Page 87 of The Queen's Crown
After they rounded a corner, he said, “Have you heard that my brother is throwing a masquerade for the Avoni delegation?”
“No.” Rainer hadn’t mentioned anything to her. “I’ve been told the wedding is scheduled to take place in a couple of days. Why bother with an elaborate party right before the wedding?” Especially one in which people wore masks. It didn’t seem like something the Avoni people would enjoy. But maybe that was the point.
“I think Rainer wants to keep the Avonis occupied so they don’t snoop around.” He winked.
She wondered if he’d heard that the delegation had been asking questions about her. “When is the masquerade?”
“Tomorrow night. You’ll need to get a mask before then.”
The idea of having a special outfit made and wearing a mask sounded intriguing. Like something she would love to plan back home with Alina. Pain gripped her chest. She hated when she was reminded she no longer had a sister.
“Are you okay?” Axel asked.
“I’m fine.” She forced a smile on her face. “What are you going to be?”
“I’m going to wear an eagle mask.” He nudged her shoulder with his. “But don’t tell anyone. It’s supposed to be a surprise.”
An interesting choice that revealed a little something about Axel. “I think maybe I’ll wear a bird mask as well.” Like a peacock or a dove. Since the ball was tomorrow, that didn’t give her much time to put one together.
“Oh, I’m sure my brother will pick something out for you to wear. He always does.”
She wanted to argue; however, he was right. Not only did Claire pick out what Sabine would wear each day, but Rainer had supplied her with her entire wardrobe. She’d assumed it was because she needed to look fashionable and that it wasn’t a form of control as Axel had implied. Since Rainer was king, he had an image to protect. Sabine was part of that image.
“I’m this way.” Axel pointed to the corridor on the right. “You might want to take a detour on the way back to your room. The northern courtyard seemed particularly crowded the last time I went by it. You should see what’s going on.” He started whistling as he strolled away.
Sabine watched him retreat for a minute before she resumed walking. Even though she didn’t want to simply because Axel had suggested it, she headed toward the courtyard, wondering if he was being helpful or sending her to the wolves. Really, she could see it going either way.
When she reached the courtyard, she spotted Lady Regina along with Duchess Cassandra, Lady Karmen, and Duchess Marin gathered before a rose bush as if discussing one of the flowers on it. Something was definitely up, and she needed to find out what. Sabine entered the courtyard and headed toward them, her soldiers taking up guard at the various entrances to give her some privacy.
“Princess Sabine,” Cassandra said, her voice sounding pleasantly surprised to see her.
When Sabine stopped before them, the women all bowed.
“We’re admiring the flowers,” Karmen said. “Aren’t they beautiful, especially at this time of year?” She looked up at the clouds and cringed.
“They are quite exquisite, though I haven’t been in Lynk long enough to know if them being in bloom is unusual or not.” She wondered if they were really talking about flowers. She kept her face neutral and waited for the women to get to the point. If there was one.
“The bright colors of the well-tended gardens here are a stark contrast to our visitors,” Regina stated to no one in particular.
The women all nodded in agreement.
This had something to do with the Avoni people being here. “Has a delegation ever visited the palace before?” Sabine asked, suddenly curious if any kingdom had sent people here in the past. In Bakley, they had the dukes and landowners visit frequently, but not often did dignitaries come from other kingdoms. Her father did meet with kings and queens, but usually at a neutral, convenient location and not at their home.
“No,” Marin answered.
“They’re taking a great risk being here, aren’t they?” Sabine thought out loud as she stepped closer to her ladies. “Trusting us to protect them while they’re here, in our palace.” Especially given Lynk’s reputation as a kingdom of brutal soldiers.
“They are,” Regina answered.
“Tell me, has your husband been busy preparing his soldiers for this visit?” Sabine asked.
Regina held her gaze. “As far as I’m aware, his duties have not changed.”
Given everything Rainer had told her, it didn’t seem right that he’d allow a delegation to come into his home without additional guards and protection in place. Especially knowing that Avoni trained assassins. For all they knew, they could have a dozen assassins in the palace just waiting to strike. Needing to change the subject, she said, “Did you know we’re hosting a masquerade tomorrow evening?”
“I received my invitation about an hour ago,” Regina said.
“Do you think the Avoni people will even dress up?” Cassandra asked. “They seem like a boring lot.”
