The flight gave Samantha time for deep reflection. Despite her foreboding about the coming confrontation with her father, she was glad to be going home. Much had happened since she left Paloran, and not all of it had been good. She’d learned things about herself she hadn’t wanted to know. Would it have been better to be ignorant of my faults? She recalled how old Mr. Truman had compared her to Aurora. “You favor her in many ways.” The old crypt keeper had been right. I’ve been cold, haughty, and arrogant in my dealings with others, just like Aurora. But unlike her, I know now what it is to love. A bittersweet prize, to be sure, especially since love is no longer within my grasp.
More quickly than Samantha had anticipated, her father’s castle was within sight. Perhaps its majestic towers and walls didn’t gleam in the sunlight, but the structure was completely solid, real, warm, and safe. Let Father’s heart be softened toward Julian! Please let our family be whole again.
To her surprise, as Nick flew over the courtyard, she discovered it was teeming with activity. Several unfamiliar carriages were queued up, and footmen were crossing into the castle, loaded down by trunks and bags. How very odd. Is Father having a party of some kind? The driveway was so busy that Nick and Julian were forced to land on the lawn.
A few moments later, Mr. Wickham bustled over and sketched a deep bow.
“Welcome home, Your Highnesses. Sorry about all the commotion. If you’ll come with me, His and Her Majesties are expecting you. I’ll have footmen show your guests to their rooms.”
Expecting us? Samantha exchanged a bewildered glance with her brother. When Nick chuckled, she peered at him. “You know something. What’s going on here, Nicholas?”
In other circumstances, his exaggerated expression of innocence would have been comical. “Run along, cousins. It’s not polite to keep your parents waiting.”
Julian deposited a quick kiss on Mara’s cheek before escorting Samantha toward the castle. As they passed by a parked carriage, she gasped. The royal crest of Insolitia decorated the door. What does this mean?
Mr. Wickham ushered the siblings into an unoccupied sitting room and then disappeared. Julian took a shaky breath. “I hope the next person through that door isn’t the captain of the guards.”
“I can’t imagine Father would cause a scene with guests in the castle,” Samantha replied. “But if it is the captain of the guards, I’ll light up his boots.”
Julian gave his sister a hug. “Whatever happens, I want to thank you for rescuing me. You’re a good person and an inspiration.”
Her eyes swam. “I haven’t always been a good person, but I’m trying to be a better one.” More like Wills.
When the door burst open, Julian pushed Samantha behind him in a protective fashion. King Tomas strode into the room, followed closely by Queen Helena.
“Hello, Father.” Julian’s hands were trembling. “Mother.”
Ashen-faced, Tomas stared at his son for a long moment while Samantha held her breath. Finally, his arms opened wide. “Come here, son.”
As the two men embraced, Helena dissolved into happy tears. Tomas relinquished Julian to Helena and stepped aside so she could welcome him home. His gaze fell on Samantha then and he lifted an eyebrow. “I’ve heard such stories of your exploits as to give me gray hair.”
Nick! Samantha winced. “Perhaps it’s best not to believe everything you’ve been told. I’m certain the truth is far less embroidered.”
“Perhaps, but we’ll discuss the matter of your deception some other time. I’m just glad you’re alive.” He drew her into his arms, but stopped when he felt Wills’ sword strapped across her back. “What’s this?”
“Oh, it’s an Insolitian heirloom, the Sword of Allinar. I mean to return it to Prince Wills by courier as soon as possible.”
“There’s no need for that. You can give it to him yourself at the formal reception later this afternoon.”
“He’s here?” Samantha’s mouth fell open.
“Yes, along with King Ewan, Queen Reesa, and the royal court of Insolitia. Ewan insisted on traveling here in person to express his gratitude when Wills told him how you and Julian saved his life.”
“Saved his life?” Samantha sputtered. “It was more often the other way around!”
Her father laughed. “You and Wills can debate the subject at length, if you wish. I’m just grateful you and your brother are home and that Aurora is no longer a threat to this family or our kingdom.”
Julian’s voice rang out. “Father, we know you’re a wizard.”
The room fell silent.
Samantha gulped. “I hope you’ve changed your mind about magic…because I’m magical too.”
“Tell them, Tomas,” Helena urged. “They deserve to know.”
The king cleared his throat. “When I learned my mother was a snow demon, I was determined to stanch the poison. After I expelled her from Paloran, I never practiced magic again.”
“Except for the weather,” Samantha said.
Sheepish grin. “Except for that. I was worried you and Julian would turn to the dark side if you were permitted to use your gifts.”
“But we haven’t,” Julian said. “We’re the same as we ever were.”
“I’ve learned my lesson,” Tomas said. “In fact, I’ve never been more proud.”
Helena gave her husband and Samantha a kiss. “No more talk. It’s time to dress for the reception. I understand we’re to meet our future daughter-in-law, and I can’t wait.”
A shriek greeted Samantha when she entered her room. Nan came at a run and flung her arms around her former mistress. “Your Highness!”
“Nan!”
They exchanged a heartfelt embrace.
“What are you doing here?” Samantha asked.
