A royal Heart

chapter 27: family ties

Julie sat at the long dining table, its polished surface gleaming under the soft glow of the chandelier. She picked at her food as the conversation swirled around her, mostly centered on the kingdom's affairs. Though she was trying her best to integrate, the formality of palace life and the weight of the court's expectations often left her feeling out of place. Tonight, however, Xavier's brothers sat with them, and their presence brought a different energy to the evening.

Sebastian, the eldest after Xavier, was deep in a discussion about international trade agreements. His composed demeanor and eloquent speech hinted at years of experience navigating court politics. Lennox, ever the joker, interrupted every so often with playful quips that earned him a mix of laughter and scolding looks. Kole, the youngest and most reserved, quietly observed, his dark eyes flickering between his brothers.

Julie had always admired how different they were, yet how their bond remained unshakable.

---

After dinner, the brothers invited Julie to join them in Xavier's private study. She hesitated, unsure if she would be intruding on family time, but Xavier gently took her hand. "You're part of this now," he whispered.

The study was warm and inviting, its walls lined with bookshelves and its fireplace crackling softly. Lennox was already sprawled on one of the leather armchairs, a glass of whiskey in hand. Sebastian stood near the window, gazing out into the night, while Kole leaned against the bookshelf, flipping through a worn novel.

"So, Julie," Lennox began with a mischievous grin, "what's it like having your life turned upside down by our dear brother?"

"Lennox," Sebastian said sharply, though his tone lacked malice.

Julie smiled faintly, unsure how to answer. "It's... overwhelming at times, but Xavier has been wonderful. I just hope I'm doing enough to fit in here."

Kole finally looked up from his book. "You don't have to 'fit in.' That's not how this works."

Sebastian nodded in agreement. "Kole's right. This family isn't about conforming to expectations. If it were, none of us would be here, at least not as we are."

Lennox raised his glass in a mock toast. "Hear, hear. You're already doing better than most, Julie. Court life isn't for the faint of heart, and you haven't run screaming yet."

Julie laughed, the sound easing the tension she'd carried all evening.

---

As the night wore on, the brothers shared stories of their childhood. Julie listened, captivated, as they recounted mischievous adventures, from sneaking into the royal kitchens to Lennox once convincing Xavier to climb the palace's tallest tower.

"Of course, he got caught," Lennox added with a smirk, "but not before he reached the top. I maintain it was one of our more brilliant ideas."

"And you were grounded for a month," Sebastian pointed out, his tone dry.

"It was worth it," Lennox replied with a shrug.

Julie noticed how the stories revealed facets of their personalities. Sebastian, ever the responsible one, often played peacemaker. Lennox embraced life with reckless abandon, using humor as a shield against the pressures of their world. And Kole, though quiet, had a sharp wit and a deep sense of loyalty that showed in his rare but poignant interjections.

---

As the others continued talking, Kole approached Julie. He held out the book he'd been reading—a leather-bound volume with gilded edges. "I thought you might like this," he said quietly.

Julie took the book, running her fingers over its cover. "Thank you. What's it about?"

"It's a collection of poems. They helped me a lot when I was trying to find my place here," he explained, his voice barely above a whisper.

Julie looked up at him, touched by the gesture. "That means a lot, Kole. I'll treasure it."

He nodded, a small smile breaking through his usual stoicism. "You're stronger than you think, Julie. Don't let anyone make you feel otherwise."

---

By the end of the evening, Julie felt a newfound sense of belonging. The brothers' acceptance, each in their unique way, eased the doubts that had plagued her. They might have been princes, each grappling with their own struggles, but they were also family—a family she was slowly becoming a part of.

As they left the study, Xavier slipped an arm around her waist. "You survived the brothers," he teased, his tone light.

"They're not so bad," Julie replied with a smile, holding up the book Kole had given her.

Xavier looked surprised. "Kole doesn't share things like that often. You've already won him over."

Julie glanced back at the study door, where she could still hear the sound of Lennox's laughter. "I'm starting to feel like I might belong here after all."

Xavier pressed a kiss to her temple. "You always belonged, Julie. You just needed to see it for yourself."

And for the first time since arriving at the palace, she truly believed him.