Page 87 of The Royal Throne
Anton resumed eating. “If you need anything or want to talk, I’m available.”
The offer warmed her. “Thank you.” He had no reason to be kind to her, yet he was.
Feeling someone watching her, she glanced up. Directly across the table from her, Rainer took a sip of his wine, his eyes meeting hers over the rim of his goblet.
“Is something the matter, dear?” Rainer asked, setting his goblet down. “You don’t seem to be in your usual chirpy mood this evening.”
“Two people died in this palace. Not only is that a tragedy, but it reminds me of my own sister’s death.”
His eyes narrowed and his grip on his fork tightened, turning his knuckles white. “At least you have your sister-in-law’s wedding to look forward to. Watching her wed Prince Evander should bring some much needed joy to this palace.”
Anger rose inside of her, making her want to punch Rainer in the face. He’d said that just to irritate her.
“With regards to the murders, I will keep you safe and warm in your bed tonight. You’ll be too busy enjoying your time with me to worry that pretty little head of yours about anything else.” His eyes gleaned with mischief. He’d not only said that to see her reaction, but Evander’s as well.
“Is that so? Will you be coming to me after you’re done with Heather? Or is she too sick to entertain you, so have no choice but to bed me instead of her this evening?”
Dead silence filled the room. Sabine might have gone too far with that comment. It had just slipped out of her mouth before she could think better of it. This was one of those instances Axel was always warning her about how she needed to play the game and be more subtle. Oops.
“Heather’s sick?” Axel asked. “Is she okay? Is there anything I can do?”
Rainer’s eyes remained fixed on Sabine’s. It looked like he was thinking of all the ways he’d make her pay for that comment. It had been stupid to say it, but her temper had gotten the better of her. If she were back home, she’d run out of the room and to the stables. She’d take her horse and ride until it was too dark to see. Then she’d spend the night out under the stars, not coming home until everyone had worried so much about her that they’d forgotten her transgression. But she was neither at home nor was she a child any longer. And the man who sat across from her didn’t like to be challenged, yet she’d done just that.
Not once did she dare look Evander’s way through this conversation. The true threat in the room was him, not her, regardless of the way Rainer was behaving. If Evander wanted to, he could kill every single person in this room in under ten seconds. The only one who’d put up any sort of a fight would be Rainer. However, Sabine had no doubt Evander would best him.
A servant entered, delivering a letter to Rainer. The king sat there, not taking his eyes off Sabine for an uncomfortable minute, before plucking the letter from the servant and reading it. He handed the letter to Evander and stood. “Anton, please escort Lottie to her room. See that guards are posted outside for her protection. I want at least two sentries assigned to her until she leaves for Avoni or until the assassin is caught.”
“Consider it done,” Anton answered.
“If you’ll all excuse Prince Evander and me, we have a matter to attend to.” The two men exited the room.
Anton stood. “Sister, let’s go.”
Lottie shoved her chair back and stood, glaring at Sabine. “My brother has been nothing but kind to you. You might want to try to show a little respect.”
“Yes,” Sabine said, “he’s been so kind to me. He even gave me this lovely necklace.” She pointed to the bruise around her neck.
“That was your own fault.”
Anton placed his hand on the small of Lottie’s back. “Enough,” he said, ushering her out of the room.
The second Axel and Sabine were alone, he began laughing.
“What’s so funny?” she demanded.
“You. Never a dull moment.”
Harper entered the room. “Your Majesty.” She curtseyed. “I have news.” She came closer to Sabine, whispering in her ear. “Neron died from poison. Dregger has been named the new commander. A man was just arrested and is at the military cavern. Something about having poison on him. He’s going to be questioned.”
That must have been why Rainer and Evander left. “Thank you, Harper.”
“I’m going home to check on my family if you’re okay with that?”
“Yes, of course. I’ll see you tomorrow. Be safe.”
Harper hugged her and left.
Axel stood. “What are your plans for this evening until that husband of yours comes to visit your bed?”
