CHAPTER 122
Grace could not rest. The whisper of Robert's shadow had clawed its way into her chest, heavy and suffocating. She had told herself it was gone, that the vision was a lie of her tired mind. But every corridor she walked, every corner of her chamber, felt touched by his eyes. Silent eyes that watched and said nothing.
That silence was worse than accusation.
And Mathew Sterrn. He had promised her clarity, yet all he gave were careful words and half-answers.
Tonight, she decided she would no longer wait.
She found him in the smaller council room, hunched over parchments and sealed letters. A single lantern swayed above, its flame weak against the thick walls.
"Mathew," Grace's deep voice filled the room.
Sterrn turned quickly, almost too quickly. "Your Majesty. You should not be here at this hour. The guards…"
"I don't need guards. I need truth." Grace stepped forward, her boots echoing against the stone.
Mathew adjusted his stance. "Truth about what?"
