Page 7 of The Queen's Crown
Karl rolled onto his back. Beck crawled onto his father and started tickling him.
“I know,” Karl said. “It’s just that I’d rather be here with my family than dealing with the kingdom’s many issues. Sad of me to say, I know.” He kissed Beck on the forehead before setting him aside and standing. Haron clutched onto his daddy’s leg, trying to prevent him from leaving.
“You’ll join me for some tea?” Jesamine asked Sabine.
She looked at her nephews, both red-faced and breathing hard. As cute as they were, she didn’t know how her brother and sister-in-law had the energy to entertain them day in and day out. “I actually came to speak with my brother,” she replied.
Karl straightened his shirt before sliding his jacket on. “Walk with me.” He tilted his head to the side.
Sabine followed him out of the room. “I got your note.”
He twisted his head, cracking his neck. “You were seen walking in the garden with Luther yesterday,” he said once they were alone in the hallway.
“So?”
“He is not a suitable prospect for you to marry.” They exited Karl’s wing of the castle.
“You can’t be serious.” She would never consider marrying Luther. The man enjoyed gambling far too much for her taste. However, he was handsome, and she enjoyed looking at him. His snarky wit was also entertaining. They flirted with one another to be sure, but neither liked the other that way.
Karl pulled her into an alcove, out of sight. “You were alone with a man in the garden.”
“It wasLuther.”
He raised his eyebrows, clearly not understanding.
“It was during the day, in view of the castle, and I’ve known Luther my entire life.” She folded her arms, irritated. Her brother had never cared what she did before, so she had no idea why he was sticking his nose in her business now.
“It’s not appropriate.”
“Am I no longer allowed to have male friends?”
He put his hands on his hips, shaking his head. “Mother said you haven’t been joining her for tea.”
So that was what this was about. “I am.” Just not every day. She shook her head and began walking away from her brother.
“Sabine,” he called after her. “Now that Alina is gone, you have certain responsibilities.”
She spun around to face him. “Alina being gone changes nothing.”
“You can’t be out gallivanting with a different gentleman each week. It’s not appropriate.”
Fury filled her and she clutched her hands together to keep her temper in check.
“You can no longer neglect your duties,” he said.
She cocked her head to the side, trying to figure out what duties he was referring to. So long as she showed up for supper, her parents didn’t care how she spent her days.
“You will take daily tea with Mother,” Karl said. “You will attend all social functions being held at the castle.”
She had to bite her tongue to prevent herself from saying a nasty retort. He was acting an awful lot like her father—which he was not. He needed to worry about his own children, not her.
He put his hands on her shoulders. “I don’t want any more reports of you out walking, riding, or attending any plays with a gentleman unless Father or I approve it beforehand. Do you understand?”
No, she did not understand, but instead of arguing with him, she simply nodded her head.
“Good.” He released her and smiled. “I must be going. I’m glad we had this talk.”
She cursed at his retreating back.
