When she went to tournants with her team for longsword in her original world, they would crowd around the side of the ring to cheer on the team mber during their individual matches. Toris sword master would often sit with them and point out telling movents that would predict a competitors next step.
Aside from being taught to read subtle movents in the body when one was in a match, Tori had a bit of experience reading from the sidelines. It wasnt a perfect reading, of course, but she knew soone was about to throw a punch imdiately.
Tori was running across the greenery before it really registered to her that Dimitri was going to punch Gideon. Sure, Dimitri was going to do sothing she had been wanting to do for so ti, but if the Pri Ministers son hit the second prince of Soleil, the consequences would be beyond them.
Soone had to stop it and she supposed the instinct bred into Victoria to protect the imperial family kicked in.
Hold it! She opened her mouth and yelled as she closed the short distance between them, but didnt actually hear anything co out. Shit, silence charm....
No one seed to notice her. If no one noticed her, she couldnt distract them to stop.
So, she had no other choice.
She dropped her shoulder and ran into Dimitri.
A choked grunt ca from him as her petite body ramd into his side, throwing him off balance and sending him down onto the grass. Tori managed to shove past him and stumbled to a stop. She reached into her pocket and quickly ripped the charm before turning around.
What is wrong with you? Tori shouted before Dimitri seed to realize that he was on the ground. He looked at her with a mixture of shock and anger.
Why did you shove !?
You have the nerve to ask why I shoved you? Tori balked, her eyes wide. Do you not realize that you were about to punch the second prince of Soleil? You are the Pri Minister's son!
How could you shove ! Dimitri was on his feet, but shaken. He couldnt seem to grasp what just happened.
Yeah, and Id do it again, Tori scoffed. As much as Id love to watch you two beat each other until you cant stand, the consequences of your actions go far beyond you two fighting on campus.
Dimitris chest rose and fell with heavy breaths. Two paces away, Gideons eyes were wide, and his lips were parted, appearing stunned. He turned his head to look at Dimitri and squinted in disbelief. Dimitri was known as an ideal student and Tori doubted theyd ever seen him upset. Gideon didnt seem to understand how Dimitri and him almost ca to blows.
You....
Dimitri's face was red, and he turned his eyes away. He grit his teeth. It was a waste of ti coming to talk to you. Alessa considers you a close friend and now youre avoiding her because you bla her for getting you in trouble.
I told you, I dont bla her! Ive only been busy! Gideon seethed. And Ive made it clear to her that I dont bla her. If I did, why would I tell my parents that it was my fault?
Tori crinkled her eyes. Did the two just forget she was there?
Dimitri and Gideon were further away from each other than before, but the tension was still there. Tori quietly moved to a spot where she could grab on to one of them if the fight started to get physical.
But Alessa was still punished!
Why should everyone involved in the princes little excursion that night be punished except for her? Tori asked in a dull voice. Several pairs of eyes turned to her, and she cocked her head. Wasnt she the one who instigated the entire thing?
Dimitri threw her a hateful glare. You knew they would get in trouble if they were found out and you called the Empress! He took a step towards her, and Toris posture shifted into a subtle fighting stance.
Bent knees, hips facing him, and arms ready. If you try to punch , Guthry, I guarantee that the little push earlier will feel like a tap on the shoulder.
His face twisted with anger. Im not going to hit a woman!
How chivalrous. Im sure youd say you wouldnt hit an imperial family mber, but you were very much about to.
She could almost see the steam coming out of him. Alessa was scolded by the Empress! Dimitri yelled at her.
So? It was like every ti she opened her mouth, it only made Dimitri increasingly angry. Shed be lying if she said she didnt feel a little joy. The Empress scolded her. Not tortured or imprisoned.
Dimitri scoffed. Im not surprised you dont care.
On the contrary, I do. Dont get confused, Guthry. My title is countess, but my na is still Guevera. The safety of the imperial family is, unfortunately, engraved in my bones. What wouldve happened if there was an assassination attempt-no. Tori stopped herself and narrowed her eyes. Not even sothing so dark. What wouldve happened if there was an accident? If the carriage broke, hit sothing, or they got lost? The corner of her lip twitched up as she tried to contain her smirk. You should know very well how possible that is.
Dimitris hands shook at his side. I understand that it was a serious breach of protocol, but-
Please dont say but no one got hurt, so its fine. She rolled her eyes. Would you only take the danger seriously if a tiger mauled soone? There are rules for reasons. The second prince may have allowed them to be broken, but it was Baroness Hart who instigated him. The Empress had every right to punish her.
Dimitri drew his head back and sneered. Do you know what her punishnt was?
Yes. She got off light.
What? Dimitri stared at her as if shed blatantly lied to his face. She was fined, her powers as a noble restricted, and her barony put under the control of soone else!
