"Good evening, your majesty." Charlton greeted the king as he bowed in front for him.

The king chuckled, "You can call me uncle, Charlton. You are my younger sister's son." He said heartily.

Charlton knew his position, and the king's words were only to show his favor. "Please, your majesty, how could I dare." He said in response.

The king did not repeat his words, "Come closer, I want to ask, have any lady met your fancy so far?"

Charlton felt his heart thud. 'Did the king find out?' was the first thought that came to mind. However, realizing that he was still showing him favor, he doubts that that were the case. "That is something that I don't have the mind to think of just yet. I am still young and there are many things I still want to do, your majesty."

The king shook his head, "you are my sister's only son. She would hate it if I make you work and forget to give her a healthy grandson. If any girl strikes your interest, you should to tell me. By the way, have you asked any lady for a dance yet?"

"I came here as soon as I received your call, your majesty. I did not have the opportunity yet." Charlton replied.

The king laughed and nudged the queen. Although they hated each other, they still have to show a face of unity in front of the others.

"Loretta, should you recommend a girl for our nephew to dance with?"

Loretta knew what her husband was scheming, and although she wanted nothing but to infuriate him, she knew that it would be more advantageous to the both of them if Charlton were to marry someone of lower birth.

Loretta smiled, "Ah, I seem to recall this nice girl, Ms. Emily Evans, from earlier. I read that the two of you have worked together before. Since her father is only a baron, it would be nice if you could help her out. Perhaps you could dance the song before the intermission with her?"

The king shook his head as he smiled, "Charlton, do help the poor girl out for your auntie."

Charlton felt his stomach churning but tried to keep his smile on his face. "Of course, your majesty."

Then the queen added happily, "Hmm, do try to see if she's to your liking. If yes, we can help and play matchmaker."

"Then, I thank your majesty in advance." Charlton replied, while thinking, he needed to call his mother to the capital this season. He has no plans entertaining the queen's whims.

--

Everyone stared as Charlton walked towards where men were lining up to reach Emily. Seeing him, the other nobles, parted to give way.

He smiled as he greeted her father, but he did not bow. "Baron Evans. Ms. Evans, may I ask for a dance this evening?"

When the people heard his words, the gossip mongers started straining their ears to hear more.

Emily was of course more than delighted. Although she was annoyed when Charlton denied any link that connected them in the news, she grew some feelings of admiration for him.

In the last 2 years, she has seen how much he has grown, and how influential he became. In her mind, he became the man of men. Although she did not really love him per se, she has been more than enticed with the thought of marrying him. She knew that he was the most desirable bachelor in their kingdom currently.

Emily curtsied, "Of course, my lord. Which one should I pen?"

Charlton swallowed. This was the one and only time he would do this. "The waltz before the intermission." He finally said.

Emily's smiled at him shyly as she nodded her head.

Briefly, he thought that he should have just outright refused earlier. However, he knew when to differentiate a request from an order.

It must be because Duke Argent Cross approached him to discuss about his daughter again. His daughter Annalys was a 19-year-old girl who debuted last year. She did not attend the noble school as the duke believed that women should stay at home.

He sighed. Just a few more months and this will all be over. No matter, he will ask his mother's help for it later when he receives the medal of valor.

--

As Serena politely jot down the names of the nobles who asked her for a dance, she noted how Charlton approached the king. The king talked to him and so did the queen, then he went to approach Emily. From what she saw, she already understood what happened. A part of her was angry with the injustice of it all, but she knew that she should not let it show. Just a few more months, Charlton promised.

She recalled how stupidly naïve she has been in the past. She thought that everything was so simple, but as she learned more of the intricacy of their kingdom's politics, she began to understand that not everything was as it seems.

In however way she chooses to break the engagement with Geoffrey, her family will be charged of a crime. They will be squashed like ants, and she doesn't have the heart to let that happen.

On the other hand, the same would be true to Charlton's family. Though perhaps a lighter punishment as his mother was the sister of the king.

No matter, the only peaceful solution was when Charlton receives the medal of valor which will grant a promise from the crown.

Other than that, the alternative would be utter chaos.

Serena tried not to think about it further.

In the background, the orchestra started to play. It was time for the first dance to commence.

Simoun smiled at his daughter as he asked for her hand with his outstretched hand.

Serena smiled back and placed her hand in his.

As they walked to the dance floor, Celine could not help but dab her tears.

"My daughter is all grown up and soon, she would marry."

Leonard sighed with his mother's dramatics. Anyhow, he asked for her hand. They too were to dance the first waltz together.

--

TBC