The King's True Queen (Completed)

Chapter 4. 1810

That same evening, Serafina was seated beside Lucy and Kate, the three of them seated across from Alexander at the dinner table. She couldn't believe the spread of food that was put before them, her mouth watering at every delectable delicacy. There was soup, bread rolls, meat, fish, vegetables and rice. Along with the savory courses was a plethora of sweets. For that evening, she had changed into a cream silk gown with cap sleeves and a sweetheart neckline with gloves. Her hair was fixed into a lovely chignon.

Alexander had changed as well, replacing his three piece dark blue suit to that of black with a cream button up shirt and matching cravat. He was analyzing each young princess carefully, taking mental notes as to which one would be his perfect queen. It was clear that all three of them had beauty, but he noticed that only Serafina had the poise and elegance of a true queen. Unfortunately, he wouldn't know their true character until he was alone with each of them for one week. He cleared his throat. "I am looking forward to getting to spend time with all three of you."

Kate beamed. "As do we your highness, we've been looking forward to this. Well, at least I have, I can't say the same about my companions."

Lucy rolled her eyes. "Ignore her prince Alexander, all of us have been looking forward to this month for quite a while."

Alexander nodded. "I've been looking forward to it as well, is there anything that the three of you would like in particular? Do you have a color preference for dresses? Any particular jewelry?"

Serafina swallowed her sip of wine. "I'm not very particular your highness, I quite adore everything that's in my closet already. Every piece of clothing and every jewel is beautiful."

Alexander immediately felt his shoulders relax at her comment. She approved of everything she had been given by the household. He gave her a smile. "I'm glad you like everything Princess Serafina."

Lucy. "Is there any possible way that I could have a few of my jewels be replaced with something a little bolder? At the moment, I'm not very fond of pastel jewel tones."

Kate. "I'm not either, I prefer more of the darker jewel tones. Those, at least for me, have a more eye-catching appeal."

Alexander tried to refrain from rolling his eyes. Of course princess Lucy and princess Kate would object to having more of the refined color palette of a future queen, both in jewelry and in the gown selection. But he refrained from speaking against them. "Of course, I can have all of your gowns and jewelry replaced with your particular tastes."

Kate and Lucy smiled at him brightly before diving for their food. Once they were finished, they quickly excused themselves to go and be rid of everything they had been given previously. That left Alexander and Serafina alone.

Serafina nibbled on a piece of cheese. "They don't seem to appreciate everything that you have given them."

Alexander took a sip from his wine glass. "No they don't, but you do. At least, I hope that you do."

Serafina nodded eagerly. "Oh yes, everything in my closet is absolutely stunning. It's almost as if you knew what colors I would like. Every piece of clothing matches my complexion perfectly, and everything is quite comfortable, as far as the fit goes."

Alexander smiled. "I'm glad to hear it, I wasn't sure if the gowns would fit you. I wasn't sure if the jewelry would be to your taste either."

Serafina giggled. "Everything is perfect your highness, there's no need to worry."

The two of them continued eating, talking about various subjects that they both enjoyed. It was quite clear that there was chemistry between the two of them, but that chemistry wouldn't be in full bloom until the third week. The week which the two of them would get to be alone together. Once finished with their meal, they spoke for another hour and then separated for the night.

Once he was in his chamber, Alexander flopped onto his bed, lying back against the pillows and looking up at the ceiling. Serafina was absolutely an angel, in every respect. She was kind and gracious, elegant and poised. She was humble, not demanding anything be changed in her wardrobe. He was anxious to get to be with her, but he first had to go through Kate and Lucy. Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes and exhaled. This was going to be quite the adventurous month.