Page 14 of The Royal Throne
“The soldiers I spoke to don’t seem to have a strong opinion one way or the other about you.” At each intersection, he scanned the hallways before allowing her to cross.
“Anything else?”
“The king left with a dozen soldiers. Word is he will be back in a week.”
“But no location or destination?”
“No.”
When they reached the throne room, Sabine paused and faced Markis. “And what is my brother up to?” She hadn’t seen him at all yesterday.
“He and I are going to do a little reconnaissance while everyone is distracted,” he whispered. “The rest of your guards will escort you inside and remain with you. Prince Otto and I will see you after.”
“Very well.” She turned and strode into the throne room, wishing she was going on a mission with Markis and Otto rather than attending this formal event. However, this was important, so she would force a smile on her lips and get through it.
Much to her delight, the throne room was already filled with people. She glided along the aisle. When she reached the dais, she gracefully went up the steps and stood before the royal throne, facing those gathered.
Anton separated from the crowd and joined her on the dais. “If I may?” he asked her, his voice a whisper.
She gave a curt nod.
“Thank you all for gathering today to celebrate our newly crowned queen,” Anton bellowed so everyone in the room could hear.
Sabine didn’t think she’d ever heard him make a speech in public before.
“At Queen Sabine’s coronation, I pledged my fealty to her. Today, I will stand as witness as you all pledge your loyalty to her as well. We’ll begin with the dukes and duchesses.”
Sabine sat as people began lining up.
Anton took out paper and a quill. “I’ll record everyone who attends today,” he murmured close to her ear.
“Thank you.” Markis had already informed her that one of her guards was compiling a list of everyone presently in the palace. Anyone who didn’t show today would be watched.
Anton gestured for the first couple to approach.
Duchess Cassandra and her husband came forward and pledged their fealty, followed by the remaining dukes and duchesses. After they were done, anyone with a title came forward in no particular order. There were far more people in attendance than Sabine had realized. Once the nobility finished, the rest of the people in the palace began swearing their fealty to her. Even some of the servants came forward to take her hand and kiss her ring. After several hours, the room finally emptied out.
“I’ll make a copy of this and get it to you,” Anton said. “I’m sure Lieutenant Markis will want to see it.”
“Thank you for coming today and for your help.”
“Of course. This should have been done a long time ago. I’m glad it’s finally taken care of. As Lynk’s League member, I am responsible for making sure these things are handled properly.” He bowed, then left.
Sabine returned to her room and found she’d already received a handful of invitations. Anyone of importance either invited her to supper or was throwing a small party in her honor to celebrate her coronation. Sabine immediately responded and accepted each invitation.
When Otto and Markis joined her that evening, they told her they’d discovered the location of the Bakley children in the palace. The two of them had spent the day talking with them, trying to find out the truth of who’d taken them and what really happened. Otto said he was fairly certain he knew the culprit but wanted to refrain from saying who until he had solid proof. He asked Sabine how well she knew the commander and if he would be willing to speak to her on the matter. She wasn’t sure, so she sent a letter to Felix, summoning him to a meeting.
The following days were filled with Sabine attending gathering after gathering. She always made sure to dress in appropriate Lynk attire, she wore her crown, and she tried to get to know each of her subjects on a personal level. Her goal was simple: to win each and every one of them over. While she knew it couldn’t be accomplished with a single event, it was at least a start.
Sabine and Otto were seated in the royal family’s dining room enjoying breakfast, Axel and Anton nowhere in sight, when Markis announced Commander Felix’s arrival.
“Come in and join us,” Sabine said, motioning for him to take a seat at the table.
He did so while Markis remained next to the doorway.
“What can I do for you, Your Majesty?” Felix asked.
Sabine set her fork down and observed the older man. He’d probably been a soldier in the king’s army for at least three decades. As the commander of the army, he should be aware of the king’s plans.
