THE LETTER OF YES

CHAPTER 11

The next day, news of the royal wedding spread like wildfire across the Kingdom of Alagascar. Letters of invitation were sent out to nobles and esteemed guests, and soon, the entire kingdom buzzed with excitement. The talk of the town was none other than the official Letter of Yes—a formal confirmation from the Morphine family, agreeing to betroth their daughter to Prince Quicke.

The palace was alive with activity, preparations moving at an astonishing pace. Servants rushed through the halls, royal tailors designed exquisite garments, and florists decorated the grand halls in anticipation of the long-awaited union.

"Hello, Mother. May I come in?" Grace or rather, Prince Quicke stood outside the Queen's chamber, still dressed in his sleepwear. His voice was steady, but an underlying uncertainty lingered.

Queen Judith turned from where she was adjusting a collection of royal awards. "Yes, please do. You're up quite early."

"I just couldn't sleep," Grace admitted, stepping inside and shutting the door. "I've been thinking… Will I truly be fit for the throne? Can I pull this off?"

The Queen smiled, walking over to sit beside Grace on the luxurious chaise lounge. "Of course, you're fit for the throne. You are just like your father. Strong. Capable." She hesitated for a moment before adding, "I know this must be difficult for you, especially with the loss of your previous wife. You don't talk about it, but I see it, Quicke. I see how much you still grieve her."

Grace's throat tightened. Damn. She hadn't anticipated this.

Trying to remain composed, she exhaled deeply and forced an emotional tone. "Oh, Mother… It's just a lot to take in. She loved me so much. Everyone knew it."

At this, the Queen's expression hardened. She straightened her posture and stared at Grace with piercing eyes.

"She loved you?" Judith's voice held a sharp edge. "Do you mean it?"

Grace's breath hitched slightly. "Yes… I"

The Queen interrupted, her words cutting through the air. "Quicke, she never loved you. Everyone knew that. Have you forgotten the countless times you came to me, putting on a strong front for the kingdom only to weep like a heartbroken child in my arms? You told me yourself how she treated you like you were nothing. And yet, you couldn't let her go because of your foolish devotion."

A heavy silence fell between them.

Grace felt as if the ground beneath her had cracked open. So… Quicke's love life was a lie?

She scrambled for a response. "I—I'm not quite sure…"

The Queen narrowed her eyes. "You're not quite sure? Quicke, is something wrong with you? Have you moved on so quickly that you've rewritten history in your mind? Or are you simply not well?"

Grace swallowed hard. She couldn't afford for the Queen to grow suspicious.

"No, Mother," she stammered, forcing a weak chuckle. "I just didn't want to remind you of all that pain. I exaggerated a bit to protect your emotions. Please don't overthink this."

Queen Judith studied her for a long moment before sighing. "Well, you've just made me overthink it. No matter what you're up to, Quicke, do not mess this up. There is too much at stake."

Grace nodded quickly. "I won't, Mother. I promise."

Judith exhaled and leaned back. "Your marriage preparations are moving far too fast. Invitations have already been sent, and the entire kingdom is swept up in this. Why the sudden urgency?"

Grace steadied herself. "Father's urgency made me move faster. He wants this. And so do I. So why wait when everything can be arranged at once?"

The Queen studied her again before relenting. "Very well. But are you truly in such a hurry, or is it just Juliet?"

"I let Juliet choose the date," Grace replied. "She set it for the 17th, so I respected her choice."

Judith raised a brow. "The 17th? That's in five days."

"Yes, Mother. As close as it is, I don't want you stressing over it. Everything will be handled carefully," Grace assured her, rising to her feet.

"Alright," Judith said, though her tone remained cautious. "A meeting will be held shortly with the royal executives, but you shall be excluded. This does not concern you."

Grace forced a nod. "Understood."

As she stepped toward the door, Judith called after her.

"Stay safe, Prince."

Grace paused briefly, then nodded and left the room.

As soon as she reached her chambers, Grace moved to shut the door, only for a sudden, fierce gust of wind to rush through her room.

The windows flew open with a loud slam, the thick palace curtains billowing wildly. The air turned heavy, charged with an eerie presence.

Then, that voice returned.

A deep, echoing whisper filled the chamber.

"You shall not act upon your knowledge. Do not. I repeat, do not—think yourself wiser than you are. One step at a time, Grace Johnson. You need everyone around you. Do not forget."

Grace's heart pounded violently. She whirled around, searching for the source of the voice.

"Who are you?!" she demanded, her voice breaking slightly. "Tell me who you are!"

But only silence remained.

The strange presence disappeared as quickly as it had come.

Breathing heavily, Grace stumbled back, gripping her temples. Was she losing her mind?

No.

Someone, something, was watching her. And now, with the discovery of Matthew Sterrn, that someone was getting closer.

She exhaled shakily. How the hell am I supposed to know who I need… and who I don't?

A sharp knock at the door broke her thoughts.

She ignored it.

The knock came again. And again.

With a frustrated sigh, she yanked the door open.

Her body went rigid.

"Father?"

There, standing in his full regal presence, was King Charlenugo.

"May I come in?" His voice was calm, yet commanding.

Grace stepped aside immediately. The King entered the chamber, his every step carrying an air of absolute power. The weight of his presence filled the entire room. His crown gleamed under the candlelight, a reminder of his authority.

"I imagine you're wondering about my sudden visit," he said. "But this is one of those moments where I must be present. Guidance is needed."

Grace swallowed, watching him closely. "Yes, Father."

"The official wedding date has been sent out, and the Morphines are grateful. This marriage is no small event, Quicke. Nobles will be spread across the kingdom. I need you to stay focused, knowing that I am behind you."

Grace nodded stiffly. "Yes, Father."

King Charlenugo's eyes darkened slightly. "I will have a private meeting with you outside the palace later today. It is our ritual. I trust you haven't forgotten?"

Grace's stomach twisted.

She had no idea what he was talking about.

But she forced a confident tone. "Of course not, Father. I will be ready. I'll inform the guards to prepare the horses."

The King gave a slow nod of approval. "Good. With that settled, I shall take my leave. See you soon, Quicke."

With that, he turned, his movements poised and commanding.

Grace watched him disappear through the hallway, her mind spinning.