Chapter 4
Sabine sat at the table, six small mixing bowls before her. For the past hour, she’d been smelling their contents, trying to differentiate them. So far, she hadn’t managed to properly identify a single one. She let out a frustrated sigh.
“These are the most basic poisons,” Rolf chided her. “You have to know them.”
“I can’t figure out what I’m supposed to be smelling in the first place.” Leaning back in the chair, she stared up at the ceiling, wondering what poison had been used on her sister. Something could have been slipped in her drink, over her food, or even in the water she bathed in.
“Maybe I can help,” Queen Elsa said as she came into the room.
Sabine straightened. This was the first time she’d seen her mother since the day they buried Alina.
“Excellent timing,” Rolf said as he stood, placing a kiss on the queen’s cheek. “I have to meet with the soldiers who will be accompanying Sabine to Lynk. Given what happened with Alina, I am putting additional safety measures and protocols in place.”
“I think that is a wise idea.” The queen clutched her hands together.
Rolf left the room.
“How are you doing?” Sabine asked. Her mother’s face looked pale and her eyes bloodshot. She wore a demure black dress and her hair had been braided and wound atop her head.
“Your father told me you offered to go in Alina’s place to save the alliance,” she said instead of answering.
“I have.”
The queen nodded. “Good.” She approached the table and observed each of the bowls. She lowered her voice and said, “While you’re there, I want you to always keep your ears and eyes open. If you hear anything about the person who killed Alina, I want to know.”
Sabine’s heartbeat sped up. “That’s what I intend to do. I plan on finding the person responsible for her death and making them pay.”
The queen nodded as she sat on the chair beside Sabine, looking in her eyes for a full minute before responding. “You are not in a position to seek justice on your own.”
She thought they both wanted the same thing—the killer found. “I don’t understand.”
“I don’t want two dead daughters,” Elsa answered. “You are to act as a spy on Bakley’s behalf, but you will not execute anything. Any information you glean will be given to me, and I will make sure Rolf gets it. He will put a plan into place to make sure we capture the murderer.”
“Why don’t I just send any information directly to Rolf?”
“They might expect that, or someone could be reading your letters to him. However, correspondence between a mother and daughter is different. You can be discreet. Others won’t know what you’re saying or implying, but I will.”
Sabine nodded. “The person may very well be from King Rainer’s own court.” Though she didn’t think it likely.
“I believe someone in Lynk’s court knows or saw something that can lead us to the killer. Maybe there’s a mole. Someone who helped the assassin gain access to the palace in the first place.” She glanced over her shoulder at the door. “When you’re there, don’t trust anyone.”
“I won’t.” She reached out and took hold of her mother’s hand, squeezing it.
“Good. But to ensure your safety,” Elsa said, “you need to be prepared. Alina knew her wifely duties and what was expected of her as the future queen of Lynk. However, she couldn’t defend herself or navigate the politics of the kingdom. Her death proves that. You will be ready.” She released her daughter’s hand. “You must be able to identify each of these poisons.”
Sabine nodded, ready to try again with renewed vigor.
“Most poisons are made from plants. Each has a slight trace of that plant. If you know which one, you’ll recognize the poison.”
That made sense. As to why Rolf hadn’t just said so, Sabine didn’t know.
“Your brother has collected the most commonly used poisons.” Elsa pulled the first bowl toward Sabine. “What do you notice about this one?”
“It’s a yellow powder.” She didn’t smell anything pungent, but she didn’t want to stick her nose in it either.
“It’s the center of a yellow makey flower. Because it can be ground up without losing potency, it’s usually sprinkled over food. One bite and you’ll be dead.”
Sabine pushed the bowl a little farther away.
“It does no good learning the smell of this one since the food can mask the smell. If you taste it, it’s already too late because you’ll be dead in thirty seconds.”
“What do you recommend then?” Sabine asked, horror filling her. She’d never be able to eat food again and enjoy it. Every time she took a bite, she’d be wondering if it was her last.
“When your plate is set before you, take a moment to look at your food. If you notice anything with yellow powder on it, don’t touch it. This poison won’t melt or change properties, so you should see it if you’re paying attention.”
She nodded her head, trying to remember everything her mother said.
“The king should provide a food taster, especially after what happened to Alina; however, I don’t know how good the person will be. Also, the best chance of killing you via poison will be when food comes from the kitchen to your chambers in the morning. I recommend you not take food in your room. Try to eat with the king as much as possible to ensure the meal isn’t tampered with on its way to you.”
Sabine swallowed, her stomach feeling sick with all this information. The idea of going to Lynk was becoming overwhelming. Dangerous. A stupid idea. Here in Bakley, she had guards and servants who were loyal and protected her. When she reached Lynk, she’d be truly alone with only herself for protection.
