The Autumn Tournament was a three day event were students from Oxford and Cambridge come together to participate in various games which is enjoyed by locals and students alike.

Everyone enjoyed the competitive atmosphere in which Cambridge and Oxford students did there best to bring as many trophies as they could.

By the third day Cambridge was leading with Three points and to win this Tournament it was necessary for first years to win in all four competition that is going to take place today and surprisingly Anthony was part of all four clubs that are going to compete against Cambridge.

The first win came in form of Sharma as everyone watched the intense chess competition between him and Cambridge student.

Anthony eyes were trying to detect Sharma's fiancé, his father-in-law and Kathani but he couldn't see their faces among this huge crowd.

"Is he any good?" Bassett whispered nervously as he watched another pawn of Sharma being down by his competitor.

Abandoning his search, Anthony assured him in a confident voice. "Have some faith Basset, this is Sharma's trick."

"What trick?" Dorset inquires as another pawn was taken from their room-mate. "By looks of this Sharma is on verge of losing."

Anthony smiled as he noticed Sharma's calm face as he told his friends. " Trust me guys, I have seen his game. He makes his opponent think they are winning and just when they get their guard down he..."

"Check and Mate!" Sharma's voice echoes confidently as he defeated his opponent with blink of an eye.

Both Anthony, Simon and Dorset cheered for him along with everyone else as Sharma received first trophy of the day.

The second competition was a fencing match.

While everyone was busy watching Fife's competing with his opponents. Kathani quickly detected Gen in the crowd with her father.

"Basset, Dorset, I am just going to greet my fiancé and her father." Her room-mates were too involved in competition that they gave her brief not but then Bassett grabbed her arm. "Return soon Sharma, next is Bridgerton turn and he needs his mate to cheer for him."

"Don't worry, I will be back before his round begins." She assured him and quickly walked towards Gen.

She politely greets Gen and father, who always embrace her, thinking He is embracing Karan.

"Karan? Its Lord Bridgerton turn right? Your sister told me to wish him luck on her behalf since she couldn't make it due to her illness." Genevieve acted convincingly in front of her father.

"Ah!" Kathani played along as she turned towards her father. "If you don't mind? Can I take her to Bridgerton?"

Like always Genevieve's father buy her act as he gave them permission. "Just hurry up! I don't want you to miss this round."

They both rushed towards where tents were set for players. Since everyone was busy watching competition they found many tents empty.

In one tent they both quickly entered and with Genevieve's help she quickly shed Karan attire. Wash herself with Lilies soap and then wear lavender dress that Genevieve brought for her in her bag.

"Kathani! Your hair!" Genevieve hissed as she left it unbound.

"No time! Besides I will be back in a few minutes and wear that wig again."

Leaving Gen with her clothes and wig she quickly ran towards the tent which she knows allotted to Anthony.

Once she reached there she took a deep breath and peaked inside. Anthony was adjusting his gloves and looked dashing in his white attire.

Controlling her fluttering heart she calls his name. "Anthony."

"Kathani?" His voice came from inside. "Is that you?"

She stepped inside and felt blush rising her cheeks as he looked delighted at the sight of her. Especially the way his eyes roam over her form before settling on her face. "I cannot believe you came to see me."

She slowly walked closer towards him. "Well! You ask me so sweetly to meet you, so I can wish you the best of luck before your competition."

He stepped closer giving her his charming smile. "I am glad you fulfilled my wish but how are you going to wish me luck?"

Kathani felt confused as she asked. "I don't understand? Are my words not enough to bring luck?"

He quickly became serious as he assured her. "Of course Its enough! Just seeing you here is more then enough for me."

"Then what did you mean earlier?" She asked and found Anthony shying away as he replied. "Nothing just me being silly."

Feeling vexed by him, she yells his name in frustration. "Lord Anthony Bridgerton! You better explain if you want this friendship to continue on!"

It was his turn to blush as he answers. "I was hoping for your favour. You know a token of luck as I went in this competition."

"Oh." She blinked in surprise and then cursed her stupidity for not wearing any ribbon on her hair, jewel or even plain handkerchief to give him as her favour.

