Forbidde to Love You

Chapter Twenty — The Harringtons V

Katherine had fought with her husband repeatedly over the matter. She refused to send their daughter to court simply to become another piece on the King's political board. James argued that Serena was old enough to begin considering her future and that an invitation from the royal family could not simply be ignored.

Another argument began in James's study before breakfast and lasted long enough for the servants to quietly retreat from the corridor.

Ewan stood across from his father, arms folded, his expression hard. "You cannot simply leave me in charge because you're taking Serena to court."

"I can, and I am."

"Because I'm the eldest."

"Because you are the heir."

Ewan gave a humorless laugh. "That's convenient."

James's eyes narrowed. "What is that supposed to mean?"

"It means that whenever it suits you, I'm the heir who has to behave like a lord. But whenever I actually want a say in something, I'm still your son."

James stepped away from his desk. "You think being responsible for this estate is a punishment?"

"I think you expect me to suddenly become you."

"No. I expect you to become yourself."

"Then stop treating me like a boy."

"I wouldn't have given you this responsibility if I thought you were one."

Ewan fell silent for a moment.

James continued, his voice firm. "While I am at court, there will be petitions to hear, disputes between our vassals, accounts to review, and decisions that cannot wait for my return."

"I know."

"You will listen before you act."

"I will”.

"You will not gamble away the estate at some tournament."

Ewan scoffed. "I wouldn't. But if I did I would win.”

James almost smiled, but it disappeared quickly.

"Listen to me. I don’t have a choice but to go." James's voice hardened. "Serena is eighteen. She is beautiful, intelligent, and the daughter of a powerful house. At court, that makes her valuable."

"She's your daughter, not a political asset."

"I know that better than anyone."

"Then don't send her."

"Ewan, you’re old enough to know that it does not mater if we are friends of the Royal Family, refusing the King is still not an option."

Ewan shook his head. "So that's it. You're taking Serena to court because the Crown might want a Harrington bride."

"I am taking Serena because she has been invited."

"That's not an answer."

"It is the only answer you are getting."

Ewan stared at him. Then his voice lowered. "What about Beaufort?"

James went completely still. For a moment, neither spoke.

Ewan noticed. "So you have thought about it."

"I have thought about many things."

"She's interested in him."

"I know."

"And he's probably interested in her."

"I know that too."

"Then why are you doing this?"

James looked toward the window. "Because liking someone is not the same as being able to build a life with them."

Ewan's expression softened slightly. "You don't actually hate William."

James looked back at him. "No."

"Then maybe you should stop pretending that this is about the family feud."

"It isn't only about the feud."

"What else?"

James hesitated. "The Beaufort name carries consequences. I don't want Serena paying the price for something she never did."

Ewan was quiet. "And you think a prince would be better?"

"I think a prince would be dangerous in a different way."

Ewan let out a frustrated breath. "You're making her future sound like a battlefield."

James gave him a tired smile. "That's exactly why I need you here."

Ewan frowned. "What?"

"Because while I'm protecting her at court, I need someone protecting this family here."

Ewan looked at his father for a long moment. Then he sighed. "You're very good at making impossible things sound like responsibilities."

James smiled. "You'll understand when you're my age."

"I hope not."

James laughed. "Now go find your brother."

"Why?"

"Because I need to tell Alexander that he's going with us."

Ewan's eyes widened. "You haven't told him?"

"No."

Ewan grinned. "Good luck."

James frowned. "Why?"

"Because Serena is going to complain, Alexander is going to sulk, Mother is going to threaten you, and I'm apparently running the estate."