'A Princess and a Commoner: Star Crossed Lovers'

In Search of Solace

(ISADORA'S POV)

I slammed the door behind me, pressing my back against the wood. "Oh my gosh... Gabriel," I whispered to myself, the name echoing in the silence of the room. My head spun. He was the new royal baker? The odds were laughable—too impossible to be real. How was this happening? How did he end up here?

I sank onto the edge of the bed, burying my face in my hands. The way he barely looked at me, so casual, so indifferent, burned in my chest. It shouldn't have bothered me this much, but it did. It really did.

"Julian," I muttered. I needed to focus on him. He had been nothing but sweet, genuine—he didn't deserve to be caught in whatever mess was stirring in my heart. I couldn't sit here and spiral. I needed air. Maybe a walk around the palace grounds and an escape to the village would clear my head, give me time to breathe.

I pulled open the wardrobe, grabbing the first cloak I saw. It was simple, unadorned, perfect for slipping out unnoticed. As I fastened it around my neck, I took a deep breath. This was my chance to regain control, to figure out what to do about Gabriel, Julian... everything.

The palace corridors were quiet as I walked through them. The servants, ever efficient, moved briskly in their duties, offering polite nods or bows as I passed. Usually, I didn't think twice about it. But today, the formality felt heavier, like a weight pressing on my shoulders. These were my people. I had grown up in front of them, and now, with everything ahead of me, I felt... distant.

Stepping outside, the cool breeze kissed my skin. The palace garden sprawled before me, lush and vibrant as always. It had once been my refuge, a place I'd seek when the demands of palace life became too much. But today, it felt too big, too quiet. My footsteps were the only sound as I wandered the stone paths.

Ahead, a group of knights stood watch, their armor gleaming in the afternoon sun. Among them was Sir Ronald, one of the oldest guards, his graying hair tucked beneath his helmet. I'd known him since childhood. He had always been kind to me.

"Afternoon, Your Highness," Sir Ronald greeted with a warm nod as I approached.

"Afternoon, Sir Ronald," I replied, attempting a smile. He always had a way of making me feel at ease, like family.

"You seem troubled," he noted, his brows furrowing slightly. "I remember when you were just a little thing, always running through the halls, wanting to join the knights in their fencing practices."

I chuckled, the memory easing the tension in my chest. "Yes, I had some wild ideas back then, didn't I?"

He grinned. "You still do, from what I've heard. What's the cloak for, though? Don't tell me you're sneaking out again. What happened last time..."

I shook my head, cutting him off gently. "It's fine, Sir Ronald. Plus, you never told on me before. You always had my back."

He chuckled, his weathered face softening with affection. "True, true. Just... try not to get into too much trouble this time, kid."

"Promise," I said, offering a grin before slipping past him. His warm presence was comforting, but I needed space—space to clear my thoughts.

As I rounded the corner of the garden, just nearing the outer gates, a familiar voice stopped me in my tracks.

"Isadora?"

I turned to see Julian, his brows raised in curiosity. "Where are you going?" he asked, a playful suspicion in his tone.

I opened my mouth to come up with an excuse, but nothing believable came to mind. "Uh, I was... looking at the flowers," I managed, tugging at my cloak nervously. Julian wasn't buying it.

He narrowed his eyes, grinning. "Flowers? But we're nowhere near flowers?You're terrible at lying, you know."

I bit my lip. "Fine, I was heading out. I needed some air."

Julian laughed softly, shaking his head. "Alright then. I'm coming with you. You're not going out there without a chaperone."

I tried to protest, but Julian raised a hand. "No arguments, Isadora. Besides, you'll need me to keep things fun. I'll even buy something for you."

Reluctantly, I nodded. Julian could be stubborn when he wanted to be, but at least he knew how to lighten the mood. And I couldn't deny it—having him by my side made me feel... safe.

As we left the palace and ventured into the village, I felt my mind beginning to settle. The streets were lively, filled with the sounds of chatter, vendors calling out their wares, and children laughing. The villagers were always kind, and as they noticed us walking through, I saw their faces light up.

"Princess Isadora, Prince Julian!" one of the older women called out, waving with enthusiasm. A group of children ran toward us, their faces smudged with dirt but their eyes bright with excitement.

Julian bent down to greet them, ruffling one of the boys' hair. "How's everyone doing today?"

The boy beamed up at him. "Good, your highness! Are you here to help us again?"

I smiled as I watched them, a genuine warmth blooming in my chest. For the first time today, I wasn't thinking about Gabriel. Julian had a way of making everything feel lighter, easier. And out here, among the people, It felt right.

As we continued down the road, we passed the baker's shop. The smell of fresh bread wafted through the air, and the sight of a few other shops, bustling with life, brought a sense of calm to the day. A few more children waved at us, their smiles infectious, and I waved back, feeling my heart swell.

Julian noticed. "It's nice, isn't it? Being out here with the people. Away from the palace for a while."

I nodded. "It really is. I needed this. Being out here... it makes me feel free, like I can breathe again."

Julian smiled softly,"You know what, Isadora? We're more alike than you think."

I raised an eyebrow, surprised by his words. "Touche," I said with a small smile.

And in that moment, I realised something. Julian brought a kind of peace I didn't know I needed, a steady comfort that made everything less overwhelming.

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