A royal Heart

chapter 28: an unexpected proposal

The royal ballroom glittered like a dream, its high vaulted ceilings adorned with cascading chandeliers, their crystals refracting light into a kaleidoscope of colors. The soft hum of violins set a romantic tone as the elite of the kingdom waltzed gracefully across the marble floor. Guests mingled, their laughter and conversation blending seamlessly with the music, while the air carried the subtle aroma of roses and champagne.

Julie stood near the edge of the room, her breath catching as she took in the grandeur. Her gown, a deep sapphire blue chosen by Xavier, shimmered with every movement, the fabric hugging her figure in a way that felt both elegant and daring. A delicate necklace—a gift from Xavier—rested against her collarbone, its heart-shaped sapphire matching the dress.

But despite the beauty surrounding her, Julie felt out of place. The whispers of courtiers buzzed faintly in her ears, their speculative glances a constant reminder of her outsider status. She forced herself to smile, clutching the stem of a crystal flute filled with champagne.

And then she saw him.

Xavier entered the ballroom with the confidence of a man born to lead, his tailored black suit accentuating his regal stature. His presence alone seemed to hush the crowd momentarily, all eyes drawn to the crown prince. But Xavier's gaze scanned the room, not for the nobility or foreign dignitaries, but for her.

When his eyes met Julie's, the corners of his lips curled into a smile that sent her heart racing. He moved through the crowd with ease, his strides purposeful, until he was standing before her.

"May I have this dance?" he asked, his voice soft yet commanding.

Julie hesitated, glancing at the swirling dancers. "I'm not sure I can keep up with them."

Xavier extended his hand, his warm brown eyes full of reassurance. "You don't have to keep up with anyone. Just follow me."

---

Julie placed her hand in his, and Xavier led her to the center of the ballroom. The music shifted, the tempo slowing to a lilting melody that seemed crafted just for them. As he pulled her close, his other hand resting lightly on her waist, Julie felt her nerves melt away.

"I don't think I've ever seen you look more beautiful," he murmured, his breath brushing her ear.

Julie's cheeks flushed. "You have a way of saying things that make me forget how many people are watching us right now."

Xavier chuckled, the sound low and intimate. "Let them watch. You're the only one here who matters to me."

As they moved together, Julie found herself lost in the rhythm, her body attuned to his every step. The ballroom seemed to fade away, the whispers and stares dissolving into the background. All that remained was the warmth of Xavier's touch and the intensity of his gaze.

"You make it look so easy," she said softly.

"That's because I have the perfect partner," he replied, his tone laced with affection.

---

As the song came to an end, Xavier led her off the dance floor, but instead of returning to the crowd, he guided her toward the grand balcony that overlooked the palace gardens. The night air was cool and crisp, carrying the faint scent of lavender from the gardens below.

Julie leaned against the marble railing, her heart still racing from their dance. "This feels like something out of a fairy tale," she said, gazing at the stars.

"It does, doesn't it?" Xavier replied, his voice unusually tender.

When she turned to look at him, she found him watching her with an expression she couldn't quite place—an intensity that made her pulse quicken.

"Julie," he began, stepping closer. "From the moment you walked into my life, you turned my world upside down. What started as a simple act of fate became the greatest blessing I never expected."

Her breath hitched, her heart pounding in her chest. "Xavier..."

He reached into his pocket and withdrew a small velvet box. Slowly, he dropped to one knee, his movements deliberate and full of purpose.

Gasps and murmurs rippled through the ballroom as guests noticed the prince's gesture, but Julie barely registered them. Her world had narrowed to just the two of them.

"Julie," Xavier said, his voice steady yet filled with emotion. "You've shown me what it means to love without limits, to care without hesitation. You've stood by me, even when the world seemed against us. I can't imagine a future without you by my side."

He opened the box, revealing a dazzling ring—a delicate band of white gold adorned with a brilliant sapphire surrounded by diamonds, its design simple yet breathtaking.

"Will you marry me?"

Tears blurred Julie's vision as the weight of his words sank in. For a moment, she could hardly breathe, overwhelmed by the love and sincerity in his eyes.

"Yes," she whispered, her voice trembling. Then louder: "Yes, Xavier, I'll marry you."

The crowd erupted into applause, but all Julie could hear was the pounding of her heart and the joy in Xavier's laughter as he slipped the ring onto her finger.

He stood, pulling her into his arms and pressing a kiss to her forehead. "You've made me the happiest man alive."

Julie laughed through her tears, her hands trembling as they rested against his chest. "I think I'm the one who's happiest."

As the fireworks erupted over the gardens, their light painting the night sky with bursts of color, Xavier kissed her—softly at first, then with all the passion he had been holding back.

And in that moment, surrounded by stars and celebration, Julie knew that this was her happily ever after.