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

that made it easy? “What strikes me as almost comical is that growing up I was always told I’d be a heartbreaker, but the only heart I’ve ever broken was my own.” I completed my train of thought and looked at the tent flaps leading outside.
    “It’s a shame. Do you need anything else tonight?” The softness of her voice had thrown me completely off my game. I’d taken in the melody of her voice and enjoyed her company so much I nearly missed the quiet movements at the front of the tent.
    I raised a finger to my lips and turned toward the entrance. Anyone could cut holes into a tent, but that would be noisy with the fabric tearing. If someone could use the tent’s entrance to avoid attention, they would. With a few quick steps, I closed the distance to the entrance and pulled the flap aside. I held my knife at my side in case it was a merc. When I caught Tabitha’s outline against the torchlight outside, I came to a stop. Brigit and I must’ve been in the tent longer than I’d thought.
    “Come in. Don’t skulk about.” I waved Tabitha into the tent. She hesitated a moment before walking in and giving her princess a slightly questioning look. The stare lasted a few moments before she dipped into a curtsy.
    I took an opportunity to stare past the guards in front toward the semi-cloudy sky above. The fresh scent of rain was in the air, strong enough to break through the usual assortment of camp scents. The wind had picked up, and storms brewed in the distance.
    Remembering the dream, I stole a glance back inside the tent to ensure Brigit was safe and secure. Whatever the dream had been about, it led me here. And there had been violent storms nearby, dangerous storms.
    Whatever the reason, be it destiny, coincidence, or something more, I didn’t care. Being close to her made me feel it was worth leaving my life on hold. My job in London could wait.
    This was a whole new world. I had someone to protect. I’d do that until I’d reached the castle’s library. When we reached that point, I’d see what my choices were.

Chapter Eleven
     
    Brigit
    The journey from our camp to Skyhaven Keep had taken longer than expected. With this assault, we had left later in the day than we’d have liked, which went on to require another night of camp further down the road.
    But, at last, we were here. I still remembered when my parents brought me to the keep the first time. I’d felt so far from away from home that I’d asked my father if we were in another kingdom. The memory of his laughter and the loving smile he’d shared with my mother faded back into the depths of my mind.
    This time, my trek here wasn’t quite as innocent.
    Someone wanted to kill me and take what was rightfully mine. On the last stretch of road, Sir Alan forced a group of peasants and smaller merchants off the road due to the risk that one of them might be an assassin. It was not the impression I wanted to make with my people; some pompous noble shoving the poor aside on the way to her big house.
    Skyhaven’s big gates and extended overlook towers were designed to withstand most sieges. Still, it would be a safe haven on my trip home. As we entered, the local guardsmen who were all loyal to my father when he’d still been alive came to assist us. No lord or a noble currently oversaw the keep, which made it even more valuable. The soldiers stationed here cared little about politics, and their commander had a reputation of being a strict and honest man.
    The keep served two functions. It was a central station for local guardsmen and a strong military checkpoint between the castle and main trade routes. It also ensured no forbidden goods were allowed into the cities along the road. Despite the trade traffic in the lower courtyard, the keep proper was secure and allowed very few nonmilitary personnel inside. Anyone caught sneaking around in its halls would soon find themselves in the dungeons below.
    I followed Sir Alan through the secondary gates