No, I noticed it, too. JP rubbed his chin as they stood in the corner of the great room after dinner. Their voices were low and easily lost in the rapid chatter and occasional yelling happening around them. She does seem to be ignoring Prince Gideon.
I told you she was insane. Sonia remained standing on Toris other side.
Tori pursed her lips and looked at the parquet floor of the great hall. Normally, when dozens of people, especially dozens of wealthy, influential people, were enjoying her products, shed be weaving amongst them, trying to increase their interest and commit them to buying.
Instead, she went for a second opinion.
As important guests in the Fekete Duchy: Piers because he was a prince, Axton because he was a duke of equal standing, and Tori because of personal connections, they were all seated at the main table, closest to the Duke and Duchess and their son. Evzen sat near them and she, JP, and Sonia were answering his questions on Lyce, as it was expected that hed attend in two years.
Tori thought that with Axton, Sonia, JP, and even Evzen taking up the seats nearest Piers, he wouldnt be accosted so easily. At most, soone would likely approach him to talk, but they couldnt sit down and linger.
Even Gideon had remained standing when he spoke to his brother.
Alessa didnt approach, but she did look over.
For a few minutes, Tori had thought she was overthinking and once the gas were brought down and set up for the guests, she had asked JP if he had noticed Alessas abnormal actions.
And JP did.
Shes approached Lady Catherine, Duchess Tetri, and Lord Gerard, JP smiled pleasantly and gave the appearance as if the three of them were in the corner, chatting about sothing pleasant and not trying to figure out Alessas ga plan.
Lady Catherine was the heir of the Sinan Duchy and Lord Gerard was the heir of the Servana Duchy.
Tori lifted her hand and giggled into it to give the illusion of having a lighthearted discussion with her friends. Her eyes were smiling though her voice was dull. Did it seem like an introduction or sothing more?
It looked like Duchess Tetri had a short greeting with her, but Hart lingered around Lady Catherine and Lord Gerard for a bit, JP said. His eyes drifted to a table where six people, led by Axton, were going through a new dungeon crawl plot. Evzen told sothing earlier, before you two ca downstairs. Both Tori and Sonia looked towards him. He said that Hart kept trying to start a conversation and talk to him when they were hunting.
Evzen was talkative to them now, but when they first t, he was withdrawn and resented being dragged to the delta. He was only happy to see them now because he had grown accustod to them. Otherwise, he wasnt comfortable talking to just anyone.
Did he say what they were talking about?
Hart asked about him, what his hobbies were, and spoke about her inexperience being a baroness and how Evzen must understand how she feels because he is an heir to a duchy, JP said. He paused. She also said sothing about how you helped save her this sumr.
She drew her head back with a dubious expression. Did Evzen hear correctly?
I dont think any details were given, but Evzen said that it sounded as if saving her is what gave you the title of countess. He tried to correct her, but he got tongue-tied and no one seed to take him seriously.
Baron Harts recognition was ntioned in the peerage announcent, but that was more padding to the real reason. Tori frowned.
This does bring up the question: if no one believed Evzen, then does this an Prince Gideon and von Dorn dont know the details of what happened this sumr? JP asked. The trio looked at each other.
Sonias gaze sharpened. What are the chances shes spread this around? She has been introducing herself to other guests.
Tori narrowed her eyes and looked away from the guests. I dont know, but its not suspicious to do so. Thats all everyone is doing tonight; finding connections with their peers for smooth relationships.
I havent noticed her approaching lower ranked nobles.... Sonia said in a quiet voice. She looked at the floor for a mont before raising her eyes to et Toris. Isnt it strange that she went to introduce herself to duchies?
But if she was after a high-ranking individual, why didnt she stay with Prince Gideon like she has in the past? Tori t Sonias eyes and neither of them could think of a reason.
Perhaps she gave up on him. They looked towards JP. The second prince was in the naval academy all sumr and didnt receive any news about what happened with the poaching ring. He wouldnt be able to contact Hart or offer her any support. Maybe she was upset that he didnt communicate with her after shed been through such an ordeal. It does make it seem as if he doesnt care.
But she still joined his hunting party, Sonia pointed out.
Because she likely had no other choice. She can ignore him until she needs him. Toris eyes went across the room. Because of curiosity, many younger nobles remained in the great hall to try the gas. Axton escorted Piers to his room before coming to play, and Gideon and Fabian werent in the hall, as if in silent protest of Toris gas. Our hunting party was filled and so were the ones for the high-ranking nobles.
Sonia sneered and turned her head away from the crowd. Dont tell she looks down on low-ranking nobles when shes a low-ranking noble.
Tori took a deep breath. She could be looking for more support. You know about her barony; its in a worse situation than Cosora. It would make sense for Hart, who just succeeded her father, to try to get on good terms with high ranked and influential nobles to gain access to assistance that may help her and Chetterswickshire. Its not a bad idea and her barony does need all the help she can get.
Sonias shoulders lowered and she let out a small sigh. She gave Tori a small shake of her head. Despite all the rumors she started about you, youre still so forgiving.
