Free Clash of Wills by S.G. Rogers Page A

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 large 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.
    “Defiance will not be tolerated,” she snapped.
    “I. Will. Not. Comply.” With her fists clenched at her side, Samantha forced out each word with an effort.
    “No matter. There’s more than one way to flay a demon.” Aurora beckoned to her guardsmen, who closed in on Samantha from all directions. “Take her to the dungeon.”

    Nick’s breath blew out in a white gust. “I hate to admit it, but it’s growing more frigid in here. Aurora must be trying to kill us faster.”
    “Not good.” Wills jumped up and down to improve the circulation in his numb feet. “I nearly froze to death on the Stairs of Tears, and I didn’t enjoy it at all.”
    A glance of admiration. “You and Samantha climbed the Stairs? Your legs are stronger than mine.”
    “Did you take the long way ’round?”
    “No, I transformed