Forbidde to Love You

Chapter Four — The Tournament IV

"Beaufort!"

James's voice cut through the noise. William turned as James was surrounded by two opponents, so he immediately moved and intercepted one. James took the other.

Their swords moved together with almost perfect coordination. For several seconds, they fought side by side. Then James glanced at William. There was something almost amused in his expression.

"You've become rather enthusiastic."

William blocked a strike. "I am focused."

James laughed. "You're terrifying them."

"Good."

James raised an eyebrow.nWilliam struck again. Hard.

James's smile disappeared. "Very good."

Across the field, Alexander saw them.

Something about watching his father fight alongside a Beaufort seemed to irritate him. It was one thing for the King to force their houses to cooperate; seeing William move so naturally beside his father was another.

So he attacked. But Ewan saw his brother coming.

The brothers collided in the center of the field. Their teams had almost ceased to matter. It was Harrington against Harrington.

Ewan struck first. Alexander blocked. Ewan swung again. Alexander ducked and struck his brother's side. Ewan stumbled as the crowd roared.

"Come on, Alex!"

Ewan laughed. "You'll have to do better than that."

Alexander attacked again. This time, Ewan barely managed to block. Their swords locked.

The brothers stood face-to-face, pushing against one another.

"Still think I'm the weaker brother?" Alexander growled.

"I've never said that."

"You don't have to."

Ewan shoved him away. Alexander recovered, breathing heavily now. So was Ewan, but Alexander had found his rhythm. He began driving Ewan backward.

One step.

Two.

Three.

Ewan blocked high.

Alexander struck low.

Ewan stumbled. Alexander saw the opening and his sword rose.