CHAPTER 52
Grace's face went pale. She could barely process the words. "That can't be possible, King," she said sharply.
Lady Judith stepped forward, her gaze flickering between Parkston, still unconscious on the chair and King Charlenugo.
"So, is he dead now?" she asked. "Since he's been found guilty?"
King Charlenugo studied Parkston for a long moment. "No, he isn't," he said finally. "In fact, he can still hear us. I must declare him dead before he will die." His voice dropped to a hushed tone.
Grace felt an emptiness settle deep inside her.
Parkston? A murderer? No! It can't be, she thought.
She had never believed him capable of hurting anyone, not even a fly. And even now, after everything, she wasn't ready to accept that the only man she had loved, both in her past life and this one, was about to be condemned to death.
Her breath came unevenly. "Parkston never left his chamber, Father," she said, struggling to steady her voice. "During all the chaos, he was inside. Isn't there some mistake?"
A voice cut through the heavy silence.
"I did."
The words were barely above a whisper. Her head snapped up and when she looked around, she realized the voice came from Parkston. He was now awake.
Her brows furrowed as she took a shaky step forward. "What?"
Parkston met King Charlenugo's gaze, as though searching for the right words. "I killed Nuel," he said at last. "And I'm sorry."
The room erupted into chaos, gasps and angry shouts rippled through the chamber.
Parkston swallowed hard. "It wasn't for a selfish reason," he added, his voice was still steady. "It was for Grace."
The hall became even more tensed. "Kill him!" a voice shouted from the crowd.
"He's a murderer! Justice for Nuel!" The words grew louder, turning into a chant.
King Charlenugo's voice cut through the uproar. "Silence!"
He turned back to Parkston, his eyes grew dark with suspicion. "What do you mean you did it for Grace?" he demanded. "Who is Grace?"
Parkston hesitated, then slowly, he looked at Grace or rather at King Quicke. She knew what he was about to say, and she wasn't ready for it.
"Grace was my wife's friend," he answered.
King Charlenugo narrowed his eyes. "And what does your wife's friendship have to do with the Kingdom of Alagascar?" he asked. "Your wife isn't even the Queen. This doesn't add up, Parkston."
Lady Judith stepped closer, her voice was soft but firm. "There's no use lying, Parkston. You should tell the truth now, because it's already too late."
A new voice rang from the entrance. "What truth?"
The crowd shifted, clearing a path as Queen Jonah entered.
"What has my husband done?" she asked, her voice was deceptively calm.
"He is responsible for Nuel's death," Lady Judith said.
Jonah's entire body tensed. Then, without warning, she let out a frustrated scream.
She stormed forward, gripping Parkston's shirt and shaking him violently.
"You didn't," she growled, her voice trembling with rage. "Tell me you didn't!"
The commanders rushed to restrain her, but she fought against them.
King Charlenugo's voice rang out again. "Who is Grace?"
Jonah froze and slowly, she turned to face the King. "How do you know that name?" she asked.
"Because you mentioned it more than any other word during your trial," Charlenugo said. "And now your husband claims he killed Nuel because of Grace. So tell me, who is she?"
The chamber was silent.
Jonah hesitated just long enough for Grace to see the panic in her eyes. Then, she adjusted her posture, smoothing out her dress with practiced ease.
Her voice was controlled as she spoke. "Her name was Grace Johnson," she said. "She was my rival. My husband loved her."
Grace felt cold on her body.
"But she's dead," Jonah continued. "And after she died, we moved on." She exhaled slowly, tilting her chin up. "We weren't friends, not even for a second."
King Charlenugo's expression hardened. "So your husband lied to me," he said coldly. He turned back to Parkston. "What does your former lover have to do with the Kingdom of Alagascar?"
Parkston didn't answer, instead, his gaze settled on Grace. She forced herself to stay still and to not react.
King Charlenugo's voice broke through the silence. "A murderer has no place among us," he declared, his voice rang with finality.
"Commanders, take him away and lock him up. Remove Nuel's body from here at once."
The orders were carried out swiftly. Parkston was dragged from the chamber and Nuel's lifeless body was taken away.
The scent of blood lingered in the air.
King Charlenugo turned to the gathered crowd. "In a short time, Parkston shall face the law," he announced. "Everyone be ready."
Grace didn't say a word further, she strode out of the hall, and headed to her chamber. Her mind was occupied, she hadn't believed what had just played before her eyes. Robert followed her.
"Don't you think there is a mix up somewhere?" She asked Commander Robert.
Commander Robert adjust his hat. "I have no idea King Quicke, the test have never been wrong, it gave the precise truth". He spoke in calculated tone.
Grace kept pacing around, "And Queen Jonah still has the guts to hate on Grace after these years?". She asked.
But Commander Robert didn't responded, instead he tried changing the topic. "About Matthew Sterrn". He said.
Grace narrowed her eyes. "What about him?"
Robert hesitated before speaking. "There's more to him King, he isn't just here because he knows a lot about you, he's here for his own driven motive."
Grace snapped her fingers, "Go ahead and tell me what the actual problem is and stopping prolonging what should be said". She spoke dismissively.
"He wants what you have King, and he would do anything to get it" Robert responded.
Grace gave a steady glance. "And does that have to do with the fact that Parkston had just murdered an intruder?" She asked.
"No, King". Commander Robert responded.
"I just assumed, it's best you are aware". He continued.
Grace let out a sigh. "Leave my presence now". She commanded.