Page 89 of The Queen's Crown
Walking out onto the balcony where about two dozen guests had assembled for an impromptu gathering in honor of the Avoni delegation, Sabine easily spotted Rainer and his siblings among those in attendance. Taking a deep breath, she forced her temper under control. She’d been trying to speak with the king all day, but he hadn’t had time for her since he’d been too busy playing host.
A servant handed Sabine a drink. She took the goblet and headed over to Lady Regina.
“I advise you to use this opportunity to speak with someone far more interesting than me,” Regina said. Then lowering her voice, she whispered, “I’m trying to get closer to that man over there. I think he’s a commander in the Avoni military.”
Sabine took a sip and peered at the man in question.
“The woman to my right is an adviser to the king and queen of Avoni. She knows a great many things.” Regina gave a slight nod and then headed toward the man she’d mentioned previously.
Sabine smiled at those present while moving closer to the woman Regina had pointed out. When the woman was finally alone, Sabine moved in. “It’s a nice evening out,” she said by way of greeting.
“Princess Sabine.” The woman’s assessing eyes scanned Sabine from head to toe.
“Lynk’s fashion takes some getting used to,” Sabine said. “I’ve tried embracing all I can, even if I feel ridiculous.”
The woman chuckled, clasping her hands behind her back.
“However,” Sabine continued, “let’s not let appearances get in the way of what really matters.”
“And what really matters, Princess Sabine?”
“Duty, family, loyalty.”
The woman—who still hadn’t introduced herself—sucked in a deep breath, scanning the balcony before focusing back on Sabine. “I think it was brave of you to volunteer to take your sister’s place and marry King Rainer.” The woman’s dark blonde hair had been pulled back into a bun, highlighting her narrow cheekbones. She appeared to be around thirty years old, the average age for a prominent advisor to the king and queen.
Sabine mulled over her words. The one that stuck out was the wordvolunteer. Not many knew she’d offered to go in Alina’s place. Most people assumed her father had sent her to save the alliance. “I didn’t really have a choice,” she replied. “Since children are being stolen from my kingdom, I had an obligation to do something. Our borders are not secure. We have no standing army. I did what I had to do to protect my people.” She took another sip of her wine.
“I can’t imagine many being brave enough to do as you did.” She raised her eyebrows, awaiting Sabine’s response.
She was being tested; she was sure of it. As to why or what for, she had no idea. “I’m sure anyone in my position would have done the same.” She didn’t smile because it would have been fake. And for some reason, the need to be authentic with this woman seemed imperative.
“Perhaps.”
“What’s your name?” Sabine asked, wanting to get to the point.
“Josie.”
No last name. No title. “Forgive my bluntness, but I need to ask, is Avoni involved in my sister’s death in any way?”
“No.” Josie glanced to her right, at one of her companions, the one with the strange dark red hair. She gave him a single nod.
“You understand why I had to ask.”
“I understand, though I don’t agree.”
“Why not?” Sabine asked before she could stop herself, curiosity winning out over decorum.
“If there is a scuffle, do you blame Lynk because it is a kingdom of soldiers? Or if there is a famine, do you blame Bakley since it’s a kingdom of farmers? Or what about a lumber shortage for building homes? Do you blame Nisk since they’re known for lumber? Or if you don’t have coal to heat your home, do you blame Carlon since they produce the most coal?”
“Well, when you put it that way,” Sabine said, not finishing her sentence.
Josie turned to face her. “I can see why Lynk and Bakley feel the need to unite. I understand Bakley has no army and Lynk certainly seems to be suffering from a lack of food.” She pointedly looked at Sabine. “You all appear to be starving here.”
When she put it like that, Sabine realized Josie was right. Bakley had an army; it just wasn’t a large one. Lynk had food, just not a lot of grain for bread and things of that nature. And just because Avoni had assassins didn’t mean one of them was responsible for killing Alina. “How did Avoni become known for having assassins?” she asked, trying to steer the conversation to a less heated topic.
A servant walked by, handing Josie a goblet.
Josie took a drink of wine before answering. “I’m surprised you didn’t learn this in your studies.” She paused, as if waiting for Sabine to respond.
