chapter 19
Prince Quicke or rather Grace moved through the day as though nothing had happened. She fulfilled every royal obligation, her posture poised, her voice unwavering. To anyone watching, she was the perfect prince, the leader Alagascar could be proud of.
But she had no idea that someone had seen her in her weakest moment.
And that, Commander Robert was no longer just her trusted guard but a man carrying a secret he didn't ask for.
Robert had spent the night replaying what he had witnessed. It wasn't just a dream or an illusion. Something had happened to Prince Quicke. Something unnatural. And he needed to know what that was and why.
The next morning, he approached Grace, keeping his voice steady.
"Your Highness, I seek permission to leave the palace for a few hours."
Grace, still adjusting the sleeve of her royal robe, barely looked up. "Granted. Be swift in your return."
Robert bowed and left immediately, not offering any details. He wasn't sure what he was looking for, but he knew where to start.
He mounted his horse and rode swiftly through the streets, weaving past commoners and traders until he reached the edge of town. When he was certain he was out of sight, he slowed his pace, carefully navigating the winding roads until he arrived at the the tea house.
The tea house was filled with quiet murmurs and the clinking of porcelain cups. It was a place where secrets thrived, and commoners could live their best lives.
Robert stepped inside and took a seat in the farthest corner, his eyes scanning the room. He had no name, no picture, nothing to describe the man he sought. All he knew was that he existed.
Frustration settled in, how could he find someone he barely knew? And then the thought hit him, the waiter. A waiter had served Matthew Sterrn.
He leaned back in his seat, watching carefully. Looking for the perfect time to get to the waiter who had served Matthew Sterrn the other night.
It didn't take long before the same waiter from that night approached his table.
"Good day, Sir. May I take your order?"
Robert leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice. "Yes and as you take my order, I have a few questions. This is on the authority of the prince."
The waiter hesitated, his eyes darting around, but he gave a small nod. "Go on."
Robert kept his expression neutral. "One night, you served a man seated exactly where I am now. Not long after, he spoke with another man who covered his face. The conversation was loud that it distracted the whole place for a moment."
The waiter furrowed his brows. "I do not recall something like that," he said, though uncertainty laced his tone.
Robert exhaled slowly. "Think deeper. Or ask your colleagues. That wasn't a quiet conversation, and I'll be waiting here for your answer."
The waiter nodded and walked away, disappearing into the back.
Robert clenched his fists, he needed to know what he had seen that night in Grace's chamber and if this mysterious man had anything to do with it.
Minutes stretched into what felt like hours before the waiter returned. He gestured for Robert to follow him into a quieter section of the tea house.
"I remember now," the waiter said in a hushed voice. "The man you seek, his name is Matthew Sterrn."
Robert's jaw tightened. Finally, a name.
"He is a prominent man, but he is dangerous. Everyone fears him. He is not from Alagascar. He only started visiting recently, and no one knows why."
Robert narrowed his eyes. "Then how do I meet him?"
The waiter glanced around as if afraid someone might hear. Then, he leaned in. "Meeting him is difficult. The only way we know he is here is through his orders."
Robert frowned. "Orders?"
The waiter nodded. "He is the only man in this kingdom who orders baked bread with lemon sauce. Since bread is forbidden in Alagascar, we always know it is him and he pays way extra for that."
Robert absorbed this information carefully. "So, the only way I can find him is to wait for an order of bread?"
"Yes," the waiter confirmed. Then, he pulled out a small docket and handed it to Robert. "Here. This is my cell. Call in to check if a bread order has been placed."
Robert took the docket and slipped it into his cloak. "Understood."
The waiter straightened. "That is all I can tell you. Be careful, Commander. This man is not one to be taken lightly."
Robert only gave a curt nod, his mind was already racing with possibilities. Who was Matthew Sterrn? And what was his connection to Prince Quicke?
The memory of Grace's torment flashed in his mind the way her body trembled, the way she gasped for breath as though something unseen was crushing her…Was Matthew Sterrn actually aware for what was happening to her? He only needed to speak with him.
After a few minutes he mounted his horse, as the Prince might need him around.
He rode through the grand gates of the palace, his mind heavy with unanswered questions. His encounter at the tea house had given him a lead, but it also left him unsettled. As he dismounted, the weight of his duty settled on his shoulders once again. He straightened his cloak and walked briskly toward the royal dining hall.
Inside, Grace was already seated at the tall table, a place reserved only for the King and the Crown Prince. Even the Queen herself was not permitted to sit there.
It was a statement of power.
Grace had just concluded a meeting with the council executives and appeared deep in thought. When she finally spoke, her tone was measured, as if she was testing the waters of her own decision.
"I plan on inviting Juliet's family over," she said, her fingers lightly tapping against the armrest of the chair. "At least, let's all get properly acquainted. The wedding was so quick, and we didn't have the leisure to do that. What do you think, Robert?"
Robert kept his face neutral, even though something inside him felt different now, a shift in how he saw her.
"I think it's a great choice, Your Highness. That way, both families get to be one in understanding," he said smoothly.
Grace studied him for a moment, as if searching for something in his answer.
