Page 38 of The Queen's Crown
“It is my understanding that you sent a contract, asking for my sister’s hand in marriage, and she agreed. Is that when you started writing to one another?”
“No,” he revealed. “If I’d simply wanted a wife, I could have chosen anyone. I chose Alina after we wrote to one another on two separate occasions and decided on some issues.”
Sabine knew her sister, but her sister had never told her any of this.
“After the contract was signed, we wrote to one another more intimately.” The way he said that sentence, softer, almost like a secret, made Sabine’s toes curl.
With raised eyebrows, she considered this man before her. He was the most sensual man she’d ever met—and she was going to marry him. However, he’d chosen Alina, not her. “Are you suggesting you don’t wish to proceed with the wedding?” Bakley needed his soldiers. If Lynk backed out, her father would accuse her of ruining the alliance, and her mother would be devastated Alina hadn’t received the justice she deserved.
“No,” he answered. “I signed the new contract your father sent to me. I’ve agreed to its terms. He told me a little about you, though I’d like to get to know you for myself.”
“What would you like to know?” She couldn’t think of a single question she wanted to ask him about himself at the moment. Everything she thought of related to his kingdom, the palace, or her sister. But not him personally.
He leaned forward, resting his arms on the edge of the table as he neared her and said, “Everything I need to know I’ve learned watching you eat your breakfast.”
She leaned back in her chair, wanting to put some space between them, realizing she was in over her head.
“Do you have any questions for me?”
Knowing he expected her to ask something about himself, she decided not to. “When will our wedding take place?” In other words, how long did she have to get her bearings around this palace before she became queen.
“Everything is ready. Once we have permission, we’ll wed.”
“Permission?”
“From the League.”
She needed to figure out what this League was. As soon as she had the chance, she’d write to Rolf and ask him. He had to tell her, especially now that she was going to be Lynk’s queen. She had a right and deserved to know.
“Before you go,” Rainer said, “we have one last matter to discuss. You understand that I must maintain a secure palace. I have a duty to protect my people and ensure no one else is killed here in my home.”
“Of course.”
“Then you understand why your guard, Markis, must return to Bakley.”
Terror gripped her. If Markis left, she’d be completely alone in a foreign kingdom with no one to protect her. Right now, she didn’t trust a single person here besides him. “And you must understand that this is where my beloved sister was assassinated. I won’t feel safe unless I have someone loyal guarding me.”
“I will ensure your safety,” Rainer insisted.
She shook her head. “Until the assassin is caught, Markis will be my personal guard.”
“I can vouch for each of my men,” he said. “Your safety is my top concern.”
“I’m sure you told Alina that same thing.” And look how that had turned out.
He stiffened. “Your sister had her Bakley guards with her. They failed to protect her.” His voice held a hint of suppressed fury. “I will not allow you to be guarded by subpar sentries. My men will protect you.”
“And your men can protect me so long as Markis is one of them.” She stood, wanting to end this argument.
“I’ll make you a deal,” he said, standing as well. “I will personally assess Markis and decide if he is worthy to be in my guard. If I deem him capable, he can remain under my employment so long as he swears fealty to me.”
“Markis has a family to return to. All I’m requesting is that he remain with me until I’m settled. I’m not asking that he remain here permanently.”
The corners of Rainer’s lips pulled down ever so slightly, the only indication that what she’d said surprised him.
He folded his hands behind his back and walked out of the dining room. “Very well. If I deem Markis capable, he can remain here for the time being. However, no one else from Bakley will be allowed to stay. When your carriage arrives, your things will be unloaded and then your soldiers dismissed.” He stopped by the door and turned to face her.
“Very well.” She could live with that. She hoped.
