Page 96 of The Royal Throne
“It seems someone entered the palace and killed almost every officer.” He gripped his hilt, his knuckles turning white. “Captain Cutler, Captain Lithane, and Captain Higman are the only high ranking officers alive. As well as myself. Everyone else is dead. Lithane is going to the dungeon now to see if the prisoner is still in there. No one can find Prince Anton, Prince Axel, or Prince Evander. I think you should consider leaving the palace. I’ll take you to the royal castle.”
She started pacing, hands on her hips, her mind reeling. So many deaths in such a short amount of time. “How was Lottie killed?” Given that the princess was dead and the two princes were unaccounted for, she had to consider that an assassin was in the palace with the intent of killing all members of the royal family—herself included.
“Princess Lottie’s throat was slit.”
Definitely an assassination. “And the others?” She wondered if Heather dying was truly a coincidence or part of some grander plot.
“Poison.”
It was interesting that Lottie was killed in a different fashion than the others. Almost as if she wasn’t originally one of the targets. As if she’d been killed as an afterthought. Or for revenge. While Sabine was secretly happy Lottie had gotten what she deserved, she couldn’t let anyone know she was grateful for the princess’s death. She chewed on her thumbnail, wondering who killed her, a sinking suspicion it might have been Evander.
“Has the king been informed?” she asked.
“Someone went to find him, but I don’t know if the news has been delivered.”
Given the king’s state and the fact that no one could find the princes, she was truly alone. Suddenly, an idea formed. A crazy, dangerous one. “Has another commander been appointed?”
“No.”
A smile spread across her lips. It was time she beat Rainer at his own game, and she knew just how to do it. “I have an idea.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
Sabine rushed through the palace, thinking about everything she needed to do to pull this off. There wasn’t much time before Rainer figured it out. That, and he’d head south tomorrow to join his army and start the war. Time was of the essence.
“Captain Drew—please have someone get the remaining captains and bring them to my room immediately.”
He began barking out orders.
Once in her bedchamber, Sabine grabbed a bag and crammed clothes in it. Then she quickly changed into thicker pants and a plain tunic. After strapping a dagger to her leg and sliding another one into her boot, she was ready.
A knock sounded on her door. She shoved her bag beneath her bed before Drew admitted Cutler, Higman, and Lithane.
“The four of you are the highest ranking members of our military right now,” she began. “We have no commander appointed since the last three have been murdered.” No one responded. Holding her head high, she forged on. “Therefore, I am appointing myself as the commander of the army.”
It was no surprise when Lithane said, “Forgive me, Your Majesty, but that is something that King Rainer should do.”
“The king’s sister, lover, and baby all died. He is grieving. I think he deserves to let me handle the military today and tomorrow. Once he’s recovered, he can take over.”
Cutler nodded. “I agree.” His eyes were still red.
“As do I,” Drew said.
She observed Lithane and Higman. “The king sent his army south. He is leaving tomorrow to join them. I need the two of you by His Majesty’s side to carry out his orders and to support him in this difficult time.”
“Why do we need a commander?” Lithane asked.
“Neither prince is accounted for and every officer in the palace—except for the four of you—is dead,” she said, her voice harsh. “I will not sit here like a helpless queen and allow our army to fall apart. I will be appointed commander, and I will ensure our army remains fierce until the king is able to lead it.” She hoped that was enough to gain their trust.
Neither looked convinced. “Look,” she said, trying to calm her voice. “Someone is killing those in charge for a reason. I believe this assassin wants to stop the war. I fear the king and I may be next. It is imperative we remain strong and carry on.”
Lithane pursed his lips. “Fine. I agree.”
“I do as well,” Higman said.
“Excellent. Captain Drew, will you do me the honors?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.” He came and stood in front of her. “Please kneel.”
