3 days before the royal wedding, foot traffic in the capital of Windsor was in all time high. Hotel rooms were all fully booked, the streets were lively, merchandise with pictures of Geoffrey and Serena were everywhere. Of course, the most in demand being the disc, 'for the first time'. In fact, the song was being played over and over that one would think that it's the national anthem of Windsor.

Anyhow, on that day, royals, and their envoys from all over the empire were expected to arrive at Windsor. Many people were spectating at the sidelines, excited to see real life princes and princesses, so they were waiting for them to disembark their respective ships. 

Serena's dearest friends were also expected to arrive then, as they were from the nobility, they were given preferential treatment and were extended the privilege to ride the royal ship of their kingdom. 

Now, since Serena could not leave their mansion, unless she wanted to be a spectacle, Leonard was the one to welcome them instead. 

The ships from each kingdom arrived one by one. The first to arrive was from Militeia. The crowd started cheering seeing the royal family from their neighboring kingdom disembark. After a while, Leonard saw Gizelle, Via, and their family. 

Since Serena and the girls have talked about this in their phone call, they knew that Leonard would meet them. They joined him as they waited for the ship from Horace where Milly should be in.

The second ship to arrive was from Alighieri. They all saw Kylo with his family go down the ship. They were immediately welcomed by the group the queen sent to welcome and escort them straight to the palace. They were her maternal family after all. 

From afar, Kylo and Via saw each other, and although they have differing opinions about the upcoming royal wedding, they waved and smiled at one another. Even if Charlton and Serena separated, it has nothing to do with their own relationship. 

Their engagement was currently being negotiated. In fact, the only thing left to do was for Kylo to abdicate his right to the throne and it's a done deal. Of course, Kylo would do so, just that this royal wedding sprouted out of nowhere, and suddenly, it's the main focus even in their own kingdom. Not surprising though, given that Geoffrey's mother, Princess now Queen Loretta, hailed from Alighieri. 

The third ship to arrive was from Eulio, followed by Guiea, then Balamb. 

Finally, when the ship from Horace arrived, they saw Milly with her own family who they met during the graduation last time. 

With all of them complete, they rode the cars provided by the Maxwell family until they reached the Maxwell ducal mansion in the capital.

--

After all the exchanges in pleasantries, the girls were finally given time alone. 

"Serena, I totally did not expect this. When I opened the invitation, I thought they must have gotten the groom's name wrong. What happened? I mean when we parted, you and Charlton were still…" Milly asked very surprised with the turn of event. 

Gizelle and Via were also very curious. They were all witness to Charlton and Serena's love affair, so it was truly shocking even for them. They did not ask during their phone calls, but now that they were there, they also wanted to know.

Serena sighed, she knew that they would ask, "It's a long story, but to keep it short, I guess we can say that life happened." Well, to add, life happened literally in her stomach, not that she can tell them that.

"Serena, please know that I respect your decision. However, isn't this too fast? I mean, I heard about what happened to Charlton's family, and I surmised that he's not in a good place now. Kylo is very unhappy with this just so you know." Via said.

Gizelle gave them an eyeroll. "Kylo will always stick to Charlton's side so no surprise there. Anyway, I have always seen this one coming. Guys, can't we just be happy for Serena? I mean, she will be crown princess now, the future queen. Gosh, I think that it's a level up. Besides, Geoffrey's eyes have always been all gooey for Serena, plus Charlton was too slow. Come on, 3 years he didn't even man up and fight for Serena's hand head on. I say Serena has been enlightened. Hehe. Am I correct?" Gizelle finished smiling at Serena like she's so smart and wanting to please her friend.

Serena can only wince as she smiled. Well, Gizelle's explanation was pretty good not that it's what really happened. "Something like that. I guess the reality of our situation was just too much."

Milly sighed, "If you say so… I just hope that you're happy with this… are you?"

Serena smiled as she nodded her head. "I thought I wouldn't be, but I am. Geoffrey has been very kind and sweet to me. I think he's wonderful."

"That's what I have been saying for years. Glad you finally saw it. I mean, let's look at this objectively. hello? Geoffrey's the crown prince of Windsor, he's young and very handsome, smart and capable, plus he's kind, well kind only to you and your friends but not to other girls, and has loved you for years. Gods Serena, I have wanted to just shake you awake for 3 years. I mean, Charlton was truly good too, but… ok fine. Stop looking at me like that Milly and Via, Charlton was great, but which girl does not dream of marrying a prince out of a fairytale? Hmpft." Gizelle babbled.

"Have you thought this through?" Via tried.

Gizelle did another eyeroll, "What's there to even think about?"

Via and Milly glared at Gizelle.

Serena can only chuckle with how they were being. She missed them. "Geoffrey is my future and I'm happy that we will be married soon. I know you all think that this is too fast, but I love Geoffrey now. I know that you might be feeling some disappointment in me, what with seemingly being fickle, but I hope you three would support me on my wedding."

"What disappointment? I couldn't be more proud! I know that Charlton must have messed up pretty badly for you to agree and marry Geoffrey now. HA! You think I'm just cheering for Geoffrey? Think again!" Gizelle proclaimed proudly.

Via sighed, really, they were already this old and Gizelle was still acting like some teenager. "When you put it that way, I can't say anything anymore. Serena, I was just concerned. I love you and would never judge you. But I really hope that you're making the right decision, and this is not just something you did at the spur of the moment." 

Milly shook her head. "I can't make your decisions and whatever I say would be pointless. We're already at this point and everyone is here to celebrate the union. Besides, Serena, you will be the one getting married, you shouldn't worry about what anyone feels about this. As your friend, we can only fervently wish for your happiness."

Serena smiled, "Thank you. Now, please, let's stop with this mopey attitude, aside from Gizel, the two of you sounded like you came to attend a funeral instead of my wedding." Serena joked.

--

TBC