Tori heard a shocked gasp behind her and looked over her shoulder. Sonias mouth was parted, but there was undisguised delight in her eyes. JPs brows had shot up, stunned, and Axton turned his head to the side to hide his muffled laugh.
Tori looked towards the man whod spoken. Piers lifted the wine glass and took a sip, as if he didnt just tell Alessa she was an incompetent noble.
Piers.... Gideons disappointed voice was quiet. He looked at his brother with crinkled eyes and seed at a loss as to how to take his brothers scathing comnt. You know thats not Alessas fault.
Piers raised a brow, but kept his eyes on the few drops of wine remaining in his glass. I did not bla the Baroness. I stated the bare minimum of what is required of Soleil nobles. His violet eyes rose and looked over the rim of the glass, narrowing as they swept over Gideon. Is what I said incorrect? His voice was challenging.
Alessa looked at Gideon with hopeful eyes, clearly expecting him to defend her. However, Gideon was weak against his brother. The second prince could only avoid Piers gaze.
No, but-
Do not misconstrue my words, Gideon.
Im sorry. I didnt an to. Gideons obedience to Piers didnt wane over the sumr. I only think that Alessa just succeeded in her position. It will take ti to pull her barony out of poverty.
Alessa nodded eagerly and looked back at Piers with determination. Yes, Your Highness! I am serious about the state of my barony and am working hard with my father and possible investors to improve the economy and overall state of Chetterswickshire.
Tori tried not to show her suspicion on her face. She wanted to know who the possible investors were. It sounded as if she had soone else other than Adrien backing her. Thats sowhat worrying. I better bring that up to Kasen.
Piers rely nodded and put his wine glass on the tray of a passing server. We do not expect imdiate changes, but within several years, there should be so improvent.
I understand, Your Highness.
Is the Anlar March assisting? Tori asked. I believe last year; the state of the barony was of concern and the march had offered assistance for economic recovery. Bridget oversaw the general managent of the march, and last year, Andy had reported the troubling situation to her.
It shouldve taken so ti to review the issues concerning the barony, and then another few months to work out even the most basic of a recovery plan.
The OTuagh are not involved, my lady. Chetterswickshire is not a military village, Alessa replied.
Tori cocked her head. I didnt say the OTuagh, I said the Anlar March. A brief look of confusion crossed Alessas face, and she looked at Gideon.
When the military is involved, we refer to it as the OTuagh March. If it is governing the land, including managent of resources, economics, and legal and judicial issues, it is usually referred to by the region, in this case, Anlar.
Tori nodded. For example, I have Guevera knights, not Sur knights. Marches are run differently due to the nature of their positions. However, since Alessa said the OTuaghs were not involved, did that an their efforts were scrapped? Tori had confidence that her cousins would be of help.
Alessa nodded and seed to let their words sink in. I see...then.... Her eyes flickered towards Tori with so curiosity. Since the Countess has only recently attained a peerage, and it is wasteland populated with refugees, are you facing the sa difficulties I am with the poverty of your region?
No, I have money.
Lady Guevera! Fabian choked out her na and moved to stand in front of Alessa, as hed done in the past. How can you say such a thing! His sunburnt face was scowling, and Tori lifted her chin and sneered.
If youre upset by this, then dont compare us, she said in a matter-of-fact voice. And it is countess now, Sir von Dorn. Please rember to address as such.
Fabian had a hardened look on his face as he took a step forward. A large, light brown hand pressed against his chest and kept him back.
When did your liege command you to make an aggressive move towards the Countess? Tori hadnt heard Axton approach, but he seed to have materialized in front of her and was glowering at Fabian. Are you a knight or an untrained dog? You should know better by now.
Fabian grit his teeth. His eyes darted to Tori, quietly glaring at her before looking at Axton. He took a deep breath and lowered his head. He did not command , Duke Alvere.
Is this your will? Piers glanced at his brother. Gideon shook his head.
Fabian was just taking a step-
Knees bent, hips aligned, right arm rising while his left is moving back, Tori said as her eyes went up and down Fabian before turning her head away in distaste. He was going to grab .
He wasnt! Gideon frowned. Stop trying to make trouble, Lady-Countess!
Gideon, Piers said in a low voice. Both of you spent several months in the naval academy. I expected better discipline.
His words seed to physically wound Gideon. The second prince clenched his hands at his sides, and he turned his head away. Im sorry, Piers.
