CHAPTER 40
The sun burned bright in the sky, its golden rays filtering through the curtains.
The morning air carried the sound of chirping birds and the distant hum of servants preparing breakfast. The scent of roasted meat drifted through the palace halls.
Grace stood, her body heavy with exhaustion yet strangely refreshed. Brushing her hair back, she turned and her gaze landed on Juliet, still deep in sleep. She reached out and tapped Juliet's hand. "It's morning. Wake up."
Juliet immediately woke up, sluggishly sitting up. "Good morning, King," she murmured, her voice still laced with sleep. "Did you sleep well?"
Grace nodded, leaning in slightly. "I did. Did you?"
Juliet blinked, startled by the sudden closeness. Her breath hitched, her lips slightly parted, but she couldn't bring herself to say a word.
Grace smirked, just slightly before straightening.
"Come on, get up. I have meetings to attend, and you can't stay here alone." She extended a hand to Juliet, who took it hesitantly.
Then Grace's gaze flicked over her attire.
"You're too exposed to step out like that," she remarked, slipping off her jacket and draping it over Juliet's shoulders.
Juliet hugged the fabric close, her fingers gripping the material.
"…Thank you," she murmured. "You're such a kind person."
Grace only nodded.
"Would you like me to assist you with anything?" Juliet asked.
"No, Lady. You can leave now. I'll see you later." Grace moved to the door, pulling it open.
Juliet walked forward, but before stepping out, she paused, leaning in just enough to press a soft kiss against Grace's cheek.
Grace did not react, she merely watched as Juliet sashayed down the hallway, her every movement deliberate. Each guard she passed greeted her with polite reverence.
Once Juliet was out of sight, Grace exhaled, slipping back into her chambers, her mind felt lighter than it had in days, as though something had shifted.
Shaking it off, she focused on the meeting ahead.
Robert arrived shortly after, he helped Grace prepare, dressing her in a crisp white shirt, fitted white pants, and polished shoes that gleamed beneath the morning light. She stood tall, adjusting her cuffs with precision.
"You shall go to the tea house, Commander," she instructed. "Gather every piece of information you can on Matthew Sterrn, quietly. No one should be aware of this."
Her tone left no room for discussion.
Robert bowed his head. "Understood, King."
Grace left her chambers, striding down the hallway with an air of unshakable command.
Servants stilled as she passed, guards stiffened into salute. Every movement was met with silent deference. By the time she reached the council chambers, the executives were already seated, waiting.
The moment she stepped inside, they all stood, bowing deeply.
Her crown sat perfectly on her head, She took her seat, scanning the room. Each member held a book and pen, ready for her words.
Grace cleared her throat. "Good day."
Her gaze swept across the room, lingering just long enough to unsettle them.
"Everyone is aware of the intruder who attempted to assassinate me," she continued, voice even. "Only I was saved by another. And now, that savior is nowhere to be found. A grand prize has been placed. Whoever finds the intruder or the intruder themselves, should they come forward, will be rewarded."
She let the words settle before adding,
"And the reward shall be a portion of Alagascar's land, named in their honor."
The table erupted into chaos.
"King, that is far too much!" one council member protested.
"We've already lost soldiers to this conflict, now you offer our land?!" another snapped.
Murmurs rose, some in disbelief, others in outrage, Grace watched them quietly, listening to the rising tide of their discontent.
Then, with a deep breath, She spoke. "That's enough."
The chamber fell silent
"I have made my decision," she said, her deep baritone unwavering. "And I do not require your approval."
A single voice dared to push back. "But, King…"
Grace's gaze snapped to them. "I said, enough."
Everywhere ell silent, the council knew better than to test her patience further.
"Take down your notes. Spread the news," she ordered. "The grand prize is to be displayed in the center of the kingdom, on a banner for all to see. Every citizen must be aware of it."
She leaned forward slightly. "Understood?"
No one spoke. The weight of her words pressed down on them, suffocating.
She took their silence as obedience. "Good," she said, pushing her chair back. "A formal document will be prepared. Dismissed."
She rose from her seat. As she moved to leave, every council member stood with her, watching, until she was out of sight.
Stepping outside, Grace welcomed the fresh air as she walked toward the royal garden.
The scent of flowers, the rustling leaves, and sound of hoofbeats. She turned as Commander Robert rode into the courtyard.
Dismounting swiftly, he approached and bowed.
"Commander," Grace acknowledged. "You return early. Tell me, what have you uncovered?"
Robert met her gaze.
"King," he began, his voice steady. "Matthew Sterrn appears to be nothing more than a commoner. No hidden agenda, no suspicious ties. He's simply a man from beyond our lands."
Grace exhaled. She turned her gaze toward the gardens, and was thoughtful.
"That doesn't add up," she murmured. "The night I was attacked, where was Sterrn?"
"With me," Robert answered immediately. "He only came to your rescue after hearing the commotion."
Grace held his gaze, Robert's words were confident. "Very well," she said at last, her tone softer now. "That will do for now. You may leave."
Robert bowed once more before taking his leave.
But as he disappeared from sight, Grace's fingers curled at her sides. "Something doesn't add up." She voiced.
Robert couldn't had gotten his answers so easily. She quickly dashed inside and called for Matthew Sterrn. He followed her to the grand table. And before they could seat, Grace asked him. "The night when the incident happened, where were you again?".
She watched him move his lips, confused as though searching vigorously for answers.
"I was around" he finally responded.
"With Commander Robert?" Grace asked.
"No, not at all". Matthew replied firmly.
Grace exhaled. Commander Robert had lied. This was enough confirmation.