Chapter 8

She could tell she was in a strange room.

Her skull felt as if it would slash into two. she stood up slowly and staggered to the door.

She observed the strange room with different portraits on the wall. The four-posted bed she slept on was large and elegant with neat blankets.

She quietly opened the large wooden door and went out.

*************

Lady Betsy of Yorkshire's extensive hat tilted sideways as the carriage halted. Her brown hair gleamed in the sun with red-painted plump lips that twinkled showing her white teeth and some dark circles under her eyes.

"finally!.. here! what a wonderful sight".she sighed as one of her men helped her down. " go home, tell my parents I've arrived." She smiled at the man in charge of her carriage.

Walking towards the entrance of the castle, she saw a man dressed as a guard.

"may I help you, my lady?"

"Do not ask me that." She replied lifting her face in outrage. "don't you know who I am?.. I'm an ally of the royal family!"

"my apologies." the guard replied.

" Please follow me"

she grinned and

fluttered her eyes lashes.

*****""""****

Serena walked hurriedly in the passageway. She recognized the place as the palace.

As she walked around the passageway to navigate her way through, she heard someone yell.

" you!". turning to know who the person was, she saw a brown-haired woman, face painted like a Chinese doll sauntering towards her.

"How dare you allow me to walk from there!. don't you know how tired and famished I am right now? and these morons aren't helping either. (referring to the guards)

"My lady?"

With a questioning brow, she walked towards her. She could tell the lady is from a Royal family.

"I have no explanation of what to say to that"

"aren't you a servant in this place?"

"a servant?.. well..." She stuttered. her eyes felt quite blurry but she blinked them away. This was her opportunity!

She would have to thank the prince later for saving her life but at the moment, it wouldn't be an awful idea to work as a servant now would it?

"well..yes I'm one"

"Perfect!"

Lady Betsy said as she clapped in excitement."follow me, you have to bring my things up here, but before then, I'll have to notify the king. I think I'm fond of you already."

"yes, my lady" Serena said and curtsied.

********

"you requested my presence father?"Prince Philip stepped into the king's court. The large room was bright in the early hour of the day. The king sat on the throne with authority. On the wall were metallic weapons of mass destruction, knights standing beside him, his brown eye staring at his son's.

" of course I did. your sister and I were waiting for your arrival."

He sat beside Princess Mary his sister.

" may I introduce lady Betsy of Yorkshire?" king Henry said and smiled.

The large door was opened and lady Betsy stepped in, her brown hair was tied in a bun, and her face was white as a doll as usual.

Her large earrings dangled on her ears like musical instruments. Prince Philip chuckled in a jesting manner.

Princess Mary noticed and smiled.

"My apologies your Grace my manners." Lady Betsy apologizes glancing at them and wondering why there was a smile on the prince's face.

"it's alright, please. join us."

She stepped forward dragging Serena to stand before her.

"and who is she?" The king asked staring at Serena with surprise.

Serena shuddered with embarrassment, all eyes were on her!.

"I would like to have her as my servant your Grace.

it would be rude not to inform you first".

" But I thought we had provisions of a serving maid".

" I felt this one would be much comfortable for me, your Grace".

" very well".

Prince Philip stared at Serena.

Unable to tear his eyes away from her, he smiled.

Serena's eyes meet his.

"You can go for now," Lady Betsy said dismissively." But I'll need you to prepare my bath later".

Serena curtsied and went out.

"If you all can excuse me," Prince Philip said and stood up.

She hurried to the passageway when someone grabbed her.

"That isn't how to say thank you ".

Prince Philip said gazing into her eyes.

Serena's heart fluttered when he held her close.

His breath fanned her cheeks.

He smelled of mints and sweets.

" Your highness. I hardly remembered what happened, but I appreciate your kindness that night".

she raised her chin with courage. she can face him without trembling.

" a kindness that includes you almost seducing me?"

She gasped. her eyes as wide as saucers.

" Seduce? That's a wrong accusation! May I remind you that a lady is waiting for you back there?"

Philip stared at her red lips.

Her confidence attracted him.

his lips went close to hers." You mean a lady with dangling earrings that looks like a carriage wheel?"

Serena concealed her urge to laugh.

" What are you doing? That's no way to welcome a guest".

" I am going to show you what you did to me that night. I am not interested in a lady like her though. I prefer something more realistic".

Then his lips covered hers.

Serena felt lost in his kiss. She felt his passion mixed with his. the need to kiss her, want her.

She drew him close and kissed him with that same need.

When he broke the kiss, she was panting.

" Please, don't ever kiss me like that again"

Philip stared at her." You asked for it".

"What?"

" that night, you said you wanted my kiss."

She lifted her chin again.

" I have to go your highness." she scowled, turned, and left him staring at her and wanting more.