Her fine will be paid off in installnts due to the financial status of her barony and cos from personal wealth, not what is taxed from the villagers; the restrictions on her noble powers and barony representative are temporary; and the barony has been put into capable hands.
His eyes narrowed. Capable hands?
Viscount McLauren and his wife. They are Anlar nobles who earned their titles and have been serving the empire. My cousin, Marquis OTuagh, personally assigned them as they have experience in finance, law, and infrastructure. You would know that if you looked into it. No one is hiding who they are. They will be able to work on a revitalization plan for the barony.
Dimitri shook his head. Do you think putting a hold on businesses that want to start in Chetterswickshire count as revitalizing it?
Do you think that an impoverished barony can suddenly thrive overnight? Tori asked. This isnt a punishnt for Chetterswickshire, its a favor to put competent and experienced nobles in place.
Are you saying Baron Hart wasnt competent? Gideon asked, looking at her with confusion.
I dont think hes competent in many things. Im saying give the Viscount a chance.
Dimitris look turned suspicious. You seem to know much about this. Its almost as if you had a hand in it.
Tori didnt flinch. If I did, she would no longer be a baroness.
Dimitris brows shot up. You would love that, wouldnt you? Im sure you hold a grudge-
Grudges. Plural. Tori lifted her chin. Im not going to repeat myself on my stance with Baroness Hart. I only stepped forward when you were about to hit the second prince.
I wasnt going to hit him.
You were going to.
How can you tell?
Tori pulled her arm back and took a threatening step towards him. She watched Dimitris eyes shrink as surprise and fear crossed his face. His body tensed. Tori smirked and lowered her arm, never allowing it to extend.
Did you think I was going to hit you? I wasnt going to. If you cant tell, why did you flinch? Dimitris breath seed to tremble as he struggled to collect himself. Tori gave him her own sneer. Do you have anything more to say?
This was between and the second prince, he said with gritted teeth. You neednt get involved.
Tori gave him a small, begrudging nod, but didnt leave.
Did you co here to ask if I was avoiding Alessa or accuse of doing so because I bla her? Gideon asked in a low voice. I dont bla Alessa, but I have things to do. I will apologize to her for making her feel that way in the morning, Mr. Guthry, but dont accuse of retaliating.
Dimitri swallowed hard. Then, Ill take your word for it. He gave Gideon a small nod and straightened his back. Have a good evening, Your Highness. He shot Tori a disgusted look as he walked between them and headed back to his dorm.
A cold silence filled the courtyard and Tori closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She didnt recall such animosity between the love interests in the wiki-article.
You know my parents ordered to limit my contact with her. Gideons quiet voice reached her ears. It isnt that Im avoiding her out of malice.
Then explain it properly. She should understand that her actions have consequences, Tori replied. She turned around towards the tree where she had been hiding. Lets go.
Ilyana stuck her head out sheepishly and nodded.
Did you follow us? Gideon frowned.
We were coming back from dinner and saw you, Tori said with a vague wave of her hand. Its a coincidence.
You still rushed to stop him from hitting . His tone implied that he wanted to know why. They werent friends and even disliked each other.
Didnt you hear what I said earlier? I would love to see you two beat each other, but unfortunately, both of you are rather high-profile gentlen. Such impulsive actions will have consequences that will affect more than you, Guthry, and even von Dorn over there, Tori said as she looked past him at Fabian. She gave him an incredulous look. Think about it for a mont.
Isnt it dangerous to get in between us? Gideon asked.
Tori let out a little ugh. Obviously. Thats why I shoved from the side. Im not stupid enough to get in the way of persons fist and its target.
Did you stop him because of my brother? Gideons voice softened a bit. Did my brother ask you to protect ?
Tori and Ilyana, who reached her side, both looked at him as if he had lost his mind.
Do you think Prince Piers would tell Tori to put herself in danger for you? He killed people to keep her safe. The disgusted disbelief in Ilyanas voice was unnecessary, but understandable.
Okay, Ilyana, thats enough. And it wasnt just , it was the entire cabin, Tori said as she patted Ilyanas hand. She t Gideons eyes calmly. He didnt ask . However, if Guthry hit you in the face, its impossible to hide it from your parents. Soone is bound to report to them, and even if you lie and say it was an accident, they can investigate and find out the truth. When they do, Guthrys parents will be notified, and they have enough going on right now as it is.
Gideon lowered his eyes. His lips pulled into a bitter smile. I know that...I know.
Tori let out a low breath. She looked at Fabian and Ilyana. Its getting late. Lets get back to the dorm.
Ilyana nodded and she prepared to pull Tori forward.
Guevera, can I ask you a question? Alone.
Toris shoulders sank. Again? She looked at Ilyana, who was frowning at the request. She gave Ilyana a nod. Go up without . Ill be fine.
Fabian, escort Miss Agafonova to the dorm entrance, Gideon said.