She rubbed her temples and looked at the next bowl. “What about this one?” She pulled it closer, noticing it was a light green liquid and had a funny smell that made her eyes water. It kind of reminded her of rotting eggs.
“That’s giplig. It won’t kill you, but I consider it to be the most dangerous of all the poisons here.”
“How can that be if it’s not lethal?”
“If this is placed on a piece of cloth and held over your mouth and nose for a mere five seconds, you’ll fall asleep.”
That didn’t sound too bad. “At least I won’t be dead.”
The queen raised her eyebrows and placed her hand on Sabine’s arm. “The purpose of this one is to kidnap you. Who knows where you’ll wake up and what state you’ll be in. I’d rather die than be at the mercy of my enemy. I pray you never find yourself in that situation. It is a fate worse than death.”
Her stomach rolled with nausea.
“Are you okay?” Elsa asked.
“Maybe this isn’t a good idea,” Sabine whispered. “There are so many dangers.”
“And you don’t think we have the same dangers here?”
She looked at her mother, confused. “No. It’s safe here. We have nothing to worry about.” They didn’t even have that many sentries guarding the property.
A small smile graced the queen’s lips. “I wish that was the case, but it’s not. You’re sheltered and unaware of the dangers lurking here in your own home. An assassin can come at any one of us at any time.”
Cold fear coated Sabine’s clammy skin. “Why haven’t I been trained to use a weapon or sniff out poisons before?”
“You’ve never taken an interest. Besides, your father believes his men are loyal and will protect us. However, the only person I trust completely to keep myself alive is me. You must think the same way.”
How Sabine had managed to live eighteen years without knowing or understanding any of this was beyond her.
The queen patted Sabine’s hand. “Don’t worry,” she said. “You’re rectifying it now. Are you ready for the next one?”
Sabine nodded.
Elsa then went on to describe a single, unique trait for each of the poisons. Sabine spent the next several hours with her mother, committing each one to memory.
The following days passed in a blur. The king insisted Sabine spend the mornings with her mother going over basic royal etiquette. Even though she hadn’t learned the duties of a queen in any formal capacity since she was the sixth born child, she watched her mother on a daily basis and knew what was expected of her. In the afternoons, she trained with Rolf learning simple self-defense moves along with how to wield a dagger. He taught her how to hold the weapon and what would happen if she had to stab someone with it. Hopefully it would never come to that.
Late at night when she climbed into bed, exhaustion consumed her. At least the physical toll from her daily work kept her mind focused on the tasks at hand. It helped keep her grief for Alina somewhat manageable. However, sometimes late at night, she’d wake up thinking about her sister. It was in those quiet hours that her thoughts turned to darker matters. Things like revenge would consume her.
Every so often she’d awake in a sweat. It was as if she could hear Alina’s screams, pleading with her killer to spare her. All the reports they’d received from their soldiers had agreed with the story the Lynk steward conveyed—that Alina had died in her sleep, poisoned by something. Sabine liked to think that her sister didn’t suffer. Her body had no signs of trauma. If it hadn’t been for the oddly colored drool running from the corner of her mouth to her neck, they never would have known she’d died from poison. Regardless, those were the days she’d wake up early, eager to begin her training.
On her last night at home, her family held a private farewell supper. The entire family came, even the children. Roasted turkey, boiled potatoes, and carrots were served. The servants baked bread with rosemary—Sabine’s favorite.
When they finished eating, the king leaned back in his chair and said, “You always were a wild child. You loved to chase after your brothers, swim in the nearby lake, and ride a horse like a boy. It’s about time you settle down.”
Sabine rolled her eyes. Growing up, her father had always been busy with Karl and Rolf while her mother entertained other ladies. No one had ever cared what she did so long as she didn’t get in the way or bother anyone.
Karl laughed. “I remember when I found you hiding under my bed one night because you didn’t want to go to sleep in your own room. You said something about the lightning bothering you. I had to drag you out of my room by your legs. You screamed and cursed at me.”
“You’ve always had a foul mouth,” Viktor said, chuckling.
“I do not,” Sabine said, horrified her brother had said something like that in front of their parents. She was going to have to smack him upside his head when they were alone.
“The first time I met you,” Jesamine said, “you were running through the castle and screaming about some boy. You had mud all over your boots and you were making such a mess. I think you were thirteen.”
Everyone laughed.
Sabine folded her arms, irritated that even Karl’s wife was ganging up on her.
“Remember when she didn’t want us to slaughter and eat that cow for the spring festival?” Otto asked.
Rolf laughed. “She tied herself to the cow thinking she could save it.”
“But she tied the knots so badly she couldn’t get them off,” Otto said. “When she got hungry, she was ready to slaughter the cow herself.”
“I remember the first time I had her attend a tea party with all of the duchesses,” the queen said. “She poured all of the tea into my potted plant thinking she could leave if there wasn’t any left to drink.”
