The Queen's Crown

Chapter 11

The king pulled out a chair at the rectangular head table, indicating for Sabine to sit. She slid on the chair while he took a seat next to her. The three royal siblings also took their places at the head table; everyone else sat at the round tables situated before them. Plates loaded with fruit, bread, and pork were placed on the tables, and people began helping themselves. Bottles of wine were on each table as well. A group of musicians continued playing soft music. On the other side of the room, directly across from where Sabine sat, the entire wall contained a dozen archways leading to the large balcony she’d been on earlier.

“Eat,” Rainer said. “Then we’ll dance. After that, many of the people here will wish to take a turn with you. When asked questions, be vague with your answers.”

“I may be young, but I am a princess.” Sabine scooped a little bit of everything for her plate. “I know how to handle social climbers and busybodies.” At least the food was tasty and the wine decent.

Ignoring her, Rainer continued, “Later tonight, you will repeat your conversations to me. Are we clear?”

Setting her fork down, she looked at him, irritated that he was treating her like a child.

He sighed. “The simplest thing said can mean nothing to you, but it can reveal an important detail to me. Until I discover who killed your sister and why, everyone is a suspect. Since you don’t know these people, you will report all conversations to me.”

Since she happened to agree with him, she nodded. Picking up her fork she asked, “You suspect one of the people living in the palace?”

“We’ll discuss this later, in private.”

Axel chuckled, though he wasn’t looking their way.

Sabine resumed eating. She noticed many of the people glancing at her while involved in conversations. As if they were all talking about her. If a foreigner came to Bakley to marry one of her brothers, she supposed everyone would behave similarly. And she had no idea what—if anything—Rainer had told them about her. These people may be unaware that her kingdom would be sending food. Granted, it was in exchange for soldiers. However, it seemed as if both kingdoms were benefiting greatly from this match.

“Is something the matter?” Rainer asked, startling Sabine.

She hadn’t realized he’d leaned in and was only inches from her. “Everything is fine,” she replied with a forced smile.

He raised a single eyebrow, the gesture indicating he didn’t believe her. “Then perhaps you shouldn’t stare at your food as if it’s a puzzle to figure out. Even now, you’re looking at me like I just asked you to eat a spoonful of dirt. Why don’t you try and at least relax your face. I don’t want people here to think I’m forcing you into anything.”

She hadn’t realized her face gave so much away. “Better?” It felt as if she now had a pleasant look on her face.

Rainer leaned in even closer, his hand gliding up her arm, sending a chill through her. “One of the issues I discussed with your sister ahead of time was the need to put on a united front,” he murmured, speaking to her as if whispering a secret shared between lovers. “We’re going to dance now. You need to look besotted. Are we clear?”

“Yes.” It was becoming very clear that he wanted a wife who was beautiful, alluring, and fawned all over him. Not a partner. Not a queen. But someone who followed his directions and did as he wanted. She now understood why he’d chosen Alina. A pang of jealousy swept through Sabine because she was none of those things.

“Ready?” Rainer asked as he stood and held out his hand to her.

She took it, allowing him to lead her to the dance floor. The last time she’d danced was with her sister. Vivid memories filled her, bringing tears to her eyes. She looked down, averting her gaze so Rainer wouldn’t see her grief.

“Do you know the Carilke dance?” he asked as he stopped and pulled her into an embrace.

She forced everything she was thinking and feeling away. Rainer made it clear what he wanted, and she would give it to him. For now. She’d play along and do as he asked in order to find her sister’s killer. He didn’t need to know what she was really thinking or feeling because he clearly didn’t care. She suspected he was putting on a show for his subjects, and she would do the same.

“I do not,” she said, placing her other hand on his shoulder and looking into his eyes.

“Just follow my lead. It’s a slower song.” Rainer held her gaze, his eyebrows raising ever so slightly, as if trying to figure her out.

