"Kylo, Charlton. Come, let me introduce you two to some of my family members. I think a lot of them would be enthralled to meet the two of you." George offered so that the two won't feel out of place.
Charlton gave the place a once over, not seeing Serena around, he agreed saying, "Alright. Thank you."
Kylo on the other hand was nervous but tried not to show it. He straightened himself, trying to look like he's a real man of honor. Well, what if George introduces him to Via's parents?
Anyway, George walked with them and while doing so, he explained, "the girls are with my mother. They have this surprise for father which they will perform at the beginning of the program. Charlton, I understand that you will need to talk to Serena later about your song number, so I have arranged your seat to be beside hers. I hope you don't mind."
Charlton smiled as he nodded his head. Of course, he doesn't mind.
--
George wanted to introduce the two to his father first but seeing him still busy talking with other guests of his generation, he took the two to where his cousins were.
"Kylo, Charlton, may I introduce my cousins, Victor, Yohan, Freesia, and Roselia. Cousins, these are Prince Kylo of Alighieri, and Lord Charlton Daniel from Windsor." George introduced.
The two young gentlemen gave a nod of acknowledgement while the two girls curtsied. Then they started introducing themselves.
Kylo swallowed. Apparently, Victor was Via's older brother. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance." He replied trying to appear both friendly and respectable at the same time. Though at he back of his mind, he wondered 'Did I sound stuffy?'
Charlton wanted chuckle. Kylo was trying too much. Anyway, he smiled at the four, "It's a pleasure to meet you all."
"Lord Daniel, is it your first time here in Militeia? I have been introduced to lady Serena earlier, and I must say that the both of you look much better in person. I love your songs." Freesia, a young maiden of 14, said after the introduction. Although it was the first time she met Charlton in person, she felt like she knew him already from seeing his photo and listening to his and Serena's song.
"Yes, it's my first time here. Militeia is beautiful, the illustrations I have seen do it no justice." Charlton replied.
"How long will you be staying here?" Victor asked.
"For 3 days." Charlton and Kylo replied at the same time. The two of them looked at each other.
Kylo smiled awkwardly. He was high on alert that when Victor asked a question, he answered right away. Thinking that the question was for him.
To break the awkwardness of the atmosphere, Yohan interjected. "that's too short. I think with that schedule, you two won't even be able to see half of the capital."
"Indeed. However, I still have engagements back in Windsor while Kylo needs to return to Alighieri. Do you have suggestions of places we can go to?" Charlton replied seeing Kylo trying hard not to facepalm.
The boys continued with the conversation while the girls joined in adding their opinion. At the same time, they could not help but stare at Charlton dreamily. He was so handsome, dreamy, and polite, and did they say handsome? However, he was not for then. They were solid Cherena fan.
"Thank you all for the suggestions, now at least I know where I have to go." Charlton said as he chuckled.
"Hehe, then I wish you and Lady Serena a wonderful time together exploring our capital. I wish I can go with you guys to take photos. Which reminds me, if it's alright, can I have a photo taken with the two of you later? Thank goodness Auntie Geneva hired a cameraman." Freesia suddenly said.
George coughed. "Freesia, Lady Serena and Charlton are not involved that way. Sorry about that Charlton." He could not really say that Serena's engaged to the crown prince of Windsor as although a lot of nobles already know about that, it's still a hush hush to the public.
Charlton shook his head as he smiled. "I don't mind." He replied. He was actually happy to hear that someone is rooting for himself and Serena.
"Eh? They're not? How come? Then again, hehehe… a lot of people would be excited to know that." Freesia said as she blushed.
Kylo wanted to be a good friend and interrupt, but Victor was standing opposite him. Sorry Charlton, go fend for yourself.
Charlton shook his head, he can't really say that there's something between him and Serena, but that doesn't mean that he can't voice his admiration. "Lady Serena is someone I admire from the bottom of my heart, and any man would be blessed to have her in his life."
Freesia smiled and cooed. "Wow Lord Daniel… So, I think my ship still has some possibility to sail."
George just shook his head with his cousin's antics. Anyway, he finally saw his father approach them.
"Hi uncle, happy anniversary!" The four said, while Charlton and Kylo also expressed their greetings.
Since Gregory did not recognize who Kylo was, George introduced him. "Father, this is Prince Kylo Louis of Alighieri. He came as a companion of Lord Charlton Daniel."
Gregory smiled and gave Kylo a nod of acknowledgement. "It's an honor to have you here in our event your highness."
"No, no, it's my honor to be here. thank you for having me here tonight." Kylo replied. Well, he is Via's uncle.
Gregory smiled hearing his words, then he turned to Charlton, "Charlton, thank you for coming to join our event. My son told me all about the favor you'll be doing for my wife and I tonight, so I want to express my gratitude."
Charlton shook his head, "It is my pleasure to do so Marquess Morris. Also, thank you for hosting our stay."
"Please, just call me Uncle Gregory. Anyway, the party is about to start. You all go to your seats first. I'll see you later." Gregory told Charlton and the others as he excused himself to say the same to the other guests.
And so, the guests of the wedding anniversary all began filling the seats surrounding the banquet tables.
--
TBC