A royal Heart

Chapter 5: Life at the Palace

The morning sun filtered through the vast windows of the palace, casting light over ornate chandeliers and walls adorned with the finest tapestries. Julie awoke in her small but comfortable quarters, a strange mix of nerves and excitement settling over her. She dressed in the simple uniform provided to her and smoothed the fabric, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. Today would be her first official day working within the palace.

As she made her way through the grand hallways, she passed portraits of past rulers, their faces staring down at her with a quiet authority. She tried to walk with purpose, ignoring the occasional glance from palace staff, some curious, others skeptical. It was no secret that her arrival at the palace had raised questions.

Julie's first assignment was to assist the head housekeeper, Madame Ingrid, a stern woman with a meticulous eye. Madame Ingrid was older, with graying hair pinned back in a neat bun and sharp eyes that missed nothing. She explained the daily tasks with an air of authority, leaving no room for error.

"Remember," Madame Ingrid said, her gaze unwavering, "the palace is more than just a residence. It's a symbol, a place of tradition. Your work here must reflect that. Every corner, every detail must be perfect."

Julie nodded, feeling the weight of those words. She spent the morning dusting endless shelves of polished wood, arranging fresh flowers in grand vases, and wiping down marble surfaces that gleamed under the morning light. Each task was more intricate than she'd imagined, and her hands trembled with each movement, trying to meet the high standards expected of her.

Around mid-morning, she spotted Xavier passing through the hall, flanked by his brothers, Sebastian, Lennox, and Kole. They were deep in conversation, their voices a blend of teasing and serious exchanges. Sebastian, the oldest of the three, carried himself with a quiet intensity, while Lennox had an easy-going charm, flashing a grin whenever he caught her eye. Kole, the youngest, seemed reserved, but his occasional smile was warm and welcoming.

When they noticed her, Lennox nudged Xavier, and they all paused to greet her. "Settling in, are you?" Xavier asked, his eyes crinkling with a gentle amusement as he took in her slightly flustered expression.

Julie smiled, adjusting her grip on the cloth she was holding. "I'm getting the hang of things, I think."

Kole gave her a sympathetic nod. "Madame Ingrid is tough but fair. If you survive her, you'll survive anything," he joked, and his brothers chuckled in agreement.

"She has high standards," Julie admitted, glancing back down the hallway to make sure Madame Ingrid wasn't nearby. "But I think I can manage."

Xavier gave her a reassuring nod. "Good. If you need anything, remember you have friends here."

As they moved on, Julie felt a surge of warmth. She had only known them a short time, but their kindness had made the palace feel a little less daunting.

Throughout the day, Julie continued her tasks, and by evening, her hands were sore, her back ached, and her mind felt foggy from the endless attention to detail. She was in the grand dining hall, setting the table for the royal family's dinner, when Madame Ingrid approached, her eyes as sharp as ever.

"You've done well today, Julie," she said, a rare hint of approval in her voice. "But remember, consistency is key here. This place demands dedication."

Julie nodded, feeling a flicker of pride at Madame Ingrid's words. As she finished setting the table, she heard footsteps echoing down the corridor. She turned to see Xavier entering the dining hall alone, dressed in a dark suit that highlighted his strong, elegant features.

"Julie," he greeted her with a small smile, his voice soft yet commanding in the quiet room. "I wanted to thank you for your hard work today."

She straightened, caught off guard by his presence. "Thank you, Your Highness. It's my pleasure to be here... and to help in any way I can."

Xavier studied her for a moment, his eyes holding a gentleness she hadn't expected. "Please, call me Xavier when we're alone. I think we've moved past titles by now."

A blush rose to her cheeks, and she nodded. "Of course... Xavier."

He seemed pleased, and they shared a moment of quiet understanding. There was something about his presence that soothed her, as if he truly saw her, not just as another staff member, but as someone whose efforts mattered.

"Good night, Julie," he said, his voice soft, and then he turned, leaving her alone in the grand, candle-lit hall.

As she made her way back to her quarters, Julie felt a strange sense of satisfaction and calm, despite her exhaustion. The palace, for all its grandeur and pressure, was starting to feel like a place where she could belong—where she could do something meaningful.

In the days that followed, she settled into a rhythm. Each morning, she woke with the first light, completing her tasks under Madame Ingrid's watchful eye. She grew accustomed to the bustling routine of palace life, from polishing the grand chandeliers in the ballroom to helping with flower arrangements in the palace gardens. And with each day, her confidence grew.

She would occasionally catch glimpses of Xavier from afar, overseeing affairs with his father or talking with his brothers. Their shared moments were rare but meaningful, exchanged glances or quick words in passing. Sometimes, she would find herself watching him as he listened to his father's advisors, his face calm and resolute. She admired his quiet strength, the way he balanced his responsibilities with kindness and humor.

The palace staff, initially reserved, began to warm to her. She made friends with a young maid named Anna, who had an easy laugh and a love for telling stories of palace gossip. The cooks in the kitchen would save her small treats—a slice of cake or a piece of fruit—whenever she passed through, and the gardeners taught her about the rare plants that filled the palace grounds.

One afternoon, while arranging fresh linens in the guest quarters, Julie heard the faint strains of piano music drifting through the open windows. She followed the sound to a music room she hadn't explored yet and peered inside. There, seated at the piano, was Xavier, his fingers gliding over the keys with practised grace.

She lingered in the doorway, captivated by the sight. There was something vulnerable and raw in his playing, a part of him she hadn't seen before. She wondered what thoughts lingered in his mind, what worries weighed on him that only music could soothe.

After a few minutes, he finished the piece and looked up, catching sight of her. He gave her a warm smile, and for a moment, it felt like they were the only two people in the palace.

"Didn't know I had an audience," he said, a hint of playfulness in his voice.

Julie stepped forward, feeling suddenly shy. "You play beautifully. I didn't mean to interrupt."

"Not at all," he replied, gesturing for her to join him by the piano. "Do you play?"

She shook her head, glancing down at the polished keys. "My dad taught me a few notes when I was little, but I was never very good."

He chuckled softly. "Sometimes, it's not about skill. It's about feeling."

They fell into an easy conversation, speaking of music and memories, their laughter filling the room. In those quiet moments, sitting beside him, Julie felt a connection deeper than she had ever expected. Xavier wasn't just a prince—he was a person who shared her doubts, who faced his own struggles despite the privilege surrounding him.

When they finally parted, Julie felt a sense of loss, as if leaving a dream. Yet, as she returned to her duties, the memory of that shared moment stayed with her, warming her through the day.

In the heart of the palace, amidst the pressures and demands of royal life, Julie was finding her place—one small, unexpected step at a time. And, in ways she was only beginning to understand, Xavier had become a part of her world, a presence as constant and reassuring as the rhythm of her own heartbeat.

Authors note: got nothing really to say this chapter more of story building then character, but none the less i hope you enjoyed reading 

word count: 1363