The Goodnights

"He is a considerate person. He will never hurt me." I counter and pause at the door. I turn around, to finish our goodnight. "I know you are concerned, but there is no need to be. I promise I will be okay."

"Don't make that promise. I want to know if you are not." My father rebuts.

"Okay, I will tell you so you can sleep easy." I give a small smile, knowing that I am with someone who, although not perfect, is thoughtful. He will put me first.

"Don't ever make excuses for him. If he acts inconsiderate, he is inconsiderate. There may be outside factors, but once you make excuses for him, he is no longer responsible for his behavior. That will lead to a steep slope of hurt and resentment." He warns.

"Father, I will keep my eye out for that red flag." I try to ease his worry.

"Good, now go to sleep, we have an early morning." He dismisses me with a wave and returns to the documents on his desk.

"Goodnight." I call as I slip through the door.

I head to my own room. My mind is preoccupied with thoughts of what I need to pack, and how best to prepare for this new chapter in my life. I wander to my room in a daze.

"Camille, are you okay?" A masculine voice says from behind me as I enter my room door. I unconsciously smile as I recognize it. I turn around and find myself face to face with Étienne. He is still dressed, obviously waiting for me.

"Yes, sorry, I was lost in thought." I brush off my trance.

"What were your thoughts?" He steps closer but remains in the hall.

"Nothing earthshattering. I was just making sure that I haven't forgotten to pack anything."

"I should let you get to that then." He says. He leans in a little, indicating with a flick of his eyes that my lips are his target. I don't object to the peck he offers and feel slightly emboldened to do something risky.

"I have everything. Umm… Would you like to come in?" I struggle to be more forward with this man who has given me his heart.

"Is that not improper?" He raises an eyebrow at my request.

"No, nothing improper. I just want to talk a little more." I correct, realizing my misleading mistake.

He chuckles before gesturing me to enter. I back further in, and he follows me, but leaves the door open. He looks around my room to find it sparse of decoration or furniture. There is a chest at the foot of my bed that doubles as a bench, as well as a small wardrobe. The rest of the room is relatively bare, with nowhere to sit besides the bed, and chest.

"What did you want to talk about?" He sits down on the chest.

"I didn't realize you had already asked my Father to marry me." I sit beside him on the cushioned wood.

"Is that what he wanted to talk about?" I nod. "I have never hidden my intentions." He reminds me.

"I know, I just hadn't realized how ready you are." I explain.

"Camille, if you told me you want to marry tomorrow, we would. I understand you need time but know that I am here whenever you are ready."

"I know." I affirm as I lean my head against his shoulder. His arms twist around me, securing me to his side. I search my head for another topic. "I talked with Charlotte about being a noble."

He grunts his understanding, but after a moment of silence asks, "What did she have to say?"

"She explained about the financial obligations of a wife to run a house."

"She will run the Chateaux of Montclar when we arrive, so you can assist her."

"I have been helping Mother handle the inn's finances for years. Knowing that I only need to upkeep a Chateaux, not the entire land was relieving."

He strokes my hair. "Your experience will help."

"She said my manners are adequate, I just need to learn about noble positions and how to react to the various statuses."

"I will be by your side to prompt you if you need any help. The only nobles in Montclar when we arrive will be Charlotte, and me. You need not be formal with either of us." His stroking has transformed into little circles drawn on my upper arm.

"That will give me time to learn." I pull away and face him, wanting an honest answer. "Étienne, are you sure you want a wife that you are going to have to train?"

"What I care about is here." He points to my heart. He leans in for a kiss and I reciprocate his action. He holds me under the spell for a minute, reaching up behind my neck, before pulling away.

"I don't want you to go." I confess.

"I don't want to go, but I won't spend the night in your room until it is appropriate for me to do so." He informs me.

"Then I will need to learn quickly." I say as he stands. I follow him to the open door.

"Sleep well," He wishes me with a final peck. I watch him saunter down the hall to his chamber, before closing my door, and seeking out my own slumber.