Picture Perfect Royal Christmas☑️

Chapter 3: First Impressions

Sophia adjusted her camera lens, focusing on the royal family as they settled into their positions around the grand Christmas tree.

The firelight danced across their faces, and the soft glow of the twinkling lights created a magical warmth in the room.

She took a deep breath, reminding herself to stay professional, even as her heart beat a little faster with each glance Prince Nicholas sent her way.

"Are we ready?" she asked, her voice steady as she set the camera into place.

"Yes, let's begin," King Edward said with a nod, positioning himself next to Queen Isabella. The king had a calm, reassuring presence, his warmth evident even in his formal posture. Queen Isabella sat beside him, her eyes focused but gentle, giving Sophia a soft smile.

Beside them, Princess Eleanor couldn't contain her excitement. "Do I look alright?" she whispered to Sophia with a grin.

"Perfect," Sophia replied, grinning back. "Just be yourself, and that'll shine through."

Eleanor relaxed, throwing her brother Nicholas a playful smile, which he returned with a chuckle. He glanced at Sophia, his blue eyes bright with intrigue.

"Alright, everyone," Sophia said, lifting her camera. "On three... one, two... three."

The camera clicked, capturing a timeless family moment. After a few more shots, Sophia suggested some different poses, moving them to different spots around the tree and fireplace to get the perfect holiday images.

As she worked, she couldn't help but notice Nicholas watching her intently, his gaze lingering a bit longer than necessary. His ease and charm had been undeniable from the start, but up close, there was an unmistakable warmth to him that took her by surprise. His laughter, his gentle teasing with his sister, his occasional glance at his parents—it all painted a picture of a man who valued his family deeply.

"All finished?" Queen Isabella asked as Sophia lowered her camera.

"Yes, Your Majesty. Thank you all for being so wonderful to work with," Sophia said with a grateful smile. "I think these will make for some lovely portraits."

The queen nodded approvingly. "We've had many photographers here over the years, but none have managed to make it feel as comfortable as you have, Sophia. Thank you."

Sophia's cheeks warmed. "That means a lot, thank you."

Eleanor jumped up excitedly. "Sophia, would you like a tour of the palace? I'd love to show you around."

Sophia's eyes widened. "Oh, I wouldn't want to intrude."

"Nonsense," Eleanor said, looping her arm through Sophia's. "We don't have guests often—especially ones who aren't afraid to just be themselves. Come on, let's start with the gallery!"

As Eleanor led her out of the room, Sophia glanced back to see Nicholas watching her, a slight smile on his face. He nodded as if to say, "Enjoy," and for a fleeting moment, she felt an unexpected connection.

The gallery was breathtaking, lined with portraits of previous generations, tapestries, and artifacts. Eleanor filled the silence with anecdotes, her lively personality making every corner of the palace feel vibrant.

"And here," Eleanor said, pointing to a grand portrait of a young woman in a royal gown, "is our great-grandmother. The rumor is that she fell in love with a commoner and secretly wrote him love letters for years. They say she wore a locket with his picture until the day she died."

Sophia's eyes softened as she looked at the portrait. "Did she... did she ever get to be with him?"

Eleanor shook her head. "No. She chose duty over love, but it's kind of beautiful, isn't it? To have loved someone so much, even if you couldn't be together."

Sophia felt a pang of sadness. She glanced at Eleanor, who seemed to understand her thoughts.

"But times are different now," Eleanor said, smiling. "Our family is starting to realize that maybe love and duty can go hand in hand."

Sophia smiled, though a sense of longing tugged at her heart. She tried to push it away, reminding herself that this was just a holiday job. Still, the thought lingered as they continued their tour.

Eventually, they made their way to the palace gardens, a breathtaking winter wonderland with snow-dusted hedges, glittering icicles, and twinkling lights strung through the trees. Eleanor excused herself to check in with her mother, leaving Sophia alone in the quiet stillness of the garden.

She wandered along the path, marveling at the beauty around her, when she heard footsteps behind her.

Turning, she saw Prince Nicholas approaching, hands tucked in his coat pockets. "Enjoying the gardens?"

"Yes," she replied softly, watching her breath form in the cold air. "They're stunning, especially with all the snow."

Nicholas smiled, coming to stand beside her. "The palace staff goes all out this time of year. But it's rare to find someone who appreciates it as much as you seem to."

They stood in silence for a moment, looking out at the snow-covered landscape. Sophia's heart beat a little faster, feeling the warmth of his presence beside her.

"Thank you for capturing my family today," Nicholas said quietly. "It's rare to see everyone so... relaxed."

"Your family seems very close," Sophia replied, glancing up at him. "It was a joy to photograph you all."

Nicholas's gaze softened. "We are close, but duty often gets in the way. I've always wondered what life would be like without all the expectations."

Sophia nodded, sensing the weight behind his words. "I suppose everyone has their own expectations, though maybe in different forms."

He looked at her with an intensity that sent a warmth through her. "What about you, Sophia? What's your dream?"

Caught off guard, Sophia smiled thoughtfully. "Honestly? Just this. Creating art, capturing memories... helping people see the beauty in everyday moments. I think that's all I really want."

Nicholas's expression softened. "It sounds like a beautiful life. Simple, but meaningful."

They stood in silence again, but it was a comfortable one. The air around them felt heavy with unspoken words, and for a fleeting moment, it felt as if the palace walls and royal obligations had faded away, leaving just the two of them.

Finally, Nicholas cleared his throat. "Sophia... would you join us tomorrow? There's a holiday market in town, and we'd love to show you around."

Sophia's heart fluttered. "I'd love to. Thank you, Nicholas."

His smile widened, and for the first time since she arrived, she saw not the prince, but just a man—warm, sincere, and searching, much like herself.

"Then it's a date," he said with a playful wink, before turning back toward the palace. Sophia watched him go, her heart racing with a mixture of excitement and confusion.

As she walked back inside, she couldn't help but wonder if this holiday would be more than just another job—if perhaps, this Christmas at the palace would become the most magical one of her life.