Forbidde to Love You

Chapter Seventeen- The Harringtons II

Across the hall, Ewan was already surrounded by several young women. He seemed to have recovered from the tournament remarkably quickly. Alexander, on the other hand, had barely spoken since returning home, not that girls didn't seek him as well, being the brother who had inerted James looks. But having lost he was just sulking.

Eventually, as the feast continued, the three siblings found themselves retreating from the noise into one of the smaller private chambers.

"I still cannot believe it."

Ewan leaned against the wall. "That you lost?"

Alexander glared at him. "That Beaufort had to be the one to do it."

Serena remained silent. Alexander noticed.

"Are you defending him?"

"What?! I have yet to open my mouth."

"You don't have to."

Ewan sighed. "Alex."

"No. Tell me I'm wrong."

Ewan looked at Serena. "You were watching him."

Serena's cheeks warmed. "I was watching the match."

Alexander gave a humorless laugh. "You were watching him."

Serena folded her arms. "And if I was?"

Alexander stared at her. "Then you're playing with fire."

Serena looked away. Ewan's expression softened.

"Serena..."

"I know."

"No, I don't think you do." Ewan crossed the room and sat beside her. "The Beauforts aren't like us. Whatever William is like, whatever you think you see in him, his family and ours have history."

Serena looked at him. "I know."

"And Father won't accept it."

Alexander snorted. "Father won't even need to be told. He'll see it."

Serena swallowed. Ewan continued more gently.

"I'm not saying William is a bad man. He isn't. I fought beside him. He saved me from being surrounded twice."

Alexander rolled his eyes. "He also threw me across the field."

"You were trying to kill me with a sword five seconds earlier," Ewan pointed out.

"That is beside the point."

Despite herself, Serena laughed. Ewan smiled. "But I'm serious," he said. "Whatever you feel, you need to be careful.

Alexander crossed his arms. "Because if Father finds out, you'll have more problems than William.

Serena looked between them. "Why does everyone keep assuming something is happening?"

Neither brother answered. That was answer enough.