and as he approached the pair, he lowered it.
“My young cousin.” He kissed her hand.
She was taken aback that he was so cordial.
“I didn’t interrupt anything too personal?” he said, looking first at Samuel then
at Joanna. She realized he was mocking her.
“Of course not, anything that I discuss with the Prince of Ott can be discussed
with my own relation!”
“Perhaps it would be best if I left,” Samuel suggested.
“What is the hurry? You know, Prince Samuel, I was just looking for a fencing
partner. With the crowds, my own man couldn’t get away. Would you do me the
honor?”
“Of course I will.” Samuel glanced at Joanna then at William as if to question
their relationship.
“Excellent! You will find an outfit to put on near the first statue.” He pointed
with his sword. Samuel walked over to the box containing the equipment.
“If you’ll excuse me, Duke William, I would prefer to continue my walk in your
beautiful grounds,” Joanna remarked.
Joanna took a step, but William put out his sword. She stopped and William
lowered his sword.
“You are leaving?” He circled her. Joanna closed her eyes for a brief moment to
focus on his words. “Why would you leave when the game is just beginning? You
see, the Prince of Ott is a fine champion! Or is the Queen of Bow not looking for a
champion?” William’s eyes searched hers; she would not reveal herself to him.
“I must go.”
She stepped away from the path to avoid him, but William grabbed her arm and
escorted her to a bench in the circled area and she obeyed him by sitting down. She
looked up at William. He stood, looking down at her, until Samuel approached
him.
“Are you ready?” William asked him.
Samuel nodded. They took their respective places in the circle. The distance
between them was at least twenty paces. The calculations of battle began in each
man’s head. They bowed to one another then each man raised his sword to his
chin. In an instant they took the fencing pose. A continuous line between body and
blade stretched across the circle to meet as blades clashed. Duke William took the
first point rather quickly as Samuel did not protect his middle enough and William
tipped the blunt blade into it. The Duke was highly skilled in the sport. They
continued the match. Samuel would have to do better and he brought his arm closer