Page 4 of The Royal Throne
She didn’t know how many people were still in residence. With war brewing, the palace was probably the safest place for most nobles and high ranking officials. Plus, Rainer would want his commander, generals, and captains close for planning purposes. Of course, the planning was probably done. They were in the execution phase now.
“Well, well, well,” a deep voice drawled from above.
Sabine glanced up and found Axel leaning on the railing of the second level, watching her.
“I was wondering what the servants were scurrying around for.” He smirked.
Taking a deep breath, Sabine smiled seductively as she lifted her gaze to Axel’s, making sure one of her legs was slightly forward, exposing as much skin as possible.
“Welcome…home?” he said, making it sound like a question. Testing her.
She lifted a single eyebrow. “It’s good to be home. I brought my brother with me.” She kept her voice strong and level, trying to reveal the truth in what she said.
His brows drew together. He opened his mouth to speak, but his head snapped to the side.
Sabine followed his line of sight to see Rainer storm out of the far archway, headed straight for her.
Chapter Two
Even furious, Rainer was attractive. The leather armor showcased his toned arms. His tousled, wind-blown hair only added to his appeal. Sabine had always found him handsome. Too bad when he opened his mouth, he ruined it.
He stopped a few feet from her, his chest rising and falling as he curled his hands into fists, attempting to rein in his temper. His eyes closed for a few seconds, and when they opened, his anger was gone. A slow smile slid across his face, and his eyes darkened as they took her in.
Now she understood that he used his allure as a weapon. At least two could play that game. “It’s good to see you, husband.” She lowered her chin, batting her eyelashes as she smiled coyly at him.
Besides Axel, a handful of people stood on the second level overlooking the courtyard, along with several couples passing through. This was one of the many reasons she’d chosen this area—she wanted witnesses.
Rainer took a step closer, his hand sliding to her waist. He leaned in toward her, whispering, “You are not to give my soldiers or my palace guards orders.” His warm breath brushed her ear. He leaned back, not expecting her to respond.
Making no attempt to lower her voice, she replied, “Are you saying I’m a queen in name only?” She tilted her head, pulling her brows together in an attempt to look confused.
He pinched her side. “This is Lynk, not Bakley. This is my kingdom. I will protect it.”
Her eyes narrowed as she took a step back, pulling away from his grip, her hand going to her chest in shock. “I took an oath to protect Lynk,” she said loudly enough for those nearby to hear. “Lynk is now my kingdom. These are my people, too.”
Rainer’s eyes narrowed. “Lottie is my sister.” His voice remained low, like water running over pebbles.
“That makes her betrayal even greater,” Sabine replied, her voice loud and articulate, carrying through the courtyard. Everyone in the palace needed to know Lottie was responsible for Alina’s death and that she’d hired an assassin to kill Sabine. Lottie was trying to take Rainer’s throne. It surprised her that he would continue to defend his sister given what she’d done.
He glanced around, as if taking note of those witnessing this spectacle. “I don’t know what game you’re playing at,” he said, his voice a harsh whisper. “But let me make one thing abundantly clear. You have no say in what happens with my family.”
Tears filled her eyes. “I thought I was your family. That we are a family.” Her loud voice echoed through the courtyard, shaking as if on the verge of tears. Turning away from him, she kept her head held high, blinking back tears. “I believe that as the rulers of this great kingdom, we have a responsibility to enforce its laws. I don’t think we can let someone break the law just because you know them or they’re special to you.” Then she turned back to face him, pointing at his chest. “If you won’t enforce the laws, if you won’t put Lottie in the dungeon and see justice served, then you’re not the king I thought you were. You’re not the king Lynk deserves. I no longer feel safe here and must leave.” She raised her eyebrows in challenge, hoping she’d hit the right nerve with him.
“Leave?” His voice dropped to a low, almost menacing tone as he stepped closer, his hand reaching for her arm.
Sabine knew he couldn’t afford for her to leave again. They didn’t have long to procreate and produce an heir. Otherwise, he’d forfeit the throne and Lottie would claim it.
She was about to respond when Commander Felix entered the courtyard, heading straight for them.
He bowed. “King Rainer, I need a moment of your time.”
Rainer kept his focus on Sabine, his voice soft so it wouldn’t carry as he said, “We’ll finish this discussion tonight. Until then, go to your room. You will not give any orders until after I’ve outlined your duties.” With that, he turned and walked away with Felix.
Her temper flared, making her want to yell after him. However, she schooled her features, making sure to keep her anger and resentment locked beneath the surface. Too many people were watching. Instead, she let hurt and sorrow consume her—which wasn’t hard. All she had to do was think about Alina’s death to feel hurt, and about leaving Evander to feel sorrow. Tears fill her eyes.
Her dear, sweet sister was buried beneath the ground in Bakley. Sabine had sworn to seek vengeance for the murder, and she wouldn’t rest until Lottie paid for her crime. The time Sabine had spent with Evander helped mend her heart, but they could never be. She was married, and he was the Avoni prince and leader of a ruthless assassin guild.
To move forward with her life, Sabine needed to focus on Rainer, even if she couldn’t love him. Not when he treated her like this. Like a child. He would never see her as an equal, let alone treat her as one. Their age difference was too great. Lifting her hand, she wiped the tears before they could fall. While she wanted to garner sympathy from those nearby, she didn’t want to appear too weak.
