Page 82 of The Queen's Crown
“Is it worth going to war over?” Anton asked. “Because that’s the direction this is headed with you not heeding their concerns.”
Axel chuckled. “We all told you this was a bad idea.”
Rainer stormed from the room.
“I don’t understand,” Sabine said.
“Of course you don’t,” Axel responded. “You’re not supposed to.” With that, he winked and left the room.
Sabine huffed before turning to face Anton, hoping he’d explain the situation to her.
“My first loyalty is to the League,” he muttered before leaving the room as well.
“That was entertaining,” Lottie said, crossing her arms. “My brothers can be a bit dramatic if you ask me. Want to go to the tavern for a drink?”
Sabine blinked. “No.” She did not care for a drink. She needed to figure out how to ensure her marriage didn’t fall apart so she could secure troops to send to Bakley.
She left the room and her guards immediately surrounded her, escorting her back to her bedchamber. When she arrived, she found a letter from her mother sitting on her desk. She immediately broke the seal, reading its contents. Her mother had written using an old code she’d learned as a child, so it took her a few moments to decipher the message.
When she finished, she set the letter aside, an uneasy feeling taking hold. Her mother urged her to use caution saying Rolf had discovered conflicting evidence and he believed games were afoot. Her mother also said she feared for Sabine’s life and questioned if they’d agreed to her marrying too hastily.
Sabine rubbed her temple. It was a little late to second-guess the marriage now that the contract had already been signed and the ceremony had taken place. If Rolf had discovered something important, her mother should have told her what it was. Since Sabine was alone in a foreign kingdom, keeping information from her could be detrimental. Making decisions not knowing everything could mean the difference between saving her kingdom or dooming it.
It felt as if the walls of her room began closing in on her, suffocating her. Rushing out onto the balcony, she sucked in the fresh air, trying to calm down. Standing at the railing, she reveled in the feel of the wind against her skin as it tossed her hair about. The wind felt uncontrolled—like her life. She’d mistakenly believed she could come here, find her sister’s murderer, and save her kingdom. What a naive fool she’d been.
“What are you doing out there?” Claire asked.
Sabine jumped. She hadn’t heard anyone enter her room. “I’m just getting some fresh air.”
“I feel a storm coming. You should come inside so you don’t catch a cold.”
Sabine headed back into her bedchamber. “I can get myself ready for bed.” She felt like being alone.
“The king asked me to remain with you this evening.” Claire went into the dressing closet to get Sabine’s nightdress.
Sabine pursed her lips. “Very well.” She quickly removed her clothing. If Claire was with her this evening, then that meant the king wouldn’t be visiting her bed to consummate the marriage—which was just fine by her.
After dressing, she climbed into bed. Harta jumped up, curling into a ball next to Sabine.
Claire snuffed out the candles, then sat in a chair near the door.
“Tell me,” Sabine whispered, “why are you really here?”
“The king wants someone inside your bedchamber to ensure your safety,” Claire revealed.
“Are you trained to handle an intruder?”
“In a way.” Claire sighed.
“I don’t understand.”
“I’m here to get in his way so you can escape.”
“Even if it means your death?” Sabine asked.
“Yes.”
Silence hung in the air. Sabine didn’t know what to say to that.
