Page 76 of The Queen's Crown
He took another step closer to her, now standing only a foot away. His eyes remained focused on hers, as if searching for something.
She refused to flinch or even blink.
After an uncomfortable minute of silence, he finally said, “I believe someone in my inner circle is trying to kill you to prevent me from maintaining my position as king. To keep you safe, we will marry, securing my position.” His voice was soft, louder than a whisper but not loud enough to carry outside the room.
An answer that only led her to more questions. And he hadn’t explained why the need for secrecy or who he specifically suspected. If he wanted to convince her to go through with this, then he needed to tell her everything. She folded her arms and tilted her head, looking up at him, waiting for him to explain.
He sighed and then came to lean against the window ledge beside her. “After we legally marry and you’re crowned,” he said, “I will inform my inner circle of your status. The marriage binder will have a record of our marriage and your coronation thus ensuring you remain safe.”
When she realized he wouldn’t elaborate, she asked, “Why keep it from the kingdom?” She wanted to know who in his inner circle wanted him to lose his crown. At first, she’d suspected Heather of hiring the assassin. However, she didn’t think Heather wanted to hurt Rainer or take the throne from him. It had to be someone else then. Maybe he didn’t specifically know who it was. If he did, he would have already arrested the person.
“We must keep it a secret because we still don’t have permission. That’s why we’re waiting for the Avoni delegation. If they give their approval, we can legally marry without any repercussions from the other kingdoms.”
“What you’re saying is that we are going to marry to secure your throne and keep me alive.”
“Yes.”
“But it will be done in secret.”
“Yes.”
“And once the League approves, then we can publicly marry?”
“Yes.”
She pushed away from the window ledge and started walking around the room, thinking. “What if we don’t get their approval? Then what?”
He stood. “Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.”
“Because if it does?”
“We’ll most likely be facing a war.”
Dread filled her. All she’d wanted to do was take her sister’s place to save her kingdom. And now Rainer was talking about a possible war. “What will happen to Bakley?”
“It will fall under my protection. I promise.”
“You swear?” she asked, wanting to be clear.
“Yes. You have my word.”
She nodded. “Very well.” She’d marry in private so long as she had his reassurance that Bakley would be safe.
“I must go and prepare myself for our wedding.” He bowed and then left the room.
Staring at the door he’d just exited through, she contemplated who Rainer considered to be in his inner circle and why one of his close confidants wouldn’t want him on the throne. Once he knew for certain who either killed her sister or hired the assassin to do so, Rainer had better have it in him to bring the person to justice. Otherwise, Sabine would do it for him.
A man in his late forties entered the room donning a long robe the color of sapphire. “Princess Sabine,” he said by way of greeting.
“I suppose you’re the marriage binder?” she asked.
“I am. My name is Herold.” He withdrew a golden crown from beneath his robe. “And I’m here to make you a queen.”
Sabine stood in the antechamber to the throne room where she’d been instructed to wait until the doors opened. So much had happened leading her to this moment. She couldn’t believe she was about to be married and crowned queen—especially in secret. Her hands shook from a combination of excitement and fright.
The doors swung open revealing a thirty-foot marble pathway leading to a raised dais where two golden high-backed chairs were perched atop the platform, Rainer standing between them. When he saw Sabine, he descended the steps and moved to the side, waiting for her to join him. He wore ivory pants and a form fitting shirt buttoned up to his neck. A gold crown adorned with emeralds, rubies, and pearls sat on his head, making his eyes appear brighter than usual.
If Sabine had to describe the king in one word, it would be breathtaking. She’d never seen such a handsome man before.
