Page 40 of The Royal Throne
“No, they both went back to Bakley.”
“You’re all alone?” he asked.
“Not anymore, now that you’re here.” She had so many questions for him—like how he’d gotten into the palace. But all she could think about was touching him. She reached forward, placing her hand on his chest and breathing him in.
His hands came up to her shoulders, rubbing them. “Sabine,” he whispered.
She’d always loved the way he said her name.
“You need to know that I officially arrive tomorrow.”
She nodded.
“I’ve come to collect my bride.”
She froze, the temperature feeling like it had suddenly dropped ten degrees.
“But I had to come and see you first. I need to know that you’re okay.”
His words felt like a knife to her heart. He reached down, placing his hand under her jaw and tilting her head up so he could see into her eyes. “You’re unharmed?” he asked, his voice low and husky. “Rainer hasn’t hurt you?”
“I’m fine,” she revealed. “He fears you and I were intimate, so he refuses to share my bed until I’ve had a cycle.”
“He suspects we had an affair?” Evander asked.
“I’ve assured him we have not been together,” she said.
He took a step back, his hands going to his hips as he gazed at something behind her. “As long as he hasn’t hurt you.”
“There’s something I should have told you before, in Avoni.” She shouldn’t have waited this long to tell him, especially after everything they’d been through together.
“What is it?” He reached out, his hands going to her arms. “You can tell me anything.”
“Rainer and I…we haven’t…” This was harder than it should be. “We haven’t consummated our marriage.” She rolled her shoulders back, trying to stand tall.
Evander stilled. “Your marriage isn’t consummated?”
“No.”
“Does anyone else know?”
“Only my brother. He told me not to tell anyone.”
Evander nodded. “Your brother’s right—don’t tell anyone.”
“I was more concerned that I hadn’t told you than as to how others would perceive the news,” she admitted.
“While I personally am thrilled, I’m worried on your behalf. If your marriage isn’t consummated, you can be arrested and relieved of your position here. You’d have very little protection.” He ran a hand over his face again. “Now I can see why you were so adamant about us not being together.”
“If I could choose who to experience my first time with, it would be you,” she whispered, her heart fracturing from the admission knowing they could never be together.
He stepped closer to her, his hand coming up, cupping her cheek. “Sabine.”
She closed her eyes, reveling in the feel of his hand on her face. “I’ve missed you.”
He dropped his forehead to hers. “I need you to promise me something.”
“Anything.”
