Few people could tell the difference between religious orders through their clothing. Even those who were clergy couldnt always identify the subtle differences in the clothing of various Belcoy orders, let alone layn.
Yet the young woman had boldly spoke out and not only identified the head priest escorting him to Horizon, but repeated the core values of that order. The confrontation that couldve happened suddenly waned with her loud, but seemingly innocent question.
And Constantine couldnt help but smile.
Though he didnt know who she was at the ti, he would later discover that that was his first brush with Victoria de Guevera.
He hadnt known she was a fellow student at Lyce du Soleil until he saw her from across the auditorium. She had been with Ilyana then. Two beautiful young won together drew many peoples attention, but more so because Tori was sowhat infamous.
Had she bought her way into Lyce? Constantine had doubted it. Perhaps it was because he had t her before he heard of her that his opinion of her had not been twisted by rumors. It was unfortunate that they were in different classes and dorms. Catching a glimpse of her had been particularly rare.
A thought had crossed his mind: maybe she was avoiding him. If she had recognized him from the inn, perhaps she had a negative opinion of him because of the head priest in his escort. Constantine had spent many unnecessary hours wondering if perhaps he had done sothing at the inn and earned her contempt.
Nothing had co to mind. He had thought he had been helping defuse the situation after she spoke.
It wasnt like him to force relationships. His uncle had let him go to Lyce to experience a normal youth, have new encounters, and make friends his age. One wouldve thought that making new friends would be easy. He had had a good relationship with nearly everyone he t up until that point.
However, even as he thought that, Constantine knew that people were kind to him because of his uncle, the man who had adopted him, but most importantly, the man who was the current Pope of the Belcoy Church.
Before Constantine had set foot on campus, there were students and staff who had already known he was the son of the Pope. With such a title, however unofficial and powerless, other students were drawn to him. Many were curious, so were looking for favor, and others simply wanted to know soone famous...even if he didnt see himself as such.
The first girl to approach him had been Alessa Hart, a barons daughter from a small village in Anlar. She had rounded a corner in her rush to go to the baking club just as he was turning a corner to return to the dorm. The two had collided. Constantine, being the larger of the two, had stumbled back, but remained standing. Miss Hart had fallen back and her bag with so papers spilled on the ground.
Constantine had apologized and automatically knelt to help gather her things. She had introduced herself and from then on, would greet him whenever she saw him. He had thought she was a nice young lady and was polite in return, just as he was to everyone else. This formal politeness of his was drilled into him in Temple Mountain, but when he was faced with people his own age, Constantine had found that he had difficulty being informal.
He was used to addressing elders and acting older than his age because of the environnt where he grew. If he threw tantrums or was disobedient, it would reflect badly on his uncle, and he couldnt allow that. Even when his uncle had assured him it was all right to be a little selfish and act like a child, Constantine wanted to fit in at Temple Mountain. Everyone always said he was well-behaved and mature for his age.
It had been bad enough that he was put on so strange pedestal as the Popes son, but he didnt act like his peers. Getting close to them had been more challenging than he thought, and when the First Year Excursion was announced, he was both hopeful and nervous.
Surprisingly, Miss Hart had invited him to join her First Year Excursion group.
At the ti, while he had been well known amongst his classmates, most students were still politely distant and appeared hesitant to ask him. He had considered asking one of his classmates, but Miss Hart had appeared outside his class to ask, saying her group needed one more person.
Constantine had accepted and had been thrilled to be part of the group. This was his chance to make friends his age. He had beco even more excited when he found out that two groups were going together. He had hardly slept on the wagon on their journey to Alpine Valley.
With a prince and his knight, the son of the Pri Minister, and a dukes son, Constantine had believed his status as the son of the Pope would be overlooked, and hed be treated like any other student in his group. He had imagined that any distance between him and his peers would diminish through the shared trials of camping.
Hed heard the guards of Temple Mountain talking about camaraderie forged through shared hardship. He had hoped the excursion wouldnt be dangerous, but also hoped for sothing to bring them closer together.
When they had arrived at Alpine Valley, all eyes had been drawn to the six students in matching clothing and gear. Constantine hadnt been able to shake the feeling that their bonding started before they left Lyce and as he watched them trek through the forest in a neat line, he felt so envy.
The young woman everyone had been speaking ill of was the leader of that group and she took care of them. She had prepared her friends for the hike well and they were at ease with her. She was the daughter of a marquis and most of them were commoners, yet she had been cooking their food.
That first night, Constantine had slept on the ground, curled up as close to the fire as he could get. He had ignored Prince Gideons annoyed grumbling and how he had called Tori selfish. Tori wasnt selfish; she just wasnt willing to let her friends be taken advantage of, even by the second prince of Soleil.
In fact, Constantine had thought it was rude to demand tents from another group when their group did not plan well enough and brought the situation on themselves. What he had thought was fair to ask about was sothing to eat, as they really had lost all their rations accidentally.
