Chapter 4
Chapter Four
The following day, Sabine met privately with each of the dukes who were staying in the palace.
She sat and listened to what each had to say, asking questions about their land, family, and if there were any issues she needed to be aware of.
Most spoke carefully, supporting Rainer while expressing concern over going to war and not receiving the food shipments they were promised.
Some even mentioned the high taxes they were forced to pay the crown—all for a good cause, of course.
Regardless, Sabine had been able to read between the lines.
Exhausted, she put her nightdress on and curled up in her bed.
Harta jumped up, snuggling near Sabine’s feet.
Since it was still early, she’d decided to read through the late queen’s journal to see if there was any useful information in there.
Right when she opened the cover, a knock resounded on her door.
“Your Majesty,” Markis called out.
“Enter,” she responded with a sigh.
He poked his head in. “Prince Axel is here to see you.”
She’d had a long day and didn’t want to deal with anyone. However, since Axel was her brother-in-law, she waved him in.
Axel sauntered inside, his hands in his pockets, his gaze roaming about the room.
Markis entered behind him, closing the door.
Axel peered over his shoulder. “You don’t need to be here,” he said to Markis. “The queen doesn’t need a babysitter.” He smirked.
“She doesn’t, but you do,” Markis said, not missing a beat. He stood next to the door, making it clear he’d remain there throughout this conversation.
“Suit yourself.” Axel went out onto the balcony, his back to Sabine.
She rolled her eyes at how annoying Axel could be. After sliding off the bed, she carefully placed the journal under her mattress before straightening and pulling on her robe, tying it around her waist.
She went over to the archway, leaning against it as she watched Axel. “Why are you here?”
He shrugged. “No one has seen you all day. I just wanted to make sure you’re still alive.” He turned to face her. The sun had only just set, the sky casting an eerie glow across the balcony.
Sabine glanced back and spotted Markis diligently standing at his post, Harta now sitting beside him, both of them watching Axel. She tried to hide her smile.
“I’m alive. No one managed to kill me today.” She folded her arms, waiting for him to get to the point of his visit.
He took a few steps closer to her. “Where were you today?” he asked, his voice low, barely above a whisper.
“I was utilizing my time wisely.” He didn’t need to know anything beyond that.
Axel chuckled. “Good. I’m glad.” He didn’t say anything else, as if waiting for her to elaborate.
“Is that all?” she asked.
“Yes, I just wanted to make sure you were alive.” He winked, then strode past her.
Markis opened the door, letting Axel out.
“That was—” Markis didn’t get to finish because Claire rushed into the room carrying a tray laden with food.
“Your Majesty,” Claire said, setting the tray on the small table. “One of your guards said you hadn’t eaten supper.”
There’d been no time since she had back-to-back meetings all day. Her heart swelled from this kindness. “Thank you.”
“Also, several packages were delivered for you today. After the guards went through them, they were brought to your room. The delivery boy said he was from a local seamstress’s shop and that you’d ordered them?”
“I did.”
“I put the new items in your closet for you.”
“Thank you,” Sabine said.
Claire curtseyed, then left the room.
“I’ll leave you to yourself,” Markis said. “You have a big day ahead of you tomorrow.”
“Wait,” Sabine said. “Have you heard anything about where Rainer went?”
“I haven’t.”
“Keep asking around. I’m more concerned with when he’ll return than where he is.”
“I’ll see what I can find out.”
As long as she made it through tomorrow before Rainer returned, she didn’t care when he came back.
The longer he stayed away, the better for her.
“And if you can, train with the soldiers. I’d like to know what they think about their new queen and the state of the kingdom.
I assume they’ll speak more freely during a training session than if asked directly. ”
“Consider it done.” He reached for the door handle.
“There’s one more thing.”
He paused.
“When Otto returns to Bakley, you’re going with him.” Even though she trusted Markis implicitly and wanted him at her side, he needed to go home to his family. He’d already been gone too long.
“Are you certain?”
“I think it’s for the best.” The people here would accept her more if there weren’t any reminders of where she came from.
“I’ll make sure your personal guards are up to par before I leave.”
“Thank you.”
He nodded and left the room.
