I Got Married To My Killer

CHAPTER 26

After the meeting with Mathew Sterrn, Grace left the tea house feeling heavy, at this point she didn't know the right thing to do, she didn't know how to handle Queen Jonah,

"I'm not not killer", she whispered underneath her breath.

"Before we head back to the palace, let's take a walk round the farm", she instructed Robert, who followed swiftly.

Grace strode across the farm, her thoughts overwhelmed her, that she forgot Robert was with her, she thought of her previous life, it was a mess, I've begged for survival all my life and now that I feel things are starting to come to place, the very people who made it worse have started showing up again.

She finally rested, gazing through the tall trees.

"Your mind seemed too clouded Prince Quicke, did Mathew Sterrn give you any clue"

Robert asked calmly.

"Can I truly trust you Robert? I've let you seen a part of me that I should take to the grave, I fear you may trample on me" She replied in a dismissive tone.

Robert exhaled before proceeding to speak.

"You can trust me, your Highness, but take your time, I remain your commander until death do us apart"

"Okay Commander, be the most loyal one I'd ever have" Grace said still gazing at the trees.

"Let's head back, the Morpines are on their way" We don't want to keep them waiting.

She turned and headed back to her horse.

The ride back was quiet. Each person lost in their thought. Grace quickly stepped into her Chamber feeling overwhelmed.

The palace had never felt this heavy. Even as golden banners fluttered in the wind and the streets hummed with anticipation, Grace felt the weight of unseen chains tightening around her. She stood at her chamber's window, her fingers gripping the railing as she watched the distant carriages approaching the palace gates. Queen Jonah's arrival was imminent.

Her murderer was almost here.

A sharp knock at her door pulled her from her thoughts. "Come in," she said, her voice calmer than she felt.

Robert stepped inside, his posture stiff. "Lady Juliet's family are close to the gates. The officials are preparing to welcome them."

Grace nodded but didn't turn to face him. "And Juliet?"

Robert hesitated. "She's been restless since last night. I saw her with a messenger after midnight, but I couldn't get close enough to see what was exchanged."

A bitter smile tugged at Grace's lips. "She's growing desperate."

"She's plotting something," Robert corrected, stepping closer. "And I still don't understand why she looked so shaken yesterday. She heard something, didn't she?"

Grace finally turned, meeting his gaze, "she did."

"And?" Robert asked.

Grace tilted her head, considering him. He wasn't ready.

"Nothing of importance," she lied smoothly. "But keep watching her. If she tries to contact anyone else, I want to know."

Robert studied her for a long moment before nodding. "Understood, Your Highness."

As he turned to leave, Grace exhaled, forcing the tension in her body to loosen. She had more pressing matters to deal with than Juliet's paranoia.

That night, sleep evaded her, she lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, She wasn't sure how long she stayed like that minutes, hours? but then it came.

You are playing a dangerous game, Grace Johnson.

She stiffened, but she did not speak. She remembered Mathew's words, Do not interrupt it. Let it speak until it is done.

The woman who took your life now walks into your kingdom with the belief that you do not exist anymore. Do not rush your revenge, or you will fall before she does.

The room felt colder, the silence pressing.

Trust must be earned before you carry out any task. Make her believe she is untouchable. Make them all believe it.

Grace closed her eyes, forcing her breathing to stay steady and quiet. Then the voice faded.

She let out a slow, controlled breath. This wasn't just about revenge. It was about acting smart and deliberate.

Juliet paced her chamber, clutching the letter she had written for Queen Jonah. Her hands trembled.

She had heard it. That name,Grace Johnson,

It wasn't possible, she was dead and gone and yet Prince Quicke was looking for her?How does he know her?

She had thought about sending the letter to Queen Jonah immediately, warning her that something was wrong. But something stopped her.

What if she was wrong? What if she was only imagining things? She glanced toward the door, half-expecting it to burst open, her fingers clenched around the letter. I need to be sure first.

…

The following morning, the palace was alive with activity. Musicians played triumphant melodies, servants lined the halls, and nobles gathered to witness the arrival of Queen Jonah.

Grace stood at the palace steps, flanked by Robert and the other officials. Her expression was calm, unreadable.

Then the grand carriage stopped.

The door opened, and Queen Jonah stepped out, regal as ever. Her crimson gown trailed behind her, her necklace glinting in the sunlight. Her face was adorned with a carefully practiced smile, but Grace saw the arrogance beneath it.

Jonah approached, her arms outstretched. "Prince Quicke."

Grace held her ground.

"Your Majesty," she greeted smoothly, bowing her head just enough to appear respectful.

Jonah studied her for a moment, then smirked. "I trust the kingdom has been treating you well?"

A slow smile spread across Grace's lips. "Better than I could have imagined."

Queen laughed, oblivious.

Behind her, Juliet's family stepped out of their carriage. But something was wrong. They didn't carry themselves with the pride of a wealthy family visiting their daughter's new home. Instead, they looked tense, hesitant.

Grace's eyes flickered to Juliet, who had paled considerably.

She turned back to Queen Jonah and, in a deliberately careful move, extended her hands. "A gift, for your journey," she said.

Jonah looked pleased as she accepted it.

As the formalities continued, Grace met Mathew Sterrn's gaze from across the courtyard. He was standing in the shadows, watching.

She gave him the slightest nod.