AT THE SAME TIME
XAVIER'S POINT OF VIEW:
I couldn't move. The words wouldn't stop echoing in my head. Not their son. Not their real son. A fake prince. My chest felt tight, like someone had wrapped invisible chains around my ribs and was pulling tighter, tighter.
Everything had been a lie. Every memory, every lesson, every scar I had earned fighting for this kingdom none of it belonged to me. I wasn't supposed to be here. I wasn't supposed to exist. The truth clawed at my mind, relentless. My whole life, I had been Xavier Prince, youngest son of King William and Queen Clara, brother to Terrence and Michael. But now? Now I was no one. I heard a light footsteps and then voice that I could always recognize.
"Xavier?"I heard Wanessa's voice.
"I need a moment." My voice barely sounded like my own.
But she didn't leave. Instead, she stepped closer, her presence warm and steady, like a tether I didn't realize I needed.