The Princess Next Door

Chapter 25

Cara's P.O.V.

The next morning I woke up with a heavy heart, I was afraid of what Adrian was going to do about Shawn and I wanted to beat him to it. It was still early out and Shawn was still asleep, so I slid out of bed quietly and got my phone and went downstairs. I decided I would call my father, even though I was dreading this conversation.

" Well Good Morning my Princess, what do I owe the pleasure of this phone call?"

" Good Morning Father, I have to tell you something..I can't marry Adrian" There was a long silence and then I heard him sigh, " It's Shawn isn't it?" he said sadly. " How did you know?" I asked him in shock. " A father knows my dear, I could see the way you two looked at each other. Besides, I already received a phone call from Adrian earlier. He is already on his way back home. He will be joining us for Thanksgiving Dinner as will you...." he stated matter of factly. " But father, I cannot be around Adrian. He has tried on numerous occasions to r**e me and if Shawn hadn't been around, then he would have suceeded" I said as I started to cry. " Cara, he is your fiancee, you will be getting married soon. I am sorry he has tried to force himself upon you but this is an arranged marriage that we cannot afford to let go. This must take place. I expect you and Shawn to be on the next flight tomorrow to head home. I will deal with Shawn when he gets here." " Father, please.. I beg you. I don't want to go through with this, I want Shawn only.." I begged him as I heard him sigh and he finally replied, " Cara, what you feel for Shawn is what they call puppy love. Your first love, he is the first one has shown you attention right?" he asked me. " Well yes, I guess so" I said. "Well then it's settled, you and Shawn will be on the flight tomorrow and we will discuss what we will do from there when you get home." " Yes, father I will." I reluctantly said.

We hung up and I just threw my phone onto the couch and slammed my head into one of the pillows and cried so hard, I started to shake. I was so angry, hurt and I knew in my heart that Shawn and I were supposed to be together. I felt hands on my back, as I sobbed into the pillow. " What did he tell you?" Shawn asked calmly. " He told me that what I felt for you was puppy love and that I still had to marry Adrian no matter what. I told him that he tried to r**e me and he didn't seem to care, how cold can a father be when your daughter tells you that?" as I looked at Shawn with tears in my eyes. I felt so helpless to this situation, I didn't want to go home. I then got an idea, " Shawn, can we run away?"

He looked at me and chuckled, " Cara, I would run away with you anywhere, but do you want to live that kind of life? Always in hiding, your father has many connections and it would not take him long to find us. I may know how to hide but I don't want to live that way. I know you don't either" he said as he held me in his arms and kissed my forehead. He always knew how to calm me down and I was so forever grateful to him for that. " We have to go home tomorrow" I announced and Shawn replied, " I know, I received a message when I woke up stating that he required us back earlier. It will all work out, I promise" Shawn tried to say reassuringly, but I could tell in his voice that he was unsure as well.

Shawn's P.O.V.

The flight back home was excruciating. I had no idea what to expect when we arrived back at the palace, but I was ready for whatever the King wanted from me. As we entered the driveway, I held Cara's hand close to mine and I felt her tense up. I leaned down and kissed her cheek, " It will be okay my love. I truly do love you" I announced to her. She looked up at me with tears in her eyes and quickly put her lips to mine and kissed me passionately. " I love you too, so much" she whispered as the car pulled up the entrance and the butler opened the door. I squeezed her hand for confidence and then let her go as she got out. I followed behind, like I was trained to do and was ordered to the King's study immediately as I watched Cara go upstairs to her room.

I knocked and heard the King say "Enter" as I opened and then closed the door. " Have a seat, Shawn. We have much to discuss about you and my daughter" he replied as I nodded and sat down, waiting in anticipation for what was to come next.