A ROYAL CHOICE

CHAPTER 5

Grace sifted through Prince Quicke's journal, searching for any clue about his love life. But as far as she could tell, Quicke had remained loyal to his late wife, never pursuing another relationship. That means whoever I marry will be chosen for me. Grace thought, her heart sinking. The realization left her torn,could she truly go through with this?

Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. Grace quickly slid the journal under her pillow.

"Come in," she called.

The door creaked open to reveal Queen Judith, radiant in a flowing purple gown adorned with jewels. Her long, elegant hair swayed as she stepped inside, exuding an air of grace and authority.

"Good day, Mother," Grace said, adjusting her shirt and attempting a smile.

"Good day," the Queen replied, her tone warm but observant. "I wanted to check on you. After the council meeting held some days ago, I noticed your mood seemed subdued."

"Oh, Mother, you don't need to worry," Grace replied with a practiced grin. "I'll sort everything out. After all, I am Prince Quicke."

The Queen raised an eyebrow, her sharp gaze studying Grace carefully. "That's a new approach," she said, her voice quiet but probing. "You never joke about serious matters like this. Are you sure you're feeling well? Your behavior lately has been unusual."

Grace's heart skipped a beat, but she quickly composed herself. "I'm fine, Mother," she said calmly. "I've just decided to take a different approach, one that's less harsh. I can't be angry all the time, can I?"

The Queen tilted her head, her expression softening. "That's quite a change. But perhaps it's for the better," she said thoughtfully. "Speaking of change, have you thought about how you'll choose a wife? Do you have anyone in mind?"

"No, Mother," Grace replied quickly, glancing at the journal on her bed. "In fact, I'd prefer if Father chose for me. He knows what's best for the kingdom."

The Queen's face lit up with pride. "That's my Quicke," she said, her voice brimming with joy. "You've always trusted your father's wisdom. I've admired that about you."

"Thank you, Mother," Grace said, offering a small smile.

"Well, then," the Queen continued, "I'll inform your father immediately. The news will spread across the kingdom before the day is out."

As the Queen turned to leave, she paused at the door. "You've always made me proud, Quicke," she said softly before stepping out.

Once alone, Grace let out a shaky breath. For the first time, someone had accepted her performance as Prince Quicke. But the thought of an arranged marriage still gnawed at her. I'm Quicke in body, but my mind, my soul…they're still Grace. How can I marry someone under these circumstances?

News of Prince Quicke's search for a bride spread like wildfire across the kingdom. Letters flooded in from noble families, each one eager to offer their daughters as candidates. Grace stared at the growing pile of correspondence, her unease mounting. Even though she was determined to do what was expected of her, the thought of choosing a wife felt impossibly foreign.

Later that evening, Grace summoned her personal guard for advice.

"Do you think I made the right decision, letting them choose a wife for me?" she asked, pacing the room. "Maybe I should have done it myself."

The guard, standing at attention by the bed, replied, "No, my Prince. You've made the best decision. That's the last thing you'd ever do make a wrong choice."

Grace blinked, caught off guard. "The last thing I'd ever do?"

The guard gave a small smile. "Yes, Your Highness. You've always had a way of handling even the most difficult situations with ease. You learned from the best, your father, the King."

For a moment, Grace felt a swell of pride. "Thank you for your kind words," she said, her voice steady. "You may go now."

The guard bowed deeply. "At your service, my Prince."

As the door closed behind him, Grace looked out the window at the sprawling kingdom. Her heart was heavy, but she forced herself to remain calm. "I just have to hope…",she whispered to herself. "Hope they choose someone kind, someone gentle. Someone who can make all this bearable".