Chapter 2
Chapter Two
Even furious, Rainer was attractive. The leather armor showcased his toned arms. His tousled, wind-blown hair only added to his appeal. Sabine had always found him handsome. Too bad when he opened his mouth, he ruined it.
He stopped a few feet from her, his chest rising and falling as he curled his hands into fists, attempting to rein in his temper. His eyes closed for a few seconds, and when they opened, his anger was gone. A slow smile slid across his face, and his eyes darkened as they took her in.
Now she understood that he used his allure as a weapon. At least two could play that game. “It’s good to see you, husband.” She lowered her chin, batting her eyelashes as she smiled coyly at him.
Besides Axel, a handful of people stood on the second level overlooking the courtyard, along with several couples passing through. This was one of the many reasons she’d chosen this area—she wanted witnesses.
Rainer took a step closer, his hand sliding to her waist. He leaned in toward her, whispering, “You are not to give my soldiers or my palace guards orders.” His warm breath brushed her ear. He leaned back, not expecting her to respond.
Making no attempt to lower her voice, she replied, “Are you saying I’m a queen in name only?” She tilted her head, pulling her brows together in an attempt to look confused.
He pinched her side. “This is Lynk, not Bakley. This is my kingdom. I will protect it.”
Her eyes narrowed as she took a step back, pulling away from his grip, her hand going to her chest in shock. “I took an oath to protect Lynk,” she said loudly enough for those nearby to hear. “Lynk is now my kingdom. These are my people, too.”
Rainer’s eyes narrowed. “Lottie is my sister.” His voice remained low, like water running over pebbles.
“That makes her betrayal even greater,” Sabine replied, her voice loud and articulate, carrying through the courtyard.
Everyone in the palace needed to know Lottie was responsible for Alina’s death and that she’d hired an assassin to kill Sabine.
Lottie was trying to take Rainer’s throne.
It surprised her that he would continue to defend his sister given what she’d done.
He glanced around, as if taking note of those witnessing this spectacle. “I don’t know what game you’re playing at,” he said, his voice a harsh whisper. “But let me make one thing abundantly clear. You have no say in what happens with my family.”
Tears filled her eyes. “I thought I was your family. That we are a family.” Her loud voice echoed through the courtyard, shaking as if on the verge of tears.
Turning away from him, she kept her head held high, blinking back tears.
“I believe that as the rulers of this great kingdom, we have a responsibility to enforce its laws. I don’t think we can let someone break the law just because you know them or they’re special to you.
” Then she turned back to face him, pointing at his chest. “If you won’t enforce the laws, if you won’t put Lottie in the dungeon and see justice served, then you’re not the king I thought you were.
You’re not the king Lynk deserves. I no longer feel safe here and must leave.
” She raised her eyebrows in challenge, hoping she’d hit the right nerve with him.
“Leave?” His voice dropped to a low, almost menacing tone as he stepped closer, his hand reaching for her arm.
Sabine knew he couldn’t afford for her to leave again. They didn’t have long to procreate and produce an heir. Otherwise, he’d forfeit the throne and Lottie would claim it.
She was about to respond when Commander Felix entered the courtyard, heading straight for them.
He bowed. “King Rainer, I need a moment of your time.”
Rainer kept his focus on Sabine, his voice soft so it wouldn’t carry as he said, “We’ll finish this discussion tonight. Until then, go to your room. You will not give any orders until after I’ve outlined your duties.” With that, he turned and walked away with Felix.
Her temper flared, making her want to yell after him.
However, she schooled her features, making sure to keep her anger and resentment locked beneath the surface.
Too many people were watching. Instead, she let hurt and sorrow consume her—which wasn’t hard.
All she had to do was think about Alina’s death to feel hurt, and about leaving Evander to feel sorrow. Tears fill her eyes.
Her dear, sweet sister was buried beneath the ground in Bakley.
Sabine had sworn to seek vengeance for the murder, and she wouldn’t rest until Lottie paid for her crime.
The time Sabine had spent with Evander helped mend her heart, but they could never be.
She was married, and he was the Avoni prince and leader of a ruthless assassin guild.
To move forward with her life, Sabine needed to focus on Rainer, even if she couldn’t love him.
