Page 50 of The King's Sword
“But you didn’t kidnap me,” she said, taking a step back.
“Regardless, my parents aren’t stupid. They’re going to question how and why you’re here with me. I don’t want to give them any reason not to trust you.” He resumed walking. When he realized she wasn’t alongside him, he stopped and turned around to face her. “Are you coming?”
“Into a fortified compound where I might be accused of attempting to murder you and be thrown into the dungeon?” She folded her arms. Maybe she could just sleep on the boat. It wasn’t that cold out. Right now, she’d take her chances with a couple of assassins hunting her rather than an army of them behind that wall.
“Come on,” he said. “It’s not safe out here.”
“I’m not sure it’s safe in there.”
He rolled his eyes. “Sabine.” He waved her toward him. “I won’t let anything happen to you. You’ll be safe so long as you don’t tell them I kidnapped you or that you stabbed me with a knife.” He came back to her, took hold of her arm, and dragged her along the path toward the wall.
“Fine,” she grumbled. “But if I end up in the dungeon or dead, I expect you to save those Bakley children and protect my family and kingdom.”
“And which family and kingdom would that be? Lynk?”
She shook her head. “Bakley.”
“Then you have yourself a deal.”
At the gate, they were granted passage. On the other side of the wall, Sabine stopped, her eyes widening at the sight before her. It was as if she’d entered another world. The entire wall had been built around a lake. The palace had been constructed in the middle of it, not on an island, but right on top of the water. Bridges and wooden walkways connected dozens of beautiful wood buildings.
The unit of fighters that had accompanied them went along the wall to the right. About a quarter of a mile away, there were several small structures built near the wall. That must be where the sentries were housed.
Evander and Sabine walked across the clearing toward an archway that led to the main bridge connecting the land to the palace.
“I like that you don’t have guards following you,” she said.
“I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself.”
Of that, she had no doubt. They passed under the archway and onto a bridge leading to the palace.
At the other end, she stepped onto a wooden platform built over the water. She jumped to see if it would move. It did not. However, it looked as if it were floating on the water. She wondered how all of this had been built.
“You okay?” Evander asked, eyeing her with amusement.
She straightened. “I’m fine.” She gestured for him to lead the way.
He took her along the wooden pathway to the first building which was a tall, skinny structure four stories tall.
“Ready?” Evander asked, pulling his bottom lip between his teeth as if nervous.
She’d never seen him act nervous before. “Ready for what?” To be thrown in the dungeon? For someone to jump out at her? To face a squad of knife throwers?
“To meet the king and queen of Avoni.”
She shook her head. “I look terrible and haven’t bathed in days. I’d prefer to freshen up first.” And calm herself down so she could speak intelligently when introduced to them as the queen of Lynk. If she met them right now, she was pretty sure she’d stumble over her words and admit to stabbing their son who’d kidnapped her. Overall, it wouldn’t be a good first impression, and she had no desire to be thrown in a dungeon or start a war.
“You don’t look terrible,” he said. “But I should probably speak to them first before I introduce you to them.” He bit his bottom lip again.
Sabine tried not to smile at his nervous habit.
“What are you grinning about?” he asked.
“Nothing.” She smiled, batting her eyelashes at him.
His eyes narrowed. “I have a feeling you’re silently laughing at my expense.”
At that she laughed.