Constantine had made up his mind to ask Tori for food. The worst she could say was no and he wouldnt hold it against her. He had tried to be as casual about it as possible, knowing that if he seed to beg, Prince Gideon would be upset and insist that they didnt need to beg from Toris group. Constantine had noticed Toris hesitation; she didnt want to give them any food, but she still had it prepared.
It was why when he had heard that she led groups across the river, helped an injured student, and then led them to the exit, he wasnt surprised.
He had almost wanted to laugh.
Victoria de Guevera, the girl everyone said was an arrogant idiot who abused her position and wealth, had a penchant for taking care of others.
At the end of the First Year Excursion, Constantine had noticed the distance between him, and others hadnt decreased. Except for Miss Hart, everyone continued to be amiable and polite, but werent what hed consider friends.
He couldnt help but wonder: what if he had joined Toris group?
He had noticed her more and more, and just before they left for winter break, fate let them cross paths once more. He was embarrassed about it now, but he had gathered his courage to buy her coffee in the hopes of getting to know her better. Her face had been so stunned, Constantine couldnt stay in front of her and fled as soon as he could.
His attempt to beco familiar with her had backfired, as they didnt have much contact since.
Until the Lyce projects were issued, and Tori had approached him.
He rembered how his heart had been slamming against his chest when she spoke of the projects and asked if hed like to collaborate with her. He had tried so hard not to show his eagerness on his face and had been almost relieved when Miss Hart appeared, as it gave him a chance to calm down.
Part of him had expected Miss Hart to co to him, as he had heard her project had to do with an orphanage run by an abbey and it was well known that he had connections with the Belcoy Church. Miss Hart never seed to shy away from approaching him, and he was thankful for her familiarity, but she was occasionally too familiar.
It was as if she was certain they were ant to be friends. That wasnt a terrible thing, but they always seed to run into each other when there was so benefit to her. She had studied with them and sat with them for als, but that was the extent of it. It was strange, but Constantine had felt that she was both sincere and insincere. He couldnt shake this feeling.
However, Tori had been quite clear about working together being mutually beneficial. From what he had observed of her, she wanted to do all she could to help the refugees.
Constantine had taken her invitation in a heartbeat, afraid that shed retract it. He had missed being in her excursion group; perhaps this was the gods giving him a second chance.
The morning theyd taken a walk in the encampnt and had a long talk, he knew hed made the right choice. It was the first real ti hed felt connected with soone his age. What was better: she seed to not only understand him, but encourage him. Hed never forget how her eyes lit up and her voice grew excited when he told her about his interest and what he was considering doing with his life.
The only other person who listened to him like that was his uncle.
It didnt take long for him to be brought into her circle. Hed gone out to eat with them, played gas late into the night, explored the city and the delta, and had the best tutor in the school on his side. Even when they were being respectful and formal with his na, it didnt seem to matter nor did their actions and speech feel politely distant.
They tried to include him as much as possible. They talked often: both serious, thoughtful topics and ridiculous ones. They danced, played, and ate together. He felt that they saw him as Constantine the teenager and not Constantine the Popes son. He relaxed around them and little by little, picked up their small mannerisms, joined in on their teasing, and, as his uncle would put it - acted his age.
Needless to say, he enjoyed every mont with his friends.
However, Tori was always a bit different. Sothing made him aware of her and he wasnt sure what, but he paid attention. She had made her thoughts and feelings clear, and they had settled on friendship, which he valued deeply. After all, she had been supportive when he told her about himself; of course, he would be supportive when she did the sa.
Sotis, Constantine felt satisfied. Who didnt want friends who scread their nas during a boat race and made them food?
Sotis, Constantine wanted more.
Asking her to be his witness if he joined the church would make them family. She had agreed without hesitation, and he had seen the joy and surprise in her eyes when she agreed. She had felt it was an honor. He shouldve been satisfied with that. No matter what happened, they would be connected.
But in that mont, when he had buried his face on her slender shoulders and felt her arms around him, silently comforting him without question, he wanted one more mory of her. One mory that was different from the ones he had with others.
So, he had asked to kiss her. A small, desperate, and selfish request.
While he had been disappointed when she agreed to only a kiss on the cheek - a traditional and common greeting and parting act in his part of Sur, it was good enough.
It was embarrassing to admit that hed dreamt of his first kiss with her, but part of him didnt believe it would happen.
Until now.
It wasnt just her lips, it was everything. The comforting hand caressing and cupping his cheek; the whisper of her voice in his ear; and the scent of sweetened coffee mixed with the saltiness of the sea air around them. Her lips were warm and soft.
Constantine almost choked back a cry in surprise. Hed heard about this, but didnt expect it. What did he need to do? Did he have to reciprocate? He didnt know how. What if she hated it?
His wide eyes looked down at her face and could see her dark lashes. Her eyes were closed and so he shut his. He parted his lips and then....
Even though I cant give you anything more, I do care about you and will be here if you need . Her hand brushed aside so of his hair that had fallen over his face. I hope you wont regret this.
Constantine blinked. It was over? Just like that? He just closed his eyes and it ended? He couldnt rember the rest of it!
