The Assassin's Mark (Skeleton Key)

by Sarah Makela

  The Assassin’s Mark

  Sarah Mäkelä

  & Tavin Søren

  An assassin becomes a protector as he enters a magical world…all for the woman in his dreams.

  Brigit Ó Ruaidh is the sole heir to the Kingdom of Freehaven. On a long journey to visit her cousin, she learns that her royal parents have been murdered...and she’s next. With assassins hot on her trail, she tries to prevent the kingdom from falling into anarchy. As she sets her eyes on the throne, her world is turned upside down when she’s rescued by an assassin.

  An assassin never protects. His task is to kill those who bring death and suffering to his world. When Edward Emerson finds himself in another world protecting a princess he’s seen in his dreams, he vows to move heaven and earth to keep her safe. In return, he only hopes to find his way back home.

  Another claimant to the throne blocks their way and will risk everything to make his mark on Freehaven, using every resource he has to carve out power of his own. If Brigit and Edward don’t work together, they might not live long enough to see her claim her destiny and their love take shape.

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  Copyright © 2016 Sarah Mäkelä, Tavin Soren

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, business establishments, or people, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed by any means, electronic, mechanical, or otherwise, without expressed written permission from the author.

  Cover Artist: J.M. Rising Horse Creations

  Table Of Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  About the Authors

  Other Books by Sarah Mäkelä

  Other Books by Tavin Soren

  Chapter One

  Brigit

  A gentle fog rolled over the lands making the afternoon sun’s glow slightly hazy. The light played off the towering mountains with its jagged white peaks dominating the truly majestic scenery. Despite the warmth radiating from my surroundings, I still couldn’t relax. Something had been bothering me for the past few hours, but my guards and my maid seemed at ease. If I said anything, they might report to my parents that I was trying to shirk my diplomatic duties again. I didn’t want to disappoint them, so I kept my mouth shut.

  The wind carried the unmistakable scent of the region’s revitalized forest. It did little to soothe my nerves now. The small group of royal bodyguards mingled around me as we let the horses rest. They’d brought us far into the countryside, and I refused to make the precious animals suffer because a lord was impatiently waiting for his princess to arrive.

  Lord Flemming was my cousin thrice removed. Father had convinced me to visit him since Lord Flemming was the only noble with strong fortifications on this side of the vast Alean Swamp in the Kingdom of Freehaven. The swamp had been a massive river once. Now it stood as a testament for the wrath and arrogance of past rulers before my ancestors claimed the land as their own.

  History wasn’t my strongest subject, but my mind kept returning to those dark ages. Tales of mad kings and queens that bathed in the blood of their servants had been a curiosity of mine growing up. The Alean Swamp was the only thing that remained from those days. It was a natural habitat and protected by the king. Criminals and outcasts called it their home, but many didn’t last more than a few years in there.

  My guards broke out into laughter, and I glanced in their direction, trying to catch what was so funny. Truthfully, I didn’t care. I just wanted this trip to be over with so I could return to my parents and enjoy the remaining time I had with them. They were grooming me to find a husband of my own, but I wasn’t ready for that next step in my life. They had been patient, but I wanted something like they had. Something true and passionate. How could I get that from an arranged marriage?

  My stomach clenched, and a wave of nausea rose up within me. Could that be the true reason why I was visiting my cousin? Had they decided who I would spend the rest of my life with without telling me first? Would I be the last to know?

  Tabitha hurried to my side, always eager to help. “Are you okay, Your Highness?”

  I nodded, placing my hands over my abdomen as the sickening sensations continued. The last thing I wanted was attention on me. “Please, you don’t have to be that formal out here.” It didn’t matter what I said. She always erred on the side of formality. “I’m fine.”

  She opened her mouth to say more, but I drew my eyebrows together and scowled at her.

  “How much longer, Sir Alan?” I asked the stocky knight and my former teacher who had become my right-hand man during my journey across Freehaven.

  Sir Alan normally donned heavy plate armor and wielded a mighty broadsword, but he wore chain mail and carried a short sword now. He looked so different and out of his element, but he projected a strength that would make any bandit think twice before attacking us. “The horses will be rested in half an hour, Your Highness.” He bowed his head to me. “The soft land here isn’t kind to the horses. We can’t push them nearly as hard as when we are on solid ground,” he said, his baritone voice carrying easily in the fresh air.

  “I understand. Thank you.” I walked away from the group with my maid trailing after me. I was tired of being looked after like some precious jewel. At home, I enjoyed my suite of rooms and spent much time reading and learning about my people. When the day finally came for me to take over, I wanted to be the leader this kingdom needed.

  In the distance, the Alean Swamp stretched out before us. It had an air of darkness and mystery. The commoners told of witches who had abandoned their ways and preyed on the villages at the swamp’s edge. Even my royal bodyguards seemed more on edge and stuck closer to the horses whenever we took breaks. The landscape made this journey quite slow.

