Thank you for dinner! The second years with them were smiling and laughing as the large group walked back towards campus.
Thank you, Ilyana and Lady Tori! The third and fourth years echoed their gratitude, though appeared a bit embarrassed that they hadnt thanked the two soon enough.
Its our pleasure! Ilyana said with a wide smile. Were all going to work hard this next week, so a great al is a good way to start off!
Tori chuckled to herself as she held on to Ilyanas looped arm. There were about twenty-five of them in the group. Quite a decent amount considering there were thirty students on campus. All the second-year students and most of the third- and fourth-year students had joined the dinner.
The older students had warned the second years how boring it could get in their positions in the farthest reaches of the school. In so cases, they shouldnt expect first years to co by.
This year, Tori was assigned to the east dorm and Ilyana was assigned to the west dorm. They were to help students looking for the correct dorm and give them directions if they got lost, which happened often.
The faculty didnt say anything against sitting on one of the benches along the walkway, Tori pointed out. So, as long as our sashes are visible and we call out to any students who look lost, there should be no problem with us sitting on the bench.
Now that you ntion it, well be standing the entire ti were in the courtyard, one of their seniors said with a scrunched face. And its still hot out.
Do you have a water flask?
Yes, Ill fill it up in the morning.
When are we going to post up the signup sheets for the weekend tours, Senior Tori?
Tomorrow morning. You can let first years sign up on the main notice board in the central courtyard.
Are you and Senior Ilyana going to go with us?
Well do the first two tomorrow morning and then follow you on the subsequent one, Tori said. After that, its up to you.
Its not as difficult as it seems, Ilyana added. Im sure by now, you know where everything is. All you need is a little refresh and youll be fine.
The group continued to chatter as they reached the gates of Lyce. The guards welcod them back and they filed through the gate to their respective dorms. As they walked, Tori caught a figure walking around along the walls and squinted.
Tori? Ilyana called to her, and Tori snapped her head up. Did you see sothing?
I was distracted for a mont. Its nothing. Tori smiled and continued to walk into Lyce with Ilyana, arm-in-arm.
The figure she had noticed was caught under the lamplight and she was sure she had seenblue hair. There was only one person shed seen so far with dark blue hair - Montan Alvere. She tried not to frown as Ilyana chattered beside her.
It was too early for other returning students to move in. Montan shouldve been staying at an inn near his workplace for a few more nights. At least until the first years had finished moving in. Why would Montan co?
Tori gave her head a shake. Perhaps she was just hypersensitive to all the love interests and Alessa, and she didnt see who she thought. It could have been another person with that hair color. She hadnt t everyone in the world. How would she know?
There was no point in bothering Piers to ask if his people reported Montans movent. It was late and they had a long day ahead of them. She pushed aside her suspicions and prepared her uniform and student guide sash before going to bed.
The next morning, she and Ilyana changed and went downstairs. Theyd eaten a large al the night before and neither was particularly hungry.
We ordered food from Cafe Fortuna, Tori said. Since Im picking it up, I can also get a few more snacks.
Ilyana opened her mouth to agree, but soone overheard.
Senior, are you going to buy snacks? Can you buy us snacks, too? I will give you money! One of the second-year students in their dorm gave her a hopeful expression.
Sure, what do you want?
By the ti Tori and Ilyana reached the central courtyard, all the students who were in their dorm had intercepted them and asked for snacks. The commons were only selling a simple packed lunch, but if they wanted sothing to nibble on in between, theyd have to go out and buy it.
Since everyone was on their own for food and drink during the first-year move-in day, there was an emphasis from the faculty and seniors to remind the students to pack their lunches and drinks. One of the dorm commons was open to supply the students with breakfast, but like last year, Tori and Ilyana still preferred their free al from Cafe Fortuna.
Tori had made sure to confirm their orders before she left, after her little chat with Gideon. With Ilyana assisting with the setup of the check-in tables, Tori wandered off campus to pick up their als.
