STRENGTH ALONE IS NOT ENOUGH

CHAPTER 12

The day carried on in a blur. With the wedding now confirmed and preparations moving at an alarming speed, Grace or rather, Prince Quicke could barely find a moment to think. Servants bustled about, the palace halls filled with murmurs of excitement, but behind it all, a thick layer of tension settled over her shoulders like a heavy cloak.

Her encounter with the voice in her chamber still rattled her. You need everyone around you…Do not forget.

She didn't know whether to take it as a warning or a reminder, but the words had sunk into her bones, festering like an unresolved puzzle. Then there was the King's abrupt visit. The private meeting he spoke of, one she had no recollection of, loomed in her mind.

As the sun climbed higher, the time for the meeting arrived. Grace stood at the palace gates, dressed in a deep blue tunic, its golden embroidery a stark contrast against the rich fabric. Her horse was prepared, the royal guards mounted and ready, their armor gleaming under the daylight.

King Charlenugo approached with his usual air of command, his cloak billowing slightly as he took his place beside her.

"Are you prepared, Quicke?" His voice was firm but measured.

"Yes, Father." Grace kept her expression neutral, determined to follow along without revealing her uncertainty.

With a signal from the King, they rode out. The rhythmic clatter of hooves against stone echoed through the palace grounds before transitioning into the open road leading away from the city.

The ride was long and mostly silent, save for the occasional rustling of leaves in the wind. Grace stole glances at the King, trying to decipher his thoughts, but his face remained unreadable.

After nearly an hour, they arrived at a secluded clearing near the royal hunting grounds. A towering stone structure stood at the center, a monument of sorts, weathered by time but still holding an air of importance.

Grace dismounted, following her father's lead.

The King turned to face her. "Do you remember why we come here?"

Grace hesitated for only a fraction of a second before nodding. "To honor the lineage of our bloodline."

It was a guess. But it seemed logical enough.

The King studied her for a long moment before speaking. "This place has stood as a sacred ground for generations. Every ruler before you has stood here, faced with the weight of what it means to wear the crown. This is where I once stood before my own ascension."

Grace listened carefully, absorbing his words.

"Ruling is not just about power, Quicke," Charlenugo continued, his gaze steady. "It is about sacrifice. Strength alone is not enough; loyalty, wisdom, and control must follow. Do you understand?"

Grace nodded. "I do."

The King stepped closer, lowering his voice. "This marriage is not merely about you taking a wife. It is about cementing alliances, strengthening the kingdom. Juliet is a bridge between our people and the Morphines. Do you think love has anything to do with this union?"

Grace felt the intensity of his gaze.

"No, Father," she answered carefully.

The King smirked slightly, though it held no amusement. "Good. Then you are ready."

A long pause settled between them before Charlenugo finally turned back toward the monument. "Come. Pay your respects, and we shall return."

Grace approached the ancient structure, pressing a hand against its cool surface. She didn't know what Quicke would have done in this moment, but she closed her eyes, breathing in deeply, trying to center herself.

When she opened them, the King was already mounting his horse.

"Let's return," he ordered.

Without another word, they rode back.

By the time they arrived at the palace, the energy within the walls had shifted. The moment they passed through the gates, Grace noticed Juliet's carriage parked near the entrance.

Her pulse quickened.

Juliet was here.

As she dismounted, a guard approached, bowing slightly. "Your Highness, Lady Juliet has arrived. She is waiting in the gardens."

Grace nodded. "I will see her shortly."

She barely had time to compose herself before she found her way to the palace gardens.

Juliet stood near the fountain, dressed in a gown of soft emerald, her dark curls pinned into an elegant braid. She turned as Grace approached, her gaze unreadable.

"Prince Quicke," she greeted, dipping her head slightly.

"Juliet," Grace responded smoothly. "You arrived earlier than expected."

She shrugged lightly. "I wished to discuss a few things before the final days overwhelm us."

Grace studied her. "Then speak freely."

Juliet hesitated for a moment, her fingers brushing against the hem of her sleeve. "Are you certain about this?"

The question was simple, yet laced with something deeper.

Grace didn't flinch. "Do you doubt my decision?"

Juliet's lips pressed together. "No. But I know that duty and desire do not always align. I simply wish to know if you do this for yourself, or for the kingdom."

Grace held her gaze.

"In this life, there is no separation between the two," she said. "My duty is my desire. And my kingdom is my purpose."

Juliet studied her for a long moment before exhaling softly. "Then we should ensure this is a wedding worth remembering."

Grace gave a nod. "Indeed."

A silence stretched between them, not tense, but heavy with unspoken thoughts.

Finally, Juliet turned away. "The Queen has called for me. We will speak again soon."

Grace watched her leave, a strange sensation settling in her chest.

She wasn't sure if it was relief. Or something else.

As night fell, Grace sat at her desk, staring at an untouched sheet of parchment. She had intended to write something, plans, thoughts, anything but her mind was clouded.

She was playing a game of deception. Every move had to be calculated. Every word spoken with precision.

I need everyone around me.

That voice still lingered in her head.

She exhaled, leaning back in her chair.

And somewhere, in the shadows of it all, someone was watching her.That alone scare her a lot.