“Joe came with Prince Wills, so I asked if I could come too. And since I knew you wouldn’t have time to get another lady’s maid, I’m here to help.”
“Oh, Nan, it’s so good to see you. I must thank Nicholas for arranging all this.”
“It’s Prince Wills you must thank! Lord Nicholas flew him to Insolitia to be sure, but it was the young prince who convinced King Ewan and Queen Reesa to accompany him to Paloran. Joe and I waited for them at Foundling.”
“What?”
“Aye. Joe says his master sought to smooth the way for Prince Julian to return home. He thought surely the presence of the entire Insolitian court would do the trick.”
“Wills has been so good to us.”
Numb, Samantha shrugged off Wills’ sword and set it down on her bed. A wave of guilt surged and she buried her face in her hands, sobbing.
Nan patted her on the back. “There, there, lass, you’re overtired. I’ll run you a hot bath and then we’ll make you look splendid for the party.”
“Oh, Nan, I was so wrong about Wills. I deliberately misjudged him at every turn and made a complete fool of myself.”
“Never mind. With your pretty face, there’s nothing can’t be forgiven.”
“Not this time, Nan. I don’t feel like celebrating, but I’ll attend the reception long enough to thank Wills and return his sword to him. I owe him that small courtesy.”
Despite her dejected mood, Samantha allowed Nan to fuss over her. The woman made her drink a cup of strong tea and nibble some small sandwiches while she bathed. When she emerged from the tub, Nan had laid out several magnificent gowns for her to choose from. Samantha shook her head.
“Tonight Mara should be the center of attention, but I don’t think she brought much with her. Nan, why don’t you take these to her room to see if she would like to wear one of them? I’ll pick out something more simple.”
“But these are your favorite gowns!”
“Which makes my sacrifice that much more meaningful.”
Although she was unconvinced, Nan disappeared with the gowns. Samantha entered the adjoining room where her clothes were stored and spent several minutes considering what to wear. Finally she selected a simple white gown which left
the tops of her shoulders bare. When I see Wills again, I want to look as if I’ve nothing to hide.
Clad in his ceremonial uniform, Wills circulated amongst the guests. At first, everyone wanted to talk to him about Aurora. After Julian and Mara announced their engagement, however, nobody wanted to discuss anything else. The faery princess looked resplendent in a bejeweled wine-red gown cut low enough in back to allow her gossamer wings to fold almost flat.
He was impatient to see Samantha, but she was late to arrive. Nick, clad in a dapper suit, came to keep him company.
“I’m beginning to think Samantha isn’t coming.” Wills failed to keep the note of impatience from his voice.
“Oh, she’ll be here. My cousin is too polite to miss a royal reception.”
“I hope she isn’t too put out with me. You and I left without saying good-bye.”
“I’m sure she won’t hold it against you for long. Say, can you tell me the name of that beautiful creature over there in the lilac gown?”
Wills glanced over. “That’s Lady Wilhelmina.”
“I can’t keep my eyes off her. Might I trouble you for an introduction?”
“Certainly. Just—” He broke off as Samantha appeared in the doorway to the ballroom.
Wills’ heart skipped a few beats as he stared at Samantha. Her lustrous auburn hair was set off by a sparkling diamond tiara, and her tresses framed her exquisite face. The simple lines of the dress she wore served to accentuate her figure to perfection. She’s never looked more beautiful. Her gaze swept the room, as if she were looking for someone. When at last she met his gaze, a sad smile graced her lips.
Nick followed his gaze. “I see my cousin has arrived at last.” He gave Wills a knowing smile and a bow. “I leave you to it.” He melted into the crowd.
Chapter Eleven
Tradition
WHEN SAMANTHA SPOTTED WILLS, her blood seemed to turn into intoxicating, bubbling wine. Dressed in his Insolitian uniform, he was breathtakingly handsome. I could gaze at him forever and never get tired. But since a future with him won’t unfold, it’s time to let him go with grace.
The Sword of Allinar was in her hands, covered with a silk scarf. She’d been pleased that the smithy at the Fae village had managed to restore the heirloom to its former splendor. For a handsome price, she’d also purchased a scabbard to protect the blade. After unwrapping the weapon, she carried it through the crowded reception. A distinguished gentleman wearing an Insolitian flag pin on his lapel peered at the sword’s distinctive hilt as she passed, and his eyebrows lifted in surprise.
“Pardon me, but is that the Sword of Allinar, Your Highness?” he asked.
“W-Why yes. I’ve come to give it to Prince Wills.”
Inexplicably, the man chortled. “That’s absolutely splendid!” He clapped his hands for attention. “Excuse me, everyone! Princess Samantha is about to present the Sword of Allinar to His Highness, Prince Wills!”
A gasp went up all around the room. Samantha was at once mystified and annoyed. She’d intended to return the sword to Wills as privately as possible, but now everyone was staring at her. Oh well, now that the announcement had been made, nothing could be done except to finish what she’d started.
The crowd parted, giving her a direct line of sight with Wills. He, too, was staring at her, with an indecipherable expression on his handsome features. Although she couldn’t read his reaction to her approach, he didn’t appear to be displeased. He’s looking forward to having his sword returned, and I’m so very glad I could make it possible.
