CHAPTER 16
And it wasn't a battle to be won overnight.
"You just said I need to listen to you," Grace said, holding Matthew Sterrn's gaze. "Tell me what you want me to do."
Matthew exhaled, studying her carefully. "If I start telling you what you need to do now, you'll fumble yourself and this kingdom that has been placed in your hands. For now, just follow your instincts and do what is right." He took a step back. "I will reach out when the time is right. But just know that I'm always on your side, Grace Johnson." He smirked slightly. "Or should I say, Prince Quicke."
Grace clenched her fists as he turned and walked away, his figure disappearing into the dimly lit garden. The shadows swallowed him whole before she could call out again.
Frustration twisted inside her. "But how do I know if my instinct is right?" she shouted after him, waving her hands. But Matthew was already gone.
She stood still for a moment, the weight of his words pressing against her chest. Everything felt like a puzzle missing its final pieces, and yet, she was expected to act with certainty.
At this point it was becoming frustrating.
With a slow breath, she turned back toward the castle. She had to be careful. If anyone had seen her speaking to Matthew, the wrong questions would start being asked. She took quiet, measured steps as she entered through the side corridor, glancing around to make sure no one was lurking.
But before she could reach her chamber, she almost collided with someone.
Juliet.
The moment she saw her, Grace tensed.
Juliet smiled, stepping closer, her voice soft and sweet. "Your Highness, my lovely husband." She let the words roll off her tongue like honey. "Why are you out at this time? You know, since I'm now your bride, I have the right to be concerned about your whereabouts."
Grace narrowed her eyes, keeping her expression unreadable. "I should be asking you. You're restricted from coming near my chamber or anywhere close until I've been crowned king. So why are you here this late, moving without a servant?"
Juliet let out a soft chuckle as if trying to brush off the question, but Grace didn't move. She wasn't someone to be dismissed easily.
"Yes, Your Highness, you know we just got married, and I am longing to be with you." Juliet's eyes searched hers, her lips curling into a playful smile. "I just want to be in your embrace, Prince Quicke."
Grace studied her carefully. There was something off. Juliet was a master of words, someone who had learned to wield charm like a weapon, but Grace could tell this wasn't about longing, it was rather a cover.
Her gaze remained firm. "Very well. But you look bothered. Are you quite sure my embrace is all you seek?"
Juliet's lips parted slightly, as if caught off guard. But she recovered quickly. "I looked bothered because I didn't see you in your chamber, My Prince. But I'm glad to find out that you're okay. If you permit, I'd like to return to my room."
Grace watched her closely. "I am very much okay, Juliet. But do not come looking for me again, it's against my tradition, which is now yours by marriage, so you need to adhere to it. And when moving, make sure to have your maid with you."
A beat passed before Juliet nodded. "Okay." She glanced toward the hallway. "May I?"
Grace gestured toward the corridor. "You may. We shall see each other in the morning."
Juliet gave a small bow and turned, walking away. Grace didn't move, keeping her eyes locked on Juliet's retreating figure, counting each step until she was out of sight.
She exhaled slowly, feeling the weight of suspicion settle deeper into her bones.
Juliet was up to something. That much was clear. She had never been up to any good in the past, so why would that change now?
Back in her chamber, Grace let out a tired breath and sank onto the bed. The events of the night replayed in her mind.
Matthew Sterrn's warning.
Juliet's sudden appearance.
Something wasn't right.
She ran a hand through her hair, glancing toward the mirror. Her reflection stared back at her, but it no longer felt foreign. The sharp angles, the piercing eyes, the regal presence, it was still strange, but she was starting to recognize the person looking back.
Grace Johnson was still there, buried beneath the title of Prince Quicke. But for how long?
Her thoughts drifted back to Matthew.
She didn't trust him entirely, but there was something about his presence that felt familiar. Like he had been part of her life before, even if she couldn't place him and even though she come across him again, she just might not recognize him.
And now, he was telling her to trust her instincts.
But how?
Her instincts had led her into a life where the people who killed her were the same ones now calling her "husband." Her instincts had gotten her killed once.
What if they got her killed again?
She leaned back against the headboard, staring at the ceiling.
No.
She wasn't the same person she was before.
This time, she had power. A title. A kingdom. And if Matthew was right, then she had to be smart about how she moved.
She had to start thinking like a prince.
Not a victim.
The Morning After
The next day, the castle was alive with movement. Servants hurried through the halls, nobles gathered for morning discussions, and the scent of freshly baked bread wafted through the corridors.
Grace dressed in a simple but elegant tunic, fastening the silver buttons with practiced ease.
The moment she stepped out of her chamber, Commander Robert was waiting for her.
"Your Highness," he greeted, bowing slightly. "The council is expecting you for the first post-wedding meeting."
Grace nodded, falling into step beside him as they walked.
Robert's voice was calm, but his eyes flickered with something else, concern.
"I trust you slept well?" he asked, his tone carefully measured.
Grace glanced at him. "Well enough."
A pause.
"I noticed you weren't in your chamber last night," he said. "Is there something I should know?"
Grace slowed her steps, turning to face him. "Is there a reason you're watching me so closely, Robert?"
His expression didn't falter. "It is my duty to ensure your safety."
She studied him. "Then do your duty. But don't overstep it."
Robert bowed his head slightly. "Understood, Your Highness."
Grace turned and continued walking, but a new thought settled in her mind.
Everyone was watching her.
Not just Juliet. Not just Matthew.
Robert, the King, the council,every eye in the palace was on her, waiting, expecting her to faulter or act of place.
She wasn't just Grace Johnson anymore.
She was Prince Quicke. The future ruler of Alagascar. The key to the kingdom's stability.
And that meant she couldn't afford to get it wrong.
Juliet was finally in her reach and it's only smart to leverage on her inother to get to Queen Jonah, "Juliet love Queen Jonah a lot and if I must get to Queen, I must first of all, gain her trust" She hesitated "they are so wicked, the devil needs to come to them and take notes".