Page 43 of The Royal Throne
Sabine had a feeling that if she pushed him away, he’d retaliate. The last thing she wanted to do was upset him so he forced himself on her. Rainer was doing this to show her he held the power—and if she wanted to win, she needed to let him think he had it. Her right hand came out, laying flat against his chest as she tilted her head, giving him better access to her neck.
“Your Majesties,” Gunther said. “I’m sorry to disturb you, but your guest has arrived.”
Rainer pulled back, his eyes searching hers for something. “We’ll finish this later,” he whispered as he straightened.
Releasing the breath she’d been holding, she pushed off the wall, thankful for the timely interruption. She smoothed her dress, trying to still her shaking hands as she did so.
“Let’s go,” Rainer said, holding out his hand to Sabine.
She took it, and they exited the royal suite.
“Who’s here?” she asked as they made their way through the palace.
“One minute,” Rainer said, ignoring her question. “Gunther, have my brothers been informed?”
“They have, Your Majesty. The rest of your family should already be there waiting for you.” Gunther pulled a door open, revealing the antechamber to the throne room.
Sabine stepped inside and froze. Anton, Axel, and Lottie were there, all finely dressed, their heads bent close together as they spoke in hushed whispers.
“What’s she doing here?” Sabine demanded. Lottie was supposed to be sequestered to her bedchamber, not out and about in the palace.
Rainer ignored her and went over to Lottie, placing his hand on her shoulder while whispering something in her ear.
Axel approached Sabine. “Never a dull moment. Hope you have a dagger hidden on you.” He looked her over. “Though, I have no idea where you’d hide it.”
She didn’t bother answering him because she was too upset by Lottie’s presence. Even though Evander was here to collect the princess, it didn’t mean she should be given free rein of the palace.
The door opened, announcing Princess Lottie, Prince Anton, and Prince Axel. The three siblings exited the antechamber.
“Why is your sister here?” Sabine asked again.
“Now is not the time.” Rainer took her hand, leading her to the doorway.
Before Sabine could argue, the herald announced, “His Majesty King Rainer Manfred, and Her Majesty Queen Sabine Manfred.”
Rainer moved her hand to his arm as he led her into the throne room. The couple dozen people in attendance all bowed.
At the top of the dais, Rainer said, “Rise.” His siblings all stood on the lower step, fanned out on either side of the king and queen.
“Thank you all for coming on such short notice,” Rainer began. “A special guest has arrived here at the palace. I want to introduce you to him, and I have a wonderful announcement to make.”
Movement at the back of the room caught Sabine’s attention. Evander had arrived. He stood at the end of the aisle, a handful of Avoni guards with him. He wore a dark green silk tunic and matching pants, each embroidered with gold stitching. He also donned a sword and cape. The entire ensemble made him look like the assassin-prince he was. Sabine found it hard to breathe.
“I want to officially welcome Prince Evander Botoko of Avoni to Lynk.” Rainer lifted his hand, gesturing for Evander to join him.
Everyone twisted to see the prince, bowing as they caught sight of him. He strode forward with confidence, his guards in two rows following close behind. Unlike the prince, they all wore solid black, their tunics and pants covering most of their skin, leaving little exposed to the elements. As Evander neared the dais, he didn’t look Sabine’s way.
Lottie glanced over her shoulder and smirked at Sabine. “Not my type, but not bad at all. I can make due with that.”
Sabine wanted to rip Lottie’s eyes out.
“I am pleased to announce the official betrothal of Prince Evander Botoko of Avoni to Princess Lottie Manfred of Lynk.” Rainer didn’t release Sabine’s hand as they stood on the dais above everyone.
Lottie stepped forward to meet Evander just as he came to a stop at the bottom of the dais.
“Princess,” Evander said with a bow, “it is a pleasure to meet you. You’re even more beautiful than I imagined.”
Lottie reached her hand forward and Evander took it, pressing his lips to the back of her hand.
