Page 34 of The Royal Throne
“I don’t wish to discuss Lottie tonight,” she whispered.
“Fair enough. You should also know that the League approved your brother’s marriage to Carin.”
Sabine still thought that was an odd pairing.
Anton continued, “Carin will be living in Bakley along with a dozen Avoni men serving as her guards. They have agreed to work with Bakley’s army.”
Anton didn’t have to disclose the details of the marriage treaty but he had. Sabine filed that information away to think about later since he’d most likely told her for a reason.
Axel appeared over Anton’s shoulder. “All right, brother. You’ve monopolized Sabine long enough. It’s my turn.”
Anton squeezed her hand, his eyes holding hers for a moment, as if warning her. She thought back to her time at the League’s house in Nisk. Anton had revealed that he’d lied to Rainer to protect her. She didn’t think he had any special affection for her, but rather he was protecting his own interests. Regardless, she gave him a slight nod.
Axel slid in front of her, a lazy smile on his face. “About time I get a turn with my sister.”
Exhaustion filled her. For the past several hours, she’d smiled at her dance partners while asking questions, trying to learn their secrets and gain their trust. Suddenly it became too much, and she wanted nothing more than to crawl into bed and sleep.
“You know, the flowers are all for you,” he said, waving a hand around the room.
“Are they from the townspeople?” She’d suspected as much since they were the same type of flowers they gave her when she went into town.
He nodded. “When they arrived, Rainer was furious.”
“Why?”
He shrugged. “I assume because the people love you.”
“All I did was go shopping.” In reality, she’d wanted their trust and loyalty as well. Hopefully, this was a sign she was making progress.
Axel glanced over toward his brother. “Be careful,” he murmured, close to her ear. “Rainer has been drinking, and his temper is going to snap.”
“His temper?” She didn’t know why he’d be the one upset. His sister was still alive, his lover was in the palace, and he seemed to get whatever he wanted. “Has he danced with anyone tonight?”
“No.”
Usually the duchesses and nobles enjoyed dancing with him. “Why not?” she asked. Maybe it had something to do with them being married now.
“People have been avoiding him.”
“Why?”
He shrugged. “Given that Heather’s not here, I’m guessing he’s trying to do damage control.
“What do you mean?”
“Heather is only a commoner, and he has been flaunting her around the court. I think people are getting tired of his antics. You’re the queen, you’re perfect, and he should be with you.”
She glanced about the room, searching for Rainer, but not finding him.
“I’m serious, Sabine. Go to the rooftop, visit a friend, but don’t take the obvious route to your room. Even though you have guards, they can’t defy the king.”
Goosebumps covered her arms and the hairs on the back of her neck stood on end. She never thought Rainer would hurt her. “Why are you telling me this?”
He looked her in the eyes. “For the first time in my life, you’ve given me hope. I’d hate to see it destroyed.” With that, he bowed and left, melting into the crowd of people.
Sabine decided she’d had enough dancing for the night. As soon as she exited the ballroom, her guards surrounded her.
“If I may, Your Majesty,” Drew said as they headed along the hallway, “the stars are looking particularly bright tonight. Shall I escort you to the rooftop? I believe your lady’s maid is there.”