He couldnt help but stare at her. I.... An affectionate and kind smile t him, and his eyes watered. This was more than he thought hed get, wasnt it? He never thought hed get such affection; he was raised in the most sacred of monasteries and there were very few people who had partners. He had assud hed be one of those without. But this wasnt a bad mory to have; a bittersweet good-bye kiss to officially end his ti in Lyce. Even if he wasnt completely satisfied, there was a resigned peacefulness. He gave her a small nod and smiled. I wont.
She nodded her head and cupped his cheek with her hand one last ti. Work hard and take care of yourself. Good-bye, Constantine.
He took a deep breath and swallowed hard. His heart was full, but tight. He engraved her face in his mind. You, too. Good-bye, Tori.
In a daze, he turned around and headed up the gangway. He didnt notice the awkward silence or the stunned and sowhat horrified faces he left behind. Constantine didnt look back until he was on the deck of the ship.
Several faces looked up at him from the island.
Good friends are family that you are able to choose. His uncles words to him before he left for Lyce echoed in his head. You would be lucky to find them.
His hands shot to the railing, and he leaned forward. Take care of yourselves! He shouted as he raised a hand waved. The ship creaked as it pulled away. Ill see you in two years!
Various shouts ca from the dock. Ewan jumped up and down as he waved with both arms in the air. Ilyana was wiping her eyes, and Sonia put her arm around Tori as she waved. JP, Henrik, and Albert shouted for him not to study too hard and to let them know when he finished his cloistered period.
I want to see Karap, so you have to show us around! Albert yelled. Constantine laughed and nodded.
Constantine took a step back and bowed his head. When he lifted it, he saw Prince Piers give him a small, acknowledging nod.
He walked along the port side of the ship, making his way to the stern so he could see his friends as long as possible. They didnt leave the island imdiately. Their tiny figures remained until they lted into the island.
My boy, Bishop Florakis put a fatherly hand on his shoulder and gave him a small shake. You will see them again soon. Two years may seem long, but they will be over in an instant.
Constantine smiled and nodded. I know...it feels as if I just started at Lyce a few weeks ago and not two years.
The old man patted his shoulder before withdrawing his hand. Didnt they tell you to open your gift when you were on the ship? You should see what your friends sent you.
Constantine nodded. He headed to the small room he had been allotted and found it piled high with his various gifts from the villagers. The large chest was pushed against the wall. Constantine dug into his pocket for the key and opened it.
With each item he pulled out, his smile grew wider, and his cheeks grew wetter.
His friends were practical in giving him supplies for the seminary. He was sure Henrik and Ilyana gave him enough ink and paper for more than two years. Ewans coffee seed to be from Cafe Fortuna and Constantine felt his chest clench. When they had studied above Cafe Fortuna, Mama J had always brought them this coffee.
Albert seed to have taken care of his bedding and Constantine recalled how he ntioned the simple beds and how hed need to buy new bedding to them once. To think that theyd been so ticulous and listened. The quality was exceptional, and the pillow was very soft. JPs shoes were exactly what he needed when he was in his room and didnt want to wear the formal shoes that were required outside. It was a small comfort.
Hed also heard about Sonias quilting. Mainly that she made quilts for her horse. Who knew she could make a regular one for him? The squares were different patterns and colors with different imagery. There was a lion, a tent, horses, books, the colors of Lyce, and sea motifs. Along each side were squares that had been embroidered with the nas of his friends with their dungeon crawl item above it. If they didnt have one, they had a different symbol, such as JPs bow and arrow and Sonias horseshoe.
Sir Nassauns incense burner was a shock to see. It was expensive and old at first glance, and for a mont, Constantine worried he had given it by mistake. However, the note said that Sir Nassaun wasnt sure what to give him that would be useful as Henrik and Ilyana had already gotten the paper and ink he had been considering. He thought the incense burner would be a good idea. He also added not to worry about the cost as it was just sothing he had at ho.
Sir Nassauns ho was technically Sun Garden, a ducal estate.
Constantine had both laughed and wiped his eyes at Toris gifts of beverage cooling charms, which would be useful in Karaps warm humid climate, the air conditioner-heater, and the cloak. All her friends had Lions Gate outerwear styles nad for them, now he had one, too.
As he ran his hand over the material, he felt sothing hard beneath the fabric. He furrowed his brows and felt around for a pocket. A small velvet drawstring bag was pulled out and he quietly opened it.
A gold ring with a black, opaque crystal. In the light of the small room, he could see faint lines carved into the stone. It was rather large, and he fished out the piece of paper tucked inside. Tori had made him a thumb ring with a crystal talisman for safety, wisdom, and focus.
Constantine smiled at once and slipped it on his thumb. After carefully folding the cloak, he moved on to the last item.
The last item had been carefully wrapped. It seed to be a painting and was rather wide. A note was tied with it, and he opened it first.
I look forward to another al with you. - Piers Emil
Constantine furrowed his brows. He didnt know what to make of that, but he didnt question it. He unwrapped the painting and his heart swelled.
The sa to you, Your Highness. The sa to you.
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