Clash of Wills (6 page)

Nan joined her. “The young prince spoke out of turn. He’ll likely apologize before the day is done.”

“I don’t care if he does.” As if to prove her point, Samantha jerked the daisies from her belt and tossed them into a ditch. “I’ll be parting company with him after tonight.”

She pulled the clamshell device from a pocket, flipped it open, and examined the needle. When she left the castle earlier, the needle had been pointing in the direction of their westerly route. Now, it was creeping to the right—pointing north.

Nan gasped when she noticed the compass. “What’re you doing with that?”

“Tracking my brother. I’m going to join Julian in the Uncharted Region.”

Nan gasped. “Begging your pardon, but are you out of your senses?”

“Most likely.” Samantha admitted. “If you don’t breathe a word of this to anyone, I give you leave to continue the journey to Insolitia with Joe. You two seem to be well matched.”

Nan squared her shoulders, resolute. “I’m not about to abandon you—even if you have lost your mind.”

“I won’t have you sacrifice your happiness on my account.”
Especially when I don’t know what I’ll find at journey’s end.

Several yards behind the princess and her maid, Wills and Joe rode side by side. For some reason, Joe was uncharacteristically silent. Wills was grateful, since he was absorbed by his own thoughts.
Princess Samantha is a puzzlement—as is her account of her brother.
Although she claimed he’d died seven years ago, Wills knew otherwise. Last year in Insolitia, he’d met an emissary from the Kingdom of the Fae, located in the Uncharted Region. The faery mentioned dining regularly with Prince Julian at the Fae royal palace. Something was amiss with Samantha’s story—but what reason would she have to lie?
The reason must have something to do with this journey.
He’d not been callow—or conceited—enough to believe her sudden infatuation with him to be genuine.
If I’m to discover how this will play out,
I must watch her closely. Perhaps I can’t discern any malice in her, but she’s proven to be adept in deceit. Let it not accrue to my detriment.

When Samantha tossed away his flowers in a dramatic fashion, Wills scowled and made a sound of exasperation deep in his throat.

“Oho!” Joe chuckled.

Wills shrugged. “Obviously the woman doesn’t like daisies.”

“Admit it lad, her quick thinking saved us all. She showed uncommon courage back there.”

“Maybe.”

“No maybe about it. The princess is a fine lass and a good match for you.”

Annoyance narrowed Wills’ eyes. “There you go again, always having to have the last word.”

Joe produced his flute and began to play an exceedingly mournful tune that grated on Wills’ nerves. As the man launched into the second chorus, Wills snapped. “Oh, all
right
! I’ll apologize tonight, when the moment presents itself.”

The music paused. “Good.”

Will shot him a dark look. “Now stop playing that dirge and play something more cheerful.”

“As you wish, Your Highness,” Joe murmured before playing a jig.

They reached the border town of Foundling just before dusk and rented rooms at the local inn. While Joe and Wills moistened their dusty throats in the tavern, Samantha and Nan climbed the stairs to their rooms. As she climbed, Samantha tried to stretch out the soreness in her leg muscles. The pain made her groan.

“Are you unwell, Your Highness?” Nan asked.

“I’m just not used to riding all day, I’m afraid, and tomorrow will be worse,” she said. “I’m heading into the mountains where the roads are bound to be a lot more difficult.”

“It’s not too late to reconsider. Why don’t you continue on to Insolitia and plan your journey to the Uncharted Region for summer, Your Highness?”

“I won’t have another opportunity, and you know it. And you probably shouldn’t use ‘Your Highness’ while we’re traveling. Somebody might overhear.”

“What should I call you?”

Samantha grinned. “Not
Urhyla
. How about Sam? I’m supposed to be a boy, and that’s what Julian used to call me.”

“Yes, Your Highness. I mean, Sam.”

Dinner in the common room was served at long, shared tables. Samantha and Nan sat across from one another, and since their table was fully occupied, Joe and Wills settled themselves on the far side of the room. The prince didn’t appear to be pining for her company, and Samantha’s feathers were ruffled anew.
He’s not far enough away for my liking.

For the first time in her life, she was obliged to eat elbow to elbow with strangers. Not surprisingly, the conversation was rough and the manners even more so. Since she was still in her huntsman’s guise, everyone took her for a boy and ignored her accordingly. The food wasn’t exactly what she was used to, either, but the coarse cornbread and thick beef stew was at least hot, wholesome, and plentiful.

After she’d eased her hunger, Samantha’s temper began to improve. After the room emptied out a bit, she had an unobstructed view of Wills. He and Joe had struck up a lively conversation with several other travelers at their table. The prince was laughing at a story Joe had just told, while the innkeeper’s daughter hovered nearby. Seemingly mesmerized by the prince’s good looks, the awkward girl took every opportunity to keep Wills’ tankard full. Albeit grudgingly, Samantha had to admit the prince was kind toward her. He thanked her profusely, complimented the meal and accommodations, and even slipped her a gold coin.
Despite his conceit, Prince Wills is capable of admirable and gentlemanly behavior—except, perhaps, toward me.

