“That’s a handy trick.”
“It’s the only magic I know—if it is indeed magic.”
“What else could it be?” He cast a longing glance at the pool nearby. “Do you suppose you could heat that water? I could use a hot bath.”
“What a wonderful idea! I’ll try.”
Unsure exactly what to do, Samantha accidentally set the pool on fire with her first attempt. After extinguishing the flames, she managed to heat the pool gradually by visualizing a pot of simmering water. Wills tested the temperature with his hand before shrugging off his coat and tunic. Her eyes grew wide when he reached for his belt buckle.
“Wait! What are you doing?”
“I can’t take a proper bath with my clothes on. Turn around if you’re shy. Better yet, could you fetch the cake of soap I brought in my pack? If we’re to share a tent tonight, I think you’ll be glad I’m clean.”
As she hastened toward Wills’ pack, she heard a big splash as he jumped into the pool. A groan of pleasure echoed off the rocks. When she returned with the soap, he gave her a teasing smile. “You’re more than welcome to join me. Plenty of room, and the water feels marvelous.”
“Thank you for the invitation, but I’ll wait my turn.”
As Wills lathered himself with the soap, his naked torso gleamed in the light from the campfire. She kicked off her boots, rolled up her trouser legs, and sat down to dangle her legs in the pool. The hot water caressed her weary feet and she breathed a deep sigh of contentment.
“I’m so glad you’re here,” she said. “Why did you decide to follow me?”
“I didn’t get too far down the stairs before I realized you’d lightened my pack. Such considerate behavior made me think I’d accused you unfairly. What was all that silliness about a glamour spell?”
“I thought it would be better if you left. I-I may be dangerous.” She almost told him about the bowing demons, but such a revelation was still too disturbing for her to put into words. “I burned those bandits without meaning to. I cursed them, even though I had no idea what I was doing.”
A muscle worked in his jaw. “They held a knife to your throat. When I return to Elturon, I’ll hunt them down to make sure they’re dead.” He paused. “Your curse saved my life. The men were using you to lure me into that alley, weren’t they?”
“How did you guess?”
“I had a lot of time to think when I was climbing stairs, and I remembered a few things. That scarred man goes by the name Maggot. He used to work for my father, but we fired him when he turned out to be a thief.”
“I thought you didn’t recognize him.”
“He wasn’t scarred back then and that’s what threw me off. It wasn’t happenstance he tried to rob us. He knew who I was and more than likely wanted revenge.”
“Luckily, he didn’t succeed.”
“It wasn’t luck, Samantha, it was you. If you hadn’t struck that archer when you did, he probably would have shot me. And if you hadn’t burned those bandits in Elturon, they would have sliced me to ribbons. That’s why I followed you.”
“So you don’t think I’m evil?”
“Far from it. Magic is only evil if the wizard’s heart is black.”
“I wish my father felt that way.”
“What does King Tomas have against magic?”
“He never speaks of it to anyone, but I found out his mother was a very powerful wizard. When she died, my father never recovered from her loss.”
“I can understand his grief, but it has nothing to do with you or your brother.”
“It doesn’t make any sense and my father was wrong to drive my brother away. If he sees Julian again, maybe he’ll admit it.”
“When he sees Julian again, I’m certain he will. Now turn around while I get dressed. You can bathe in private while I fix dinner.”
The next morning, lingering raindrops glistened like tiny jewels in the velvety moss, and the view of the waterfall far below was breathtaking. The beauty of the scenery was somewhat lost on Samantha, who was stiff and sore from the long climb. Although Wills didn’t say anything, he grimaced as he packed up the gear and broke camp. The map indicated the seventh tunnel from the right led to the city of ice. Just as they were about to enter the tunnel, she noticed a faint five-pointed symbol etched into the archway keystone. It reminded her of the medallion necklace in her grandmother’s painting.
“Wait…I’ve seen this symbol before,” she said. “Do you know what it is?”
He shook his head. “I’m afraid not. Where did you see it?”
“In an old painting. I wonder what it means?”
“Perhaps it’s just decoration.”
