Forbidde to Love You

Chapter Twenty-three - The Royals II

The Harrington carriage passed beneath the enormous gates of the King's Palace just before midday. Serena had visited the palace countless times, but something about arriving now felt different. Perhaps it was because she knew she had not been brought here merely for a feast or a celebration.

This time, her future was waiting for her inside.

The carriage came to a stop in the grand courtyard. Servants immediately approached, while guards stood along the steps leading toward the palace entrance.

Alexander dismounted first and came around to the carriage. "I'll help you."

Serena accepted his hand and stepped down. "Thank you."

Alexander looked around the courtyard, his expression suspicious. "Why are there so many guards?"

"Because this is the royal palace," Serena replied.

"I know that smarty."

"Then stop looking like you're expecting an assassination."

"I'm being cautious."

"You look paranoid."

"Same thing."

Before Serena could answer, the palace doors opened. James stepped forward as King Alaric and Queen Celeste descended the grand staircase.

"Lord Harrington," Alaric greeted warmly.

"Your Majesty." James bowed.

Queen Celeste smiled and extended her hand toward Katherine's daughter. "Serena."

Serena curtsied. "Your Majesty."

Celeste immediately took her hands. "Come here. Let me look at you."

Serena smiled as the Queen studied her with obvious affection. "You've grown since I last saw you."

"That tends to happen." Alexander murmured earning a glare from his father.

Alaric laughed. "And you must be Alexander."

Alexander bowed.n"Your Majesty."

"I watched the tournament."

Alexander's face tightened slightly. "Then I'm humiliated already. No need to pretend."

Alaric's smile widened. "William Beaufort certainly gave you a memorable defeat."

James cleared his throat. "Alexander has been reminded repeatedly that tournaments are meant to be sporting events."

"Unfortunately," Alexander muttered, "some people take them personally."

Serena elbowed him lightly.

The Queen laughed. "I see the Harrington children have not changed."

James smiled.

Celeste looked toward Serena again. "Actually, there is something I wanted to ask."

Serena straightened. "Yes, Your Majesty?"

"Would you join me for tea this afternoon?"

Serena blinked. "Of course."

"Wonderful. I have so much I want to speak with you about."

Alexander instinctively moved to follow them, but James caught him firmly by the arm before he could take more than a step.

Queen Celeste hid a smile. "Alexander, I promise your sister is perfectly safe with me."

He looked unconvinced. James tightened his grip on his son's arm as Alexander reluctantly stepped back. "Your sister will survive an hour without you."

"I'm not convinced."

Serena smiled at her brother before turning back toward Celeste.

The Queen offered her arm. "Come, darling."

Serena followed her toward the palace doors.

Behind them, Alexander watched suspiciously.

James noticed. "Stop staring."

"I'm watching."

"You're glaring."

"I'm watching aggressively."

James shook his head. "Try not to frighten the royal family before lunch."

Alexander crossed his arms. "No promises."