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
IN THE SOLITUDE OF HER ROOM, 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 reac
h. 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.”
Doggedly persistent, Wills stuck his boot in the doorway to prevent her from shutting it completely. “So you’re not angry with me?”
“No, but that could change if you don’t move your foot.”
“As you wish.”
He bowed and then headed down the hallway toward his room. Samantha closed the door, confused and shaken. For a moment, she thought Wills would try to kiss her. Furthermore, there was no doubt in her mind she would have welcomed it. Nan had been right after all; she was attracted to the man—dangerously so. It’s a good thing I won’t ever see him again.
After a fitful night’s sleep, Samantha rose to make her escape. The sky was pitch black when she left with her saddlebags. After sliding the farewell notes underneath Nan’s and Wills’ doors, she crept downstairs and into the stables. With the aid of a lantern, Samantha located her horse…but her saddle was missing from its hook. She roused the sleeping stable boy to ask where he’d stowed her gear.
“The gentleman you’re traveling with, a Mr. Wills, he came down late last night and took your saddle. He said he wanted to make sure you didn’t leave without him.”
The lad cringed when Samantha let fly a series of curses. Wills appeared in the stable doorway, his silhouette visible against the glimmer of dawn.
“Temper, temper.”
She turned on him. “How dare you interfere! You arrogant, presumptuous—”
“Your father entrusted you into my care, and that makes you my responsibility.” He picked up her saddlebags and slung them over his shoulder. “Simmer down and have breakfast with me. You and I need to talk.”
Albeit reluctantly, Samantha had no choice but to accompany Wills back to the inn. The staff was just beginning to stir in the kitchen, so they sat by the fire while breakfast was made. He plucked her farewell note from his shirt pocket and tossed it into the flames. “I’m no fool. You weren’t going home.”
“How did you know I was planning to leave?”
“Call it a hunch. This has something to do with your brother, doesn’t it?”
“How did you know?”
“When you told me he’d died of a fever seven years ago, I knew that wasn’t true. He’s been spotted in the Uncharted Region fairly recently—in the Kingdom of the Fae, to be exact.”
“Then you know more about Julian’s whereabouts than I do.” Tears pricked the back of her eyelids and her throat closed up. “I miss him so much.”
“Is that where you were going—the Uncharted Region?”
“Yes.” She hesitated a moment before producing the magical device from her pocket. “I can track him with this enchanted compass.”
Wills examined the instrument. “This will be useful, I grant you. But travel to the Uncharted Region requires special clothes and equipment. Have you thought of that?”
She stared at him. “I-I suppose not.”
“It’s difficult terrain, and the journey will have to be done on foot.”
Samantha turned her head away as silent tears slipped down her face. Why can’t anything be easy?
Wills made a sound of exasperation. “Why don’t you just ask for my help?”
“I’ve deceived you from the beginning, and we don’t even get along. Why would you help me?”
“You and I are a lot alike in many ways.” He laughed when she gave him a dubious look. “Believe it or not.”
“I don’t believe it at all—unless you count the fact neither of us wish to marry.”
“That’s true. Furthermore, we both crave adventure.”
“I’ve not had any, so I wouldn’t know.”
“How did you come by the compass?”
“Several weeks ago, Julian sent it and a message to join him by way of our cousin Nicholas. Unfortunately, when my father learned Nicholas was a wizard, he practically threw him out of the castle before I could ask him any questions.”
Incredulity was written on Wills’ features. “Let me get this straight. Your elder brother has asked you to travel to an unfamiliar land, alone and unprotected, by way of a secret message? Are you sure this isn’t some sort of trap?”
Samantha’s frustration mounted. It’s as if Wills is determined to cast things in the worst possible light…and make me and Julian look foolish. “The letter was in his handwriting,” she said heatedly, “and my brother would never put me in danger. I trust him implicitly.”
“You’ll understand if I don’t.”
