Geoffrey's eyes mooned in a good mood as he entered his chambers. He did not expect things would be moving that quickly between him and Serena. He shook his head. He had to remind himself that everything might just be an illusion. Sometimes he wonders, was he the one seducing her, or was she the one seducing him? He knew she was still heavily influenced by the drug, but the thought of her loving him, choosing him, still made him happy.

After a while, his aide came to inform him that one of his men seeks audience with him. He instructed to let the man in.

​​

The man who was part of his intel came in to report and presented him the document which would possibly incriminate the grand duke.

He read through it and instead of mere attendance to a meeting, what was inside was proof that during his campaign to eradicate members of the radical faction, he has signed the document which says that the food supplies were lost due to the typhoon at that time, when in fact, he along with his men distributed it to the people of Grindel. Grindel was under Marquess Yvonne Libertine and his march was the primary suspected stronghold of the radical faction breeding rebels at that time.

He mused on it for a while.

He knew that as the crown prince and future king of their kingdom he should think things through. He should not let his hate on Charlton cloud his judgement. Rebels were emerging, and they were getting stronger. Perhaps by next year, a civil war might break.

Looking at the bigger picture, the court was divided and although the monarchist was the majority faction, a huge chunk of their elite military force was from the Daniels. Was the military force of the monarchist faction strong enough to win against the radical faction who were most probably backing the rebels if the Daniels shifts their allegiance?

Currently, the Daniels do not hold as much military power as before. From 40%, they only have 20% now. The other 20% went with the ministry of defense position given to earl Cobalt, who was under his faction. 25% were under the direct command of the king, 15% to the crown prince, and another 20% were from the Cross ducal family. Aside from those, there were definitely private armies unaccounted.

The Daniels have long been loyal to the crown, but Geoffrey does not want to keep the backstabbing snake even though Serena was now good as his. He would rather recruit the Cross ducal family to their side. If he were able to have them, then it won't be of consequence to lose the Daniels.

He shook his head. All those were just his presumptions. In the end, the one who will pass judgement would be his father not him. Initially, his plan was to wait until Charlton tries to talk to his father about proposing to Serena for maximum effect. However, what happened earlier made him want to propel things forward sooner.

Either way, what's the point on waiting? He wanted to make Charlton suffer, but not at the expense of putting his future with Serena and their possible child in jeopardy.

He needs to start his movement while he was still ahead. He opened his drawer and took out an envelope. He placed the document inside and sealed it.

"Hand this to the minister of justice and make sure that you are not being followed. Tell him that I want this tabled soon." Geoffrey instructed as he handed the document to his messenger.

"Yes, your highness." The man answered before leaving his chambers.

--

*clang! the spoon Serena was using for dinner fell on the floor.

Leonard looked up in surprise. "Is there something wrong?" he asked as he looked at Serena worriedly.

Serena just shook her head and asked for a new spoon. She did not want him to worry and get herself a physician. Since yesterday, her hands kept on shaking and her muscles just ached. She was also sweating for no apparent reason. She was worried herself but just lumped it to her suffering from insomnia lately. Besides, her period that was supposed to arrive today haven't arrived just yet. She was afraid that she might truly be pregnant. What if the physician could diagnose that?

Leonard felt that there was something strange in Serena, but he could not pinpoint what. He did not spend too much time with her save for dinner so he could not really tell. "Should I call a physician to check on you?"

Serena's eyes widened. "No!"

Leonard was surprised with her strong reaction.

"I mean, I will tell you if I feel something wrong. No need to call one." She explained.

Leonard furrowed his brows. Something was definitely wrong with her. Before he could continue their conversation, a servant came in.

"Please excuse me, Milord. Milady, a call has arrived from Columbia's." the servant announced.

Serena shook her head. The servant understood and left.

Leonard looked at Serena. He knew that it must be Charlton, he has been frequently calling these 3 days, but Serena refused to answer him. It was so bizarre. Just before he left, she would excitedly take the call. "You're not taking the call?" he asked.

"I am having dinner." She answered as she kept her head lowered so that Leonard would not see her expression.

Leonard continued to stare at her. Were they having a lover's spat? He sighed.

--

Charlton stared at the telephone in his hand. It was the 3rd night that he's been trying to reach Serena, but she just won't answer his call. Was she angry at him? He was getting worried. Their last conversation of her assuming herself pregnant has been bothering him. Perhaps he should not have taken it lightly. What if it was true? Also, her period was due to arrive today. He wanted to ask her, but she wouldn't talk to him.

He wanted to, no he needed to see her. He sighed. It seems like he would need to get Leonard's cooperation.

--

TBC