29

                                    

                                          
 THE GUARD
 • Serena's pov •
We stood before the council and when I said I was nervous, it was not for me, it was for them. Arabella had a determination to get them to approve of our marriage or else a bad thing would happen. Arabella was sure of it. 
They all stand before us, bowing when noticing the gentleman beside me. They all look to their leader, and he eyes Bridger. 
"Princess Serena, I see you have chosen your suitor. Introduce him," he demands. 
"Bridger Cunningham," Bridger says aloud, his voice booming through the walls of the building. 
"And your title," The leader hums, smirking. 
"He was her guard," Princess Lockwood says with amusement. "Silly, I know. They will not have it any other way."
"Does it matter?" I finally exclaim, angry that all they think about is someone's title and wealth and shove it down someone's throat. 
"It does not," Arabella hums out, placing her hands behind her back, eyeing the leader. 
He meets her eyes, loving that she is daring to cross him. "Queen Arabella, how do you feel about your sister's engagement?"
"I love that she is finding true love, not something fake that all of you were pushing her to do."
"So, you approve?" He recalls. "And you, King Jaxson?"
"I do not have to," he replies. "They are adults, they can make up their own minds."
"Very well," he says, clapping his hands. He turns back to me. "All we wished was for you to wed, that is all."
"So, you approve?" I gulp down the fear as I ask of them. 
"Yes, we do." He finally gives me a genuine smile. "Congratulations, Princess Serena and soon to be Prince Bridger."
I smile, clutching Bridger's arm and he grabs my hand and kisses my palm. 
Arabella coughs to gain their attention. The leader raises a brow. "Is something wrong, your majesty?"
"Yes, there is," she hums. 
"What is the matter?" He tilts his head. 
"I want the council gone. Done for. Orders of the Queen." Gasps are heard all around and Princess Lockwood glares at her daughter in law. 
"I'll have you know that the council has been around before you were ever here, do not do this, Arabella."
"You either are done for, or you do not push anymore people to wed. Instead, help the people of this country to wed whom they wish to, not because of their title. They will come here for their marriage papers and that is it, no word more," Arabella explains with her chin up high, and smirks up at the leader of the council and he crosses his arms, not liking the idea of this, but has to go forth with the Queen's rules. 
"You cannot do this," Princess Lockwood whines. 
"She can, I approve of this. You shall do as she orders otherwise, this whole council will be no longer," Jaxson interrupts his angry mother whom now has angry tears in her eyes. 
"Fine," the leader hums. 
"Thank you." Arabella bows to him in respect, and smiles gently. 
He bows back to her, respecting her wishes for the new rules upon this country. "Thank you, your majesty."
Arabella holds my hand just as her other holds onto her husband's and she leads us out of the room and into the hall where I contain deja vu. 
Jaxson clasps his hand over his friend's shoulder, bringing forth a warm smile. "I am very proud of the two of you."
"Now we have a wedding to prepare!" Arabella sings, hugging my side tightly. 
Mother has her arms crossed, disgusted at the fact that her daughter will soon become married to a non-titled man. A man that has nothing to his name, but love. 
"Do I atleast get to help you choose your dress?" Mother huffs, hating the fact that she is even speaking of such terms. 
I nod. "Of course, I would like you to be there."
Mother shocks me when her lips turn, smiling and brings her arms around my being, squeezing me. 
"I love you, you know that?" She murmurs into my ear. 
"And I love you, Mother," I whisper.