As the sun singed the clouds red, Geoffrey glanced at Serena who was asleep and had her head resting on his shoulder. He smiled as a quiet contentment spread through his heart. He couldn't think of a time he'd ever been happier.
When she entered the cathedral and the song, one he never heard of, started playing, he instantly knew that it's her gift to him for their wedding. However, as each lyric was sung, he realized to his utter exhilaration and amazement that her gift was not just the song but her promise.
While her vow was being sung for the world to hear, he finally caught sight of her as she walked down the aisle escorted by her father. She was a vision in white, his gift on her neck sparkling.
The emotions he felt that time were overwhelming, and if not for his years of training dedicated to the art of composure, he was sure that he would have been reduced to tears. He kept himself from blinking that time. Surely, if a tear was caught falling down his cheek, it would cause a sensation. Despite it being his wedding, no one wanted an unsteady future king.
What came after was the wedding ceremony itself. Nothing as dramatic as her entrance, but he knew that every word and detail, he would remember for life.
Anyhow, despite all the wonderfulness of their wedding, Geoffrey was not stupid enough not to know that Serena's feelings for him were only heightened because of his orchestration. Yes, he was sure that she loves him now too. However, he knew better than anyone else, even Serena herself, that if what he did comes to her knowledge that instance, she would definitely hate him, even worse, try to leave him.
Even so, he was looking at their future positively. What he had now was time. They were irrevocably bound to each other by law and by God. He would just have to ensure that she would grow to love him more, so that even if she were to find out, she would still choose to be with him.
--
Feeling the train stop, Geoffrey who also gave in to the exhaustion was awaken. He first took a glance at Serena who he noted was still asleep before looking at the time. It was 7 in the evening. They have arrived just as scheduled.
Not wanting to wake her up just yet, knowing how tired she was, he remained seated. He wanted her to wake up naturally.
When Serena finally felt her neck becoming stiff, she tried to shift her position. While doing so, she realized that the train has stopped moving and there was no more noise. Confused, she opened her eyes. She looked to her left and saw Geoffrey who now smiled at her. She wanted to ask him what's going on, but then she was afraid her breath might stink. Like which saint was given the privilege to have fresh breath after waking up?
She turned the other way and saw through the glass that it was already dark outside. "Where are we?" she finally asked.
"We just arrived in Wiltshire." He answered. Then as if to tease her, he asked, "Why are you facing that way?"
Serena shook her head. They both know why she was facing away from him. What? It's not like she's the only one. She was sure that Geoffrey also has stale saliva.
It's not that she's overly fussy. She's just aware that even in marriage, one must still be conscious of themselves. She wanted to uphold her fresh and beautiful image to Geoffrey, thank you very much.
Geoffrey chuckled as he opened a tin container with mint flavored candies. He ate one. Then, he gently reached for Serena's chin, beckoning her to look at his direction.
Serena could only let his hand guide her face towards him. Face to face, she saw his mischievous smile before he kissed her deeply. The mint making the taste of their mouth sweet and spicy at the same time.
"Better?" he asked.
Serena can only blush and nod her head. She was afraid that they won't even reach the Wiltshire palace at this point if she were to speak her mind.
Geoffrey smiled seeing her blush, very much satisfied with himself. Then, he unbuckled his seatbelt, before leaning over to do the same to hers.
"Alright, I think it is time we continue with our journey." He told her as he stood up from his seat. Then, he offered his hand to help her up.
Serena took his hand, and when she stood up, before she could even straighten her dress, Geoffrey was already doing it for her. Gods, would he ever stop babying her? If he keeps on doing what he does, she might truly become too used to it. He was even more attentive than her personal maid. But truth be told, she could not voice even a tiny bit of protest because she loved it!
Geoffrey did not think much of Serena's reaction. He did enjoy taking care of her. In truth, he wanted to spoil her rotten. On hindsight, aside from his own desire to do so, it wouldn't hurt if the effect would lead to her never being able to accept anything less from anyone else.
He reached for her hand and intertwined their fingers again before opening the door.
Walking out of the cabin, their escorts who were standing since who knew when, greeted them with a bow. Geoffrey did not mind them and continued walking with Serena out of the train. Outside, 8 cars were already waiting for them. Their luggage has already been deposited to the other car and they were led to their own.
Soon after, they embarked on their ride to the Wiltshire palace about half an hour away.
A few minutes into their journey, Serena figured looking at Geoffrey's watch that they were about an hour behind their schedule. She wondered why that was so and asked Geoffrey.
He did not answer her directly, but then, she realized that she was the reason why they were delayed. Apologetically, she told Geoffrey that next time, he should just wake her up.
Geoffrey only shook his head as he smiled at her, a look of indulgence clear on his face. His words to her were only, 'No need to apologize, I can wait and so can they.'
Serena looked at him as if telling him his words were unbelievable. But deep inside she was more than pleased.
--
TBC
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