GRACE HURRIED TO MEwhen I entered the room. When she sensed my mood, she hugged me before looking up at me. “Are you okay?”
I kissed the top of her head. “I am now,” I murmured.
She wrapped her arms around my waist and sighed into my chest. I heard Krin speaking to the other two females behind us, but ignored them.
“Let’s go somewhere to talk,” I said, leaning back.
She nodded and stepped back, allowing me to take her hand.
We walked outside onto the balcony and stood looking out over the gardens of the palace. Grace turned to me with an expectant gaze. “Have you been able to find out anything? Orin told us we could not eat or drink anything from here.”
I couldn’t help but stroke her hair and smile down at her. We’d grown so close that I rarely had to say anything aloud for her to understand what I was feeling.
But I didn’t want to keep anything from her. She was not only my future Queen but also my confidante and support during this transition.
“Krin and I questioned the new kitchen staff, but they knew nothing. There is a new royal medic that claims to be looking into the poison that killed my father, but he says he’s found nothing so far. I sense he doesn’t much like me, though I cannot imagine why. I have never met him and rarely have been around to make enemies.”
Grace’s face pinched. “Do you trust him?”
I placed my hands on her shoulders and looked her in the eyes. “Right now, apart from you and Krin, I don’t knowwhoto trust.”
I raised a hand to her cheek and smiled. “I must address the citizens, but wanted to see you first.”
Placing her hands on my chest, she looked up at me. “I’m not worried. You’ll figure everything out. I have no doubt about it. Just be careful,” she worried.
I threaded my hands through her soft hair, grinning. “I am always careful.”
Her lips curled. “Can I watch you give your speech?”
I smiled. “You can watch it on the screen in the other room. I am giving a planetary address via the communications network. I won’t be leaving the palace for that. Afterwards, I am going outside to speak with a small group of protestors.”
She raised her brows. “That sounds okay. Can I go to the medical bay to see Rekna? Olivia wants to speak with him, too.”
Frowning, I leaned to kiss her forehead. “You and the others should remain here under guard. At least for now, until I am sure it is safe.”
Grace chewed the inside of her cheek and I sensed she wanted to say something more. When I stepped back, she took my hand. “I’ll wait here for you to return,” she said, sounding resolute.
I admired my supportive and strong K’sha, giving her a broad smile. Together, we walked back into the suite. It was time to face the people of Alara.
ALONG WITH SEVERALpalace guards and Xilta by my side, I stepped outside the palace gates to speak to the crowd that had gathered.
The group wore royal blue robes with hoods. They glowered at me.
‘Who are they?’I asked Xilta.
‘It’s a new cult that’s formed, your highness. They are quite secretive. They’ve taken over the ancient unoccupied temple of Tenage.’
Despite their hoods hiding their faces, I could feel their hostility toward me.
I raised my hands to address them, but a voice called out from the group. “Alara needs no King.”
Other voices joined him. “Remove the monarchy’s rule!”
They began to chant hateful slurs at me, making it clear they were not there to listen.
Once again, I raised my hand, signaling for silence.
They toned down their chanting and started firing questions at me. The majority of questions centered on the issue of replacing the monarchy.
