Page 37 of The Royal Throne
He went over to his desk and picked up a letter. “King Kai wrote to me. He offered his daughter, Princess Gemma, as a replacement for you.”
A replacement? Surprise filled her. Evander had mentioned that Avoni had plans, but she’d had no idea it involved something like this. “Are you saying that if I’m not pregnant with a child in two months, you’ll kill me and marry Gemma?” This family was even crazier than she’d thought. It felt as if her cage got smaller, pressing in on her from all sides. Sooner or later, it would kill her.
He took a few slow, menacing steps toward her. “No, I’m saying once you’re cleared to have relations with me, then you have two months. I can’t afford to waste any more time. I’ll do whatever I have to in order to keep the royal throne.” His eyes bore into hers as if trying to sear his words into her brain.
She’d seen enough from her brothers to know that sometimes it took more than a couple of tries, sometimes even a few months, to become pregnant with a child. A realization dawned on her along with the feeling of a cold snake slithering up her leg, along her back, and to her shoulder. Rainer could kill her. That was what happened to Alina with no consequence. This was probably why Rainer was so willing to forgive his sister—he planned on doing the same thing to Sabine.
With her hands on her hips, she started pacing. While originally thrilled she didn’t have to share Rainer’s bed right away, now she feared what would happen if she didn’t.
“At least you seem to finally realize the stakes,” Rainer said, sitting on the edge of his desk.
“I’m surprised you’d make any sort of alliance with Avoni.” She noticed he hadn’t said anything about invading that kingdom. She couldn’t imagine King Kai sitting back and allowing Rainer to rule over Carlon, Nisk, and Bakley without putting up a fight—or a few assassinations.
“And why is that?”
“Well, for one, sending Lottie to the land of assassins seems rather dangerous when she likes to employ them. The last thing anyone needs is for her to become one herself.”
He shrugged as if he couldn’t care less.
“And I’m shocked you’d even consider King Kai’s proposal since you killed his entire delegation.” As soon as she spoke the words, she realized her mistake—no one knew Rainer had slaughtered the people on the Avoni ship.
“How do you know about that?” He stood, coming closer to her.
“My brother told me. I assume he knew from the League.”
“Hmm.” He didn’t say anything else.
She wasn’t sure the League even knew. All Rainer would have to do was ask Anton. Wanting to change the subject, she said, “I don’t understand why you want to invade and take over the other kingdoms. You’re the king of Lynk. Isn’t that enough?”
“The real question is why not. The three kingdoms to our south have weak rulers and barely an army. Instead of the League having the power to make choices and laws, it’ll fall to me.”
“What about my parents? My brothers and their families?” She feared he planned on killing the other ruling families.
“That remains to be seen. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have matters to attend to.” He went and sat at his desk. He looked at her, waiting for her to leave.
Pursing her lips, she started to walk toward the door.
“Oh, and Sabine?”
She paused and glanced over her shoulder at him.
“Stop using my money to buy things in town. That money is for my army. Not for you to waste.”
She nodded and left. It was a good thing she’d already bought all those outfits.
Since Sabine’s efforts in town seemed to be going so well, she decided to apply the same technique here in the palace. She spent the day wandering around, making sure to go everywhere typically deemed unnecessary for royals. Starting in the kitchen, she met the people who worked there. Then she went and spoke to the guards. Afterward, she introduced herself to those who cleaned the palace. Lastly, she met the people responsible for tending to the gardens. Now, any time she passed one of the servants, she’d smile and acknowledge that person by name.
That evening, Sabine attended Lady Karmen’s event. The invite didn’t say it was a party or a get-together, it simply stated it was an event that couldn’t be spoken about. Having no idea what to expect, Sabine showed up and was pleasantly surprised to find tables had been set up in Karmen’s suite, a different game of cards at each one. The candles burned low, alcohol flowed freely, and everyone seemed to be gossiping.
“I’m so glad you came,” Karmen said with a curtsey.
“Thank you for having me.” She glanced around, chuckling. “Now I understand how you always know the latest court gossip.”
Karmen looped her arm with Sabine’s as she led her over to one of the tables where a card game was taking place. There was a mixture of men and women here. “We don’t use titles,” Karmen murmured. “That way people feel safe to speak. Nothing leaves this room. Understand?”
“This is borderline scandalous,” Sabine whispered. “I love it.”
“I figured you would. And I thought you could benefit from a few more strategic contacts.” Karmen winked.
