CHAPTER 59
The intimacy had gone on for a couple of weeks. For Grace, these were some of the best moments of her life. She hadn't felt this at peace in years. Parkston was deeply in love with her and he saw her, not the body she wore but as Grace.
Despite everything, they carried on flawlessly in public. No one suspected a thing. Grace ruled with steady assurance, and the kingdom, it seemed, responded in kind. For the first time in what felt like forever, Alagascar was calm. Laughter echoed in the streets.
The scent of baked cakes drifted in from the markets. Children ran in the distance, carefree and loud. Grace sat in her chambers, her robe draped across her shoulders, her crown glinting in the warm light. Her reflection in the mirror showed someone strong, more composed and surprisingly content. She studied her broad shoulders and the way she'd learned to move beneath the weight of a crown.
Then, she heard a scream, a very loud one.
