I had to force myself not to rush. It took everything in me not to lift up the skirts of the gown and the cloak and take the stairs two at a time. I was in enemy territory, and I looked like an enemy. Rushing would just make me look suspicious and out of place. I counted the steps in my head to keep myself calm until I reached the third floor.
I spotted the tapestry, and at the same time saw another hooded figure and a drab guard descending the stairs together. They nodded in my direction and I returned the nod. My heart pounded so hard, I was sure they would be able to hear it and know I was a wolf in sheep’s clothing…though it really felt more like a sheep in wolf’s clothing.
I swallowed as they passed, and I waited until they were out of sight to search the tapestry for the clock fa
