When Charlton saw Geoffrey laying claim on Serena once more and saw how he placed his arm on the small of her back, he wanted to storm over and pull her away from him. She has danced with a lot of other men, but he did not feel this strongly. That was their second dance.

When the dance ended and the song for the two-step came up, he could no longer stop himself. He was about to approach the two to ask for Serena's hand. However, he felt a hand grip his shoulder effectively stopping him.

He wanted to shrug the hand away, but he heard Leonard's voice telling him to stop.

Charlton was brought back to his senses as he turned to face Leonard. He wanted to tell him a piece of his mind, but there were a lot of people around. At the corner of his eyes, he saw that Geoffrey did not let go of Serena's hand. Meaning he was her partner for the two-step.

It was his third dance with her. He knew he had no right to be angry, but he was.

"I also have 3 dances with her." Leonard explained.

"Does that make a difference?" he replied.

Leonard sighed as he motioned Charlton to walk with him towards an empty balcony.

Charlton not really having much option chose to follow.

--

Geoffrey did not let go of Serena's hand even after the waltz ended. He wanted to tell her that he enjoyed the night very much. He was never fond of balls, but tonight he took delight in it.

"Won't Emily be disappointed that you're not dancing the next song with her?" Serena could not help reminding him.

"What has she got to do with this?" Geoffrey asked confused.

Serena gave him a knowing look in return. "This will be our third dance and besides, don't you like spending time with her?" she asked. She actually wanted to dance with Charlton for the next song but had no other way to tell Geoffrey.

Geoffrey sighed, "Serena, I will be lying if I were to say that I don't know what you're trying to insinuate. Perhaps you are misunderstanding something, so let me straighten things up. I want you to know that it is you who is my intended and I have every intention to keep it that way. So please don't mind her." He confessed as he gave her a small smile.

--

"Why are you trying to come between us now? I thought you were keeping your arms crossed?" Charlton asked while trying to keep his anger at bay.

"that was before. Things are different now. Geoffrey is giving Serena the attention she deserves."

"So? That's it? Just because he has shown interest, you have decided to push her in his arms?"

"Charlton, you have to understand. What they have is a royal decree. Not just a simple talk between families that will bear little repercussions if it were to be broken. I believe that this will be better for not just my sister, but also for you."

"who are you to judge what is better for us? Who gave you the right?"

"I am her brother. It is my duty to ensure her safety and happiness." Leonard replied, now also getting a bit infuriated with how Charlton is acting.

"What made you think that he could make her happy?"

"Why? Could you?"

"Why the hell not? She is my world Leonard. You have to understand."

"It is you who should understand. You think you can really make her happy? All you can bring her is endless misery. Do you get me? Do you even understand my point?"

"I may not have as much as Geoffrey, but I will give her my everything."

"And you think that is enough? Everything you could ever give her, all that you can offer, she already has. Geoffrey can make her the queen. Can you? Aside from that, if you choose to continue with whatever that is between you, what will happen to Serena? Where will you bring her? You will just ruin her life. Everything was fine, but this time, what will Geoffrey say? What will he do? Do you even understand what the hell you're trying to do to my sister? To my family? Even to yours? So, if you still have any respect for me as your friend, stop this nonsense now. I do not want to see you around my sister any longer."

Charlton felt every word he said pierce his heart. He knew all those things, but he has always been living in denial. How could he to give her up when she was his world?

"and if she chooses not to let go?" he just had to ask.

"My sister is still a young lady who just exited her boudoir. She has always been spoiled. Our parents have never even left her wanting. So, if she had not known better, forgive her. But you, you should know better. Geoffrey is the crown prince. He will be our next king. You should understand at least that much."

--

Serena was left astonished with what Geoffrey said. She saw all the signs and should have known that this was coming. However, she lived in denial. Always trying to interpret his actions as that of just being friendly. Now, the bare truth was laid in front of her. She did not know what to say nor do.

Geoffrey saw the shock on her face, but he did not let it get to him. He did not expect a reply from her immediately, or for her to confess any love for him. He knew that he has not been very nice to her at the beginning. But on a positive note, things are now turning for the better, besides, he still has a lifetime to remedy that and let her see him in a positive light. Maybe, even grow to love him too.

Serena did not get the chance to continue their conversation for the two-step dance just commenced.

Because of her mind being afloat, she stepped on his feet a couple of times. If Geoffrey felt any pain, he did not show it on his face. He just kept on smiling at her.

--

TBC