Sabine and Harta stood there, staring at the door. “I think it’s for the best.” Reaching down, she pet her dog’s head, trying to convince herself that she didn’t need anyone from home to be there with her. Her wants didn’t matter—all that did was keeping Markis safe.
The next morning, Sabine stood on her balcony, a light rain falling. Since it so rarely rained in Lynk, she came out here to revel in it, and it reminded her of Avoni. Tipping her head back, she could almost imagine she was on the canal with Evander.
Tears welled in her eyes, but she refused to let them fall.
She had no idea if she’d ever see Evander again.
Thinking about him would do her no good.
Her focus had to be on Lynk and stopping Rainer from going to war.
The king claimed he’d rescued the Bakley children from ships manned by Avoni people.
The children were supposed to be here in Lynk.
It was time for her to find out where they were and prepare them for their journey home to Bakley.
But just for a moment, here in the silence, in the rain, she would allow herself to think about Evander. Her assassin-pirate-prince. His smile, piercing green eyes, and dark red hair. His laugh, him nudging her, the feel of his hand in hers. The way he made her feel, his friendship, their banter.
Forcing herself to take a deep breath, she shoved all memories of him away. There was a lot she had to do today, and she needed to focus on that. She just wished the fog wasn’t so heavy and the rain so misty. It reminded her too much of where she wanted to be. Of where she’d left her heart.
She went back inside—it was time to get ready for the day.
After having a small breakfast, she dressed, saving her new outfits for when Rainer returned. Satisfied with her appearance, she placed the crown atop her head and exited her room.
As she headed to the throne room, her guards trailing her, Markis came to her side.
“I have some of the information you requested,” he said, his voice soft so it wouldn’t carry.
“And?” she asked.
“The soldiers I spoke to don’t seem to have a strong opinion one way or the other about you.” At each intersection, he scanned the hallways before allowing her to cross.
“Anything else?”
“The king left with a dozen soldiers. Word is he will be back in a week.”
“But no location or destination?”
“No.”
When they reached the throne room, Sabine paused and faced Markis. “And what is my brother up to?” She hadn’t seen him at all yesterday.
“He and I are going to do a little reconnaissance while everyone is distracted,” he whispered. “The rest of your guards will escort you inside and remain with you. Prince Otto and I will see you after.”
“Very well.” She turned and strode into the throne room, wishing she was going on a mission with Markis and Otto rather than attending this formal event. However, this was important, so she would force a smile on her lips and get through it.
Much to her delight, the throne room was already filled with people. She glided along the aisle. When she reached the dais, she gracefully went up the steps and stood before the royal throne, facing those gathered.
Anton separated from the crowd and joined her on the dais. “If I may?” he asked her, his voice a whisper.
She gave a curt nod.
“Thank you all for gathering today to celebrate our newly crowned queen,” Anton bellowed so everyone in the room could hear.
Sabine didn’t think she’d ever heard him make a speech in public before.
“At Queen Sabine’s coronation, I pledged my fealty to her. Today, I will stand as witness as you all pledge your loyalty to her as well. We’ll begin with the dukes and duchesses.”
Sabine sat as people began lining up.
Anton took out paper and a quill. “I’ll record everyone who attends today,” he murmured close to her ear.
“Thank you.” Markis had already informed her that one of her guards was compiling a list of everyone presently in the palace. Anyone who didn’t show today would be watched.
Anton gestured for the first couple to approach.
Duchess Cassandra and her husband came forward and pledged their fealty, followed by the remaining dukes and duchesses.
After they were done, anyone with a title came forward in no particular order.
There were far more people in attendance than Sabine had realized.
Once the nobility finished, the rest of the people in the palace began swearing their fealty to her.
Even some of the servants came forward to take her hand and kiss her ring.
After several hours, the room finally emptied out.
“I’ll make a copy of this and get it to you,” Anton said. “I’m sure Lieutenant Markis will want to see it.”
“Thank you for coming today and for your help.”
“Of course. This should have been done a long time ago. I’m glad it’s finally taken care of. As Lynk’s League member, I am responsible for making sure these things are handled properly.” He bowed, then left.