CHAPTER 38
Rumors spread across the kingdom. Some of the council whispered that King Quicke or rather Grace was never meant to rule. They claimed the kingdom had been in turmoil since the coronation, that her reign had been plagued with chaos and strange occurrences. Others, however, murmured in hushed awe, believing she was something more than just a ruler. "A powerful being," they called her.
"Something that walks among us but is not one of us."
Queen Judith couldn't rest anymore. She had respected the decision to let Grace rule independently, but now? With all the unrest, the danger, and an intruder? No. She needed to see her child.
She pushed open the heavy doors of Grace's chambers, her voice soft yet firm. "You don't seem okay, King Quicke."
Grace, startled by her mother's presence, turned swiftly. For a moment, the tension in her shoulders melted, and she allowed herself a real smile.
"Oh, Mother." She exhaled, as if finally allowing herself to breathe.
Judith stepped closer, taking in the exhaustion in Grace's eyes, the way she held herself proud but burdened. "It's been ups and downs," Grace admitted. "A roller coaster of emotions."
She paused, lowering her gaze before continuing. "I have always exuded excellence, always thought I could carry out any task given to me. But this" She lifted a hand to her crown. "This is a different kind of weight."
Her voice was steady, but Judith could hear the strain beneath it.
The Queen let out a soft sigh. "Oh, my baby," she murmured. "You don't have to be strong alone."
Grace stiffened slightly, but Judith reached for her hand, squeezing gently.
"It's okay to feel this way," she reassured. "Your father did too. I can't count the times I had to make decisions for him because he just couldn't handle things in the moment."
Grace hesitated before sitting down, motioning for her mother to join her. For the first time in weeks, they communicated truly.
Judith eventually leaned back, her expression shifting to something sharper, more inquisitive. "So tell me, what exactly happened last night?" She continued, "The entire palace is buzzing with the news. An intruder who tried to kill you?" Judith's voice dropped lower. "Quicke, do you mingle with dangerous people now?"
Grace let out a slow, measured breath. "I don't mingle with dangerous people, Mother," she said evenly. "I still don't know who they were or why they came for me."
Judith studied her closely before responding."And the one who saved you, have you seen them? Do you know who they are?"
Grace hesitated. "No."
"Then they must be rewarded." Queen Judith replied.
Grace's brow furrowed. "Rewarded?"
"Yes." Judith leaned forward. "If you announce a grand reward for whoever saved you, they will be forced to come forward."
Realization dawned on Grace.
Queen Judith wasn't interested in just thanking them. She wanted to uncover their identity.
"That's… brilliant." Grace nodded, her expression firm. "I'll issue a whooping prize to lure them out."
Judith smiled, pleased. "Good."
As they spoke, Matthew Sterrn caught the Queen's attention. He sat quietly at a table in the opposite hall,something about him drew her eye.
Her gaze lingered, then sharpened. "And who is that?"
Grace followed her eyes and for a fraction of a second, she hesitated.
"That's Matthew Sterrn," she finally said. "My special advisor."
Queen Judith arched a brow. "And yet, he hasn't been ordained?"
Grace exhaled, already sensing where this was going. "Not yet."
Queen Judith didn't look away. "Where did you find him?"
Grace shifted uncomfortably. "At a tea house."
"A tea house?" Queen Judith's voice held a dangerous edge.
Grace winced internally.
"And you believe a man you met at a tea house should be sitting at your royal table?"
Grace squared her shoulders. "He has proven himself."
Queen Judith scoffed. "Oh, Quicke, no one is worth that much trust so quickly."
Grace held her mother's gaze. "Sterrn would never harm me not to talk of to kill me".
Her words were final, leaving no room for argument.
Queen Judith studied her for a long moment, then sighed, shaking her head. "Very well," she relented. "But test him."
Grace's breath caught. "Test him?"
"Yes." Queen Judith's voice dropped lower, laced with quiet authority. "Ask him personal questions. Discuss personal matters with him and watch his reaction. Observe his body language. Listen to his words, but more importantly, listen to what he does not say."
A heavy silence hung between them.
Judith's voice softened. "He doesn't appear as you seem to think, Quicke. I hope I'm wrong, but trust must be built, not blindly given."
Grace swallowed, she had her own suspicions. But she hadn't voiced them not even to herself and now , her mother was urging her to confirm them.
Grace straightened face. "I'll do that."
Queen Judith nodded in satisfaction.
"But," Grace continued, her lips curving into a small smile, "you look young again, Mother. And elegant as ever."
Queen Judith let out a soft laugh, the tension in the air breaking just a little. "Flattery won't get you out of your problems, Quicke."
Grace chuckled. "No, but it makes me feel less like I'm drowning in them."
Judith smiled, reaching over to squeeze Grace's hand once more.
A grand price was put into consideration.