CHAPTER 65
Grace didn't know how to feel. She stood still, locking eyes with Parkston, her stare calm but knowing.
"What do you mean?" Lady Judith asked again.
The hall fell silent. Parkston didn't flinch; he remained still, staring blankly at Grace. "Juliet isn't meant to sleep in the king's chamber", he said quietly. "Quicke clearly isn't attracted to her".
Queen Judith's face hardened. She adjusted the sleeves of her dress, and before anyone could react, she struck Parkston across the face.
The sound echoed.
Both Grace and Parkston froze.
"How dare you!" Queen Judith barked. "Who gave you the audacity to speak on who king Quicke is or isn't attracted to?"
"Mother!" Grace called out, watching Parkston gently touch his face. "That wasn't necessary."
But Parkston didn't speak. It was then realization struck him. Grace wasn't ready to come clean about their relationship. "I'm sorry, Queen," he muttered.
