smiled at his wife slightly as he held her in his arms.

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TBC