Page 66 of The Royal Throne
Rainer grabbed her arm, squeezing harder than necessary as he dragged her toward the archway that led out of the courtyard.
Her mind screamed no, but she couldn’t voice the word. Her body was too weak to protest or fight back.
“Your Majesty,” Erikin said, blocking their path. “The queen is my responsibility. I took an oath, and I cannot allow harm to come to her. Please release her so I can take her to a healer.”
In one swift move, Rainer withdrew a dagger from his waist, plunging it into Erikin’s stomach. “You’re relieved of your responsibility and oath,” Rainer spat.
Sabine’s vision swam. This could not be happening.
Rainer wrenched his dagger free.
Erikin collapsed to the ground, blood pooling from his wound as life drained from his body.
Frozen in shock, Sabine tried to figure out what to do so no one else died. She caught sight of Captain Cutler on the other side of the courtyard, but he turned and ran the opposite direction. There was no one to help her. None of the nobles present could stand up to the king. Her poor guards couldn’t do a thing.
Rainer tightened his grip on Sabine’s arm, dragging her around Erikin’s body and through the archway. To the right, Sabine spotted Harper, her eyes wide in fear. Harper clasped a hand over her mouth and ran the other away.
Sabine tripped on her own two feet, but Rainer’s hold on her was so tight, he kept her upright. “Where are we going?” she croaked, pain lacing though her throat.
He slammed her against the wall. “Where are we going?” he snarled into her face, his eyes wild with rage. “I should take you to the dungeon. After all, that’s where you think I—your husband and king—belong.” He bashed his free hand against the wall beside her head, making her flinch. “I told you to leave my sister alone. I don’t know what game you’re playing, but you lose. I win.”
“This isn’t a game,” she whispered, tears sliding down her cheeks. “You just killed my guard.” Erikin was dead because of her.
Pressing his arm against her throat, Rainer said, “And I’m debating whether I should kill you as well.” His eyes focused on hers, and Sabine could see the truth of his words. It wouldn’t take much for him to end her.
“Your Majesty,” an urgent voice shouted. “There’s an emergency. You’re needed immediately.” Commander Felix came running into view, his chest heaving, indicating he’d just ran there.
Rainer let go of Sabine as if she were on fire.
She leaned against the wall, afraid to move.
“What’s the problem?” Rainer asked, facing Felix.
“A message just came in from Hillard.”
Rainer reached out. “Hand it to me.”
“I, uh, left it at my office. I’m sorry, Your Majesty. I was in such a hurry to reach you, I forgot it.”
Rainer’s eyes narrowed. “That’s unlike you.” He folded his arms.
Felix glanced at Sabine before focusing back on Rainer. “We should hurry—the message was marked urgent. I’ll escort you there.” He gestured toward the hallway, away from Sabine.
Rainer turned toward the guards present. “Take the queen to the dungeon.”
“I’ve committed no crimes,” Sabine wheezed, panic filling her.
The king started to walk away.
Sabine tried again. “The law must be followed,” she rasped. “Princess Lottie has been arrested for treason.” Hopefully the princess was already in the dungeon. If Rainer had gotten wind of it ahead of time, he may have thwarted Sabine’s plans. “That means Prince Axel, Prince Anton, and you, King Rainer, are to join her since you are her blood relatives. Not me. I am not related by blood.” He started to walk away. Raising her voice, she cried out, “Just because you don’t like the law, doesn’t mean you can throw the one enforcing it into the dungeon. It doesn’t work like that.”
He froze, then slowly turned to face her. “Don’t you dare tell me how Lynk’s laws work,” he said, his voice menacing. Then to the guards, “Take her to the dungeon. I’ll visit her there once I’m done with this urgent matter.” Lowering his voice so only Sabine could hear, he whispered, “In the dungeon, there will be no one to hear you scream.” Grinning, he left with Felix.
The guard to her left cleared his throat. “Your Majesty.”
Still leaning against the wall, her entire body violently shook.
“Are you able to walk unassisted?” he asked, his hand going to her elbow.
