Page 21 of The Queen's Crown
“Unfortunately, yes. Every so often they’ll do something to show their power and to remind the other kingdoms that they aren’t to be messed with.”
“Like what?” she asked, wondering if they were simply putting on a show to scare others away.
Markis sighed. “Do you really want to know? It’s pretty brutal, and you are marrying the leader of the Lynk army.”
Until now, Sabine hadn’t thought much about her future husband. It was easier to go through with this stupid plan of hers if she didn’t consider the man she was going to marry. Pure terror filled her. As the leader of such a powerful military, King Rainer had to be rough and commanding—not at all like her father or brothers.
She suddenly felt like a pig being led to her slaughter. “I want to go home.” She pulled on her horse’s reins to turn around. Maybe her sister had killed herself rather than be married to the king of Lynk.
Markis reached out and grabbed hold of the reins, stopping her. “Look at me,” he demanded, his voice strong and steady.
Instead of doing as he said, she looked south, at the road she wanted to be traveling on back to the people she loved. She was the princess of Bakley and Markis her guard. She could order him to escort her home. Unwanted tears filled her eyes, making her feel weak and out of control. She was better than this. Whenever a challenge had presented itself, she’d always run headfirst toward it. She prided herself on being fearless and pushing the boundaries. But this, this she couldn’t do.
“I know the task before you is daunting,” Markis said, his voice calm and reassuring. “But you can do this. I wouldn’t have agreed to accompany you otherwise. Please know that I’m here with you, and I won’t let anything happen to you. I promise.”
“This is the worst idea I’ve ever had.” She shouldn’t have asked to take her sister’s place without fully understanding what she was getting herself into. She’d been so blinded by seeking revenge that she hadn’t stopped to consider what this might do to her.
“I don’t think wanting to protect your kingdom is a bad idea,” he replied. “When you marry King Rainer and fulfill Bakley’s end of the contract, he’ll send soldiers to secure our border which will in turn protect our children. You’re saving countless lives.”
She knew they needed this alliance. “You said the Lynk army is vicious. What if King Rainer is a monster?” Her voice came out like a soft whisper.
Markis released her reins and rubbed his eyes. “I don’t know. If he’s that bad, I’ll get you out of there.”
Knowing Markis was going to be with her offered some comfort. She’d seen him in action and trusted his skills to keep her safe. A thought suddenly occurred to her. “What if King Rainer killed my sister?” Her stomach twisted with nausea.
“The king penned letters to Princess Alina before they drew up the marriage contract.”
He’d mentioned that once before. “What does that have to do with anything?”
“I don’t think an evil man would have bothered writing letters to Alina to try to get to know her.”
When he put it that way, she didn’t think so either.
“And his kingdom needs Bakley’s food. If something happens to you, your father isn’t going to send the shipments.”
Now that Markis was stating the facts and forcing her to think clearly, she was beginning to calm down and see reason.
“And don’t forget, he must have a titled wife who can give him an heir. He’s not going to hurt you when he needs you to keep his throne.”
That point she could have done without. She didn’t particularly want to think about breeding to fulfill her end of the bargain.
“Granted, none of this means he’s going to be the man you’d choose to marry if you didn’t have responsibilities.” He looked pointedly at her.
She knew he’d picked his words carefully, adding that part about her having a responsibility to her kingdom. She sucked in a deep breath, letting it out slowly.
“Rainer is a king who controls a mighty army. We need this alliance. Most likely, he’ll leave you alone to do as you please. You’re a foreigner, so I can’t imagine him relying on you for much else besides producing an heir. You have nothing to worry about.”
“You’re right,” she said, rolling her shoulders back. This was simply another challenge she needed to tackle. “The sight of the wall just frightened me.” When she had first seen it, it had felt as if she were about to enter a prison from which there would be no escaping. Now she understood she was choosing this. And she would survive.
“Let’s get going before the Lynk soldiers guarding the wall start to wonder why we’re stopped in the middle of the road.” Markis nudged his horse and began heading north once again.
Taking a deep breath, Sabine steered her horse after Markis. As they neared the wall, she noticed there were not only guards standing in front of a large gate, but also sentries patrolling the top of the wall. If Bakley had enough soldiers to monitor their border, their children wouldn’t have been kidnapped. Envy filled her—these soldiers were protecting the Lynk people. If her father had been more careful with his army, she wouldn’t be in this predicament. Regardless, she would fix the matter and secure the Bakley border for her father and his subjects.
When they were about fifteen feet from the gate, one of the soldiers called out for them to halt. Sabine did as instructed, scanning the men. Each one had a sword strapped to his waist. Several held long poles with spikes at the tip. She reached forward, stroking her horse’s neck to keep the animal calm.
“State your business,” one of the soldiers commanded.
“My name is Lieutenant Markis Belle, and I am from the kingdom of Bakley. I am tasked with escorting Princess Sabine Ludwig to His Majesty King Rainer. I have a sealed letter from my king, along with a letter from King Rainer’s personal steward, Gunther.” He reached under his tunic, producing two letters.
