Page 54 of The Queen's Crown
“I doubt Heather is capable of murder.”
“You’d be surprised what a woman would do in the name of love.”
“Oh, I have no doubt. I’ve seen some crazy things over the years.” Axel crossed his legs and folded his hands in his lap. “Are you aware that my brother is required to have an heir to maintain the throne?”
“Yes.” She just didn’t want to think about having sex with her soon-to-be husband right now. Even if he was handsome. Even if she could imagine him sliding his hands over her body, his lips trailing kissing along her neck, his tongue…
“Then consider this. Heather’s child is a backup in case you can’t have a kid.”
His comment snapped some sense back into her. “I am not a horse to be bred.”
He chuckled; the sound dark. “I’m afraid you are. And Rainer needs a child to keep his throne. Power, and the need to maintain it, makes people do crazy things.”
She abruptly stood and went over to the archway, looking out at the balcony. “Do you know who killed my sister?”
“No.” He sighed. “But I wish I did. Princess Alina didn’t deserve to die.”
“I need to find out who killed her,” she whispered.
“Honestly, there are too many possibilities both here in the palace and in other kingdoms.”
A rustling sound came from behind her, but she didn’t turn around.
“My brother is looking into it,” Axel said from what sounded like a few feet away.
“That’s not good enough.” It had already been weeks. “I have to find the person responsible.”
“So you can get revenge?” His voice sounded even closer.
“Yes.” The air seemed to crackle around her. She knew Axel was mere inches behind her, but she refused to face him.
“If you want to find your sister’s killer, I suggest you start playing nice with everyone here at the palace.”
“How so?” Now they were getting somewhere.
“If I were you, I’d host a private, exclusive tea party to welcome a few select people into your personal inner circle. They’ll start talking to gain your favor. It might give you some direction.”
That was an excellent idea, and one she should have thought of. “Thank you.” She could almost feel Axel behind her. She half expected him to touch her shoulder or back, but he refrained from doing so. After a moment of silence, she turned around and looked up into his eyes. “Why was Rainer fighting Markis?” she asked again.
“My guess would be to see if he’s worthy to be your protector.”
“And Rainer couldn’t watch Markis fight one of his soldiers?”
Axel smiled. “That’s not how my brother operates.” He suddenly looked away, shaking his head.
“Axel,” she whispered. “What do you mean by that?” She had a feeling he wanted to say more.
His brow furrowed, and he looked at her as if he were seeing her for the first time. “You’re everything my brother wanted with Alina but didn’t get.”
Silence hung between them. She wanted to ask more but knew when to keep her mouth shut. She’d already gotten more out of Axel than he’d intended to give. “Thank you for your advice.” She stepped around him and went to the door.
“Be careful out there,” Axel said. “You’re an outsider, and a lot of people don’t want the king of Lynk to marry someone from Bakley.”
She glanced over her shoulder at him. “Like some of the people in your court?”
“And ruling families from other kingdoms. They’re afraid of the power the two kingdoms will gain by forming an alliance.”
“I understand.” She left the room, more confused than ever.
