A royal Heart

chapter 4: the invitation

The early morning sunlight filtered through the grand windows of the palace, casting a gentle glow over the opulent sitting room where Julie sat, trying to absorb everything that had happened. The events of the night felt surreal—her escape from the pharmacy, Xavier's intervention, and now, somehow, finding herself under the protection of the future king. It was like stepping into a story that didn't belong to her.

Xavier entered the room with two steaming mugs of tea, his calm presence grounding her chaotic thoughts. He handed her a cup, his eyes warm and steady. "Did you sleep well?"

She managed a small smile. "Not much, honestly. I kept thinking... what happens next?" She tried to hide the worry in her voice, but Xavier's perceptive gaze caught it immediately.

"Actually," he began, setting his own cup down, "I wanted to talk to you about that. After last night, I don't think it's safe for you to go back home, not with the police involved. And I—" He paused, choosing his words carefully. "I'd like to help. I'm offering you a place here, at the palace, where you'd have the security and resources you need."

Julie blinked, her mind reeling. "A place... here? I'm not sure I understand."

"I mean a job, if you're willing," he clarified. "My father could use extra hands around the palace, someone who can help with some of the more... personal tasks. You'd be compensated, and it could give you a fresh start."

Julie looked down at her hands, her thoughts spinning. The idea of living at the palace, of being this close to Xavier and his world, felt overwhelming. But then the reality of her situation hit her. With the police aware of her theft and her father's mounting needs, what other choice did she really have?

"I don't know, Xavier," she said, her voice trembling. "I've never belonged in a place like this. And your father... does he even know?"

He gave her a gentle smile. "I'll handle my father. He'll understand. And as for belonging—sometimes, it takes a change of scenery to find where we truly fit. You wouldn't be alone; my brothers would be here, and we'd be glad to have you."

The memory of Xavier's brothers from the night before, laughing and accepting her presence so warmly, flashed in her mind. There was a warmth to them that she hadn't expected, a reminder that maybe she wasn't as alone in the world as she felt.

"Alright," she whispered, barely audible. "I'll try. I'll stay."

Xavier's expression softened, relief evident in his eyes. "Good. You'll be fine, Julie, I promise. I'll help you however I can." He reached over, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze.

Later that morning, Julie was shown to her new quarters—a modest but comfortable room with a view of the palace gardens. The bed was soft, the linens fresh, and the small vase of flowers by the window seemed a kindness she hadn't seen in years. It felt strange to be in a space so different from her own cramped apartment.

Once she settled in, she took a deep breath and wandered down the palace's sprawling hallways, marvelling at the artwork and gilded archways. She noticed the history imbued in every corner, each room whispering of generations past, stories untold yet profoundly felt.

As she explored, Julie's mind raced with doubts and insecurities. Could she really adjust to life here? She thought of her father back in their modest apartment, and her heart twisted. Would he even understand why she had chosen to stay?

Lost in thought, she didn't notice the figure approaching her until he cleared his throat. She looked up to see Xavier's father, King Helmut, standing before her. His expression was unreadable, his piercing gaze assessing her with a quiet intensity. Instinctively, she dipped her head in respect, unsure of what to say.

"Julie, I presume," he said, his voice deep and measured. There was no warmth in his tone, but no harshness either—just the weight of someone who had seen and known far more than she could imagine.

"Yes, Your Majesty," she replied, trying to keep her voice steady.

Xavier had mentioned he would speak to his father, but the tension in the air was palpable. She could feel his eyes studying her, measuring her worth against the centuries of tradition she was now stepping into.

"You understand that life here is... different?" he asked, each word carefully chosen. "This is not a decision to be made lightly. There are expectations, responsibilities, both to the family and to those we serve."

Julie nodded, forcing herself to meet his gaze. "Yes, Your Majesty. I'm here because Xavier believes I can help, and because..." She hesitated, then found her courage. "Because I want to help. I know my place here may seem unconventional, but I won't take this opportunity lightly."

For a long moment, the king regarded her in silence, his expression inscrutable. Finally, he gave a slight nod. "Very well, then. Prove yourself, Julie. If my son sees potential in you, I will trust his judgment. But remember, you are here to assist him, not to disrupt."

"Yes, Your Majesty," she said, feeling both a weight and a strange comfort in his words.

With that, the king inclined his head, dismissing her with a single, measured look. As he turned to leave, she released a breath she hadn't realised she was holding. It had been an encounter that set a clear tone—she was a guest here, and any misstep would come at a cost.

Later that evening, Xavier found her sitting alone in the gardens, lost in thought as she took in the fragrant blooms and the soft twilight.

"How was your first day?" he asked, his voice gentle as he took a seat beside her.

She managed a small smile, glancing over at him. "Your father is... intimidating," she admitted with a soft chuckle. "But I think I understand what he expects of me."

"He's always been strict, but he means well," Xavier replied, his tone reassuring. "He values loyalty and hard work, and I think you'll show him both."

They sat together in comfortable silence, the air between them filled with the quiet hum of crickets and the faint glow of stars beginning to dot the sky. The weight of her worries eased as she looked at him, a small glimmer of hope taking root.

"Thank you, Xavier," she said softly, her gratitude evident in her voice. "For everything."

He looked at her with that same warmth and sincerity she had come to appreciate. "Don't mention it, Julie. I think you'll find that we're both helping each other."

And as they sat there under the soft glow of the evening sky, Julie felt that perhaps, just perhaps, this invitation to a new world might lead to something she had never dared to dream of before.

authors note: hi again the king seems quite grumpy but its whatever right... anyway SHE GOT A JOB so now hopefully things will go well for her and it will be happily ever after. yeah? well near future thanks for reading this chapter and i have finally made a decision whether to make it all a series with the brothers but i guess you will have to wait..

word count: 1191