"Told you it was silly. You being here to wish me luck is enough for me." He assured her with a smile.

The only problem was that now just wishing him luck is not enough so with a deep breath she told him in a commanding voice. "Anthony, close your eyes."

"What?"

"I say close your eyes." She told him again and to her surprise he quickly obliged.

Her heart was beating wildly out of her chest as she stepped closer until they were standing nose to nose.

She can feel both their breathing increase as she leans forward as whisper in his ear. "Best of luck Anthony. I hope my favour helps you win today." With that she quickly but hardly kissed his cheek and by the time she stepped away his eyes were shining and a huge smile gracing his face. "Win today Lord Bridgerton and you can ask for anything you want."

With that she ran outside and Genevieve was smirking when she returned with a flushed face and huge smiles.

She don't know if her words or her favour did the trick but when she watched Anthony besting his opponent within few minutes of competition, she knew one thing that her heart was filled with pride, joy and maybe something more.

Boxing matches were the third competition of today as crowd gathered around the Boxing ring. Since Bassett was selected to represent the first years.

Anthony , along with Sharma and Dorset went together to cheer their friend.

"Why are you touching your cheek like that?" Dorset inquires and once again Anthony blushed for getting caught for caressing his cheek particularly the same spot where Kathani has kissed him.

"Nothing." He quickly assured him and while Sharma snickers Dorset looked amused as he examined his face. "I think Bassett hit your face during practice and you are hiding how much it hurt."

Anthony suddenly becomes annoyed as he moves his face away. "You are not certified Doctor yet Dorset beside I can take on Basset's hits perfectly fine."

He could see Dorset was about to retort but then his eyes widened as they heard a sultry voice. "Good afternoon boys."

"Ms. Russo." All three of them greeted her but she only had an eye for Sharma who was looking highly uncomfortable in this girl's presence.

She twirled her hair as she boldly stepped closer to the group. "Congratulations Mr Sharma for your win today. I admit I don't understand much about chess but if someone intelligent and handsome tutor like you could teach me, I think I can learn that game fairly quickly."

"Thank you Ms. Russo for your kind words but I am afraid I cannot help you out knowing extremely well how you have set your sight on me. My fiancé and our relationship is too important for me to let you allow any attempt to sabotage it."

They can all see how quickly Ms. Rosso's eyes flared up as she yells. "My father's owns Inn! Are you that stupid to refuse me for just a mere Tailor's daughter!"

Anthony felt anger on Genevieve's behalf who is always so kind and friendly towards him. He was about to say something when he heard Sharma reply.

"Well I must be extremely stupid then. After all I rejected an Indian princess marriage proposal for my Genevieve but then she is worth more than all the Princess in the world not to forget stubborn inn keeper daughter who cannot understand she can't come between people who truly love each other."

"And our Sharma is extremely loyal and one woman man kind of guy!" Anthony informed her by patting hard on his friend's back making him flinch.

Sienna angrily stomped her feet and with a flick of her hair started to walk away when Dorset stopped her. "If you want, I can teach you how to play chess."

"No Thank you! I am not interested in that stupid posh game!"

"You were a few minutes ago." Anthony reminds her and she gave three of them deathly glare as she stomped away back to were her father was sitting.

"Bad luck mate." Sharma told Dorset who looked like a wounded puppy. "Its okay, beside I am an abysmal player when it comes to chess."

"Wouldn't make it different to her." Anthony informed him as they went to take their seats.

The match begins and when Simon first punched his opponent he saw Sharma flinching beside him.

"I bet you are glad about not joining the Boxing team." He whispered in his ear.

Sharma gave him a weak smile and then flinched at another punch. "I must admit Bassett scared me that day with his muscular form."

Anthony tried to contain his laughter as he confessed in a low voice. "Do not tell anyone or I will deny but sometimes he scares me too."

It was then they watched Basset punching his opponent hard that he fell unconscious and with a whistle it was announced. "Simon Basset is the Champion of this competition!"

