Chapter 8
“I’m sorry,” Evander whispered. “I didn’t mean to knock you into the water.” His grip on her stayed strong and firm.
“My foot got caught. Between that and the shoulder bump…” She blinked, her breathing coming out harder as she stood there with Evander’s arm still wrapped around her, her torso pressed against his.
He cleared his throat and removed his arm. “Sorry.” He took a step back.
“You already said that.” She suddenly felt awkward and didn’t know what to do with her hands.
Evander rubbed the back of his neck. “Um…this way.” He resumed walking, not bothering to see if she followed.
Taking a deep breath, Sabine headed after him, wondering why she felt so inept and off kilter simply by touching the man. Over the years, she’d flirted plenty and never had her body react this way before.
Evander led her down another walkway and to a building on the right. She didn’t know why they referred to this compound as a palace when it consisted of dozens of individual buildings connected by bridges and walkways all situated over a lake.
He opened the door and motioned for her to enter first. She stepped into a small, square room bathed in natural light from several windows. Off to the left was an opening in the floor revealing the water below. She peered at it and saw several fish swimming.
“This way.” Evander headed to the hallway at the back of the room. He led her past several doors, finally stopping at the last one on the right. “This will be your room while you remain here with us.” He opened the door but didn’t step inside. “I am not permitted to enter.”
She nodded, moving around him and into the room. The first thing she noticed was the stark contrast to Lynk. Since the Lynk palace had been built atop a mountain, her room was at the edge of a cliff and her balcony stuck out over the side. While the views were breathtaking, she’d always been nervous being so high up.
Here, the room wasn’t even built on land but rather over water. A large bed was on the floor as seemed to be the Avoni custom. Behind the bed, on the wooden wall, were archways with colored glass in them. To the left, the same shaped arches but with clear glass, displaying a view of the lake outside. Several potted plants softened the room. A small fireplace was situated across from the bed. To the right, she found a dressing closet and a small bathing room with a low wooden tub.
“A servant will be along shortly with some clothing for you to wear,” Evander said. “She will also assist with anything you may need.”
“Thank you.” The large bed welcomed her, and the thought of being able to get a good night’s sleep without worrying about being attacked or accidentally cuddling with someone sounded divine. However, first she needed to be introduced to the king and queen of Avoni.
“I am going to inform my parents of your arrival and let them know you’ll be staying here with us. Assuming everyone is amiable, we’ll dine together this evening. That is if I’m still alive.” The right corner of his lips rose in a wry smile. “I’ll be back in an hour or so.” He closed the door and left.
Sabine put her bag down and removed her cape. She went over to the windows, gazing outside at the lake.
A soft knock sounded on the door. Sabine called out for the person to enter.
A middle-aged woman came in wearing red pants and a matching long-sleeved tunic. “My name is Naya,” she said. “I am here to help with anything you may need.” She set the armful of clothing she carried on the bed.
Sabine thanked her for her kindness. She eyed the clothing, curious as to what had been brought. So far, she’d only seen Avoni people wear long sleeves and pants, usually dark colors, and nothing at all what she would consider beautiful or exciting.
“Shall I draw a bath?” Naya asked.
“That would be wonderful.”
Naya went into the bathing room and pressed a lever. Water cascaded out from a spout and into the tub. She knelt and lit a fire beneath it. “That’ll take a bit to fill and warm. Would you like for me to start a fire in the hearth in your room?”
“Please.”
Once the fire got going, Naya went over to the door. “This string here is attached to a bell. If you need anything, pull the string and someone will immediately attend to you.”
“Thank you.”
Naya left so Sabine could bathe and dress in private.
After peeling off her dirty clothes, she climbed into the tub, trying not to moan from the glorious heat. Leaning back, she soaked in the water until she became sleepy. Sitting up, she grabbed the soap, washing her skin and hair. She rinsed, then got out and dried off.
Going back into the other room, she examined the clothes Naya had brought. There were a couple of pairs of pants and several long-sleeved tunics similar to what she saw the women in the Avoni delegation wear. All rather plain and simple. Since nothing stood out to her, she randomly picked a pair of pants and one of the tunics, putting them on. She managed to comb her hair, getting all of the knots out from her journey.
