"I'm sorry, father, for my negligence. This is my wife, Serena. Serena, please pardon my misgivings." Geoffrey said as he looked at her and gave her a small smile.
Serena suddenly felt that it was difficult for her to breathe. She felt suffocated, not for herself but for Geoffrey. Was this how his family treated him? Was this the environment he grew up in? She has always seen him as a proud and prideful character. Yet, when his father demeaned him, he did not even flinch and even asked for forgiveness immediately, which signals that this kind of event was a normal happening in his life.
She wanted to rebuke the king on his behalf and defend him, but she was not that gutsy. Like honestly, she was not stupid enough to be antagonistic to their sovereign during their first dinner. Anyhow, she could just wait for him to die so that Geoffrey can take over the throne.
Was she only over analyzing? Seeing the smirk on Frederick's face tells her that she probably was not.
Given this, the question was, how does she act now? Oh well, since she can't go for direct confrontation, might as well disgust them with her shamelessness.
Serena gave an understanding smile to Geoffrey before turning towards the king's direction, acting all shy and grateful like a woman so deeply in love, she answered, "Thank you your majesty… I am ever grateful for your graciousness of letting me marry your most excellent son."
Serena thought that the King would feel disgusted, but instead, he just laughed and nodded his head. Ok, so maybe he's not totally evil. But his parenting skill must really suck.
Anyhow, dinner began when the servants came in to serve each of them the hors d'oeuvre. When eating with the King, one must take note of his actions. One may only start eating when he does, and more agonizing was that one must also stop when he does. Now, it's not so bad considering that the meal has 12 courses.
As the 2nd course came in, which was the amuse-bouche, the king started addressing Geoffrey again. Serena who was not being talked to can only listen on the sidelines.
"You just wasted resources and instead of making the people grateful to us, you made it so that their impression was that we owe them the improvement of their welfare. What good have you done since I approved your pet project ministry? Even Charles' son did better than you. As we sit here, people can still see his contributions from the ministry of works, everything is tangible and the citizens all benefit. On the other hand, no one would even remember yours. All you do is destroy the social norms and what? Provide for the poor and the needy? Charity works would suffice. Why am I even surprised? Such a disappointment."
Geoffrey did not speak nor explain. He only let his father talk as he continued eating.
On the other hand, Serena was more affected than he was. She was annoyed. Although it was true that more tangible projects, especially those of technological advances, were flashier, easier to the eyes, and the benefits instantaneous, the king should not discount what Geoffrey was doing. It was very unfair to compare the two.
In fact, in the overall scheme of things, Geoffrey's vision and goal were more appropriate for his position. Unlike his father's short-sightedness, Geoffrey was building a better society. Not afraid of the backlash but moving forward for the greater good.
As the future king, he was the best person to address matters which no one else can. It may not be very popular now, but in the future, they would be his legacy. For example, the first bill his ministry pushed for and got approved was on child labor. Before him, who has even done anything about children not even reaching the age of 10 working on something as dangerous as coal mining? Everyone else were aware but just looked the other way. But Geoffrey didn't. Yes, his move may have been unpopular for some, but she believes that it was good.
Geoffrey cares for the people of his kingdom. He's the protector of the weak and the underprivileged. Which was something that society needed.
Serena shook her head. There she goes again with her hero worship.
Anyhow, the king stopped eating and the plates were collected. Then, the 3rd course, the cold melon and basil soup was served. No talking was done while drinking soup thankfully.
Then, came the 4th course which was the appetizer. From then on until they reached the 6th, which was the fish, the king continued belittling Geoffrey. She felt so bad for him that all she wanted to do was to throw the food to his father's face. He was so arrogant and had a bad case of king- complex. Then again, he was the king. But come on, he's a father talking to his son!
She can't imagine Geoffrey taking all his bull crap for a full 12 course dinner, but he did. Was this something that happened everyday to him before they got married? The king only paused while drinking soup and eating the main course! Meanwhile, the other people in the room just continued eating like nothing was strange, Frederick even smirking. The Queen from the corner of her eyes was incensed but not at the king but at her son.
She looked at Geoffrey, but his expression was just casual. It seemed like he let his father's words in from one ear, out from the other. She would think him immune to this, but even so, he must be feeling something, especially being treated like this in front of his newly married wife.
When they finally reached the mignardise which was composed of small pieces of chocolate and bite-sized macarons, Serena can only thank God that this awful dinner was finally coming to an end.
The king stood from his seat, and so did everyone else. He turned to leave and everyone either bowed or curtsied.
—
TBC
