The weeks leading up to the royal wedding were nothing short of magical—and overwhelming. The palace, a beacon of elegance and power, was transformed into a scene from a storybook. The towering stone walls were adorned with fresh garlands of roses and ivy, while inside, chandeliers sparkled brighter than ever. Servants hurried through the halls carrying fabric swatches, trays of delicacies, or ornate decorations, their steps echoing the feverish excitement that filled the air.
For Julie, it was as if she’d stepped into a world entirely removed from her own. The preparations were grander than anything she could have imagined, and while the prospect of becoming Xavier’s wife filled her with joy, the sheer magnitude of what lay ahead often left her breathless.
---
“Stand still, Lady Julie,” Madame Fleur, the royal seamstress, instructed as she circled her with a measuring tape.
Julie stood in the center of her dressing room, trying not to fidget as the team of seamstresses adjusted the final stitches of her wedding gown. It was a work of art—layers of delicate ivory lace over satin, with tiny crystals hand-sewn along the hem that sparkled like stars. The train flowed behind her like a river of light, and when she caught sight of herself in the mirror, she barely recognized the woman staring back.
“Is it too much?” Julie asked hesitantly, smoothing her hands over the bodice. “I don’t want people to think I’m trying to be something I’m not.”
Ella, seated nearby with a steaming cup of tea, smiled reassuringly. “Julie, you’re marrying the future king. You are something extraordinary now. But trust me, the gown doesn’t overshadow you—it highlights you.”
Madame Fleur clicked her tongue. “It’s perfection, Lady Julie. Fit for a queen.”
The title still felt foreign to her, and Julie struggled to reconcile her modest upbringing with the grandeur of her new role. But as she turned and caught the light shimmering off the crystals, she allowed herself a small smile.
---
While Julie was buried in fittings and etiquette lessons, Xavier faced his own set of challenges. His brothers had taken it upon themselves to ensure everything was in order, but their “help” often came with a healthy dose of teasing.
“Are you sure you want to go through with this?” Sebastian asked, lounging in Xavier’s study with a glass of whiskey in hand.
Xavier glanced up from the stack of papers on his desk. “I’ve never been more certain of anything.”
Sebastian smirked. “Well, just remember, once she says ‘I do,’ she’s stuck with you. No backing out.”
Kole, sprawled out on the couch, chimed in. “And no more late-night drinking sessions. You’ll have to, you know, act like a king now.”
Xavier rolled his eyes but couldn’t suppress a grin. “You three do realize this is supposed to be the happiest time of my life, right? Not a roast.”
Lennox, the quietest of the brothers, stepped forward, placing a hand on Xavier’s shoulder. “We’re proud of you, Xavier. And we’ll make sure this day is perfect for you and Julie.”
The sentiment struck a chord with Xavier, and he nodded, grateful for their support.
---
Outside the palace gates, the town of Perinn was equally alive with excitement. The royal wedding was more than just a union; it was a celebration that would unite the kingdom. Streets were decorated with banners and flowers, and vendors lined the cobblestone roads, selling everything from pastries to handmade trinkets.
“She’s one of us,” a shopkeeper told a customer as they strung ribbons above her stall. “Imagine, a girl from Perinn marrying the prince. It gives us all hope.”
“And she’ll keep him grounded,” another chimed in. “That’s what a king needs—someone real by his side.”
Julie’s story had become a beacon of inspiration, and as the townsfolk prepared for the festivities, they spoke of her with admiration and pride.
---
Amid the chaos of planning, Julie found herself retreating to the palace gardens one evening, seeking solace under the stars. The weight of expectations had grown heavier with each passing day, and the idea of standing before an entire kingdom felt overwhelming.
Xavier found her there, sitting on a stone bench beneath a blooming magnolia tree. The moonlight cast a soft glow over her features, but the furrow in her brow betrayed her inner turmoil.
“Julie,” he called gently, taking a seat beside her. “What’s on your mind?”
She sighed, leaning against him. “Everything feels so... big. The gown, the ceremony, the people. What if I mess up? What if I’m not what they expect?”
Xavier took her hand, his touch grounding her. “You’re everything I expect and more. This wedding, the crown, the kingdom—it’s just noise. What matters is us. You’re not marrying a title, and I’m not marrying perfection. We’re marrying each other.”
His words brought a lump to her throat, and she turned to face him. “You always know exactly what to say.”
“That’s because I know you,” he replied, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. “And I know we’re going to be okay.”
---
The days passed quickly, and soon everything was in place. The chapel, a grand yet intimate space within the palace, was decorated with cascading arrangements of roses, hydrangeas, and lilies. The guest list was finalized, with dignitaries and commoners alike invited to witness the historic event.
Julie’s attendants rehearsed their roles, ensuring every step of the ceremony would unfold seamlessly. Ella, serving as Julie’s maid of honor, was a constant source of encouragement.
“I still can’t believe this is happening,” Julie confided as they practiced walking down the aisle.
Ella grinned. “Believe it, Julie. You’re about to marry the man of your dreams and change the kingdom forever.”
---
On the eve of the wedding, Julie sat alone in her chambers, staring at her gown hanging by the window. The reality of her new life loomed before her, equal parts terrifying and exhilarating.
A knock at the door interrupted her thoughts, and Sebastian peeked his head in. “You ready for tomorrow?”
Julie smiled faintly. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”
Sebastian stepped inside, his usual bravado replaced with sincerity. “For what it’s worth, Julie, I think you’re exactly what Xavier needs. And if anyone gives you trouble, you’ve got three brothers now who’ll set them straight.”
The sentiment warmed her heart, and as she prepared for bed, she felt a renewed sense of purpose. Tomorrow would mark the beginning of a new chapter—not just for her and Xavier, but for the entire kingdom.
As the palace settled into silence, Julie lay awake, her heart racing with anticipation. Somewhere in the vast expanse of the royal estate, Xavier was likely feeling the same. And though the future was uncertain, one thing was clear: they would face it together.
YOU ARE READING
A royal Heart
RomanceJulie barely makes ends meet with her payments and her father is getting sicker by the day, she needs to steal medicine and she needs to now, she does it. Xavier the future king of Perinn sees what is happening in his drivers car he asks to follow...
