Leo was the first to take the bait.
"Well," Leo said brightly, "I bested Lance three times in swordplay last week."
"You cheated," Lance hissed from across the table.
"It's not cheating if it's creative."
"You threw a pear at my head!"
"It was a distraction technique," Leo replied primly. "Effective, too."
The King blinked. "You used... fruit as a weapon?"
"Improvised fruit-based strategy," Jared said with a grin. "Very Leo."
"Mother, tell him it was a foul," Lance huffed.
Queen Seraphina only sipped her wine, unbothered. "It was innovative. Unorthodox, but amusing."
King Aldric actually laughed—a quiet, genuine sound that rippled down the table.
"I'd like to see this swordplay," he said, setting his goblet down. "Now, if possible."
Leo and Lance exchanged a look. A spark lit between them.
"You mean... a demonstration?" Leo asked, sitting straighter.
"Right here?" Lance added, half-rising already.
