Serena, Celine, her friends, Gizel's family and servants, Beatrice, Bernard, and some of their servants from their ducal house were all in the port of Cornwell that Wednesday morning. The ship to Militeia, the Brittania, will be leaving by noon.
The port was busy as always, and at the moment, they were all in a luxurious lounge. From inside, Serena saw that the Britannia has started loading the cargoes. Then, an announcement came instructing the passengers to get ready as the Britannia shall be starting to accept passengers to board in a few minutes.
Celine who was not joining the trip suddenly felt jittery and sad in having to part with her daughter. She hugged her and said, "Serena, I will miss you. When in Militeia, don't forget to take care of yourself alright?"
"I will miss you too, mother. I will be back in less than a month though, so please don't worry about me too much." Serena replied as she hugged her mother back.
"But this is the first time you're leaving the kingdom… I can't believe that your first trip abroad would not be with me. I can't help but worry that you would feel alone in a new place… what if you get lost?" Celine said as dabbed her tears. She lamented not being able to join her daughter. Simoun have to be present at court sessions and Leonard have to tend to their businesses. Thus, it was only her that would attend to matters in the Dukedom.
Serena smiled trying to ease her mother's concern, "Mother, my friends would be with me, and there's also Beatrice and Bernard. So, you can be rest assured."
Celine continued to dab the corners of her eyes but nodded her head.
The announcement that Britannia was now accepting passengers came, and as first-class passengers, they were given priority to enter first.
Thus, it was here that Serena and her mother parted.
—
Serena entered the large ship with her 10 companions. Then, a personal concierge came to guide them to the lobby. Contrary to her titanic movie like expectations, the ship was a let-down. Anyway, she could only hope that the ship would not sink like titanic did.
That doesn't mean that the ship was bad though. Just not as wonderful. The interiors of the first-class lobby they were led to was furnished with oak wood. Serena was looking around when suddenly, her eyes widened, and she had to excuse herself from everyone to say that she'll just use the toilet.
Beatrice wanted to accompany her, but Serena declined saying she'll be back shortly. Understanding her place, she did not ask again.
—
Serena quickly walked out of the lobby and went out to the portion of the ship's deck accessible only to first class passengers.
"What are you doing here!? I thought you're coming to join us on a later date?" she asked pleasantly surprised. Her smile since earlier already making her cheeks hurt but she could not stop it.
Charlton smiled back as he enveloped her in his embrace, "I cannot not send you. Sadly, however, I'm just here to do that. I will have to leave before the ship sails."
Serena hugged him back, "I thought you wouldn't come see me off and I was fine with that. But now that you're here, I'm so happy that you did. I love you." She said as she looked up to meet his eyes.
"I love you too." He replied, then he kissed her lips.
Their kiss turned to become more passionate until the ship horned indicating that it would be sailing soon.
Charlton had to painfully stop what they were doing, he groaned then said, "and that's my cue to leave."
Serena hugged him tighter, after about 10 seconds, she shook her head, "I don't want to let you go. Can't you just join me in this trip now?"
Charlton could not help but chuckle with how cute she was being, "I want to do that too, but I have several appointments to keep. I will see you on the 28th alright?"
Serena pouted, "Fine."
Charlton tapped the tip of her nose with his index, "Don't make that face. Show me a smile before I go."
Serena could not pretend to be angry, so she smiled again as she placed her hands on his cheek to pull him for another kiss. "I will miss you. Take care and thank you for coming here."
"I will miss you more…." Charlton was saying something when the ship's horn sounded again.
Serena did not understand but knew it was something along the lines of her taking care of herself. Then, Charlton kissed her once more before straightening, told her goodbye, then ran.
She did not leave the deck until the ship started sailing and she could no longer see him waving at her from the dock.
While Charlton turned to leave only when he could no longer see the ship Serena was in.
—
When Serena went back to the lobby, her friends were there waiting for her along with Beatrice.
"Where have you been?" Gizel asked curious. Serena was still smiling from ear to ear.
Serena shook her head, "just needed some air. Where's Bernard?" she asked Beatrice.
"Milady, he has already been guided to his cabin. Our luggage has also already been deposited to our stateroom." Beatrice reported.
"Let's go see your cabin, Serena! We have already seen ours." Milly said. This ship was better looking than the one she rides to Horace.
"Okay. Beatrice, please lead the way."
—
The next two days were spent on board. Serena's cabin was apparently a 2-bedroom suite situated at the back of the ship. It was large and had a terrace of its own overlooking the vast ocean.
However, unlike luxury cruises Serena was used to in her past life, here, there was nothing much to do, aside from going to the dining hall during mealtimes.
Thus, the next 2 days were spent inside her cabin with the girls chatting about their planned activities when they arrive to Militeia.
—
TBC
