Page 55 of The Royal Throne
“On the count of three. One…two…three!”
They jumped.
Sabine clung to Evander’s hand as they flew through the air, the wind rushing past them. It felt as if she’d left her stomach on top of the cliff. It was exhilarating—the freedom, the loss of control.
Evander whooped, joy radiating from him. He released her hand when they hit the water.
Sabine crashed into the water, darkness filling her vision. After a moment, she saw a faint light so she kicked, heading toward what she assumed was the surface. A moment later, her head came above the water and she sucked in a big breath. A laugh burst from her. “That was fantastic!”
Evander surfaced next to her, shaking his head, his hair spraying water in her face. “Your smile is infectious.”
It had been far too long since she’d let loose and had fun like this.
“Want to go again?” Evander asked as he headed to the side and climbed out.
“What kind of silly question is that? Of course I do.” She lost count of how many times she jumped from the cliff that day.
After reluctantly parting ways with Evander, Sabine turned the corner and found Harper, Drew, and Erikin waiting for her right where they were supposed to be. They made their way back up the mountain, the rest of her guards gradually joining them. Evander had chosen to return to the palace via another route.
At the seamstress’s store, everyone changed back into their clothing. When Sabine emerged from the dressing room, Harper stood there with her hands full.
“My aunt made these for you,” Harper said. “And someone brought you a loaf of bread. And there are flowers from some kids.”
At least it would look like they’d been shopping all day.
Sabine’s guards gathered the items, and they exited the seamstress’s shop just before sunset. They made their way back through town using the main road. The bridge was already lowered so they went across it.
The second the bridge closed behind them, Captain Lithane approached, handing Drew a sealed letter. “The king requests your presence immediately. I’ll escort the queen to her room.”
After handing the items he’d been carrying to another guard, Drew left.
“This way, Your Majesty,” Lithane said.
Given her activities today and Drew being called away, unease filled her. She joined Lithane, and they began making her way toward the wing of the palace that her room was located in.
“Tell me, Captain Lithane, is everything all right?” Sabine asked, fearing Drew was in some sort of trouble for what she’d done today. If Rainer found out, he’d execute Drew.
“It’s nothing to concern yourself with, Your Majesty,” Lithane responded, his voice curt.
“That wasn’t my question.” She stopped walking. “I am your queen, and you will answer me when I ask you a question.” She lifted her chin in the air and looked down her nose at Lithane.
Clasping his hands behind his back, he said, “Forgive me, Your Majesty. I’ve been informed that the king wishes to increase security at the palace. Since Captain Drew is in charge of your royal guard, the king wishes to speak with him on that matter, especially considering who we have visiting us.”
This was about having assassins staying in the palace. Even though they were officially Evander’s royal guards, Sabine knew the men who’d accompanied him had to be skilled in the art of killing. Rainer was right to be concerned.
Sabine resumed walking, not bothering to make small talk with Lithane since she didn’t care for him. When she reached the door to her room, she dismissed him and entered, her guards coming in with her to set the gifted items down in her room. Once they went back out into the hallway, Sabine closed her door and looked around for Harta, not seeing her dog anywhere.
“Harper,” she called out.
“Yes, my queen?” she said, coming out of the bathing room.
“Please find out where Harta is.”
Harper nodded. “Absolutely.” She went to the door and paused. “Your bath is ready. Do you need me to help you with anything else before I leave?”
“No, thank you. I’m just worried that Harta isn’t here.”
“I promise to find her.” With that, she left.
