Authors: S.G. Rogers
Clash of Wills (19 page)
“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
W
HEN
S
AMANTHA
S
POTTED
W
ILLS
, 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, and 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
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