To make it clear, our hunting party is full, Axton said as he crossed his arms over his chest as he stood in front of Tori, half hiding her from the other three teenagers. In addition, Tori knows how to ride a horse, but her brothers dont want her riding without supervision because the accident two years ago nearly killed her. Lastly, Cosora does have the advantage of a wealthy ruling noble who is willing to invest heavily into it. Thats nothing to be ashad of.
My family invests heavily in our military and our marchs infrastructure. Tori narrowed her eyes. I was taught that this is a necessity for a regions prosperity and stability, which our survival depends on.
Duchies also invest heavily into their lands. Even when I didnt have my title, I still had people doing so on my behalf, Axton said.
Piers glanced towards him. The Alvere Duchy is still behind the others.
I know. I have a lot of work to do. Axton rolled his eyes. Tori could only imagine hed been nagged about it often since he regained his title.
The Alvere Duchy? Alessa furrowed her brows and looked at Axton, confused. Has sothing happened to Montans father?
Tori barely held back a low, cringing hiss. Across from her, even Gideon looked horrified that Alessa ntioned Axtons father and by way of his half-brother in front of Axton.
Does she know about their family?Or did Montan hide it from her? It certainly wasnt sothing to brag about. Toris other hand reached towards Axton and grasped his forearm to try to offer so support. She wasnt sure how Axton would react, especially after he realized his father was obsessed with their imaginary family. She craned her neck and Axtons face had tensed. His lips were in a tight line and the muscles of his forearm were tight.
His title has been stripped, as he was not a blood mber of the Alvere family. He married into it and had no right to succession. Piers spoke up and his voice was cold. For Piers to step in and shield Axton wouldve been unexpected to others, but Tori didnt find it strange at all, even considering Piers disposition. Axton is and always has been Duke Alvere.
The confusion didnt leave Alessas face. If anything, she seed even more at a loss. What about Montan?
Oh my God, you idiot. Read the room! Toris grip on Axtons arm tightened.
Montan is unrelated to . Axton sounded as if he were confirming details. He neither ca off as disgusted or angry. Simply detached.
Alessas shoulders slumped, and she gasped. But hes your brother! How can you say such a thing! Its not his fault that your father betrayed your mother!
The air around them went cold.
Should I drag Axton away? Hes pretty big, I dont think Im strong enough.... Maybe I should signal JP and Sonia for help. Or maybe I should shut Alessa up permanently.... Toris mind whirled and was lost between considering fleeing with Axton and throttling Alessa.
Baroness Hart. Tori shuddered as she heard Piers icy, accusing voice beside her. Their situation is not any of your concern. Refrain from speaking on such topics. Normal people would consider his words an imperial order.
I know its not my business, but Montan is my friend! But Alessa did not. She stepped forward and stood up straight, as if she were on so righteous warpath. The increasing volu of her voice drew the attention of other guests and the room had grown quieter. Your Grace, please dont discriminate against Montan. He really admires you! I know; hes a good friend of mine!
Shes insane.... Sonia muttered behind them. Tori looked over and saw that Sonia was holding her comcry in her hand and it was glowing, aning soone else was listening. Tori would bet money it was Ilyana.
Baroness Hart, do not overstep your place. Axtons face darkened and Tori released Piers arm to pat Axtons back. Axton had so much patience and shed never seen it tested like this by a stranger. She needed to stop it before an even greater spectacle was made.
Hes my friend! I wont let him be disgraced-
You wont let him be disgraced, but you let him co with you when you ran away from ho, and then knowingly put him in danger by confronting poachers, while unard? Toris voice matched Alessas as her eyes bore into her. So much for stopping a spectacle. I just dove right in....
That was an accident! We didnt plan to run into poachers-
Was it an accident that made you run away from ho?
I was upset at the ti-
Oh, so you also have feelings and thoughts that influence your actions?
Thats not a bad thing. Fabian interjected, and Tori shot him a silencing glare.
Its not, but it is not up to Baroness Hart to dictate how Axton should feel about Montan. Toris cold gaze settled on Alessa. Nor was it her place to dictate how her father should feel about Madam Voss, but I suppose its fine to scream at and belittle soone so long as you get your way.
Alessas face flushed. I was trying to protect my father from being manipulated and taken advantage of!"
And what are you trying to accomplish by ntioning Montan to Axton unprovoked? Tori narrowed her eyes more so. You are not familiar with Axton at all, and I doubt Montan asked for you to intervene.
Alessa looked hurt as she shook her head. I only want Montan to be happy. Hes very kind to . Is it so wrong to wish him so happiness?
