Chapter 386 - 384: Family Visit II (1/2)

Serena smiled as her mother looked around her room. After she and Geoffrey welcomed them to their house, they proceeded to have tea. Pleasantries has been exchanged, conversation topics, well, her parents were awkward to talk to Geoffrey like they were his parents-in-law and give advice about their marriage even though Geoffrey was very polite and respectful, so she took lead and began talking about their honeymoon destination. She told them about Wiltshire palace, how beautiful it was, and how she enjoyed their time there.

Then, after teatime, they gave her family a tour of the house. They began with the rooms downstairs, then they went to the ballroom, the guestrooms, and the gardens. When they were through with that, Geoffrey, like Serena instructed the night before, talked about polo and horses as his hobby. Simoun and Leonard being men who liked polo were drawn to the topic of conversation. Geoffrey then took the opportunity to invite them to the stable to see and appreciate the horses.

Like scripted, Geoffrey asked Serena and Celine to join, but Serena declined saying that the gentlemen should enjoy the horses while she and her mother would take a rest first. Thus, that way, they parted and agreed would see each other again during dinner.

”So… what do you think Mother?” Serena asked when her mother was done inspecting the room..

”Of the room?” Celine asked jokingly.

”Ma!” Serena exclaimed with some exaggeration like that of a spoilt girl.

Celine laughed. Then, she held Serena's hand to pull her in for a seat. The two of them sat on one of the sofas in her room. ”Ok, so let's start from the beginning. When we were on the way here, your father and I were expecting to be ushered to the waiting room. To be welcomed by his royal highness and you did not even cross our minds. To see that you two did, it was very heart warming. However, Serena, you are the crown princess now. You should understand…”

Serena shook her head. ”Mother, it is only right that I welcome you that way. You are my parents, besides, not only is it my duty to honor you as your daughter, but I wanted to.”

Celine felt her nose sour but she still shook her head, ”Serena, to know that you have those intentions, for me and your father, they are enough. Now, you shouldn't make Geoffrey do those with you. I know that he loves and adores you, but do not forget his identity. He is still the crown prince. For you to make him do that…”

”Ma… I know my place and would never ask Geoffrey to do that just to show and prove that he's been hand pecked. To be honest, Geoffrey was the one who suggested that we welcome you that way.” Serena explained.

”Are you sure that you're not making that up just so I would stop giving you a lecture?” Celine asked as she pinched Serena's cheek.

”Ouch ouch! Ma! Of course not! Why would I tell you something like that?” Serena said exaggeratedly as she began to laugh.

Celine tsked as she shook her head. ”Just less than 2 weeks ago, you said you'll always be my daughter, now, you're already inventing stuff just so to make your husband look better.”

Serena continued to laugh, ”I'm not ma! Geoffrey was really the one who insisted.”

Celine sighed melodramatically. ”Alright. But still, listen to mother. Geoffrey and you are still at a honeymoon stage. Right now, he might be willing to spoil you so much, but when more time has come to pass, you should not demand too much from him. Remember, when we love someone, we should love them as they are, not as we wish them to be.”

Serena smiled, ”I understand mother. Thank you. Anyhow, ma, let's talk about that which I asked you last time.”

Celine nodded remembering about the party her daughter wished to host. ”I think the 28th of October, a Friday evening would an optimal timing. But Serena, do tell me honestly, do you have another purpose for hosting this ball?”

Serena looked at her mother, well, she needs to tell the truth and be frank about it. It's no good to be playing mind games with one of her truest ally. ”Mother, you said so yourself. I am the crown princess now.”

Celine exhaled. She knew it. ”Sometimes, I still lament that we have caused you to be in this situation… politics is an ugly thing and…”

”Ma, please don't think that way. To be the kingdom's crown princess is an honor and a privilege, it just so happens that it comes with a price.”