7

                                    

                                          
                                      THE GUARD
                                     • Serena's pov •
Princess Lockwood had me meet a gentleman in the city, thinking he would be a good fit for me but I could beg to differ. Out of respect of my former Queen, I go, but not willingly.  I exit the carriage, meeting the young boy nearly my age whom bows to my presence, giving me a sweet smile in return. 
I nod to him, letting him stand. I smile. "I hope you are well." 
I hope you are well? Really, Serena? 
A smile is presented kindly, his perfect teeth shine brightly from the sun. He places one arm behind his back, offering an arm. "Well now that I am met in your presence." 
If that was supposed to make me feel something, it didn't. No words, no smile gave me that butterfly effect. The gentleman standing before me didn't offer me an ounce of pleasure I've experienced before with a certain other. Whom shall not be spoken about in the presence of this wonderful gentleman that was trying his hardest to make me comfortable. 
I ordered all of my guards, even the lurking one to stay behind back at the palace. Bridger was not for it, was not the happiest when it came to this idea and he had no clue what I was up to neither. I was afraid of his reaction when figuring out that I was meeting another gentleman. 
I suppose he would let me, wouldn't he? He surely has a distaste for me, right?
"You flatter me." I connect my arm with his as we stroll into a walk together on this sunny, chilly day. Lying was not something I liked to do, but it had to be done so I did not offend his feelings. Men were the easiest to offend and somehow it is always the woman's fault. 
There was an awkward silence that fell upon us and I surely did not know what to speak of. 
"What is your name?" I ask out of curiosity. 
"George," he answers, humming out. "So, how is being the new Princess of Lockwood coming along? I assume it is a lot to take in." 
"It is," I agree. I hated to speak on this topic, I didn't wish for anyone to know that it was hard figuring things out as being in the royal family now just in case they did not run and travel the news that I was not fit in being the Princess. "But it is coming along quite well, my new family is very welcoming. King Jaxson made sure of it."
"Your sister, she is a very lucky lady. How in the world did she catch the eye of King Jaxson?" He laughs as if his joke is funny, but I find no prevail in finding his witty comment amusing. 
What is that supposed to mean? Is my sister not good enough for King Jaxson? 
"King Jaxson knew a beautiful lady inside and out when it caught on, he latched onto her as soon as he could. And for that, I do not blame him. My sister is his diamond," I exclaim with a harsh tone, suddenly letting loose out of his hold. 
"Princess Serena, I am terribly sorry if I have offended you and Queen Arabella. I did not mean to make such a mess with my words. Please forgive me." He seems very apologetic in his words, he bows his head yet again in respect, not meaning for his comment to go south. 
"It is fine," I say. "All is forgiven, I took your words wrongly." 
He nods, and falls into a silence that I have no clue to get out of. Our walk falls short when we make it back to my carriage that waits for me. The chairmen sit up straight after taking a little break of their when I disappeared from their eyes. 
I turn to George, smiling. "I suppose this little trip was meant to be." 
"We are to never speak again, are we?" He says out of embarrassment. A pink hue falls upon his pale skin and his eye sight leaves from me and to the ground.