She forced a half smile on her face, the one she used when flirting with a man. Confidence was something she’d never lacked. And it was time Rainer understood she was nothing like Alina. While she may be playing along and doing as he wished, she expected to get something in return. It was time he started to realize she could be a valuable ally, but one who wouldn’t roll over like a dog.

The music began. Something in the air shifted as Rainer took a step closer and slid his other hand on the small of her bare back, sending a jolt of warmth through her. They began moving to the music. However, this dance was very different from anything she’d experienced in Bakley. Usually, when dancing with a partner, they moved away from one another and then returned. The music was oftentimes upbeat. But this…this was slow and intimate. They swayed to the music together, not breaking contact.

Sabine held his eyes, following his lead. For the first time, she didn’t feel like she had the upper hand. Normally, men were putty in her hands, and she could do as she pleased. But she hadn’t been with many older men. Her brothers wouldn’t allow it.

“I’m assuming you danced this very dance with my sister when you introduced her to your court?” Sabine said, wanting to talk to tame the odd feelings rising within her.

“Actually, we did not. She was introduced to my court, but very briefly.” His eyes glanced down, as if taking Sabine in.

Something occurred to her. “My sister wouldn’t wear the clothes you wanted or play along, would she?” Sabine knew her sister would never wear a dress like this. And Alina would never dance this way. Both went against all her years of being trained by their mother in proper Bakley protocol. It would have made Lynk hard for Alina to assimilate to.

“Play along?” he asked, his voice deep and rumbling.

She smiled and leaned in closer. “You and Alina may have agreed on a great many things before she arrived, but she wasn’t what you expected, was she?” The thought of someone—even the king—killing Alina because she didn’t fit in here was starting to seem like a plausible motive. Fury began to simmer.

“That’s where you’re wrong,” Rainer replied, turning them in a slow circle. “I need a well-bred woman who can have my child. Whether it’s her or you, it makes no difference to me. A woman is a woman.”

A soft laugh escaped her lips. She had to be throwing him off, and his comment was meant to rile her up, put her in her place, and gain the upper hand.

“I can see you want to argue with me,” he said, smiling, as if enjoying this.

“Perhaps.” She moved her hand from his shoulder to the back of his neck, her fingers playing with his longer hair.

His smile deepened, and she realized she’d just issued him a challenge without meaning to.

He pressed his body against hers, his hand holding her in place. Lowering his lips to her ear, he whispered, “It appears we have some things we need to discuss.”

“Yes. I agree.”

He moved his head back, only slightly, so his lips now hovered mere inches from hers. The simmering she’d felt before began to grow, and it seemed as if a fire had started in her stomach. Usually, she was the one pushing the boundaries, teasing the men she danced with. Now she felt as if this man was toying with her. Only, her body seemed to be reacting to his in a way she didn’t want. She’d used that tactic one too many times and would be damned if she let a man use it on her. While her brain understood that, her body did not.

“Tomorrow, come to my office. We’ll talk privately there.” His warm breath caressed her cheek.

She pulled back to look him in the eyes. “I want to know everything you do about what happened to my sister.” Since they were the only two people dancing, they could have this conversation without anyone eavesdropping.

“That seems only fair as you are behaving exactly the way I want.”

His eyes cleared for a second, showing a seriousness Sabine hadn’t seen before. It also made his expectations abundantly clear. A small part of it irritated her. It made her feel like an animal being trained. Do this and receive a treat. However, she wasn’t the only one performing right now—he was, too. And that—and only that—made this tolerable. Somehow, they were in this together. It was the first time since arriving that she felt a sense of hope.

As they turned, she caught sight of Markis standing alongside another guard at one of the entrances. Since she hadn’t seen him earlier, he must have just started his shift. His eyes were solely focused on her—the only part of him visible with the mask on. Thankfully she knew him just by the shape of his body and eyes. A sense of calm filled her. With Markis here, she was safe.

Rainer’s eyes flickered in Markis’s direction and then back to Sabine. His mouth opened, as if to say something, when the song ended, and an older gentleman approached them. Rainer took a step back, away from her. “Thank you for the dance.” He turned his attention to the man. “Duke Vadil, my beautiful fiancée is all yours.” He strode away, heading toward an older woman who was probably the duke’s wife.

