The Guard

25

THE GUARD
• Serena's pov •

I clutch Arabella's hand as we enter inside city hall to meet with the council. My nerves were getting the best of me, and Josephine offered a proper cup of ginger tea for the nerves.

They were prepping for my marriage. Awaiting for my words to let them know whom I've decided to spend forever with, bound to chains of a man whom will never make me happy.

Though Arabella was not nervous, she kept her chin up, her crown high upon her head and she wore a confident smile as royalty would. Arabella Lockwood was someone I wasn't.

How could I top the Queen of Lockwood? She was clearly meant to be the leader of this country while I failed everyone around.

Jaxson stands by her side, knowing this was important for Arabella, and mother stands by my side with her head up high- not bothered by the fact we are meeting with the council.

Princess Lockwood stands by her son, fanning her face with her hand fan. She's enjoying watching me crumble, she has had to face the council plenty of years before Arabella and I's time, so she knows everything they seem to want in me.

The doors open, and we are in a ballroom. Desks are amongst us, sitting gentlemen with white wigs and papers across their desks. They stand for our arrival, and bow to our presence and it makes me wonder how much power they really have if they are bowing to us?

"Princess Lockwood, how lovely it is to see you. I see you have brought your new family with you." A man keeps standing and I assume he is the leader of the council.

Princess Lockwood nods, calm and collected. She smiles at the gentleman. "I have brought the King and Queen of Lockwood, shall I need to clarify more?"

He holds his chest, coughing nervously when coming across Arabella and Jaxson's presence amongst them. They all begin to bow- some of them lifting fingers to their lips and sending them kisses.

"My-" He coughs again. "We are incredibly honored to be in your presence, your majesties."

Jaxson nods to his being, greeting him. "It is good to finally meet all of you."

"Yes, we have been waiting for this day since you have wished for Serena to wed," Arabella shares, sharing the fakest smile I've ever seen upon her face. Oh, please do not act out in front of them.

I keep chanting that tune in my head, but it does not change the fact of who my sister is.

The gentleman eyes the new Queen and smiles at her. "How are you, Arabella? The royal family has been treating you well, I assume?"

"Wonderfully," Arabella hums as Jaxson rounds his arm around her back protectively. She then smiles at Jaxson. "Could not wish for a better husband."

"Are children in the near future for the two of you? The royal family shall need to continue."

Arabella tenses at the word about children. I squeeze her hand, reassuring her.

Jaxson's eyes darken, and he lowers his chin. "The topic of my wife and I's future children are none of your concern, thank you."

"I do apologize if I struck a nerve." He places his hand over his chest, taunting Jaxson with an amused expression on his face. He ignores Jaxson's stare, clapping his hands when I gain his attention now. "Serena Houstings, Princess of Lockwood."

"Hello." Leave it to me for my voice to stutter. Arabella lets go of my hand, letting me have my moment alone with the head of the council.

His eyes flicker over my being, a smirk raises on his lips and it makes me sick just thinking about it. "You are a doll, Serena. Tell me, have we found Prince Charming yet?"