Chapter 19
“Iknow for a fact that if our marriage doesn’t happen, there will be war across all our lands,” Sabine said, choosing her words carefully. “Carlon will invade Bakley, fighting will break out, people will die, and Bakley will cease to exist. People in Lynk will begin to starve. Desperate people do desperate things. We are in a position to help people, are we not? It is my duty to protect those who need protection. I hope that fully answers your question as to why I’m here.” So much tension filled the room that Sabine could feel it tingling her skin. “Now tell me, why is Avoni here?”
The man took a drink of his milk, stalling. “We’re here to hash out a few things with King Rainer,” he said. “Like you, our intentions are honorable.”
“Excellent. Then our kingdoms and people can benefit.”
“King Rainer,” one of the other men from the delegation said, “I’d like to have that meeting with you and the princess after breakfast.”
Sabine took a deep breath, thankful the conversation was shifting away from her.
“How about we let the princess prepare for her wedding while I meet with you,” Rainer said. “After all, she is young and naive. There’s nothing she can contribute.”
His words stung. Sabine realized she must have said something Rainer didn’t agree with. Peering over at him, he wasn’t even looking her way. She glanced at Axel who was diligently using his fork to move the food around on his plate, not looking at anyone, with a small smile on his lips. If she didn’t know better, she’d say he was on the verge of laughter.
“Very well,” the man said.
For the remainder of breakfast, Sabine simply sat there, not paying attention to the conversations going on around her. Instead, she kept trying to figure out what she’d said that had upset Rainer. The other possibility could be that he didn’t want her in the meeting because there was something he didn’t want her to know. Either case was not acceptable.
She feared that once she was announced as the official queen of Lynk, Rainer would still treat her the same way. He wouldn’t confide in her or ask for her opinion. She had a feeling that it wouldn’t change with time, that it was the way things were here in this kingdom. Not only that, but she was an outsider and didn’t understand their ways. The entire time she’d been here, she’d been trying to wear Lynk clothing, do things the Lynk way, and assimilate as much as she could so she’d be accepted. Welcomed. Valued. However, she was coming to understand she was simply a means to an end. Rainer needed to secure his throne, and that could only be done by marrying and producing an heir. She was simply a horse to be bred, nothing more.
No longer hungry, she shoved her plate away. She sat there sipping her tea with honey, the only one drinking the warm beverage in a kingdom where tea wasn’t a tradition like it was in Bakley. She didn’t know who had asked for it to be brought to her every day, but it was. And she was the only one who had a cup of tea leaves in front of her.
It was time she started paying more attention to the things going on around her. She knew not all was as it seemed.
People started leaving one by one.
Sabine remained there, sipping her tea, a plan starting to form in her mind as she realized she wasn’t there to take her sister’s place any longer. She was there to ensure the survival of her family and of Bakley.
The last person stood to leave. He was one of the men from the delegation. On his way from the room, he paused next to Sabine. “Why did you really take your sister’s place?” he asked, his voice a whisper in the empty room.
She knew this was a loaded question. That the words spoken meant more than what was asked on the surface. For some reason, her gut told her to answer as honestly as possible. She looked up at him and said, “To save the children in my kingdom.” Even though Bakley was no longer her kingdom. Lynk was. Her loyalty remained with her native kingdom and always would.
The man’s brows drew together. “From being kidnapped, is that correct?”
“Yes. I thought I already explained this about twenty minutes ago?” There had to be something he either didn’t understand or agree with. For some reason, this issue felt vital. As if everything hung on what she said.
“Do you know who’s kidnapping them?” he asked.
She tilted her head back farther so she could look directly into his clear eyes. “Carlon.” She’d already said this, so why was he asking her again?
“What proof do you have that it is Carlon?”
“They’ve been raiding our towns. They attacked me on the way here.”
“I thought you were power hungry,” the Avoni man whispered. “I can see I was wrong. It’s not you who we need to be concerning ourselves with. Like your sister, you’re simply a victim.” He bowed his head and then left the room.
Stunned, Sabine replayed the conversation over again in her head, considering everything the man had—and hadn’t—said.
Rounding the corner, Sabine spotted Lottie and Anton in the courtyard on her right, their heads bent toward one other, talking quietly so their voices didn’t carry. She decided to cut through the courtyard to see what the two of them were up to. When Anton noticed her approaching, he straightened and said something to Lottie, who turned to look at Sabine.
