Forbidde to Love You

Chapter Ten — The Beauforts III

Later that evening, William sat alone at the table in his chambers. The servants had brought his dinner exactly as his mother promised, all of his favorites, but he was still thinking about Serena when someone knocked.

"Come in", he said after swallowing a piece of roasted meat.

The door opened and Nathaniel stepped inside. His father had changed out of his formal clothes and was wearing a simple dark tunic. He closed the door behind him.

"How are you feeling?"

"Better."

Nathaniel walked closer. He examined William's arms again and also his ribs.

"Your mother told me you were in pain."

"She exaggerates."

"Your mother does many things."

William smiled. Nathaniel pulled out a chair and sat opposite him. For a moment, neither spoke. Then Nathaniel's expression changed.

"I saw you today."

William knew immediately what he meant, but decided to play dumb as the chair he was sitting on.

"At the tournament?"

"Yes." Nathaniel leaned back. "You fought well."

"Thank you."

"Too well."

William's smile disappeared as Nathaniel studied his son.

"You changed halfway through the match."

William said nothing.

"You were calculating at first. Careful. Controlled." Nathaniel paused. "Then you saw someone."

William looked down.

"Serena Harrington."