Sabine faced the duke, and they began dancing. After a minute, the duke asked her some generic questions about her journey to Lynk and what she thought of the kingdom so far. As Rainer had instructed, she answered vaguely. When the music ended, another man asked her to dance.

After half a dozen dances in which two of the men bombarded her with suggestions about how she could help improve the living conditions and military might of Lynk, Anton approached her. While she was glad to see a familiar face, she was instantly on guard. She didn’t know if he had a purpose for seeking her out this evening. He wasn’t any less threatening than the men she’d danced with. Everyone here had an ulterior motive; she couldn’t forget that.

The music began, and Anton took the lead. His movements were slightly jilted, lacking the elegance of his brother.

“I’m surprised you have nothing to say to me,” Sabine said, hoping to have some sort of conversation with Anton so she could get to know him better.

“What is there to say?” he mumbled. “I’m surprised my brother bothered having this party at all considering the circumstances.”

She didn’t think he was talking about the festival he’d mentioned earlier. “Are you referring to my sister’s death?” Her heartbeat sped up, wondering if he knew something.

He shook his head. “The problem with your marriage contract.”

“What problem?” This wasn’t the first time it had been mentioned.

“The change your father made. The League isn’t happy about it.”

“I don’t understand. Didn’t my father just swap Alina’s name for my name?”

Someone chuckled behind her. She turned to find Axel standing there.

“Anton can be a little blunt sometimes,” Axel said. “Can’t you, brother? You’ve never been one with words. Especially where the ladies are concerned.”

“If anyone’s blunt, it’s you,” Anton muttered before shaking his head and stalking away.

Axel slid up closer to Sabine, taking her hand and placing his other against her bare back. His hand felt cold, unlike the sensation of fire that she’d had earlier with Rainer. They began dancing even though the song was almost over.

“I think Anton had a thing for your sister,” Axel revealed. “He likes his women docile.” He winked. “I don’t.”

She couldn’t tell if he was joking or not. “It’s inappropriate for either of you to have feelings of any sort for your future queen.” She knew she sounded like her mother right now. She tried not to cringe at the mere thought.

Axel smiled as he pulled her closer, their chests touching. His chin rested next to her head, so she couldn’t see his face.

“What do you want?” she asked.

“Who says I want something?”

“Everyone wants something.” She glanced over to make sure Markis was still watching her. He hadn’t moved. When Axel didn’t respond, she decided to change course. “Are there usually this many people staying in the palace?”

“No. Most people only stay for a season and then return home. Since the king is to marry, everyone is here for the ceremony. Afterward, a lot will leave.” As he spoke, his breath ruffled the hair next to her ear. “Keep your guard up around Cutler. He’s going to want to speak with you.”

She didn’t recall meeting anyone with that name yet.

“He’s a captain in the army. His father, Felix, is the commander. Felix is a good man, but Cutler has jealousy issues.” The song ended and Axel took a step back. “Watch yourself.” He winked before striding away.

Needing a drink, Sabine declined the next man who asked for her hand. She headed over to the beverage table and was about to pour herself a glass of wine when she thought better of it. Anyone could have slipped poison into the jug. Looking up, she saw Markis still watching her. She used her hands to pretend to drink. He nodded and then spoke to the guard next to him before ducking out of the room. She knew he’d understood and would be back with something for her to drink in a few minutes.

Scanning the dancers, she spotted Rainer with a woman she’d neither met nor recognized.

“She’s stunning, isn’t she?” a man said from beside her, gesturing to the woman the king was with.

“Yes,” Sabine admitted. Out of all the women here, the one currently dancing with Rainer was easily the most beautiful. The blue dress she wore revealed supple breasts and long, toned legs. Her brown hair hung down her bare back in soft waves. The word desirable came to mind. Sabine tilted her head to the side, watching the woman. Her outfit coordinated with the king’s. An odd feeling took root, almost as if Sabine had entered a room turned sideways. She tried to shake off the feeling.

