The Royal Contract

But as her husband, it was part of his obligation to make his wife happy. Would sleeping with her make her happy? He doubted that as he slept on his side of the bed, same with her.

Nonetheless, he would have to sleep with her, sooner or later, since a King is required to have an heir. Besides, she married him, accepting that she had to bear his children.

“Damnit! Be a man.” Lance could already hear what his father would say if he learned he was not consummating his marriage. But would Camille reveal to anyone about their marital affairs?

He doubted that, but still, she was a woman. And from what he had learned from women, they loved to share things with their bestfriends, and somehow, secrets found themselves in the grapevine.

It was late.

Therefore, he closed his files and turned off the lights. It was time to return to their room and hopefully catch some sleep. It had been a long day of smiling for the press as they pretended to be a happy couple when they were outside.

When he entered the bedroom, the lights were off, except for the nightlight on her bedside lamp. He could see that she was still reading a book, but she quickly put it down as she looked at him.

“Are you already going to sleep?” Camille asked. “I can turn off the lights if you don’t want them.” She offered immediately.

.....

The last few days, she was already asleep when he came to the room. He guessed he was earlier today than before, finding her still awake. But he wondered if she would ever get tired of him and their situation.

“No, not yet. I still need to shower. But you can keep the lights on if you wish to continue reading.” He told her, not wanting to bother her.

Then, he went straight to the bathroom and took a long hot shower. He hoped his wife would be asleep by the time he went to bed. So they did not need to have another awkward conversation.

Truthfully, he enjoyed some of their conversations. But there were times when they hit a pause. Then they could not think of anything to say to each other. He considered bedroom talks would be one of those things that would be awkward to handle.

When he came out, the room was already dark. The only light came from outside the window. “Good.” He silently mumbled to himself. He guessed that was better.

He could see her silhouette lying motionlessly on the bed, concluding that she might be already sleeping. Slowly, he walked toward the bed and carefully lay beside her. He did not want to wake her up.

He tried to even his breathing, slowing it down as he waited for sleep to take over his consciousness. But he ended up staring at the ceiling, sighing as frustration set in, knowing he would not be resting soon.

“I am sorry, but can we talk?” She suddenly shifted, turning on her back until she faced the ceiling. “I can’t sleep either.” She explained.

He was not expecting that she would still be awake, but it was dark, and she had been silent on her side of the bed. Nevertheless, he could not see any harm if they talked. Maybe that would kill the idle time until they both fell into a deep slumber.

“Sure. What do you have in mind?” He asked as he also moved into a comfortable position, facing the same white area on top of them.

But she remained silent beside her, making her glance her way. He noticed that she seemed to be thinking. As if she was debating with herself. He felt that was partly his fault.

She was uncomfortable with him because he had been aloof. He had been keeping his distance and avoiding talking about personal things. At least the ones that he kept for himself.

“I am wondering if you will ever touch me. If you think I am not ready. I assure you that I am more than ready to bear your children.” She finally said. “That is what I signed up for when I married you.”

“But if you find me hideous and unattractive, I will understand. I will not take that against you if you don’t wish to sleep with me.” She hastily added.

Then she abruptly covered her face with her hands, hiding her face from him. She appeared embarrassed for saying all those things. Although he could not blame her, he had done everything he could to make her feel that way.

“Hey, look at me, Camille.” He finally moved closer to her, hearing that she was crying. Then, he slid his arms around her shoulders and pulled her to his body, letting her petit body lay on his chest.

“I am sorry. I don’t know why I am crying.” She mildly stammered as she wiped her face with the back of her hand. “Don’t mind me.” She said as she tried to move away from her embrace.

But he stopped her from moving away, holding her firmly against his body. Truthfully, it was not so bad to have her in his arms. They had kissed a couple of times in public, and he believed it was not terrible either.

Honestly, he was still a hot-blooded male who had needs. This time, she seemed to be offering him what he badly needed, release. Truthfully, he had not sworn a vow of celibacy. Therefore, should he take advantage of his situation?

“No. I think you are right to be upset with me.” He admitted, knowing he had been neglecting his obligation as her husband. “But are you sure this is also what you want?” He asked, not wanting to force himself on her.