Clash of Wills (18 page)

The next morning was filled with preparations for the journey ahead. Julian was to transform into a raven, and Mara shifted shape into tiny faery so she could ride on his back. Samantha donned her freshly laundered trousers for the ride, but wore one of Mara’s feminine gauze tunics on top.
I’m through with disguises and mannish clothes. I’ll just be myself from now on.

After Nick took his flying horse form, Julian saddled him and made sure the cinch was snug. Samantha tied her knapsack onto the saddle, and strapped the tightly wrapped Sword of Allinar across her back. After she was seated, she buckled the safety belt.

“I’m ready, I suppose, although I’m not looking forward to flying. Don’t drop me, Nick.”

He snorted in response.

Their caravan of a faery astride a raven and a princess atop a flying stallion was an unusual one. Samantha was apprehensive when Nick first took flight, but his movements were steady and strong, giving her no cause for alarm. After she was certain her stomach wouldn’t rebel, she tried to relax and enjoy the view. They passed from the Uncharted Region over the waterfall at Elturon, and into more familiar and welcoming terrain. From her lofty vantage point, farmhouses, towns, and trees were minuscule, but the fertile land stretched on seemingly forever. Overhead, wispy white clouds floated across a serene azure sky, and a pleasant breeze warmed her skin and tousled her hair.

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.”