A sigh escaped Samantha’s lips. Nicholas’ rakish good looks had so captivated her, she’d failed to appreciate just how much fair-haired Wills had to offer
.
The prince had an easy, open manner around people and was a natural leader.
Julian would certainly have enjoyed his company.
Samantha felt an unfamiliar stab of regret. It was a shame her acquaintance with Wills had begun—and ended—so badly.
Much of the blame falls on me. If only I could marshal my tongue!
Under different circumstances, she would have liked to know the Crown Prince of Insolitia a little better.
But it’s too late now. Undoubtedly his ill opinion of me is fixed.

Wills glanced over and caught her eye. She blushed and shifted her gaze to Nan, who had a knowing smile on her face.

“What’s so amusing?” Samantha demanded.

“He’s an attractive lad, isn’t he?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I wasn’t even looking at Wills.”

“If you weren’t looking at him, how’d you know who I was talking about?”

Samantha frowned. “That’s enough matchmaking, Nan. The man dislikes me.”

“I’m not so sure.”

“He accused me of endangering his life, didn’t he?” A shrug. “It’s of little importance anyway, since we part company tomorrow.”

Joe began to play his flute with riotous abandon, and an old graybeard joined in with a mouth organ. Tables were pushed back and several onlookers hastened to the center of the room to dance.

Samantha stood. “Good night, Nan. I’m going to turn in.”

“Do you mind if I stay while?”

“No, of course not. Enjoy yourself.”

As music and merriment swirled around her, Samantha made her way toward the stairs. Before she could reach safety, a buxom serving maid grabbed her around the waist.

“Would ye fancy a dance, lad?” The woman burst into laughter when Samantha’s skin prickled with heated embarrassment. “Oi, you’re a shy one, aren’t you?”

Wills reached for the serving maid’s hand. “I’d be honored if you’d join me.”

The serving maid released Samantha and gave Wills a flirtatious smile. “Ah, such pretty manners. I don’t mind if I do.”

The prince led the woman to the dance floor. Samantha was perplexed. Had Wills come to her rescue, or was he attracted to the serving maid? The woman had made it plain she wouldn’t mind warming his bed. Samantha fought off an inexplicable pang of jealousy.
Why should I care how Wills spends his evening?
With a frown, she turned and fled upstairs.

Chapter Four

Elturon

I
N
T
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OLITUDE
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, Samantha tried to ignore the sounds of music and merriment coming from downstairs. She studied the compass and compared its north-pointing needle to the pages of the atlas she’d brought with her. On the way into Foundling, she’d noticed a good road heading north.
I’ll rise before dawn, sneak out to the stables, and be gone at first light.
She wrote a brief note of farewell to Nan, and a second one to Wills which said she’d decided to return home.
I’ll slip it under his door tomorrow morning as I’m leaving.
The prince would probably be so relieved to be rid of her, he wouldn’t question it. And if her parents believed her to be in Insolitia, she’d have several days to search for Julian.

When a knock came at her door, Samantha stuffed the compass, notes, and map under her pillow before answering it. Her stomach gave an annoying little flip when her visitor turned out to be the prince. She glanced past him and into the hallway beyond.

“Where is your dancing partner?” Her tone was cool.

He laughed. “Do I detect a bit of jealousy?”

Her chin lifted. “I’ve no reason to be jealous of a barmaid.”

“In fact, you don’t. I’d noticed the woman watching you all night, waiting for the opportunity to pounce. When the music started, I couldn’t reach her in time to avoid embarrassing you. She’s since moved on to a more intoxicated target.”

So he rescued me after all, and I’m behaving like a shrew.
Her color rose. “I should thank you, then.”

“You’re welcome.” His slow smile made the breath catch in her throat. “May I come in?”

His positively indecent suggestion would have earned any another man a sharp smack on the face. “No, of course not!”

Undeterred, he leaned his shoulder against the doorjamb. “You’re amazingly accurate with that sling of yours. I’m sorry for what I said earlier about your recklessness. I was actually angry with myself for having left my sword out of reach. I took it out on you, and I apologize.”

“Thank you.” Pause. “Perhaps I should have waited to strike until you were fully out of danger.”

“As Nan so succinctly put it,
pish posh
.” He craned his neck to peer into the room behind her. “Are your accommodations adequate?”

“They’ll do.” Samantha rested her hands on his broad, muscular chest. Although she’d intended to shove him into the hall, the sudden flicker of interest in his eyes sparked a riot of physical sensations she’d never felt before.
What am I doing?
Unnerved, she broke off contact and stepped back. “Good night.”