Serena moved to embrace him. She didn't think it was possible, but every day, she grows to love him more. The more she loves him, the more she becomes afraid for him. She has been so selfishly naïve before. But now, her greatest fear was him hurting. 

"I am leaving tomorrow, so let's stop being melancholic, okay? Also, I have something for you." He said as he pulled away from her to show her something he pulled out from his pocket.

Serena saw the velvet box first before he presented it to her. 

"Serena, I do not know what the future has in store for us, but what I do know is that almost a year ago, I did not know you, today, I fear I cannot live without you. You gave my life a purpose and a meaning, and no matter what happens, I know that I will never love any other than you. I wanted to propose and give you an engagement ring, however, I wanted to save that for later when I am worthy and know that you can wear that ring for everyone to see. So, instead will you please accept this promise ring as a symbol of my fidelity and commitment?"

He knew that they somewhat have that mutual agreement already, but he wanted to do it. He wanted to give her a physical symbol of his commitment even though their future is not guaranteed. 

Serena did not expect Charlton to do this, and her eyes widened like saucers. Still, her smile slowly curved her lips, and it was more brilliant than any star in the sky. She did not take her eyes off of him as she replied, "You already know the answer to that, but for what it's worth, then a thousand yeses, Charlton."

The answer, expected as it had been, still winded Charlton. It was, perhaps, the way she phrased it, or that her smile was so lovely. And then it occurred to him, that with the pleasure she took in looking at the jewelries in the store yesterday, she did not even once glanced at the ring he presented. 

"You did not even see if the ring is acceptable to you."

"It matters not." Still, without looking at the ring, she held out her hand so he can slip it onto her finger. "It's what it symbolizes which matters. Besides, I'm satisfied with you."

Charlton chuckled. "Stop pretending already. We both know that you like sparkly things. This may not be as big and sparkly as the one the queen wears and will pass the crown princess, nor even our family heirloom which my mother still wears and one day, when I'm able to, shall present to you, but I have had this personally customized with great care and consideration."

Serena who was still elated grinned at Charlton. Well, he did know her well. Thus, she finally took the chance hold out her hand to look at it admiringly. The promise ring was an eternity ring with heart shaped diamonds. The cut of each stone was impressive in detail, the color and clarity almost made her weep. It was beautiful, and it was just perfect for her. 

"Are you satisfied with it?" he asked.

Serena, still grinning, nodded her head. "That it is from you, makes the ring more beautiful than any other. But of itself. The ring is wonderful. Charlton, I love it! I shall wear it every day."

Charlton took her hand in his as his eyes mooned. "I'm glad that you liked it."

--

The next morning came too soon, and it was the day Charlton and Kylo have to travel back to Windsor. The ship Brittania would be leaving by 2 in the afternoon, thus, they had to leave the mansion at 9 in the morning. 

"But I want to send you." Serena said after she fixed Charlton's necktie. She went to his room at 8 in the morning to help him prepare for his travel and see him off.

"It's alright. I don't want you to get too tired from the travel. It would take almost 4 hours to travel to the port, plus you will need to travel back on a carriage again. I know how much you hate long carriage rides. By the way, did I tell you that the motor vehicles which benz-motors will be selling has already arrived? I even learned how to drive one."

Serena shook her head as she smiled. "So, how was it?" Although she knew they were not that fast, it was still faster and more convenient than a horse-drawn carriage. Thus, she too was looking forward to having one.

"It's good. Really good. If not because of people talking, I will fetch you from the port myself with one."

Serena giggled thinking of the image of Charlton driving one. "I think you would look handsome driving one. So, has the date of the opening been finalized? As I recall it should be on the 8th of July, right?"

"It has been moved to the 15th luckily. I will send an invitation to your family once I arrive at Windsor." 

Serena smiled as she nodded, "then I will see you then. I don't think my mother would appreciate me going out of our ducal estate not even a week after I got back."

Charlton sighed, "Sometimes, I wish that the school year is here so that I can see you every day."

"Me too. Anyway, I will try to visit Columbia's after a while. We can have the excuse of working on 'crazy for you' then. Perhaps, during that time, we can even go out using the car for an excursion without anyone knowing." Serena suggested as she wiggled her brows.

"You and your perverted mind." Charlton mocked scolded as he tapped her nose, instantly understanding what she's getting at. At the back of his mind though, he was already thinking that the omnibus model which has enclosed space would definitely allow for that. Perhaps he should reserve that model.

Serena smacked his hand. "What!? I didn't even say anything. It's you who has a green and perverted mind."

Charlton chuckled, "Alright. If you say so." 

Serena was about to reply when someone started knocking on the door.

"Hey, Charlton, let's go. We don't want to be late for the ship, though I don't mind staying here a bit longer. Anyway, I'll go down first. I think Via has already arrived to send me off." Kylo said through the door then left. (Via stayed in their own mansion as instructed by her parents and could only return to the Gizel's family mansion to sleep over after Kylo had Charlton has left.)

"And that's my cue. I will miss you." Charlton said as he kissed her lips.

Serena made a sad expression, "I will miss you too."

Then they hugged and kissed each other one more time before leaving the room and going down the stairs. 

Thus, Charlton and Kylo's stay in Militeia ended that day. The girls plus George said their goodbyes and wished them a happy trip before they, along with Jack, boarded the carriage lent by Gizel's family to send them to the port.

-- 

TBC

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