Geoffrey remained standing there as he tried to calm himself. The exquisite sense of betrayal making it difficult for him to breathe. His heart sunk and his gut wrenched. It should no longer be a surprise to him for he went there expecting just that. However, when the truth was laid bare in front of him, like a dam that broke, he was instantly flooded with a mixture of emotions that rolled up in one ugly mess. Anger. Resentment. Fury. Disappointment.

How could they do that to him? How long have they been in that kind of a relationship? How far have they gone? He wondered.

Serena, his sweet Serena. Perhaps it was only a momentary lapse of judgement on her part. Perhaps it was his mistake for he did not give her enough attention as he should have. He has been busy the past 2 years and maybe she felt lonely. She would never be so cruel as to cold bloodedly betray him for another man. Would she?

Then there was Charlton. He must have been the instigator. His cousin who has turned his back against him. He must be planning all of this in his head. Why? Why would he do that to him? He knew how much Serena meant to him. He told him that he loved her. He also warned him time and time again not to covet what was his. Yet, he still did it.

Did he think that he would never know? Did he think that after he finds out he'll just let things go? Or was it that he knew that he wouldn't thus he has been taking steps against him from the very start?

Geoffrey scoffed in bitter hatred and resentment. Charlton was not wrong. He would never let this matter go. He has felt betrayed many times, be it by his family, friends, or allies. However, he could still tolerate them as he understood that they were all part of politics. But what Charlton did, it was far too personal and no man, not even a saint, would take it lying down.

That backstabbing cousin of his was going to pay and it would cost him dearly. So dearly that his life would seem cheap in comparison.

"Your highness?" the servant beside him asked seeing that Geoffrey hasn't moved from his position and was still holding the receiver on his left hand.

Geoffrey finally getting a hold of himself opened his eyes. He first hung the earpiece back to its place.

"Do not let anyone know that I received this call tonight." He instructed.

"Yes, your highness."

--

Geoffrey went back to the drawing room and sat back on the coffee table to stare at Serena who was still asleep.

She was still as beautiful to him and again he wondered. How far has she gone with his cousin?

She and Charlton have been working in Columbia's for a while and he knew that they have spent an awful amount of time alone together.

How much have she given Charlton? Did she let him kiss her? Touch her?

He has kissed Serena albeit they were only a mere touching of the lips, but what about Charlton? He knew his cousin was a rake back in Alighieri. Could he have gone further?

If he asks her, he knew she would never admit to it. With her in front of him defenseless and knowing none the better, he could do it and find out the truth that instance. The medicine was still in effect, and he needed to find out the extent of her betrayal.

If she has already given herself to Charlton, then she has already completely betrayed him. If that were the case, could he forgive her? For if that were true, then all the time that he has been acting like a love-sick puppy in front of her, she and Charlton must have been laughing at him. Should he wait and see until he catches the two of them red handed before he takes action to let her know the extent of how much she has hurt him?

He loved, respected and adored her. But what did she give him in return?

He looked at her lying there, vulnerable. The material of her dress clinging on her body. Her chest rising and falling as she took even breaths. Not for the first time, he was tempted to take her.

In either case, she was rightfully his. If he takes her and she was innocent, then good for her. He would still marry her despite what she did. However, if he finds out that she's no longer pure, then at least he has tasted her once and for all.

Did she think that just because he loved her that he would just let her off that easily too? Did she think that because her father and her brother were his allies that he would not dare touch her? Did she think that he would wait for her to stab him in the back once he marries her?

If she's no longer innocent, then he would take her for the ride. He will enjoy her body as much as he could and when he's tired of her, then he would throw her away like a used rag. What better revenge was there for a lady such as herself?

He would even tell that to his cousin as a gift on his trip to hell.

His smile turned wicked as he stared at Serena again. If he takes her now, she won't tell anyone. To her that has always projected the image of perfection, he was sure that she would keep it just to herself.

Geoffrey leaned forward and smelled the scent of her hair. She did not move and just continued sleeping peacefully. Sardonically, he thought of the folktale sleeping beauty where the wandering king carries her to bed and gathers the first fruits of love.

It was a fitting allegory to what they will be engaging in tonight.

--

TBC