The Princess Next Door

Chapter 11

Cara's P.O.V.

As I followed Francis downstairs, I couldn't help but feel like I was in a war I could win. I had to talk to Shawn and see if he could help me figure out a plan to escape. If I was going to be giving up my virtue, then Shawn would be the one to have it.

" Your highness, your Queen mother would like to talk to you before we leave " said Francis as she motioned me to go to my mother's study. There was a desk and a high back chair with a wall height bookshelf. I just looked at it in awe, I had never seen so many books so high up.

" Hello Darling, how are you this morning?"

My mother asked me as she shut the door behind me. " I'm well, thank you. How are you?" I asked as she motioned for me to sit next to her on the couch. " Well my dear, I just had a talk with your father a few moments ago. Are you not happy here dear?" She asked me as she put both her hands upon mine. " To be honest, no. All of this has been so sudden, I don't know how to adjust to this life. " I said not sure about how much I should tell her about how I really felt. " honey, I understand how you feel. Being royal is different than a normal person but it has so much to offer if you give it the chance." " I know, but I had my dream of becoming an accountant and enjoying college life" I said sadly.

" I know dear, I want you to be educated and if that's what you want to do, I am behind you pne hundred percent. " she said smiling at me. " Really? How can I become enrolled, I'm not even a legal citizen here." I said looking at her. " Well technically you are a citizen but I know how much you enjoy being in the states, so what if we let you go back and get your degree?" She asked me. Those words were like music to my ears, If I could go back and become an accountant and live part of my dream, that would make me so happy. " How is that possible? I thought I had to marry Prince Adrian next month?" My mother looked at me coyly, " I think we can keep him at bay for a little longer. Your happiness is more important to me than your marriage. I never got this kind of opportunity in my life, so I want you to experience it."

As she leaned closer and gave me a hug. I responded back with giving her one and started to tear up. " It's okay honey, everything will be alright. Shawn will be escorting you back to the states. He has been assigned to guard you while your there" she whispered. I sat back up and looked at her, " Thank you, you don't know how much this means to me" I said.

Knock, knock, knock

" Your highness, it is time to go for your dress fitting for your engagement gala" Francis said as she opened the door. " Okay, I'm ready" as I got up and walked towards the door. My mother said as I was about to leave, " Each destiny is our own, we must make it worthwhile, I know this is a difficult life to lead especially when you've known so much different. Trust your institution and you will go far my dear" she said as I nodded in agreement and left with Francis to go dress shopping. My mother's words really resonated with me and I felt that I had to take the chance. If they were going to allow me to go back to the States, then I was taking the opportunity and running with it.

Shawn's P.O.V.

Prince Adrian had left the castle thankfully, so I didn't have to worry about him for the time being. I followed Cara and Francis in the Range Rover behind them. We quickly went down into the village nearby to the royal dressmaker. She was well known throughout the area for her beautiful handmade dresses. Many of the queen's dresses were her creations, and many women throughout the area begged her to create dresses for them.

We arrived and I checked the perimeter before I allowed them to get out. I grabbed Cara's hand as she exited the car, " Thank you Shawn" she said as I felt her soft hand in mine. " Your welcome milady" as I got behind her to protect her as we walked inside.

"Welcome your highness, my name is Miss Janice and I'm so happy to finally meet you" as she bowed to Cara as she entered her dress shop. " It's such a pleasure to meet you Miss Janice, I have heard very nice things about your dresses" Cara said with such dignity. I watched her interactions with Miss Janice as I also kept an eye out for any danger.

As I watched Cara walking elegantly through the shop, I noticed her quick glances towards me as she would look at different dresses. Janice finally took her back to the dressing room, where I made sure that it was clear before she entered. I backed up, so Cara could enter with the dresses that Janice had given her. I felt her arm brush against my front and she looked up at me and smirked. If anyone had been paying attention to us, you would be able to see the s****l tension between us. " It's all clear, Princess" as I walked off to stand at a distance while she changed. " Thank you Shawn" she said as she closed the door.

A few moments later, Cara came out in a beautiful coral gown with a heart shaped bodice and a long flowing laced back. She looked absolutely stunning and I knew my mouth was open by the way she looked at me and winked. She turned around for Francis and Janice, and they decided they would keep that dress but also do one in a light baby blue to bring out Cara's eyes as they put it. Anything Cara wore, would make her look like an angel to me anyway. Cara quickly changed and we were back off to the Castle. I couldn't wait to get some time alone with her, there was so much I wanted to say to her...