  My advisors had recommended taking the popular route across the mainland bridges, but that would have taken weeks. The constant buzz of mosquitoes was an annoyance, but it was better than dealing with the pomp and socializing I’d have to do on the normal road. I’d insisted on the less traveled shortcut that would take a mere seven days. None of the group had been pleased with my decision. Sir Alan’s face had gone bright red, and I’d thought he might pass out for a moment. He did his best to talk me out of my decision, but I remained steadfast. If I needed to visit my cousin, we would take as little time as possible doing it.

  Still, I wasn’t stupid. I knew the quiet route guaranteed anonymity, but it brought its own share of danger. However, I wanted to be myself and not just Freehaven’s princess. The outdoors gave me a glimpse of freedom, and like the fresh breeze, it was utterly welcome. I didn’t even mind that I had to wear a heavy cloak to mask my identity and “ensure my safety.” How crazy was that?

  No one had threatened the
nobility for decades. The general mood of the middle and lower classes was contented. Outside of our realm, we had no political opponents that I was aware of. All of our neighbors had a long-lasting peace with us. The only thing this cloak protected me from was the barrage of insects. Not that I minded. I swatted one away as it buzzed near my ear.

  The distant sound of beating hoofs drew my attention toward the direction we’d come. Tabitha gingerly led me back to the bodyguards who were staring at the now visible newcomer. The man and his horse both bore the royal colors. My knees shook, and I held on tighter to Tabitha than normal.

  “Looks like a messenger from the royal court, Your Highness.” Sir Alan’s voice sounded grim even to my own ears. “Perhaps there’s news from home.”

  I didn’t trust myself to speak. I could only nod. The knot in my stomach balled up that much tighter, and I focused on breathing in the crisp, fresh air. My parents rarely sent word to me while I was traveling. The few times they had, there had been problems. If they were doing so now, it couldn’t be good. Why had I let them talk me into traveling again?

  “Don’t look so concerned, princess. I’m sure all is well.” Sir Alan strode away from the rest of us toward the incoming horseman. Before he could make it far, the messenger cried out in a loud voice, “They’re dead. The king and queen are dead.”

  The words punched me in the gut, and my legs gave out. Before I knew what was happening, the ground hurtled toward me, but Tabitha’s firm grip lessened the impact.

  When my vision cleared, I blinked my eyes open to see Tabitha and Sir Alan hovering over me. “Wh-what happened? Why am I on the ground?”

  Tears trailed down Tabitha’s face, and I swore I saw moisture in Sir Alan’s eyes. Dread washed over me. It was true then. I hadn’t imagined the messenger’s news. His voice still rang out in my ears, and I pushed into a sitting position to see him talking with the knights near the horses.

  “Maybe you should rest for a moment, Your Highness.” Sir Alan exchanged a glance with Tabitha who was trying to keep me on the ground. “You just received terrible news. Your blessed parents…” Tabitha leaned her head forward and brushed the tears from her cheeks.

  “What happened to them? Sir Alan? You have to let me know.”

  He frowned at me, keeping his gaze averted. “As Tabitha mentioned, there’s news of your parents. They…” He paused for a moment and let out a breath. “They’ve been murdered. Goddess rest their souls.”

  At his words, I ceased my struggling to climb to my feet. It didn’t feel worth it anymore. Nothing did. Numbness settled into my chest, and I turned my gaze skyward. How could the goddess betray us like this? My parents were devout and loyal followers, always mindful to follow her ways and provide a good example to the kingdom. If they were murdered…what good was it to try to appease her if bad things happened regardless of my parents’ fair actions?

  “Y-your Highness?” Tabitha placed a tentative hand on my arm and shook me a little as if I’d fallen asleep. No, I was very much aware of what had been said.

  “Leave me for a moment.” If I was going to deal with people, I needed to collect myself. If I’d learned anything, it was to always show strength as a royal leader. People looked for signs of weakness. “Once I’m ready, we will set off for my cousin’s stronghold at once.”

  Tabitha opened her mouth as if to question my order, but she quickly stood and walked a few paces away.

  Sir Alan, on the other hand, leveled a stare at me as he rose to his feet. “Stay strong, princess. Your kingdom relies on you now. We will find out who killed them, but you must remember that sometimes life takes us in unexpected directions.” He shook his head. “Perhaps this is yours. It’s up to you to decide what you to do with it.”

  I clenched my hands into fists at my sides beneath the heavy cloak. “Perhaps.”

  “I’ll ready the horses then. We can’t push them too heavily, but they’ll have to bear it for now.” He started to turn away, then glanced back at me. “You’re already making wise decisions. It’s better that we ride for your cousin than returning home until we’ve assessed the situation. Your cousin has enough troops and a sturdy castle more than capable of protecting you.”

