Not Allowed to Love You

Chapter Twenty-four- Engagement nº 1

The Queen's private sitting room was warm filled with afternoon light and the soft scent of roses drifting through the open windows. A small table had been prepared beside the fireplace, covered with delicate porcelain, silver spoons, cakes, fruit, and a pot of steaming tea.

Serena sat opposite Queen Celeste, trying to hide how nervous she was. Celeste, however, seemed completely at ease. For the first few minutes, she was almost motherly. She asked about Serena's journey, her brothers, the Harrington estate, and whether she had enjoyed the tournament. She laughed at small anecdotes and spoke to Serena with an affection that made it easy to forget she was sitting before the Queen.

Then, gradually, something changed.

Celeste set down her teacup. "You know, Serena, I have always thought you were a very sweet girl."

Serena smiled politely. "Thank you, Your Majesty."

"Sweet, well-mannered, intelligent." Celeste tilted her head thoughtfully. "But there is something else one must consider when speaking of queens."

Serena's smile faltered. "Of course."

"Presence." Celeste's eyes traveled over her, not unkindly, but with the detached assessment of someone examining a piece of jewelry.

"Some women enter a room and command everyone's attention. They possess a certain... magnificence."

Serena remained silent.

Celeste smiled. "You are lovely, naturally. But perhaps a little too... understated."

Serena stared at her. Understated. It was such an elegant way of saying plain that Serena almost admired it.

"I see."

"I hope you don't misunderstand me." Celeste picked up her cup again. "A queen must be striking. The kingdom must look upon her and immediately understand why she stands beside the King."

Serena nodded solemnly, even as an entirely unexpected feeling began to spread through her.

Relief.

She wasn't being considered for Adrian.

She nearly wanted to laugh.

Celeste continued, completely unaware of how much Serena's mood had improved.

"I have actually been considering Lady Marianne Westbury for Adrian."

Serena's eyes widened. "She is great!" She was not. What she was is the Queen's third cousin.

"Yes. She's beautiful, accomplished, graceful"

Serena took a careful sip of tea to hide her smile. "That sounds very sensible."

Celeste studied her. "You agree?"

"Entirely."

The Queen raised an eyebrow.

Serena immediately composed herself. "I mean... Lady Marianne is very suitable."

"She is." Celeste leaned back. "The King has his own ideas, naturally. But Adrian's marriage must serve the Crown. Marianne understands court politics, and her family would bring considerable influence."

Serena nodded enthusiastically. For perhaps the first time in her life, she had never been happier to hear that someone else was prettier than her.

Celeste watched her for another moment.

Then she smiled. "Of course, that brings us to you."

Serena's relief disappeared. "Pardon?"

Celeste calmly reached for another cake. "Adrian is not the prince I had in mind for you."

Serena stared at her.

The Queen took a bite. "Lucien."

Serena nearly choked on her tea.

Celeste's expression remained perfectly composed. "Our families have known each other for years. You already have an affection for one another. Lucien has never hidden his preference for you."

Serena set her cup down very carefully. "Your Majesty, I—"

"There is no need to be nervous." The Queen reached across the table and gently placed her hand over Serena's. "You will marry Prince Lucien.