Page 14 of The King's Sword
“I don’t know. I hid it in my dress.” Either Evander had found it, or it had sunk with her dress to the bottom of the ocean.
“Did you at least have a chance to look at it?” he asked.
“I did. It was in another language, and I couldn’t read it.”
Evander cursed.
“Greetings,” Anton said as he came into the kitchen with Seth, his focus going straight to Sabine. “You have managed to create quite a stir back in Lynk,” he said as he took a seat next to her.
She figured her kidnapping would have infuriated Rainer into taking up his sword and declaring war. “I knew he’d be upset when he noticed me missing. What’s he telling people?”
“No one knows you’re gone,” Anton said. “Everyone is talking about you because Rainer announced to Lynk, and all the other kingdoms, that the two of you are married and he crowned you queen.”
ChapterThree
“Why did Rainer do that?” Sabine asked. They didn’t have the League’s permission to marry yet.
“He did it to ensure your safety,” Anton replied, looking at Evander as he spoke. “No one would dare harm a king or queen. If someone did, there’d be major ramifications for such an act.”
“Does Rainer know what really happened to me?” She wondered if someone from the Avoni delegation had told him Evander took her.
“No, he doesn’t,” Anton said, his focus going to Sabine. “He declared to everyone at court that you’re in bed. Most assume you’re with child and that’s the reason for your confinement.”
She couldn’t figure out how any of this made sense.
Anton reached out, placing his hand on her arm. “My brother thinks you’ve run away, and he’s worried about you.”
Evander snorted.
“I thought he’d find me missing and be ready to raise his sword against the other kingdoms,” she said. “Not because he cares, but because it’s a good excuse to go to war.”
Anton sat there observing her. “I guess your interpretation of events depends on what you’ve seen and been told.” He turned his attention to Evander. “I’m assuming you’re the one who convinced Sabine to leave her husband and come here?”
“I have not left my husband,” Sabine said. “I am here to see my brother.”
“That’s right,” Otto said. “I was concerned because my sister hasn’t responded to my family’s numerous letters. Something seemed amiss.”
“My brother has given you a fortnight to return,” Anton said. “I’ve been tasked with coming here to speak with the League to see if by chance you came here for clarity, safety, or some other misguided notion.” He squeezed Sabine’s arm before letting it go. “I really hope that what you said is true. If he discovers otherwise, if he even thinks you’ve been taken, they’ll be no stopping him.”
Sabine didn’t think this had anything to do with Rainer caring for her. But rather, this was him making sure he didn’t lose his crown. Since they were married, he had a very limited timeframe to produce an heir, or Lottie would inherit the throne.
“Now that we know Rainer and Sabine are married,” Evander said, gaining everyone’s attention, “any hope of keeping Bakley and Lynk from uniting is gone. If the League doesn’t approve, it’ll be like we’re declaring war against Lynk. We have no choice but to consent to the marriage.” He rested his elbows on the table.
“I agree,” Thad said. “Let’s give our official approval and move on. We need to decide how to stop Lynk from invading the other kingdoms.” He looked to Sabine, as if he didn’t know if he could say more in front of her.
Sabine rubbed her temples, a nasty headache starting to form. “I will do everything in my power to prevent my husband from going to war against another kingdom.” She tried to speak as strongly as possible so these men would know she was serious. She looked at Anton. “I need to speak with you privately.” She stood and left the kitchen, heading straight for the door and going outside without looking to see if he followed.
The sun had set, and the air was turning cold. She strode down the steps of the porch and went a few feet from the house, not wanting anyone inside to overhear her conversation. Anton joined her a moment later. She folded her arms, trying to stay warm.
“I know you married my brother and were crowned, but?—”
“No,” Sabine interrupted him. “You don’t get to speak right now. I am your queen.” She glared at him, trying to make him cower. He didn’t. No matter, she would still act strong, even if she didn’t feel it. “I don’t know whose side you’re on, but I’m going to do what’s best for Lynk.”
“I’m loyal to Lynk as well,” he insisted.
She tilted her head to the side, considering him. Since he wasn’t the previous king’s blood, she wasn’t certain if his loyalties were to the royal family or not. Rainer’s father had Anton’s mother, the queen, and his father, the queen’s guard, killed. “Your sister hired the assassin who murdered Alina.” She waited for him to speak, wanting to know if he was aware of Lottie’s treachery. She had no idea how close the twins were to their sister.
“Lottie wants the throne?” he asked, his breath coming out in a puff of white in the cold air.
