Forbidde to Love You

Chapter Eleven — The Beauforts IV

William's jaw tightened. "I was simply looking toward the stands."

"William." There was no anger in Nathaniel's voice, only warning. "I hope this is infatuation."

William looked up. "And if it isn't?"

Nathaniel's expression hardened. "Then you will have to make it one."

Silence filled the room.

"Father—"

"No." Nathaniel leaned forward. "You cannot be with that girl."

William's expression changed. "Because she's a Harrington?" He asked, hoping his father had a reasonable reason instead of a grudge made by a war long fought even before his birth.

But the Beaufort patriarch wasn't about to beat around the bush.

"Yes."

"That isn't her fault."

"I know."

"Then why should she be punished for it?"

"Because this isn't about punishment." Nathaniel's voice became quieter. "Our families have spilled blood on opposite sides of the same wars."

William knew the history. Everyone did.

The Beauforts had supported one side. The Harringtons had supported another. Men had died, lands had been lost, promises had been broken. And although years had passed, neither family had forgotten.

"You fought beside James today," Nathaniel continued. "That does not make him your friend."

William looked away. "I know."

"Do you?"

Nathaniel's expression softened slightly. "I love you, William. You know that."

"I know."

"And because I love you, I will tell you something you may not want to hear."

William waited.

"I still do not like James Harrington."

William remained silent.

"I haven't forgotten what he did before the war. I haven't forgotten what his family did. And I haven't forgotten what mine did either."

Nathaniel sighed. "The tournament was a performance. The King wanted his houses united. We gave him what he wanted."

"But you don't believe it. You know our family was in the wrong all these years ago."

"I believe that you fought beside a good man." Nathaniel continued. "I do not believe that makes us friends."

William's voice was quiet. "Serena isn't her father."

"I know."

"Then she shouldn't be judged by him."

Nathaniel looked at his son for a long moment. "No."

William's expression softened with hope. Then Nathaniel continued.

"But neither should you underestimate what loving her would mean."

The hope disappeared. Nathaniel stood.

"I mean it, William."

He placed a hand on his son's shoulder.

"You cannot be with Serena Harrington."

Then he left.

William remained alone.

He stared at the closed door.

His father's words echoed in his mind.

You cannot be with Serena Harrington.

For the first time, William wondered whether that was a warning—

or a challenge.