A royal Heart

chapter 15: the confrontation

The palace felt colder than usual that morning, the grand halls eerily quiet as Julie went about her work. She had spent the last few days replaying Xavier's words, his promise of help, and the warmth in his touch. But each moment of hope was tainted by her growing unease about King Helmut. Since their brief encounter in the hall, she'd felt the weight of his disapproval lingering in every corner of the palace.

Julie had just finished arranging a vase of fresh roses in the sunlit drawing room when a royal attendant approached her. The man's expression was neutral, but his words carried a sense of urgency.

"Miss Julie, the king would like to speak with you in his private study."

Julie's heart sank, her pulse quickening as she nodded. "Of course," she replied, wiping her hands on her apron. She followed the attendant through the twisting corridors, her footsteps echoing against the marble floors.

When she entered the king's study, the air was heavy with the scent of aged wood and leather. King Helmut sat behind a massive oak desk, his posture rigid, his sharp gaze fixed on her.

"Your Majesty," Julie said softly, offering a respectful curtsy.

"Please, sit," the king commanded, gesturing to a chair opposite him.

Julie obeyed, her palms damp as she clasped them tightly in her lap.

"I won't waste your time," Helmut began, his voice low and authoritative. "I've noticed your... proximity to my son."

Julie's stomach churned, but she forced herself to meet his gaze. "Your Majesty, I—"

The king raised a hand, silencing her. "You seem like a hardworking young woman, and I understand your situation. I'm aware of your father's condition and your financial struggles."

Her cheeks burned with shame. She hadn't realized the king knew so much about her personal life.

"But you must understand," Helmut continued, his tone growing colder, "Xavier has a duty to this kingdom, a responsibility that cannot be jeopardized by distractions. You and I both know that whatever connection you believe you have with him is impossible."

Julie's chest tightened, anger and humiliation bubbling beneath her calm exterior. "With all due respect, Your Majesty, Xavier and I are just friends. He's been kind enough to—"

"Enough," Helmut interrupted, his expression hardening. "I won't allow this... arrangement to continue. You will leave the palace immediately."

Julie's eyes widened, her breath hitching. "Leave?"

Helmut leaned forward, his piercing gaze locking onto hers. "I've taken the liberty of arranging for your departure. You'll find a sum of money sufficient to cover your father's medical expenses waiting for you. Take it, and go."

The words hung in the air like a blade poised to strike. Julie's fists clenched in her lap, her pride warring with her desperation. The money would mean freedom from her mounting debts, a chance to ensure her father's health. But leaving meant severing her bond with Xavier, a bond that had grown deeper than she'd ever intended.

"I don't want your money," she said quietly, her voice trembling despite her resolve.

"Don't be foolish," Helmut replied, his tone sharp. "This is not about what you want. It's about what's best for my son and this kingdom. If you care for Xavier at all, you'll do what's right."

Julie stood, her legs shaking beneath her. "What's right," she said, her voice firmer now, "is for Xavier to make his own choices. Not you."

The king's expression darkened, but Julie didn't wait for his response. She turned on her heel and left the study, her heart pounding with a mix of fear and defiance.

That evening, as she packed her belongings, she felt the weight of her decision crushing her. She couldn't risk staying and causing more trouble for Xavier, no matter how much her heart ached to be near him.

When Xavier found her later that night, her suitcase by the door, his expression was one of confusion and concern.

"Julie, what's going on?" he asked, his voice laced with urgency.

She forced a smile, her hands trembling as she reached for the handle of her suitcase. "It's time for me to go, Xavier. My father needs me."

"That's not the whole truth, is it?" he pressed, stepping closer. "What happened? Did my father say something to you?"

Julie shook her head, unable to meet his gaze. "This is for the best," she whispered.

"Julie, don't do this," Xavier pleaded, his voice breaking. "I can help you. Please, don't push me away."

Her resolve wavered, tears threatening to spill as she looked up at him. "You've already done so much for me, Xavier. But this is something I have to do on my own."

Before he could protest further, she opened the door and stepped out into the night, leaving behind the man who had come to mean everything to her.

As the palace gates closed behind her, Julie felt the sting of loss settle deep in her chest. She clutched the envelope containing the king's money tightly, knowing it was the price of her sacrifice.

In the weeks that followed, she focused on her father's care, using the funds to secure his treatments. But no amount of money could fill the void Xavier had left behind.