A few people offered to go with Tori to help her carry it, but since they were just snacks and not full als, like her and Ilyanas orders, she dismissed their concerns. She dropped off Ilyana, who was to help with the check-in table, as last year, students complained that they had waited for so ti for the table to be organized.
Ilyana was quick with her head and hands, so she volunteered to be of assistance in order to be ready by the ti the first few students arrived.
A few steps away from the gate, Tori saw the sa familiar figure shed seen the night before. She furrowed her brows and frowned before looking over her shoulder. There was only one guard at the gate; the second one had yet to arrive, and the gates had yet to be opened all the way.
The first years hadnt started arriving yet, either. Tori estimated they had another two hours before the first years started to arrive.
But today was only for first year students. Unless they were one of the thirty upperclassn who arrived early to act as student guides, the earliest upperclassn could move in was tomorrow. And even then, very few of them did. They usually dragged it out until the last weekend, after orientation week.
Henrik and Albert would certainly be coming the day before their classes start.
So why is Montan here? Tori looked back at the young man huddled behind a tree and out of view from the guard. He had a drawstring canvas bag slung over his shoulder. She couldnt turn her head away fast enough and as he lifted his head, they made eye contact.
Montans eyes widened, and he snapped his head away, sliding his bag to the side so he could rummage through it and pretend he didnt see her.
Dont get involved. Just keep walking. She kept her eyes forward and continued in the direction of the caf, as if nothing was amiss. What Montan was doing, hiding just beyond the front gates of their school with his things in a drawstring bag, had nothing to do with her. So, what if he appeared to have slept outside from his rumpled clothing and disheveled hair? Who cared if hed have to spend another night outside because only first years and student guides were allowed in today?
Tori made it all the way to Cafe Fortuna. As Mama J and her two sons worked that morning to prepare all the snack orders, Tori watched the pile beco bigger and bigger. She had clearly underestimated the volu and overestimated her ability to carry everything.
She needed assistance for manual labor. Tori fumbled with her comcry.
Call Axton du Nassaun. Her comcry pulsed once, but nothing happened. Axton mustve already re-registered his comcry. Call Axton Alvere. Three pulses and then a voice answered.
I was going to call you to tell you that I re-registered it, but you already figured it out, Axtons amused voice answered. Good morning.
Morning! Are you busy today?
No, Im feeding your cat.
Tori frowned, disapproving. Axton, Piers was the one who said hed take responsibility. Did he make you do it? He had assured her that he would take care of her cat, why was he pawning him off to Axton?
No, no, I was already eating, and Alexander kept rubbing my leg- He was cut off by a ow. Dont worry, Uncle Axton isnt overcooking your chicken. There was another ow, as if answering.
...Did you call yourself Uncle Axton?
Whats your cat supposed to call ?
Nothing. Hes a cat. He cant talk.
Tell that to Piers who refers to himself as Alexanders dad.
Tori pursed her lips. There was a lot to unpack, but shed save it for another ti. Never mind that. I was going to ask if you could help . Ilyanas helping with the check in tables, and I thought I could carry our order back to Lyce, but Ive grossly overestimated my abilities. If youre busy, Ill ask if one of Mama Js sons can help.
If you wait a few minutes, I can et you there, Axton said. Piers! Finish feeding your cat! I need to carry sothing.
Hes my cat! Tori glared at the comcry. She lifted her hand and rubbed her head. Ill wait for you at Cafe Fortuna.
All right. Be patient. Axton ended the call and Tori sighed.
My lady, we do have a small wooden wagon you can use to carry your order, Tobias said as he peeked out from behind the door.
Tori wrinkled her nose and shook her head. No, Id need to drag it with the entire day if I bring it. Ill just wait for Axton. Once I get to the gate, Ilyana is near and can help .
She didnt wait too long. By the ti she finished her croissant and coffee, Axton arrived. The bell to the cafe rang and he walked in wearing casual clothing. Tori dabbed her lips with a napkin as he stopped behind her and put his arms around her shoulders to give her a playful hug.
You look very professional wearing your student guide sash, he chuckled as he nuzzled the top of her head.
