CHAPTER 47
Robert had just returned, and the kingdom felt different. As he moved through the castle, he met with his fellow commanders and was immediately informed of everything that had transpired in his absence.
Without wasting time, he dusted off his uniform and made his way to the grand hall.
The moment the doors swung open, all heads turned. The room was quiet, the faint scent of lavender lingering in the air. As Robert stepped inside, he removed his hat and greeted those present with a respectful nod before striding toward Grace. He leaned in close, lowering his voice.
"Good day, King. I've returned from the tea house and there's been a discovery."
Grace's expression didn't change. "Come to my chamber after this is settled."
The hall remained silent, and soon, hot chocolate coffee was served. Grace took a sip, but her mind was elsewhere. She hadn't seen Parkston since that night. Her eyes wandered across the table, scanning the faces. Everyone drank in silence. Queen Jonah sat rigidly, still shaken by what had been done to her.
Grace allowed herself a small smile before rising from the table. "Excuse me."
She moved through the corridors. When she finally reached Parkston's chamber, she raised a fist to knock and before she could strike a third time, the door swung open.
There he stood, on a white robe loosely wrapped over his body, revealing just enough of his chest to stir something in her. His neatly cut hair framed his face perfectly, and his pink lips, appeared so soft. His signature cologne filled her nose, intoxicating.
Grace clenched her fists, steadying herself.
"Good day, Parkston," she said, her voice smooth, almost too controlled.
Parkston adjusted his robe slightly, covering the exposed skin. "Hello, King. To what do I owe this visit?" A small grin appeared on his lips.
"May I?" Grace gestured toward the door.
Parkston hesitated. Then, with a quiet sigh, he stepped aside. "Yes, please, King."
Grace entered, her eyes flickering around the room. She exhaled sharply, glancing at the ceiling before settling her gaze on him.
"You've been distant," she said at last, her tone softer now. "Since that night."
"I've just been busy." His response was quick. "I've been preparing to leave."
Grace's eyes narrowed slightly. "Leave?"
"Yes." Parkston replied.
She took a step closer. "Why do you want to go back, Parkston? You could have a new life here. I wouldn't disturb you, I promise. I'd give you anything, everything. I'd make you great in the Kingdom of Alasgacar." Her voice was almost pleading. "Don't you want that?"
Parkston's expression didn't change. He simply stared at her.
"You've been made perfectly, Grace," he said after a moment with a calm voice. "Every woman would want you now. And Alasgacar is blessed to have you." His lips pressed together before he continued. "But I can't be part of this. I can't be part of you anymore."
Grace sank onto the bed, her fingers brushing absentmindedly against the sheets. She looked around the room again, as if searching for an answer, before turning back to him.
"Did you ever truly love me?" Her voice was quiet, as she tried maintaining composure. "How can you move on so fast? You don't want any connection with me? Or are you hiding something?"
Parkston's jaw tightened. He exhaled, then suddenly stamped his foot against the ground, a sharp, impatient gesture. "Grace," he said, his voice edged with frustration.
He moved toward her, pulling her from the bed with surprising force. He guided her to the ornate mirror, positioning her in front of it. He stood behind her, his hands firm on her shoulders.
"Look at yourself," he said.
Grace inhaled deeply, her eyes locking onto her reflection, a long silence stretched between them. Then, in a slow, measured voice, she spoke. "I am King Quicke," she said. "A man with fine abs."
Parkston gave a small nod. "And tell me, Grace, would you date a man? Now, as you are?"
Grace hesitated before speaking.
"No." She pause. "No, I wouldn't." Her voice grew colder. "I am no gay man."
"Exactly." Parkston turned her around to face him. "And I have always loved you as Grace. The woman you were. It's time you start accepting things as they are." He rested his hands on her shoulders, his touch gentle. "Life is already moving on, Grace, so do so."
Grace let out a small cough, her gaze searching his. "You really don't want us anymore?" Her voice wavered for the first time. "I can do this, even if we're both men now, I still love you. But if you tell me, one last time, that you don't want us, then I'll let you go completely, no more memories."
Parkston's hands fell away, his expression was unwavering as he stared directly into her eyes. "Yes," he said. "I do not want us, Grace. We do not share any memories anymore, King Quicke."
A silence stretched between them.
Grace didn't argue anymore. She simply turned, walked to the door, and stood by the corner, waiting.
Parkston stepped forward and opened the door for her.
She stepped out, only to stop abruptly. "Commander Robert?" Her eyes narrowed. "What are you doing here?"
Robert straightened. "Pardon me, King, i have searched the kingdom for you and only just arrived here. The Queen's men have arrived. They're waiting for you."
Grace took a steady breath, adjusting her crown. "Very well."
They made their way back to the grand hall. Several men stood by the table, they kept serious faces. "Long live the King," they greeted in unison.
Queen Judith gestured toward them. "These are the men I sent to spy on you, King Quicke."
Grace settled onto her throne, her presence commanding. "Very well, bring in the intruder."
In no time, the commanders entered, dragging Nuel between them, his head was bowed.
"Lift your head, Nuel." Grace Commanded.
Slowly, he obeyed.
Grace studied him for a long moment before turning to the men. "Does he look familiar? Was he on the same mission with you?"
A beat of silence, then, one by one, the men nodded. "Yes, King."
Grace's jaw tightened. She turned to Queen Judith, who merely gave a knowing nod, as if to say, I told you so.
"Then why isn't he still with you?" Grace asked, her voice sharp. "One of you should speak."
A broad-shouldered man stepped forward. His voice was deep. "He chose to return to where he came from, King. He is not one of us."
Grace's instincts immediately told her that, something wasn't right, as she saw Nuel's subtle, almost imperceptible glance toward Queen Jonah.
Her gaze sharpened. "But, you pointed at Jonah," Grace said coolly. "Why?"
Nuel hesitated, looking around the table, his tension was obvious. Then, in a near whisper, he responded. "I did it as an escape plan, King. She is innocent. Forgive me."
Grace's eyes flickered to Queen Jonah, who had regained her composure.
"You implicated someone to escape?" Grace's voice was sharp with anger.
"Forgive me, King," Nuel repeated, his voice barely audible.
Grace exhaled harshly. "Take him away." The commanders obeyed immediately.
"You are all dismissed," she added, waving the men away.
Queen Jonah rose, casting Grace one last glance before moving out of the hall.
Grace dismissed the meeting afterwards and everybody left one, after the other, except Queen Judith, who placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, Grace shook her head.
"I don't feel satisfied, Mother," she murmured. "I feel like I've caught the right man and I'm letting him go".
Queen Judith's expression softened. "Trust me, Quicke. We'll find the real intruder soon enough. Especially with the grand reward attached."
Grace sighed. "Something still didn't feel right". She spoke uneasily and without another word, she turned and left the hall, leaving Queen Judith alone.