CHAPTER 76
In no time, King Charlenugo was ready to depart. The villagers lined the road, offering farewells with quiet reverence, some with soft kisses to the air, others with short prayers. Grace stood beside him as he mounted his carriage, her posture upright and unreadable.
They strode gently down the path. She watched closely until the silhouette of his convoy disappeared past the final bend.
Without a word, Grace turned and walked back toward the throne chamber.
Inside, Commander Robert stood beside her throne, hands clasped and a faint smile curving his lips.
"You're out already?" Grace asked, her tone cool.
Robert hesitated. "Yes, King Quicke," he said, then paused before continuing, "Do you want me to run errands for you?"
Grace offered a faint smile. "That won't be necessary. For now, there are too many people running errands." She paused.
She let out another smile. "'If I need you, you'll know," she said, adjusting her crown slightly.