Insolitians and Paloranians clustered around as she sank into a deep curtsy. She rose, and with the Sword of Allinar resting in the palms of both hands, she offered it to him. “I return your weapon to you, sir.”
Although there was more—much more—she wished to say to him, she was reluctant to do so in front of a crowd. As she waited for Wills to grasp the sword, she lifted her eyes to his. The tenderness she found within his blue eyes shocked her to her core. He cleared his throat and said, “I accept.”
As he took the sword from her, cheers and shouts nearly lifted the rafters. Somebody clapped Wills on the back. “Kiss her, lad!”
What?
King Ewan and Queen Reesa had worked their way over, beaming with joy. The king took her hand and kissed it. “You don’t know how happy you’ve made me.”
“I—”
Reesa gave her a kiss on both cheeks. “I’m finally going to have a daughter!”
The king laughed. “And grandchildren before too long!”
Bewildered, Samantha sputtered. “I’m sorry, I don’t—”
“If you’ll all excuse us for a few minutes, I’d like some time alone with my new fiancée,” Wills said.
With a huge grin, he took Samantha by the hand and led her toward the large balcony off the ballroom. Samantha glanced back over her shoulder to discover her parents staring at her with delight. A few moments later, she and Wills were alone.
“I don’t understand this!” she exclaimed. “Has everyone gone mad?”
Wills leaned the sword against the railing. “We have an old tradition in Insolitia involving the Sword of Allinar. When a male member of royalty wishes to be engaged, he asks his bride-to-be to present him with the sword. As soon as he accepts, the engagement is official.”
Embarrassment made the blood drain from her face, and she covered her mouth with her hands. “Oh, Wills, I’m so sorry! I’ve put you in a horrible predicament and all I wanted to do is to surprise you with your sword.” Tears sprang to her eyes. “I can’t seem to stop messing up your life.”
“You haven’t messed up my life, Samantha. You’ve brought purpose and meaning to it.” He caressed her cheek. “I can’t imagine what it must have cost you personally to retrieve the Sword of Allinar from the ruins of Aurora’s castle. Thank you.”
“It is I who owe you thanks, for everything you’ve done. You restored my family and have been so very kind to us. I’ll find a quiet moment to tell your parents I knew nothing of your tradition. There’s no reason you should feel obligated to give up your freedom because of my mistake.”
“I felt no obligation. If I hadn’t wanted to accept the sword, I could have beckoned to a footman to take it for me. Nevertheless, I’d already planned to ask you to marry me in a tradition more suited to Paloran.”
“What?”
He captured her hand and knelt on one knee. “Samantha, I adore you with every fiber of my being. Would you do me the honor of becoming my bride?”
While she stared in disbelief, he released her hand long enough to retrieve an enormous diamond ring from his pocket.
Gasp. “Wait…are you sure?”
“Of course I’m sure.”
“But I’ve been so awful to you.”
“I’m ashamed to admit there were times I was rather awful to you.” He slipped the ring onto her finger and stood. “You haven’t said ‘yes’.”
“Yes.”
“Yes, you’ll marry me, or yes, I was awful to you?”
She grabbed his lapels and pulled him to her. “Just kiss me.”
As their lips met, an explosion of sweet, delicious sensations warmed every nerve ending in her body. Wills’ strong arms encircled her, and her spine arched to press against his broad muscular chest. His lips traveled from her mouth, down her neck, and back again. A soft moan of pleasure escaped her throat.
“I love you, Wills.”
“And I love you, Sam.” He paused his caresses long enough to give her a slow, sensual smile. “How soon can we wed?”
“Too much haste would be unseemly.” She teased him with a kiss.
“Let’s be as unseemly as possible.” He nibbled her lower lip.
Sigh. “On that, at least, we’re in complete agreement.”
THE END
About the Author
Originally from Southern California, S.G. Rogers currently resides in beautiful Savannah, Georgia. She writes historical romance, fantasy, a
nd romantic fantasy stories, is owned by two hairless cats, Houdini and Nikita, and lives on an island populated by exotic birds, deer, and the occasional gator. Tab is her beverage of choice, but when she imbibes, a cranberry vodka martini doesn’t go amiss.
To follow author S.G. Rogers, visit her blog at: www.childofyden.wordpress.com
Find her on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/SuzanneGRogers
Follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/suzannegrogers
Other fantasy titles by S.G. Rogers:
Minna & the Valentine
Cypher
The Magical Misperception of Meridian
The Druid/The Accidental Immortal (Asgard Adventure series)
Tournament of Chance
Clash of Wills
The Last Great Wizard of Yden (Book One)
Children of Yden (Book Two)
Secrets of Yden (Book Three—Coming 2014)
The Temporary Wizard of Locklynn (An Yden Adventure)
Other historical romance titles by S.G. Rogers:
A Gift for Lara
The Ice Captain’s Daughter
Duke of a Gilded Age
Jessamine’s Folly
Table of Contents
Cover
Title Page
Copyright Information
Dedication
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
About the Author
Clash of Wills Page 11