"Yay!" Everyone cheered for him and Anthony embraced Dorset and then turned to embrace Sharma.

Soon the crowd disappear and once again he was transferred back into tent when Kathani kissed his cheek and invaded his senses with her Lilly's and soap scent.

His arms tightened on its own as he deeply inhales the scent wafting from the neck. Just like in tent Anthony's breeches tightened as he was start getting aroused.

He was going to kiss that skin when a loud voice disturbed them. "Bridgerton! Bridgerton!"

He dazedly stepped back and noticed Basset and Dorset watching him weirdly and then to his horror he found a stricken looking Sharma in his arms instead of his sister.

Anthony looked extremely embarrassed but luckily Bassett saved him. "Looks like today's events are tiring you Bridgerton. You look ready to passed out in Sharma's arms."

"Yes! That's exactly how I felt." Sharma also agreed to his surprise.

"I don't understand Bridgerton looked completely fine few moments ago?" Dorset says as he looked at his three friends.

"You are not Doctor yet." Simon informed him. "Nevertheless we should have some rest! You know rowing competition is in a few hours and it wont do if Bridgerton here fainted there."

Anthony gave him a look of gratitude as the four of them walked towards their tents. "Please do me a favour and do not hug Sharma again!" Bassett hissed in his ear and Anthony agreed. "Do not worry mate, I have learned my lesson."

After all he was still hiding his arousal and feeling confused about why Sharma presence is affecting him same way as his Sister's does?

By the time sunset was about to approach it was first years turn of both University's to compete in final and deciding competition of this Autumn Tournament, as both teams row against each other and end the finishing line before the sunset.

Bassett and Dorset were already seated with their other teammates and just when Sharma and Anthony were going to take their position Anthony saw Genevieve approaching towards them.

"Sharma, your fiancé is coming here." Anthony told him and saw Sharma walking towards his fiancé.

"I know how nervous you are about this competition so I came here to wish you the best of luck."

Anthony watched how Sharma's eyes softened and then he gently embraced his fiancé. "Thank you so much Gen, just your presence is enough to give me strength to do our best."

"Win or loose just know that I am proud of you, that we all are proud of you."

She told him and Anthony was sure Sharma let out a sob as he held his fiancé tightly in his embrace.

"Now go win this competition for our family." Sharma quickly walked back and Anthony couldn't help but pat his back. "Do not worry Sharma, we worked too hard to win this tournament and we will win and secure your place at this university."

"Thanks, mate."

While Sharma was settling in his seat Genevieve stood beside him, to wish him best of luck. "Also, after you win the tournament, wait fifteen minutes for me to distract Karan so you can meet Kathani behind those woods."

"Thank you Ms. Genevieve. Sharma and Kathani are lucky to have you in there life." She smiled as Anthony settled behind Sharma at the end of the boat.

With gun shot the race began and Cambridge students were fast but they lacked synchronization. Especially the one Anthony and his teammates especially Sharma, have mastered in their practice sessions.

By the time of sunset both teams were neck to neck. Anthony's voice echoes as he encouraged his team members "Come on everyone! Use your strength and move faster!"

They row faster than ever and with hard teamwork Oxford team crossed the finishing line.

"Yes! Yes! Yes!" The team cheered in joy as they won the Autumn Tournament.

Once they reached the dock the entire team ran as they cheered for their victory.

Special medals were given to each contestant who won the competition. Basset got his trophy for winning a boxing match. Anthony got a trophy for fencing. Anthony, Simon and Dorset all watched as Sharma sneaked away with his fiancé after getting his trophy.

"Looks like Sharma is going to have special celebration with his fiancé." Simon mused but Anthony feels giddy because now he understands what Genevieve meant by distracting Sharma.

On fifteen minutes mark while Principal of Oxford was receiving the Autumn tournament winner trophy.

Anthony closed his pocket watch and whispered to Simon. "I am leaving Bassett. If anyone asks for me or Sharma then make some excuses for us."

"Were are you going?" He asks but Anthony smiles and left without answering his friend.