Someone knocked.
Sabine went over and answered the door, finding Evander standing there with his hands behind his back. He had on black pants and a tunic made from silk with gold buttons down the center. His hair was washed and combed back, his face shaven. He looked rather handsome.
“Hmm,” he said, his eyes scanning her from head to toe. “Did Naya not give you anything nicer to wear?”
“No,” Sabine said, looking down at her outfit. She rather liked the pants since they were comfortable and easy to move in. However, she didn’t think they were queenly. And since she was going to meet the king and queen of Avoni, she wanted to present herself as a royal and on equal grounds.
A smile spread across Evander’s face as he pulled a box out from behind his back. “Then it’s a good thing I borrowed this from my sister. Change and meet me out here once you’re ready.”
She took the box and closed the door. Setting the box on the bed, she opened the lid and sucked in her breath at the sight of a beautiful red and black silk outfit. She quickly put it on and went over to the mirror to see how well it fit her. The red long-sleeved top was form fitting while the black skirt had red stitching up the side in a pattern of leaves. She’d never worn anything like it before. She ran her hand over the material, reveling in the softness of it. While she was fairly certain the shirt should be tucked under the skirt as she had it, she had to be sure.
Sabine went over to the door and opened it. “Do I look okay?” She turned in a slow circle before Evander.
His eyes widened.
“Please tell me what needs to be fixed.” The last thing she wanted to do was make a fashion blunder when meeting the king and queen.
“Nothing.” He cleared his throat. “Nothing at all. You look…you look nice.”
“Am I wearing this correctly?” she asked, gesturing at the outfit, wanting verification.
“Yes.” He held out his arm, so she took it. “We need to be on our way.”
“You look nice as well,” she said, trying not to stare at him. While they’d been traveling, he’d been more pirate and assassin. Tonight, he was all prince.
Walking along the hallway, Sabine felt a strange awkwardness between them. Wanting to diffuse it, she said, “I’m glad to see you’re alive.”
Evander chuckled and Sabine relaxed, a calmness extending through her. Even though she was about to meet the king and queen of Avoni and be introduced as the queen of Lynk, she knew she could do this. She would be regal, witty, and gain this kingdom as an ally. She’d met Evander and his sister, Gemma. Both seemed like nice, normal royals. Granted, they were also assassins. The king and queen were trained assassins as well. Everyone in this entire palace was probably an assassin. Even the servants. She was going to die.
“Why’d you stop walking?” Evander asked.
She hadn’t even realized she’d stopped. “No reason,” she lied as she resumed walking.
Evander opened the door, and they exited the building.
“We’ll be dining with my parents and siblings this evening. They are all anxious to meet you.” He spoke rather formally, as if nervous.
If he was nervous, then she had reason to be as well.
They started to cross one of the bridges when Sabine stopped, this time to take in her surroundings. Oil lamps hung on the outside of the various buildings while lanterns lined the bridges and walkways, the water reflecting their luminance.
“Is everything all right?” Evander asked.
“It’s beautiful here.” She let go of his arm and turned in a slow circle. “I’ve never seen anything like this.” Sabine looked up at Evander. This strange man with red hair and green eyes. Her assassin-pirate-prince. She smiled at him. When she had first woken up aboard his boat, she never guessed they would become friends. The more time she spent with him, the more handsome he became.
“Evander!” a woman called out as she joined them on the bridge. She wore an outfit similar to Sabine’s, only her top was olive green and her skirt dark brown. When she reached them, she wrapped Evander in a hug and kissed his cheek.
Sabine took a step back, startled. Evander had never mentioned anything before about being attached. She should have known. Someone like him would have to have many women vying for his affection.
The beautiful woman with dark hair and eyes looked at Sabine.
“I’d like to introduce you to my sister, Carin,” Evander said.
A strange relief filled Sabine. “You two look nothing alike.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment,” Carin said with a smile. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m glad the dress fits, though I think it looks much better on you than on me.”
