Serena was looking out of the carriage window, still absent mindedly thinking of how handsome her boyfriend was. She just wants to do so many things with him. It's still so far away but she can't help but imagine what they can do in those 3 days in Militeia. Well, come on, it's summer. It's not like one should live their lives always thinking of the what ifs in the future.

Via seeing Serena smiling like an idiot as if thinking of something, can't help but ask. "What are you thinking of?"

Serena grinned, "Just thinking of our coming vacation. I heard that Kylo is also going to tag along."

Via blushed, "Yes, he said that he will be making a formal call."

"That's so sweet of him! Should I be expecting an engagement happening soon?"

"Well, to tell the truth, I'm still skeptical about the relationship between us. I mean, it's true that we have mutual feelings, but we're from different kingdoms and he's a prince."

Serena shook her head, "Don't think too much about that. Just take the chance, you never know how perfect something might turn out to be. Though I'm not the best person to give you an advice right now, I believe that when two people really love each other, they will always find a way to make it work. No matter how hard it is."

Via smiled, then as if remembering something, she frowned. "Serena, Geoffrey has been staring at you the whole time earlier. Not that I have anything against Charlton, but Geoffrey is the crown prince."

Serena sighed, "I already told Geoffrey that I don't see him that way. Though we're engaged, it was something political. In the future, he should at least understand that much. Nonetheless, Charlton and I are working our way around it."

Via nodded her head "That's good to know. I hope you didn't find me being meddlesome. It's just that I care and worry about you."

Serena's eyes mooned, she knew that Via was just a concerned friend, "It's alright. Thank you, Via."

"You're welcome, and I just want you to know that no matter what, I will always be on your side."

--

When Serena and Via got back at the Maxwell Ducal Mansion, it was already 2 in the afternoon. The two of them went to their respective rooms to freshen up before they leave with the girls, Celine, and Geneva.

Serena just finished brushing her teeth when someone knocked on her door.

"Milady….." Beatrice called, then said something.

Serena could not hear clearly what was said as she was far from the door. Thinking that it must be to inform her that everyone was already waiting for her, she quickly replied in a loud voice, "Okay, I'm almost ready and will head down shortly."

Anyway, Serena looked at the mirror and checked her appearance. She already changed from her stifling attire from the orphanage earlier and changed for a more breathable outfit fit for the summer weather. Satisfied with her look, she exited her room.

Excited for their excursion, thinking that they were all girls, and she just came back from the orphanage earlier, she started singing as she walked the hallway leading to the stairs, "…When the workin' day is done, oh girls, they wanna have fun, ho hooo girls, just wanna have fun (girls) fun (girls)…"

--

"Your highness, we gravely apologize for not being able to welcome you properly. We have not been able to prepare anything." The butler explained as he led Geoffrey inside.

Celine being informed by the maid that the prince came to visit her daughter was caught off guard. She quickly excused herself from Geneva and the girls as she walked out of the drawing room to meet him.

"Your highness, I…" Celine was about to curtsy, but Geoffrey quickly stepped forward to stop her.

"Please, no need for that and just call me Geoffrey. We will be family soon. Also, I apologize for visiting without prior notice. I wanted to send a card, but I might be too late as I was informed that Serena will be leaving tomorrow."

"No, no. It's alright. You are always welcome here, Geoffrey." Celine replied as she smiled from ear to ear.

"Then, thank you. Auntie Celine."

Celine knew that he came for her daughter so she said, "Beatrice should have already gone to notify Serena. She's getting ready as we're leaving for town this afternoon. Shall you join us in the drawing room to wait?"

Geoffrey noticed that she was entertaining guests, "I can wait here Auntie Celine. However, would it be possible to have a private audience with Serena for a few minutes before you leave?"

Before Celine could answer they heard Serena's voice.

Serena did not notice that the mansion was silent and just happily walked and sang by herself, even closing her eyes as she continued singing with a dramatic flair. "Some boys take a beautiful girl and hide her away from the rest of the world, I wanna be the one to walk in the sun, oh girls, they wanna have fun, oh girls they wanna have funnnnn…."

Celine and Geoffrey both looked up and saw Serena descending from the second floor. She even made a stop, her eyes squinting, then she spread her arms and sang "that's all they really want…. some fun…." Then she started dancing "When the working day is done oh girls.." then, she almost made a misstep and quickly held on the stair's railings. She giggled, then thinking that she must have looked stupid, she finally raised her head to see if anyone saw.

That was when she saw her mother, their butler, and Geoffrey all staring at her, eyes wide and mouths slightly agape. Her mind did not register that Geoffrey was there, the only thing that came to mind was, there were actually people staring at her. Instinctively, she flushed in embarrassment. She laughed awkwardly, straightened herself, then waved her hand.

--

TBC