Free The Assassin's Mark (Skeleton Key) by Sarah Makela, Skeleton Key, Tavin Soren Page A

Apparently neither of them had the grit to risk their lives for their princess. I took no pleasure in ending their lives. It just had to be done.” His voice was calm.
    The atmosphere had become solemn. The kids had taken too much on themselves and deserted. Their only mistake was to do it in a time when their kingdom was unstable. My own memories of serving my country returned for a few moments. “It can happen to anyone. Trainees, those prepared, or those experienced in the field. None of it matters when things get tough and everything seems to go wrong. It’s easy to be a soldier during times of peace, but men don’t know who they are until they meet their own limits. Just because they met their limits is no reflection on you, sir. You did your duty. There is no shame or dishonor in that. Your Highness, may I speak with you alone?” My own voice regained some authority I’d used when commanding a squad before leaving military service behind.
    For the first time, Sir Alan looked at me with more than disdain in his eyes. He appeared to recognize a fellow warrior in me. With a brief nod, he excused himself and left the tent. If I had to trust one man in this camp besides myself, it would be him. Someone who could kill without remorse had little humanity left in them. The fact he cared about the two he killed spoke much of his character.
    As Sir Orlan left the tent, I walked toward the back of the tent to pace. Being tied to the pole had been restrictive, and I needed to stretch and move around the tent to get the circulation going again in my legs.
    “Sir Alan did what he had to. He feels horrible about what he did. That’s the sign of a good man. But I get the feeling there’s more going on between you two than a knight and his princess,” I said without really expecting an answer.
    “Sir Alan was my tutor from a young age. He served with my father. When my father and mother went away on trips to keep the kingdom running smoothly, he put Sir Alan in charge of watching after me. His patience has made him a great politician and fighter. It didn’t take long for us to grow close. He’s a wonderful man who swore to ensure the safety of the throne. He has declined many offers of marriage to avoid being distracted from his primary task. In short, he’s the most loyal knight a princess can hope to have.”
    “I find it hard to believe such an imposing man was your tutor. He would have been twice your size, clad in armor teaching you history?” I tried out a bit of humor to clear the air.
    “Goodness, no. I had other teachers too. He primarily taught me sword fighting and strategy. For a time, I thought my parents seemed to consider arranging a marriage between us, but it wasn’t to be.” Relief filled her expression. “However, life in court showed me the darker side of people, and the pettiness most nobles seem to harbor. I dreaded that my parents would arrange a political marriage between me and some portly baron who cared more about himself than cultivating love. My mother and father always had a caring and warm relationship that really meant something to me. With most arranged marriages, there isn’t any warmth, kindness or real love. My parents had that though. I hoped one day I’ll have that too. But Sir Alan is quite married to his position.” A soft smile played upon her lips. It felt good seeing her mood lift.
    “He is dedicated, even for a knight. I was in similar situation to his. I didn’t make time or make any commitments to anyone other than my work. The moments I was able to, it seemed the dread of something bad happening to them killed my chances. It was easier to go about my life and live for my work. I guess I never thought about finding right one I’d spend the rest of my life with. People in my profession rarely do anyway. There’s a lot of danger involved. It wouldn’t be a good life for either me of us.” I’d never really opened up to anyone about my life. What was it about Brigit