Page 78 of The Royal Throne
Rainer entered, his eyes scanning the three of them as he went over to the side table, pouring two drinks. He handed one to Cutler before taking a seat.
The commander of the Lynk army was dead. Murdered right here in the palace. Sabine couldn’t help but think that this had something to do with the prisoner in the dungeon. The Avoni assassin. And no one was safe.
Chapter Eighteen
The official word circulating the palace was that Commander Felix had died in his sleep. Funeral preparations were already underway to honor the great man. Lady Regina had announced that she would return home to her country estate as soon as the funeral was held.
Sabine meandered through one of the many palace courtyards, reveling in the feel of the sun on her skin. Unable to leave the palace, she tried to be outdoors as much as possible. Since Drew had assured her the assassin was in his cell—he’d seen him with his own eyes—she didn’t think the man had killed Felix. King Kai said he had a unit of assassins in Lynk, so maybe one of the others had snuck into the palace to do the job.
Lady Karmen entered the courtyard, heading straight for Sabine. She curtseyed. “I just came from Lady Regina’s. Terrible to lose one’s husband.”
Sabine agreed, looping her arm with Karmen’s. “Terrible indeed. I can’t even imagine.”
After a few minutes of silence, Karmen asked, “How are you doing?”
“I’m fine.”
“Liar.” Karmen eyed Sabine’s neck. “I’ve been wondering if the commander’s death is meant to distract everyone from what the king did to you, Lottie’s trial, and the town riot.”
Sabine hadn’t considered that angle. “Are you implying that the king ordered his own commander’s death?”
“I’m not implying anything,” Karmen said. “I’m simply stating facts. The timing is awfully convenient.” She glanced back at Sabine’s guards, far enough away to not overhear their conversation. “Let’s not forget, Commander Felix is the one whose impeccable timing stopped Rainer from killing you.”
“Do you think the king knows Felix stepped in to help me?” And if so, would Rainer kill his own commander for that? After what she saw of him the other night, she wouldn’t put it past him.
“I don’t know what the king does or doesn’t know. All I’m doing is stating facts. Speaking of the man.”
Rainer crossed the courtyard, heading straight toward Sabine.
Karmen released her, taking a step back to put some space between them. Sabine’s guards moved a little closer, their hands going to the hilts of their swords.
“My queen,” Rainer said, stopping a few feet away, his voice taking on a mocking tone. “There’s been a change of plans for this evening. We are now hosting a private party for a few select guests. It’s being held in the solarium at seven. I will meet you there. You can apologize to the prince and princess on your own time.” He turned and left without waiting for her to respond.
“Guess that means I’m not invited,” Karmen mused.
“We have a solarium?” Sabine asked.
“Yes, it’s on the east side, top level,” Karmen said as she took Sabine’s arm again. “I wonder what the point of the private party is. Maybe he’s going to announce the new commander.”
“It’s a little soon for that, don’t you think?” They hadn’t even had the funeral yet.
“An army needs a commander.”
Sabine sighed. Especially an army preparing for war.
“Does he really expect you to apologize to his siblings?” Karmen asked.
“He does.” Sabine had decided she would never apologize to Lottie.
After putting on a golden dress, Sabine headed to the solarium, her crown atop her head. At the doorway, her guards were instructed to remain outside.
Sabine entered alone, observing the stunning room. The white marble floor complemented the glass walls. Potted palms and brightly colored flowers had been placed throughout the space. In the center of the room, a shallow pool was situated, several curved sofas around it. Delicate candles hung from wires giving the illusion of stars. One woman played a stringed instrument near the door.
Rainer approached Sabine, bowing. “My queen.” He held out his arm. She took it, and he led her to one of the sofas, sitting next to her.
The guests immediately sat on the other sofas. Most had a drink in hand. Rainer introduced the six couples. Each man had the title of a high ranking military officer. Sabine didn’t recognize any of them and wondered if they’d been stationed outside the nearby town.
The conversation quickly turned to military matters.