When Sabine reached the siblings, she patted the side of her leg once—the command for Harta to sit and wait. “Do I even want to know what the two of you are gossiping about?” she asked, trying to keep her voice light. The new plan she was putting into action involved keeping up the appearance that she was indeed young and naive. Unfortunately, it also included putting her sister’s killer second on her list of things to do. Her priority was now figuring out why Rainer had chosen Alina to marry in the first place. Once she understood what was really going on, she suspected she’d find the assassin.
Lottie smiled. “We were just discussing the Avoni delegation and their awful clothing.”
For the first time since meeting Lottie, Sabine realized she wasn’t being sincere. Lottie’s smile didn’t reach her eyes, her words felt forced, and her fingers kept twitching as if nervous. That, coupled with the fact that this was Anton Lottie was speaking to—not Axel—told Sabine that Lottie was lying.
Whatever it was the two of them were discussing, they didn’t want Sabine to know. “I’ll leave you alone then.” Sabine forced her own smile on her lips. She was just about to pat the side of her leg twice—the command for Harta to follow her—when Lottie reached down, turning her hand out.
Harta went over to Lottie and sat in front of her, lifting her right paw.
“I didn’t know she’d listen to you,” Sabine said. “And Rainer didn’t teach me that command.”
“Oh,” Lottie said, looking down at Harta. “I work with all the dogs. I help to train them. Sometimes I give a command without even realizing it.”
“What command did you just do?” Sabine asked.
“That told Harta she did something well and I have a treat for her.” She knelt. “I’m sorry, girl. I don’t have anything to give you.” She scratched behind the dog’s ears and made kissing sounds. “This will have to be enough.”
Sabine stood there watching the entire exchange as something clicked into place. She’d been here for weeks and had no idea who any of these siblings really were. They’d only shared with her what part of them they wanted her to see.
“Well then,” Sabine said, still smiling though she wanted to scream, “I’ll leave you two alone to continue your riveting conversation.” Neither seemed to notice the sarcastic tone to her words. “Let’s go, Harta.” She strolled away, the dog and her guards trailing after her.
Back in the palace, she turned and asked one of her guards to take her to the library. Without questioning her desire to go there, they simply led the way. At the entrance, her guards remained out in the hallway with Harta.
Sabine stepped inside, surprised at how vastly different it was from the library in her castle back home. As with everything in Lynk, it felt half-naked. Most of the bookshelves weren’t even full. The walls were white instead of covered with dark wood. One of the walls was entirely covered with windows, allowing light to cascade through it. The light would ruin the books. At least there were windows instead of archways leading to the outside. Half the books were covered with dust since it seemed as if no one ever came in this room.
Sighing, she meandered through the library—if it could even be called that. She perused the shelves, looking for anything about the League of Rulers. She didn’t know why, but she felt like a lot of what was going on had to do with this League. If she could learn more about it, it might help her understand everything. In one of the rows, she found books with maps, in another row she spotted several stories, and another row contained some books on Lynk’s history. With her hands on her hips, she shook her head. This was not a proper library. There needed to be more books. Lots more books. What would she read in the winter? This was simply unacceptable.
“Princess Sabine,” Markis’s voice rang out.
“I’m over here,” she said so he could easily find her.
Footsteps pounded and then he rounded the corner of the bookshelf. His eyes were tight and something about his energy felt off.
“Is there a problem?” she asked, reaching down to pat the dagger strapped to her thigh.
Skidding to a halt before her, he bowed. “Your Highness.” He held a letter in his hand. “I need to speak with you,” he whispered. Then loudly he said, “A letter arrived from your father. I knew you’d want to read it right away.” He handed her the envelope.
She hoped his odd behavior didn’t have to do with bad news from Bakley. With shaking fingers, she opened the envelope and found a blank piece of paper. “What’s going on?” she whispered, panic starting to build.
“Something’s wrong,” he replied. “Members from the Avoni delegation have been snooping around your hallway and they’ve been asking all sorts of questions about you.”
Cold fear slithered over her skin. “What sorts of questions?”
Markis glanced over his shoulder to ensure they were still alone. “About the marriage contract, your relationship with the king, whether you came here of your own accord, about the children being kidnapped in Bakley.” His shoulders rose and fell. “I know I don’t have any evidence, but something’s amiss. I’m certain of it.”
