Page 1 of The Queen's Crown
ChapterOne
Sabine spotted her sister sitting on a bench under a sycamore tree, the man who’d been courting her on his knees before her. The exquisite sight made Sabine’s heart leap. She quickly hid behind the trunk of the nearest tree so she wouldn’t ruin their special moment. Excitement swirled within. It was about time Albert asked for Alina’s hand in marriage—they’d been dancing around the topic for weeks.
After a minute, Albert and Alina stood. Albert took both her hands, kissing them, and then he hurried away.
Sabine ran to her sister. “Is that what I think it was?” she asked, trying not to jump and dance until she heard her sister say the words.
Alina smiled. “He proposed.”
Sabine shrieked. “I’m so happy for you.” She wrapped her sister in a hug.
Alina sighed, her face the perfect picture of bliss. “He went to go and speak with Father to ask his permission.”
“It’s about time, you old hag. I was beginning to think you’d never marry.” Although she said it as a joke, Sabine had been concerned her sister wouldn’t find someone worthy of her love, especially since she was already twenty-four years old. Most women her age had children by now.
Alina sat back on the bench. “I’ve finally found the perfect man.”
Sabine plucked a flower from a nearby cherry tree and stuck it behind Alina’s ear, pushing her long blonde hair away from her shoulder. “I am going to be your maid of honor.” She sat beside her sister.
“I wouldn’t have anyone else.”
“This is going to be the most beautiful wedding.” After watching her two eldest brothers marry, it was about time Alina would have the honor.
“I want to invite everyone to the celebration.”
Sabine placed her head on Alina’s shoulder. “No one deserves this more than you. Shall we go and tell Mother?”
“Yes. She’s going to be so happy.”
“Thankfully Albert lives nearby, so you won’t be going far.” She couldn’t imagine Alina not living within walking distance. Albert and Alina truly made the perfect couple. They both had the same color hair, sparkling blue eyes, and they were tall.
“I’d never leave this countryside. It’s too beautiful here.” She stood and pulled Sabine up alongside her.
“You don’t think Father will object to you marrying Albert since he’s only a baron?” Their two eldest brothers had married daughters of prominent dukes.
“It shouldn’t matter.” The two sisters began walking toward the castle.
No, Sabine supposed it shouldn’t. Not since Father had Karl as his heir, and Karl had two boys of his own. The royal line was well established, and Alina wouldn’t have to worry about ever sitting on the throne. One of the perks of being born third, she supposed.
“Mother will be thrilled she’ll have three of her six children married,” Alina said.
Sabine rolled her eyes. “I don’t see Otto, Viktor, or I marrying anytime soon, so don’t you dare start on us.”
Chuckling, Alina patted Sabine’s arm. “I wouldn’t dream of forcing you to do anything that wasn’t your idea or you didn’t agree with.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” She nudged Alina in the side. “Are you implying I’m difficult?” As the youngest of six, she never bothered anyone. In fact, she’d say she was the easiest of her siblings and got along with everyone just fine.
“Never.” Alina laughed.
“I amnotdifficult.” She gathered her long, dark brown hair and twisted it into a knot atop her head.
“I didn’t say you are,” Alina said with a huge smile, implying otherwise.
They entered the castle and headed to the sitting room where they found the queen taking her afternoon tea.
“Just who I wanted to see,” Elsa said, her blonde hair so like Alina’s, perfectly braided atop her head. “Both of my daughters, together. Take a seat.”
“Mother,” Alina said, kissing the queen’s cheek before sitting on the sofa across from her. “I have something to tell you.”
