Page 10 of The Royal Throne
Sabine blinked, shocked by his blatant disrespect for her. Something would have to be done about this.
Otto took a step forward, into Lithane’s personal space. “If we were in Bakley, I’d have you arrested.”
Lithane’s head jerked back.
“I am a prince,” Otto scolded him. “And this is your queen. I can’t imagine King Rainer putting up with this sort of behavior.”
Lithane rolled his shoulders, as if irritated. “Forgive me, Your Highness.”
Otto stepped back, rejoining Sabine.
“Queen Sabine,” Lithane said. “Someone is here to see you. She is a local seamstress from town. Normally, I wouldn’t have admitted her, but she said she had an appointment with you.”
“Yes, I do.”
“She’s in the receiving room,” Lithane said.
“Thank you.” Eager to meet with the woman, Sabine hurried along. She spent the next several hours going over clothing designs and looking at fabric samples until she was certain she’d ordered everything she’d need.
Sabine headed to the library where she’d asked Axel and Anton to meet her. Both were already there sitting at one of the tables, waiting for her.
“It’s not often I’m summoned to the library early in the evening,” Axel said by way of greeting.
“Is that normally how you address your queen?” Sabine said, half-teasing as she slid onto the chair across from him.
Axel chuckled. “No, but that is how I address my sister-in-law.” He winked.
“Anton, it’s good to see you.” Alive. “How was your journey back to Lynk?” A simple enough question that he could answer as he saw fit with Axel present.
“Eventful,” Anton replied, scratching behind his ear. “It was good you traveled home by ship instead of accompanying me.”
Sadness gripped her. The decoy must have been killed.
Anton patted her arm. “I’m glad you trusted your instincts,” he whispered.
She hadn’t even considered using a decoy until Evander had shown up with one at the house. It wasn’t her instincts—it was Evander’s.
“So, sister,” Axel said, “why are we here?”
“I have a few questions,” she started. “Do you know if Lottie is allowed to leave her bedchamber?” Rainer had said he’d put her there and had guards posted. “Or if she’s allowed to receive visitors?”
“All I know is that Rainer refuses to have her arrested. He’s sequestered her to her bedchamber. Beyond that, I have no idea,” Anton said.
“Have either of you tried to see her?” she asked.
“Nope. It’s only been a couple of days,” Axel shrugged. “Maybe I’ll feel the need to visit her in a month or two.”
Sabine shook her head, wondering if he ever took anything seriously. “Do you know why Rainer won’t have her officially arrested and charged with treason?” Was it simply because Lottie was his sister? Or was there more to it than that?
Anton shrugged. “One never knows with Rainer.”
She nodded, as if she understood. “Tell me, what happens here in Lynk when a king, the person who is supposed to enforce laws, refuses to?” Could Rainer be arrested for failing to do his duties or did it not matter?
“That’s a muddled notion,” Anton said. “Technically, with Lottie, the only one accusing her of anything is you.” When Sabine went to argue with him, he held up his hand. “If Lottie did something and everyone saw, it would force Rainer’s hand. But this is more of a personal, family matter.”
Sabine simmered with anger. None of this was fair.
Axel slouched in his chair, his head resting against the back of it as he stared up at the ceiling. “I’ve learned firsthand that a king can be above the law.” His voice was quiet but sharp.
