Princess Georgina feeling the stagnant atmosphere, chose to talk to Celine about their children.
"Your daughter Serena is really something. When I heard the songs, I got goosebumps all over. Also, she looks so lovely. Geoffrey here truly hit the jackpot. It he didn't get engaged to her first, I would have sent a card for my Charlton." Georgina said with a smile.
Truly, she liked Serena. When the man from the press said those disparaging words about her son, she was incensed. She wanted to storm forward and slap that man's face, she was only able to calm down when she felt her husband's hand on hers. She knew that he has more control of himself but she saw the rage in his eyes too, Charlton was their only son, their pride and joy. Thankfully, Serena said those words that she felt were truly satisfactory.
Celine smiled back. She's starting to like the princess more. "Your son Charlton is also a very nice young man. Talented and dashingly handsome too. His voice especially when he sang was very soothing to the ears. I'm sure that a lot of ladies are vying for his attention."
The two kept praising the other's child until they ran out of adjectives to describe them. Meanwhile, the men just pretended not to hear their words and was kept busy by the people approaching them to talk.
Geoffrey did not listen to what his auntie and Duchess Celine were talking about. Earlier, he gave the proper greeting and then, not wanting to intrude, he moved a few steps away and just stared at Serena from below with a wistful smile.
Leonard just stood beside him observing the area.
--
"I'm princess Felicity, please write my name too… I'm your number 1 fan in Eulio. These two here with me are my cousins Lady Laureen and Lady Andrea, they are fans number 2 and 3 respectively. I just want to say that I love your songs very much! If ever you go to our kingdom, please write me a letter I will show you two around and treat you even better than your king! PLEASE PLEASE!!!!!! Don't forget me, okay? I will always support you two team Cherena!" a girl about the age of 13 said. She was standing together with two other girls.
Serena found her frank and bubbly attitude really cute. "Okay, I won't forget, princess Felicity." She said as she started writing her message. It might be that the girls did not know her engagement with Geoffrey.
"Lady Serena and Lord Charlton, you two made me believe all the fairy tales I have ever read. I hope that you two will get your happily ever after." The girl whose name was Laureen said.
"yes, I also wish you two to live happily ever after." The girl named Andrea added.
Serena did not have the heart to correct them. Charlton too did not say anything. They smiled wryly to each other when they exchanged the covers they were signing.
However, deep inside, they were both happy with what they heard. So, when they returned the albums to the children, their smiles showed actual happiness.
"Thank you very much for your support." Charlton said with a charming smile.
"Yes, thank you very much. I wish to visit your kingdom one day. I hope that when I take you up on your offer when the time arrives, you won't go drive me away." Serena said jokingly.
The children wore wide grins.
"REALLY!? Then don't forget. We will wait for that day to arrive, even for any number of years from now!" Princess felicity said.
--
After, Serena saw Gizel and Via with two adults in their late 40's climbing the stage.
"Serena, I want to introduce you to my parents, Marquess Gregory and Marchioness Geneva Morris." Gizel began.
Serena stood up from her sitting position to greet them. "It is a pleasure to meet the both of you. Your daughter Gizel and your niece Via have been very good friends to me in school."
Geneva's smile turned even wider and she even blushed. Her daughter's friend was very polite and generous. She even gave them the much coveted tickets for the event today.
"Please, I'm just a fan right now. Everyone might wonder why you're standing…" when Serena sat back, she continued, "It's her luck to have met you. By the way, I want to thank you for the tickets, if not for your generosity, then we would not have been able to be in this event. I just want to say that your songs are very wonderful. When my husband and I celebrate our silver anniversary this coming summer, we will definitely play your song 'through the years'. By the way, I hope you consider visiting our kingdom. We would be very happy to host you." Geneva told Serena. Then she turned to face Charlton, "you too Lord Charlton. It would be a real delight to have you with us."
"My wife is correct, you both are more than welcome in our home in Militeia." Duke Gregory seconded.
"I would love to, but I have to seek permission from my parents first." Serena answered with a smile.
Charlton only smiled. What could he say? Gizel and Via were eyeing him like saying, don't even think about it. Anyway, he doesn't dare. Serena and himself were over.
--
After a while, the signing portion has ended. Serena and Charlton felt that the hand they used for signing has turned numb.
Serena was able to meet Charlton's parents that day. His father was rather stoic but considering that he came to the event just to support his son spoke volumes. On the other hand, his mother was very talkative and sweet. Serena thought that Charlton's childhood must be a happy one, unlike those of the main characters in the novels she used to read.
After the event, Serena's parents went to join her. While Charlton excused himself and went over to where his parents and Geoffrey were.
--
TBC