“Let’s go to supper together,” Evander said, offering Sabine his arm again.
Sabine took it, and the three of them headed across the bridge.
“How long will you be staying with us?” Carin asked.
“I’m not certain. There are a few extenuating circumstances we are dealing with.” She didn’t know how much Evander had told his family about her situation. “Once everything is settled, I shall return to my home in Bakley.”
“Wait,” Carin said, moving to stand in front of them and blocking the pathway. “Are you Princess Sabine Ludwig of Bakley?” She raised her eyebrows.
“Oh, I’m sorry.” It was still hard for her to think of Lynk as her home and not where she’d grown up. “I meant Lynk.”
“Technically, she’s Queen Sabine Manfred now,” Evander said, speaking to his shoes and rocking back on his heels.
Carin hit her brother. “You didn’t tell me you brought someone of such importance home to meet the parents,” she chided him.
Sabine had been under the impression Evander had at least told his family who she was.
“Wait, you’re married?” Carin folded her arms and eyed Sabine.
“Yes,” Sabine replied. She decided to not say anything else on the matter until she’d been formally introduced to the king and queen.
“I do remember receiving an announcement that Rainer wed and declared some woman his wife and queen,” Carin said. “That’s you?”
Sabine didn’t know why this was so difficult for her to grasp. “Yes.”
“I plan on explaining everything over supper when the family is together,” Evander said, waving his arm for Carin to get out of the way.
“You married King Rainer without the League’s permission?” Carin asked, raising her eyebrows.
“I did,” Sabine replied.
“Huh.” Carin glanced between the two of them. “And you’re here unaccompanied with my brother?”
“Your brother is my escort. Again, we’ll explain everything over supper.”
“Just get out of the way,” Evander mumbled.
Carin raised her arms in placation. “I’m impressed.” She stepped aside, and they resumed walking.
“Impressed?” Sabine asked.
“Like you said, we’ll wait until my mother and father are with us. This should be good.” She smiled and sped up.
“This supper is going to be a disaster,” Sabine said.
“It’ll be fine.” Evander reached out with his free hand, placing it over her hand that held onto his arm. “Besides, I’m here to protect you. I’ll make sure you’re not dragged to the dungeon and put in chains.”
She rolled her eyes. “You need to stop bringing that up.” She realized how ridiculous it was now that she’d seen the palace. Clearly they didn’t have a dungeon. If someone wronged them, the king and queen probably just killed them on the spot. Threw the body in the water for fish food.
He chuckled. “I love watching you get all uncomfortable when I do. It’s hilarious.”
“It’s so hilarious I can’t stop laughing,” she deadpanned.
Carin glanced over her shoulder at the two of them before she pulled the door open to one of the larger buildings.
Sabine stepped inside.
“Excuse me,” Carin said, “I need to speak privately with my brother for a moment.” She closed the door, remaining outside with Evander.
Startled, Sabine stood there, wondering what was so important that Carin had to talk with Evander right this moment and why it couldn’t wait until after they ate. The king and queen were expecting them.
Mumbled voices came from the other side of the door. Glancing around, Sabine didn’t see anyone, so she leaned against the door, trying to hear what they were discussing. She couldn’t make out any of the words. Afraid someone would catch her eavesdropping, she moved away from the door and tried to at least pretend to be patiently waiting for them.
She found herself standing in a square room similar to the one in the building where her room was. There were three hallways that jutted off of this room.
The door swung open and Carin and Evander entered.
“Shall we?” Evander said, not meeting her eyes as he gestured to the hallway at the back of the room. Carin headed that way, so Sabine followed, noticing Evander fold his hands together behind his back.
They went down a short corridor which opened to a dining room. A rectangular table, with six place settings, was situated in the center of the room, taking up a majority of the space. Several round lanterns hung from the ceiling, casting the room in a soft glow. The wall across from where Sabine stood was lined floor to ceiling with windows, showcasing the glassy lake outside. Four potted trees, one in each corner of the room, added to the ambiance.
Going farther into the room, Sabine said, “I see why you found Lynk such a strange place.”
“What do you mean?” Carin asked.
