Page 53 of The King's Sword
“Let’s go to supper together,” Evander said, offering Sabine his arm again.
Sabine took it, and the three of them headed across the bridge.
“How long will you be staying with us?” Carin asked.
“I’m not certain. There are a few extenuating circumstances we are dealing with.” She didn’t know how much Evander had told his family about her situation. “Once everything is settled, I shall return to my home in Bakley.”
“Wait,” Carin said, moving to stand in front of them and blocking the pathway. “Are youPrincessSabine Ludwig of Bakley?” She raised her eyebrows.
“Oh, I’m sorry.” It was still hard for her to think of Lynk as her home and not where she’d grown up. “I meant Lynk.”
“Technically, she’s Queen Sabine Manfred now,” Evander said, speaking to his shoes and rocking back on his heels.
Carin hit her brother. “You didn’t tell me you brought someone of such importance home to meet the parents,” she chided him.
Sabine had been under the impression Evander had at least told his family who she was.
“Wait, you’re married?” Carin folded her arms and eyed Sabine.
“Yes,” Sabine replied. She decided to not say anything else on the matter until she’d been formally introduced to the king and queen.
“I do remember receiving an announcement that Rainer wed and declared some woman his wife and queen,” Carin said. “That’s you?”
Sabine didn’t know why this was so difficult for her to grasp. “Yes.”
“I plan on explaining everything over supper when the family is together,” Evander said, waving his arm for Carin to get out of the way.
“You married King Rainer without the League’s permission?” Carin asked, raising her eyebrows.
“I did,” Sabine replied.
“Huh.” Carin glanced between the two of them. “And you’re here unaccompanied with my brother?”
“Your brother is my escort. Again, we’ll explain everything over supper.”
“Just get out of the way,” Evander mumbled.
Carin raised her arms in placation. “I’m impressed.” She stepped aside, and they resumed walking.
“Impressed?” Sabine asked.
“Like you said, we’ll wait until my mother and father are with us. This should be good.” She smiled and sped up.
“This supper is going to be a disaster,” Sabine said.
“It’ll be fine.” Evander reached out with his free hand, placing it over her hand that held onto his arm. “Besides, I’m here to protect you. I’ll make sure you’re not dragged to the dungeon and put in chains.”
She rolled her eyes. “You need to stop bringing that up.” She realized how ridiculous it was now that she’d seen the palace. Clearly they didn’t have a dungeon. If someone wronged them, the king and queen probably just killed them on the spot. Threw the body in the water for fish food.
He chuckled. “I love watching you get all uncomfortable when I do. It’s hilarious.”
“It’s so hilarious I can’t stop laughing,” she deadpanned.
Carin glanced over her shoulder at the two of them before she pulled the door open to one of the larger buildings.
Sabine stepped inside.
“Excuse me,” Carin said, “I need to speak privately with my brother for a moment.” She closed the door, remaining outside with Evander.
