When I wake, my entire body aches.

Perhaps I shouldn’t have exerted myself so much. I’ve never been much of a fighter—I’ve always considered myself above such crassness—but I have to admit that a part of me is pleased with myself. It felt good, punching Reginald. I know I shouldn’t have enjoyed it so much, but that fight allowed me to release some of the energy that has been building up in me these last few weeks. Victoria doesn’t have to worry—I have no plans to engage in another fight anytime soon—but I’m glad I gave that bastard a taste of my fist.

I roll over in bed, wincing at the sharp ache that moves through my side. I should definitely visit the royal physicians today.

First, though, my attention is focused on something much more important. Victoria seems to sense I’m watching her, because she stirs and slowly opens her eyes.

“Good morning,” I murmur.

She gives me a lazy, sleepy smile. But it only lasts a moment before falling away and being replaced by a look of concern.

“You look awful,” she says, reaching out and touching my cheek.

I suck in a breath as her fingers press against the swollen skin beneath my eye.

“I’m sorry,” she says quickly, pulling her hand away. “I didn’t mean to hurt you. It just…well, it looks even worse this morning than it did last night.”

“A few battle wounds never killed anybody,” I say lightly, trying to make a joke of things.

But I can tell by the look in her eyes that her thoughts from last night still haven’t faded, that her concern for me and my actions go beyond the bruises on my skin.

“I’ll go see the physicians this morning,” I say gently. “And I won’t let Reginald goad me into another fight. Frankly, I’ll be surprised if he dares to show his face again.”

She raises an eyebrow. “You don’t think this whole thing will just make him more pissed off?”

“Fair point.” As much as I’d like to tell myself otherwise, I have a feeling we haven’t seen the last of Reginald.

Speaking of…

“You don’t have to enter the tournament, you know,” I tell her again.

She hesitates, and I can tell by the look on her face that she’s been at least considering the idea of dropping out. But after a moment, she shakes her head.

“I said I’m going to do it, and I’m going to do it,” she says.

I prop myself up fully on my elbow, trying not to wince in the process. “You shouldn’t feel obliged to—”

“It’s not about obligation. It’s about standing up to a bully.” She sits herself up against the pillows. “And doing it in a way that doesn’t leave anyone with a black eye.”

“If you want to face him in the tournament, then I will be there to support you,” I say, taking her hand and brushing my lips against her knuckles. “But if he even attempts to do something untoward—”

“What do you think he’s going to do in the middle of the tournament?”

I look at her levelly. “He had no qualms about insulting Montovia and suggesting my father is about to die in the middle of the street. I can’t even begin to imagine what he might say or do when he’s up against you. The man has no manners or morals.”

She frowns, and I can see the wheels working in her mind.

I tighten my grip on her hand. “As I said, you don’t have to enter—”

“And what sort of message will that send? I’m not afraid of him, Andrew. I refuse to let some dick call the shots.”

In spite of everything, I find myself fighting back a smile. The Victoria I know and love isn’t one to back down from a challenge.

“The tournament begins at three this afternoon,” I say. “I have to meet King Maximilian this morning, but I should be able to be there for most of the competition. I certainly should be there by the time you go up against Reginald. The championship rounds won’t happen until the evening.”

She nods, and I kiss the back of her hand again.

“Shall I order us some breakfast?” I say.

She shakes her head. “I think I’m going to go out to the gymnasium and warm up. And you should go see the doctors before you meet Maximilian. Maybe they can give you something to help with the swelling.”

I frown. I didn’t even think about the fact that I’ll be facing Maximilian with a face full of bruises from his son and friends. No doubt the king has already received word of the scuffle, though I doubt his son gave him a very accurate description of the events. No doubt he’ll try and use this incident as leverage against me.

I rub my forehead. This is going to be a very long morning.

“Go,” Victoria urges me. “I’ll be fine. I always liked to spend some time alone before a big match. It helps me clear my head. And I’m sure you have a lot to do if you’re going to make it to the tournament on time.”

I do. And as much as I hate to leave her, I know she’s right.

“I’ll be fine,” she tells me again. “Go.”

I lean over to brush my lips against hers. “I’ll be there this afternoon.”

She smiles. “I know. And I’ll do my best to kick that dickwad’s ass.”

I laugh. “Ah, I can’t wait to see the look on his face.”

And in spite of the unenviable task of spending the next several hours arguing with King Maximilian, I have a feeling this is going to be a very good day.