A royal Heart

chapter 20: news of tragedy

The sound of rain pattering against the window pulled Julie from sleep. Morning light filtered through the curtains, muted by the gray clouds that hung low over the town. She stretched, her body stiff from the makeshift cot she had set up in the living room to be close to her father. His labored breathing filled the quiet space, a steady reminder of his fragile condition.

Julie rose quietly, careful not to disturb him, and wrapped herself in a shawl to ward off the chill that seeped into the apartment. The kettle hissed softly as she prepared a cup of tea, her thoughts already racing. Xavier had assured her help was coming, but she hadn't heard from him in days.

As she stirred her tea, a sharp knock at the door startled her. Her heart leapt, a mixture of hope and apprehension tightening her chest. She rushed to open it, half expecting to find a palace courier. Instead, it was Mrs. Carmichael, the elderly neighbor who had been helping care for Frank.

"Good morning, dear," Mrs. Carmichael said, her face unusually grave. She held out a folded newspaper, her hand trembling. "I thought you'd want to see this."

Julie took the paper, confusion knitting her brows. The headline stopped her cold.

"Tragedy Strikes the Royal Family: King Helmut Passes Away Suddenly."

Her breath caught as she read the article. It detailed the unexpected death of the king due to a heart attack, the news shaking the nation to its core. Julie's hands trembled as she clutched the paper. Her mind immediately went to Xavier.

"Oh no," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Mrs. Carmichael placed a comforting hand on Julie's arm. "It's a terrible loss for the kingdom. The boy—you spoke of him, didn't you? He'll be king now."

Julie nodded numbly. The weight of the news settled over her like a lead blanket. Xavier's father was gone, and now he would have to shoulder the immense responsibility of ruling. She couldn't imagine the pain he must be feeling.

"I have to go to him," she said suddenly, her voice firm.

Mrs. Carmichael's eyes widened. "Go to the palace? Are you sure that's wise, dear? With everything happening—"

"I don't care," Julie interrupted. "He needs someone right now. He... he shouldn't go through this alone."

Mrs. Carmichael hesitated before nodding. "I'll watch over your father. Go, if you feel you must."

Julie packed a small bag with trembling hands, her mind a whirlwind of emotions. She left a note for her father, explaining where she was going, and kissed his forehead before heading out.

The journey to the palace felt longer than ever. The rain had picked up, soaking her coat and chilling her to the bone. But she pressed on, her determination unwavering.

By the time she reached the palace gates, the rain had slowed to a drizzle, leaving a heavy stillness in the air. The guards eyed her warily as she approached, her clothes damp and her hair clinging to her face.

"I need to see Prince Xavier," she said, her voice steady despite the lump in her throat.

One of the guards frowned. "The prince—King Xavier—isn't taking visitors. The palace is in mourning."

Julie's heart sank. "Please," she pleaded. "Tell him it's Julie. He'll want to see me."

The guard exchanged a doubtful glance with his companion but relented. "Wait here."

Julie stood in the rain, her nerves fraying as the minutes stretched on. Just when she began to fear she would be turned away, the gates creaked open, and a familiar figure appeared.

It was Lennox, Xavier's second brother. His face was pale, his usually confident demeanor subdued by grief. He approached Julie, his eyes narrowing slightly in recognition.

"Julie," he said, his voice hoarse. "What are you doing here?"

"I heard about the king," she said, her voice trembling. "I need to see Xavier. Please, Lennox. I just want to make sure he's okay."

Lennox studied her for a long moment before nodding. "He's in his study. Follow me."

The palace halls were eerily silent as Julie followed Lennox, the usual bustle of servants replaced by an air of solemnity. When they reached the study, Lennox paused, his hand on the door handle.

"He's... not himself right now," Lennox warned. "Be patient with him."

Julie nodded, her heart pounding as Lennox pushed the door open.

Xavier sat by the window, his back to the door, staring out at the rain-soaked gardens. His posture was rigid, his hands clasped tightly in his lap.

"Xavier," Lennox said gently.

Xavier turned, his face gaunt and his eyes red-rimmed. When his gaze landed on Julie, a flicker of surprise crossed his features.

"Julie," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

She stepped forward, her chest tightening at the sight of him. "I'm so sorry, Xavier," she said, her voice breaking. "I came as soon as I heard."

For a moment, he simply stared at her, as if unsure whether she was real. Then, without warning, he crossed the room and pulled her into his arms. The sudden embrace caught her off guard, but she quickly wrapped her arms around him, holding him tightly.

"I don't know what to do," he whispered, his voice cracking. "I wasn't ready for this."

Julie's heart ached as she felt his pain radiating from him. "You don't have to do this alone," she said softly. "I'm here. Whatever you need, I'm here."

They stood there for a long time, the world outside fading away as they clung to each other. In that moment, their connection was undeniable, a lifeline for them both amidst the storm of grief and uncertainty.

And as the rain continued to fall outside, Julie knew she had made the right choice in coming. She couldn't fix everything for Xavier, but she could be there for him. And sometimes, that was enough.