Free Unveiled by Trisha Wolfe Page B

assigned to me just today, my mentor only telling me that Xander’s a high-ranking knight, and that he’d be here tonight. I asked why the sudden urgency to dispose of a knight, but was told nothing. Only that it was our top priority. And that I could not fail.
     
    My mentor stressed that this was my own personal test to prove my allegiance to the Rebels. Trust without question . Something, I didn’t realize until now, I might have a difficult time with.
     
    I could understand putting a hit on someone of importance like Devlan, Sebastian’s first knight, but why just another knight of the Force? And why so abruptly? But it wasn’t my place to question my mentor’s instructions. After I lost my mother to the virus at age ten, I was taken in and raised by Micha. My eyes were opened to the lies of King Hart long ago.
     
    The corridor is cold. The chilly air prickles my skin as I slink along its stone walls. Blue and silver tapestries hang from the arched ceiling, and I want to rip them, tear them to shreds. If we weren't forced to live in ignorance, someone could have developed a cure and my mother would still be here. I shake my head, clearing it. I don’t have time to brood. I have to find my mark.
     
    The corridor sectors off into two paths ahead of me. This is my first visit to the castle and I don’t know which way to go. Then I hear a noise coming from the left. I lift the hem of my dress and quickly head toward it. At the end of the hallway is an atrium, and leaning against the giant glass window is Xander.
     
    I freeze.
     
    He hasn’t heard me. I slip behind a tall palm and watch him sip his wine. He sets his glass down on the stone bench beside him, then rests his hand on the hilt of his sword. His dark hair feathers his navy collar. I study his strong stance, his tight, defined muscles through his uniform—gauging if I could take him if he catches me sneaking the Hemlock into his drink.
    He’s alone. This might be my only chance. If I can distract him long enough, using my oh-so stellar womanly charms— right —it should be simple. Then I can go back to the ceremonial hall, stay just a while longer—making sure I’m seen there —then return to the camp.
     
    A cold sweat breaks out on my forehead. Murder is unheard of in Karm. Well, as far as its citizens know. This is a perfect utopia. King Hart and his Force see to that. And the punishment for murder? I shiver, not wanting to think of the possibilities. Of course it would never go to trial. The king wouldn’t allow it to be known his rule is in question. No, I’d simply disappear. Whispered to have been taken by the virus. I don’t know what they’d do to me, but I’m positive it’s something horrifying.
     
    I work up my courage as I awkwardly tug on my bodice, popping as much cleavage over the top as my small frame will allow. I curse myself for not bringing my own wine. I could’ve simply swapped our goblets. Some assassin I’m turning out to be . I run my hands over the soft satin of my dress taking in a gulp of air, then emerge from my hiding spot and enter the room.
     
    Xander’s form stiffens, then he spins, pulling his sword from its scabbard.
     
    I stop, holding up my hands. “Oh!”
     
    His dark eyes meet mine and his face reddens. “So sorry, Miss.” He sheathes his sword. “I thought I was alone. I didn’t mean to frighten you.”
     
    I place my hand over my heart, playing the role of a simple girl. “No. I shouldn’t have snuck up on you,” I say, then take a cautious step toward him. “I was winded from the dance and needed to escape the stuffy room.”
     
    His eyes drink me in, and I work my swagger a little harder as I approach him. “You looked like you’d found something interesting out here. I was curious to why a knight was all alone, staring out into the dark instead of celebrating his prince’s betrothal.”
     
    As I move closer, I see faint stubble along his jawline and chin, the only shadow on