She studied the compass and compared its north-pointing needle to the pages of the atlas she’d brought with her. On the way into Foundling, she’d noticed a good road heading north. I’ll rise before dawn, sneak out to the stables, and be gone at first light. She wrote a brief note of farewell to Nan, and a second one to Wills which said she’d decided to return home. I’ll slip it under his door tomorrow morning as I’m leaving. The prince would probably be so relieved to be rid of her, he wouldn’t question it. And if her parents believed her to be in Insolitia, she’d have several days to search for Julian.When a knock came at her door, Samantha stuffed the compass, notes, and map under her pillow before answering it. Her stomach gave an annoying little flip when her visitor turned out to be the prince. She glanced past him and into the hallway beyond.“Where is your dancing partner?” Her tone was cool.He laughed. “Do I detect a bit of jealousy?”Her chin lifted. “I’ve no reason to be jealous of a barmaid.”“In fact, you don’t.
