CHAPTER 41
Later that day, Grace sat in the quiet of her chamber, running her fingers over the wooden desk. The weight that Robert had lied about Mathew Sterrn still pressed on her, and now the voice had spoken to her again, stronger this time, as if it were growing more certain of its purpose.
A knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts. She straightened her back and called out, "Enter."
Juliet stepped in, no longer in the revealing dress from last night but in a green gown that clung to her form in a way that was both modest and alluring. Her dark hair cascaded in soft waves over her shoulders, and her lips were painted the same deep red as before.
"I brought tea," She said, holding up a silver tray with two cups. She smiled sweetly, but Grace didn't miss the sharpness in her eyes.
Grace leaned back in her chair, watching her. "I didn't ask for tea."
Juliet chuckled. "No, but I thought you could use something to ease your mind. I imagine today's meeting was exhausting."
Grace hesitated, then gestured for her to set the tray down. "You've never cared about my exhaustion before."
Juliet lowered herself into the seat across from her, crossing her legs in a way that exposed just enough skin to make it intentional. "Maybe I'm trying something different," she murmured.
"I need to get ready for another meeting," Grace said, standing.
Juliet exhaled softly, as if disappointed. "Of course, King Quicke. Duty calls." She stood as well, but as she moved past Grace, she let her hand brush against Grace's, lingering just long enough to make it clear it was intentional.
Grace flexed her fingers, shaking off the sensation Juliet left behind.
As she strode through the hallways, her crown and title pressed on her, she tried to focus. The council was uneasy about her decision, and she knew Queen Jonah would see this as an opportunity to exploit their doubts.
When she reached the grand hall, she found Commander Robert already waiting, his stance rigid. "King," he greeted, bowing his head.
She nodded and motioned for him to sit. The room was empty except for them. She had chosen it for that reason.
"There are too many unknown pieces on the board," Grace said, folding her arms. "The council is restless. And now there's a stranger out there who knows something about me that I don't."
Robert nodded. "The reward you offered will bring many informants, but it will also bring false claims. We'll have to sift through the lies."
"I know." Grace's jaw tightened. "But I need answers."
She paced the room, frustration simmering beneath her skin. And then, without thinking she exhaled sharply, and the bulbs in the room flickered violently, the lights twisting unnaturally. The shadows stretched, bending toward her as if drawn by an unseen force.
Robert tensed. "King"
Grace stepped back, her pulse racing. She clenched her fists, willing whatever had just happened to stop. And just like that, the lights steadied, the shadows retreating to their proper places.
Robert was staring at her.
"You didn't see anything," Grace said, her voice low.
Robert swallowed hard and nodded. "Of course not, King."
She turned away from him, gripping the edge of the table. The voice had told her not to fear her power, but how could she not, when it was growing stronger, slipping out of her control?
"We need to get ahead." she said, steadying herself. "Find out what Queen Jonah is planning. I want someone close to her someone who can report back without suspicion."
Robert hesitated, then nodded. "I will see to it."
Grace exhaled. "Good. Dismissed."
As Robert left, she let herself lean against the table, closing her eyes. Her grip on reality was slipping, piece by piece. Now she wasn't just pretending to be King Quicke, she was developing into something else , and she didn't know if she could stop it. And for Robert, he isn't trustworthy any longer but sending him on errands would make him feel he is.
Meanwhile, across the castle, Queen Jonah sat in her private quarters, a glass of wine in hand, a slow smirk playing on her lips.
"The king's getting desperate," Queen Jonah murmured, swirling the wine in her glass.
Across from her, a hooded figure knelt. "The council grows uneasy."
Jonah's smirk widened. "Of course they do. And soon, they'll start looking for an alternative."
The figure hesitated. "And if they don't?"
Jonah leaned forward, her eyes gleaming. "Then we'll give them a reason to."