They passed through the tunnel, emerging at the edge of a lush forest. Samantha gasped, sensing some kind of vibration. “Can you feel that? This place is filled with magic.”
“What does it feel like?”
“It’s hard to describe.” The delicious sensations I felt when I was in your arms yesterday might come close.
Embarrassed, she consulted the compass. “The needle is pointing a little to the left.”
“I think I see a path. Maybe we can follow it.”
As she walked alongside Wills, she felt an increasing sense of excited anticipation. I might soon be with Julian…and possibly Nicholas, too. Somehow the idea of seeing her suave cousin didn’t appeal to her quite as much as it had before. She cast a wistful glance at her companion’s handsome profile. I wonder what it would be like to kiss him?
A short while later, the trees began to thin, giving way to a panoramic view of the whole valley. Samantha gaped as she caught sight of the city of ice. Set on a rise in the center of a valley, the dazzling structure sparkled in the sunlight like a glistening diamond.
“Why it’s a replica of our castle in Paloran!”
“So the city of ice isn’t a city after all,” Wills said. “It’s a palace.”
“I can’t wait for you to meet Julian. Let’s hurry.”
The path grew more distinct as they went along, and magical creatures became more frequent. A trio of palomino unicorns zigzagged through the forest. The gnarled wood sprites blending in with tree bark more closely resembled fat, oddly angled twigs than living creatures. As Wills and Samantha walked past, the creatures stared at them through unblinking, bulbous eyes. Even the bumblebees hummed musical tunes. Wills laughed. “It’s a good thing Joe isn’t here or he’d try to play along.”
A tiny luminescent faery landed on Samantha’s shoulder, kissed her on the cheek, and flew away. Wills peered at her skin. “It left a glistening imprint behind.”
“I’m in luck! A kiss from a faery is supposed to ward off evil.”
“I’ve heard that, too, but I always imagined it to be a faery tale.” He winked.
As they approached the castle, the forest grew eerily quiet. Although winter’s icy mantle had melted from the trees and grass in the forest, the castle grounds were covered with mounds of fresh snow. Unlike the castle at Paloran, no courtiers were strolling about the grounds, nor was anyone visible at the windows or behind the parapets.
Samantha exchanged a worried glance with Wills. “The place seems abandoned. There are no guards, servants, or even gardeners.”
“Perhaps your brother uses magic to protect the castle and to keep up the grounds.”
Her frown disappeared. “That must be it. And after all, how many visitors can one expect in the Uncharted Region?”
The moat was iced over. When they set foot on the drawbridge, the hair on the back of Samantha’s neck stood up. “I have the oddest sensation we’re being watched.”
Wills grabbed her arm. “Something’s not right. This feels like a trap.”
Out of nowhere came a spray of snow. And then everything went dark.
Chapter Six
Her Majesty
WHEN SAMANTHA AND WILLS regained consciousness, they were sprawled on the floor of the castle throne room—without their belongings or weapons. Although
fashioned from blocks of ice, the surface beneath them was neither slippery nor cold…the work of magic. Next to the empty throne stood a man with thick mane of reddish-brown hair. He wore the royal ring of Paloran, but Samantha would have known him regardless.
“Julian!”
The man frowned and gestured to several guards, who dragged Samantha and Wills to their feet. The expressionless soldiers were dressed in white, with an unnatural color and texture to their skin. With a start, Samantha realized that the guards were identical—and entirely made from snow. What an extraordinary enchantment!
Julian gave Samantha a dismissive glance. “I don’t know you, sir, nor would I welcome any familiarity with you or your companion.”
Sir? She was bewildered until she remembered her manner of dress. “No, I—”
“How did you come by this?” Julian held up the enchanted compass.
“You sent it by way of Nicholas. I’m Samantha, your sister. I disguised myself as a huntsman for the journey.”
Recognition slowly dawned. “Samantha, is it truly you?” He smiled and hastened forward to give her a perfunctory kiss on her cheek. “I think somehow I expected a girl of twelve.”
Samantha’s heart sank at her brother’s measured greeting. After seven years apart, why is his manner so reserved?