Rather than being surprised, Ilyana scrunched her face. I can get there on my own. She reluctantly released Toris arm and marched off. Gideon looked at Fabian and gave him a small nod. Fabian lowered his head in a silent bow and followed a few steps behind Ilyana. When they were out of hearing range, Tori spoke up.
For soone who was almost punched in the face tonight, youre quite confident to have your knight leave, Tori said as she jutted her hip out and crossed her arms. She looked at Gideon, waiting to see why hed stopped her.
Gideon shot her an annoyed glare. I know you wont hurt . As you said, your title is Countess, but youre still a Guevera.
Its good that you know. So, whats your question?
Gideon opened his mouth, but no words ca out. He knit his brows together and had a look of confusion on his face. I dont know what to tell her.
Who? Hart?
He nodded. She wasnt there when my parents punished . Mother sent her back as soon as her punishnt was decided. He lifted his head and looked at Tori with a beseeching expression. I dont know how to tell her that I have to limit my contact.
Tori narrowed her eyes. Youre asking how? He nodded. Oh, for fucks sake...
You are soone who knows how to argue and use their words. My brother...he speaks highly of you in that way. If you were not allowed to contact soone because of your parents, what would you tell them to keep them from being upset?
If there is soone out there who wouldnt be upset finding out that their friends parents didnt want them to contact each other, Id like to et them and ask where they get their confidence, Tori replied. In this case, no matter what you say, it will upset Baroness Hart.
Gideon closed his eyes and bit his lips. I dont want to hurt her.
She believes youre avoiding her because you bla her for getting you in trouble, Tori said. Whether you do or dont, it doesnt matter if thats what she believes. Sotis, no amount of reason, or truth, will change what soone believes.
What would you do in this case?
If it was an order from my parents? Id have to make it clear with her. The closest thing Tori could think of growing up in her original world were her parents telling her she couldnt go to a sleepover or a party or sothing. Never to cut contact with a person. You said that your parents wanted you to limit contact with her outside of school or class. You can tell her that.
Is it fair to her that I should turn my back on her because my parents ordered to?
Was it fair for her to beg you to take her to Viclya, knowing your travel restrictions and protocol? Tori asked. The Baroness traveled with you the sumr before last. She should know what necessary precautions were taken and why. While it is your fault that you agreed to take her, and then broke protocol to do so, I dont think it was fair for her to use you in such a manner knowing how it would affect you.
Would you have done it? If your friend begged you and they believed their other friend was in a dangerous situation?
Tori smiled a bit. I would probably do so. Gideon opened his mouth to refute her, but she cut him off. But...would my friends put in such a situation? His mouth closed.
Gideon wasnt completely blind, and Tori knew it. Hed seen how close her little clique was. She didnt have anyone else....
Your Highness, I cant tell you how to handle this situation in a way that will satisfy all parties involved. There is no such scenario of which I can think of. However, even if it is upsetting to her, you should make it clear so she doesnt jump to unnecessary conclusions that could lead to events like tonight.
Gideon nodded quietly. I dont want to hurt her. I really dont bla her.
Tori shook her head. She also didnt care too much, but if this was going to cause a possible fight, it should be mitigated beforehand. Aside from telling Gideon to clearly communicate with Alessa, Tori couldnt do or say much else to improve the situation.
Well, how about this? What would you do if the roles were reversed? How would you want the topic to be addressed?
Gideon was quiet. He kept his gaze down, but didnt reply. They stood in the courtyard, in silence. Tori rubbed her forehead. She didnt say a word as she turned around and began to walk back to the dorm. There was nothing more to say and she wasnt going to offer him supportive words.
If he werent Piers brother, shed probably spew the nurous criticisms she had ready. Piers was always helping her and was currently taking care of her cat, so the least she could do was not berate his brother to tears.
She heard the crunch of grass beneath soones footsteps behind her and glanced over her shoulder. Gideon was following, but still didnt say a word. The silence continued as they reached the dorms.
Fabian was waiting just outside the entrance. When he saw them, he seed to stand a little straighter.
Tori narrowed her eyes. Gideon was several paces behind her. She quickened her pace and almost flew up the steps. Fabian stood to the side of the doorway.
Knees bent, shoulders angled with raised arms, and head bobbing forward, Tori said just loud enough for him to hear. Yet, you didnt make a move to stop him. Her cold eyes flickered towards Fabian as she passed and sneered, unable to control her disgust and frustration. Looks like you made your decision on whats more important.
He tensed in place and Tori headed to the stairs. She heard Gideon arrive behind her.
Fabian, Im sorry for keeping you waiting. Im sorry you had to see all of that. I shouldve controlled myself better, Gideon said in an apologetic voice.
Tori climbed the stairs and shook her head. You dumb fuck. Hes supposed to be apologizing to you.
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