Princess?

Chapter 32

Camilla's P. O. V.

After the party is over, I go into my bedroom and see a note laying on my bed. I pick it up-

"My darling Camilla,
I'm sorry to tell you this in a letter but I'm leaving the country on some business. I'm going to be honest darling, I don't know when I'll be back. I can't wait for our wedding in three weeks. I love you
-Louis"

I set the letter down and groan. He's always gone. I understand he's running a country. But he should be able to devote more time for me. He just got back from Scotland and he's already gone again.

I stand up and leave my room, walking down the hallway and knocking on the door. Julian opens the door, looking surprised, "Camilla"

I clear my throat, "May I come in?"

He nods, stepping back. I rush inside, hoping no one saw me. Julian looks at me in surprise, "What are you doing here?"

I pace back and forth, "I really don't know yet. "

I stop pacing and look at him, "There's no denying the connection we have. I knew I wanted you but it's so wrong. Especially when this could cost us both our lives for treason if anyone ever found out. But Angela told me that I should focus on making myself happy and not worry about pleasing everybody else. Making this transition: from being a New York girl to being the future Queen of France. It's a huge change. You came into the picture and I just, for once, felt wanted here in France. I felt right, being here-"

I'm cut off as Julian grabs my face between his hands and presses his lips against mine. I kiss him back with so much hunger and passion, it surprises me.

I pull away and laugh, pressing my forehead against his. Julian says, "So does this mean you want to be with me?"

I nod, "It does. But I have to marry Louis. "

Julian nods, "I understand. But you two can live separate lives. Many royals do it. "

I nod, "Angela offered to pretend that you two were courting, so there wouldn't be any suspicions. "

Julian grins and takes my hands in his, "We're really doing this. "

I grin and squeeze his hands, "We are. "

Julian sets his hand on my cheek, rubbing his thumb back and forth, "Gosh, you are so beautiful. "

I smile as we sit down on the chair in his room. Julian frowns and looks down. I rub his shoulder, "What's wrong? Are you already having second thoughts?"

Julian quickly says, "No! Absolutely not. I've waited a long time to meet you. To meet someone that makes me happy. But there's something you probably don't know. "

I nod, "Go ahead"

Julian sighs, "In Europe, when there is a marriage in the royal family, the wedding night is very different to wedding nights in America. "

I tilt my head, "How so?"

Julian grits his teeth, "The consummation of the marriage must be witnessed. "

My eyes pop out of my head, "What?"

Julian nods, "The royal family will be in the room while you consummate the marriage with Louis. Which means I will be in the room. "

My eyes widen and my mouth opens in shock, "That is the stupidest thing I've ever heard! I'll just tell Louis I refuse. "

Julian grabs my hand, "Camilla, it's no use. You're not the first person to have an issue with it. But they all end up going through with it. Because you have to. "

I look at him, "How am I supposed to have sex, in front of people, in front of you! with a man I'm not even sure I'm in love with anymore. "

Julian grabs my hands and kisses them, "Look, you're just going to have to do it. And, if we don't want any rumors going around, I'm going to have to watch and pretend to be happy for you. "

I grab his face and lightly press my lips against his, "We'll get through this. "

There's a knock on the door, causing me to panic. Julian whispers, "Hide behind the bed. "

I hide and Julian opens the door, "Can I help you?"

"Prince Julian, Camilla is missing. Have you seen her?"

Julian quickly says, "I think I saw her walking out onto the south balcony. Maybe you can find her there. "

He shuts the door and I come out from behind the bed. "I should head back to my room. "

Julian nods and kisses me quickly, "Goodnight, love. "

I smile, "Goodnight. "

I open the door a tiny bit and peek out, not seeing anyone. I quickly run to my room and shut the door.

As quickly as I can, I change into my nightgown and take my hair down, brushing it.