Capítulo 31: Chapter 31: Annalys Cross I

30th of June, 23rd year of Edward V's reign

The weather on the day that Geoffrey was to leave the capital has been more than agreeable. The birds were chirping, the sun beams peeking through the clouds, and there's gentle cool breeze in the air, making for a beautiful summer morning.

It was a Saturday but the usual fanfare on the streets lined with commercial establishments has been absent. Instead, in place was a long assembly of soldiers and vehicles on standby.

The reason for this grand looking procession was not only because there was no direct train route to Torton, but also to make it known to the masses that the régime has not forsaken their fellow citizens affected by the tragedy in Torton and Ferpen.

The members of the royal family, along with the ministers and vice ministers in court were all present that day. On the sidelines, were ready members of the media taking photographs for the next morning news, concerned citizens with relatives or friends hailing from the affected areas, curious onlookers just watching the show, and of course, the undying fans of the royal couple wanting to catch a glimpse of their idols.

Annalys Cross who was standing a few paces behind Serena, who was then saying her goodbyes to Geoffrey, wanted to snort. Thankfully, she has long since mastered to control and hide her real emotions, intentions, and thoughts. So instead, she just continued to gently dab the corners of her eyes with her handkerchief, as if she was truly touched by the display and could emphasize with the crown princess who was her lady.

It has almost been 4 years since she began serving as Serena's lady-in-waiting and she has no intentions to let all her hard-work end in vain by having Serena figure how much she truly disdained her.

When Annalys first received a letter from Serena, she immediately crumpled it, threw it to the ground, and even stepped on it. She had no plan of opening it, much more reading it.

At that time, it was not really because she disliked Serena. Rather, it was because the king has sent Charlton to exile while his father to prison.

Admittedly, she had no romantic relationship with Charlton and all her feelings have been one-sided. However, she loved him and has always believed that they were meant to be. That if not for his punishment, then her father could have convinced Charlton, or perhaps in the duration of the Season he could have fallen for her. All those chances have been ruined by what happened. Thus, from that point, she began hating the king, and by extension, the whole royal family.

Coincidentally, when she received the letter from Serena, her brother Christopher has been present and saw everything. Laughing at her childishness, he picked the letter up, read it, informed her that the crown princess was inviting her to the Kensington house, and advised her to accept the invitation. Of course, she did not want to. But later, the matter was presented to her parents, and so, she was forced to accept and was ordered to act polite when meeting the crown princess.

Thus, having no choice, she went and met with Serena.

Serena's purpose was to ask her to become her lady-in-waiting. It was a coveted position but, in all honesty, she felt insulted. Although Serena was then the crown princess, she was once just a duke's daughter like herself, and if one were to really think of it, her family was more influential than hers. In fact, even if Serena was a princess by blood, she would never want to accept because why would she ever want to be of servitude to anyone?

It was a good thing that her parents already told her about the possibilities why she got invited because if not, she would have been taken off guard and could have voiced out her real opinion. Anyhow, since she was prepared, she was able to maintain her composure and told Serena that she would think about it.

When she got home, she told everything to her family.

It was from that point on that she learned of her family's political stance and the possibilities they can achieve. Her father gave her the trust and confidence that she may become vital to their plans and can even contribute to their cause. That by being the lady-in-waiting of the crown princess, she can do more and be more.

Everything her father said drew her in. Ideas started popping in her head. She already hated the royal family, and the allure of power, vengeance, and the possibility of playing as Charlton's savior made her more than ready to take on the role.

So, she accepted the offer and began her duties as the crown princess' lady-in-waiting.

Serena has been friendlier with her than anyone could have expected. She did not make her work at all. While other ladies-in-waiting she knew of would be responsible for their ladies' schedule or other secretarial duties, she had none. Instead, all she had to do was to be a companion and follow Serena around in events.

At first, she took it as Serena, trying to please her because of her family. She knew exactly what her motivations were for having her as lady-in-waiting. Thus, she always felt that Serena was a hypocrite. Then again, she too was there for her own reasons, so she played along.

Later, she began to suspect that Serena was not only treating her that way because of her family, but also because she never thought much of her. She never gave her responsibilities because she never had any confidence in her. She thought that she was dumb. Then, when she began giving her unsolicited advice and guidance, she was more convinced that that was the case.

In all the events, she would need to stand behind Serena, however Serena would pull her along and loop their arms so they can walk side by side. It was obvious that Serena was the princess and she the lady-in-waiting, and aside from that, though loathe was she to admit, Serena was more dazzling. So why did she do that? Was it so that she can shine brighter?

Truly, what a hypocritical bitch. Did she laugh behind her back? Was the reason she got her as her lady-in-waiting was just so that she can become her foil?

Then, she recalled that she could have been the one in her place. That once, she had been the potential crown princess instead of Serena.

Was Serena doing all those things so that she could rub it to her face that she was Geoffrey's choice? It was a far-fetched idea because even Serena and Geoffrey's betrothal was originally just a political arrangement too.

However, who's to know? Not that she cared about Geoffrey, but maybe Serena thought of it that way. Perhaps even the public display of affection originated from there.

TBC

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