Page 15 of The Royal Throne
“Now that I’m the queen of Lynk,” she began, “I am trying to get up to speed on the state of affairs. I’d like a detailed report of all orders the king has given to the military over the past year.”
He nodded. “I can put that together for you. However, it’ll take me some time to gather everything.”
“The sooner the better,” she replied.
“Is there anything specific you’re looking for?”
“Like I mentioned, I want to be brought up to speed on the kingdom’s affairs.” She took a sip of tea. When she set the cup down, she said, “I am curious if there’s anything in there with regards to Bakley. Specifically, the children that were taken, then subsequently found.”
“I spoke with some of the children,” Otto said. “They claim they were used to make arrow tips.”
Felix didn’t respond.
“Commander,” Sabine said, “is that true?”
“Yes.” One word. Nothing more. He kept his focus on her, as if waiting for a follow-up question.
“Did Lynk steal the children from Bakley?” Sabine held her breath, afraid of the answer.
“Yes.”
Otto cursed, shoving his chair back from the table. Sabine reached over, placing her hand on his arm, letting him know he needed to be quiet so she could get more information from Felix.
“Why did Rainer tell me he found them on a boat?” Sabine had lost her appetite, so she shoved her plate away.
“After the children were used to make the necessary weapons, they were put on a boat and brought here to the palace.”
“When I spoke to them,” Otto said, “they seemed confused as to who had taken them.”
Sabine knew Felix wouldn’t answer unless she forced him to with a direct order. “What were the children told about those who had taken them?”
The corners of Felix’s mouth turned up, and Sabine knew she’d asked the right question.
“They were told the men who stole them from their homes were from Avoni. They were told they needed to make weapons because Avoni had none. Then, when the job was done, Lynk soldiers miraculously found them, put them on a boat, and brought them here.”
Rainer had lied. He’d sent word to her father that he’d found the children on ships manned by Avoni soldiers. But Avoni had nothing to do with this. Relief filled her—Evander hadn’t been a part of it at all. Back when she’d first heard about Avoni’s possible involvement, Evander had been furious that she’d even questioned him.
Regardless of what had happened, at least the children had been found and were safe. Her priority was getting those children home to their families before anything else happened to them. “Prince Otto will be escorting the children home,” she said.
“I’ll make sure Prince Otto has everything necessary for the journey.”
Sabine took another sip of her tea.
“Is there anything else I can do for you this morning?” Felix asked.
“What does Rainer plan to do with the army? Does he plan to invade Carlon and Nisk? Is he going to declare war?”
Felix took a deep breath, letting it out slowly as he sat back in his chair, watching her. After a moment, he rubbed his eyes. “Yes,” he replied.
Although Sabine had guessed this was what Rainer intended to do, hearing it confirmed by the commander of the army turned Sabine’s blood cold.
“Do you know why the king wishes to invade the kingdoms to the south of us?”
“We’re told we need food,” he answered. “But I’ve heard the king mention wanting to get rid of the League. Beyond that, your guess is as good as mine.”
“Can I ask you a personal question?” Sabine inquired.
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
