CHAPTER 39
Queen Judith had taken charge of overseeing the kingdom's affairs, allowing Grace to retreat to her chambers, but her thoughts gave her no rest. She had interrogated Matthew Sterrn, pried at his carefully arranged words, and yet even her mother had come to the same suspicions.
The thought nagged at her. She considered returning to the tea house, questioning those who might know more. But as king, she couldn't openly carry out the investigation and as such only one person could move in her place which was Commander Robert.
As she paced, lost in thought, it came again.
That deep, unwavering voice, this time, she didn't startle.It was no longer a question of whether the voice was real or not. It was here.
"You are very close to uncovering the truth."
It was loud, deafening and yet, only she could hear it.
"This time, follow your instincts," it continued. "Do not doubt. I shall lead you, giving you instructions when you need them."
The atmosphere grew unnaturally still as if time itself had paused and before she could react, the voice spoke again. "Your powers were not a mistake. Do not let them overwhelm you, Grace Johnson."
Her pulse quickened, but she forced herself to remain calm, she glanced at her hands. Still the same. It was normal, she focused on the nearby tea cup, attempting to pull it toward her, but nothing happened.
She tried again. Nothing.
What does it mean? She asked herself.
But quickly she pushed the thought aside. There were bigger things to focus on and she couldn't remain confused for long.
Meanwhile Juliet had not spoken to Queen Jonah since the selection incident, and it was beginning to unnerve her, more than that she didn't understand why Grace had kept her at a distance.
Why won't he let me stay in his chambers?
And why was he helping my family so much? Did he truly love me that much?
She needed to be sure, and she knew exactly how to get what she wanted.
Juliet pulled out her shortest dress, a sleek, scarlet silk that barely brushed her thighs.
She oiled her skin, letting the glow catch the light, smoothing it over her thighs and collarbone. A touch of red gloss, just enough to shimmer. She chose the mildest, most seductive cologne, the kind that lingered long after its wearer had gone.
When she stepped into the hallway, her scent carried with her, filling the space. The moment she knocked on Grace's door, she knew she would win.
The door creaked open. Grace stood in a loose sleep robe, exhaustion evident in her posture.
For a moment, just a moment Juliet saw Grace staring in amusement. She took it as an invitation. She stepped inside, her perfume filling the room.
Grace didn't move, she just watched her. Juliet closed the distance between them, so near that not even air could pass between them.
Grace inhaled deeply, absorbing her scent.
Juliet smiled, slowly, she let her fingers trace over Grace's chest, light and deliberate, and Grace didn't pull away.
"I know you've always wanted me," Juliet whispered. She didn't wait for a response.
"I've wanted you too, King," she murmured, her lips barely brushing Grace's jaw. "I want you to rule over my body tonight. I want to feel your touch, your lips on mine."
She leaned in, but just before their lips met, Grace stopped her, a single finger, pressed firmly to Juliet's lips. The rejection was immediate.
Juliet's breath caught.
"What do you think you're doing?" Grace's voice was calm, steady, but unmistakably firm.
Juliet's lashes fluttered as she recovered.
"I need you, King Quicke," she whispered, moving closer again. "We can't keep ignoring this."
Grace stopped her again, hands on Juliet's shoulders. "We need to take things slowly, Juliet." Her voice was measured. "Now isn't the time."
Juliet let out an angry sigh. "Until when?" she snapped. "You don't even look at me, am I not beautiful enough?" Her voice dropped, lower.
"Or do you still think about your late wife?"
The air in the room shifted, Juliet felt it, the change in Grace's posture.
Grace's face remained impassive, but her tone was dismissive. "Who told you about her?"
Juliet immediately realized her mistake.
She took a step back, softening her voice. "I'm sorry," she whispered, lowering her gaze. "I only want you."
Grace's jaw tightened. "Then do not bring my late wife into this," she said sharply.
Juliet nodded.
The silence stretched between them.
Finally, Grace exhaled, reclaiming control of the moment. "The kingdom's heritage is at stake," she said. "The last thing we should be concerned with is getting intimate."
Juliet hesitated before speaking again.
"Can I stay here with you tonight?"
Grace studied her, she knew exactly what Juliet was trying to do and yet keeping her close might be necessary. Juliet needed to believe she was winning.
Grace finally nodded. "Yes."
Juliet smiled, a small victory blooming in her expression. She moved immediately, wrapping her arms around Grace in a tight embrace. "I knew you wouldn't send me away."
Grace didn't return the embrace.
"You'll sleep on the bed," she said, her voice distant. "I'll sleep on the couch."
Juliet pouted. "As long as you're here, I don't mind."
Grace watched her slip into the bed, tucking herself beneath the covers.
The night was going to be long.
As Grace sat on the couch, she could feel Juliet watching her, their gazes met and they stared at each other for a while before finally, Juliet closed her eyes, but Grace did not sleep.
Her mind churned, Alagascar's council, Matthew Sterrn, and the voice that whispered in her head. She hadn't fully understood what Queen Jonah needed to do with the tall men of Alagascar.
Grace watched Juliet, there's something about her, one minute she's cold and the next minute she pretends to be the nicest person.
But she couldn't deny the fact that Juliet is extremely beautiful, her body was endowed but the thought of going to bed with her doesn't resonate well.
She appeared as King Quicke but deep down she's still Grace Johnson, who longed for Parkston.