CHAPTER 33
The kingdom of Alagascar was alive with morning bustle. The streets sang with the sounds of merchants calling out their wares, children laughing as they chased one another, and the rhythmic clang of blacksmiths forging weapons and tools. The scent of roasted meat drifted through the air, mixing with the crispness of early dawn.
But within the towering walls of the palace, none of that warmth reached Grace.
She sat by her window, staring out over the kingdom she was meant to rule. The people were celebrating, smiling, living their lives.
A sharp knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts.
Grace turned, exhaling before standing to open it. The moment she did, her body tensed.The woman's presence alone was suffocating. Jonah stood there, smiling too wide, too polished. Her golden dress shimmered under the soft candlelight.
"Jonah," Grace greeted, keeping her voice even. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
Jonah's smile didn't falter. "The Morphines and I will be leaving in a few days," she announced lightly. "I thought it only respectful to inform you personally."
Grace stilled, narrowing her eyes. "Leaving?" she repeated, voice laced with suspicion. "You haven't been ordered to leave, Jonah."
Jonah let out a small laugh, shaking her head. "Oh, I wasn't aware I needed orders to decide my own movements," she mused. "Very well, then. I'll simply inform my husband instead."
Something inside Grace tightened, she knew exactly who Jonah was referring to Parkston. Her Parkston.
Jonah was toying with her, pressing against the raw edges of something unspoken. Grace refused to give her the satisfaction of a reaction. She merely nodded, gripping the door handle, ready to shut it.
But then Jonah spoke again.
"You know," she drawled, stepping forward, "I can't help but notice, why hasn't your Queen, your betrothed, been sharing your bed?" Her voice was silk, laced with mock concern. "Each night, I see her wandering the halls, looking so lost. So longing for her King's touch."
A sharp, twisting sensation ran through Grace's chest.
She clenched her jaw, "That is none of your concern, Jonah," she said coldly. "Juliet understands boundaries. She respects them. Perhaps you should learn to do the same."
Jonah gave a soft hum, tapping a manicured finger against her chin. "Oh, I see. Respect," she echoed, as if rolling the word on her tongue. "Or is it guilt? Is that why you've been searching for Grace Johnson?"
The air around them shifted.
Grace inhaled sharply, masking her reaction, but inside, her mind was already racing.
She met Jonah's gaze, searching for an answer, Juliet must have spied on them and it's obvious she gave out the information to Queen Jonah.
Her voice came out calm, measured. "Who told you I was looking for Grace Johnson?"
Jonah's lips curled. "Oh, King," she whispered. "I have my ways. Eyes and ears in places you wouldn't imagine. I know what is done in the dark." She adjusted the sleeve of her gown with an effortless grace, like she had already won the game.
Grace's blood ran cold, "I'm not surprised you know what's done in the dark," she murmured. "You are darkness itself."
Jonah paused, her expression flickering. "Excuse me?"
Grace straightened, voice firm. "As long as you remain in my kingdom, you will follow my rules. I do not want you near my chambers again. Furthermore, a meeting shall be held. You, the Morphines, and I. Be prepared."
Jonah raised a brow, then let out a slow, deliberate laugh.
"Oh no, King Quicke," she said mockingly, pressing a hand to her chest. "How terrifying."
Her amusement was infuriating.
Then, in an instant, her expression darkened. Her smirk sharpened into something predatory. "Do you think your words hold power over me?" she asked. "They don't. I have everything and everyone under my control. And you? You are no exception."
Grace's breath quickened, fingers curling into fists at her sides.
Jonah leaned in slightly, lowering her voice as if sharing a cruel secret. "And as for Grace Johnson," she continued, "the woman you so desperately seek, she's long gone. Buried in a grave so deep, no one will ever find her."
Then, she laughed. A slow, taunting laugh that wrapped around Grace like chains.
Something inside Grace snapped, the air in the room shifted violently.
A pulse of unseen energy rippled through the chamber, shaking the walls. The floor groaned beneath their feet. The temperature plummeted, and a gust of wind one that had no source rushed through the space, snuffing out the lights in an instant.
Jonah stilled.
Her laughter cut short as she glanced around, sensing the shift.
Grace exhaled, forcing her hands to steady.
The wind stilled. The air settled And Jonah could sense that she had triggered King Quicke or rather Grace Johnson and for the first time, real curiosity flickered in her eyes. Suspicion.
Grace met her gaze, voice steady. "Get. Out."
Jonah tilted her head, studying her for a long moment. Then, slowly, her smirk returned. "Oh, dear King," she whispered. "How delightful this is going to be."
With that, she turned and walked away.
The moment the door shut behind her, Grace's legs gave out. She sank onto the floor, pressing a hand to her forehead.
Jonah hadn't changed. If anything, she was worse. More dangerous. More calculating.
Grace reached for her cell and dialed Matthew Sterrn.
He answered after two rings. "Grace?"
"I need you at the palace," she said, forcing steel into her voice. "Not in my chambers. At the meeting table".
A pause. Then, firm agreement. "Understood."
Grace hung up, rising to her feet.She wouldn't let Jonah manipulate this any further.
She immediately called for the grand hall to be prepared. No council members. No nobles.Just her, Jonah and the Morphines.
In no time Commander Robert informed her that they were seated waiting on her. She stepped out looking elegant, trying to mask the tension she had just received from Queen Jonah earlier.
She sat at the throne, her crown placed gracefully. She let out a soft sigh. Every eyes were on her. "You're welcome to Alagascar once again and this is the first meeting you'd be attending with me specially" while she spoke, the grand door fell open, as Matthew Sterrn walked in.