Page 23 of The Royal Throne
He came and leaned on the railing next to her. “I had nothing to do, so I came to check on you.”
At that, she looked at him sidelong. “I thought you’d be busy with that beautiful woman I saw you with.”
His lips curled into a smile and he shrugged, not bothering to give her an answer.
“Why are you really here?” He wouldn’t have sought her out without a good reason.
“Rainer is back.”
She nodded. “I know.”
“Are you up here avoiding him?”
She chuckled because she was, but she wasn’t about to tell him that. “Have you spoken with him?”
“No.” He turned, his back leaning against the railing as he folded his arms across his chest. “Can I ask you something?”
“You can ask.” She didn’t know if she’d answer.
“What are you planning?”
“What do you mean?” She needed to tread carefully.
“Did your brother and Markis both leave?” He tilted his head, looking at her for confirmation.
“They did.”
He nodded slowly. “Behind Rainer’s back?”
Technically, yes. “I can’t help it if he’s not here when decisions need to be made.”
He chuckled, looking up at the stars, as if they held the answer.
“So what are you planning to do?”
“Who says I’m planning anything?” He’d done nothing to earn her trust or confidence.
“Can I offer you some advice?” he said.
“You can offer.”
“Be careful.”
His words mirrored her brother’s. “I always am.” If Axel had a specific concern, then he needed to tell her instead of being vague.
“Rainer likes to carry grudges. He trusts no one, confides in no one, and always gets his way.”
She nodded, filing that information away to dissect later.
“I spoke to Lottie,” he said. “She admitted to hiring the assassin.” His right hand rubbed the side of his face. “Honestly, I’m surprised she went to such lengths. Your sister…” His words hung in the air between them.
Her heart tightened. Her sister was dead because of Lottie.
“I get why she did it,” he continued.
Sabine straightened and turned to face Axel. “You get why she did it?” she said, practically spitting out the words. There was no justification for killing her sister. “Lottie is nothing but a selfish, spoiled princess who wants to be the queen of Lynk. She intends to take the throne from her brother. My sister got in the way.”
“True. But she also did it for Lynk.”