“I agree with you.” Like Markis, she didn’t have anything concrete other than a feeling. “Out of curiosity, do you know if the king thinks anything is wrong?” He’d acted oddly at breakfast this morning.
“I have no idea. He doesn’t confide in me.”
“And you haven’t heard anything among the other guards?”
He shook his head.
“What do you know about the League of Rulers?” she asked.
He glanced over his shoulder again. “Only that each kingdom has a single representative in the League.”
She nodded. That made sense. “I’ve been trying to find a book on the League, but this library doesn’t have a single one.”
“Do you know who Lynk’s representative is?” Markis raised his eyebrows, expecting her to draw her own conclusions.
“I do. Perhaps it’s time for me to go and speak with my brother-in-law on the matter.”
“I’m going to guess Anton?”
“Correct.”
“I…” Markis trailed off.
“You what?”
“What do you know about Avoni?” he asked.
“Not much.” Her studies rarely included the other kingdoms, especially since her parents saw no need since she was sixth in line for the throne. When she had children, she would make sure they learned all they could about the other kingdoms so none of them ended up in a situation like this one.
“They are quite wealthy,” Markis said.
“What from?” She’d never heard of any special goods coming from that kingdom.
Markis shifted his weight. “They’re known for being assassins.”
A chill spread over her body. Why had nobody mentioned this vital piece of information before now? Rainer had said the assassin came from Carlon. If Avoni was known for having those skilled in the art of killing, and they had a lot of money from being employed, why would someone hire one from Carlon? It didn’t make any sense.
“During the Great War, Avoni had quite the reputation. They came out unscathed not because of a large army, but because of a few assassins who were able to change the tide of events by murdering their enemies.”
“Do you think they murdered Alina?” Rainer had told her it was someone from his inner circle who’d hired the assassin.
“I don’t know. It seems the obvious choice, especially since poison was involved.” He reached out, taking hold of her upper arms and looking her in the eyes. “I want you to be extra careful while they’re here.”
She nodded.
He released her. “I fear there is more going on than either of us is privy to. See if you can get the king to confide in you. Now that you’re married, you may have more sway with him.”
“I fear the king is immune to my charms.” He was far older than her and vastly more experienced. It made all her dalliances seem like child’s play.
“No one is immune to your charms.”
“I’ll talk to him.” It was time she confronted Rainer about who he suspected.
“And don’t trust anyone right now.”
“I won’t.”
After Markis left, Sabine started pacing in the aisle, considering her next move.
A soft thump came from behind her, making her jump. “Hello?” she called out as she hurried along the aisle, eager to find a guard, when she bumped into someone.
Stumbling back, she looked up and found Axel with his hands out as if to grab and steady her.
“Are you going somewhere?” he asked, amusement coloring his words.
“You scared me.” She placed her right hand over her chest, trying to steady her breathing.
“Seeing as how only the royal family is allowed in here, I don’t know how I could have startled you. There are half a dozen guards at the entrance; I think you’re safe.” He stepped around her and reached up, plucking a book off the shelf.
“I didn’t know you read.”
He raised a single eyebrow. “I believe all members of a royal family can read—even the bastard ones.”
Her careless words had upset him. She’d have to keep that in mind for the future. It was good information to know what set him off or could be used against him. “I’m sorry, I meant I didn’t realize you enjoyed reading.” She pointed to the book he’d tucked under his arm.
“Who says I enjoy it?”
She rolled her eyes and started to walk away.
Chuckling from behind her, he said, “I’m only teasing you. You don’t have to run away.”
She stopped and folded her arms, giving him a chance to honestly respond—if he could.
He sighed. “With the Avoni people lurking around the palace, I thought I’d hide in my chambers with a book.” He came to her side. “What are you doing here, Princess Sabine?”
“The same as you,” she lied. “I’m looking for a book to read as a distraction.” Axel could have grabbed any book, but he’d taken the one he had for a reason. She tried to read its title, but he’d placed it in such a way she couldn’t see the spine or its cover. The more she was around him, the more she understood how he always spoke in riddles. Said one thing but meant another. Not lying necessarily, but not being completely truthful either.
“Let’s walk together.” He tilted his head toward the doors.
As they exited the library, her guards formed a loose circle around them, giving them a bit of space for privacy. Sabine decided not to be the one to speak first. Axel had suggested this walk, so she needed to let him lead the conversation.
