CHAPTER 44
Queen Judith had watched the entire scene unfold from a distance before finally deciding to approach Grace.
"Where did you send your commander?" she asked, adjusting the diamond bracelet on her wrist. "And why do you act so differently whenever you're speaking with your betrothed's cousin, Queen Jonah?"
Grace exhaled, already growing weary of the endless questions today.
"Mother, I didn't think you'd be out today," she replied, almost brushing off the question.
Judith gave a soft nod. "Yes, I just couldn't rest for too long. Your father needs me, but I had to oversee a few matters before returning to him," she said calmly. Then, with a knowing gaze, she added, "But I asked a question, Quicke, and I know you heard me."
Grace ran a hand through her hair. "I sent Commander Robert on an errand, Mother. As for Queen Jonah, she is nothing to worry about."
Judith studied her closely before responding. "I never said I was worried about Jonah," she mused. Then, with a sharp tilt of her head, she added, "But why do you act differently around her? Or tell me, Quicke are you attracted to her?"
Grace burst into a loud laughter, unexpected laughter that made her breath hitch.
Queen Judith frowned at first but soon found herself laughing too.
Once Grace regained composure, she wiped the faintest trace of tears from her eyes. "Why would you even think that, Mother? We have far too much on our plates, and you think I'd be drawn to a woman?"
"You can't blame me," Queen Judith said, still observing her. "I'm your mother. I watch you closely. So, you don't like her?"
"No, I don't," Grace replied firmly. "Come on."
"Then why act that way toward her?"
"I don't know that I do," Grace admitted. "But I am concerned about what she plans to do with our men." Her voice dropped with frustration.
Queen Judith sighed, long and tired. "About that" She paused before continuing. "When I first heard of it, I didn't feel good about it either. But the Morphines are family now. We have to adjust."
"You have such a kind heart, Mother," Grace said, shaking her head slightly.
Judith studied her for a long moment before speaking again. "Tell me everything I need to know about your plans, your goals, your life. I don't ever want to be left in the dark."
Grace's lips curled into a slight smile, but before she could answer, a commotion erupted outside the grand hall.
Loud voices of people shouting. Then, a sharp cry. "Let me go!"
Grace immediately stood. "Stay here, Mother," she said before striding toward the disturbance.
When she reached the field, a large crowd had gathered, murmuring and arguing amongst themselves. At the center of it all, someone was struggling against the grip of several citizens.
"Silence," Grace commanded, her voice cutting through the noise.
Immediately, the crowd fell quiet, parting slightly to reveal a hooded figure kneeling on the ground, head lowered, his clothes covered in dirt.
Grace's gaze swept over the people before settling on the commanders who had been trying to manage the situation before her arrival.
"What is going on?" she asked, her tone sharp and expectant.
One of the citizens stepped forward. "King, we caught him sneaking out of the kingdom after an order was passed that no one should leave."
Another voice chimed in, "So we decided to bring him here. He doesn't even look like one of us."
"He's an intruder," the crowd echoed in agreement.
Grace took a slow step forward, studying the hooded man on the ground. "Who are you, and where do you come from?" she demanded.
The intruder remained silent.
"Speak up," she ordered.
There was a pause. Then finally, in a shaky voice, the man muttered, "I… am not from Alasgacar, Your Highness."
Grace narrowed her eyes. "Look up."
Slowly, the man raised his head. His face was streaked with mud from the struggle. His had a pale skin, and strands of brown hair clung to his forehead.
Grace examined him closely. He didn't look particularly strong, but there was something defiant in the way he held himself.
"Where do you come from?" she asked again. "And why were you sneaking out?"
But this time, instead of an answer, the man's voice came sharp and unexpectedly bold.
"I won't say a word to you, King Quicke. Let me go."
The crowd became even more tensed. A murmur of disbelief rippled through them.
Grace let out a short, firm chuckle. "And what if I don't?"
The intruder said nothing.
"Whether this man wanted to answer my questions or not, he would." She spoke aloud.
She ordered the commanders to tie him up and allow the scorching sun penetrate through his skin.
Queen Judith couldn't hold it anymore, she quickly came to the crowd and saw the intruder tied up. She was shocked at the sight.
"Mother, are you okay? You look disturbed." Grace asked.
Queen Judith studied the crowd and took a while before answering. "He looks quite familiar, like I've seen him somewhere".
Grace became startled. "How do you mean mother?" She asked.
"You see, while your father and I were on leave, I had a few persons come spy on you, but when they returned, they weren't complete in numbers and this face looked exactly like the one that didn't return, Quicke". Queen Judith responded.
"You had a few persons come spy on me?" Grace repeated. "I would handle that later, but for now, we need confirmations on who this man truly is." She gestured at the intruder.
Queen Judith moved closer to him now. She glanced deeply at the intruder, while he tried to hide his face. "I know you". She said.
Grace stepped forward, standing right beside her. "Let me handle this mother, you clearly shouldn't be here". She said almost whispering.
"I know Quicke, but I'm only here to help and he isn't just any intruder". Queen Judith spoke angrily.
"I have no idea what you are talking about Queen, let me go now". The intruder responded as he spat at King Quicke or rather Grace.