Tori snorted. Im not forgiving, Im just trying to rationalize her actions.
If your guess is right, and she is targeting a high ranked individual with money and influence, the best target would be Prince Piers, JP said. His eyes looked from Tori to his sister and back. Consider all the assistance hes given you so far. Prince Gideon hasnt been able to give her that kind of help.
Sonia nodded. And neither has Guthry.
Tori wanted to wince. Piers helped her so much, it was almost embarrassing. Then lets say she deed Gideon useless. Piers difficulty dealing with people is well known. Hes not an easy person to speak to.
Sonia grinned. It didnt stop her from trying.
Where is Hart, anyway? I dont see her here, JP said. He looked past the two of them, towards the crowds. There were plenty of blondes in the hall, but Alessas specific unique shade and how she always wore her hair down in waves was easy to identify.
Tori and Sonia turned and scanned the hall. Toris stomach began to twist, and she looked at her friends with uncertainty. Sonias eyes flickered to the entrance.
Why dont you go upstairs and check on Alexander? He was very active today; he may still be hungry.
Tori gave her a small nod of thanks and slipped through the sides of the hall to get to the entrance as unnoticed as possible. Her two knights waiting in the hall stepped forward when they saw her co out.
My lady, are you retiring for the evening? At what ti should we collect the gas? Sir Pinzon followed a half step behind her.
Not yet. Im just going to check on Alexander. The guests are still very energetic, so I dont want to tear them away from the gas yet. Tori led up the wide, stone stairs leading to the upper floor of the west wing. With so many guests, nearly all of Granite Towers spare rooms were taken.
To cater to Piers, their rooms were kept isolated from everyone elses. Even Gideons room was in a different hall, what more Alessas. They walked down a long corridor, took a left, and then a right before getting to the specific hall where their rooms were located. There were four imperial knights stationed in the hall. Two were on either side of Piers door and two more were standing across from them, on either side of Toris.
They remained standing guard and staring ahead of them, unflinching, but Tori was certain they were keeping an eye on the young woman lingering by the corner.
Sotis, it sucks when your gut feeling is right.
Alessa was a few steps in front of Tori and if Tori wasnt paying attention, she wouldve run into her. Tori ca to a halt and her two knights stopped behind her.
Alessa appeared focused on the doors a few steps away, but the knights presence seed to keep her at bay. Instead, she quietly paced the width of the hall. As she reached one end and turned around she let out a startled cry. She clutched her arms against her and looked at Tori with wide eyes.
Lady- I an, Countess Guevera!
Tori gave her a small, slow nod of her head. Alessa hadnt bothered the guards or tried to break into Piers room, so Tori couldnt demand for her to leave when she was standing there. It was awkward, but Granite Tower wasnt her ho. She couldnt act as its host.
Tori was still a guest. Since it was too late to ignore Alessa, conflict was inevitable and so she had to be civil. Is there sothing I can help you with, Baroness Hart?
Alessas eyes darted down the hall, towards the doors flanked by knights. No, I was only walking past and am a bit...disoriented.
Tori gave her a nod. Then, if youll excuse . She stepped around Alessa, keeping the neutral expression on her face until her back was turned and allowing the corners of her lips to drop. She reached her door and paused to speak to the two knights in front of her door. How long has she been here? she asked in a quiet voice.
Sir Anderson didnt bat an eye and remained looking straight ahead. She followed shortly after Duke Alvere left after escorting His Highness back.
Has she made any attempt to get closer?
No, my lady.
Keep an eye on her and make sure she doesnt co near Piers. Its strange that shes suddenly following him when she used to follow Prince Gideon. She unlocked her door and walked in. She made a brief sweep of her room, checked the balcony again, and scratched Alexanders chin before calling Piers to let him know he had a little stalker.
It was quite clear that Alessa wanted sothing from Piers, and that she saw Piers as more lucrative than Gideon.
The thought struck Tori: was it possible for Alessas love interests to change?
They better the fuck not. I do not have ti to deal with any more changing variables.
When she ca out of her room, Alessa still lingered nearby. Tori crinkled her eyes. At the very least, Alessa could be more subtle.
Baroness Hart, do you need assistance finding your way back? These old castles built around the ancient structures tend to be awkward and one can beco disoriented easily, Tori said as she approached. We can bring you back to the great hall, if youd like.
There was no valid reason for Alessa to remain in that hall and as a result, she was forced to give Tori a wry smile and nod. Thank you, my lady. I would appreciate it.
Tori gave her a nod and walked past her. This way. You should call for a valet to escort you back. We start the return to Horizon in the morning, so a restful night is a good idea. By the way, are you returning to Horizon or Chetterswickshire?
Horizon, Alessa said, following behind her. I will remain in Horizon until Lyce starts.
Toris calm, smooth gait nearly stumbled. She tried to keep her voice even. Oh, where will you be staying?
In the fourth district, Alessa replied with a hint of pride. An acquaintance recently bought an inn there.
Reviews
All reviews (0)