Not when he treated her like this. Like a child.
He would never see her as an equal, let alone treat her as one.
Their age difference was too great. Lifting her hand, she wiped the tears before they could fall.
While she wanted to garner sympathy from those nearby, she didn’t want to appear too weak.
“Your Majesty,” one of her guards said, “shall we escort you back to your room?”
It would be so much easier to gauge his reaction if she could see his face. She hated that the palace guards all wore black masks, hiding their emotions.
“I just need a moment,” she mumbled, closing her eyes and taking in a deep breath, letting it out slowly.
“Sister,” Otto said as he neared. “What’s the matter?” He stepped around her guards and stood in front of Sabine, his eyes looking her over and widening ever so slightly at the sight of her clothing.
In Bakley, women wore dresses that covered everything except for their hands and head.
It was taboo to show any other skin. However, here in Lynk, the weather being hot and muggy, the clothing was at a minimum to make life comfortable.
She knew the outfit she wore was hard for her brother to see her in.
Thankfully, he was seasoned enough in court politics to keep his features schooled.
“Sabine,” Otto whispered. “What’s the matter? You never cry or show your emotions like this.”
“I’m playing my part,” she whispered back. “Ready for our performance?”
He nodded. “So long as you are truly okay, I’m ready.”
Late last night, they’d discussed various scenarios such as this one, so at least Otto had some inkling what she intended to do and what she needed from him in return.
Looping her arm with his, she led him along the pathway in the courtyard. Loudly, she said, “I’m so glad you’re here in Lynk with me, brother.”
“Ever since I heard of the assassination attempts against you, I’ve been eager to help you in any way I can. Losing one sister is hard enough; I don’t intend to lose another.” He squeezed her arm in encouragement.
As children, they’d played games such as this in an attempt to manipulate their parents into getting what they wanted.
Most of the time, their parents saw right through it.
Sabine hoped they were more successful now, especially since they were older, more experienced, and the stakes were infinitely higher.
She sighed dramatically. “King Rainer doesn’t want to arrest Princess Lottie, even though she is responsible for having Princess Alina killed and hiring the assassin who tried to kill me.”
“Why won’t he arrest her? Didn’t she commit a crime?”
“She did. Princess Lottie is guilty of treason and should be in the dungeon, awaiting punishment for her crimes.” She steered them toward a more crowded section of the courtyard, wanting as many people as possible to overhear this conversation—or rather, performance.
“Do you think it’s because she’s his sister that he doesn’t want to uphold the law?”
Sabine shrugged. “I don’t know. He just scolded me for questioning him and told me to go to my room. He said I am not allowed to make any decisions with regards to this kingdom.”
“But you’re its queen.”
“Apparently, in name only.” Glancing furtively at those they passed, she saw looks of shock and outrage on many faces. She had to withhold her smile.
“That’s against the law as well.” Otto stopped walking and faced his sister. “King Rainer crowned you the queen of Lynk. You took an oath.”
“I know,” Sabine replied. “I have to do what’s best for the people of this kingdom.”
“Not only do you have a legal duty, but you have a moral obligation as well. If King Rainer won’t protect his citizens, then you must.”
She nodded. “I am the queen of Lynk and will behave as such. Even if my husband doesn’t agree.”
One of her guards approached. “Your Majesty,” he said, bowing. “I hope it isn’t too bold of me, but if your life is still in danger, if there is a credible threat, I think you should meet with your personal guards. We can discuss the best way to keep you safe, given what we’re dealing with.”
Otto squeezed her arm. “I think that is a wise idea. I’m appointing Lieutenant Markis to your protection as well. I will meet with Prince Anton and Prince Axel to discuss the matter further. I’ll help you get to the bottom of this.” He hurried away.
She was about to insist that her brother have guards assigned for his own protection when four men bearing Bakley’s colors hurried after him. It was wise of him to bring men he trusted into this palace of lies and deceit.
Sabine stood in the library by the window, her guards spread out before her. “Who’s in charge here?” she asked.
One of the men pulled his mask off. “I am, Your Majesty. My name is Drew.” He had dark brown hair shorn close to his head. His light brown eyes matched his skin. Sabine guessed his age to be around twenty-eight or so.