Page 89 of The King's Sword
“I have no idea what you’re talking about, so there’s nothing I can explain,” Evander said as he ran a hand through his hair.
“But we saw the children,” Sabine said. “They were traveling on land with Lynk soldiers.”
Otto sighed. “Once the soldiers found the children, they escorted them to Lynk.”
She peered over at Evander, unable to fathom him being responsible for kidnapping children from Bakley. Although, he had kidnapped her.
Evander raised his eyebrows. “You can’t possibly think I’d do something like that.”
She didn’t answer. “What are the children saying?” she asked her brother.
“That they were taken by men from Avoni.”
“Based upon what evidence?” Evander demanded, his voice rising in volume.
“That’s what they were told.” Otto folded his arms. “So it could be a set up.” He shrugged.
Sabine noticed her brother had only been stating facts. “What do you believe happened?” she asked him.
“I think Rainer is ten steps ahead of us.” He rubbed a hand over his face. “I think Rainer sought Alina out and designed the marriage alliance to benefit him. He wants Bakley and our food. I think taking over the other kingdoms is just an added benefit for him. I think he has it all planned out with various scenarios.”
“We believe so as well,” Evander said. “My family is working on stopping him.”
“I have a plan,” Sabine said. “I think I know how to stop Rainer. But I’m not going to have a lot of time to enact it.”
“Good. I’m glad you’re taking this seriously since Father isn’t.”
That didn’t surprise her. King Franz Ludwig rarely took matters of their kingdom’s security seriously. She couldn’t tell if he didn’t know how to handle it, didn’t care, or if he was truly that naive.
Evander stood and started pacing the room. “Where do we go from here?”
“I will escort Sabine to Lynk and meet with King Rainer. Then, I’ll bring the children home.”
“And where does Avoni fit into this now that Rainer is all but ensuring Bakley will want to retaliate?”
“I am going to demand peace. When I meet with the League, I will ask for the same. Whatever it is that Sabine plans on doing to stop Rainer, I hope it works because I fear for our kingdoms if it doesn’t.”
Evander went over to the window, resting his hands on the window ledge and staring outside, lost in thought.
Sabine wished she could ask him what he was thinking. But she couldn’t. Her brother couldn’t suspect anything was going on between them—even a familiar friendship. She cleared her throat. “When do we leave for Lynk?” She needed to start hashing out the details of her plan.
“Tomorrow.”
She thought she’d have at least a day or two. “Very well,” she replied. She’d just have to figure it out as they traveled.
Voices grew in volume on the other side of the door. Someone shouted. All three of them looked to the door as it burst open.
ChapterFourteen
Markis stood in the middle of the doorway, his chest heaving. “Queen Sabine.” He knelt on the floor, bowing his head, a handful of Avoni guards and two Bakley soldiers standing behind him with weapons drawn.
“Do either of you know him?” Evander demanded with a knife in hand.
“Yes. Everyone, put your weapons away. This is Lieutenant Markis Belle, my personal guard.” Sabine went over to Markis. “Stand.” He did as she commanded. “It’s good to see you.”
The guards and soldiers behind him all lowered their weapons and took a step back.
“I’ve been searching everywhere for you,” Markis mumbled. He took a deep breath before shifting his focus to Evander. “You.” He lunged for Evander, only Sabine stepped in front of him, blocking him.