After they rounded a corner, he said, “Have you heard that my brother is throwing a masquerade for the Avoni delegation?”
“No.” Rainer hadn’t mentioned anything to her. “I’ve been told the wedding is scheduled to take place in a couple of days. Why bother with an elaborate party right before the wedding?” Especially one in which people wore masks. It didn’t seem like something the Avoni people would enjoy. But maybe that was the point.
“I think Rainer wants to keep the Avonis occupied so they don’t snoop around.” He winked.
She wondered if he’d heard that the delegation had been asking questions about her. “When is the masquerade?”
“Tomorrow night. You’ll need to get a mask before then.”
The idea of having a special outfit made and wearing a mask sounded intriguing. Like something she would love to plan back home with Alina. Pain gripped her chest. She hated when she was reminded she no longer had a sister.
“Are you okay?” Axel asked.
“I’m fine.” She forced a smile on her face. “What are you going to be?”
“I’m going to wear an eagle mask.” He nudged her shoulder with his. “But don’t tell anyone. It’s supposed to be a surprise.”
An interesting choice that revealed a little something about Axel. “I think maybe I’ll wear a bird mask as well.” Like a peacock or a dove. Since the ball was tomorrow, that didn’t give her much time to put one together.
“Oh, I’m sure my brother will pick something out for you to wear. He always does.”
She wanted to argue; however, he was right. Not only did Claire pick out what Sabine would wear each day, but Rainer had supplied her with her entire wardrobe. She’d assumed it was because she needed to look fashionable and that it wasn’t a form of control as Axel had implied. Since Rainer was king, he had an image to protect. Sabine was part of that image.
“I’m this way.” Axel pointed to the corridor on the right. “You might want to take a detour on the way back to your room. The northern courtyard seemed particularly crowded the last time I went by it. You should see what’s going on.” He started whistling as he strolled away.
Sabine watched him retreat for a minute before she resumed walking. Even though she didn’t want to simply because Axel had suggested it, she headed toward the courtyard, wondering if he was being helpful or sending her to the wolves. Really, she could see it going either way.
When she reached the courtyard, she spotted Lady Regina along with Duchess Cassandra, Lady Karmen, and Duchess Marin gathered before a rose bush as if discussing one of the flowers on it. Something was definitely up, and she needed to find out what. Sabine entered the courtyard and headed toward them, her soldiers taking up guard at the various entrances to give her some privacy.
“Princess Sabine,” Cassandra said, her voice sounding pleasantly surprised to see her.
When Sabine stopped before them, the women all bowed.
“We’re admiring the flowers,” Karmen said. “Aren’t they beautiful, especially at this time of year?” She looked up at the clouds and cringed.
“They are quite exquisite, though I haven’t been in Lynk long enough to know if them being in bloom is unusual or not.” She wondered if they were really talking about flowers. She kept her face neutral and waited for the women to get to the point. If there was one.
“The bright colors of the well-tended gardens here are a stark contrast to our visitors,” Regina stated to no one in particular.
The women all nodded in agreement.
This had something to do with the Avoni people being here. “Has a delegation ever visited the palace before?” Sabine asked, suddenly curious if any kingdom had sent people here in the past. In Bakley, they had the dukes and landowners visit frequently, but not often did dignitaries come from other kingdoms. Her father did meet with kings and queens, but usually at a neutral, convenient location and not at their home.
“No,” Marin answered.
“They’re taking a great risk being here, aren’t they?” Sabine thought out loud as she stepped closer to her ladies. “Trusting us to protect them while they’re here, in our palace.” Especially given Lynk’s reputation as a kingdom of brutal soldiers.
“They are,” Regina answered.
“Tell me, has your husband been busy preparing his soldiers for this visit?” Sabine asked.
Regina held her gaze. “As far as I’m aware, his duties have not changed.”
Given everything Rainer had told her, it didn’t seem right that he’d allow a delegation to come into his home without additional guards and protection in place. Especially knowing that Avoni trained assassins. For all they knew, they could have a dozen assassins in the palace just waiting to strike. Needing to change the subject, she said, “Did you know we’re hosting a masquerade tomorrow evening?”
“I received my invitation about an hour ago,” Regina said.
“Do you think the Avoni people will even dress up?” Cassandra asked. “They seem like a boring lot.”
