Excerpt: The Gate to Lost Roads

Her eyes lit with challenge, and it seemed to please her. "I thought you might flush. My dear niece, I have no intention of dividing the holdings beyond what is absolutely necessary to keep my sons in minimal property, and that would only really be needed if they married foolishly. They all have handsome allowances and ought to attract the finest ladies in Prie. With no daughter of my own, you're my best chance to keep the estate entire. And that is worth far more to me than comforting your fears."
"Your Grace, while I'm respectful of your extreme generosity and--"
"This isn't negotiable."
Margie had always respected rank, but she'd never been treated so rudely and her common sensibilities rebelled. "You plan to force me?"
The Grand Duchess got a bemused look on her face. "I shouldn't have to. You yourself admitted that power and wealth could do a great deal to help your brother. But if I must, I will. I will force you to visit with eligible bachelors, men of wealth, culture and physical beauty, and I will see to it that you enjoy yourself and that they put their best effort to please you. I'll require you to meet with the royal family and make important connections. I will demand that you explore Prie and visit your many holdings, each with its own spectacular qualities, so that you learn to love what I love. And I will insist that you learn to appreciate what your mother left behind."
"Left behind for good reason, Your Grace."
Her Grace looked less amused. "You don't have the same complications as your mother."
If she asked to return to Merida to think it over, she knew that not only would she get a full refusal, but a close watching. "I thank Your Grace for your patience. I don't mean to be argumentative, nor reluctant to embrace what is a very great boon."
"Not a boon, your birthright."
She inclined her head in acquiescence.
"You don't fool me, young lady. Perhaps you were uncertain of the count, but I suspect you have discovered the two of you are in fact matched in love."
Margie couldn't control the blush.
"Resign yourself, Your Grace." She drew herself up to her full posture, power infusing every word. "Your mother fled her fate with my help, and you will not have that." With that declaration ringing in the air, the Grand Duchess turned and walked away back the way they'd come down the garden path.