The trip to the Ligeti's ducal palace was an hour away by carriage, but since they were riding a car (omnibus), it would only take them about half an hour.

Half an hour is a short time, but for Serena it felt like an eternity. She took a glance at Geoffrey. She did not notice it earlier, but now looking at him, his lips and the corner of his mouth had some tint of red. She knew that it was her lipstick from when he kissed her. Thank goodness she only applied a thin layer on her lips just so that it will redden a little more.

Gods, this is horrendous. She took out her handkerchief. "Geoffrey, your lips are tinted with some lipstick, please wipe it off."

Geoffrey tried to look innocent. If he didn't know any better, he would say that Serena's taking the initiative. "Sorry, I can't see it myself. Would you please help me?"

Serena took a deep breath. If not because she did not want other people to misunderstand, she wouldn't care. "Please look here." she instructed.

Geoffrey turned to face her.

Serena held his chin so that she can wipe the tint off.

As she was doing that, Geoffrey stared at her. She was focused abd biting her lips as she gently wiped his mouth. The moment was nice and sweet. For a second, he felt that this was how it should be between them. His heart softened, but then, he saw the necklace she was wearing and again, he was reminded of their betrayal.

Serena focused on dabbing his lips with her handkerchief, so she did not notice the change in Geoffrey's expression. She was taken by surprise when Geoffrey placed his hand on her back. "What are you doing?" she asked.

Geoffrey in a bout of possessiveness did not care what other people would think later. He leaned forward his head bowed to attach his lips on soft juncture between her shoulder and her neck not covered by the necklace. He suckled it to effectively mark her with a hickey.

Serena felt Geoffrey sucking her skin and she tried to hit him. "Geoffrey! Stop! What are you doing!?" she protested. She could only hope that he won't leave a mark. She should have decided not to come to the ball if he was going to act that way. What would Charlton think if he sees the mark?

Geoffrey finally let her go. He looked at the spot her suckled and saw it turn red. Now, as Charlton see the necklace she's wearing, he would also see the mark he left. He felt more refreshed with the thought.

Serena was at a loss of what to do. Geoffrey was the crown prince. She wants to fight him, but then, he was more powerful than her. "Why did you do that? What if you left a mark? People would see!"

"there's no mark. Don't worry." Geoffrey lied.

Serena huffed. Just a few more months. Just endure a little more. She told herself. If not for herself, then for her baby.

--

Charlton arrived early at the ball. He knew that Geoffrey was escorting Serena, but it's a sight that he has seen many times, so it's not like it was anything new. It was good that despite Geoffrey being Serena's fiance, he always observed propriety.

If not, he would have just torn his mask off long time ago and proceeded with plan B.

Anyway, now that plan A was working marvelously, he doesn't want to resort to his other plans. Just 3 months more at the maximum and he would have Serena with him peacefully.

As he was popular with other nobles, he was not left alone in the ball. Some gentlemen approached him to talk about business. He answered them all politely. There were also some who requested that he fill in their partner's dance card. One in particular was Christopher Cross bringing his younger sister's dance card. Really, he wanted to decline knowing that the girl likes him. However, he has to give his colleague face, so he reluctantly signed his name.

While this was happening, the master of ceremonies continued to announce guests who were just to enter the ballroom. People were not paying any particular attention to those who arrived when they were not very high-ranking personages. But of course, when it was Geoffrey and Serena's turn, everyone stopped what they were doing to look. They were, after all, their crown prince and soon-to-be crown princess.

"Crown Prince Geoffrey William, and Lady Serena Maxwell." The MC announced and everyone on the ball turned to look at the two who just arrived.

Charlton looked at the main entrance and like always, she took his breath away, she was lovelier than he remembered. Although they have just talked earlier that morning, he missed her so much as they have not seen each other for a month.

Their eyes met, and he saw her smile for him. Instantly, he felt his chest expand and aside from the happiness of seeing her, he felt his heart filled with so much longing.

As she and Geoffrey descended the stairs, he noticed the sparkling necklace he gave her. She hasn't worn it the last 2 years and he was reminded of the time he gave it to her. He tried not to chuckle remembering what happened then.

When the two reached the landing, the host and hostess, Duke and Duchess Ligeti welcomed them. They engaged in a short conversation, and after a while, Geoffrey took Serena to the table which serves as resting area for those who wish to take a break from dancing and have some snacks.

Contrary to what Geoffrey usually does, which was to go around the room to take care of Serena's dance card, he just chose to sit beside her.

--

"Charlton, what do you think of me asking the crown prince to dance with my sister?" Christopher asked off-handedly as he stood beside Charlton. At the back of his mind, he was thinking if Geoffrey would grant him the chance to dance with Serena. Really, the lady was a sight to behold. Despite her already being engaged, he could not help but admire her. A beauty is a beauty indeed.

Charlton wanted to get nearer to Serena. Thinking this as an opportunity, he replied, "Why don't you ask him yourself? Let's go, I will accompany you."

--

"Don't you have to fill in my dance card?" Serena asked.

"You're not feeling well, so I'll just dance with you 3 times."

"But that's inappropriate. Also, won't you dance with other ladies here?" Serena weakly protested and suggested.

"If I didn't know better, I would think that you just want to get rid of me." Geoffrey said jokingly.

Serena tried not to be obvious. "Of course not. I just thought that people would give me a bad reputation if I just hoard you to myself."

'Tsk tsk Serena, almost made me believe your words. But then, perhaps I should see how you two would try to meet each other with me here.' Geoffrey thought.

"Your highness, Lady Serena, it has been a while. I hope we're not intruding." Christopher Cross came to greet them.

Serena and Geoffrey both looked at him, and Serena's eyes widened, pleasantly surprise. For beside Christopher was Charlton.

--

TBC