CHAPTER 34
Matthew Sterrn carried himself with effortless elegance, every step measured, his presence commanding. His stern yet composed expression filled the hall with a quiet authority as he entered. Grace watched him carefully, appreciating his unwavering confidence.
"Please, take a seat," she instructed.
Matthew nodded and lowered himself into the chair opposite her.
Just as he settled, the heavy doors creaked open once more, and the atmosphere in the room shifted instantly and Parkston walked in.
Grace's heart clenched, but she forced herself to remain still. She had nearly forgotten he would be present. It had been days since she had looked at him, and she wasn't ready to do so now.
He walked with his usual air of composure.He approached Queen Jonah first, leaning down to place a kiss on her cheek. Grace's fingers curled into fists beneath the table.
The casual intimacy between them was like a blade twisting in her chest.
Jonah, tilted her face toward him, her lips curving into a satisfied smirk. They exchanged a few hushed words before Parkston turned his attention to Grace.
He greeted her formally, his voice measured and cool, before taking his seat. She merely inclined her head in response.
Servants entered, their movements quick and precise as they placed cups of steaming, milky coffee before each person. Grace took a sip, letting the warmth settle her, then set the cup down, her gaze sweeping over the gathered faces.
"I believe we are all present now," she said, her voice breaking the silence.
She turned her focus to Juliet's mother, Lady Morphine, who had remained quiet throughout the exchange. "Lady Morphine," Grace addressed her directly. "You have been here for a while. What are your thoughts? Speak freely."
Lady Morphine hesitated, glancing around as if searching for the right words or permission.
Grace caught the flicker of her eyes toward Queen Jonah who gave the subtlest of nods.
And that was all the confirmation Grace needed.
Lady Morphine cleared her throat before responding. "It's… very well, Your Majesty. I have been treated kindly. The kingdom is peaceful and filled with joyful people. It is lovely, truly."
Grace studied her carefully. "You looked at Queen Jonah before speaking. Why?"
Lady Morphine's expression tightened. "It's nothing, King Quicke," she said too quickly. "I am not controlled."
Grace's gaze hardened, "Not controlled?" she echoed. "Then what are you?"
Lady Morphine's hands trembled slightly as she rubbed her neck. She looked away, as if hoping the conversation would shift.
Grace would not allow it.
Her voice cut through the silence, sharp and commanding. "Speak, woman."
Lady Morphine swallowed hard, her shoulders curling inward as every eye in the room focused on her. She looked once more at Jonah.
This time, Jonah's stare was dismissive, bored, as if daring her to say something foolish.
The pressure was unbearable, Lady Morphine let out a ragged breath, and suddenly, her composure shattered. Tears welled in her eyes, spilling freely as she broke down in sobs. "It's true," she confessed between gasps. "I am controlled. My family, all of us, we are beneath Queen Jonah. We serve her in all things, whether we wish to or not." Her voice cracked.
Matthew Sterrn reached out, placing a firm but gentle hand on her shoulder.
Grace's chest tightened with fury, her gaze snapped to Jonah. "Stand."
Jonah remained seated, toying with the edge of her sleeve, amusement dancing in her eyes.
Grace's voice turned lethal. "You have no right to command everyone you touch, Jonah."
Before Jonah could respond, another voice cut through.
"We are not controlled," came a low, firm declaration.
Grace turned her head sharply, and it was Mr. Morphine.
The man had barely spoken a word since his arrival at the palace, always lingering in the background. Now, his voice was steady, unshaken.His wife stared at him in disbelief.
Grace's fingers tightened against the table's surface. "Explain," she demanded.
Mr. Morphine nodded solemnly. "It was an agreement."
Grace's frown deepened. "An agreement?"
"Yes," he confirmed. "When we learned that Juliet was to be betrothed to you, we found ourselves lacking. We had no proper aid to bring to Alagascar. We were desperate."
A slow, painful sigh escaped him. "We had no choice but to seek Queen Jonah's assistance."
Grace listened in silence, her hands clenched beneath the table.
"She gave us what we needed," he continued. "Financial support, connections, the means to bring Juliet here, to secure her place beside you." He turned his gaze to his daughter. "But it came at a price."
Juliet inhaled sharply. "No wonder," she whispered, realization dawning. "No wonder you refused to visit me. No wonder you pretended not to know who I was to be wed to." Her voice trembled, but her eyes burned with betrayal. "So Jonah, you knew all along?"
Jonah chuckled, a dark, mocking sound that echoed against the stone walls.
The laugh was so loud, so unrestrained, that even the guards stationed outside the hall flinched at the sound. Then, just as suddenly, she fell silent.
Jonah turned her gaze on Juliet, tilting her head as if she were considering something amusing. "Oh, Juliet," she purred. "I do enjoy how naïve you pretend to be."
Juliet stiffened.
Jonah continued, her voice dripping with condescension. "Where, exactly, did you think your family got the resources to send you here? Did you believe it was pure luck? A miracle?" She let out another low laugh. "They could never have achieved it. Not in their wildest dreams."
Jonah's gaze swept the room, reveling in the moment. Then, her voice turned cold.
"I brought you here, Juliet. I made you Queen of Alagascar." She leaned forward slightly, a smirk curling her lips. "And this? This is how you repay me? With ingratitude?"
Parkston remained silent, he didn't utter a word.
Grace, however, had heard enough.
"Queen Jonah, you will not utter another word unless I permit it."
Jonah's smirk faltered, only for a second.
Grace turned to Mr. and Lady Morphine. "How much?" she asked.
Lady Morphine blinked through her tears. "Your Majesty?"
"How much do you owe her?" Grace clarified, her voice unwavering. "Name the price, and it will be granted. You will be free."