Page 83 of The Queen's Crown
A thought occurred to her. Maybe it was because of her mother’s letter, but it was there, nonetheless. “Claire, can I ask you something?”
“Of course.”
“Why is Lynk in need of food?”
“Everyone needs food,” she said as if talking to a child.
“No. Why do you need Bakley’s grain? Do you not have farmers?” On her way here, she hadn’t seen any large fields for planting and the land seemed mostly inhospitable. Regardless, they’d been managing to provide food for their people for centuries so something must have changed.
“I’m not well versed in politics, Your Highness.”
Sabine’s heart pounded at Claire’s use of her title, making her wonder if she was lying or hiding something. She’d have to investigate this issue in more detail when she had the chance.
Claire settled on the chair a few feet away.
Sabine wished Markis could be in the room instead of Claire. His strong presence would make her feel safer. Besides, Markis could fight and protect Sabine without having to sacrifice himself to do so. However, Rainer would never concede to a male guard being in her room.
At least she had Harta with her. Rolling onto her side, she wrapped her arm around the dog, thankful for its warmth and protection.
The wind blew into her room, sending a chill over it. She could feel the storm coming, too.
Sabine entered the royal dining hall for breakfast and found not only the entire royal family in attendance but the Avoni delegation as well. Like last night, the Avoni people wore clothing covering almost every inch of skin except for their faces. It appeared the material was mostly leather and consisted of entirely dark colors. Dressed like that, they had to be hot in this humid climate.
Once Sabine took her seat, the food was brought in, and people began eating. Conversations picked up between various individuals. Since no one seemed to pay her any heed, she relaxed, thankful she could just sit there and eat, not having to worry about paying attention since everyone seemed to be doing their own thing.
Last night, she hadn’t slept well. The wind had been howling and every little noise made her jump. She kept imagining her door opening and the assassin creeping into her room to hold her mouth open and pour poison into her body, killing her. All the while Harta and Claire slept peacefully, with no idea of what was really happening.
“It looks like rain, does it not, Princess Sabine?” the Avoni man sitting to her left said.
Dark clouds filled the sky, concealing the sun. “It does.” She took a bite of her toast, hoping he wouldn’t ask her anything else. It was too early, and she didn’t feel fully awake. She rubbed her temples, wishing Harta was by her side instead of being forced to wait out in the hallway for her.
“We arrived just in time,” the man said. “Sailing over rough waters isn’t fun.”
“No, I imagine it wouldn’t be. However, I’ve never been on a ship before.” She’d been on small boats, but never a large one like the one they must have sailed on.
“Do you find Lynk vastly different from Bakley?” he asked, not formally introducing himself or offering his name.
“I do.” This was why she usually had breakfast in her bedchamber—it was more peaceful and quieter there. She wasn’t much of a morning person, and she hated making meaningless chit chat.
“Why did you decide to take your sister’s place?” the Avoni man asked. He took a bite of food, waiting for her answer.
He was testing her. Perhaps this man was part of the League and would decide her fate. If she wanted to save her kingdom, she had to convince him her marriage was vital to the success of Bakley. “I did it to help my people. Isn’t that what a dedicated princess does?” She twisted to face him.
“How is marrying the king of Lynk helping your kingdom?” He also turned to face her.
“Lynk needs food. Bakley can provide that to them, so people don’t starve. In Bakley’s border towns, children are being stolen. Since we have no army, we can’t save our people. King Rainer will send some soldiers to assist our kingdom.”
The man’s eyes narrowed. “Is that what you’ve been told?”
ChapterNineteen
“Iknow for a fact that if our marriage doesn’t happen, there will be war across all our lands,” Sabine said, choosing her words carefully. “Carlon will invade Bakley, fighting will break out, people will die, and Bakley will cease to exist. People in Lynk will begin to starve. Desperate people do desperate things. We are in a position to help people, are we not? It is my duty to protect those who need protection. I hope that fully answers your question as to why I’m here.” So much tension filled the room that Sabine could feel it tingling her skin. “Now tell me, why is Avoni here?”
The man took a drink of his milk, stalling. “We’re here to hash out a few things with King Rainer,” he said. “Like you, our intentions are honorable.”
“Excellent. Then our kingdoms and people can benefit.”
“King Rainer,” one of the other men from the delegation said, “I’d like to have that meeting with you and the princess after breakfast.”
