Two in the afternoon was the beginning of calling hours in Windsor. From Geoffrey's last visit, he specifically instructed that there's no need to give him the courtesy welcome for the crown prince when he sends his card as he's visiting Serena as a caller. Thus, this time, instead of the porch, Serena was waiting for Geoffrey in the drawing room.
As Serena sat on the sofa, her heart started drumming in her chest. She recalled what happened in this very room just the other night. She didn't know how to face him nor what to expect. Does he now think cheaply of her? Did he find out about her and Charlton? Was he back for more? She was filled with so much anxiety.
"Milady, his royal highness has arrived." The butler announced.
Serena stood up from her seat. "Please, let him in."
The butler announced Geoffrey's name, and as Geoffrey entered the room, Serena's eyes widened. Geoffrey was carrying a bouquet of tulips, and behind him were servants carrying vases of tulips of varying colors. There were even boxed gifts with him. And although she can afford all of them, she could not help but feel her chest expand with the flattery.
As the servants placed the flowers and the gifts around the room, Geoffrey approached her and smiled. Then, he handed her the bouquet saying, "A bouquet of flowers to the most beautiful lady in the empire." He said charmingly.
Serena received the bouquet "Geoffrey, this is too much…" she said as she blushed. When she received his card earlier that morning, she did not know why but unlike the usual apprehension she feels when she receives his call or visits, she felt a bit excited. Now she understood why. Geoffrey made her feel wanted. Needed. Yearned for. Yes, unlike Charlton who has never needed to pursue her, Geoffrey kept on doing so.
"I can only lament that I can't do this every single day. I missed you." Geoffrey said. Then, he took her hand not holding the bouquet and kissed it.
As his lips grazed the back of her hand, Serena felt goosebumps all over her body. She took her hand back quickly as she blushed. Why was she reacting this way? It was not the first time he did that, but it felt like a fire was ignited within her. Then, she was reminded of how much she wanted him to do more to her that night. Then, she felt the guilt again. She loves Charlton. Why was she doing this?
Geoffrey saw the changes in Serena's expression. From the moment he entered, he saw the difference of how she looked at him. For the first time, she seemed actually truly excited that he's there. When she saw the gifts, she looked happy, flattered, and appreciative. Then, when he kissed the back of her hand, the way her skin flushed. She wanted him. He can see it. However, now, she's again back to her shell and was feeling guilty.
Really? She felt guilty that she's wanting him but never felt guilty enough when she went behind his back with his cousin. What did Charlton even feed her? Aish. If he didn't love her enough, he would not be as tolerant.
The night he went back home after the ball, he tried to think things through. What did he really want from Serena? Does he exact his revenge on her too? Somehow, she still must pay for what she did to him. But then, he thought that what he did without her knowledge was payment enough. Or maybe he's just telling himself that because he didn't want to let her go.
Although he knew that his love for her wasn't as pure as it once was, he still loved her all the same. In the end, he decided that he would continue seducing her until she falls in love with him. It was Charlton he hated. As long as Serena does not betray his trust again, he could still forgive her. Besides, she might be carrying their child.
Serena again started to worry. Was Geoffrey thinking that she was a hypocrite? Did she offend him? She peeked at his expression. He only seemed confused. She sighed in relief. "Sorry about that… Please take a seat."
"How could a gentleman sit before a lady does?" Geoffrey replied as he smiled at her, indicating she sit first.
Why was Geoffrey so attentive? Has he always been this attentive? Serena wondered as she took a seat. Then, he sat beside her. 'Oh. So that's why.' She thought.
"So… why did you visit today?" Serena began a bit awkwardly.
Geoffrey smirked. Then, he took her hand in his again as he scooted closer to Serena. He leaned towards her ear, then whispered, "Why else?"
Serena flushed all over, "B-brother Leonard is here…"
Geoffrey chuckled. "What are you thinking? I just visited to see you. Is that a crime?"
Serena felt embarrassed. What was she thinking? Geoffrey has been visiting her just to see her for the longest of times. His feelings for her have always been wholesome.
"I'm sorry. It's just that I'm feeling a bit confused lately." She excused.
Geoffrey then used his thumb and index to gently pinch her chin and turn her face towards him.
Serena was surprised but did not complain. Geoffrey was looking all over her face, as if examining, while his face filled with worry.
"Serena, are you okay? Have you been losing sleep?"
How did he instantly know that? And he was even so worried for her. It felt good. "Yes, I have been having trouble sleeping lately…"
Geoffrey winced. "I think that you need to rest. But… will you forgive me for not wanting to leave just yet?" he asked sweetly as he looked her in the eyes looking so pitiful.
Serena felt her heart soften. "It's okay…"
Geoffrey smiled, then as if remembering something, he stood up from his seat to open one of the boxes. He took out a bottle. "I just recalled this lavender scented oil I got for you. It will come handy now." Then, he suddenly went down on one knee in front of Serena and started taking off her shoes.
"Geoffrey! What?" Serena reacted shocked.
Geoffrey looked up and smiled at her. After removing her shoes, he lifted her feet and guided them towards the sofa. Then, he sat at the other end. "Lie down with your head on my lap." He instructed.
"That's not… appropriate…" Serena said lamely.
Geoffrey just laughed and gently pulled her shoulder. In the end, Serena did lie on his lap. He opened the bottled and rubbed the oil to his fingers. Then, he gently massaged her temples.
Serena was a bit stiff. This has never been done to her by a man before. She felt loved and cared for.
"Relax Serena… I'm your intended, even if anyone comes in through that door, no one will be able to say anything." Geoffrey said as he continued to massage her temples, then moving to her head, running his fingers from the top of her forehead then to her scalp to the tip of her hair.
Serena felt her body relax with his words, the scent of lavender, and the feel of his hands. Slowly, she drifted off to sleep.
—
TBC