It was not dark yet and the woods gave a bluish glow as Kathani stood up from fallen log at the sound of his approaching footsteps. "You came." She breathed in surprise.

"Well, how can I not come to receive a special gift for winning."

She frowned in confusion as she asked. "Gift? But I didn't bring you anything."

"You came to see me Kathani and that is enough gift for me." He told her and Kathani smiles as she twirled her curl nervously. "How could I not come? I wanted to be the first person to congratulate you."

He stepped closer as the next words came from his heart. "If you really want to congratulate someone, then congratulate yourself because if today I won my competitions it was to please you."

He watched as her eyes filled up with tears of pride and happiness. "Oh Anthony!" She crossed the distance between them and hugged him tightly in her arms. "You are such a great friend to me and Karan and I will always wish for your success!"

But as he embraces her back his senses were once again invaded by that sweet Lilies scent and he couldn't help himself as he ask. "Why do you and your brother smell exactly the same? It confuses me and drives me to insanity."

Kathani quickly wrenched herself her pupils wide in nervousness and maybe he could detect fear.

"Kathani?" He began to speak while trying to clear his head but she nervously laughed. "I forgot your gift Anthony so maybe you can have this."

She leaned in to kiss his cheek but in her haste she accidentally missed a step and their lips brushed in a quick peck."

"Huh!" She gasped while Anthony was shocked to have this sweet and soft feeling on his lips.

"Anthony. I." She breathed as her face shows her shock but her eyes filled with desire."

He carefully stepped closer and stared deeply in her eyes. "Kathani, do you want to?" He couldn't finish his question and in answer she didn't say a word but her body swayed closer to him.

He gently cupped her face and brought his lips down to her.

By all means this was the first kiss of Anthony's life and by looks of it, it was his Kathani's first kiss too as she stood still as his lips moved over her.

He pulls away, feeling nervous as he asks. "Is it not good?" He whispered in an unsure voice.

"No, No." She quickly assured him. "Its good, I just don't know how?"

"Just do what you feel." He told her gently and to his delight she closed the distance and kissed him.

It was sweet as they explored the ways to kiss each other better. After few minutes their hands were wrapped around each others as they kissed each other's both softly and sometimes hard.

Anthony could feel his tongue trying to move out of his mouth but he firmly closed his lips because he did not want to scare her.

To him it seems Kathani loves his hair. He almost purred against her lips as she raked her finger on his scalp.

He likes kissing her so much. Like her scent, her lips tasted sweet and honey.

Anthony was feeling elated as she moved her face in another angle to kiss him better and when breathing got necessary they both barely pulls apart, sighed heavily against each others lips before joining them again.

As minutes passed and the woods got darker, Anthony and Kathani's bodies were now fused to one another. Both holding each others tightly, both lost in each other's kiss.

Anthony bring her waist closer to his body and gasped when her torso brushed with his hardened member for the first time, making him moan her name. "Kathani!"

She quickly jumped back and in his haziness he could see how beautiful she looked. Like an angel descended on earth just for him. Her lips swollen from his kisses. Her face flushed. Her chest heaving as she breathless stared at him and then her eyes moved down and then widened.

Following her sight, Anthony noticed his long coat buttons got opened and his arousal was visible from his breeches.

Feeling both frustrated and horrified, he looked up and Kathani looked not scared but extremely nervous as She stepped back. "I am sorry."

"Kathani! No sweetheart this is not your fault! Its mine." But she shook her head and then ran away.

"Kathani! No stop! Please listen to me!"

She stopped at distance and turned to face him but her eyes still falling at his aroused member and it was clear she was startled by something she couldn't understand.

"Kathani. Please come back. I will..." but he never got the chance to comfort her as she stepped back. "Its getting late, I have to go."

His face fell and his heart was about to break when he heard her sweet voice. "But if you want? you can come and see me tomorrow."

With that she shyly waved him goodbye before she ran away and by the time Anthony returned he was able to get his arousal down but bring hope and love up in his heart.

After all today not only did he win the trophy but get his first kiss from the girl he loves and for him her kiss was better than any victory in the world.