I Got Married To My Killer

CHAPTER 20

The days passed swiftly, each moment drawing Grace closer to her coronation and the arrival of Juliet's family. The palace bustled with preparations decorations, feasts being planned, guards stationed Strategically.

Commander Robert remained restless. His thoughts were haunted by what he had witnessed, Grace fighting for her life against something unseen. The image refused to leave him. He had tried to push it away, tried to focus on his duties, but the nagging feeling in his chest only grew heavier. And then, there was the tea house, the mysterious coded message, the wait for the order of bread.

At the heart of the palace, King Charlenugo sat gracefully at the tall table, his bold yet calm face unreadable. His fingers, adorned with heavy diamond rings, tapped slowly against the polished surface, each click deliberate, carrying an air of authority.

He had sent for Grace.

Not long after, she entered, draped in a black leather robe. She had no idea what this meeting was about, but she knew her father well enough to understand, he never summoned anyone unless it was of great importance. Not even her, his only child.

"Good day, Father," she greeted, making her way toward the seat. "You sent for me. My sincere apologies if I kept you waiting."

King Charlenugo barely lifted his gaze.

"You should know I do not waste a second," he said coolly. "But you're an exception, Quicke."

His piercing stare forced Grace to avert her eyes.

An uneasy silence passed between them before he finally spoke.

"I received word that you are inviting the Morphines for your coronation," he said, his tone sharp. "Are you ready to be surrounded by them now?"

It was a simple question, yet it held a depth she wasn't sure she could answer. She brushed her chin as if searching for the right words. "Yes, Father," she said finally. "I feel it's best for us now." Then, after a pause, she continued "Do you think I'm making a mistake?"

Her father studied her intently, his gaze unwavering. "At some point, I must allow you to make your own personal decisions. But I do not think you believe this is the right one."

Grace inhaled sharply.

"I see unread feelings in your eyes," King Charlenugo continued. "Should I call it fear?"

Grace stiffened, her hands clenching into fists."I do feel fear, Father," she admitted. "I have a lot of 'what ifs.'"

The King's expression did not change.

"You are soon to be king, Quicke." His voice was firm, dismissive. "You do not, in any circumstance, let another know you feel fear. Otherwise, you will appear soft. Inferior. And that is not what's best for the kingdom."

His words hit her like steel, sinking deep into her chest.

And Grace understood that this coronation was not just a title, it was the acceptance of absolute power. And power did not allow for hesitation.

She straightened in her seat, forcing the uncertainty from her face. "I understand, Father. Every word is taken with the utmost regard."

King Charlenugo finally leaned back, satisfied.

"Good, Quicke."

Then, as if dismissing the conversation entirely, he added, "I will be making some consultations before your bride's family arrives. This does not involve a meeting with the council executives, I must do it myself. We cannot afford to expose our land to just anyone."

Grace frowned.

"Expose our land?" she repeated, the irritation creeping into her tone. "Haven't they already seen it?"

For the first time, King Charlenugo smirked. A knowing smirk, as if he were amused by her ignorance and he responded, "Soon enough, you will find out." His words were Ominous.

"You may leave, Quicke. Prepare your speech. Get Commander Robert to assist you, he trained me for mine, and it is tradition that he does the same for you."

Grace rose from the table, scanning the hallway to see if Robert was stood nearby before exiting.

Her mind raced as she walked.

Should I bring Queen Jonah here? Or

Maybe I should wait a little longer until I have a plan.

She sighed, muttering under her breath, "This new life is becoming overwhelming. I don't even have time to process things before acting."

She finally stepped into her chamber lost in thought, not until a faint chatter reached her ears. It was a whisper, but just loud enough to catch her attention.

She hesitated.

Someone was close to her chamber.

Moving back to her door, she carefully slipped it open. There, partially hidden behind a pole on the hallway, was Commander Robert on a call.

Grace's brow furrowed. Why was he hiding?

At first, she considered letting him be. But then she reminded herself, she was Prince Quicke, which means she had the right to intrude.

Silently, she moved closer.

It was clear Robert thought she was still with the King. Their meeting had been expected to last longer, but it had ended abruptly, leaving him unaware that she had already returned.

Grace held her breath, listening.

It was a conversation with the waiter.

Robert was demanding a meeting, insisting that he needed to see someone immediately.

Grace's eyes narrowed and didn't see the need to listen to the conversation anymore, until she heard the name "Matthew Sterrn."

Her breath hitched.

Matthew Sterrn?

How does Robert know that name?

Her vision blurred for a second, her heart pounding against her ribs, she wasn't dreaming, she had heard correctly.

In an instant, rage overtook her, she stormed forward, her deep masculine voice booming through the space.

"Robert!" She called out.

Before he could react, she snatched the phone from his hands and smashed it against the ground.

Robert took a step back, startled, he had not expected her here.

"Explain yourself!" Grace snapped, her voice laced with fury. "How do you know Matthew Sterrn's name? How dare you intrude on my privacy?"

Robert opened his mouth, but no words came.

"I've always warned you to watch your steps," she continued, her voice shaking. "My father trusts you. The kingdom trusts you. But I am the exception."

She exhaled sharply.

"Why are you doing this, Robert?"

Still, he did not answer.

The silence only angered her further.

"You don't want to speak?" Her voice grew cold. "Fine. You are suspended. You have no business with kingdom matters until I say otherwise."

Robert exhaled, his jaw tightening.

Then, without hesitation, he met her eyes and responded, "Go ahead and suspend me. You have every right to."

Grace blinked.

"But I haven't been myself since I saw you fight for your life," he continued, his voice raw with emotion. "I saw you struggle against something, against yourself and the environment, long enough to know you weren't well. And I know, I know you are not the same, Your Highness, something's missing about you Prince Quicke."

Grace inhaled sharply.

"Everything about you is different," Robert continued, his words gaining momentum. "Even though you try to hide it, I see it. And I won't stop until I find out what's really going on." He spoke not considering the consequence to befall him.

The hallway fell into silence.

Then, suddenly Grace broke.

Tears welled in her eyes, spilling down her cheeks as she turned away.

She ran.

"Prince Quicke". Robert called after her.

She didn't stop, she reached her chamber door and slammed it shut, pressing her back against it, her breath came in uneven gasps.

Robert's words echoed in her mind.

"He knows" She gasped