Youll wrinkle it. He laughed and released her. Are you sure Im not bothering you?
No. We already had breakfast, and Piers and I dont have any plans. Hes reviewing so docunts today, aning he likely wont step outside his room until I feed him.
Tori nodded and drew in her lips. To be honest, I have an ulterior motive for asking you to co. He raised a brow. And if youre angry, I understand, but it was bothering , so I have to address it.
Axtons eyes slowly narrowed. He seed to think for a mont, as if running through all the possible topics that could upset him. A flicker of recognition flew through his eyes, and he stared at her, frowning. His voice lowered. Did the old bastard find him?
Tori shook her head. I think he slept outside Lyce last night. I thought I saw him last night, but wasnt sure. This morning, I passed him on my way here. I saw him behind a tree by the gate with a bag. She took a deep breath. Axton...can he return to Lyce?
He drew his head back and gave her a nod, as if confused. Why wouldnt he?
Tuition. It was an obvious problem. Axtons father was no longer Duke Alvere and had little to no money in his na, if what she understood was correct. Lyces tuition was paid at the beginning of the year, after Axtons father was forced out of Sun Garden and forced to give up anything that was connected to the Alvere Duchy, including any sources of inco. It was unlikely that Montans tuition had already been paid.
Its already been paid.
Tori blinked. It has?
Axtons face was solemn, but he gave her a small nod. I paid it. An account has been set up to transfer tuition for next year, as well.
Her eyes widened. Without a word she reached forward and hugged Axton. Youre great, you know that?
He let out a small chuckle and patted her head as he leaned forward and hugged her back. You know I dont like him, but Im not going to ruin his life when hes a victim of that old bastard as well.
Not everyone in your position would be so accommodating. If she were honest, she didnt think she could do the sa.
If I do this, no one can say that Im being cruel to an innocent party, Axton said. Consider it more a pre-emptive asure to both save and bolster my reputation.
Tori nodded her head and pulled away. Does he know you paid for his tuition, though?
Axton squinted and his lips pulled into a line. I didnt think to tell him.
You were going to let him believe his father was paying for him?
Axton shrugged. What he believes isnt any of my business. She looked past her, at the table where a large canvas bag that was sewn into the shape of a large box with handles was waiting. Is that it?
Tori nodded. She slid off her stool and grabbed one side. An underclassman asked to buy snacks and when everyone heard, I was sward. They gave money to pay for it, so Cafe Fortuna isnt at too big of a loss. I have to distribute them when I get back.
Let go. I can carry it all.
Are you sure?
I spend so much ti training and you think I cant carry a bag of food?
Im sorry for doubting you, Your Grace. She gave him an exaggerated bow and he snorted. She held the door open for him. She didnt see Blue River. Did you run here?
Once more, I spend a lot of ti training.
Right, right. She walked ahead of him, telling him where she was stationed and about the group dinner the night before. They discussed so specifics on their little joint project and her concerns about funding, only to be assured that Axton had more than enough. He wanted to proceed imdiately.
Ive even co up with a na. I think its quite clever and rolls off the tongue.
What is it?
The Countess and the Duke.
It sounded like a fancy pub in London where everyone spoke with a posh British accent and went to boarding schools funded by generations of inherited wealth.
Its...nice, but nothing about the na tells anyone about what it is, Tori said.
If you dont like it, just tell . Piers already told it was terrible, he said with a small, indifferent snort. The nas he ca up with werent any better.
Im a bit curious....
Victory Inn, Sapphire Inn, The Victoria. He gave her an unimpressed look. Do you see his the?
I do and Im touched.
Is this what Lady Ilyana calls special treatnt?
Funny. Tori shook her head. Since were partners on it, it should reflect both of us. I considered using a portmanteau, like I did with Viclya, but Henrik said I should stop doing that. He says its not refined enough. She rolled her eyes.
Axtoria...Victon...Vicax...Axvic.
Theyre all terrible - I already know.
Have you considered using one of your other nas, Victoria Antonia Sophia?
