Page 44 of The Queen's Crown
“Princess Sabine?” he mumbled, low and sultry, stirring something deep inside of her.
Forcing a smile on her face, she placed her hand on his. He guided her forward to the edge of a platform, stopping at the top of the steps that led down to a large room packed with people. As the two of them stood there, the sun setting in the distance behind them, Sabine couldn’t help but be stunned by the sheer number of people in attendance.
Standing before her soon-to-be subjects, she watched as the hundred or so people bowed their heads in veneration.
“My wedding to Princess Sabine, followed by her coronation, will take place in a fortnight,” Rainer bellowed. “Join me in welcoming my future wife to the great kingdom of Lynk.”
Everyone straightened and clapped.
Rainer led Sabine down the steps to where his three siblings stood in front of everyone present. One by one, each sibling welcomed Sabine to Lynk. Rainer then escorted her over to an elderly couple and introduced them as the Earl and Countess of Geslock. From there, he continued to introduce her to different people, so many that she had trouble keeping track of them all.
Rainer released her hand but remained at her side as he made more introductions. Every so often, he’d place his hand on her side or back, making her shiver from the intimate touch. However, she noticed most of the men behaved similarly. It had to be a Lynk thing.
A squire announced that dinner was served. Everyone moved to the other side of the room where tables had been set up for the occasion.
Rainer once again took her hand, leading the way.
“Now the real fun begins,” Axel whispered from behind her, a low chuckle to his voice.
ChapterEleven
The king pulled out a chair at the rectangular head table, indicating for Sabine to sit. She slid on the chair while he took a seat next to her. The three royal siblings also took their places at the head table; everyone else sat at the round tables situated before them. Plates loaded with fruit, bread, and pork were placed on the tables, and people began helping themselves. Bottles of wine were on each table as well. A group of musicians continued playing soft music. On the other side of the room, directly across from where Sabine sat, the entire wall contained a dozen archways leading to the large balcony she’d been on earlier.
“Eat,” Rainer said. “Then we’ll dance. After that, many of the people here will wish to take a turn with you. When asked questions, be vague with your answers.”
“I may be young, but I am a princess.” Sabine scooped a little bit of everything for her plate. “I know how to handle social climbers and busybodies.” At least the food was tasty and the wine decent.
Ignoring her, Rainer continued, “Later tonight, you will repeat your conversations to me. Are we clear?”
Setting her fork down, she looked at him, irritated that he was treating her like a child.
He sighed. “The simplest thing said can mean nothing to you, but it can reveal an important detail to me. Until I discover who killed your sister and why, everyone is a suspect. Since you don’t know these people, you will report all conversations to me.”
Since she happened to agree with him, she nodded. Picking up her fork she asked, “You suspect one of the people living in the palace?”
“We’ll discuss this later, in private.”
Axel chuckled, though he wasn’t looking their way.
Sabine resumed eating. She noticed many of the people glancing at her while involved in conversations. As if they were all talking about her. If a foreigner came to Bakley to marry one of her brothers, she supposed everyone would behave similarly. And she had no idea what—if anything—Rainer had told them about her. These people may be unaware that her kingdom would be sending food. Granted, it was in exchange for soldiers. However, it seemed as if both kingdoms were benefiting greatly from this match.
“Is something the matter?” Rainer asked, startling Sabine.
She hadn’t realized he’d leaned in and was only inches from her. “Everything is fine,” she replied with a forced smile.
He raised a single eyebrow, the gesture indicating he didn’t believe her. “Then perhaps you shouldn’t stare at your food as if it’s a puzzle to figure out. Even now, you’re looking at me like I just asked you to eat a spoonful of dirt. Why don’t you try and at least relax your face. I don’t want people here to think I’m forcing you into anything.”
She hadn’t realized her face gave so much away. “Better?” It felt as if she now had a pleasant look on her face.
Rainer leaned in even closer, his hand gliding up her arm, sending a chill through her. “One of the issues I discussed with your sister ahead of time was the need to put on a united front,” he murmured, speaking to her as if whispering a secret shared between lovers. “We’re going to dance now. You need to look besotted. Are we clear?”
“Yes.” It was becoming very clear that he wanted a wife who was beautiful, alluring, and fawned all over him. Not a partner. Not a queen. But someone who followed his directions and did as he wanted. She now understood why he’d chosen Alina. A pang of jealousy swept through Sabine because she was none of those things.
“Ready?” Rainer asked as he stood and held out his hand to her.
She took it, allowing him to lead her to the dance floor. The last time she’d danced was with her sister. Vivid memories filled her, bringing tears to her eyes. She looked down, averting her gaze so Rainer wouldn’t see her grief.
“Do you know the Carilke dance?” he asked as he stopped and pulled her into an embrace.
