Serene can be used as a form of official address for some titled persons, as in His or Her Serene Highness or Majesty. This comes from one of its lesser meanings, august.
Scarlet reminds me of Lavinia in the Shirley Temple film, The Little Princess. She's spoiled and vain with a cruel streak. She may be bewitched, but the nasty was always there.
Lachlan can blame Rory and Cian all he wants, but his destiny was to be a cruel and failed power hungry tyrant.
He is in shock. So much has happened so quickly, he can't process it all. He has witnessed violent death and waves of sheer terror. What is so intriguing about him to persuade this cruel captain to spare him not once, but twice now?
His own desire to be used is ill hidden. Oh my, this will be a rough ride ahead as the captain's plaything.
How Desmond knows so much is unnatural.
Lachlan is so stupid, blinded by his own greed. He would lead his people to ruin and rule only a kingdom of ash.
Kieran spoke t he words we've all been waiting for at last.
I'd say Kieran and Rory could have effortlessly incinerated Lachlan and his guards to ash, but what value is a throne awash in blood?
Lachlan's goal is clear. He never intends to give up the throne and he will kill Kieran, or he'll try.
Rejuvenation is an appealing idea. Spring is all about restoration and rejuvenation.
As an aside, there are 222 songs with rejuvenation in the lyrics.
https://www.lyrics.com/lyrics/rejuvenation
Lachlan is much worse than we imagined. He is truly evil. The death curse looks better all the time.
Waiting to leave is a tremendous risk and the journey they face will be incredibly perilous.
Desmond was altered by the magic lake, not the vicount. We saw him enthrall Scarlet, but it was a short walk to her bad side. I'd say Desmond is possessed by an evil entity. This entity might be the vicount'a boss too.