Clash of Wills Read Online Free Page B

approval. “It might do Samantha good to see a bit of the world—if Prince Wills agrees to the undertaking, of course.”
    Wills twisted in the wind, but he had little choice but to be gracious. “It would alleviate the boredom of my travels greatly,” he managed. The wretched girl has outfoxed me…but to what end?
    “Marvelous,” Samantha said. “I’ll pack lightly so we can travel on horseback. Let’s depart after breakfast.”
    The prospect of being practically alone with the princess for three days was daunting. Father mentioned her elder brother, Julian. He would balance the party admirably. “Er…is Prince Julian in residence? Perhaps he could travel with us,” Wills blurted out. “I understand he’s a man of magic.”
    The period of pregnant silence stretching across the table puzzled him. Did I say something wrong?
    “Are you also a man of magic?” Tomas’ tone was cool.
    What sort of question is that? “No, not at all.”
    “My son is dead,” the king said.
    Wills felt the blood leave his face. “I’m so sorry; I hadn’t heard.”
    “Quite understandable. We kept the sad event extremely private.” King Tomas stood. “Please excuse me.”
    After her husband left, the queen stared straight ahead with a haunted expression.
    “I believe I’m a little tired as well.” She rose from her chair. “Good night.”
    Wills hastened to stand. “Good night, Your Majesty.” When he and Samantha were alone, he sank back into his chair, aghast. “I’m mortified.”
    “Don’t be. You had no way to know the topic of my brother and magic is forbidden in this castle.”
    “Julian—or magic?”
    “Both, but particularly if mentioned in the same breath. I’ll explain tomorrow, when we’re on the road.”
    Wills leaned forward and lowered his voice. “Speaking of which, what are you playing at? If our first meeting was any indication, neither of us wants anything to do with the other.”
    Her dazzling smile was disarming. “On the contrary, sir, you’ve grown on me. You’re terribly handsome, as you’re well aware, and probably very accomplished. How can you doubt my sincerity?”
    Her flattery fell short. “Having known you for a short period of time, it’s really quite easy.” He bowed and took his leave. “Until tomorrow, then.”
    As Wills mounted the staircase on the way to his room, his emotions were conflicted. Although he resented his father’s bald attempts at matchmaking with every fiber of his being, he was genuinely attracted to the princess. Samantha had a sharp tongue, admittedly, but it was outweighed by the sharpness of her wit. Her attempt to pass a servant off as herself would have been insulting if he hadn’t also been guilty of the same thing. Perhaps this journey will give me the rare opportunity to learn more about this woman, away from the prying eyes and machinations of our parents. I think I’m looking forward to it after all.

Chapter Three
    Steel or Salamanders
    I N T HE M ORNING , Samantha dressed in a tunic, breeches and boots. Over Nan’s strong objections, she’d cut her waist-length tresses to her shoulders, pulled the top half back and knotted it with a leather tie. It was very similar to the way Prince Wills wore his own dark hair. Before she left her room, she examined herself in the mirror one last time. I could be mistaken for the prince’s younger brother—if one doesn’t look too closely.
    Wills and her parents had already assembled for the morning meal in the dining room. Samantha draped her bulging saddlebags across an empty chair, and slid into her regular spot. “Good morning.”
    Wide-eyed, her mother stared. “What have you done to your hair!”
    “It stays out of my face so much better like this.”
    “You’re not fit to be seen in those clothes!” Tomas exclaimed. “People will take you for a commoner—and a boy!”
    “Exactly my intention.” Samantha grabbed a fat golden biscuit and heaped on some strawberry preserves.