Page 26 of The Queen's Crown
“You will address me as a princess. And by your logic, you are admitting someone from your guard killed her since, as you stated, no one could get past you and your soldiers.”
He opened his mouth to speak again but closed it, remaining quiet instead.
Sabine took the opportunity to maintain control of the situation. “As far as I’m concerned, I am entering the place where my sister was murdered. I will proceed with my dagger and my personal guard. You cannot—and will not—deny me these things. I am your future queen. Now take me to meet King Rainer.”
Lithane stared at her for what felt like a full minute before answering. “I do not have the authority to admit you into the palace armed. Nor can I allow your…guard in. I will have to consult with my superior. Please wait here…Your Highness.” He bowed and then returned to where his men stood waiting. They parted, and Lithane walked between them, back to the opened gate and into the palace.
Markis folded his arms and turned his back to the soldiers and the palace. “That was…a tad bit risky, don’t you think?”
“No. It was necessary to establish my authority and make sure you remain at my side. I trust no one else with my protection.”
He nodded. “Then let’s hope this works. Otherwise, we’re sleeping out here tonight.”
The clouds continued to roll in, concealing the palace. Sabine shivered from the light wind and the moisture in the air.
“Who is he consulting?” she asked.
“I’m not sure how their chain of command works here. He said he was a captain, so I’m guessing he’s pretty high up.” He kicked the dirt with the toe of his boot. “Maybe we should have waited for the carriage to catch up.”
“We’ve been over this. Stop second-guessing yourself.” She needed food. And water. And a warm bed. Oh, and a bath sounded lovely. However, if she had to remain out here tonight to prove a point, she would.
About thirty minutes later, Lithane finally returned with a man at his side.
The man was dressed differently from the soldiers. He wore cream-colored pants and a matching tunic with the buttons open in the front, revealing his toned chest. Sabine had never seen a tunic like that before—worn like a jacket, only without a shirt beneath it. Beautiful gold stitching adorned the thick collar. As the man got closer, Sabine saw he had a thin crown atop his head though she didn’t think he was the king.
He stopped in front of her. “I am Prince Axel Manfred.” He bowed. When he straightened, his dark brown eyes scanned her from head to toe and the corners of his lips rose, as if fighting a smile.
She replied, “I am Princess Sabine Ludwig.” From what she’d been told, the twins were twenty-two years old. He was certainly handsome in a generic sort of way. Square face, strong jawline, and dark hair.
“First, I would like to start by offering my condolences.”
That surprised her. “Thank you.”
“You have darker hair than your sister, but I see the resemblance. We did not expect you to arrive here at the palace so soon. We thought it would take at least another week for your carriage to arrive. Unfortunately, the king is not here to greet you.” He clasped his hands behind his back.
Markis quickly introduced himself and explained why they were dressed the way they were and without a carriage and guard.
As Markis spoke, Sabine studied Axel, trying to determine if he knew about the attack on their carriage or not. Maybe he was behind her sister’s death. No one could be ruled out.
“I’m sure you’ve had a long, tiring journey,” Axel said. “Let’s get you inside.” He turned to face Lithane. “Princess Sabine and her guard are granted entrance. And the princess may keep any weapons she has in her possession.”
“As you wish, Your Highness,” Lithane replied.
Axel spoke quietly with Lithane for a moment, presumably giving the man instructions. When he finished, he turned to Sabine. “Princess, my men will show you to the room your sister was using, if that is okay with you? Her things are still there—we haven’t packed anything up yet. It didn’t feel right to touch her belongings. We thought it best for one of her family members to handle the matter. However, if you prefer, I can have another room prepared for you, in case her things hold too many memories.”
Emotion overwhelmed her at the thought of being in the same room Alina had been in. “My sister’s room is fine.” Then she could wear her sister’s clothing. The mere thought of touching Alina’s things gave her a sense of comfort.
“Once you are washed and dressed appropriately, my siblings and I will join you for something to eat. I assume you are hungry from your journey?”
She was famished. “Yes, thank you.”
He bowed his head, then left.
“Follow me,” Lithane said. He led Sabine and Markis across the bridge.
The soldiers remained parted. Lithane, Sabine, and Markis walked in the center, past the soldiers. The bridge had more bounce than Sabine had anticipated, making her nervous to cross it, even if it was fifteen feet or so wide. She dared not look at what lay over the side—if she could even see down that far. Instead, she kept her focus straight ahead, on the two large wooden doors that seemed to be screaming her name, begging for her to reach them.
And then she was back on solid ground, entering through the doors. Once the soldiers were safely back in the palace, the bridge was lifted using cranks on the wall, and the doors were closed and locked.