  “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. I don’t plan on staying with Lord Flemming for long. I will return home to reap vengeance on the person or persons responsible for the deaths of Freehaven’s king and queen.” Since it didn’t seem like I’d be getting the moment to myself, I pushed to my feet. He’d viewed my plans of seeing my cousin as more strategically than I had meant them to be. My desires had been the comfort of court and the information found within. Regardless, we were sitting ducks here, ripe for killing. My knees still shook, but I pushed my shoulders back and lifted my chin trying to think of how my mother would’ve acted in this situation.

  Sir Alan merely bowed his head before turning away and returning to the group of knights and our horses. The other guards were staring in my direction as they spoke in low voices. That made it all even worse. They were either trying to protect my feelings or talk about me without me hearing their words. Regardless, I didn’t care what they thought now.

  I’d have enough of people talking about me in front of my face when I reached my cousin. I faced away from the group as if looking out over the majestic mountains and merely focused on breathing until Sir Alan called out to the group about our imminent departure. The only thing I could do was carry on as my parents had taught me. They had ruled the land long before I was born. With their training, I knew what to do. Now I just needed to act.

  Chapter Two

  Edward

  The day had been relatively quiet until the phone started ringing. Life was calm and almost normal while I was between assignments. Not all covert secret agents lived the high life like James Bond. I sat on the couch in my London flat and kicked my feet up on the matching beige ottoman. The annoying call interrupted the Manchester United game I’d recorded, one of the few things I enjoyed outside of work.

  I answered the phone with a crisp “yes?”

  “Edward, I sincerely apologize for interrupting, but something has come up,” Croft said cautiously from the other end of the line. This didn’t bode well. Croft handled my assignments, and he rarely ever rang me. Most of our communication was through e-mail or text messaging. He never saw the urgency to do more than that, unless things weren’t going well… His wary tone also threw me off when he’d mentioned something had come up. Our team rarely showed those kinds of pensive emotions to one another. We were trained to be strong and fearless.

  “What’s the latest, Croft?” The nagging feeling in the pit of my stomach grew in size. “Is everyone at the office safe?” I lowered my voice a little as I turned up the television in case anyone was listening in. All interest I’d had in the game was gone now as I waited for Croft to gather his notes and give me a brief rundown on whatever was happening.

  “They’re fine. However, a target of yours has surfaced again. We have footage of the man behind the bombings in Berlin last month. He’s presently in London. I know you’re off-duty, but I have a bad feeling about his presence here. You’re needed out there, mate.”

  I clenched my hand into a fist. The man behind those bombings was mine to catch. He’d eluded me when rare few had before. “I’ll check into it. Send me the details.”

  The clacking of his keyboard preceded a chime on my phone. “Done.”

  “Keep me updated if anything changes.” I hung up the phone, then changed clothes. Within ten minutes, I was headed out the door and on my way to the terrorist’s last known location.

  The smell of gasoline and the unwashed bodies of a few homeless people to my left rankled my nose as I strode through the seething underbelly of London. I'd been given a clue as to what my target was up to, not much of one, but enough to act upon. He was last seen at a local market buying some ingredients for what seemed to be an explosive device. Aerosol containers of hair spray, a box of nails, a couple of dig
ital timers, cleaning chemicals, and a few pots and pans had been enough to cause the store clerk to ring up the hotline with a tip. Security footage outside of the shop had confirmed the target’s identity.

  My suit was perfectly tailored to conceal my SIG P938 and a tactical knife. With a quick mental check on the surrounding streets, I slowed my pace.

  I approached the tenement building from the west for a better look. The terrorist didn’t work alone, so I knew to anticipate lookouts and other flunkies. A man leaned against a wall opposite from the building. He wasn’t doing a good job of masking his presence. He kept scanning the alleys leading toward one particular staircase. The general outlook of the man gave little to the imagination, and he failed to act natural. His jumpy reactions and shaky frame told me he was using chemical assistance to remain alert.

  My time was limited. I had little choice but to take him out. The alleyway was well hidden and quiet with an occasional squeak and giggle from the nearby school barely reaching it. Not wanting to draw much attention, I pulled the knife holding it against my side as I walked toward the man. I held my cell phone to my ear and enjoyed the benefit of modern society. People rarely paid attention to a person on the phone. So, naturally, I blended in. The man was too agitated and antsy to notice me. He kept his gaze on the alley as if his life depended on it, allowing me to get close.

  With a swift elbow to the face, I sent the man flailing into the alley beside us. He fell against the wall, and I slashed my blade across his throat being not careful to be sprayed by his blood. Messy but silent. That summed up my job really. Assassin and spy for the government. We were trained for these situations. Things like how to angle a knife when slicing someone’s throat and how to pull it away to avoid ruining your clothes and drawing attention to yourself. All manners of oddly useful information. The man struggled for a few moments, but as the light faded from his eyes, he slumped over.