Page 38 of The Royal Throne
“How often do you do this?”
“Every week.” Karmen handed Sabine a glass of wine.
“Why is this the first time I’ve been invited?” she asked curiously.
“Not just anyone can come,” Karmen explained. “It takes a level of trust and a vote of at least half of those you see here. We weren’t sure which side you were on until recently. Take a seat. Join in, and have some fun.” She patted Sabine on the shoulder before heading over to another table to talk to someone else.
Sabine took a seat and watched the card game unfold. Once she understood the rules, she asked to be dealt in. Unfortunately, she lost the first game. However, the conversation flowed and she found herself enjoying her time with the people around her. When a whistle sounded, the three men from each table stood and moved to an open spot. Once the vacant seats were filled, they began again.
“It’s so nice we finally have a queen,” the woman to Sabine’s right, Ginny, said.
“Yes,” another one of the women, Sarak, said. “And one who is not only stylish but exceeding all expectations by setting new trends.”
“We’ve been in dire need of a queen for far too long,” Ginny said.
“If only the queen could tame the king,” Sarak said.
Sabine didn’t know how to respond to those women.
The game ended, Sabine lost, and the whistle blew. The men stood and switched tables again.
When Sarak noticed Sabine watching those moving, she said, “It helps keep conversation going by making the men move.”
“That makes sense,” she said.
“So tell me,” Ginny said, “how are you getting along with the king?”
Sabine leaned back in her chair. “We are still trying to get to know each other,” she answered carefully.
“I’m sure it’s hard when his mistress is hovering around all the time. You poor thing.”
She felt her face warm but decided not to say anything. The point of tonight was for her to gain as much of the palace gossip as she could, not add to it by speaking negatively of her husband. He could ruin his reputation all on his own.
The new round began. The men spoke about sending reinforcements south to the army camps.
“When you say reinforcements,” Sabine said, “do you mean soldiers or supplies?”
“Both,” one of the men, Jemes, answered, eyeing her, as if trying to discern her intentions.
“Forgive my questions,” Sabine said, trying to sound meek, “but I know so little about the army. Now that I’m queen, I wish to know more so that I may better serve you.” Her gaze didn’t waver.
“I appreciate that.” Jemes laid down his cards, winning the round. “I am going to end on a good note,” he said. “Besides, I have to run an early training session tomorrow morning. I am going to retire for the evening.” He stood and bowed. “It was lovely to meet you, Your Majesty.”
“No titles!” Karmen called out from across the room.
Sabine chuckled. “I’m not sure how she heard that.”
“Karmen seems to hear everything.” Jemes bowed again.
Ginny reached out, placing her hand on his arm. “Before you go, I heard there were more murders.”
He nodded. “You heard correctly.” His eyes darkened. “It’s the same as the last three incidents. It happened at night, and only captains and lieutenants were targeted.”
“Who do you think is doing it?” Ginny asked, her voice low.
Jemes shrugged. “I don’t know. If I had to guess, I’d say an outsider. I don’t think our own men are committing the murders.”
Ginny nodded absently. “Thank you.”
