Page 90 of The Queen's Crown
“I probably did,” she mumbled. “That’s what I get for not paying attention to my tutor. I was always more interested in being outside than learning something I never thought I’d use.”
Josie chuckled. “No, I suppose as the sixth child you wouldn’t think you’d be in the position you’re in.” She tilted her head to the side and walked over to the railing.
Sabine followed her. The sun was setting over the mountain, turning the sky a brilliant orange. The two of them leaned on the railing, observing the sight before them.
“A hundred or so years ago, there were two families vying for the Avoni crown,” Josie said, her voice soft. “Each family tried killing the other one by more and more…shall we say creative means? Until only one family survived, and they became the royal line. To this day, the royal family believes in teaching certain skills to keep themselves alive should another rival family decide to try to overthrow them.”
That sounded rather intense. Sabine played with the stem of her goblet, lost in thought. “Can I ask you another question?”
“You can ask.” Josie took a sip of wine.
“Why is Avoni really here?”
Josie looked sidelong at Sabine. “Since your sister’s death, things have changed.”
“I don’t understand.”
“New information has come to light.”
“Are you implying that you no longer approve of my marriage to King Rainer?”
“Not necessarily,” she answered. “But there are some who feel it needs further consideration.”
“Princess Sabine,” Axel said as he strolled over and joined them.
When Sabine turned to ask Josie another question, the woman had moved away, already engrossed in a conversation with someone else. A chill slid over Sabine. She couldn’t shake the feeling that Axel had interrupted her for a reason.
ChapterTwenty
Walking through the palace, Sabine was eager to return to her room to see Harta. Since nothing else was scheduled for the evening, she planned on curling up in bed with her dog and writing a letter to her family.
Her guards took her down the corridor to the right, which led to the staircase at the back. They didn’t usually go this way, but perhaps they wanted to change things up in case her movements were being watched. Her guards suddenly stopped.
Sabine peered around them and saw Heather standing in front of them, blocking the way.
“Your Highness,” Heather said. “May I please have a moment of your time?”
“Did you arrange for my guards to bring me this way?” Sabine demanded.
“I simply asked them which way they’d be taking you to your room.” Heather remained standing where she was, not coming any closer to Sabine. “I wish to speak privately with you.”
Sabine told her guards to remain where they were while she stepped around them and joined Heather. “Now that you have me alone, talk.” She folded her arms, waiting for Heather to get to the point.
“I’d prefer a conversation in which no one can overhear.” Heather slid a hand over her stomach in a way Sabine had seen her two eldest brothers’ wives do when pregnant. “Not even your guards.”
The reminder of the woman’s condition—knowing it was her husband’s child that Heather carried—left an uneasy feeling in her stomach. “Why didn’t you just send me a letter requesting to meet privately?”
“I don’t want anyone to know about this conversation.” Heather glanced at the nearby guards.
Sabine took Heather’s arm, pulling her farther down the hallway, away from the soldiers on duty. “What’s going on?”
“As you know, Rainer must marry and have a child before he turns twenty-five to maintain his throne. He’s running out of time.”
Sabine stared into Heather’s eyes, trying to figure out where this conversation was going.
“He’s asked me to marry and then leave with Cutler before the end of the week. I’m to remain at Cutler’s family’s residence until after I’ve delivered.”
Nausea rolled through Sabine. She knew where this was going. Standing there, she forced her face to remain neutral.
