"Let us give a round of applause to welcome Mr. Douglas Sheeran for his Valedictory address." The principal announced and everyone else clapped. 

"Ugh, I can't believe that he got that award. I still and will forever hate his guts." Gizel who was sitting beside Serena commented. 

"Indeed, me too. I wish he chokes." Milly commented.

Serena hummed her reply. She was a little absentminded. She wondered how Charlton was faring. Earlier, she saw him with Kylo, and meeting her parents, they were joined by Geoffrey and Leonard. She wondered what they were talking about.

"Serena? You okay?" Via asked.

Serena just smiled and nodded her head. "Yes, just reminiscing."

--

"It's been a while, Geoffrey and Leonard. Glad to see you both. How have you been so far?" Kylo said as he gave Geoffrey and Leonard a hug each.

"Good. How about you? When did you arrive?" Geoffrey asked.

"I'm doing okay, just arrived yesterday, but I will be leaving tomorrow for Militeia with Via and her family. Hehe."

Leonard shook his head and tsked as he joked. "And here I thought you love us more. Totally eating your words now, eh?" 

Kylo playfully hit his chest with his fist. Meanwhile, Geoffrey looked at Charlton. 

The four of them started conversing just talking about what's going on in their lives lately. After a while, the graduation Ceremony began, and after Serena has been called to receive her diploma, Geoffrey called Charlton's attention.

"Mind if we talk? Let's go outside." Geoffrey requested.

Charlton smiled, nodded his head, and followed. Geoffrey has been trying to talk to him since the other month, but he always declined giving the reason that he's been very busy, which was also true. However, that instance, he has no way to escape.

"Charlton, I believe that our relationship warrants me to be frank and go straight to the point. We talked about this before, and I believe that it's time for me to ask. You have been avoiding me these 2 months, so I need to know, are you with me?"

"Geoffrey, you are the crown prince. You are the rightful heir to the throne, so, why are you asking me for this?"

"Just answer the question." Geoffrey insisted. Earlier, during their session in the house of lords, he did not react for his father was there. However, when he heard the list of approved projects, he felt like he has been slapped on the face. None of his recommendation to Charlton got approved.

Charlton knew why Geoffrey was asking. "You do know that no matter my recommendation, the king has a mind of his own and would only approve and choose those which he likes."

Geoffrey shook his head as he chuckled. "Earl Reginald is from the neutral faction Charlton, and his project request has been approved. Your loyalty, it is not with me, is it?" He was informed by one of the vice ministers on his side that Charlton did not even recommend one of what he suggested to the king, but he did not believe it. He always thought that Charlton was on his side, but what was revealed earlier was contrary to that.

Charlton swallowed, thinking of what to say in response. He knew that he has made a name for himself already and has no need to bow to Geoffrey. However, they have been like brothers in the past, and because of that, he was still reluctant to let that hand go completely. "My support and loyalty are to the crown. But you will always be my cousin Geoffrey."

Geoffrey clenched his jaw as he nodded his head. What else was there to talk about? "Then serve my father well." he instructed. Then he turned and walked inside.

Charlton watched him leave. He knew he hurt Geoffrey, but it was better that way as he will be plunging the knife soon. At least then, it would soften the blow. He knew that it was only a matter of time before the king awards him the medal of valor. Once he gains that, he would request for Serena's hand in marriage.

When the two of them came back inside, they tried not to show the awkwardness between them to their friends and everyone else.

--

After the graduation ceremony, Serena's parents invited everyone to have dinner in the ducal mansion like before. This time, the families of Via, Gizel, and Milly all attended. The invite extended to Kylo who brought Charlton along. 

During dinner, Geoffrey sat beside Serena and Charlton tried hard not to let his emotions slip. Everyone else talked about the graduation and what they plan to be doing after. 

By the end of dinner, people left one by one, even Charlton had to leave.

Geoffrey stayed, and asked permission to talk to Serena alone. 

Her parents thinking that Geoffrey has always been a perfect gentleman let them be.

Leonard looked at Serena who gave him a nod.

--

Alone with just the two of them, Geoffrey smiled at Serena. He missed her. The last time they met was during winter break and even then, it was only for a short while.

"Congratulations on your graduation." He began.

Serena gave him a polite smile as usual. "Thank you."

Geoffrey thought that Serena was being aloof, but he did not blame her but himself. He hasn't spent that much time with her in the 2 years. They attended 3 balls together in school, but he did not go out of his way to reach for her. When he graduated, he also became too busy with politics and since their schedules just did not match, he also rarely visited. Apart from that, he also did not want Frederick to see her as his weakness.

Anyway, he approached her to hold her hands, he felt her trying to snatch them back, but he did not let go. She does not know it but she was the only one left that he still holds dear in his heart. These 2 years, he has hardened his heart and made decisions that he would not otherwise made if he didn't wish to secure the crown. But, it would be worth it. He now has amassed power equal that to his father, the king himself, though that was still in secrecy.

"Serena, I know I have not been the best fiance these 2 years, but I swear that I will do better. So please don't pull away from me." he said.

Serena did not want to lie to him anymore, but she knew that causing him to begin doubting her was not good. She learned from Leonard that Geoffrey was now a force to be reckoned with and arising suspicion from him in any kind was not good at all.

She sighed as she gave him a nod. She just has to play his fiancee a few more months as she waits for Charlton who told her that he will ask for her hand soon. The medal of valor should be awarded to him by October before the end of their sessions this year in the house of lords.

(The medal of Valor in this story is the medal awarded to the person who made great contributions to the kingdom. The one to receive it will be granted a promise from the crown)

--

TBC 

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