The King's True Queen (Completed)

Chapter 7. 1810

Over the next three days, Alexander and Serafina became even closer. Serafina was, by that point, quite skilled with archery. With Alexander's guidance, she was able to hit her target with the bow and arrow on more than one occasion. She was grateful to the prince for teaching her.

On the fourth evening, Alexander took Serafina for a walk around the gardens, pointing out various flowers that he particularly enjoyed. It turned out that they both shared a love of roses. He was enamored by the beauty beside him, and had the suspicion she felt the same for him. The more time he spent with her, the more he realized she was his queen. After showing her a few more roses, he came to a stop in front of a large water fountain with three Circular tiers.

Serafina sat down on the bench next to the water fountain, feeling her heart flutter when Alexander sat down next to her. Over the last several days, she became keenly aware of her feelings for the future king of England, realizing that she was in love with him. Or, at the very least, deeply cared for him. She was hoping he felt the same way, and by his actions, not to mention his glances towards her every time they were together, it was obvious he did. She gave him a soft smile. "These last three days have been wonderful."

Alexander smiled. "I'm glad you're enjoying yourself, because they've been wonderful for me as well. I can tell you quite plainly that you're not like Lucy or Kate."

Serafina became bright pink, her heart fluttering with flattery yet again. She squeezed his hand instinctively, feeling an intense and powerful spark of connection between them in that one gesture. She had no words to say to his statement, but then again there didn't need to be anything said.

Alexander's dark blue eyes remained fixed with hers, and before he could think rationally, Eileen closer. His warm breath caressed her face, his lips just inches away from hers. What was he doing? Was he really about to kiss Serafina? He should stop now, he should pull awa. But as he watched Serafina move closer to him, he knew there was no going back.

Charles. "Alexander, would you please bring your lovely friend into my room?"

Alexander and Serafina jumped away from each other at the sound of Charles's voice. Glancing up, they both blushed a deep pink as they noticed the king standing at his balcony, smiling down at them. Good Lord, they had almost been caught in a compromising position. And Charles was wanting to meet Serafina? but why? He hadn't bothered to ask Alexander to be introduced to Lucy or Kate during their week with him.

Alexander came to his feet, bringing Serafina with him. He returned his father's smile. "Of course father, we shall join you shortly."

Charles smiled before wobbling his way back into his chamber. He knew he was going to handover the throne to Alexander within a matter of days, and he had a feeling the young woman his son was very close to kissing was going to be his queen. Placing his walking cane beside the bed, he carefully climbed into it and waited for Alexander and Serafina to arrive.

Serafina glanced at Alexander, a little confused. "Why does your father want to see me?"

Alexander shook his head as they walked back into the castle. "I'm not sure, but my father always has good intentions for whatever he wants."

Serafina relaxed at those words. It seemed that whatever Charles was wanting with her, it was going to be very pleasant. She followed Alexander upstairs to his father's bedroom, feeling her body relax even more when Charles smiled at her.

Charles gestured for the two of them to come closer. "There you are, there is a reason why I've asked both of you here this evening."

Alexander. "What's the reason father?"

Charles snapped his fingers, producing a large deep red velvet box with the Windsor crest upon the lid. He smiled at the two of them before presenting them with the box. "My dear boy, I believe it's time that these be given to you and your future queen."

Surprised, Alexander and Serafina carefully opened the box, feeling their eyes become wide when they saw what was inside. Neither of them could breathe, their hearts pounding  like wildfire. What lay before them was nothing short of perfection.