The women all chuckled. Surely others had to be aware of Avoni’s tie to assassins. However, based upon these women’s easy demeanor, she wasn’t certain.
Karmen looked pointedly at Sabine. “I’m wondering why throw a party at all, especially with the wedding so close.”
Sabine had been wondering the same thing.
Regina sighed. “It’s clear none of you have husbands in the military.” She shook her head. “The party is clearly a distraction.” Her attention turned to the guards at the perimeter, probably making sure they were far enough away and hadn’t overheard her.
“What does the king want to distract the Avoni delegation for?” Karmen asked.
It felt as if they all took a step forward, toward one another, tightening their circle.
“I have no idea.” Regina shrugged.
“If you had to guess?” Sabine said.
She glanced about the courtyard before answering. “I’d say something is probably going on tomorrow night. The king must want to ensure the Avoni people are at the party and accounted for, so they don’t discover whatever it is he plans on doing.” Her hands kept fidgeting with the cane she leaned on. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, Your Highness, I must take my leave.”
“Thank you, Lady Regina,” Sabine said, her voice louder than it needed to be. “Your knowledge on this rose is quite insightful.”
Regina bowed her head and then made her way out of the courtyard.
“What do you think is going on?” Sabine asked softly, feigning innocence. The more she learned about Rainer, the more she appreciated his ability to control the kingdom, the army, and his people. He seemed to have a keen understanding of what needed to be done. If he was planning something tomorrow, then it had to be because he wanted to investigate the Avoni people.
“The king can’t harm the delegation while they’re here in his palace,” Cassandra mused. “It would cause a war if he did.”
And Rainer wasn’t stupid—he’d never harm a person, let alone a delegation, visiting his palace.
“If he wants them in one place and accounted for, do you think it’s so he can search their rooms?” Marin asked.
“What would he be looking for?” Cassandra asked.
“Surely no one would have brought something incriminating with them,” Sabine said. No one would be that stupid.
“Didn’t they come by boat?” Karmen asked.
“Yes,” Sabine answered.
“Then that’s it,” Karmen said. “King Rainer is going to search their boat while everyone is here dancing.”
“What does he hope to find?” Sabine asked, trying to come up with something that made sense.
“He must suspect something,” Karmen said.
Sabine happened to agree with her, although she couldn’t imagine what.
“If they catch him, it’ll start a war,” Marin said.
“Maybe they’re responsible for Princess Alina’s death,” Karmen said. “Maybe the king is looking for evidence.”
Sabine knew he suspected one of his own. But what if he intended on planting evidence? She shoved the thought away. That didn’t make any sense.
“If we go to war,” Marin said, “will Bakley stand with Lynk?”
“Of course,” Sabine replied. As the words left her lips, she realized that was why the other kingdoms were objecting to her marrying Rainer in the first place. She needed to be alone so she could think this through. “I must go. I have a costume to plan for tomorrow.” She turned and started to head toward the exit.
“A war will cost thousands of lives,” Cassandra said from behind her. “It’s better to use diplomacy rather than swords.”
Sabine happened to agree with her. However, she needed to figure out what was going on, so she could stop it in the first place.
Walking out onto the balcony where about two dozen guests had assembled for an impromptu gathering in honor of the Avoni delegation, Sabine easily spotted Rainer and his siblings among those in attendance. Taking a deep breath, she forced her temper under control. She’d been trying to speak with the king all day, but he hadn’t had time for her since he’d been too busy playing host.
A servant handed Sabine a drink. She took the goblet and headed over to Lady Regina.
“I advise you to use this opportunity to speak with someone far more interesting than me,” Regina said. Then lowering her voice, she whispered, “I’m trying to get closer to that man over there. I think he’s a commander in the Avoni military.”
Sabine took a sip and peered at the man in question.
“The woman to my right is an adviser to the king and queen of Avoni. She knows a great many things.” Regina gave a slight nod and then headed toward the man she’d mentioned previously.
Sabine smiled at those present while moving closer to the woman Regina had pointed out. When the woman was finally alone, Sabine moved in. “It’s a nice evening out,” she said by way of greeting.
“Princess Sabine.” The woman’s assessing eyes scanned Sabine from head to toe.
“Lynk’s fashion takes some getting used to,” Sabine said. “I’ve tried embracing all I can, even if I feel ridiculous.”
The woman chuckled, clasping her hands behind her back.
