Clash of Wills Read Online Free Page A

naught heard before. If you don’t mind me saying so.”
    “I do mind you saying so. You’re imagining things.”
    “Perhaps you regret switching places with me this time?”
    “I regret we got caught.” Wills closed his eyes and tilted his head back to allow Joe’s razor access to his three day’s growth of beard. He smiled inwardly as he pictured the princess clad in a pair of men’s trousers—the fabric clinging to her shapely legs in a way he couldn’t forget. Her tousled sable hair had been wild and untamed, and the beauty of her face was rendered even more arresting by the intelligence in her green eyes. No, she hadn’t been what he’d expected at all. All the more reason to leave Paloran as soon as possible.
    “I’ll wear my uniform at dinner,” he said.
    “Mmm.”
    “There you go again with the ‘mmm.’ What’s wrong with the uniform?”
    “Nothing at all, sir. In fact, the cut of the jacket makes the most of your broad shoulders and trim figure. It’s exactly the thing to excite the admiration of a young woman.”
    “Your imagination is running away with you. Don’t forget, my presence here is only by order of my father. Having discharged my duty to king and country, I shall give my compliments to His and Her Majesties, and return to Insolitia with all due haste.”
    “And with your bachelorhood intact.”
    “You don’t always have to have the last word.”
    “Do I not?”

    An hour later, Wills was enjoying a glass of wine before dinner with King Tomas and Queen Helena. As they waited for Samantha in the drawing room, Wills and Tomas discussed horsemanship and bloodlines. When the princess sailed into the room, Wills’ voice trailed off. In contrast to her earlier attire, Samantha was at present clad in a fetching emerald frock perfectly designed to display her considerable feminine charms. Her gleaming waist-length hair was held away from her face by jeweled combs, and cascaded freely down her back. Although he’d never admit it to Joe, Wills suddenly regretted the afternoon’s charade whole-heartedly. I don’t wish to marry, but I’d rather this beautiful woman not think ill of me.
    To his surprise, Samantha was flirtatious and warm. “Good evening. I’m so looking forward to knowing you, Prince Wills. I have the feeling we’ll become the best of friends.”
    The princess’ welcoming demeanor contradicted her earlier conduct so thoroughly, Wills was put on his guard. She couldn’t have changed toward me so quickly unless something crafty is afoot.
    Dinner was a cordial affair, with succulent roasts, plentiful salads, and freshly baked bread. Samantha engaged Wills in conversation about the beauties of his kingdom by the sea, and encouraged her father to reminisce about his friendship with Wills’ father, King Ewan. The evening was so convivial, Wills’ shoulder muscles relaxed and his laughter became genuine.
    Over a tangy dessert of fresh berries and clotted cream, Samantha asked Wills about the roads between their two kingdoms. “Tell me sir, did you encounter any difficulties on your journey here?”
    “I wish I could report an exciting clash with a troll or a band of highwaymen, but my travels were quite uneventful,” he replied. “Comfortable inns line the roads, and it took but three days altogether.”
    “I’m glad to hear it.” Samantha turned a beaming smile on the king. “Oh, Father, I’d dearly love to visit Insolitia. Might I have permission to accompany the prince on his return home?”
    “What?” Startled, Wills spilled wine down the front of his uniform. Footmen hastened to his aid.
    “Nan can chaperone,” Samantha continued, “and I’m certain Prince Wills and his manservant will provide ample protection.”
    Although Wills’ mouth opened, no sound would come out. Surely her father will refuse his permission!
    “What a capital idea, Tomas,” the queen said. “Samantha will adore the ocean.”
    “Why not, indeed?” Tomas nodded his