“Oh, not you too, Mother,” Sabine groaned. It was her last night at home in the castle. She didn’t need them all telling these embarrassing stories.
A soldier rushed into the great hall, carrying a letter. He approached the king, bowing before handing it over.
The king picked up his dinner knife, using it to slice the seal open. The room remained quiet as he read its contents. When he finished, he folded it up and slid it into the pocket of his tunic. “I want to thank my family for being here tonight,” he said. “Even my grandchildren.” He raised his goblet. “A toast to Sabine. May your journey be safe, your marriage blessed with children, and your life in Lynk happy.”
“Here, here!” everyone said before taking a drink.
“I hate to end this early, but I must speak with Karl, Rolf, and Otto in my office. Immediately.” The king pushed his chair back and stood.
“That works out quite well since I must talk to Sabine about the wedding night,” the queen said.
“Everyone is leaving except for me?” Viktor asked, folding his hands behind his head. “That’s brilliant.”
“It’s late, Father,” Rolf said. “I’d like to escort my wife to our rooms.”
“It’ll have to wait,” the king replied. “I’ve received word from the League. There’s an issue we need to address. Now.”
Without another word, Karl, Rolf, and Otto followed their father from the room.
“You’re not going to talk to me here in front of Viktor, are you?” Sabine asked.
“No. Let’s retire to your bedchamber.” The queen stood.
Sabine took one last drink before asking Viktor, “Do you know what the League is?”
He shrugged. “No idea. I’ve never bothered to ask because I’d rather not be involved in anything. The less I know, the better.”
Sabine glared at him. So typical. Whenever it came to politics or anything regarding the kingdom, he acted as if he knew nothing and didn’t care.
“Come,” the queen commanded. “You don’t need to concern yourself with the League.”
Sabine followed her mother down the hallway, up the stairs, and to her bedchamber. This would be her last night in her home. Sadness filled her.
Elsa closed the door. “I can’t believe my baby is leaving tomorrow.”
While Sabine was hardly a child, she understood her going away would be hard on her mother. She had no idea when she’d see her family again.
“We must discuss what will happen on your wedding night.”
Sabine rubbed her temples. All thoughts of being wed to King Rainer and all that it entailed she’d managed to block from her mind. If she allowed herself to think about getting married, it became overwhelming. She’d once chided her sister for agreeing to wed a stranger and here she was, taking her sister’s place and doing the same thing.
Once Alina got the justice she deserved, Sabine would deal with being a wife and queen. Somehow that part didn’t seem real to her. Her breathing sped up.
Elsa sat on the bed, patting the spot next to her.
Sabine went over and sat next to her mother.
“We must discuss the bedroom duties you will be expected to perform with your husband-to-be.”
Horror filled her. “Bedroom duties?” If this had to do with making babies, she didn’t want to know. She’d seen enough animals procreate that she knew the general gist. Having her mother go into detail would only cause her more panic and foreboding, and she already had enough to deal with.
“The night of your marriage, you will be expected to let your husband have his way with you. Once he is finished, you will remain lying there on your back so that someone can confirm the deed is done. After this person verifies the two of you have consummated the marriage, you may go to your own bed.”
“I don’t want to talk about this.” Although she didn’t understand why anyone would need to check her to verify that she’d been with her husband. The idea of taking her sister’s place seemed like the worst thing possible.
“You need to understand that the marriage isn’t official until it’s consummated. This way, it isn’t your husband’s word against yours. There will be proof. You must not leave the bed until you’ve been checked. Do you understand?”
Her mother must be saying this from personal experience. Sabine couldn’t imagine allowing King Rainer to have his way with her before letting someone else see her naked to make sure she’d done her duty as a wife. The room felt hot and stuffy, as if there wasn’t enough air to breathe. She stood and started pacing. “Is that all you wish to discuss?” She hoped it was since she felt a headache starting.
“Yes, that’s it.” Elsa stood. “Please remember everything we’ve taught you. If you come across as calm and demure, no one will feel threatened by you. That means you must keep your temper in check. Make friends with your lady’s maid. She’ll hear a lot of the servants talking and can provide you with some useful insight.” She placed her hands on Sabine’s shoulders. “Most of all, be careful, watch your back, and trust no one.”
“I will. I promise.”
“I can’t stand the thought of losing another daughter. I need you to be strong so you can survive this.”
Sabine nodded, tears filling her eyes. She would miss her mother terribly.
“You’re doing the right thing,” the queen said, reassuring her. With her pointer finger, she tilted Sabine’s chin up, so they were looking into each other’s eyes. “Bakley needs King Rainer’s soldiers. His people need our food. You’re saving lives.”
Knowing she was doing the right thing didn’t make it any easier.