No, I have not, Axton Michel Sherez. I didnt even know you had additional nas until the banquet, Tori said as she cast him a suspicious look. He grinned.
Im a noble, of course I have additional nas. Axton followed behind her as they crossed the street to get to Lyce. We can na it after Alexander.
Alexander Inn?
The Gray Cat.
Tori could only imagine the logo of a simplified gray cat similar to a particular Japanese moving companys logo and bit her lips. Goddamn, thats cute. Well put that in the maybe pile. Axton chuckled and Tori reached for her comcry. Let call Ilyana and tell her to et at the gate so we can carry in the food since you cant enter.
No, I will get soone to help you.
Axton, non-students arent allowed-
You! Tori jumped as Axtons voice bood behind her. His earlier playful, cheerful voice beca demanding and authoritative, as if he were giving orders while out on the field. She turned around and saw him glaring to one side.
She let out a low hiss and cringed. Perhaps calling out in the guise of helping with the food wasnt as good an idea as she thought, though she really did need to exploit his labor. Tori turned her head and followed his gaze to where a skinny boy with dark blue hair had pushed himself up against the tall stone walls of Lyce. He clutched his bag tightly in one hand and seed to be several shades paler than when Tori saw him in the morning.
Axton. Let call, Ilyana-
He has free hands. Axton brushed off her concern and Tori chewed on her lower lip. His eyes were fixed on Montan, cold and predatory. Tori reached out and touched Axtons arm.
Rember what we told you about him, Tori whispered as she leaned forward. She felt his muscles tense for a mont before he took a deep breath. He didnt take his eyes off of Montan.
I called you over. Why are you standing there? Are you afraid of ?
Your voice. They were this far; she might as well remind him. Axton took another deep breath and seed to calm himself.
Your na is Montan, isnt it? His deanor remained cold and sharp, but his voice wasn't loud.
Montan nodded his head then bent down to do an awkward, shaky bow. Good morning, Your Grace.
Axton gave him a curt nod. Why are you sleeping outside the walls of Lyce?
Tori watched Montan flinch. He lowered his eyes, unable to et Axtons. I am waiting to move back into the dorms and pay for my tuition.
Tori knit her brows. She knew where he worked; there was no way Montan could earn enough money working part ti, for only part of the sumr, to pay for Lyces tuition.
Where did you get the money? Axton asked with a frown. He was well aware of Montans situation, too. Your father is in debt.
Montans long fingers dug into his bag, his head still lowered. He didnt give money. I havent seen him. I worked this sumr.
And you made enough to cover tuition that is a years worth of an average farrs annual wages?
I borrowed money from the store owner of where I work, Montan said. He looked up and seed to put up a facade of confidence. When I graduate, I can work it off at the store.
Did you sign a work contract? Axton asked. Montan didnt answer. A look of confusion and then worry crossed his face, making Axton frown more so. Give the money back.
What? No! Montans face seed to pale even more. His eyes crinkled up and he clutched his bag against him. I need to go to school-
You dont need to borrow the money.
Your Grace, please-
You havent signed a work contract, are you stupid? If you take the money with no written and executed agreent in place, one party could exploit the other, and you have more to lose. The store owner can easily say you stole the money-
He wouldnt do that! Hes helped so much-
Then why didnt he have a work contract signed to assure the terms? Axton snapped, glaring at the younger man. Montans shoulders fell. He shut his eyes and grit his teeth.
Your Grace, my parents have no money. I can only depend on myself.
And by depending on yourself, you an sleeping outside your school to save on inn expenses? Axton sneered. I bet you havent eaten since yesterday.
Montans hand drifted over his stomach, and he looked down, guilty.
Axton, Tori said in a quiet voice. The food is getting cold. They were all sandwiches and other cold foods, but Axton didnt know that. She just needed to calm him.
He flared his nostrils and let out a grumble.
Ive already paid for your tuition this year and next, Axton said, sounding irritated. You dont have to pay back. Just return the money you borrowed from the store owner. Make sure he writes you a receipt that your debt has been paid.
