Page 41 of The Queen's Crown
“How do I know you didn’t kill the real Sabine and take her place? After all, you didn’t stay with the Bakley royal carriage after it was attacked. Instead, you showed up here, not dressed like a princess, with only one man as a guard. I have to consider the possibility that you’re not who you say you are.”
She folded her arms. “Is that why you haven’t introduced me to your court? Why you’re making me stay in my room?”
“I’m introducing you to my court tonight,” he said, his voice rising a bit as anger seeped through.
“Why bother if you’re not sure who I am?”
“With the help of my men, your carriage will arrive here today before sunset. I plan to have the Bakley soldiers verify your identity. If you’re Princess Sabine, I’ll introduce you to my court. If you’re not, you’ll be executed.”
She shook her head. Unbelievable. And she was expected to rule along with this overbearing, insufferable man.
“Did you need anything else?” Rainer asked, his voice calm.
“I only came here because I thought the person who’d murdered my sister had snuck into my room. I was frightened.” She turned and headed toward her door. She paused, remembering the other reason she’d stormed into his room. “Did you drug me as well?”
“Excuse me?” It was the first time his voice held a hint of confusion.
“Did you put something in my food to make me fall asleep?” She kept her back to him as she spoke.
“No. I would never do that.”
She peered over her shoulder at him. “I have no way of knowing that or if you’re even telling me the truth.” She entered her bedchamber.
“Princess Sabine,” Rainer called after her.
She ignored him and closed the door, being sure to lock it from her side.
Someone knocked on Sabine’s door, so she went over and answered it. Captain Lithane and Claire stood there.
“Your Highness,” Lithane said. “I’m to escort you to the southern balcony overlooking the front of the palace.”
“Whatever for?” She was glad about the opportunity to leave her room but had no idea what to wear for the occasion. She looked at Claire who had to be there to help her dress.
“Your carriage has arrived along with your soldiers,” Lithane answered.
“And when you return,” Claire said, “I am to help you get ready for your presentation to the court this evening.”
Sabine couldn’t help but laugh. “The king honestly wants my own soldiers to verify I’m me.” It wasn’t a question.
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Instead of rolling her eyes or protesting at the ridiculousness of it, she went into her dressing closet and grabbed a cape she’d noticed earlier.
“You won’t be needing that,” Claire said.
Sabine ignored her lady’s maid and followed Lithane out into the hallway where her guards were dutifully waiting for her. She wrapped the cape around her body knowing she didn’t need it in this heat. However, if the Bakley soldiers saw her dressed as she was, they might not recognize her. The cape would help her look more like herself.
Walking through the palace hallways, she scanned her guards, searching for Markis and not finding him. Perhaps he was with the carriage and Bakley soldiers.
After a few minutes, they reached the southern balcony. Sabine strolled out onto it, going right to the railing overlooking the bridge leading to the town. The balcony was only two levels above the bridge, affording her the ability to see her men.
She smiled. “Greetings Bakley soldiers,” she said, using the term she’d so often heard Rolf say when addressing his men.
All five Bakley soldiers knelt on one knee, bowing their heads, clearly acknowledging her as their princess.
“Rise,” she commanded them. “Thank you for bringing my carriage and belongings to Lynk.” She spotted Markis who was easy to identify dressed as a Lynk soldier. “I assume Lieutenant Markis Belle has briefed you on the state of things.”
The men nodded their heads.
