Princess?

Chapter 69

Camilla's P. O. V.

"Julian, honestly, why are you doing this?"

He smiles, "Charles challenged me. I'm not going to decline. I must beat him. "

I furrow my brows, "You think if you beat him, then he'll go away and not try to win me over? Is that why?"

Julian gives me a smirk, "I'm trying to impress you."

I laugh and roll my eyes, "How many people are in this race?"

"10 people, including Charles and me. It starts in a couple hours. Be in my box to support me. "

I grin, "You know I'll be there. "

***

"Ah, here we are"

I walk into the box, followed by my parents and my kids. I sit down, and fan myself. The sun blazing hot.

I look at the box next to me, seeing Charles' parents. They nod at us. I smile and look down at the racing track.

I see Julian walking out, getting in his car. At the start, all the cars speed off.

I watch the cars go round and round. The cars pass us for the 3rd time then go out of sight. Then we hear a huge crash, and a billow of smoke appears.

I jump up, along with everyone else. I immediately running down out of the box and over to the crash. I know people will freak out, I'm never supposed to run.

I stop, not wanting to get to close to the flames. I look in shock as men run and try to get the men out of the cars.

I yell, "Who is it? Who is it?"

I turn around to see my parents with John and Charlotte. I quickly say, "Go. Take the kids to the car. I don't want them to see. "

My mom nods and they quickly usher my kids away. I look back at the crash, trying desperately to see Julian.

Then suddenly I see Julian walk out of the smoke, covered in black. I quickly run to him, hugging him.

He holds on to me tight. I can't help the tears coming out of my eyes, "I thought I had lost you. Don't you ever do that to me again. "

Julian nods, "I'm here. I'm okay. "

I pull away and take my handkerchief, wiping his face, "Cmon, we need to get back to the castle. And clean you up. "

He shakes his head, "I must help these men with the body. I will stay and show my support to the family. "

I bite my lip, "It isn't Charles, is it?"

Julian shakes his head, "No, it's not. He's okay. "

I sigh in relief, "Oh thank goodness."

Julian kisses me, "You go back to the palace. I'll be home in a few hours. "

I nod, "If you meet the man's family, please invite them to the palace tomorrow for dinner, would you?"

Julian smiles and pinches my cheek, "Absolutely. I'll see you in a little while."

I nod and turn, walking to the parking lot, getting in the car. I take John in my arms, sighing I'm relief.

"So?"

I look at my parents, "He's okay. Charles is okay too. We're going to have the family of the boy who passed to the palace tomorrow for dinner. "

My mom smiles at me, "That's a lovely idea dear. I'm so proud of you. "

***

I stand up as the door opens. It's already bedtime and Julian is just now coming home.

"How was it?"

Julian sighs and starts taking off his dirty clothes, "It was terrible. The man was burned beyond recognition. I met his family and offered our condolences. They declined the invitation for dinner tomorrow but said they were greatly honored. "

I sigh, "That's a shame. "

After Julian showers, we get in bed. I lay my head on his chest, wrapping my arm around him, "I've never been more scared than I was in that moment. "

Julian kisses my forehead, "I'm sorry. But I'm okay. "

"All I could think of was the kids. I couldn't imagine having to tell John that his dad died. "

Julian shhs me, "Shh. Don't even think about it anymore. It's over. And I'm okay. "

I nod, "I love you. "

"I love you too. So much. "

I smile and cuddle into him closer as we both fall asleep from a very exhausting day.