"William, wait! Where are you going?" Edward switched to a gallop to catch up with his brother. After withdrawing from Elizabeth, William rode along the forest path toward the cavern exit from Iorlainn, seemingly deaf to Edward's calls.

When Edward drew near, he called out again, "Wait! Why are you in such a rush?" Only then did William slow down and glance over his shoulder.

"What happened?" Edward asked, breathless, noticing the worry lines on his brother's face.

"Nothing," came William's sharp reply.

Edward frowned, surprised by the sudden change in William's behaviour. Something was clearly troubling his brother.

As they rode on, William remained silent, but an unseen storm brewed inside him. Her touch... he could still feel its warmth against his skin. And her eyes... those eyes seemed to see right through him, as though she knew all his secrets and fears.

This touch sparked something extraordinary. It was like a jolt of energy passing between them, and he felt it keenly. It was unlike anything he'd ever known, as though a flame had ignited within him. Its suddenness was sharp, like the sting of a blade, yet it wasn't painful but pleasant, something far more mysterious and disarming. He had faced countless enemies and endured grave wounds, but this... this rattled him to his very core.

A warmth spread through his entire body, stirring emotions he had never allowed himself to feel, leaving him breathless. How could a simple touch do this to him? It awakened a longing he had never experienced before. And though it frightened him, he found himself yearning for it again, yearning for this maiden whose very presence glowed like morning light. But in his mind, such things were dangerous...

William shook his head, trying to banish Elizabeth's image from his mind. He couldn't afford distractions—not with his duty to safeguard the kingdom. Clutching the reins tighter, he cursed himself for being drawn to her in ways he couldn't explain.

'It's just a reaction to her kindness... it doesn't mean anything,' he tried to rationalise. Unable to confide in Edward or anyone else, he resolved to bury these feelings deep within and pretend they didn't exist.

Edward assumed William might still be affected by their tense departure, especially after enduring King Eolan's frustration and Niamh's accusations.

"I believe Niamh will let go of her anger towards you," he said, breaking the silence.

William nodded absentmindedly. But then he returned to the present, realising he hadn't fully registered Edward's words. "Sorry... What were you saying?" He looked at Edward as if awakening from a daze.

Edward patiently repeated his previous statement, hoping to reassure his troubled brother.

"I truly hope so," William said. "But if anything happens to you, she will never forgive me, and I shall never forgive myself."

"All will be well with me." Edward wanted to offer more support to William, but he knew their journey was perilous. The risk that they might never return loomed large. "Worrying about me is unnecessary." He flashed his brother an optimistic smile.

But it did little to convince William. His expression remained serious. "How long has it been since you last held a sword?"

"Hmm, it's been quite a while." Edward chuckled. "But I shall practise when we reach Emberholde."

William sighed, his hard stare fixed on Edward. His brother's carefree nature often frustrated him. "There are many dangers we could face on the road," he said, his voice tinged with irritation.

"I never truly had the opportunity. Yet I still wield a blade with skill," Edward assured him. "Besides, I have your crossbow." He lifted the weapon, casually resting it on his shoulder. "Even in the fiercest wind, I once split an arrow from a hundred paces!"

His brother only shook his head. "It may not be enough. I need to see your sword skills in action."

༺ ✧ ༻

Once they left the caves, William guided Starlight to a clearing in the Whispering Glen. The sun was beginning its descent, casting a warm, golden light over the verdant forest glade. The brothers halted for a much-needed rest, allowing their weary horses to graze on the fresh grass.

Edward leaned back against a tree, stretching his legs as he bit into a juicy red apple. He paused mid-bite, looking up as William approached with a sword in hand. "Get up. It's time to practice."

"Give me a moment." Edward cast an imploring look at his brother.

But William was unyielding. "Dusk is approaching, and we won't have time tomorrow."

With a resigned sigh, Edward stood up, wiping his mouth with the sleeve of his vest before tossing the half-eaten apple aside. "As you command, Captain," he said teasingly, a light smile on his lips. He unsheathed his sword, ready to begin.

The steel of their blades gleamed under the fading light as they locked eyes. William's sharp gaze immediately caught the uncertainty in Edward's stance.

Edward tried to steady himself, inwardly acknowledging the truth of William's concern. Though Niamh had healed him, his skills as a warrior had weakened during his peaceful life. Despite being almost the same age, with Edward only a year younger, William had always possessed an elder brother's authority in Edward's eyes.

Taking a defensive position, Edward recalled how William's strength and resolve had shaped him over the years. He wasn't as skilled in military strategy as William and often had to rely on his elder brother. As a commander of a smaller unit, Edward sometimes needed William's support. He preferred to navigate the political landscape rather than perfect his combat skills.

William's eyes narrowed as he watched Edward with concern. "Your guard is too low. You've grown soft, brother."

Edward adjusted his grip, raising his sword to correct his posture, but there was still hesitation in his movements. William wasted no time. Lunging forward, he aimed his blade at Edward's midsection. Edward managed to parry the attack at the last moment, but the force of William's strike still pushed him back a step.

"Focus, Edward!" William circled his brother like a predator sizing up its prey.

Gripping his sword tighter, Edward tried to anticipate William's next move, recalling the countless times they had sparred in the past. William was relentless, his attacks swift and unyielding. Edward knew he had to be quick to match William's intensity, but peaceful times had dulled his instincts.

He blocked and deflected more blows, but each successful defence felt like a narrow escape. His breath came in short bursts, and the strain of the practice was starting to wear on him.

William pressed harder. "Don't give in, Edward! Fight as if your life depends on it!" His commanding voice echoed through the stillness of the forest.

Edward gritted his teeth, summoning every ounce of strength he had left. He countered with a series of strikes, pushing William back momentarily, but the elder brother quickly regained the upper hand, and, in an instant, the tip of William's sword was pointed at Edward's throat.

Next time, as Edward's grip faltered on the blade, William's sword ripped it from his hand. It flew from Edward's grasp, landing several feet away with a clatter. Panting, he went to retrieve it.

"It is better," said William. "But there's still a rigidity in you. You're like a scholar with a quill, not a knight with a sword."

"Then let's change that!" Edward said with a defiant snort.

"I'll train you myself."

Edward wiped the sweat from his forehead. "Thank you, brother. I've indeed grown soft in peace."

Softer and less assertive in conflicts, Edward was always drawn to William's unwavering determination and the resilience that seemed to know no bounds. He had watched William in countless battles, charging headfirst into danger, taking on the kingdom's most perilous tasks with a courage that was both inspiring and alarming. In those moments, alongside admiration, a nagging fear clawed at Edward: William's bravery might one day be his undoing.

----------------------------------------------