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  THE GUARD
Bridger's pov

Finding self pity at King Jaxson's bar, I stare at the now empty whiskey glass. Telling Serena that I love her wasn't on my list of things to tell her at that moment, but I couldn't help but shout it out to her when she spoke about marrying another.

I can't let that happen again, because I know she will move forward in the wedding and say I do.

A hand clasps over my shoulder, gaining my attention. Jaxson's smile finds me, he notices my down presence and frowns. He notices tension as well, and my shoulders fall.

I pour another shot of whiskey, holding it up to him as a way of cheering and downing it.

"Rough day with Serena?" He questions, but he already knew.

"She is slowly slipping through my fingers and I am afraid there is nothing I can do about it," I exclaim, piercing my lips.

"Let her go," he suddenly says. I give him the strangest look, because letting her go wasn't my idea of getting her hand in marriage. "Tell her you mean business that you wish for her, make it seem like you are finally letting her go. She will be yours, that, I can promise."

He grabs my freshly poured glass and downs it. Patting my shoulder, he leaves me alone as I was before.

Let her go. What if she lets me?

"Thought I would find you here," A lovely voice calls out and I look over my shoulder to find our very own Queen.

She sends a small smile, too noticing the tension. She sits beside me, clasping her hands together.

"How are you, Bridger?" She suddenly asks.

"I-"

"Not Serena or the events happening with her. How are you?"

No one had asked me that, not until now. I wasn't okay, Serena kept playing mind games, and maybe I needed to let her go for the sake of my mental health.

I was growing mad, and if people realized, I could possibly be put away.

"I am growing mad," I shared truthfully.

That felt good to get out.

She nods in understanding. "My sister is hard headed, just as I am."

"Ah, the Houstings sisters. Stubborn and daring," I say with a chuckle.

"You are getting drunk," she retorts.

"I love her," I then whisper, a frown falls on my lips and I'm now drowning in my own misery again.

She grabs my hand, reassuring me. "I know," she whispers back. "You are the only gentleman I will allow to marry her, Serena just needs to see it."

"I don't think she will."

***

Serena's pov

Tea with my mother and Princess Lockwood isn't going too well, they are lurking around for any possible suitors for me while I was trying to sweeten my tea some more.

Perhaps, a new batch.

Mother wipes her mouth with her napkin, before speaking. "The council is waiting on your decision. You do not have a lot of time, Serena."

"I am trying my hardest to choose-"

"Then let me choose," she interrupts.

"All of them that you have chosen were horrendous."

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