“She’s my fiancée,” the man said as he stood tall, almost puffing out his chest.

“Is that so?” Sabine wished she had a drink, so she had something to do with her hands. She awkwardly stood there knowing this man beside her had sought her out for a reason. One she probably wasn’t going to like.

“Yes,” he cooed.

Taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly, Sabine decided she might as well get this conversation over with. “I’m sorry, have we met?” she asked, looking at the man’s face for the first time. He was good looking with short hair and wide shoulders, reminding her a bit of her brother, Rolf.

“Not officially. I’m Captain Cutler.” He bowed his head.

This was the man Axel had warned her about.

“And do you know who I am?” She wanted to be clear that she outranked him and was not one who could be pushed around.

“Yes, Princess Sabine. Everyone knows who you are.”

She turned back to watch Rainer with this man’s beautiful fiancée. She suspected Axel’s warning about Cutler may have had to do with his jealousy that Cutler was engaged to such an alluring woman. Axel probably had a thing for her. But many matches were made based on family alliances rather than love or attraction.

“It’s a beautiful night,” Cutler said. “Let’s take a stroll on the balcony.” He held out his arm for her to take.

She stared at him, trying to decide how best to handle this situation.

“We need to talk,” he said, his voice a whisper.

He must have something to discuss with her in private, away from prying eyes. Given that her fiancé was dancing with his, she figured it was important. Glancing through the nearest archway where two guards stood watch, she saw there were only a few couples on the balcony thus affording them the space they needed.

Sabine slid her hand onto his arm, letting him lead her outside. Even though the sun had set, the air was warm and still. When they reached the railing, she removed her hand from Cutler’s arm and stared into the distance, marveling at the beautiful night sky. “I’ve never seen stars so large,” she said. “They seem closer here than they did back in Bakley.”

Cutler rested his arms on the railing beside her. “Lynk is a unique place.”

Peering over her shoulder, she noticed Markis standing inside near one of the archways, watching, with a cup in one hand. She shook her head ever so slightly indicating she didn’t want it right now. He nodded.

“Next week, Heather and I are to marry.”

She’d heard that name before but couldn’t remember where. “Will the two of you be taking a honeymoon right after?”

“I wish we could, but we can’t, considering the circumstances.”

Somehow, she knew he’d brought her out here to tell her exactly what circumstances they were dealing with. Unfortunately, she suspected it had to do with Rainer and Heather. Sabine was a fool for coming to Lynk and thinking she could take Alina’s place. Everything was so much more complicated than she’d thought it would be.

“It seems the king is in love with my fiancée,” Cutler said.

“It seems your fiancé is in love with the king,” she replied, not knowing if that was true or not. However, she didn’t want Cutler thinking she was some heartbroken young woman who would fall to pieces. She had no illusions as to what her marriage to the king really was. She was here for a political alliance, not love. If Cutler understood that, she could be his ally. It was up to him how things would proceed from here; she’d merely opened the door for the possibility.

“I love her,” he revealed. “I’ve loved her since the day I saw her almost ten years ago.”

She had so many questions and had to force herself to refrain from asking any of them. She needed to let Cutler lead this conversation.

“She never looks at me the way she looks at him. I can’t compete with that. He’s a king.”

Sabine wondered if Heather was in love with Rainer or his title.

“I’d hoped once the king married, he’d lose interest in Heather,” Cutler said. “Not because you’re not beautiful,” he hurried to add.

Sabine chuckled since that’s what his comment had implied. A part of her was vain enough to have been stung by his words.

“They’ve been seeing one another intimately for years,” he revealed.

Then the two of them were in love. Sadness filled her. Rainer reminded her of Alina. Both were in love with someone they weren’t to marry. “Why bring me out here and tell me all of this?”

“I want you to know that the king will never love you.”

She understood that. The part she didn’t get was why bother telling her. She couldn’t figure out his motive and whether he’d be an ally or a foe.