“Lynk is hot, humid, open, and bright,” Sabine explained. “Most of the cities are built on mountains.” Here everything was green, it rained constantly, the air was chilly, and the buildings were more closed and contained. “At least here in Avoni, I never feel like I’m going to tumble to my death if I lean out of a window.” She smiled, trying to keep the mood light.
Carin raised her eyebrows. “That is…interesting.”
A door to the left opened, and three people entered the room. The first was an older gentleman in his late forties with dark brown hair and eyes. Evander introduced him as his father, King Kai Botoko. At the king’s side was a woman of similar age though she had auburn hair and bright blue eyes. Evander introduced her as his mother, Queen Serilda Botoko. The other person Sabine recognized as Gemma.
“My eldest sister, Lyra, lives at a different palace with her husband and two young children,” Evander said. “Everyone, this is Queen Sabine Manfred of Lynk.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Sabine said, with a slight tilt of her head, as she’d seen her mother do when royals from other kingdoms came to visit. She realized she should have asked Evander if there were any particular customs she needed to be aware of.
“Welcome,” Kai said. “I must admit I was surprised to receive King Rainer’s declaration that he’d married you and crowned you queen.”
“Were you?” Sabine asked. “I thought you sent the delegation to Lynk to approve of our wedding. I should think me marrying the king, as planned, wouldn’t come as a surprise.” She knew the statement was bold, but she wanted to assert her position here and let them know she couldn’t be pushed around easily.
The king and queen exchanged a look that Sabine couldn’t decipher.
“Let’s all take a seat,” Kai said, gesturing to the table, and not acknowledging Sabine’s comment.
Evander pulled out a chair for Sabine. When she sat, he whispered, “Bold. Well done.”
“I was afraid it was dungeon worthy,” she whispered back.
He chuckled and took the seat next to her. The king and queen sat at either end of the table while Gemma and Carin sat directly across from Sabine and Evander.
Several servants entered carrying plates, setting one before each person.
Sabine reluctantly peered down and was disheartened to see several things on her plate that she didn’t recognize. She was starving and could really go for some meat and potatoes instead of…whatever this was before her. It looked like some sort of fish and several vegetables.
Once the servants left, the king started eating and everyone followed suit. “Tell us, Queen Sabine, how you came to be in Avoni with Evander.”
A loaded question, and one that needed to be answered carefully. Evander and her should have discussed all of this ahead of time. However, she’d been so focused on meeting the king and queen that she hadn’t stopped to consider what she should specifically say to them. She knew what she shouldn’t say.
“The League was gathering, and Sabine wanted to meet with her brother. I offered to escort her,” Evander said.
Under the table, Sabine folded her hands in her lap. Evander reached over and took hold of her hand, squeezing it once before releasing it. She had to trust him to lead this conversation. Forcing herself to appear relaxed, she lifted her fork and picked at her food.
“I didn’t know the League was meeting here in Avoni,” Queen Serilda said.
Sabine felt her face heat up. It was clear they had some explaining to do and couldn’t gloss over the situation. Evander’s parents were intuitive. She’d need to not only watch what she said but how she behaved around them.
“We met at the usual place,” Evander said, taking a bite of his food.
“Can you please explain to us why the two of you are here then?” Kai said, taking a drink from his cup.
“If I may?” Evander said to Sabine.
“Of course,” she replied, trying to figure out why he was asking her permission to tell the story.
He proceeded to explain how he’d escorted her to Nisk where she met up with her brother. Then he said that when she went to return to Lynk with Prince Anton, they discovered an Avoni assassin tracking her. “I offered to escort her back to Lynk to ensure she made it there safely.”
“I’m still not understanding why the two of you are here in Avoni,” Serilda said. “It seems an odd way to return to Lynk.”
“Ex is tracking us,” Evander said. “We’ve led him here.”
The king set his fork down, sitting back in his chair and watching his son.
Not wanting anything else to eat, Sabine pushed her plate away.
“If you have something to say, Father, just say it.” Evander took another bite of his food.
“Do you want to go first or shall I?” Serilda asked her husband.
