Before leaving Keiren's mansion, Seren spoke to him, "Lord Ren, you said I can ask you for anything for protecting Edith and the baby?"
"Yes, I remember. Whatever it is, I will fulfill," his gaze passed by Drayce before it settled back on Seren, "as long as it's not about making me change my plans for my family."
Seren offered a gentle smile, "Lord Ren, I have no right to meddle in your decision for your family. Rest assured, I won't be asking for anything like that."
"Then please let me know what you wish for."
"I want to bring my grandmother here to see my friend's child. I want the baby to receive her blessings," Seren explained.
Hearing this, Keiren simply looked at her. If Theodora came here and knew it was his family, what would happen?
"I won't let Grandma know that it's your family. You can choose to stay away. Grandma doesn't know Edith or anyone else here," she added.
"Let me know when you plan to bring her here," Keiren replied, showing his approval.
"Thank you so much," Seren said and left with Drayce.
Reaching the palace, Drayce asked as he brought Seren back to her chamber. He helped her remove her winter coat. Seren took it from him and walked to hang it on the wooden stand, but Drayce hugged her from behind, enveloping her slender body in his strong arms.
"Why did you make such a wish?" he asked.
Seren understood he was asking about her talk with Keiren. "Grandma is old, and I wish her to see her first great-grandchild. Even though she won't be aware of it, it would be satisfying to at least let her see him. Moreover, the baby would receive a blessing from the elder of our family."
Drayce smiled at her thoughtfulness. His deep voice echoed next to her ear. "You really love the baby, don't you?"
Seren's lips curved into a sweet smile which was clearly because of the mention of the baby. "How can one not love such a tiny and cute life? It felt so good whenever I held him in my hands. I felt as if all I wanted to do was protect him and pray nothing bad ever happens to him. Also, he smells so good that I didn't want to let him go.
That scent was so comforting." As she spoke, her face brightened up with pure joy.
------
The next day, Seren reached Keiren's home along with the great lady Theodora.
"You brought me to the temple to make prayers and now you bring me somewhere else," the old lady said as she climbed into the carriage after visiting the temple. "I never go outside the Crystal Palace, but I could not reject your requests."
"Grandma, sometimes it's good to go out among the people," Seren commented. "I have been imprisoned for so long, you can ask me about the importance of it."
Theodora couldn't argue with that and allowed Seren to lead her where she wished. Seren knew well that mentioning her past would stop Grandma from asking more questions and would let her go along without much fuss.
'Sorry, Grandma, this is the only way I can take you there,' Seren said inwardly, watching the old lady sitting in front of her.
They soon reached Keiren's residence. The knights close to Keiren were aware of who was coming to the residence today and were prepared to welcome the old lady, though they disguised themselves as ordinary noble family guards. Seren was now used to seeing them.
"Where are we?" Theodora asked.
"Grandma, this is my friend's home. I thought you must be tired after visiting the temple, so I brought you here to rest and have some tea," Seren replied.
"Won't it be a bother?" Theodora asked.
"Of course not, Grandma. My friend is a lovely woman. She is new in this city and doesn't have any friends other than me. So, my family is like her family. Even Drayce was here yesterday."
"Is that so?" the old lady said with a smile. "My Seren has learned to make friends now."
"Yes, Grandma," she replied and whispered, "But, Grandma, they do not know we are Royals, so let's just be like ordinary people."
"Huh?" Theodora offered her a questioning gaze. "Isn't it like deceiving your friend?"
Seren pulled a sad face, "I know, Grandma, but the situation was like that. Will you trust me on this one? We won't lie, but we are just not telling the truth. Not saying something is not lying, right?"
Theodora sighed, "Alright. I will do as you say."