The Prince Forth & The Pauper by ARIE78 (Completed)

Chapter: 10. The Uninvited Guest

Beam wandered through the castle, having had the idea to go running off straight away to find Forth but then wondered whether it would be more of a shock, and so more fun, if he turned up without wearing the maid uniform. He grinned as he tried to imagine the look on Forth’s face and walked quickly back to his room, dressing quickly in his own clothes that he had brought with him. He frowned as he realised he would need to go back to his home and grab some more if he intended to stay here but quickly shrugged off the thought as he closed the door behind him and set off to find Forth again. He looked through a window as he passed and stopped, backtracking as he recognised what he thought was Forth. He stood for a second trying to gauge whether it was or not. It certainly looked like him but...beam frowned as he stared, completely confused at Forth practising sword fighting out in the courtyard with Ming and some other squires. He stood back from the window, deciding to go down to the courtyard and check for himself, still perplexed as to why someone with no talent at fighting would be practising.

~Down in the courtyard~

Forth panted as Ming dodged his jab and parried his next slash easily. He pushed the sword into the ground, holding onto the hilt; completely warn out after a few minutes. He flicked his hair back and ran his hand through it, annoyed that he couldn’t make any progress at all in the art of swordsmanship.

“You’re improving Prince.” Ming smiled at him encouragingly. He put down his sword and came out of his stance, having been keeping an eye on Forth as they were sparring and watched him grow tired so as not to hurt him by accident when he was too tired.

Forth glared up at him. “Liar.” He stood up properly, having regained his breath enough. He put down the sword in the rack beside the sparring area, disappointed at himself, the look showing on his face.

Ming walked over and clapped him on the back. “No, seriously you’ve improved. Hasn’t he?” He turned to the audience they’d received of other squires who nodded with Ming encouragingly.

There was a snort behind them. “You don’t believe them, do you princess?” August pushed through the throng of squires, smirking, placing himself in front of them before standing in the enclosed sparring area. “I was watching your fight as well.” He turned slightly to Ming, a disbelieving look on his face. “He’s improving? Well, maybe since the first time he picked up a sword.” He smirked again at the angry look on Ming faces before turning once again to Forth who wouldn’t look at him. “He was humouring you through the whole fight. Would you like to try being in a real sparring match, princess?” August pulled his sword from his scabbard, grinning widely.

Forth looked up from the floor, glaring viciously. “A fight with you? No thanks.” He turned away, trying his hardest not to get to angry with his brother and take up the challenge.

August looked disappointed. “Shame. See, I thought you were doing all this to try and impress someone...maybe a new friend.” He smirked as Forth’s shoulders stiffened. “Oh wait, I forgot. You wouldn’t want to impress a girl now would you, princess?” His grin widened as he noticed Forth’s clenched fist and his arms beginning to shake. He put on a fake voice of dawning realisation. “Oh, is she your new best friend? Someone to talk about jewellery and dresses to?” He pretended to look confused for a second. “But then why would you feel the need to do some sparring? Such a girly princess wouldn’t need to learn something as dirty and sweaty as fighting.”

Forth snapped. He spun round, grabbing his sword out of the rack. “Fine, I take your challenge!” He walked over to the centre of the enclosure, getting ready into his fighting stance.

August smiled, walking over as well, putting a fake note of concern to his voice. “It’s not a challenge big brother. I’m trying to help.” He grinned as he looked Forth up and down. “Your stance is weak, easy to break.”