Kai took a deep breath, rubbed his face, and took a drink of wine. “Evander, do you realize the position you’ve put us in? King Rainer has every right to question our intentions. Escorting the queen back to Lynk is one thing, luring an assassin here is another. The two of you have been traveling alone. It doesn’t look good. King Rainer has every right to raise his sword against us now.” He glanced at Sabine, as if not sure how much to say in front of her.
“We were on our way to get guards to accompany us,” Evander said. “Then we got sidetracked with the attacks.” He took another bite of food. “Oh, and I, uh, agreed to marry King Rainer’s sister, Princess Lottie.” He shoved more food in his mouth.
The room went uncomfortably silent. Sabine knew everyone was trying to process what Evander had said. While sitting there waiting for them to respond, she tried not to squirm in her seat. This felt like being back home and having to explain something she’d done to her father and awaiting his verdict.
Sabine decided it was time for her to speak. “Once the assassin who’s after me is dealt with, I plan on returning to Lynk and doing everything in my power to make sure there is peace among all our kingdoms.” She tried to look reassuring as she sat there before the king and queen of Avoni. Truth be told, she felt weak. Insignificant. But she knew Rainer needed her and she was tied to him for life now. She would do everything she could to maintain peace. Her own wants, desires, and happiness no longer mattered.
“How do you plan on accomplishing that?” Kai asked.
A good question and one Sabine had been considering. She had a couple of ideas but didn’t want to share them with anyone. “The less you know, the better,” she responded.
“Is my son involved in whatever plan you’ve concocted?” Kai asked.
“No, he’s not.” And her plan was only an idea right now. She hadn’t figured out anything specific and didn’t know if it would even work. She’d have to either ask Anton to help or investigate the written laws on her own to be sure before she did anything.
“I don’t know how your husband will respond when he learns you’re here in our palace. I don’t want him to think we’ve kidnapped you,” Serilda said, looking at her son as she spoke as if she knew what he’d done.
Sabine understood her concern.
“His army is large enough to invade our kingdom,” Gemma commented.
“I think the goal here is to prevent any sort of a war,” Sabine said.
“Then you should leave and go home,” Gemma muttered, her voice low and soft.
“She will,” Evander said. “I just have to take care of Ex.”
“Why?” Gemma asked.
“Because if an Avoni assassin kills her, Rainer will invade our kingdom. Taking care of Ex ensures Avoni’s safety.”
“And what of Rainer’s…other activities?” Kai asked.
“I have no intention of going to war with any other kingdoms,” Sabine said with as much conviction as she could muster.
“I’m not sure you speak for your husband,” Serilda said.
Sabine felt her face warm. “I understand.” And she did. “But I see a way to avoid Rainer going to war.” She hoped. She liked that the queen interjected her thoughts on the matter. Kai and Serilda seemed to be true partners both in marriage and in ruling. However, that was only the impression she’d gotten from her brief interaction with them.
“I will think about the matter,” Kai said. “We’ll talk more later. For now, you are allowed to remain here under our protection. The assassin, Ex, will be dealt with.”
“Thank you.” It felt as if the tension in the room eased and Sabine could relax.
“I have a question,” Carin said. “Why do you trust my brother to keep you safe? Are you friends?”
Sabine peered over at Evander and found him watching her. She smiled at him. “Friends?” she said to Carin, not looking at her. “You think I actually like your brother?”
He raised a single eyebrow. “Of course she likes me,” he responded, keeping his focus on Sabine and not once looking at his sister. “How could she not? I’m an excellent conversationalist with a witty personality.”
Sabine chuckled. “That is debatable.” She looked away from him and reached for her cup of water, taking a drink.
“Forgive me for saying this, but you have quite the reputation for being a flirt,” Gemma said. “Now that you’re married, I hope that is no longer the case.”
Sabine blinked, heat searing through her as she looked over at Gemma, confirming that Evander’s sister was indeed talking to her. She didn’t know why Gemma felt the need to bring it up. She pursed her lips, knowing she had to respond. If this were her family, she’d push right back and not cower. She had to behave the same now.
