Page 87 of The King's Sword
All of the boats were black with a red mark on the side. It made sensePrinceEvander would want the protection as they made their way to meet Sabine’s brother. After all, they were officially themselves now.
“Are you ready for this?” he mumbled.
“Yes.” Having been raised a royal, she knew how and when to hide her true feelings and emotions. While she wasn’t ready for what she was about to face, she knew it was time.
The boats moved apart, making a path for them. As they got closer, she saw two uniformed men or women in each boat. Without a word, the boats surrounded them, escorting them along the canal.
Holding her head high, she kept her focus forward. Her back felt cold, as if Evander were no longer behind her, as if she were all alone in the boat. She gripped the edge, her knuckles turning white.
After they traveled about a mile, the trees lining both sides lessened, replaced by green rolling hills and the occasional house. The farther they went, the more dense the houses became until they entered a vibrant city with buildings two stories tall, lining both sides of the canal. The waterway became crowded with boats. However, as soon as people saw the procession, they immediately steered their boats out of the way, letting them pass with ease.
Peering down the side streets, Sabine saw people crowded on the pathways. One thing she didn’t see were any docks like the previous towns. She was just about to ask when they came to an intersection. Their party turned right, and she realized they’d entered a wharf. It was quite long with dozens and dozens of boats. She supposed this allowed the main canal to transport more boats since it didn’t have to house docks on either side.
Their party made their way to the end where a special spot had been designated for them marked by a handful of guards keeping watch. Evander expertly slid the boat into a slip, and someone hurried over, trying it up for him. All the boats that had accompanied them also docked, the guards all getting out. One of the female guards approached Sabine and bowed. She then extended her hand, helping Sabine step out of the boat.
Evander joined her. “We’re staying at an inn not too far from here. If it’s acceptable to you, we’ll walk there.”
She eyed him, not caring for this overly formal version of Evander. Unable to help herself, she said, “And if walking isn’t acceptable, what are the alternatives?”
His cheek twitched as he fought a smile. “I can get a carriage for you.” He clasped his hands together behind his back, awaiting her response.
She eyed the sky. “Since it isn’t raining, a rarity here in Avoni it seems, we can walk.” The gray clouds looked as if they’d dump water at any moment.
“Very well.” He gestured for her to accompany him.
The guards formed two lines, a dozen in front of them and a dozen behind. The pathways between the buildings were wider here in this city. There were also some main streets, though not many. Sabine still found it strange that there were no horses in this kingdom.
As they traveled along the walkway, Sabine noted that many of the buildings looked like those of the previous towns. “I thought there would be taller structures given that this is such a large city.”
“It’s rare for anything to be above two stories in Avoni.”
“Why is that?”
“Safety,” Evander answered. “If we had tall buildings, an assassin could strike me or you at any moment from above. That’s also why the second levels don’t have windows facing the main pathways.”
It surprised her that she hadn’t thought of or noticed this before. The beds being on the floor she’d picked up on right away, but this was something she hadn’t considered. “Doesn’t it get exhausting?”
“No.”
She could never live in a land of assassins.
The guards escorting them stopped before an inn.
“Let’s head inside.” Evander opened the door for her.
Sabine stepped into a lavish room with gold framed paintings on the walls, plush sofas, and a desk to the side.
A young woman came forward and bowed. “Your Highness, two rooms have been prepared for the both of you. The rest of your party has already arrived.”
“Excellent,” Evander said. “Let’s go and freshen up.”
The woman led them up the staircase.
“I’d like to see Otto,” Sabine said to Evander.
“Can you please let Prince Otto know we wish to see him in the receiving room?” he said to the woman.
“Of course, Your Highness,” she replied as they headed along the hallway. “Your room is here,” she said to Sabine, opening a door on the right.
