Page 16 of The Queen's Crown
“You’re not going to talk to me here in front of Viktor, are you?” Sabine asked.
“No. Let’s retire to your bedchamber.” The queen stood.
Sabine took one last drink before asking Viktor, “Do you know what the League is?”
He shrugged. “No idea. I’ve never bothered to ask because I’d rather not be involved in anything. The less I know, the better.”
Sabine glared at him. So typical. Whenever it came to politics or anything regarding the kingdom, he acted as if he knew nothing and didn’t care.
“Come,” the queen commanded. “You don’t need to concern yourself with the League.”
Sabine followed her mother down the hallway, up the stairs, and to her bedchamber. This would be her last night in her home. Sadness filled her.
Elsa closed the door. “I can’t believe my baby is leaving tomorrow.”
While Sabine was hardly a child, she understood her going away would be hard on her mother. She had no idea when she’d see her family again.
“We must discuss what will happen on your wedding night.”
Sabine rubbed her temples. All thoughts of being wed to King Rainer and all that it entailed she’d managed to block from her mind. If she allowed herself to think about getting married, it became overwhelming. She’d once chided her sister for agreeing to wed a stranger and here she was, taking her sister’s place and doing the same thing.
Once Alina got the justice she deserved, Sabine would deal with being a wife and queen. Somehow that part didn’t seem real to her. Her breathing sped up.
Elsa sat on the bed, patting the spot next to her.
Sabine went over and sat next to her mother.
“We must discuss the bedroom duties you will be expected to perform with your husband-to-be.”
Horror filled her. “Bedroom duties?” If this had to do with making babies, she didn’t want to know. She’d seen enough animals procreate that she knew the general gist. Having her mother go into detail would only cause her more panic and foreboding, and she already had enough to deal with.
“The night of your marriage, you will be expected to let your husband have his way with you. Once he is finished, you will remain lying there on your back so that someone can confirm the deed is done. After this person verifies the two of you have consummated the marriage, you may go to your own bed.”
“I don’t want to talk about this.” Although she didn’t understand why anyone would need to check her to verify that she’d been with her husband. The idea of taking her sister’s place seemed like the worst thing possible.
“You need to understand that the marriage isn’t official until it’s consummated. This way, it isn’t your husband’s word against yours. There will be proof. You must not leave the bed until you’ve been checked. Do you understand?”
Her mother must be saying this from personal experience. Sabine couldn’t imagine allowing King Rainer to have his way with her before letting someone else see her naked to make sure she’d done her duty as a wife. The room felt hot and stuffy, as if there wasn’t enough air to breathe. She stood and started pacing. “Is that all you wish to discuss?” She hoped it was since she felt a headache starting.
“Yes, that’s it.” Elsa stood. “Please remember everything we’ve taught you. If you come across as calm and demure, no one will feel threatened by you. That means you must keep your temper in check. Make friends with your lady’s maid. She’ll hear a lot of the servants talking and can provide you with some useful insight.” She placed her hands on Sabine’s shoulders. “Most of all, be careful, watch your back, and trust no one.”
“I will. I promise.”
“I can’t stand the thought of losing another daughter. I need you to be strong so you can survive this.”
Sabine nodded, tears filling her eyes. She would miss her mother terribly.
“You’re doing the right thing,” the queen said, reassuring her. With her pointer finger, she tilted Sabine’s chin up, so they were looking into each other’s eyes. “Bakley needs King Rainer’s soldiers. His people need our food. You’re saving lives.”
Knowing she was doing the right thing didn’t make it any easier.
ChapterFive
Standing on the front steps of the castle, an eerie sensation filled Sabine as she bid her family goodbye. Alina had done this exact thing only weeks ago. She couldn’t let the similarities get to her.
“Keep your wits about you,” the king said as he hugged his daughter. “Don’t get distracted by court finery. Remember everything your mother taught you. You will be the queen of Lynk—make us proud.”
Sabine kissed his cheek. “I will.”