Sabine looked at Gemma. “Why? Are you afraid I’m going to flirt with you?” She batted her eyelashes.
Evander burst out laughing.
“No,” Gemma responded, looking from Evander to Sabine. “I was just concerned about my brother.”
“Good grief,” Evander said as he stood. “I’m going to take my leave before this gets any more embarrassing.” He pulled Sabine’s chair out. “I’ll escort you back to your room,” he said to her. And then to everyone else, “It’s been a long day, and we’re both exhausted.”
“It was a pleasure to meet you,” Serilda said.
As Sabine stood, she smiled sweetly and said, “Thank you all for a lovely evening.” She bowed her head, showing respect for the king and queen, before following Evander from the room.
Outside, the wind blew softly. Sabine folded her arms, trying to stay warm.
The two of them walked along a pathway and onto one of the many bridges.
Halfway across, Sabine stopped to admire it all. Leaning her arms on the railing, she took in the glowing lanterns reflecting on the water, the bright moon, and the twinkling stars. “This may be the first time I’ve seen the sky here in Avoni.” Granted, there were still some thick clouds here and there.
When Evander didn’t respond, she glanced over her shoulder. He stood behind her, leaning against the railing, watching her. “What is it?” she asked.
He shrugged. “Nothing.”
Not believing him, she went over and joined him, leaning her back against the railing and imitating his stance. “Is everything okay?” She looked at his torso as if she could see the cut through his tunic. Maybe the exertion of the day had taken its toll on him.
“Everything is fine.” He tilted his head back, looking up at the sky.
“Can I ask you something?”
He peered at her, his green eyes almost glowing under the moonlight. “You can ask me anything.” His voice rang with sincerity.
“Are your sisters normally this overprotective of you?” What she really wanted to know was what Carin had said to him before supper. However, coming out and asking seemed impolite and nosy.
He reached back, placing his hands on the railing. “I’m the youngest. I’m sure you know what that feels like with older siblings, even when you’re old enough to take care of yourself.”
“I do.” Sabine turned and faced the water, sliding her hands over the railing. Her left hand extended toward Evander’s but not quite touching his.
“Gemma…well, she was interested in a man who my parents didn’t care for. His skills weren’t as honed as one would expect. I expressed my concern over the match. I think she was just trying to get me back at supper. Don’t take anything she said too seriously.”
Sabine nodded. “And Carin?” She looked at Evander’s long fingers curled around the railing. She wanted to trace her finger over the back of his hand but didn’t dare touch him.
“She just wanted to know what was going on before supper.” He shifted his hand and his finger touched hers.
Neither of them moved.
“I should get you to your room,” Evander whispered.
Sabine nodded. Needing to distract herself from the man standing at her side, his finger touching hers, she asked, “Is there a chance the assassin could get past the wall and sentries?”
Evander shook his head. “It would be suicide for him to try to even approach the wall. He will wait for us to leave, then he’ll strike.”
“I don’t want you getting hurt protecting me.” She couldn’t live with herself if he died because of her. He didn’t owe her anything, and yet, he’d become her protector.
He nudged her with his shoulder. “Don’t forget you asked me to train you. How about tomorrow morning we work together after breakfast?”
“I’d like that.” She looked up at him. With them each facing a different direction, shoulder to shoulder, his face felt close to hers. His lips were right there. If she leaned in ever so slightly…
Evander pushed away from the railing and straightened, breaking the connection that had been brewing between them. He reached out, taking her hand, and gently leading her from the bridge. They walked in silence to the building where she was staying.
Sabine wondered if it only housed guests or if it was where the royal family had their bedchambers as well. She hadn’t slept on her own in several nights, and the thought of being away from Evander made her feel strange.
Inside, he led her down the hallway and stopped at her door. “Goodnight, Sabine,” he said, his voice husky. Reaching out, he cupped her cheek, rubbing his thumb against her skin. “Sweet dreams.” His eyes searched hers a moment before he suddenly turned and left.
With her breathing unsteady, Sabine went into her room, odd feelings inundating her. Excitement, happiness, longing, and fear all bombarded her. She had no idea why she felt this way.