Page 2 of The Queen's Crown
Elsa turned toward Sabine. “Join us.” It wasn’t a question but a demand.
Sabine still stood in the doorway. She despised sitting around drinking tea. However, since this was a special occasion, she willingly entered the room. “I’d be delighted.”
“Excuse me,” Karl said as he stepped into the room behind Sabine.
“What a surprise,” the queen said, a smile on her face. “Three of my children are here to join me for tea.”
Karl looked at Alina. “Sister, Father needs to speak with you. I’ll escort you there.”
“I’m sure it can wait until after tea,” Elsa said. “Come and sit with us, Karl.”
“I’m sorry, Mother. This cannot wait.” He stood with his hands clasped together, his dark hair combed back, impeccably dressed as always. As the crown prince, he took his position seriously.
Father probably wanted to speak with Alina before accepting Albert’s proposal. Most likely he wanted to make sure it was what Alina wanted. Which meant Sabine would be stuck taking tea with her mother. Alone.
“Of course.” Alina stood. “Mother, please excuse me.” She turned to face Sabine and mouthed, “Don’t say anything.”
Sabine rolled her eyes. She wouldn’t tell their mother about the engagement. If Alina wanted to be the one to share the news, she deserved to do so.
Karl and Alina exited the room.
“Sit up, dear,” the queen said. “You’re a princess, not a commoner. Act like one.”
And this was why Sabine tended to wander out of doors and to avoid social engagements such as this one.
Three days passed and still no engagement had been announced. Every time Sabine tried speaking to Alina about it, her sister said she couldn’t talk, and she’d hurry away. If anything, it seemed as if Alina was avoiding Sabine, which didn’t make any sense. Besides being sisters, they were the best of friends and told one another everything.
Come to think of it, Sabine hadn’t seen Albert since the proposal. This was supposed to be a joyous occasion, so she had no idea why all the closed-door meetings and secrecy was taking place.
Finally, on the fourth day, Sabine could take no more. She searched the castle for her sister only to discover she was with the king in his office. Again. Sabine paced before the office door, prepared to confront Alina about what was going on. However, Alina never left the room.
Instead of going to bed in her own room that evening, Sabine curled up on Alina’s bed, waiting.
She awoke to darkness. “Alina?”
“Why are you in my room?” Alina whispered.
“I want to talk.” Sabine scooted over on the bed, making room for her sister.
Alina crawled under the covers. “It’s late. I’m tired and don’t feel like talking.”
Sabine slid her arm around her sister, hugging her. “Not even about the color of my dress for the wedding?”
Alina stiffened. “There’s not going to be a wedding here in Bakley.”
“What are you talking about?” There was nowhere else to have the wedding except here in Bakley.
“I’m not going to marry Albert,” Alina whispered.
“Why not?” Her sister and Albert loved one another. Sabine was certain of it. “Did Father not approve? If not, I can talk to him. I’ll tell him how Albert looks at you and that you’re in love with him. He’ll change his mind.” It had to be that Albert was only a baron.
Alina didn’t say anything.
“You deserve to marry and be happy.”
“Iamgetting married,” Alina whispered, a slight hitch to her voice.
“But I thought you said…”
