Chapter 21: sealed with a kiss I  

As Felix exited the room, Leonard and Kylo approached the four who were still standing.

"Finally! That was long. I thought it was just Charlton and Ms. Evans. But I was surprised that even you and Ms. Serena were included. Anyway, what did Sir Felix tell you guys?" Kylo asked looking at Geoffrey.

"He asked us to play for his niece's wedding." Geoffrey responded.

"Did you agree with that, Serena?" Leonard asked as he stood beside his sister. Brows furrowing. That teacher really did have guts. Asking a duke's daughter to play a song on the wedding of a mere Earl's daughter.

"Well, it was a favor brother Leonard. I would be happy to make their wedding a memorable one." Serena replied as she gave him a convincing smile.

Leonard just looked at her and nodded. Convinced that his sister was truly kind hearted.

"Really? So, let me guess, he asked you and Ms. Serena to play her song as a duet, right?" Kylo teased as he slung his arm on Charlton's shoulder, as if comforting him.

Geoffrey shook his head, but no words left him as he couldn't put into words what just transpired. He can't say that it was his fiancée who chose not to pair up with him because in the end, it was still him who chose not to.

"That was the initial plan, but given Geoffrey's schedule, it would be difficult to meet with Ms. Serena frequently. Thus, Sir Felix decided to switch the pairing." This time it was Charlton who answered.

Serena looked at him with bright eyes, she did not miss to note that he now called her by name.

"what do you mean by that?" Leonard who looked at Geoffrey voiced with a hint of anger. He could only assume that it was Geoffrey who rejected pairing with his sister.

Serena noticing the anger in her brother's voice interrupted "Brother, it was my idea. I was afraid that I will be taking too much of his highness time because my song is new. Also, I don't even have a score for it yet. So please do not take it the wrong way."

Leonard not wanting to upset his sister, can only glare at Geoffrey. He knew that learning the song would be very easy for Geoffrey if he wanted to.

"That is true. I still have to preside over the student council meeting every Saturday. You are aware about that, Leonard." Geoffrey in defense of himself explained.

On the other hand, while tension was brewing between the two, Kylo faced Charlton incredulously.

Charlton only raised his brow as if daring him to comment.

"Excuse me, but, if you don't mind, I would wish to proceed and see the rooms." Emily interjected with a hint of impatience. It did offend her that they kept talking and interacting like she doesn't exist.

Serena, hearing Emily, turned to face her. 'It hasn't been that long, has it?' she thought as she observed her. Although Emily was dressed simply, she did not seem misplaced. The fact that she was a mere baron's daughter did not make her meek in front of them. Serena can even sense pride emitting from her.

In her past life, Serena was not a fan of self-righteous female leads like Emily. In general, they have a one-track mind that sees things in black and white. They believe that their morality is above reproach, that in whichever situation, they will insist that whatever it is they think correct is always right. Worse, is that when they feel wronged, they will only attribute it to their, or lack thereof, position in society. Thus, they are endlessly competitive, wanting to prove that they have more worth, demanding equality and respect, while at the same time, being very prejudiced. Oh, the hypocrisy! Another annoying thing is that they always either pretend to lack awareness, or play hard to get, pushing and pulling the male characters, as if their world should only revolve around her.

However, Serena also understands that they were like that because they were written that way. So, although she didn't like Emily that much in the novel, there was no need to antagonize her so long as she doesn't cross her.

"Apologies for holding you up, Emily." Serena replied in friendly manner. "If it is alright with everyone, perhaps we should go. By the way, my friend is waiting for me. May I also ask her to join us?"

Geoffrey had to give Serena another look. He was surprised that she was not the arrogant character he thought. Not that he found anything wrong with what Emily said. It's just that he never thought her as someone with humility.

Emily felt her face flush. She wasn't expecting Serena to apologize. Not knowing how to respond, she only gave a nod.

The boys voiced their agreement then everyone moved to get their things.

--

"Milly, sorry to keep you waiting. Would you like to join us and see the private music room? We can go to town after." Serena suggested.

"Yes, of course, I would love to." Milly readily agreed.

When the others reached them, Serena introduced Milly to everyone.

"Everyone, this is my friend Ms. Millicent stark. Milly you've met my brother, Emily is our classmate, but here are my brother's friends. Mr. Charlton Daniel, Mr. Kylo Louis and his Highness Geoffrey William."

Milly curtsied to everyone. She received a nod from Leonard, a smile from Charlton and Emily, and a wink from Kylo.

"Let's go." Geoffrey announced irately, not giving any acknowledgement to Serena's friend. He doesn't understand why he felt peeved with Serena's introduction. He does plan on breaking their engagement anyway.

In this way, Geoffrey walked in front of the group and the rest followed.

--

"What's up with Geoffrey? He's acting like he's a got stick up his ass." Kylo exclaimed in low voice.

Charlton shrugged as if saying that's got nothing to do with me.

"What's running in that head of yours?"

Charlton shook his head and sighed. He and Kylo were walking at the rear of the group. Serena was just in front of him. On her left guarding her like a hawk, was Leonard. While on her right, her arm was looped with her friend, Milly. At the very front, Geoffrey was walking with the girl, Emily.

"I need to get her alone."

--

The private rooms were located at the end of the corridor while their music classroom was located at the very front. Thus, they still had to walk for about a hundred meters to get there. The hallway was long, on the left were the doors leading to the clubrooms, while on their right were windows overlooking the field being used for croquet. When they arrived at the end, they went inside a room which had a foyer leading to 8 smaller rooms. All the rooms had a small see-through window so that one may see what's inside.

Geoffrey took out the key which their teacher gave him and opened the 1st room on their left.

"So here we are." Geoffrey said as the others followed him.

The private room had ample space. Its interior was wooden with a chandelier. Upon entering, one can directly see a grand piano facing the door, while on its right, was a space meant for accompaniment. In front, beside the door, there was an L-shaped couch with a low table.

Kylo whistled thinking 'This room is perfect for a tryst!'

"This is nice! I didn't know our school has this." Serena commented thinking 'This room is just perfect. Hehehe...'

"It's also my first time to see this" Leonard said as he smiled at his sister. "Serena, do inform me ahead of time whenever you will be having your rehearsal. It would be nice if I can join you." He continued while thinking 'We can't have you staying with a man alone without a chaperone.'

"Of course brother Leonard." Serena said sweetly. 'as if!'

Kylo raised a brow. 'what a cock-block'

Emily sat in front of the piano, excited to test it. Geoffrey too was busy observing the room.

Charlton noticing this, turned to Serena "Ms. Serena, would you like to come with me and have a look at the room assigned to us?" he asked with a smile, hinting that he wants to talk to her alone.

"Alright, let's go." Serena replied.

--

TBC