“I want to see my brother. I’ll convince Julian to return with me to Paloran. Surely my father’s heart will soften once he sees him after all this time.”
Wills took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “All right. I’m quite keen to see the Uncharted Region, and it’s clear you need my protection. I’ll take you to your brother, but you have to give me something in return.”
She peered at him, warily. Was this an attempt at seduction? “If it’s in my power to perform.”
“Don’t lie to me ever again.”
“That’s it?”
“You sound disappointed.”
A heated flush crept up from her neck. “Of course not.”
“You’re blushing.” His eyebrows lifted in surprise. “You didn’t really think I would stoop to compromising your honor?”
She shook her head. “I think we’ve established our mutual distaste.”
“If I wanted to bed you, Princess, I wouldn’t resort to blackmail or trickery to do it.”
Her face grew even warmer and she averted her eyes. “I didn’t mean to imply otherwise.”
Although she hated having to count on someone else to reach her goal, she couldn’t manage alone. I need his help.
“I accept your offer,” she said finally. “But you must allow me to repay the favor.”
He smirked. “Since we’ve established our mutual distaste, as you put it, I can’t imagine how.”
Wills finds the prospect of bedding me distasteful? His words stung, but she covered her hurt with a laugh. “How about I begin with buying you breakfast?”
“It’s a deal. And not that I’m keeping score, but you saved my life yesterday. When we find your brother, we’ll be even.”
Wills spent the morning gathering together packs, camping equipment, and fur-lined jackets for the journey. Joe and Nan were to accompany him and Samantha as far as the Ferryside Inn at the Elturon River. The two servants would remain at the inn until Wills and Samantha returned—hopefully with Julian.
The party of four departed Foundling after lunch, retracing their route a short distance until they could transition onto the northbound road. Joe played his flute along the way, keeping their spirits high. The notes of his cheerful tunes echoed through the forest—bits of the music occasionally mimicked by passing mockingbirds.
The road proved to be good, and they arrived at the Ferryside Inn in the late afternoon. A steep cliff loomed on the far side of Elturon River, just beyond a small village. The sound of crashing water upriver piqued Samantha’s interest, but her view was obstructed by the large Ferryside Inn. After dismounting, she handed the reins of her horse to Nan and darted toward the water’s edge.
Looking out over the Elturon River, Samantha was awestruck. A short distance upstream was a breathtaking waterfall. As it hit the river, the cascading water churned a thick, refreshing mist which Samantha could feel on her skin. Further downstream, the river became wide and relatively calm,
edged here and there by remnants of wintertime ice.
Wills joined her. “What a magnificent sight.”
“I’ve never seen such a tall waterfall before. It dwarfs my father’s castle.”
Wills cocked his thumb toward a ferryboat moored to a nearby dock. “That’ll take us across the river tomorrow.”
The sun was just beginning to set and a gust of wind sent shivers down her spine. A visible shudder went through her at the chill.
“Are you sure you want to do this?” Wills asked.
Her chin lifted. “I’m merely cold, not frightened.” She consulted her compass; the needle was pointing across the river. “And I’m sure.”
The skies were murky when the ferry pushed off the next morning, guided by a one-eyed ferryman. Wills and Samantha rode along with a handful of hardscrabble men who occasionally gave them a curious glance. She was suddenly glad for her disguise and for Wills’ presence.
“The Uncharted Region often attracts highwaymen fleeing the law,” he murmured. “We should be on our guard.”
Thereafter, Samantha stuck close to Wills at the railing, keeping her pack within reach. As the ferry cut across the crystal clear water, schools of plump, silvery fish darted below the surface. When a shaft of sunlight pierced the cloud cover, Wills tapped her on the shoulder. “Look.”
Samantha turned around and gasped with delight. The sun was reflecting off the waterfall, casting a huge, dazzling rainbow in the mist. “Oh Wills, something so beautiful must be a good omen.”
Clash of Wills Page 4
