“Is it him?”
Stone sliced his hand through the air. “Leave her be.”
Roderick’s mouth turned down. He understood Stone’s desire to protect Delia but no one was talking to her, helping her work out her feelings. It was going to be difficult but he had had to convince Stone to allow him another private conversation with Delia.
The other man headed back to the training yard and Roderick followed. It was perfect. Men talked best when swinging swords. Every line in Stone’s body was taut. This was going to be a challenge but Roderick didn’t mind. In fact, his own body tensed, ready for a good healthy fight.
Stone picked up his sword, most likely to put it away.
“Care to finish what we started?” Roderick called from behind him.
“No one is here to watch me trounce you,” Stone growled back.
Roderick gave a low laugh. “’We’ll still know.”
His opponent gave a single nod and then stepped back to allow Roderick to ready his sword.
Stone gave him an appraising glare. “I will admit you swing a sword well. For a big man, you have some real agility.”
Roderick grinned. Not at the compliment but that Stone was talking. He wanted the man communicating. Giving a short bow to signal he was ready he moved into position.
Stone made a quick jab but Roderick was ready and deftly blocked it. Two more maneuvers and, after passively blocking, he thrust right into Stone’s body. The swords were dull and the men wore body shields, but it was a point in Roderick’s favor.
“You’re good,” Stone grumbled.
“So are you, though I’d wager you win many battles on intimidation alone.”
Stone gave him a long look. “I am not sure if I should be angry with you for that remark or not.” Jabbing again, he marked Roderick on the shoulder. Even with the dull blade it smarted.
“If you’re not upset yet, then I shall continue. You need to speak with Delia about Reginald.”
“That is not your business.” Stone made a heaving slash toward him but he was angry and his move was easily avoided because it was so obvious.
“Delia is now my business. She thinks it’s her fault that Reginald died.” Roderick hit him with another body jab.
“Eliza says the same, but it simply can’t be true. Why would she think—”
“Don’t ask me, ask her. The silence is killing her, she needs to discuss it and you must give her permission to do so.”
Stone faked left and then swung right, giving Roderick a good thump on his right side. He grunted from the force. “It’s not my way.”
Roderick groaned. It had been a good hit but he used the extension of Stone’s arm to his advantage and plunged his sword in what would have been a kill shot if they were not only sparring. “Then make it your way. She needs to heal.”
“I already told you to mind your own damn—”
“Stone, I won. Victor’s spoil or whatever you wish to call it. But you are speaking to her.” He took a step back. “And then I need to talk with her too. She won’t consent to our match until she’s worked through her feelings.”
Stone glared at him silently. He couldn’t refuse and Roderick knew it.
* * *
Delia watched them out the window. She’d at first thought to cook, working through her feelings but her feet had carried her upstairs instead to the salon where she’d met Roderick. Her thoughts swirled round her mind and she wanted to sift through them. But as she’d sat she’d heard the clash of metal against metal and had moved to the window to see Stone and Roderick sparring once again. Their mouths moved and she couldn’t remember ever seeing Stone speak so much. What were they discussing? Most likely their business. Stone took a giant heaving swing and Delia blinked. Her brother appeared angry. She wondered why.
She did not have to wait long to find out. Within minutes of the men exiting the yard, Stone charged into the north tower salon.
“Is everything all right?” she asked, startled.
“Roderick is under the impression that you blame yourself for Reginald’s loss.” Stone’s voice came out low and dangerous.