Page 5 of The Royal Throne
“Your Majesty,” one of her guards said, “shall we escort you back to your room?”
It would be so much easier to gauge his reaction if she could see his face. She hated that the palace guards all wore black masks, hiding their emotions.
“I just need a moment,” she mumbled, closing her eyes and taking in a deep breath, letting it out slowly.
“Sister,” Otto said as he neared. “What’s the matter?” He stepped around her guards and stood in front of Sabine, his eyes looking her over and widening ever so slightly at the sight of her clothing.
In Bakley, women wore dresses that covered everything except for their hands and head. It was taboo to show any other skin. However, here in Lynk, the weather being hot and muggy, the clothing was at a minimum to make life comfortable. She knew the outfit she wore was hard for her brother to see her in. Thankfully, he was seasoned enough in court politics to keep his features schooled.
“Sabine,” Otto whispered. “What’s the matter? You never cry or show your emotions like this.”
“I’m playing my part,” she whispered back. “Ready for our performance?”
He nodded. “So long as you are truly okay, I’m ready.”
Late last night, they’d discussed various scenarios such as this one, so at least Otto had some inkling what she intended to do and what she needed from him in return.
Looping her arm with his, she led him along the pathway in the courtyard. Loudly, she said, “I’m so glad you’re here in Lynk with me, brother.”
“Ever since I heard of the assassination attempts against you, I’ve been eager to help you in any way I can. Losing one sister is hard enough; I don’t intend to lose another.” He squeezed her arm in encouragement.
As children, they’d played games such as this in an attempt to manipulate their parents into getting what they wanted. Most of the time, their parents saw right through it. Sabine hoped they were more successful now, especially since they were older, more experienced, and the stakes were infinitely higher.
She sighed dramatically. “King Rainer doesn’t want to arrest Princess Lottie, even though she is responsible for having Princess Alina killed and hiring the assassin who tried to kill me.”
“Why won’t he arrest her? Didn’t she commit a crime?”
“She did. Princess Lottie is guilty of treason and should be in the dungeon, awaiting punishment for her crimes.” She steered them toward a more crowded section of the courtyard, wanting as many people as possible to overhear this conversation—or rather, performance.
“Do you think it’s because she’s his sister that he doesn’t want to uphold the law?”
Sabine shrugged. “I don’t know. He just scolded me for questioning him and told me to go to my room. He said I am not allowed to make any decisions with regards to this kingdom.”
“But you’re its queen.”
“Apparently, in name only.” Glancing furtively at those they passed, she saw looks of shock and outrage on many faces. She had to withhold her smile.
“That’s against the law as well.” Otto stopped walking and faced his sister. “King Rainer crowned you the queen of Lynk. You took an oath.”
“I know,” Sabine replied. “I have to do what’s best for the people of this kingdom.”
“Not only do you have a legal duty, but you have a moral obligation as well. If King Rainer won’t protect his citizens, then you must.”
She nodded. “I am the queen of Lynk and will behave as such. Even if my husband doesn’t agree.”
One of her guards approached. “Your Majesty,” he said, bowing. “I hope it isn’t too bold of me, but if your life is still in danger, if there is a credible threat, I think you should meet with your personal guards. We can discuss the best way to keep you safe, given what we’re dealing with.”
Otto squeezed her arm. “I think that is a wise idea. I’m appointing Lieutenant Markis to your protection as well. I will meet with Prince Anton and Prince Axel to discuss the matter further. I’ll help you get to the bottom of this.” He hurried away.
She was about to insist that her brother have guards assigned for his own protection when four men bearing Bakley’s colors hurried after him. It was wise of him to bring men he trusted into this palace of lies and deceit.
Sabine stood in the library by the window, her guards spread out before her. “Who’s in charge here?” she asked.
One of the men pulled his mask off. “I am, Your Majesty. My name is Drew.” He had dark brown hair shorn close to his head. His light brown eyes matched his skin. Sabine guessed his age to be around twenty-eight or so.
“It’s nice to meet you, Drew. Since I know Lieutenant Markis, I am making him the head of my guard while he’s here in Lynk. You will be his second in command. Once he returns to Bakley, you will resume your position.”
“Of course, Your Majesty,” Drew responded, about to replace his mask when Markis reached out to stop him.
