Plan B, he will not join, but lead a new radical faction. Again, the neutral group will play an important role, but here he will need to tap the radical faction too. The reason why there's a need to lead a new one and not just join the old one was because if he just joins then he would have no say. Although he's defecting, he still wants to protect his family. He has cross referenced other nations that successfully overthrown the ruling monarchs and it has mostly led to extermination of the main family. He can be treacherous and gamble his own life, but he knows that he would never be able to stomach that.
Here, he can push for constitutional monarchy, establish a crown republic, take the position prime minister, and then marry Serena. Quite a feat, but he was not being an idle dreamer here for he knew that he could do it. He is not some little lord once he becomes the marquis (the title comes with the military command) and more than that he knows his own value as the only son of the Grand Duke of Suffox. There is a chance to win, and although how slim, he can take the gamble. However, he could not imagine doing this unless he has no other choice. That's why he has plan C.
Plan C is for if he gets caught doing Plan A. By then, he should have already made some connections, and surely, the radicals will not leave the chance of recruiting him. If he gets sent to prison, he's positive that he will be able to get out through trial and voting. If not, then he's wrong and only death awaits him, or if his mother begs enough, then maybe he might just be stripped off his title and get exiled to some other unknown place.
Either way, if he by chance, survives that ordeal, and gets out of prison back to the house of the lords, then he will proceed and go with plan B.
He does not like doing any of these. However, with the current political situation and how Geoffrey is being now, he doubts that he has any other option.
--
When the song ended, some Irish jig music started to play. Everyone broke from the circle. Some decided to dance, while some went to go back to drinking.
"you don't want to dance anymore?" Geoffrey asked smiling at Serena.
"No, thank you. I'm going to take a break with my friends now." She said as she directed her eyes towards them.
Her friends were very good accomplices, they were all alert. They knew Serena needed help, so they also stopped dancing.
Geoffrey looked at the girls, as if wanting to tell them that they should just disperse. However, the girls did not seem to understand what he's saying with his eyes. Not having a choice, as it would be awkward if he were to join them, he could only say, "then, I'll join you later."
Serena wanted to groan, just as she thought. He was planning on watching her all night. She was about to reply when Kylo butted in by slinging his arm across Geoffrey's shoulders.
"Hey Geoffrey, stop hounding your fiancée and come have a drink with me. You have to tell me all about the pony kicking the ball thing you did earlier. Also, I think Leonard is looking for you. You know about the bridal carry thing your teammates talked about earlier?" Kylo said, actually Leonard is not looking for him, but he just wanted to add that just in case.
Geoffrey frowned. He didn't want to talk nor accompany Kylo, however, hearing the words that he's hounding Serena made him realize that he is indeed doing just that. He reminded himself that he should at least give her some space and freedom while they aren't yet married. In addition, he now felt compelled to explain what he did to Leonard. It's not that he felt guilty, he just did not want to give the impression that he does not respect Serena to her family.
Serena smiled while thanking Kylo in her head. Finally, she can get Geoffrey off her back and escape. Not giving Geoffrey a chance to speak, she said, "Bye. I'll go now!"
Geoffrey can only sigh in defeat. He looked at her leaving with her friends, hoping that at some point she would try to look back as if showing that she's shedding an ounce of reluctance to part from him.
Serena wondered if Kylo has successfully sidetracked Geoffrey so that she can leave the party without him noticing. So, she turned to look back. To her surprise, he was still staring. Gods, what the hell is wrong with such timing! She quickly turned to look forward.
Geoffrey could not stop the tilting of his lips before turning to Kylo. He interpreted her action as her not being indifferent to him as she tried to project. Anyway, he was satisfied with that, so he will try to 'not hound her' as Kylo termed it as she requested. He too needs to take a step back. He was not some monk, and he was afraid that at some point, he might not be able to control himself.
"Let's go." He told Kylo.
--
"Is he still staring?" Serena asked Milly.
Milly turned to look back, "He just left with Kylo."
"thank god." Serena said as she sighed in relief.
"You know Serena, I'm not judging or anything, but I think that it's a pity really. Geoffrey is such a sweet guy to you and…" Gizel commented as she sighed. She doesn't understand what she sees in Charlton. Sure, he's very handsome, but Geoffrey is THE crown prince. He's handsome, he's sweet to her, he's well, almost perfect. And she's what? Exchanging all that for well… Charlton isn't that bad too but still.
"Gizel, don't." Via said as she tried to stop her cousin.
"I'm just concerned about you as a friend Serena, so please don't take it the wrong way." Gizel explained.
Serena shook her head, she understands what Gizel was getting at and there was a time when, she herself, thought that she's crazy. However, her time apart from Charlton made her realize that she can't breathe without him. Living in this fantasy like world without him felt so empty that she felt like she's living in some purgatory.
Aside from that, she knew it in her heart that it was Charlton who sincerely loves her. The kind of love that is almost unconditional. With him, she feels free to be whoever or whatever she wants to be. Sure, there was a point where he became a bit wishy washy, but when he said those words to her, she knew he meant them.
She's not scoffing at Geoffrey's affection and perhaps it's just her biasness talking, but maybe she just prefers that kind of love. Or perhaps, she just prefers Charlton overall.
"When you fall in love, as in deeply in love and that person loves you back equally, you will understand why." Serena told Gizel.
Gizel did not understand, but she knew her friend was too much in love to think straight. Anyway, she nodded her head. As a friend, if she can't convince her otherwise, then the most she can do is support her.
"Anyway, thanks for helping me. If Geoffrey approaches you guys later to ask where I'm at, just tell him that I already retired for the night. Okay?" Serena instructed.
"Alright." The three responded.
Serena exited the field quickly. She knew that Charlton was right behind her.
--
TBC