CHAPTER 31
Robert rode in silence, his mind consumed by what Grace had told him. The words replayed in his head, each one pressing heavier than the last. He had sought answers, but instead of clarity, he found himself tangled in deeper confusion.
Grace had told him the truth at least, what truth he had managed to piece together, but why did it feel like something was still missing?
He was so lost in thought that he barely noticed the people bowing to him as he passed, their greetings falling on deaf ears. It wasn't until a figure suddenly appeared in his path that he snapped back to reality.
Robert yanked the reins, barely managing to stop his horse in time.
Matthew Sterrn stood in front of him, unshaken, as if he had known exactly where Robert would be.
"Commander, your mind is too distant," Sterrn said, adjusting the sleeves of his robe. "You're looking for answers that aren't hidden."
Robert exhaled sharply, trying to steady himself. "Matthew, I didn't see you standing there. I could have hit you."
"And yet, I wasn't hit," Sterrn said smoothly, his gaze unreadable. "Shall we?"
Robert hesitated for a moment before turning his horse.
A tense silence stretched between them.
Finally, Robert spoke. "I'm worried about King Quicke. He has too much on his shoulders, and now with the crown, he has power. I don't want anything to happen to him."
Sterrn studied him carefully.
"Apart from the power, has anything else strange happened to him?"
Robert furrowed his brows. "Aside from the power? Do you not hear yourself? That's already something beyond explanation. And how did you know I was coming for you, Sterrn?"
Sterrn smirked. "Oh, Commander, soon enough, you'll realize I know more than you think. The sooner you accept that, the better for you."
Robert clenched his jaw, "then give me something. Just a hint of what's actually happening," he said, his voice tight with frustration.
But Sterrn only gave him a knowing look.
The rest of the ride was quiet.
As they finally reached the palace, Robert immediately noticed Juliet standing at the entrance of the grand gate.
She was waiting for him.
Robert slowed his horse, eyeing her warily.
"Welcome back, Commander," Juliet said, her voice carrying an unusual excitement.
Robert dismounted, his stare cautious. "Queen Juliet, you waited for me?"
"Oh yes, I did." She smiled, but there was something unnatural about it. Then, her gaze shifted to Sterrn, her curiosity piqued. "And who is this gentleman you've brought with you?"
Before Robert could speak, Sterrn took a step forward and bowed slightly.
"A pleasure, my Queen. It is an honor to finally meet you in person."
Juliet tilted her head. "And you are?"
Without hesitation, he replied, "I am Matthew Sterrn. I was summoned by King Quicke."
Juliet's expression flickered with something unreadable. Then she smiled.
"Then you must be important, Sterrn." Her voice was smooth, laced with something hidden. "Come, let me personally escort you to the King."
She turned toward the palace, expecting them to follow.
Sterrn and Robert exchanged a brief glance, which showed she was up to something.
Grace was seated on her bed, lost in thought, when a firm knock sounded against the door.
She stood, opening it, and there was Juliet.
Standing beside her were Robert and Matthew Sterrn.
Grace's eyes darkened. "Lady Juliet, I see you've met my guest."
Juliet gave a soft, almost rehearsed laugh. "Oh, yes, I have. He looks gentle, so I thought to bring him to you."
Grace's expression remained unreadable. "He looks gentle?"
Juliet adjusted the bow an her hair, clearing her throat. "Yes, it's the first time someone is visiting. I assumed he must be important."
Grace studied her for a long moment before finally speaking.
"Leave us. Return to your chambers. Spend some time with your family."
Juliet hesitated, it was obvious she didn't want to leave.
Still, under Grace's sharp gaze, she had no choice. She nodded, her lips pressed tightly together, and walked away.
Grace didn't move until Juliet was completely gone. Only then did she step aside, motioning for Sterrn to enter.
Robert followed but was immediately stopped.
"Commander," Grace said, turning to him, "stand guard at the door. I don't want any eavesdroppers."
Robert nodded. "Yes, King."
As he stepped out, Grace finally turned back to Sterrn.
"You're welcome, Matthew Sterrn. It's the first time I've had you here, make sure you leave pleased." She handed him a glass of coffee.
Sterrn accepted it with a nod.
A thick silence settled between them as they sipped their drinks.
Finally, Sterrn broke it.
"Have you started having the trances again?"
Grace stiffened.
She hesitated before responding. "I did as you instructed. When the voice came, I didn't question it. I didn't scream. I just listened." She paused, tightening her grip around the cup. "But something else is happening to me."
Sterrn said nothing, waiting.
Grace inhaled deeply.
"After the coronation, I moved something." Her voice was quieter now, uncertain. "Without touching it. It was as if something… a force compelled it."
Robert, who had remained silent, suddenly tensed, he put his coffee down and stared at her.
"The day you became Quicke…the day you were changed," he said slowly, "were you informed about supernatural powers?"
Grace hesitated. "I wasn't," she admitted.
Her voice cracked slightly,she looked away, blinking rapidly, trying to hold back the sudden wave of emotion.
"I didn't even have enough time to make my wishes. That's why I ended up here."
Regret pooled in her chest, her breathing hitched, and before she could stop it, tears slipped down her face. "It's all my fault," she whispered. "If I hadn't wasted time, I wouldn't be dealing with this. I wouldn't have these complications."
Her shoulders shook, she allowed herself break completely in front of someone for the very first time.
Mathew Sterrn studied for a moment, he didn't know if to console her or ask her to put herself in order, he just let her express herself deeply.