Page 17 of The King's Sword
He stopped at the bottom of the steps and opened his mouth, about to argue with her.
“I will return to the palace.” She finally looked at him. “Only, I won’t be returning withyou.”
“I don’t think it’s wise for you to travel alone,” Anton said.
“She’s not,” Evander said, coming farther into the room. “I’m escorting her.”
“Rainer won’t like that,” Anton said, looking between the two of them.
Sabine knew Rainer wouldn’t like her traveling alone with another man. He’d been upset when she’d traveled with Markis on her way to Lynk, and she’d seen firsthand his insecurities with her guard. “I’ll write a letter to Rainer, and you can give it to him explaining everything.”
“I can’t allow this,” Anton said.
“Then it’s a good thing it’s not up to you,” she said as she stood. “I have an assassin after me. I’ll be safest with Evander as my escort.” She went into the kitchen, wanting a cup of tea to calm her nerves before she went to bed.
Alone in the kitchen, the events of the day pressed down upon her. Everything was a complete disaster—and she didn’t know how to fix any of it. The life she’d originally wanted had been stripped from her the moment Alina had left for Lynk. Then it changed again when that man murdered Alina. And then yet again when Sabine chose to take her sister’s place. And now, any hope for a quiet life with a loving husband was out of the question. She’d married a soldier king who commanded a massive, brutal army. She’d have to use everything in her power to try and maintain peace between the kingdoms. Any sort of future that she wished for was irrelevant. All that mattered was protecting her people.
She heard mumbling coming from the living room. Curiosity got the better of her and she moved closer to the kitchen door, pressing her ear against it and listening.
“She can’t go with you,” Anton said. “It’s out of the question.”
“I understand you have orders to bring her home safe and sound to your pretty little palace on the mountaintop,” Evander said. “However, it’s best if I accompany Sabine.”
Anton mumbled something Sabine couldn’t hear.
“Your sister has set an assassin after Sabine. Do you think yourself so adept with a sword that you can keep the queen of Lynk safe? From a trained Avoni assassin?”
“Then why don’t you come with me?” Anton said. “The three of us can travel together.”
“If we’re traveling together, then you’re coming with us,” Evander said.
“Why?”
“Because my ship isn’t far from here. Once we reach it, it’s a quick sail over to Lynk.”
“Ship?” Anton said. “I can’t sail. I get violently ill.” There was a long silence. “It’ll take the same time whether it’s by land or sea.”
“I travel roads I know. That’s the only way I can be sure I’m not taken by surprise and I can keep Sabine safe.”
“Fine,” Anton said. “We’ll travel separately. But I want a letter from Sabine explaining why I’m showing up without her. And you better have a good explanation as to why you are.”
“We very well may arrive before you,” Evander pointed out. “But I’m sure she’ll write a letter for you. And I plan on letting your brotherknow I’m accepting his offer—I’ll marry Lottie. I assume he’ll want me to take her to Avoni immediately to be wed. This saves me a trip.”
“Fine.”
There was a shuffling noise. “Out of curiosity,” Evander said, “has anyone told Lottie about this proposal?”
“I doubt it. Lottie is a problem Rainer needs a solution to. It seems you’re it.”
Yes, Sabine thought dryly, what better way to get rid of Lottie than forcing her to marry into a family of assassins. At least Lottie couldn’t hurt anyone in a kingdom known for killing. If anything, she’d fit right in.
* * *
Sabine found Otto packed and ready to leave when she came downstairs in the morning. Her chest tightened at the thought of staying goodbye to him. But it had to be done.
“Evander is in the kitchen and Anton is still upstairs,” he said as he stepped forward, wrapping his arms around her in a hug. “Thad and Seth have already left.” He held onto her tightly. “Be safe.”
“I wish things could go back to the way they were,” she whispered. She didn’t want to return to Lynk but knew she had to. Not only was she married to Rainer, but she had to stop a war from breaking out.
