Page 59 of The King's Sword
“Why do you think that? Put it into words.” His voice still came from behind her.
The air smelled fresher. “I think a door opened because of the smell.”
“Good,” Evander said. “What else?”
She tried to focus on the room again. “I think someone is in here.”
“Why?”
“The air shifted.” It sounded dumb to say, but it was the only way she could express her thoughts. “And…I think I smell jasmine.” She couldn’t be certain, but there was definitely a light floral scent that hadn’t been there before. A soft patter, like footsteps, came from Sabine’s right. She reached out, her hand touching a narrow, boney arm. “Are you a woman?”
“I am,” Gemma said.
Sabine hadn’t realized Gemma would be aiding in the training today.
“Now listen for a moment, then tell us what you think is happening in this room,” Gemma said. It sounded as if she’d stepped a few feet away.
Utter silence greeted Sabine. She strained to listen, not hearing a single thing. She no longer felt either Evander or Gemma nearby. Even though she had the blindfold on, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath, forcing herself to relax. An odd smell filled the room—barely there but there nonetheless. A hint of food and soap. Then she heard the soft pitter-patter of feet followed by people breathing.
She wiped her hands on her pants. “The room is filled with people.” She was certain of it.
“Astute,” Gemma answered. “It has been a pleasure assisting you this morning.”
Sabine heard the sound of footsteps on the floor again, this time heading toward the door, and she assumed everyone was leaving the room. When it became silent again, she asked, “Are we done?” She reached up, removing her blindfold, expecting to be alone with Evander.
Serilda stood before Sabine, startling her.
“Forgive me, Your Majesty, I didn’t expect to see you here.” Sabine clutched the blindfold in her hands, wondering where Evander had gone.
The queen smiled. “I want to speak with you.” She wore a long-sleeved black top with a matching skirt. No crown adorned her head, and if Sabine hadn’t known this was the queen standing before her, she never would have guessed.
Glancing about the room, she didn’t see anyone else. “I was just training with Evander and Gemma,” she said, as if she needed to explain why she was in the room.
“Let’s take a walk.” Serilda gestured toward the door and headed that way, the expectation for Sabine to follow clear.
Suddenly nervous, Sabine trailed after the woman. They exited the building and went along one of the wooden pathways. She had no idea what the queen wanted to discuss with her and hoped it wasn’t about Evander or the kidnapping.
Serilda led the way across one of the bridges and to a large gazebo.
Sabine wanted to ask how all of this had been built over water but knew now was not the time for that conversation.
“No one will be able to overhear us here,” Serilda said as she entered the gazebo furnished with two cushioned benches and a table.
The gazebo was situated over the water, and no other buildings or walkways were nearby—just the bridge they’d taken to reach it. The roof offered protection from the rain though the air remained chilly. The queen sat on one of the benches, so Sabine sat on the other.
There was something peaceful and serene being out on the water like this. “Your kingdom is beautiful,” Sabine said, gazing out at her surroundings. Several large trees lined one part of the lake, their branches hanging low over the water.
“I’ve heard the palace in Lynk is beautiful as well,” the queen said as she folded her hands on her lap.
Sabine felt as if this conversation were a test of sorts. As to what she was being tested on, she had no idea. However, she knew she needed to tread carefully. They were both queens of kingdoms capable of causing great harm. She smiled and replied, “I suppose it depends on what your definition of beauty is.” The Lynk palace had always scared her since it had been built so high up. It always felt as if she would tumble to her death at any moment.
“Very true.” Serilda watched Sabine for a moment before saying, “I’ll get to the point of this conversation since I have a lot to do today. My son is very important to me and to this kingdom.”
“I’m sure he is.” So this was about Evander. Sabine clutched her hands together, preparing herself to answer as vaguely as possible.
“He cares for you. I can see it.”
An interesting way to start this conversation. “We have become friends.” Though friends didn’t feel like quite the right word.
