Page 80 of The Royal Throne
“Why?” Not for the first time, she wondered if Rainer had been the one to poison Felix.
“He likes to loosen people up so they speak without reservation and reveal their secrets.” Axel poured his drink into one of the potted plants.
“Are these drinks laced with what you speak of?”
“I have no idea,” he answered. “But I’m not taking any chances. I know my brother well enough to not to drink what he serves.”
Commotion came from the arched entrance. Sabine glanced that way in time to see Anton striding into the room. Her breath caught. If Anton was here, that meant Evander had to be here as well. She peeked into the hallway, not seeing the Avoni prince anywhere.
Axel chuckled. “Easy, tiger.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“It means you need to be more subtle if you don’t want my brother to know you’re in love with Prince Evander.”
She faced Axel. “Why do you think I’m in love with him?”
He raised his eyebrows. “Because it’s written all over your face.”
Sabine entered her room and closed the door, relieved to finally be away from Rainer. Normally, she’d curl up on her bed with Harta. However, since the dog wasn’t there, she was truly alone. Instead of dwelling on that fact, she went out on her balcony and began pacing. She needed to find out more about Neron. His wife hadn’t seemed friendly, and Sabine didn’t know if they were even staying at the palace. Regardless, she’d extend an invitation to the couple.
It dawned on her that Axel was well aware she wanted to prevent Lynk from going to war. Perhaps he’d recommended Neron to replace Felix because the man’s beliefs were more closely aligned with hers rather than Rainer’s. The problem was that she didn’t trust Axel because he always seemed to have an ulterior motive.
The candles inside Sabine’s room simultaneously went out, casting her bedchamber in darkness. She froze. If an assassin was in her room, he might not have seen her. The last thing she wanted to do was bring attention to herself out on the balcony. With nowhere to hide, she started to slowly move to the side, wanting to blend in with the shadows cast by the palace wall.
A figure dressed in black pants, a black shirt, and a knitted hat appeared in the archway. “Sabine, it’s me,” Evander whispered.
Relief coursed through her. “You’re back.” She ran to him, throwing her arms around his neck and hugging him tightly.
After a minute, he kissed her temple then held her at arm’s length, flinching when he noticed her neck. “What happened?” he demanded. Then he lifted her arm, spotting the bruise there as well. His eyes darkened, transforming his face into someone she didn’t recognize—someone terrifying.
If she told him Rainer did this to her, that the king had almost strangled her, Evander would kill him. “There’s been a murder in the palace,” she said, trying to change the subject. “It happened yesterday. And we have an Avoni assassin in the dungeon. I think he’s from your guild.”
“What happened?” he said again, annunciating each word slowly.
“It has been handled.”
“Sabine, answer the question right now before I lose it.”
Sliding her hands to his shoulders, she squeezed him and said, “Rainer got upset with me, but Commander Felix stepped in and diffused the situation. Unfortunately, the commander was found dead yesterday. They’re saying he died in his sleep, but I know he was poisoned.”
Evander pulled the cap off his head, running his hand through his thick, red hair. “And you believe Rainer had him killed?”
She shrugged. “It’s a possibility.” It would make sense if the king ordered the commander’s assassination, but it also seems reasonable that it was an Avoni assassin since there have been a string of military officers murdered.
“Has a healer looked at your neck?” His fingers gently touched her skin.
“No, but Lady Regina tended to me. It will heal.”
“Why didn’t you fight him?” he asked. “I told you to have a weapon on you at all times.”
Most of her outfits didn’t accommodate a dagger. However, after the incident, she would make sure to always have something on her. “It all happened so quickly,” she said. “I’m not trained like you. It’s not second nature to whip out a knife and stab someone.”
He closed his eyes, taking in a deep breath. When he opened them, they’d cleared, the anger gone. “I’m sorry this happened and that I wasn’t here to help you. Will you at least consider leaving with me? I can get you out of here tonight.”
“I can’t.” If she left, no one would stand up to Rainer and try to stop the war.
Evander nodded, as if he expected that answer. “I have something for you.” He pulled out a letter, handing it to her. “This is from Otto.”
