Page 32 of The Royal Throne
As far as Sabine was concerned, this was war—and this dress was her armor. With shaking hands, she stepped farther into the room, hoping not everyone thought she had an agenda. But by the end of tonight, she wanted every single person here at court on her side. Not that they had to denounce or even dislike Rainer. She just wanted them to sympathize with her. She’d worry about ruining Rainer’s reputation later—if he didn’t do that all on his own with his mistress.
When Anton caught a glimpse of the back, he cursed. “What are you doing? This isn’t like you.”
“She’s our queen,” Axel said. “Tonight, she is the epitome of what a Lynk queen should be.”
“Yes, but every man will be drooling over her,” Anton said.
“I think that’s the point.” Axel chuckled again, his eyes connecting with Sabine’s. “For the record, I’m on your side.”
Anton stood. “Is this because Rainer brought Heather here?”
“I don’t wish to discuss my husband’s mistress,” she replied. “But no, nothing I do is because of that woman. Lynk is my priority.”
The door swung open, and Rainer strode inside. When he spotted Sabine, he froze mid-step, his gaze slowly traveling from her head to toe and back up. He swallowed, then blinked twice.
Axel chuckled. “I believe the party has already started.” He stood. “Shall we enter together or separately?”
“The two of you can go ahead,” Rainer said. He cleared his throat. “I’d like a moment alone with Sabine.”
She wasn’t sure she wanted a moment alone with him, but she didn’t protest.
Anton and Axel opened the side door, music and laughter spilling into the antechamber. Their names were announced, then the door closed, leaving Sabine alone with Rainer.
“You look exquisite,” Rainer said, coming closer to her.
Another reason she wore the scantily clad outfit—to prove to everyone she was not with child. Her flat stomach was on full display for everyone to see, only decorated with the strings of diamonds. She feared Rainer would try passing off Heather’s child as Sabine’s, and she refused to take part in something so deceiving.
“As do you.” His solid black loose pants and tunic contrasted nicely with the soft white of her dress. Sabine had always found him handsome. His husky voice, alluring manner, and good looks all pulled her in, making her want to trust him. But she’d learned it was all an act.
“I heard you fired Claire,” he said.
“I did.” She didn’t want to have this conversation with him, at least not now, so she turned and headed toward the door. When she reached it, she glanced over her shoulder at him. “Are you coming?”
He nodded, his focus on her backside. “We, uh, need to set aside some time to talk.”
“So long as we’re talking and you’re not lecturing, I’m more than amiable.”
His eyes narrowed but he didn’t respond. He came to her side, holding his arm out for her.
Just as the door swung open, she slid her hand onto his arm, and they were announced.
The people in the ballroom began cheering since this was the first time the two of them had been introduced as the king and queen of Lynk.
Similar to last time Sabine had been in this room for a ball, hundreds of candles hung from the domed ceiling, casting the room in a soft light. The archways surrounding the room remained open, the warm air breezing in. This time, thousands of flowers adorned the archways, balcony, and walls, filling the room with a sweet smell.
Rainer led Sabine to the middle of the room, then turned to face her, their subjects forming a loose circle around them. The musicians began playing a slow tune. Rainer slid one hand into Sabine’s, while his other rested lightly on her hip. They began moving to the music. At first, she feared her dress couldn’t handle the dance. However, the king made sure to move slowly. She focused past him, observing those present, trying to decide who she should dance with next.
“Is it too much to ask for your focus to be on me?” Rainer mumbled close to her ear, sending a shiver along Sabine’s spine.
She forced her eyes to remain on Rainer as they danced.
“Do you not have anything to say to me?” he asked.
“No, I have nothing to say that would be deemed appropriate with so many ears close by.”
The corners of his lips turned up. “You can be inappropriate with me. After all, I am your husband.”
How dare he try to flirt with her now. She wanted to scowl at him but kept her face pleasant. “Where’s Heather?”
