Princess?

Chapter 61

Camilla's P. O. V.

I wipe away my tears as best I can and walk back into the luncheon. I go over to my mother and hand her Charlotte.

"Honey, what happened to your face?"

I shake my head and give her a smile, "Nothing mom. It's fine. Please watch over the kids for me, okay?"

She nods, concern clearly written on her face, "Be careful, sweetheart. "

I nod and walk away. I pick a table where no one is sitting and sit down. I take a deep breath. I can't believe Julian hit me. I didn't know he was that kind of man.

"I believe I've caused you to get into a disagreement with your friend. "

I look in shock as Charles takes the seat next to me. I look across the room at Julian, who's playing with John.

I shake my head, "He hit me"

Charles immediately grabs my chin lightly with his fingertips, inspecting my cheek.

"It should be a crime to harm such a beautiful face. Why did he hit you? Forgive me, I'm overstepping my bounds. "

I shake my head again, "No, I don't mind. Julian isn't just a friend. He was my lover during my marriage to King Louis. Yes, I know it's dishonorable. But Julian is the father of my son. He thought we were going to get married. He was upset to see me talking to you."

"Because he knows why I'm here"

I nod, "Yes, he does. "

Charles sighs, "I should go then. You seem to know who you're going to be with then. I'm afraid my time here would be in vain. "

He starts to stand up but I quickly set my hand on top of his, "No! Don't go. Please. Your time will not be in vain, I can assure you. I'm not sure I want to be with Julian after he hit me. "

Charles sits back down, "I don't want to cause you any unhappiness. I don't want to cause him to hit you again. "

I shrug, "If he hits me again, he'll be punished. And you couldn't cause me any unhappiness unless you left. I enjoy talking to you. "

"And I to you. "

I smile at him, "It's getting late. I should probably get my kids to bed. I'm sure everyone will be heading to their rooms shortly. I will see you tomorrow."

Charles stands up as I do, "I look forward to seeing you again, Your Majesty. "

I nod my head, smiling, before picking up my long dress and walking over to my mother, collecting John and Charlotte and taking them to their room, with Julian following close behind.

***

I toss and turn in bed all night. Aware of Julian sleeping beside me. He hit me. And I don't know how I can forgive him for it.

I slide out of bed and peek out into the hallway. I throw on my robe and quietly walk down to the kitchen.

When I walk in, I'm startled by someone sitting at the table.

"Prince Charles?"

He looks up at me, "I couldn't sleep. "

I smile and go over to the fridge, "Me neither. "

I pour us both a glass of milk and sit down beside him at the table, "What was keeping you up?"

Charles looks at me with an intense gaze, "This beautiful woman was haunting me in my dreams. "

I look at him in shock, "You speak so openly. "

"I know it is wrong. But I just can't help myself. The ball is tomorrow. Please allow me to steal some dances from you. "

I laugh, "That is what the ball is for. I have to dance with every suitor, no matter how horrible. "

He looks at me in amusement, "Are you saying that I am horrible?"

I grin, "On the contrary. I was actually talking about Mr. Pennington, from London. He thinks he's God's gift to women. And he most certainly is not."

Charles laughs, "I'll be sure to come steal you away from him, if you would like me to. "

I nod as I take a quick sip, "I would appreciate it very much. "

"Tomorrow you truly find out who is here to court you. Are you nervous?"

I shrug, "I'm nervous about having to date again. I thought I was done dating. But no, traditions must be kept. Even if I know who I'm going to marry. Well, thought I knew. "

"The man that hit you. Louis' cousin?"

I nod, "So now I'm not so sure if I want to marry him. Plus, now I've met you."

I trail off in my sentence when I catch Charles with a big grin on his face. I blush, "Don't embarrass me. "

Charles takes my hand, kissing my knuckles, "You only make me happy with what you have just said. It means that I have a fighting chance. "

He lightly sets his hand on my cheek, stroking his thumb back and forth on my cheek.

We both lean in to where our foreheads are pressed against each other and our lips are almost touching.

I take a deep breath as our lips touch. I grab his face in between my hands, pulling him closer.

I suddenly hear footsteps out in the hallway so I quickly break away. I look at the clock and laugh, "It's nearly 5 in the morning. The servants are getting up. We should head back to our rooms."

I start walking away but Charles grabs my hands, pulling me back into his arms.

He whispers, "Give me one more kiss. Who knows when we'll get to be alone again. "

I sigh and quickly kiss him, smiling during it. I pull away, "That must be it for now. I will see you at breakfast. "

Then I quickly walk out of the kitchen and quietly sneak back into the bedroom.