Page 60 of The Queen's Crown
“Cutler told me the poison made it past the royal food taster. That’s why the person was executed.”
“If it was a trained assassin from another kingdom, he is probably long gone,” Cassandra said. “Surely he went back to wherever he’s from, don’t you think?”
“Possibly,” Sabine mused. “Or…” She set her cup on the table for dramatic effect. “He is hiding somewhere in the palace. He could be among us now. Waiting to strike again.”
No one spoke and all eyes focused on Sabine.
“If he’s still here in the palace,” Lottie whispered, breaking the silence, “then why hasn’t he killed you yet? What do you think he’s waiting for?”
A very good question. “Perhaps he just hasn’t had a chance.”
Lottie glanced at the mezzanine above, as if searching for an assassin lurking in the shadows.
“Maybe you should go inside,” Marin suggested. “That way you aren’t so exposed.”
Sabine loved that these women seemed to care for her wellbeing. “I’m tired of hiding inside. I just want to find this killer.”
“Don’t worry,” Lottie said. “I’m sure my brother will find him. He was furious the murder happened in his own home and wants to prove he is in control. When he sets his mind to something, he always follows through.”
Lottie made a valid point. Rainer was a new king. If someone here at court wanted to prove the king incompetent, a murder such as Alina’s would certainly accomplish that. Especially if there were no suspects. Sabine would have to start learning who here at court didn’t want Rainer to succeed as the next king.
“How would one even go about hiring an assassin?” Karmen asked. “I’m assuming we have them here in Lynk, but who are they and how do you contact them?”
“There are a few men in the army tasked with such things,” Regina said. “I’m sure they do side jobs. I imagine the pay would be astronomical.”
The conversation turned away from Alina and moved to other topics. The more the women drank, the louder they became. By the end of the afternoon, Sabine found herself laughing right along with them even though she hadn’t finished a single cup of mead.
Sabine sprawled out on her bed, thankful for the soft breeze coming into her room. Exhaustion consumed her from her tea party, and her eyes became heavy.
A soft knock sounded on the door.
“Your Highness,” Claire said as she stepped into the room. “The king wishes for you to take your supper with him and his family this evening.”
Sabine groaned. “Any idea why?” She’d been planning on skipping supper and staying in bed.
“I am simply the messenger.”
With a dramatic sigh, she sat up. “The tea party was a hit,” she said as she slid off the bed and stretched.
“So I hear. Gossip is already spreading through the palace as to who you invited.”
Pleased with that bit of information, Sabine ran her hands through her hair. “Should I change for dinner?” She still had on the red outfit from earlier.
“What you have on is appropriate. Besides, King Rainer wants you to come now.”
Sabine glanced outside at the sun still shining brightly. “Isn’t it a little early for supper?”
Claire shrugged.
“Very well.” She gestured for Claire to lead the way. The sooner she got supper over with, the sooner she could climb back into bed to sleep.
Out in the hallway, the guards fell into place behind Sabine. Peering over her shoulder, she spotted Markis on her left. She had no idea how to do this stealthily, so she just decided to be blunt about it. “I need a word with my guard.” She pointed to Markis.
Claire’s brows bent together and she opened her mouth to say something, but Sabine turned her back to Claire and faced Markis.
“Is everything all right, Your Highness?” Markis asked in a soft voice so the others wouldn’t overhear.
“I want you to do something for me,” Sabine whispered. She glanced at the other guards, making sure they kept their distance.
