A MEETING WITH JULIET

CHAPTER 7

The next morning, Grace was determined to get answers. She summoned Juliet for a private meeting under the guise of discussing royal affairs.

Juliet arrived promptly, dressed in an elegant white gown. Her dark curls were pulled into a sleek ponytail, and the soft glow on her skin made her appear effortlessly graceful. She carried herself with quiet confidence, but Grace sensed an undercurrent of something unspoken beneath her poised demeanor.

Grace or rather, Prince Quicke extended a light handshake before leading her to the meeting room. "Here, sit. I don't want you to tire yourself," she said, stealing a quick glance at Juliet.

Juliet nodded and took her seat.

"You're a striking woman," Grace began, leaning back slightly. "And I find myself drawn to you. Tell me about yourself."

Juliet smiled, her voice soft yet certain. "I'm honored, Prince. Perhaps fate led you to choose me among the others." She paused before continuing, "My name is Juliet Morphine. I'm the only child of the Murphys. I am an outsider, not an Alagascarn. I love carrots, and I have no close friends—just a cousin I hold dear."

Grace studied her carefully. "You must prefer your own company. I respect that." A brief silence settled between them before she added, "I don't want to overwhelm you with questions, but I'd like you to write a detailed account of your background and family history."

Juliet tilted her head slightly. "Would you like it now, Your Highness?"

"Yes, but deliver it to my personal guard," Grace responded, her gaze lingering on Juliet a moment longer than intended.

Juliet nodded, rising with practiced grace. "Of course, my Prince."

"That should be all for now," Grace said, standing as well. "I'll review your account before making my final decision. Stay safe, Lady Juliet Murphy." With a subtle nod, she signaled her guard to escort Juliet out.

As Grace walked through the palace corridors, she could feel the weight of eyes on her. The guards stood more alert, their expressions unreadable. Visitors grinned at her with wide, eager smiles. The air was thick with a newfound respect, and for the first time, she realized she was truly commanding authority.

Back in her chamber, she approached the mirror, staring at the man reflected before her. Broad shoulders. Sharp fingers. The face of a prince who was not her.

Her thoughts drifted to Juliet. There was something about her, something eerily familiar. The way she spoke, the subtle tilts of her head tugged at the edges of Grace's mind. If Juliet was connected to Queen Jonah, then this wasn't just a coincidence. It was a problem.

She clenched her jaw. "Who are you, really?" she muttered under her breath.

But as she stared at her own reflection, a wave of regret washed over her. Maybe if she had spoken up sooner and hadn't hesitated, she could have completed her wish and maybe wouldn't be trapped in the body of a man,Prince Quicke.

Her thoughts flickered to Parkston. Was he still waiting for her? Or had he moved on? Had he married Grace Jonah, thinking she had vanished forever?

Shaking the thought away, she reached for Prince Quicke's journal once more. There was still so much to learn, and if she was going to survive this life, she needed to know everything.