Page 79 of The Royal Throne
About ten minutes later, when Sabine was about to fall asleep from boredom, Axel came strolling into the room with a woman draped on his arm. While Sabine had seen him with plenty of women, he’d never arrived at one of these events with one.
“Sorry I’m late,” Axel drawled, “but we were busy.” He winked and sat on the other side of Sabine, the woman squeezing in next to him. He didn’t bother to introduce her. Maybe everyone already knew who she was.
“As I was saying,” Rainer interjected, “I need to appoint a new commander.”
Karmen had been right about the purpose of this event. These men must be the candidates to replace Felix.
A servant walked by, handing Sabine a drink. She thanked the woman and was about to take a sip when Axel bumped her arm, causing her to spill half of it on her own lap.
“Sorry,” he said, drying her leg with his sleeve.
Sabine shoved him away, not wanting him to touch her skin like that in front of these people. It implied an intimacy which they did not have.
Rainer ignored her and continued speaking about needing someone strong and commanding who could effectively lead his men.
Axel leaned toward her, giving her a napkin and murmuring, “Don’t drink it.”
She stared at him, her brows pulling together in question.
He leaned back, holding his own cup. However, he made no attempt to drink from it.
Sabine’s mind reeled. Axel couldn’t possibly be the murderer, and he wouldn’t have been so bold as to poison every person here, especially since Rainer had a glass in hand and was drinking. If Axel knew something, he should say it. Regardless, she decided to heed his warning.
Each man took a turn speaking, droning on and on about what qualities they possessed and what traits they had that would make them a good commander. Most looked to be in their late thirties or early forties. It didn’t seem like Axel was paying attention as he sat there with his arm draped around the woman he’d brought, whispering in her ear while she giggled.
None of the wives spoke. They all diligently sat there in silent support of their husbands.
“What do you think, Prince Axel?” Rainer said, garnering his brother’s attention.
Axel straightened, shoving the woman away from him. “Captain Gruttek, Captain Liam, and Captain Tristten don’t have enough experience and should remain in the positions they are currently in. However, each deserves a pay raise for the job they are doing. Captain Dregger and Captain Keen are both good candidates and have the necessary experience. However, Captain Neron exceeds both. He has proven time and time again that he is loyal and competent. I’d give it to him.” He raised his glass to Captain Neron in salute.
Sabine narrowed her eyes, and Axel winked at her. While he’d sat there pretending not to listen, acting aloof, she’d written him off just as every man here probably had done. However, he’d been listening the entire time and had clearly done his research.
“I agree,” Rainer said, standing. “Captain Neron, thank you for your service. If you’re willing, I’d like to promote you to the position of commander.” Rainer raised his glass.
“It would be my honor to serve you, Your Majesty,” Neron said.
Everyone began congratulating him and his wife.
Sabine sat there, watching everything, wondering what sort of person Neron was. Would he eagerly lead their troops into war? Unable to stop herself, she said, “I wish to offer you my heartfelt congratulations, Captain Neron.” Everyone’s attention suddenly went to her. “I hope you plan to serve the great kingdom of Lynk well. We all want peace and prosperity. I hope you don’t lead us to war.” She looked pointedly at him.
Rainer cleared his throat. “To Neron,” he said, taking everyone’s attention away from her and back to him.
People began milling about, so Sabine headed over to one of the glass walls, looking outside into the night. The soft light of the solarium reflected on the glass, allowing her to see Axel approaching from behind her.
“You could have been a tad more subtle,” he said.
“Why?” She was from Bakley and known for being blunt.
He chuckled. “Well, for one, it would upset Rainer a little less.”
She shrugged, not caring at all about Rainer.
“To play the game,” Axel murmured, “you need to watch your back.”
That was the second warning he’d given her tonight. “What’s with the drinks?”
Axel still held his, though it didn’t look like he’d drunk any of it. “My brother has been known to slip something in drinks at events such as this.”
