28

                                    

                                          
 THE GUARD
 • Serena's pov •
The kitchen in my palace was a total disaster. While they constructed a new kitchen for me, I could not help but ask around for anyone who may have been affected by the fire. The maid that had been with me was perfectly fine except for the scratches she had when she had fallen before her fire and I could not be more thankful that everyone was okay. 
King Jaxson and Bridger came to investigate the cause of the explosion, but they could never find the evidence of anything suspicious. All they could find was a burnt pie in the oven that had to be the cause. 
Ruth sputtered and apologized, and I am sure she will never visit again with how sorrowful she felt towards me, but I continue to reassure her that it was nothing but an accident that evening. 
Time had passed, and we were over the explosion. I do not miss the looks towards me, and I am sure it is because of the incident with sharing my emotions to Bridger in front of everyone. 
After the explosion, neither I nor Bridger spoke to each other. We left each other alone in hopes of getting over what we had together, but there was no getting over being love sick. 
Night had fallen, and I got ready for Arabella's ball. Josephine fixed my hair, curling a piece of my hair with her finger; watching it bounce back in its place. 
"I love your hair down, it shows that you are willing to wed," she shared with a smile. 
I smile, but it doesn't meet my eyes. "Of course, isn't that what this ball is for? Finding the right husband for me."
"You are not happy about this evening," she observes. 
I shake my head, agreeing. "How could I? I am being forced to choose someone to spend forever with."
"Serena..." Pity is all in her voice. 
"Sometimes I wish that I should have gone through the wedding with Sir Kingsley," I whisper, looking down in my lap for some type of escape. 
She squeezes my shoulders. "Do not say that," she gently states. "You would have been unhappy."
"Am I happy now?" I retort, raising a brow. 
She shakes her head, keeping her hands to herself and rubbing the side of her arm. She bites her bottom lip, frowning at my frame. 
I stand, brushing down my dress that does not even look right on me. It was a lavender dress with diamonds across the dress. It was an exquisite dress, but to my dismay, it was not my color. 
"You look beautiful," she compliments, trying to calm my nerves. 
"Thank you." My reflection doesn't even look like the Serena I once knew. She was grown, hurt, and above all, no longer happy. 
Bridger would not be attending this ball, and I do not blame him. I knew he could not watch this happen again for the second time and watch his heart being flushed away. 
The council would be present tonight, and I was not looking forward to greeting them this evening. Mother was looking forward to this night when they announced I would be choosing my suitor and Princess Lockwood was already on the lookout for gentlemen. 
Someone knocks at the door, and the door opens. 
"They are ready for you, Princess Houstings." Ugene out of all people reveals himself and Josephine nods at him. She claps her hands together, avoiding Ugene's eyes whilst Ugene can't help but lurk. 
He catches Josephine in her dress for the night, and they soften. He has this look on him that yearns for her attention, but she does not give him anything. She simply waits for me.