Not Allowed to Love You

Chapter Five — The Tournament V

Then William saw him. He saw the angle, the opening and the exact fraction of a second in which Alexander's weight shifted too far forward as William crossed the field with terrifying speed. Alexander's eyes widened as he turned a second too late.

William's sword struck Alexander's armor with a deafening c***k. The impact lifted Alexander from his feet and he crashed onto the dirt.

The entire arena went silent, but Serena stood, not caring for property.

"Alex!", she shout not caring for anyone but for her bother at this moment.

For a heartbeat, William froze. His eyes dropped to Alexander, and the confidence that had driven him through the match vanished beneath a flash of concern. He hadn't meant to hurt him that badly. He had seen the opening and taken it, but the force of the strike had been greater than he expected.

Serena's heart hammered against her chest as she watched William. He looked toward the stands for the briefest moment, and their eyes met. There was no triumph in his expression now—only concern. Serena knew he was looking at her, silently assuring her that Alexander was all right, even before either of them knew whether that was true.

Alexander rolled onto his back, stunned. William remained standing above him, his chest heaving, his sword lowered. For one moment, neither moved. Then Alexander looked with fury in his eyes. William offered him his hand. Alexander stared at it then, after long seconds, with the entire kingdom watching them, he took it.

William pulled him upright. "Good fight."

Alexander's jaw tightened. "Next time."

William smiled faintly. "Next time."

The horn sounded. The tournament was over. James Ewan and William's team had won.