“He will use you.” Cutler straightened and turned to face her. “He will sleep with you because he needs a child of royal blood to hold onto his throne. But you’ll be like a whore to him. There to fulfill a basic need. Once he’s done with you, he will cast you aside. Just like his father did to his mother.”

Sabine straightened and faced him, reeling from all he’d said. “I’ll ask you this one last time. Why are you telling me this?” What did he hope to gain?

“I just want you to know that your soon-to-be husband is in love with another woman.”

She didn’t know how to respond to that. Did he expect her to thank him?

“He’ll never love you.”

“Step away from the princess,” Markis demanded, his voice harsh.

Cutler jerked, as if he didn’t realize Markis had moved from the archway to Sabine’s side, standing only a foot away.

“We’re having a private conversation,” Cutler said. “Leave us be.”

Markis stepped even closer, rage simmering in his eyes. “Step away from the princess,” he repeated.

Cutler’s brows drew together. “Do you not recognize me?”

“You’re too close to the princess, and she seems distressed. You will put space between the two of you.”

“I’m your captain.”

“You’re not my captain,” Markis said. “I only take orders from Princess Sabine.”

“What’s going on?” Rainer asked as he and Heather rushed out onto the balcony, side by side.

It was time for Sabine to step in. “Nothing. Captain Cutler and I were simply having a discussion.”

“Then why is your guard involved?” Rainer asked.

“In Bakley it is not appropriate for a man to confront someone in the royal family in such a manner.”

“Explain.” Rainer turned to Markis, expecting him to answer.

“Your Majesty,” Markis said. “Captain Cutler moved in close proximity to the princess, less than a foot away. She stiffened, appearing distressed. I intervened as I’ve been trained to do.”

Rainer looked at Sabine, his eyes scanning her from head to toe. “Are you okay?”

“Yes.” She forced herself to keep her focus on Rainer and not to look at or acknowledge Heather. As a princess, she bowed to no one except the king. Once she became his queen, she’d be his equal. Everyone here needed to see and understand that. She would not have the king’s mistress thinking she had any power here.

“Captain Cutler, it’s getting late. Why don’t you take Heather home.” It wasn’t a request.

Sabine found it interesting that Rainer didn’t introduce Heather or use a title when mentioning her. He’d used Cutler’s title and if Heather had one, it should have been given. Perhaps she was a commoner. Sabine would have to find out.

Rainer moved to stand beside Sabine, sliding his arm around her waist in a protective gesture.

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Cutler said. He looked at Heather who rushed to his side. The two of them retreated from the balcony.

“Lieutenant Markis, thank you for protecting the princess,” Rainer said.

“I apologize for causing a scene,” Markis said. “But given what happened with Princess Alina, I decided to err on the side of caution.”

“Understood. However, in Lynk, we tend to be a bit friendlier.”

Sabine had noticed that. Men and women tended to touch one another more freely without it meaning anything.

“Noted.” Markis nodded and then went back to his post near the archway.

“Let’s stay out here for a bit.” Rainer motioned toward the railing. “I want you to repeat your entire conversation with Cutler before you forget anything.”

Sabine did as he requested, hoping that Rainer would volunteer some information about Heather.

He didn’t.

When she finished recalling everything, Rainer rubbed his chin. “What, exactly, is your relationship with Lieutenant Markis?”

She bit her lip until she got her temper under control. She wanted nothing more than to answer his question with a counter question about Heather. “He is my guard.”

“Why do you want him to stay?”

She thought they’d already been over this. Instead of answering, she simply looked at Rainer, waiting for him to get to the point.

“Please don’t take this the wrong way,” he said, “but are you not capable of defending yourself?”

“I have some basic training,” she admitted.

“But not enough to keep your personal guard from interceding just because a man steps too close to you?”

Sabine had no idea how to respond to that.

Rainer studied her. “Let’s revisit this conversation tomorrow when we talk.”

She nodded.

“Come. We need to return to our guests.” He took her hand, escorting her back inside.