MATTHEW STERRN
CHAPTER 10
After leaving the Queen's chamber, Grace walked down the vast, echoing hallways of the palace, her thoughts clouded with a mixture of emotions. The moment with the Queen had felt real, too real. She had never known what it meant to be embraced by a mother, not in the past, and certainly not in the life she lost. Yet here she was, receiving love and warmth from a woman who saw her as her son.
But the reality remained unchanged. This was not her life. This was not her body.
And the people who had taken her life still walked freely.
As she turned a corner, a familiar figure stood waiting by the hallway, Commander Robert, the head of the royal guards. His sharp eyes flicked to her, his posture as straight as ever.
"Your Highness," he greeted with a bow.
Grace slowed her steps, exhaling softly. "Commander Robert".
"I was informed of Lady Juliet's departure. Would you like me to look further into her background?" he asked, his voice calm but firm.
Grace hesitated, then shook her head. "No need. But I want you to keep an eye on her movements. I need to know who she meets, where she goes, and if she ever communicates with Queen Jonah."
Robert nodded. "Understood, Your Highness."
She studied him for a moment. He was one of the few people she trusted in this new world, though she still didn't know just how deep his loyalty ran.
"Also," she added, lowering her voice, "prepare the horses. I wish to ride outside the palace walls today."
Robert's expression barely shifted, but she noticed the slight hesitation in his stance. "Is there a specific destination in mind, Your Highness?"
Grace pursed her lips. "Not yet."
The commander didn't question further. With a bow, he turned and left to carry out her orders.
Grace remained standing for a while, staring out the large window overlooking the kingdom. The city stretched far beyond the palace gates, full of people who had no idea that the Prince they admired was not truly the Prince at all.
A bitter smile tugged at her lips.How ironic.
Dressed in a dark cloak, Grace rode her horse through the narrow, winding paths outside the palace. The royal insignia on the horse's saddle had been concealed, ensuring she wouldn't be easily recognized.
She didn't know where she was going. She just needed to breathe. To think.
As she approached a secluded street, she noticed a small tea house nestled between stone buildings. It wasn't grand, nor was it a place where nobles would typically visit. It was simple, quiet, just what she needed.
Dismounting, she handed her horse to Robert and stepped inside.
The scent of herbal tea and fresh bread filled the air, and a few scattered customers sat around, speaking in hushed tones. Grace took a seat at a corner table, adjusting her cloak to hide as much of her appearance as possible.
She had only just settled in when a voice whispered from behind her.
"You shouldn't be here, Your Highness."
Grace's entire body went rigid.
Slowly, she turned her head, only to find a hooded figure standing by her table. Their face was partially obscured, but the sharp glint of their eyes was unmistakable.
She didn't recognize them.
But they clearly recognized her.
"Who are you?" Grace asked, keeping her voice low.
The figure took a slow seat across from her. "A friend. And someone who knows the truth about Queen Jonah."
Grace's breath caught in her throat.
Her fingers curled slightly against the wooden table, heart pounding against her ribs.
The stranger leaned in closer, their voice barely above a whisper.
"I know what happened to you that night, Grace Johnson."
Grace was startled by what she had just heard. Adjusting her cloak, she hesitated before responding.
"What do you mean you know what happened to me that night? Who's Grace Johnson?" she demanded, her voice rising slightly. "How do you see random people and start accusing them of being someone they're not?"
As she furrowed her brows in anger, Robert suddenly appeared at her side. His sharp gaze flickered between her and the hooded stranger.
"Your Highness, is everything alright?" he asked.
"Some stranger is calling me a different name," she muttered, already pushing back her chair. "Let's get the fuck out of here."
She turned on her heel, ready to leave, but just as she stepped away, the indistinct voice spoke again, low but unmistakably clear.
"Despite the pain you felt that night, you can't win if you let your guard down. And if you ever come looking for me, my name is Matthew Sterrn."
Grace spun around instantly, her eyes darting to the corner where the stranger had been seated, only to find the spot empty.
He was gone.
Her pulse quickened as she scanned the room, but all she saw were unfamiliar faces staring at her, their whispers filling the air. Clenching her fists, she turned sharply and strode out of the tea house, Robert following closely behind.
As Grace rode back to the palace, her mind raced through everything that had just happened. The encounter was no coincidence. That man, Matthew Sterrn knew who she really was.
Although I'm in a different body and a different world, some things haven't changed.
Her grip tightened around the reins.Whoever he is, it won't take long before he reveals the truth.
The moment she arrived at the palace, she went straight to her chambers, shutting the door behind her with a loud slam. Her knees buckled as she collapsed onto the floor.
"So I still can't escape this…" she whispered, before letting out a frustrated scream.
Breathing heavily, she pushed herself up and staggered toward the grand mirror standing in the corner. She stared at her reflection—Prince Quicke's reflection.
You're Grace Johnson, she told herself. And although you're in a different body, you have to fight for what's right.
She exhaled deeply. The universe is already working in my favor. But that won't stop me from being Prince Quicke.
Grace tilted her head slightly, studying her own expression. If Prince Quicke were really here, what would be his main concern?
Her lips curled into a smirk. Marriage.He'd have to marry before he could rule the kingdom.
That was it.
Getting married would solidify her position, strengthen her power, and most importantly it would bring her closer to the truth.
Her thoughts immediately shifted to Juliet Morphine.
Yes..she needs to trust me enough to reveal everything about Queen Jonah. And the only way to gain that trust is marriage.
Without hesitation, Grace moved toward the study table. She picked up a pen and pulled out a fresh sheet of parchment. Her hand moved swiftly as she wrote an official message, sealing her decision.
The letter read:
To the esteemed House of Morphine,
It is with great honor that I formally accept Lady Juliet Morphine as my betrothed.
Preparations shall be made accordingly.
She folded the paper neatly, sealed it in an envelope, and handed it to her guard.
"Deliver this immediately."
The guard bowed and left to carry out her orders.
It didn't take long for the news to spread throughout the palace. The letter was passed through the royal executives, stamped with approval, and sent to the Morphine household.
When the Queen heard of the decision, she immediately sought out Grace, her expression glowing with pride.
"You made the right choice, Quicke," she said, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Juliet is from a noble family, and she will make a fine bride."
Grace smiled subtly, masking her true thoughts. "I knew I made the right decision, Mother. You guided me well."
"We must begin preparations immediately," the Queen continued. "As soon as we receive their letter of acceptance, the engagement will be official. In no time, you'll be married."
Grace nodded. "Yes, Mother. I'll send out my final requests before the day ends."
The Queen patted her shoulder affectionately. "Good. But for now, stay calm. Everything is falling into place."
Grace watched as the Queen walked away, her regal figure disappearing through the hallway.
She exhaled slowly, her mind drifting back to Matthew Sterrn's words.
You can't win if you let your guard down…
Her lips curled into a small, determined smile.
Then I just won't let it down.