Chapter 34: Lunch with her parents I (1/2)

When Leonard informed Charlton of the invitation for lunch from the duke and duchess, he was already about to ride his carriage to meet with his friends who just arrived from Alighieri. However, since they were his beloved's parents, he took it upon himself to change his schedule to accommodate them no matter how abrupt. Kylo already went ahead of him and so, he asked his coachman to go ahead and inform them that something important came up.

”No need to change your plans, even Geoffrey politely declined my mother's invitation.”

”I must insist. We have been friends for a long time, and I have not even had the chance to meet your parents.”

”I haven't met yours either if that makes you feel any better.”

”Please wait for a while, I need to change my clothes. I'll ride with you in your carriage.”

”What's wrong with what you're wearing? Anyway, make it quick. My parents are waiting for me to ride with them, but I'll tell the page to inform them that they should go ahead as you're riding with me.”

”Alright.”

Charlton walked back to his room. Originally, he was simply wearing a more casual morning coat and vest as his only plan for the day was getting together with friends. Thankfully, he has a more formal full-dress suit prepared. He was supposed to wear it for the wedding but decided otherwise.

Last Saturday, he asked Serena if she already had a gown for the occasion. Apparently, his girlfriend was planning to wear a light blue gown which she imagined will shimmer under the lights. He smiled at her, recalling the necklace that was still in his room, thinking of giving it to her by then. At the same time, he thought about how it will not match with his cream dress coat trimmed with gold. But how can he even think of ruining her desire to wear whatever color she chooses? Thus, he had to bow his head and borrow money from Kylo to get a new dress suit tailored.

”Don't you think you're overdressed for the occasion?” Leonard asked as he raised his brow.

”Not really, I wanted to make a good impression.” Charlton replied as he helped himself into Leonard's carriage. As he sat down, it dawned to him what will be happening after a few minutes. He felt a lump on his throat as he tried to swallow, and his palms started to sweat. ”do you think they will like me?”

”Why should they not? If I didn't know any better, I'll say you're meeting your lover's parents for the first time. And just so you know, I don't swing that way.”

”What ever made you think so? Anyway, do your parents have quirks or anything that they might find unpleasing?” Charlton asked, ignoring Leonard's insinuation.

”Why the questions? They won't ask me to stop being friends with you just because you apparently swing that way.” Leonard said as he chuckled.

”Ugh, stop that, I'm not kidding. I really hope that they will like me.”

”Fine, even though I don't understand why you're worked up to please them, my advice is just be yourself. My parents are good people. I doubt they will dislike you unless you do or did something that will offend them.”

Charlton nodded his head as he thought, 'does engaging in premarital sex with your sister count? I do have pure intentions to marry her though.'

--

”Will you please stop that? I did warn you that the crown prince might decline your invitation. This is too short of a notice.” Duke Simoun said as he turned to face his wife when Serena excused herself and went to the comfort room.

”Why can he not come? Charles' son is joining us, but he cannot? I can already imagine what kind of character he has. Truly undeserving of my darling. I can't believe that you engaged our daughter to that… that imbecile!” Celine angrily exclaimed.

”Celine, you haven't even met the boy yet. Perhaps, he already has prior important appointment. Not everyone can just drop their hat and come to your beckoning.”

”But we are the parents of his intended. Remember? When you were wooing me, you did try to do everything just to please my parents. Can we still rescind our daughter's engagement?”

Simoun sighed, ”You must understand our position. If our family had any other choice, I would not have proposed this. This is the best way to protect our child in the future. Aside from that, you know that despite how high our title is, we are just but ants under the crown's thumb. In making her become the queen, she would have to bow to no one. Our daughter will become the most respected woman in our kingdom.”