Free Unlocking Adeline (Skeleton Key) by J.D. Hollyfield, Skeleton Key Page B

worried about ye, and what happened back there. I thought to come search for ye, but I see ye are getting a tour of the rose gardens instead. They are beautiful in daylight. I should bring ye back here sometime, so ye can get the full effect.” He smiles, looking from Locke to me.
    “I’m sure she’s gotten a mouth full from me, there’s no need to tell the same old story,” Locke hisses.
    “A mouthful I’m sure is what she got.” He winks at me. “Well, if ye two are done here, I would love to escort ye back inside. The temperature tends to drop during the late hours, and it would be wrong to keep such a beautiful lady out in the cold.”
    As much as I want to have it out with Locke, I need to get away from him. He takes a step forward, assumingly ready to argue about my exit, so I cut him off. “That would be great. I’m actually really chilly now. Thanks.” I step away from Locke and grab for Christof’s hand, allowing him to direct me toward the castle.
    “Brother, I assume ye know yer own way back?” Christof says and turns, offering me his full attention and guiding me out of the garden. Locke doesn’t say another word as we leave.
    Once we are out of ear shot of Locke, Christof starts laughing. “Oh man, did ye see his face? If I wasn’t his blood, he may have tried to strangle me, right there and then.”
    I look back to see if I can see him, but he is gone. Turning back, I ask, “Why did you mess with him like that?”
    “Because it is fun. Because Locke deserves it. If ye want to act like ye are such a loner, then be one. He may hide who he really is to everyone else, but as his brother, I can see through his façade. He may claim he doesn’t want to marry, but he deserves love. I think he may have met his match with ye.”
    I stop. “You don’t get it. I am not going to marry him or anyone here, for that matter.” I pause. “No offense, nothing against you or anything.”
    “None taken,” he smiles back.
    “I don’t get it. You have a chance to become King. If we court, you can gain power. Why do you push your brother to challenge you? Do you not want marriage? Would I not be someone you would want to marry?” I sound sad.
    “Oh, Princess. I would marry ye in a heartbeat. But legend still holds true. It’s the ones that bear the crescent marks that are the true match. And sadly, I don’t. I’m sure ye would make a lovely wife, and I would treat ye like the queen ye will one day be. But I know better. Ye are his. It’s him who refuses to see the truth.”
    I stop again, and flip my hand over, staring at my birthmark. I have had this on my wrist my entire life. I used to take pens and draw a night’s sky around it, creating a starry night tattoo. Little did I know it was something more than just a birthmark. Just the mention of it causes the mark to feel warmer than normal. I lift my head to face Christof. “So then why is everyone mentioning courting of the two brothers? Do they all find this as much fun as you do?”
    “Locke has had his head up his arse for so long, it’s about time to poke at him some.”
    I don’t say much more. I’m so confused. It’s like I want to know why Locke doesn’t want me, but then again I shake off the questions, because it shouldn’t matter.
    Into the castle, through the large dining area and two long flights of stairs later, and Christof and I are stopping outside my door. “Thank ye for the wonderful walk. I am lucky to win the hand of such a lovely lady,” he says and places a soft kiss to the top of my hand. I’m suddenly tired and words escape me, so I just nod. The door opens, and Ellie stands in the doorway.
    “Ahh, there ye are, Miss, I was quite worried. It is a must that ye get yer beauty rest.” Then she turns to Christof and bows, “Sir Christof.”
    Christof repeats her gesture. “Good night to ye both.” And then he is off. Before I have a chance to let out a sigh, guess who is dragging me into the room.
    “Geez