Forbidde to Love You

Chapter Twenty-one - The Harringtons VI

Alexander was already in the training yard when James found him. He was still wearing the clothes from the morning, his sword in hand, striking repeatedly against a wooden practice post with far more force than necessary.

"Alexander."

The sword struck again.

"Alexander."

Another strike.

James folded his arms. "If you intend to destroy that post, at least have the courtesy to warn the carpenter."

Alexander stopped and turned. "What?"

"You are coming to court with Serena and I."

Alexander stared at him. "No."

James raised an eyebrow. "That was not a question."

"I have no interest in court."

"Neither do I."

"Then why are we going?"

"Because the King invited your sister."

"And you couldn't take a guard?"

"I am taking guards."

"Then why do you need me?"

James studied his son.

"Because you're her brother."

Alexander's expression hardened.

"I know I'm her brother."

"Then act like one."

Alexander scoffed. "I always do."

"Do you?"

"Yes."

James stepped closer. "Then you will stay even closer to Serena while we're there." He continued. "Your sister is going to be surrounded by people who will want something from her."

James's voice became more serious. "You're going to see things at court that you don't like. You may hear people discussing Serena's future. You may hear nobles talking about marriage, alliances, even the princes."

"I'll stop them."

"No, you won't."

Alexander frowned. "What?"

"You will not start a fight because someone says something you dislike."

"They'd deserve it."

"That is precisely the kind of reasoning that gets men thrown into dungeons."

Alexander's jaw tightened. "I don't like it."

"Neither does your mother, your brother or your father."

For a moment, they stood in silence.

Then Alexander's expression changed. "Fine."

James started walking away but turned back. "One more thing: Be kind to her."

Alexander almost laughed. "You're asking me to be kind?"

"I'm asking you to remember that she is not as hard as you are."

Alexander's expression softened. "I know."

James nodded. "And Alexander?"

"Yes?"

"If either of those princes makes your sister uncomfortable..."

Alexander waited.

James gave him a faint smile.

"Then you may glare."

Alexander grinned. "Finally, something I can do."