A MOTHER’S WARMTH

CHAPTER 9

"To the Jonah's official, his name is Parkston," Juliet responded, her voice steady, but her eyes flickered with something unreadable.

"Oh, his name is Parkston? Such a sweet name," Grace said, forcing a smile, though her words dripped with sarcasm. "I'm not sure I've heard of it."

Juliet hesitated for a moment before offering, "Your Highness, shall I get you a glass of water?"

Grace clenched her jaw, holding back the bitterness that burned at the back of her throat. She was sitting face to face with the woman who had killed her, Juliet Morphine, the cousin of Queen Jonah. The irony of it all was suffocating. Yet, she couldn't let her anger take over, not yet. Her story wouldn't add up, not in this body, and certainly not now.

"No, don't worry," Grace said, keeping her tone even. "I'm just… intrigued. So, this cousin of yours, does she and her husband live in the same city as you?"

"No, they don't," Juliet replied. "After they got married, the Jonah family relocated them to another region. I don't even visit because that's such a distance."

"The Jonah's must command quite the wealth then," Grace mused, watching Juliet closely. "So how come you aren't married yet? It must be lonely for you."

Juliet adjusted in her seat, her expression briefly flickering with discomfort before she gave a small laugh. "Yes, Prince. That's why I'm here to connect my soul with yours. We are already a match, Your Highness."

Grace let out a quiet, bitter whisper.A match? That's very silly of you to say.

"Sorry?" Juliet asked, tilting her head.

"Oh, it's nothing. Just how this royalty thing gets," Grace said smoothly, dismissing the moment. "Thank you for your time, Lady Juliet Morphine. I had a delightful meeting with you. My guard will see you out, and do make sure to request anything you need, it shall be granted. A letter will be passed across to you once a decision has been made, so stay positive."

Juliet looked slightly surprised by the sudden dismissal but quickly masked it with another charming smile. "But Your Highness, you said you wanted to know about my life. I only just told you about my cousin. Do you perhaps want another review about me?"

Grace leaned forward slightly, her gaze piercing. "Knowing about the one who's closest to you is also knowing about you, am I right?"

Juliet stammered slightly. "Y-yes… Yes, pardon me, Your Highness."

"If I may," Grace said, already walking toward the door.

Juliet stood and curtsied, her voice light and hopeful as she called out, "It was nice talking to you, Your Highness. I delightfully hope to receive a letter."

Grace didn't turn around.

She stepped out of the room, her face calm, but inside, her mind was a storm. Every word Juliet had said only confirmed her suspicions. Queen Jonah had made sure that Parkston was far from reach, relocated to another region. And Juliet, was she complicit in what happened that night? Or was she just a pawn?

Maybe or maybe not.

Grace, or rather Prince Quicke, headed straight to the Queen's chamber. She gave a soft knock, and a maid promptly walked her in.

"Good day, Mother," she greeted as her eyes wandered across the vast, elegant room.

It shimmered with gold lighting, and every inch screamed luxury. The walls were adorned with awards and accolades, reflecting the Queen's influence and success. This was the first time Grace had stepped into the Queen's personal space since waking up in this body. And for a moment, she felt overwhelmed.

"Good day, Quicke," the Queen greeted warmly. "You look quite stressed. How did your meeting go with Lady Juliet?"

Grace blinked, slightly startled. "Oh, Mother, you knew about the meeting?"

"Of course I did," the Queen said with a knowing smile. "She's such a decent girl from a noble family. I personally think I like her. You two would look good together."

Grace forced a chuckle. "I'm not quite sure about that, Mother. I think I should look into the other brides as well."

The Queen nodded but added, "Yes, you should. But Lady Juliet has potential, trust me."

Grace's lips pressed into a thin line as she felt the Queen's hand pat her shoulder.

"I'll consider it, Mother," she said, forcing a smile. "But for now, please get some rest. You need to always maintain this beauty."

The Queen laughed, shaking her head. "Oh, I sure do. I must say, I like this new version of you, always complimenting me. For a second, I felt you didn't see me fit enough to be your mother."

Grace's chest tightened slightly at the words.

"Oh, Mother, that should never cross your mind," she said softly. "I am most delighted to be your son. I love you, Mother."

The Queen's expression softened, and her eyes glistened with emotion. "Love you too, my Quicke. The kingdom is even more blessed to have you rule them."

Grace swallowed the lump in her throat as the Queen pulled her into an embrace. For a brief moment, she let herself feel the warmth of the hug, the kindness of a mother's touch, something she hadn't had in a long time.