Geoffrey turned to face Christopher who addressed him first. Observing some form of etiquette despite his higher position, he stood up to greet him back. "Lord Cross"

Serena who was also greeted by Christopher stood up from her seat. She gave him a curtsy. "Lord Cross."

"Good evening, your highness, Lady Serena." Charlton this time greeted.

Geoffrey's eyes landed on Charlton. He did not expect that his cousin would approach them. He's really daring and thick skinned. But he has to give it to him, he's very creative and knew how to use everything in his disposal. He smiled and greeted him back, "Lord Daniel."

Serena smiled and gave Charlton a curtsy too. "Lord Daniel."

Geoffrey not wanting to give away any indication that he knew the relationship between the two, faced Christopher again, "So, what can I do for you this evening?"

Christopher said what he came to say, "Your highness, would you honor my sister with a dance?"

Geoffrey did not want to but he had to give Christopher some face.

"I would be delighted." Geoffrey replied as he received the dance card. As he signed his name, from the corner of his eyes, he observed Serena and Charlton. They were smiling casually at one another and once upon a time, he thought nothing of it but them just being long time friends. Although he has always had a hunch, something irrational which made him jealous with the way Serena looked at his cousin, he ignored it. What a fool he was then. Could they be smiling as if laughing at his stupidity now?

Christopher while waiting for Geoffrey to write his name turned to Serena. Then, his gaze landed on the red like bruise between her neck and shoulder. Curious, he stared at it a little longer.

As Geoffrey handed the dance card back to Christopher, he saw him looking at Serena and noticed that he was looking at the hickey. He smirked, then he placed his hand around Serena's waist as he pulled her closer towards himself.

Serena was surprised by what Geoffrey was doing, in a voice a pitch higher than normal, she exclaimed, "Geoffrey!"

Geoffrey only chuckled in response seeing Charlton's eyes widen by a fraction. He faced Christopher, "I did not know when you were introduced to my fiancee Lord Cross, but may I ask why you have been staring at her?"

Christopher swallowed. Was his action too obvious? He hoped not. He shook his head, "We have been introduced in my mother's afternoon tea party by her brother, Lord Leonard Maxwell. I apologize for my rudeness, but I just felt worried seeing a bruise on her lady's neck."

Geoffrey did not really notice Christopher's lingering eyes. He just wanted him to mention the bruise. It felt like his cousin was too oblivious to it.

Serena who thought that there was nothing on her skin quickly used her hand to cover the spot which Geoffrey suckled earlier. Facing Christopher with some embarrassment and so that Charlton would not misunderstand, she said, "It was bitten by a bug. I did not know it would leave a mark."

Charlton's eyes saw it before Serena could cover it herself. Not wanting to show the sudden onslaught of anger on his face, he looked away as he clenched his fist.

Geoffrey saw everything unfold before him, wanting to push more buttons, he smirked as he said, "Yes, indeed. It was a huge bug inside the car which suckled her skin finding it too sweet." The implication of his words can be left to everyone's imagination.

Serena was mortified. Charlton was not saying anything, but she could see that he's angry. Geoffrey, what was wrong with him today?

Thankfully, Christopher cleared his throat. To break the awkward silence. Trying not to embarrass Serena, he pretended to agree with Geoffrey, "Well, it's summer and bugs are abundant. Lady Serena, sorry for bringing attention to the bruising."

Serena gave him a smile, "It's alright, Lord Cross. Thank you, at least now I know that it needs treatment."

Christopher smiled back then asked, "If the lady still has a blank space in her card, would it be possible to ask for a dance?"

Geoffrey did not think much about Christopher asking as he considered it as proper etiquette. "Serena, are you feeling well enough for a dance?"

Serena smiled and nodded as she answered, "Only for the quadrille and the waltz"

As Geoffrey handed the dance card to Christopher, he faced Charlton. Wanting to see how he would react and not wanting to reveal anything, he asked as usual. "Charlton, you still have blank spaces in yours?"

Charlton was surprised that Geoffrey still asked, but then answered "yes. Lady Serena, will you also grant me a dance?" he asked while trying to sound nonchalant.

"Yes, lord Daniel." Serena answered with a smile.

Geoffrey glanced at Serena who he can see was pleased. Truly, these adulterous pair. Not even an ounce of guilt. His anger was simmering, but he was prepared. Fine. Let them chat a little, he also wanted to see what he has missed all the while.

Charlton was given Serena's card and he looked at the blank spaces. There was still a quadrille left unclaimed, but he did not care. He wrote his name beside the dance for the waltz. Coincidentally, the song was Waltz of flowers, reminisce of their first dance in this very same palace on a different time.

He handed the card back to Geoffrey who did not look at it. He handed it straight back to Serena.

Serena tried not to look excited as she took a glimpse to see which number he chose. Seeing his name on the space beside the song, Waltz of flowers, she tried not to reveal her smile.

Anyway, at the background, the MC announced that the ball was about to begin and so, he instructed everyone to take their position for the first dance, which was the grand march.

With that, Christopher excused himself and so did Charlton. Like everyone else, they needed to look for their respective partners for the dance.

--

tbc