Julian’s smile vanished when he glanced from her to Wills. “I asked you to come alone.”
Is that why Julian acts so distant? Although she couldn’t explain why, Samantha was suddenly reluctant to divulge Wills’ identity. “Yes, I know, but the Uncharted Region is quite a distance from Paloran. I required assistance from my manservant…Joe.”
After the briefest moment of hesitation, Wills bowed. “At your service, Your Highness…or perhaps I should address you as Your Majesty?”
“I’m not the monarch here,” Julian said.
Confusion combined with Samantha’s uneasiness. “I don’t understand.”
“My guards will escort your manservant to the kitchen, where he will be fed and well paid,” Julian said. “His services are no longer required.”
Samantha forced herself to remain calm. “I big to differ. Joe is to accompany me on the return journey.”
“Return journey? Oh, I see.” Julian chuckled. “There’s no need for that. You’ll be staying here.”
“Julian, I want you to come home.”
“I am home, and so are you.” He snapped his fingers, and two guardsmen grabbed Wills by the arms. “Take him away.”
“Let him go!”
Wills struggled to free himself, to no avail. “I won’t leave without the princess!”
A shrug. “I could have you killed now, if you like.”
“Julian, no!” The blood drained from Samantha’s face. “What’s wrong with you?”
“Let’s not quarrel, sister. Perhaps a cold night in the dungeon will convince your servant to leave quietly,” Julian said.
Over Samantha’s loud protests, the guardsmen dragged Wills from the room. Past outraged, her temper flared. “Have you gone mad? I came as you asked, but you seem indifferent to my presence and you’re treating my servant like a prisoner!”
A spasm of pain passed over Julian’s features, but quickly disappeared. “You’ll understand more fully when the queen arrives.”
“The queen? Who are you talking about?”
A sudden chill in the air made Samantha shiver. A woman of frightening beauty had appeared on the throne, as if by magic. Long silvery hair flowed around her face, framing preternaturally lovely features. Possessing riveting aquamarine eyes and a translucent complexion, the woman was the most exquisite creature Samantha had ever beheld. The gooseflesh on her arms rose. I’ve never felt so much evil in my life! With a quick intake of breath, she edged backward.
“Welcome to my kingdom, Samantha.” The voice was powerful and melodious, commanding her to stay still. “I am Queen Aurora.”
Aurora? Samantha shook her head, confused. But even as logic rejected the assertion, she couldn’t deny the woman bore a strong resemblance to the woman in the castle gallery painting. In addition, the medallion hanging from Aurora’s neck was the same strange five-pointed design she’d noticed in the painting and the tunnel archway keystone. “This is impossible.”
“Isn’t it wonderful?” Julian beamed. “Her Majesty is our grandmother.”
“Our grandmother died a long time ago. Even if she hadn’t, she would be an old woman by now!”
The queen laughed, a brittle sound like falling icicles. “You’ve not been told the truth, my dear grandchild. My son never wanted you to know your ancestor is a snow demon.”
A snow demon? As Aurora’s words sank in, Samantha felt dizzy. “But that would mean…”
“You and I are part snow demon too,” Julian said. His eyes seemed glassy, as if he had a fever. “By banning magic in Paloran, Father hoped we’d never find out.”
Aurora has possessed my brother somehow. He’s lost his free will. “This is lunacy, Julian! We’re not part demon. It can’t be true.” She blinked away tears. “I don’t know why, but she’s lying!”
Julian regarded her with pity. “The only one who lied to us is our father.”
“Why are you telling me this?” Tears spilled over. “Why did you being me here?”
“Isn’t it obvious?” Aurora said. “It’s time for winter to return to Paloran.”
Guardsmen tossed Wills headlong into a large cell. He slid across the smooth icy floor and landed at the feet of another hapless prisoner who gave him a sardonic smile.
“Welcome to paradise, friend.”
In no mood for humor, Wills jumped to his feet and launched himself at the clear, thick sheet of ice separating him from the dungeon corridor. His shoulder took the brunt of the impact, eliciting an involuntary groan. He tried stomping his way through the barrier, but merely managed to lose his footing on the slick floor. He landed flat on his back, losing his breath. Stunned, he lay there for a few moments until his cellmate helped him up.
