I'm the Princess of Wales; He's a Prince of Belgium

When the Clock Strikes

Chapter 6

When the Clock Strikes

(October 2012)

Months past. The leaves changed colors and the weather grew colder as the seasons changed. The young princess moved back to her apartment in Cambridge when the fall term began. Will and Catherine returned to their Anglesey home; Will worked as a search and rescue pilot on the coast of the Irish Sea. Harry was once again deployed to the Middle East, this time as a captain. In a happy surprise, he and Maria announced their engagement before he left. Wedding planning would commence upon his return.

Joachim excelled in his studies in Milan. He and Caroline made sure to keep up a constant stream of communication. Their Skype dates were something they both forward to. Joachim made an effort to call her most nights when they weren't swamped with work; he loved when Caroline fell asleep to the sound of his voice.

It was late October now. Caroline had received happy news from the Luxembourg royals; they wished for a British representative at Guillaume's wedding. Alexandra wanted her to come and celebrate. Joachim was also going with his family; and Maria would be there. Will desired to attend to support an old friend, but knew that he and Catherine could not.

Caroline just needed Grammy to allow her to go. She knew it could be her and Joachim's first official public outing as a couple. It was about time.

Caroline knocked on the door to her grandmother's study. She was in London to have dinner with Grandpa and it was the perfect time to ask.

"Hello, Caroline! How are classes?" The Queen asked her granddaughter when she walked into the room. She gestured for Caroline to sit in one of the chairs.

"Hi, Grammy. They're going fine. I actually came to ask you something." Caroline said.

"What is it, dear?" Elizabeth asked, staring at the young princess.

Caroline took a deep breath. "I know that Uncle Edward and Aunt Sophie usually represent the family at royal weddings, but I was hoping I could go to Prince Guillaume's wedding in Luxembourg next week. Joachim will be there and Maria-Anunciata."

Grammy cleared her throat and thought for a minute. "It will be your and Prince Joachim's first public outing," she paused, "Okay, Caroline. You may go. I will have someone call to make the arrangements."

Caroline could barely contain her excited squeal. She started to stand up, appreciation on her tongue when Grammy held up a hand.

"You will be representing this institution, Caroline. I hope that you will act accordingly."

~~~IPWHPB~~~

"Ma'am, the car is here," A servant informed Caroline.

Caroline smiled and nodded to the man. She double-checked her royal blue dress in the mirror before deeming herself good-to-go. Caroline followed the man down the halls in the Luxembourg palace. Henri and Maria-Teresa gave her a room to stay in for the duration of her visit. It was one that she had stayed in before when visiting; the Luxembourg royals were like extended family. The family would be the last to arrive to the church before the bride.

As they neared the doors, Caroline sped past the servant in anticipation to see her boyfriend. She was not disappointed once she caught the sight of him in his suit, waiting with the car door open. She quickly closed the distance between them, bringing Joachim's lips down to meet her own.

"You look so handsome, babe. I missed you so much," Caroline cooed in his ear, tingling as his hand ran down her back.

Joachim kissed her again and again, mindful of his parents and Amedeo in the car, but he had missed Caroline tremendously. "Merci. You look so, so beautiful, Lina."