"Very well then. I already spoke with Juliet, and she said she'd think about it. I just need to know if it's the right thing."
Robert hesitated before speaking again. He could see that this decision unsettled her, even if she wasn't fully admitting it.
"Why do you seem disturbed, if I may ask? You look worried about your own decision. Could it be that you don't truly want them here?"
A flicker of something crossed Grace's face, something unreadable.
"I do want them here, Robert," she said, her voice carrying the weight of carefully chosen words. "I'm only this way probably because we've not stayed closely before. But it isn't a problem," she added quickly, brushing the thought aside.
Robert held her gaze, knowing better than to push further. "I understand, Your Highness. I just want you to know that I'm always with you. You felt the same way meeting your ex-wife's family, so I do understand."
Grace exhaled slowly and changed the subject. "Where did you go today? You spent quite a moment outside the palace, Commander."
Robert knew he couldn't disclose his true reason for leaving, not yet.
"I was handling a farm, Your Highness," he lied smoothly.
Grace didn't press further, only giving a small nod. "Well, next time you leave, tell me your precise location, okay?"
"Yes, Prince Quicke."
"You may leave now," she said. "Call Lady Juliet for me, I need to have a word."
As Robert exited, Grace was left alone, her thoughts churning.
How would it feel to meet an entire family that birthed her murderers?
The thought made her stomach tighten.
She knew this was different now. Bringing Queen Jonah close wasn't just about family ties, it was about confrontation, only now, she had power and a new body.
She ruled the strongest kingdom, no longer was she at their mercy.
The doors opened again, and Juliet Morphine entered.
She wore a flowing gold dress, her long hair cascading down in elegant waves. She walked with effortless grace, her presence warm yet guarded, Juliet was beautiful. Too perfect.
Her gentle voice, her soft demeanor, no one would ever believe she was capable of such cold-blooded betrayal.
But Grace knew, and what was worse, Juliet showed no remorse. Not even a flicker of guilt.
"Good day, Prince Quicke," Juliet said, approaching with a poised smile. "You sent for me."
Grace studied her for a moment before responding. "Yes, I did. Your attention is needed."
She let the words linger before continuing.
"Have you thought about the visitation of your family and that of Queen Jonah?"
Juliet hesitated, her gaze shifting slightly. "Oh, I did. My family could come, but I'm not quite sure about Queen Jonah's."
Grace leaned forward slightly.
"And how would you know if she's not invited? You just have to try. It's best we all meet them, and they should be present for my coronation."
Juliet bit the inside of her cheek before nodding. "You're right, Your Highness. I second that. We can go ahead and send out the invitations, it will be delightful."
Grace's lips curled into a small smirk. "Very well then. Letters will be sent out, and arrangements shall be made immediately for Queen Jonah."
Juliet remained silent, her fingers fidgeting with the fabric of her dress.
Grace tilted her head slightly. "With that being said, I hope you're treated nicely. Do you enjoy the feeling of being a princess?"
Juliet blinked at the unexpected question. For a moment, she looked genuinely taken aback.
Prince Quicke had never asked about her well-being before. Was something changing?
A soft smile formed on her lips. "Most certainly, Prince Quicke. It's a pleasure to be among the royals. It's the best decision I've ever made. I can't wait for the coronation, so we will be together, finally, forever."
Before Grace could respond, a voice from behind them interrupted.
"That is more than a certainty, it's already happened."
Both Juliet and Grace turned.
Standing at the entrance was Queen Judith.
She wore an elegant blue gown, her crown sitting perfectly atop her head. She exuded an aura of calmness and authority, her bright smile filling the room.
"It's a pleasure having the both of you together," she said, stepping forward.
Grace rose and embraced her softly. Juliet did the same.
Grace quickly summarized their discussion.
"That's a good decision," Queen Judith agreed. "I look forward to it. I'll inform the King shortly, and we will spread the word while preparing for the coronation."
She turned to Juliet, reaching out to gently brush her fingers through her hair. "You look beautiful. You make a perfect bride. I shall see that you never want for anything."
Juliet smiled, warmth filling her expression. "Thank you, Queen. I'm most delighted. I promise to never let you down and to be a perfect wife to your son, to serve the kingdom with all my heart."
Her words were sweet, her voice sincere.
But Grace knew better, she had once believed those same words. And yet Juliet had helped kill her.
While this sweet moment unfolded, Robert quietly slipped away.
He pulled out the cell docket the waiter had given him and dialed the number.
The line rang twice before the familiar voice answered.
"Hello?"
"It's Commander Robert," he said quickly. "I'm calling to check, has there been a baked bread order today?"
"No, there hasn't," the waiter replied. "But I will call you the moment there is. You don't have to worry."
"Understood." Robert responded.
"I must go now, I can't stay long on the call."
And before Robert could respond, the line went dead.
He stared at the device for a moment, his grip tightening. He just needed to get answers.
With a slow exhale, he slipped the docket back into his cloak and made his way toward the royal hall again.
Grace was still seated with Queen Judith and Juliet, her expression poised, her presence commanding. She gave small smirks as she spoke, a picture of control and grace.
But all Robert could see was the haunting image of her trembling body, trapped in that unseen force.
He forced himself to look away.