A royal Heart

chapter 3: the collision

The royal limo rolled smoothly through the streets of Perinn, the ambient sounds of the town fading as they moved away from the chaos that had threatened to swallow Julie whole. The interior was plush and quiet, a stark contrast to the panic that had gripped her moments before. Julie sat across from Xavier, her heart racing not just from fear but also from the realisation that she was sharing this space with the future king.

"Are you alright?" Xavier's voice broke the silence, pulling her from her thoughts. His blue eyes searched hers, filled with genuine concern.

Julie hesitated, caught off guard by his sincerity. "I—I think so. Just a little shaken up." The admission felt inadequate, yet the weight of her earlier actions hung heavily between them.

"Good," he said, relaxing slightly. "You're safe now."

As they drove further away from the scene, Julie glanced out the window, taking in the unfamiliar sights of the town she thought she knew so well. The cobblestone streets now felt foreign, the vibrant marketplace she had often frequented fading into a blur. The reality of her situation sank in—the royals and their world felt light-years away from her own struggles.

"So, Julie," Xavier began, his tone shifting to something lighter, "what's the story behind that mad dash? Stealing medicine isn't something one usually does without a good reason."

The question hung in the air, and Julie felt her heart constrict. She glanced at him, unsure how much to share. "My father is sick. He's been ill for a long time, and I've been doing everything I can to take care of him," she finally said, the words pouring out in a rush. "But it's getting harder. Medical bills are piling up, and I thought... I thought maybe I could take the medicine just this once."

"Just this once," he repeated softly, the empathy in his voice resonating with her own turmoil. "You're doing everything you can for him. I can't imagine how difficult that must be."

Julie felt a swell of gratitude for his understanding. "I've been juggling two jobs, but it still isn't enough. I just want him to feel better."

As she spoke, the weight of her worries began to lift, if only slightly. The connection between them was unexpected, and she found solace in his attentive presence.

After a few moments of silence, Xavier continued, "You shouldn't have to bear all of this alone. There are resources available; I can help you find them."

The sincerity in his offer was both comforting and terrifying. She had never been one to ask for help, let alone from someone of his stature. "I appreciate that, but I can't just accept charity. I can handle it," she said, a hint of defiance creeping into her voice.

Xavier chuckled softly, the sound warm and inviting. "You remind me of my sister. She had that same fierce independence. But it's okay to lean on others sometimes, Julie. It doesn't make you weak."

The mention of his sister struck a chord within her. She remembered the whispers about the young royal who had passed away, a shadow hanging over the family like a dark cloud. "I'm so sorry for your loss," she murmured, suddenly feeling like an intruder in his grief.

"Thank you," he said quietly, a flicker of pain crossing his features. "It's been hard for all of us. But you know, in a way, it's what makes me want to help others even more. I don't want anyone else to feel helpless."

His words echoed in her mind, stirring something deep within her. Here was a man who understood pain and loss, who had chosen to be a beacon of light in the midst of darkness. As they drove on, she felt the barriers she had built around her heart begin to crumble, even if just a little.

The limo came to a stop outside a grand building, the palace looming before them like a fairytale come to life. Its high arches and intricate designs were a stunning contrast to the modesty of her own life. Julie felt a surge of anxiety. "Are you sure this is a good idea?" she asked, glancing at him.

"Absolutely," Xavier replied, his confidence reassuring. "This is your chance to see that there are people who care, who want to help."

Taking a deep breath, Julie nodded. Together, they stepped out of the car and into the night air, the cool breeze brushing against her skin, invigorating yet daunting. As they approached the entrance, the vastness of the palace loomed over her, filling her with a sense of awe and trepidation.

Inside, the opulence was overwhelming. Chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a soft glow on the polished marble floors. As they walked through the grand hallways, the distant sound of laughter and music echoed from a room down the corridor.

"Come on," Xavier said, motioning for her to follow him. "Let's get you settled, and then I'll introduce you to my brothers."

"Your brothers?" Julie felt a rush of nerves. What would they think of her?

"They're good guys," he assured her, a playful grin on his face. "Trust me."

As they entered a cozy sitting room, she was struck by the warmth of the space—books lined the shelves, and plush couches invited relaxation. It felt like a home, albeit one that belonged to royalty.

"Make yourself comfortable," Xavier instructed, heading to a nearby desk. "I'll be right back."

Julie took a seat on the sofa, her mind racing with thoughts of what had just happened. How had her life shifted so dramatically in just a few hours? One moment, she was fleeing from the police, and the next, she was sitting in the palace, with the future king of Perinn by her side.

Xavier returned moments later, a glass of water in hand. "Drink this. You look like you could use it."

"Thank you," she said, taking the glass and sipping slowly. The cool liquid felt refreshing against her dry throat.

Just then, the door swung open, and three young men entered the room, each exuding a distinct personality. The eldest, with tousled blond hair and a laid-back demeanor, flashed a bright smile. "Xavier! You made it! We were just about to—"

He stopped mid-sentence as he noticed Julie sitting there. "And who is this lovely lady?"

"Guys, this is Julie," Xavier said, his tone warm as he introduced her. "She needs our help."

"Julie, huh? Nice to meet you!" the eldest brother, Sebastian, said, his charming smile disarming her. "I'm Sebastian. What's your story?"

"Uh, well..." Julie hesitated, caught off guard by their eager curiosity. "I just—"

"I stole medicine," she blurted out, the admission hanging in the air like a lead weight.

The brothers exchanged glances, surprise written across their faces. "You what?" the youngest brother, Kole, exclaimed, his dark eyes wide.

"It's a long story," she said quickly, feeling heat rise in her cheeks.

"I'd say so," Lennox chimed in, his mischievous grin softening the tension. "But don't worry. You're in good hands here."

As they started to talk and joke around, Julie found herself relaxing amidst their banter. It felt strangely comforting, being surrounded by this group who seemed to genuinely care about each other and about her. For the first time that evening, she allowed herself to feel a flicker of hope, a small light igniting within her.

Xavier watched the scene unfold, a satisfied smile on his face. He was glad to see his brothers welcoming her, sensing that perhaps this girl—this brave, determined girl—would bring something new into their lives.

In that moment, as laughter filled the room, Julie felt a sense of belonging begin to bloom, unbidden and unexpected. But deep down, she knew this was just the beginning. The collision of their worlds had only just begun.

authors note: okay i'm enjoying writing this so much and i do not suspect i will have readers so far but if your reading this in the future thank you so much i think i definitely want to make like a royalty romance with all of the brothers but thank you, leave any comments on any bit of the book just to help with my writing xx

word count:1350