The air was tense, and Tori looked back and forth. Montan seed to stare at Axton with eyes that wanted to believe him, but a slumped body that was afraid to. Although she didnt like him either, it was pitiful to see. After what felt like ages, he took a tentative step forward and looked at Axton with uncertainty.
Why? he asked. What...what do you want from ?
I want you to carry this bag of food into Lyce for Tori, Axton said, lifting his chin. He looked strangely arrogant.
Montan drew his head back and frowned. What else?
Axton t his eyes. He glanced at Tori and put the large bag down. He walked towards Montan and seed to loom over the younger man. When they were next to each other, their differences were clear. Axton was a shade darker, taller, with broad shoulders and wavy hair. Montan wasnt as fit, his hair was an unusual color and straight more than wavy.
The only thing that was similar seed to be their eye color.
Tori couldnt hear what Axton was telling him, but from Montans clenched hands and defeated expression, it wasnt necessarily good.
Do you understand? Axton asked in a low voice as he stepped back. Montan nodded without a word. Then pick up the bag and go. Rember what we talked about.
Montan kept his eyes diverted as he ducked around Axton. He slung his bag over his shoulder and bent down to pick up the large bag of food that was easily half his size.
Tori looked back at Axton, worried. I will call you later. It was the best she could do at the mont.
Axton nodded and reached out to rub her head. Hell behave. Dont worry.
She had an uncomfortable feeling that whatever Axton told Montan had sothing to do with her. However, she brought this on herself. She was the one who called Axton and dragged him into this. He didnt have to humor her as he did. She didnt say a word and nodded.
Follow , Mr. Alvere. Tori walked through the gates and spoke with the guards. Montan had to put the food down to produce his Lyce token before being allowed in. She didnt know if it was because he was with her that no one else seed to ask questions aloud.
However, Ilyana had them written all over her face. Most people didnt know there was conflict between Tori and Montan, but Ilyana did. Tori gave her a small nod of her head; a silent conversation assuring her that Tori would tell her what happened later.
Montan followed her around as Tori called for students to co and pick up their snacks accordingly. After one of the seniors picked up the last small box of cookies, Tori went to her assigned post to wait for students. She took the nearly empty bag from Montan and turned around.
Did you ask him to pay my tuition? For the first ti since they walked into Lyce, he spoke up.
No.
But you knew about my father being removed from Sun Garden.
Everyone knows about that, Tori said with a dismissive wave. I didnt know Axton paid your tuition, either.
He hates .
That he does.
He has no reason to pay for my tuition.
And yet, he did. Tori took a seat on a bench just outside the dorm where she was stationed. It would be under the shade of a tree for most of the day and then in the shade of the dorm co afternoon. It was an ideal place for her to sit and wait for students to arrive. I dont know what he told you, but I can guarantee I had nothing to do with his decision. I didnt try to convince him of anything. Nor do I have a reason to. She brought the nearly empty bag beside her on the bench and looked up. I dont like you either.
Montan glared at her. The feeling is mutual. Dont expect to feel grateful.
To ? No. To Axton, yes, Tori said as she pulled out a sandwich that was wrapped in brown paper. After she checked to make sure it was secure, she tossed it at him.
Montan seed to instinctively reach forward to try to grab it. He nearly crushed it when it fell in his hands. He stared at the sandwich and frowned. Whats this?
Breakfast, Tori said. Dont worry. I dont expect you to be grateful. Consider this noblesse oblige.
He tossed the sandwich back at her with the corner of his lip curled up in a disgusted sneer. I dont need your pity.
Then starve. Tori neatly put it away and crossed her legs. She looked him up and down and raised a brow. What are you still doing here? Youve completed your task and carried the bag in for . We have nothing more to say to each other. She lifted her hand and gave him another dismissive wave. You may leave.
The corner of Montans eye twitched. He sent her one last scathing look before turning around and marching to his dorm.
Tori sighed and shook her head. As awkward as it had been, it went far better than she thought it would.
Reviews
All reviews (0)