Page 68 of The Queen's Crown
He whistled, and a dog ran into the dining room, sitting beside Rainer. “This is for you. Her name is Harta, which means protector and defender.”
The dog looked expectantly at Sabine.
She’d never had her very own dog before. In Bakley, dogs were used out in the fields for herding and things of that nature. They were rarely indoor companions. She eyed the adorable creature, trying not to fall in love. “May I?”
“Of course.”
She slid off her chair and squatted before Harta. “Hello there.”
Rainer said, “Release.”
The dog immediately stood and began licking Sabine’s face. She laughed, running her hands over the dog’s short, brown hair.
“We train dogs to use for battle,” he said. “I have a facility over in the training grounds.”
Sabine remembered hearing the dogs and Lottie mentioning something about them.
“This one here has been trained to smell certain poisons. She’s also been taught a few other things I’ll need to go over with you. For example, if you want her to chase someone, there’s a command for that. If someone makes you uncomfortable, you give a command and she’ll move in front of you and protect you. You can also have her bark on command to get a guard’s attention.”
Sabine kissed the dog’s head then stood. “It seems you’ve thought of everything.”
“Do you like it?”
“I love it.”
The corners of his lips rose. “Good.”
ChapterSixteen
The dog, it seemed, did not care for Markis. As Sabine walked across the courtyard with Lady Karmen, Harta trotted along behind them, occasionally growling at Markis if he got too close. Every time it happened, Markis mumbled under his breath and backed up a few steps. Sabine tried not to chuckle. Unfortunately, it seemed Harta didn’t care for paper either. Sabine still couldn’t believe the dog had grabbed her father’s letter from her hand and ate it. She’d have to write to her father later today, letting him know what happened. She hoped there wasn’t anything important in the letter.
“I’m glad you seem to have settled in at the palace,” Karmen said.
Sabine had been around long enough to know when something was worded one way but meant something else. Karmen wouldn’t have used the wordseemotherwise. “While it is quite different here in Lynk, I am finding the change refreshing.” She forced a smile on her face, waiting for Karmen’s response. After all, she’d invited the woman to walk with her for a reason.
“I’ve been worried with so many of the women being upset with your arrival.” Karmen patted Sabine’s arm.
While she assumed there would be those vying for power upset by the union, they should have gotten over it already. Especially since Sabine was the second one betrothed to Rainer. Regardless, she played along. “What women are upset?” This was the information she wanted anyway—to see if there were any suspects that hadn’t been considered.
“The usual ones,” Karmen said, waving her hand. “Those who want power, money, or feel they’re entitled to sit on a throne. I’m sure you have the same in Bakley.”
Sabine nodded. “We do. And I feel bad that King Rainer is marrying a foreigner. I am sure many here in Lynk would prefer him to marry one of their own. However, this marriage is mutually beneficial for both kingdoms.” She needed that message spread through court. “My kingdom will be sending a substantial amount of grain to Lynk. That will feed hundreds, if not thousands, of people.” She realized she had no idea how much her father had agreed to send.
“I understand,” Karmen replied. “But I think the concern is that you won’t produce a child soon enough. Many believe the king shouldn’t have wasted so much time finding a woman to marry. If he doesn’t have an heir by the time he turns twenty-five, he forfeits the throne. Naturally, people are worried.”
In other words, they were questioning the king’s judgment. Sabine glanced back, making sure Harta still followed close behind. She was such a good doggie.
Karmen waved to someone walking on the second level’s outdoor hallway to the right. “Being seen with you is going to get everyone talking,” she purred. “I love it.”
Sabine chuckled. “I can understand why a lot of people are worried since the king and I don’t have a lot of room for error.” Alina’s death had set the king’s timetable back quite a bit. “And I’m sure many wouldn’t be happy with Axel as the king.” She laughed at the mere idea.
“Oh no, he wouldn’t be king.”
“Anton then?” Sabine assumed the twin born first would be next in line for the throne. However, she couldn’t imagine Anton leading a kingdom either. Rainer was the best choice out of the three brothers.
“You don’t know?” Karmen asked, pulling Sabine to a stop, and glancing around.
“Know what?”