“However,” Sabine continued, “let’s not let appearances get in the way of what really matters.”
“And what really matters, Princess Sabine?”
“Duty, family, loyalty.”
The woman—who still hadn’t introduced herself—sucked in a deep breath, scanning the balcony before focusing back on Sabine. “I think it was brave of you to volunteer to take your sister’s place and marry King Rainer.” The woman’s dark blonde hair had been pulled back into a bun, highlighting her narrow cheekbones. She appeared to be around thirty years old, the average age for a prominent advisor to the king and queen.
Sabine mulled over her words. The one that stuck out was the word volunteer. Not many knew she’d offered to go in Alina’s place. Most people assumed her father had sent her to save the alliance. “I didn’t really have a choice,” she replied. “Since children are being stolen from my kingdom, I had an obligation to do something. Our borders are not secure. We have no standing army. I did what I had to do to protect my people.” She took another sip of her wine.
“I can’t imagine many being brave enough to do as you did.” She raised her eyebrows, awaiting Sabine’s response.
She was being tested; she was sure of it. As to why or what for, she had no idea. “I’m sure anyone in my position would have done the same.” She didn’t smile because it would have been fake. And for some reason, the need to be authentic with this woman seemed imperative.
“Perhaps.”
“What’s your name?” Sabine asked, wanting to get to the point.
“Josie.”
No last name. No title. “Forgive my bluntness, but I need to ask, is Avoni involved in my sister’s death in any way?”
“No.” Josie glanced to her right, at one of her companions, the one with the strange dark red hair. She gave him a single nod.
“You understand why I had to ask.”
“I understand, though I don’t agree.”
“Why not?” Sabine asked before she could stop herself, curiosity winning out over decorum.
“If there is a scuffle, do you blame Lynk because it is a kingdom of soldiers? Or if there is a famine, do you blame Bakley since it’s a kingdom of farmers? Or what about a lumber shortage for building homes? Do you blame Nisk since they’re known for lumber? Or if you don’t have coal to heat your home, do you blame Carlon since they produce the most coal?”
“Well, when you put it that way,” Sabine said, not finishing her sentence.
Josie turned to face her. “I can see why Lynk and Bakley feel the need to unite. I understand Bakley has no army and Lynk certainly seems to be suffering from a lack of food.” She pointedly looked at Sabine. “You all appear to be starving here.”
When she put it like that, Sabine realized Josie was right. Bakley had an army; it just wasn’t a large one. Lynk had food, just not a lot of grain for bread and things of that nature. And just because Avoni had assassins didn’t mean one of them was responsible for killing Alina. “How did Avoni become known for having assassins?” she asked, trying to steer the conversation to a less heated topic.
A servant walked by, handing Josie a goblet.
Josie took a drink of wine before answering. “I’m surprised you didn’t learn this in your studies.” She paused, as if waiting for Sabine to respond.
“I probably did,” she mumbled. “That’s what I get for not paying attention to my tutor. I was always more interested in being outside than learning something I never thought I’d use.”
Josie chuckled. “No, I suppose as the sixth child you wouldn’t think you’d be in the position you’re in.” She tilted her head to the side and walked over to the railing.
Sabine followed her. The sun was setting over the mountain, turning the sky a brilliant orange. The two of them leaned on the railing, observing the sight before them.
“A hundred or so years ago, there were two families vying for the Avoni crown,” Josie said, her voice soft. “Each family tried killing the other one by more and more…shall we say creative means? Until only one family survived, and they became the royal line. To this day, the royal family believes in teaching certain skills to keep themselves alive should another rival family decide to try to overthrow them.”
That sounded rather intense. Sabine played with the stem of her goblet, lost in thought. “Can I ask you another question?”
“You can ask.” Josie took a sip of wine.
“Why is Avoni really here?”
Josie looked sidelong at Sabine. “Since your sister’s death, things have changed.”
“I don’t understand.”
“New information has come to light.”
“Are you implying that you no longer approve of my marriage to King Rainer?”
“Not necessarily,” she answered. “But there are some who feel it needs further consideration.”
“Princess Sabine,” Axel said as he strolled over and joined them.
When Sabine turned to ask Josie another question, the woman had moved away, already engrossed in a conversation with someone else. A chill slid over Sabine. She couldn’t shake the feeling that Axel had interrupted her for a reason.