Page 48 of The Queen's Crown
Cutler jerked, as if he didn’t realize Markis had moved from the archway to Sabine’s side, standing only a foot away.
“We’re having a private conversation,” Cutler said. “Leave us be.”
Markis stepped even closer, rage simmering in his eyes. “Step away from the princess,” he repeated.
Cutler’s brows drew together. “Do you not recognize me?”
“You’re too close to the princess, and she seems distressed. You will put space between the two of you.”
“I’m your captain.”
“You’re not my captain,” Markis said. “I only take orders from Princess Sabine.”
“What’s going on?” Rainer asked as he and Heather rushed out onto the balcony, side by side.
It was time for Sabine to step in. “Nothing. Captain Cutler and I were simply having a discussion.”
“Then why is your guard involved?” Rainer asked.
“In Bakley it is not appropriate for a man to confront someone in the royal family in such a manner.”
“Explain.” Rainer turned to Markis, expecting him to answer.
“Your Majesty,” Markis said. “Captain Cutler moved in close proximity to the princess, less than a foot away. She stiffened, appearing distressed. I intervened as I’ve been trained to do.”
Rainer looked at Sabine, his eyes scanning her from head to toe. “Are you okay?”
“Yes.” She forced herself to keep her focus on Rainer and not to look at or acknowledge Heather. As a princess, she bowed to no one except the king. Once she became his queen, she’d be his equal. Everyone here needed to see and understand that. She would not have the king’s mistress thinking she had any power here.
“Captain Cutler, it’s getting late. Why don’t you take Heather home.” It wasn’t a request.
Sabine found it interesting that Rainer didn’t introduce Heather or use a title when mentioning her. He’d used Cutler’s title and if Heather had one, it should have been given. Perhaps she was a commoner. Sabine would have to find out.
Rainer moved to stand beside Sabine, sliding his arm around her waist in a protective gesture.
“Yes, Your Majesty,” Cutler said. He looked at Heather who rushed to his side. The two of them retreated from the balcony.
“Lieutenant Markis, thank you for protecting the princess,” Rainer said.
“I apologize for causing a scene,” Markis said. “But given what happened with Princess Alina, I decided to err on the side of caution.”
“Understood. However, in Lynk, we tend to be a bit friendlier.”
Sabine had noticed that. Men and women tended to touch one another more freely without it meaning anything.
“Noted.” Markis nodded and then went back to his post near the archway.
“Let’s stay out here for a bit.” Rainer motioned toward the railing. “I want you to repeat your entire conversation with Cutler before you forget anything.”
Sabine did as he requested, hoping that Rainer would volunteer some information about Heather.
He didn’t.
When she finished recalling everything, Rainer rubbed his chin. “What, exactly, is your relationship with Lieutenant Markis?”
She bit her lip until she got her temper under control. She wanted nothing more than to answer his question with a counter question about Heather. “He is my guard.”
“Why do you want him to stay?”
