CHAPTER 60
"Now let's return to the celebration," Grace commanded, gesturing to the hallway.
Juliet didn't hesitate, she followed swiftly leaving the unidentified man behind.
The walk lasted only a few seconds, but to Juliet, it felt like forever.
"Stop, please." She grabbed Grace's wrist just as she was about to step into the front yard.
"Yeah?" Grace turned with a faint frown.
Juliet hesitated before speaking. "I… I just want to say, I'm sorry for my act." Her voice was low as she glanced up at Grace.
"I already addressed that to you back there, and we're clear on it," Grace said, gently freeing herself from Juliet's grip and continuing toward the grand doors.
"That's all you know how to do, so go ahead and walk out." Juliet's voice rose sharply.
Grace stopped midway. For a moment, she questioned whether it was the loud music or Juliet who had actually spoken. She turned slightly. "What did you say?"
Juliet stood her ground, her brow furrowed. "You heard me. Walk out. That's the best thing you know how to do."
Grace turned, walking back toward her. "And why would you say that? What prompted it?"
Juliet didn't flinch. "You prompted it, King. I see how you treat everyone, how kind you are to them, how you make time for others, how you solve their problems. You smile for them, you listen to them. But what about me?" She paused with an uneven breath. "For crying out loud, I'm your wife, Quicke. You're meant to show me just as much love, if not more."
Grace stood still, caught between truth and defense because she knew Juliet was right.
"I see where all this is coming from, Lady Juliet," Grace replied, her voice firmer now. "You want to play the pity card because your conscience can't let go of the fact that I caught you in your mischief."
Juliet's eyes widened. That wasn't the response she had expected. "You may be right," she said softly, "but I'm airing my heart. You really don't care, do you? Do you even see me, Quicke? Or is all of this a facade? If it is, then it needs to stop."
Grace didn't respond.
"And now you're quiet?" Juliet asked again, her voice shaking.
Grace let out a faint chuckle. "What do you expect of me? I let you stay in my chambers even when it wasn't permitted, and…."
"And now?" Juliet cut in. "And now that I'm allowed to be with you, what's stopping it? Why do I still feel like we're not together?" She took a shaky breath. "I'm close to you, yet I feel far from you."
Grace lowered her tone and stepped closer. "I may understand how you feel, but you can't blame me, not entirely. You've seen what the kingdom's been through. I don't even have time for myself, how then can I have time for you?"
Juliet's brows drew closer. "No one makes excuses for the one they truly love. You can't be too busy for me, Quicke, except you don't love me as much".
The words hit deep. Grace, who had long held onto love, couldn't deny the ache Juliet carried.
"I'm sorry," she said at last.
Juliet shook her head, stepping back. "Don't be sorry, make me your priority."
Without another word, she turned and ran down the hallway, crying quietly as her steps echoed through the palace.
Grace stood there for a while, letting the moment settle, the conversation was heavy on her. A part of her wanted to retreat to her chambers, let the emotion sink quietly, but she couldn't be absent from the celebration. She brushed her robe, straightened her shoulders, and walked toward the front yard.
As she stepped out through the grand doors, Parkston stood there waiting.
Before she could say a word, he spoke.
"Don't worry, we'll sort that out. Just be happy," he said gently.
Grace looked at him gently but her thought was immediately clouded with what Parkston was doing at the grand door.