“It’s no use, I can assure you, but you’re welcome to try again when you’ve got a second wind,” the man said. “I’m afraid we’re stuck here for a while.”
Unlike the throne room, no magic warmed the dungeons. Wills stuck his fingers under his armpits to keep them warm. “We’ll freeze to death before long.”
“Nothing so easy. The cell is cold enough to make us miserable, but not cold enough to kill us.”
Wills gave the well-dressed man an appraising glance. He has the look of a gentleman. He extended his hand. “Call me Joe.”
“My name is Lord Nicholas, although I don’t suppose titles mean much in a dungeon. Nick will suffice.”
The two men exchanged a handshake.
“Why are you here?” Wills asked.
“I dared object to Her Majesty’s nefarious plans. You?”
“It comes down to the same thing, I suppose. Who is this monarch? I only met Prince Julian.”
“Queen Aurora. She’s a powerful snow demon.”
“A demon?” Horrified, Wills leaped to his feet. Samantha’s in danger! Like a caged animal, he began to pace. “I’ve got to get out of here.”
“Good luck with that.”
“You don’t understand. Someone’s depending on my protection.”
“The lass is on her own, it seems.”
“How do you know it’s a woman?”
“Isn’t it always?” Nick paused “Where are you from?”
“Er…Paloran. I work at the castle as a servant.”
Nick’s eyebrows shot up. “Really? Is that why you’re wearing the royal ring of Insolitia?”
Blast it, I forgot! “You’re very observant, Nick.”
“Indeed I am, Your Highness.”
“Call me Wills.”
“So they finally caught you, then? I’m surprised your skin is intact.”
“Caught me?”
“Maggot and his band of highwaymen. I understand they were paid a rather l
arge sum to bring you to the queen.”
“Kidnapping? I thought Maggot was just trying to kill me.”
“That comes later, after they’ve cut off a few body parts and sent them to your father. I don’t envy you.”
“Maggot doesn’t know I’m here, and my identity remains a secret—for now,” Wills said. “I was providing an escort.”
A flash of recognition. “Not for the princess?” At Wills’ nod, Nick closed his eyes and groaned. “This is my fault. If I hadn’t agreed to deliver that wretched compass to her, Samantha never would have come.”
“That was you?”
“I can’t forgive my own stupidity.” A muscle worked in Nick’s jaw. “Now Samantha will be killed.”
Panic crept into Will’s voice. “What do you mean?”
“It’s all part of Aurora’s scheme. Samantha’s death will be blamed on Insolitia, while your death will be laid at Paloran’s door. When the two kingdoms go to war with one another, Aurora will unloose her army on the populace. After it’s all over, she’ll reign supreme and life as we know it will be over.” Nick’s flippancy was in marked contrast to his grim expression.
Aghast, Wills stared. “Is Julian a part of this?”
Nick averted his eyes. “Julian’s dead.”
“Julian, go fetch paper and ink,” Aurora said. “Samantha must write to Tomas.”
After a quick nod, he hastened from the throne room. As her brother left, Samantha drew her sleeve across her face to dry her eyes. “Why must I write to Father?”
“You’re to say you’re being held prisoner by the Insolitians and they’ve threatened to kill you unless he pays a ransom. Make up a ridiculously large sum…the amount doesn’t matter.”
“I won’t write such a letter, and nothing could induce me to do so,” Samantha exclaimed.
“You’ll do anything I ask.”
“I won’t!”
A sudden invisible downward pressure made Samantha’s knees buckle. As she sank to the floor, a feeling of futility swept over her. Aurora is so wise and powerful…and I’m always making mistakes. What a fool I am to defy her! Samantha lifted her eyes to her grandmother, who gave her a beneficent smile. No, not beneficence. Evil. From somewhere deep within, Samantha found the strength to push back. As she struggled to stand, Aurora’s perfect features showed displeasure—and a touch of uncertainty.
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