The Guard

6

• Serena's pov •

"We have all the preparations you have asked for, your highness," a designer for homes such as mine, bows to me, explaining they she had received my requests of redecorating the palace. It was so bland, I needed it to spark if it belonged to me.

Bridger stands behind me at my service just in case anything goes wrong, he can do his service of what the King has asked of him. Two men at my service whisper chatter to Bridger whom stares at me in the midst.

He coughs, before making a statement. "Queen Lockwood, Princess Lockwood, and Princess Houstings have arrived."

Great. Just what I needed.

"Alright, please let them in." With the nod of my head, I gave the rwo men confirmation that they shall let my sister and mother, alongside with Princess Lockwood inside the palace. They bow to my presence just before making haste towards the front door, letting the royal family join me.

My designer behind me, bows to my family who joins me, and they give her a swift nod before she leaves the room to let us have privacy.

"Mother," I greet, rounding my arms around her body, giving her a warm hug. Living here was something I had to learn to be by myself. This big palace was a bit lonely for such a lone lady as I.

"My sweet dear, how are you?" Mother greets, squeezing the life out of me. I knew she missed me dearly, and also the fact that she couldn't control my every move. "I haven't seen you since coronation. Look at you!"

"You do not know how much I've missed you," I gush at her presence.

"Likewise." She caresses my cheek.

"Serena," Arabella greets, laying her hand across my backside. She shares a warming smile, lighting up the dull room.

I clutch her hand, squeezing it, sharing a smile of my own. My eyes catch onto Princess Lockwood whom I've only shared a couple of words to and she shares a gracious smile.

"To what do I owe this pleasure of having your presences gifted?" I say aloud, rounding my eyes across the room to the woman in my home.

Arabella then shares a saddened smile, knowing she was fronting a smile on now. I now frown. "Is everything alright?"

"We should go to a room where we can have much more privacy," Princess Lockwood suggests.

Mother now frowns, sharing a pity look with me. "Yes, we shall."

"Alright, this way..." I wave my hand to follow and lead them to my office room, and of course, Bridger follows as he is ordered to from the King and stays stood by the door of the office. Closing the door behind me, Bridger offers a small nod. I look to the ladies in front of me who hold power. "Do share."

Princess Lockwood awkwardly coughs, smoothing out her dress. "You are now added to the royal family which makes you Princess of Lockwood."

"Correct." I nod.

Arabella looks out the window of the palace with a frown, not seeming to be interested in this conversation that she has to be brought in. Mother keeps her gaze on the Princess in respect.

"My son, the King has found a Queen, your Mother has your father, and now..." She trails and the world tumbles around me in slow motion as I know her words are hinting the one word I wasn't good at. I ran from it, literally. "Princess Houstings..."

My mother nods to Princess Lockwood, sighing. She walks to me in her puffy dress, grabbing both of my hands, giving me a smile. "Dear, you did not go through with wedding Sir Kingsley... Which means, you are not married as of right now."