Are you rely wishing or actively trying to force it? Tori raised a brow. Baroness Hart, this matter is complicated and should not be addressed in such a setting, let alone by an unaffiliated party. In addition to overstepping, you are making it uncomfortable for everyone here, especially Axton. So, as he is my friend whom I also wish to be happy, Im going to kindly ask you to shut up and keep your distance from us for the duration of the hunt or I will have you removed.
She could feel the eyes on her, and almost taste the surprise and excitent in the air as everyone watched the drama unfold. It wouldnt end in blows, but it wasnt unheard of for noblewon to slap or claw at each other. There was a slight chance that a fight would ensue, but even if it did, Tori was confident she could either disable or knock out Alessa before they were ripped away from each other.
She didnt go gallivanting around her original world alone without knowing how to defend herself. Her parents sent her to taekwondo for ten years, starting at age eight. She was very rusty, but she could still throw a punch. Worst case scenario, she had experience grappling.
Say the word, my lady, and I will call for my familys knights to expel her imdiately, Evzen said behind her.
Alessa jerked her head back and stared at them with wide, stunned eyes. But...but Im a guest....
Then act like one. Tori put her hand on Axtons shoulder. Lets go claim a table for dinner. There isnt a reason to stand here further. Are you going to join us, Evzen?"
Yes, my lady!
Piers moved to the other side of Axton, as if to shield him from view as Tori steered him away. They didnt spare any more glances at Alessa, Gideon, or Fabian. Tori gave Sonia and JP a nod, and Evzen quickened his steps to tell two valets to open the doors to the adjacent dining room.
As Piers and Axton were with them, they were seated at the head of a large table where the Duke and Duchess would sit.
Do you want to return to the room? Piers asked, leaning towards Axton, who sat between him and Tori.
I can have your al brought to you, Your Grace, Evzen offered from across the table. JP and Sonia sat to his left.
Axton took a deep breath and shook his head. No, its fine. I was caught by surprise. I didnt expect the Baroness to say such things.
It was inappropriate. Piers continued to frown.
Wait, wait, did you leave her behind? Alberts curious voice ca from the open comcry next to Sonia. Several eyes moved towards it and Sonia let out a sheepish laugh.
I thought it would be easier to let them hear it.
Everything is fine, Albert, Axton said, leaning towards the comcry. Well wait in the dining room until dinner.
I hope she keeps her distance, like Tori said, Ilyanas irritated voice followed. I bet shell complain that Tori picked on her.
Let her complain. There were plenty of other people in the room who heard it, Henrik said.
If she brings it up at school, Ill deal with it, JP told Tori. Are you all right?
Axtons the one she was complaining to. Tori shrugged. She looked over and saw him still wearing a frown.
This was different from his expression when she and Piers told him about Montans abuse. Axton had gone quiet and frowned then, too, but it had been a more confused and contemplative frown. Piers told her that Axton read the reports from his people and agreed to keep their n nearby in case Axtons father tried anything. As expected: just because he didnt personally like Montan didnt an Axton wanted to see him abused.
Tori and Piers didnt force Axton to act. They ntioned what they discovered and let Axton do what he wanted. In addition, they were his friends. If they had an opinion, Axton would be willing to listen to it.
But Alessa was a stranger. She was an outsider with no power or influence over Axton. It was downright rude for her to insist Axton change how he thought about his brother. Anyone wouldve been offended if a random stranger told them they were wrong and should treat the son of their fathers mistress well.
And to demand this publicly, in front of dozens of nobles? Tori was the one who transmigrated and even she knew that was a no-no.
Do you want a hug?
Tori slowly turned her head towards Piers. It was an unexpected question, but he seed sincere. He looked at Axton with so hesitancy, but was starting to raise one arm. When Axton didnt reply and just gave him a strange look, Piers moved his arm around Axtons shoulder and patted it.
There, there. There, there, he repeated in a robotic voice.
Tori shut her eyes and pinched the bridge of her nose. Perhaps sympathetic and comforting hugs were still out of Piers ability. Axton tensed; his face twisted with a troubled expression as he looked at Tori for help.
Piers, lets work on one type of hug at a ti, she said with a wry smile. Next ti, all right?
Oh. He looked a bit disappointed as he brought his arm down. Tori replaced him. She looked across the table as her arm rose and began to rub Axtons back soothingly.
Lets focus on tomorrow. You have a long day.
Thats right. Sonia agreed with a firm nod. Lets not forget why were here.
Evzen nodded as he listened to them. To honor the Empress-
Spite.
Reviews
All reviews (0)