Page 90 of The King's Sword
“Stop,” she said.
“But this man kidnapped you,” Markis said, his eyes alight with fury.
“He did not,” she said loud enough for everyone to hear. “An assassin was after me. Prince Evander has kept me alive.”
Markis’s eyes narrowed, as if he didn’t believe her. However, he kept his mouth shut and didn’t argue.
Sabine held his gaze. “We have a lot to discuss. Let me finish up with Prince Evander and Prince Otto. I will meet you in the receiving room in a few minutes.”
“Of course, Your Majesty.” Markis bowed and left the room.
An Avoni guard stepped forward. “Your Highness?” He looked at Evander.
“Give Lieutenant Markis clearance,” he said, waving his hand.
The man bowed.
Sabine shut the door then turned to face Evander and Otto. When neither said anything, she decided to speak. “You have guards here?” she said to her brother.
“Yes. A dozen came with me.”
She nodded. It made sense he’d have his own protection—especially in a foreign kingdom.
“Those two used to work with Markis,” he added, as if that explained why Markis hadn’t been killed on sight.
“I thought he looked familiar,” Evander said as he casually tossed his knife, catching it by the hilt. “I remember him following you around the Lynk palace.” He tossed the knife again.
“Is there anything else we need to discuss?” Sabine asked. She wanted to meet with Markis to see the state of things with Rainer.
Evander shrugged. “Not that I can think of.”
“I have a few League issues to discuss with you,” Otto said. “If you don’t mind us meeting privately.”
Evander sat in a chair, putting his weapon away. “Not at all.”
Sabine excused herself and went into the receiving room where she spotted Markis conversing with the two Bakley soldiers off to the side. She had to refrain from running over and hugging him.
The three men straightened and faced Sabine.
“It is good to see you, Lieutenant Markis,” she said by way of greeting. She knew he wanted to speak freely with her. However, she didn’t know if there was a place they could talk without being overheard. She motioned toward the middle of the room, and the two of them moved that way, leaving behind the Bakley soldiers.
Sabine didn’t feel like sitting on the sofa since she’d been stuck in a boat for so long. Instead, she stood near the window, looking outside. The place was surrounded by Avoni guards. She turned to face Markis. “My brother is escorting me back to Lynk. We leave tomorrow.”
Markis nodded. “I will accompany you both.” He watched her, his eyes scanning her from head to toe, as if looking for injuries.
“I’m fine,” she said, her voice low, hoping that would be enough to satisfy him for now. “How are things back in Lynk?”
“A conversation for another time,” he whispered, folding his hands behind his back.
Sabine noticed his hair had grown longer and his face now sported a short beard. It made him look older. His skin also appeared to be tanner than the last time she’d seen him.
The side door opened, and Evander and Otto exited the room, joining them.
“Has your business concluded?” she asked, wondering what her brother wanted to discuss with Evander without her present. She doubted it was League business, but perhaps it was.
“Yes,” Otto replied. “Lieutenant Markis, if you’ll join me, I’d like to plan our journey to Lynk.”
“Of course, Your Highness.”
