We dropped Jeanna off at her apartment. The paparazzi that had followed us around all evening had started to fade, but I knew some of them had found a new spot to set up camp outside her building. They weren't going to let up. Jeanna would be moving soon, though—a new place, one that was supposed to offer more privacy and security, as prescribed by her father.
"Sir?" Simon's voice pulled me from my thoughts.
I nodded. "Head back to the Palace."
The car eased away from the curb.
Harry sat across from me, his face turned toward the window, his profile cast in shadow. He hadn't said a word since we left, but he didn't need to. I'd seen the way he looked at her tonight—the quick glances, the way his expression softened ever so slightly when she spoke.
It wasn't blatant, but I knew my brother. I caught the way his hand twitched, like he wanted to do something but wasn't sure what.
"Sir?" Simon's voice interrupted again.
"We'll be at the Palace in a few minutes," he said.
"Right," I murmured, leaning back against the leather seat.
Harry shifted slightly, his fingers drumming softly against his thigh. It was a small movement, barely noticeable, but it spoke volumes. He was restless, his thoughts likely spinning in the same direction as mine.
"What is it?" I asked, breaking the quiet.
He didn't look at me. "What do you mean?"
Harry turned his head slightly, his eyes meeting mine briefly before flicking away. "I'm fine."
But he wasn't fine. I could see it in the way his jaw clenched, the way his shoulders carried just a little more tension than usual.
I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "If there's something you want to say, just say it."
"There's nothing to say," he replied, his tone clipped.
The car slowed as we approached the Palace gates, the familiar sight looming in the distance. The tension between us hung thick in the air, heavier than the silence that filled the space.
"Harry," I started, but he cut me off.
"Drop it, William," he said, his voice low but firm.
I studied him for a moment, but his expression gave nothing away. He was locked up tight.
As we pulled to a stop, Harry finally looked at me, his eyes unreadable. "Goodnight, William."
He stepped out before I could respond.
YOU ARE READING
Brief Encounters
FanfictionFate collides with royal duty as William and Jeanna fight against unseen cosmic forces determined to keep them apart, risking everything for a love that defies tradition and destiny.
