CHAPTER 50
The hall had fallen into a tense silence. Every noble, every commander, every citizen present carried the same rigid posture of anticipation.
King Charlenugo stood at the head of the chamber, his expression unreadable as he gave the order. "Bring out the test crown. Clean it."
Grace finally understood the test and she had immediately known this was coming. The reality of it was far more suffocating than she had imagined. If she undergoes the test, and wore that crown, then her secret would be laid bare for all to see. Their suspicions would become certainty.
Her hands clenched into fists. "I need air," she said abruptly, turning away. She stepped out of the grand hall, her every breath feeling heavier than the last. The air outside did little to soothe her nerves, she paced across the lawn, thoughts unraveling into worse possibilities.
She was so lost in her turmoil that she didn't notice a person was approaching, until they spoke.
"You shouldn't be out here."
Grace turned sharply, it was Mathew Sterrn.
She studied him for a moment before speaking. "Sterrn, you're meant to be in there. Why are you out already?"
"I came for you, King," he responded without hesitation.
Grace had always known Mathew saw her differently than the others did. "Are you ready to undergo the test, Grace?" He asked quickly.
She hesitated at the sound of her true name.
"I don't know," she admitted quietly. "I'm caught between the lines, yunno?"
Mathew held her gaze, then said, "Then don't do it, I can cover for you," On steady voice, he spoke.
She stepped back, startled. Her fingers instinctively went to the edge of her crown, adjusting it as her mind scrambled to comprehend his words.
Her eyes flickered toward the guards stationed by the grand entrance. Their stances were sharper, more alert than usual. The entire kingdom was on edge. "How do you think that would even be possible?" she asked, doubt lacing her tone. "The kingdom is heavily guarded. And I took an oath never to leave the premises of Alagascar."
Mathew stepped closer, his presence grounding her in the midst of her panic. His hands found hers, holding them firmly. "Then we'll find another way," he said. "You don't have to do this alone."
For the first time, Grace took in his scent, the crisp, delicate fragrance of white orchids. It was oddly calming. She studied him, searching for the true reason behind his willingness to help. "Why are you doing this?" she asked. "Do I owe you something in return? Name your price, and it shall be granted to you."
Mathew smirked. "Yes, King," he said, lifting his hands in mock grandeur. "I want your entire kingdom."
The moment the words left his mouth, he caught the way Grace's expression darkened. He let out a low chuckle.
"I'm kidding, King Quicke."
A small laugh escaped her lips, surprising even herself.
"I want nothing from you," he said more seriously. "I'm only here to guide you. A lot is changing about you, and it's best you take only measured moves."
Grace studied him carefully.
"True," she finally agreed. She exhaled deeply. "I'll do it."
Mathew's amusement faded. "You'll do what?"
"The test," Grace said, straightening her posture. "I'll take the test."
Mathew looked tensed.
"The kingdom is already doubting the crown," she continued. "Refusing the test will only make their curiosity worse."
"And if the result exposes you?" Mathew asked.
Grace let out a slow, frustrated sigh. "I am still King Quicke, regardless," she said. "This is my home now. I'll face whatever comes."
Mathew said nothing. He only watched as she turned and walked back toward the hall.
Inside, the grand hall was alive with tension.
The castle members stood in perfect lines, their faces grim as they watched the test unfold before them. Each commander took their turn sitting on the steel chair, the test crown placed on their head.
The result was always the same. Within moments, their bodies would convulse, their faces contorted in agony before they slumped forward, panting, their innocence declared.
Grace clenched her jaw as she observed, she turned her head, catching sight of Nuel's body still lying in the hall. The blood had begun to dry. The sight of it left a bitter taste in her mouth.
She raised her hand. "Take the body out."
But before anyone could move, King Charlenugo's voice rang through the chamber.
"No one touches it," he ordered. "Not until the killer has been found."
Grace's fingers twitched at her sides, but she said nothing, instead, her gaze drifted to the far corner of the hall. Queen Jonah stood there, with a rigid posture.
But it was her face that caught Grace's attention, she was nervous. Not just in a way that any noble might be during a tense moment, but truly, deeply nervous.
And it only grew worse each time a commander was tested and declared innocent.
Grace narrowed her eyes.