Page 46 of The Queen's Crown
She didn’t think he was talking about the festival he’d mentioned earlier. “Are you referring to my sister’s death?” Her heartbeat sped up, wondering if he knew something.
He shook his head. “The problem with your marriage contract.”
“What problem?” This wasn’t the first time it had been mentioned.
“The change your father made. The League isn’t happy about it.”
“I don’t understand. Didn’t my father just swap Alina’s name for my name?”
Someone chuckled behind her. She turned to find Axel standing there.
“Anton can be a little blunt sometimes,” Axel said. “Can’t you, brother? You’ve never been one with words. Especially where the ladies are concerned.”
“If anyone’s blunt, it’s you,” Anton muttered before shaking his head and stalking away.
Axel slid up closer to Sabine, taking her hand and placing his other against her bare back. His hand felt cold, unlike the sensation of fire that she’d had earlier with Rainer. They began dancing even though the song was almost over.
“I think Anton had a thing for your sister,” Axel revealed. “He likes his women docile.” He winked. “I don’t.”
She couldn’t tell if he was joking or not. “It’s inappropriate for either of you to have feelings of any sort for your future queen.” She knew she sounded like her mother right now. She tried not to cringe at the mere thought.
Axel smiled as he pulled her closer, their chests touching. His chin rested next to her head, so she couldn’t see his face.
“What do you want?” she asked.
“Who says I want something?”
“Everyone wants something.” She glanced over to make sure Markis was still watching her. He hadn’t moved. When Axel didn’t respond, she decided to change course. “Are there usually this many people staying in the palace?”
“No. Most people only stay for a season and then return home. Since the king is to marry, everyone is here for the ceremony. Afterward, a lot will leave.” As he spoke, his breath ruffled the hair next to her ear. “Keep your guard up around Cutler. He’s going to want to speak with you.”
She didn’t recall meeting anyone with that name yet.
“He’s a captain in the army. His father, Felix, is the commander. Felix is a good man, but Cutler has jealousy issues.” The song ended and Axel took a step back. “Watch yourself.” He winked before striding away.
Needing a drink, Sabine declined the next man who asked for her hand. She headed over to the beverage table and was about to pour herself a glass of wine when she thought better of it. Anyone could have slipped poison into the jug. Looking up, she saw Markis still watching her. She used her hands to pretend to drink. He nodded and then spoke to the guard next to him before ducking out of the room. She knew he’d understood and would be back with something for her to drink in a few minutes.
Scanning the dancers, she spotted Rainer with a woman she’d neither met nor recognized.
“She’s stunning, isn’t she?” a man said from beside her, gesturing to the woman the king was with.
“Yes,” Sabine admitted. Out of all the women here, the one currently dancing with Rainer was easily the most beautiful. The blue dress she wore revealed supple breasts and long, toned legs. Her brown hair hung down her bare back in soft waves. The worddesirablecame to mind. Sabine tilted her head to the side, watching the woman. Her outfit coordinated with the king’s. An odd feeling took root, almost as if Sabine had entered a room turned sideways. She tried to shake off the feeling.
“She’s my fiancée,” the man said as he stood tall, almost puffing out his chest.
“Is that so?” Sabine wished she had a drink, so she had something to do with her hands. She awkwardly stood there knowing this man beside her had sought her out for a reason. One she probably wasn’t going to like.
“Yes,” he cooed.
Taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly, Sabine decided she might as well get this conversation over with. “I’m sorry, have we met?” she asked, looking at the man’s face for the first time. He was good looking with short hair and wide shoulders, reminding her a bit of her brother, Rolf.
“Not officially. I’m Captain Cutler.” He bowed his head.
This was the man Axel had warned her about.
“And do you know who I am?” She wanted to be clear that she outranked him and was not one who could be pushed around.
“Yes, Princess Sabine. Everyone knows who you are.”
