Tori Transmigrated Chapter 140: Oh, Crap This is My Fault

Tori gritted her teeth and let out a small hiss. She knew she had a part in this. She had prodded Fabian about choosing between Alessa and his duty, and then quietly criticized him the night she stopped Dimitri from punching Gideon. She had hoped it would force him to reassess what was important to him considering he had devoted his life thus far to being Gideons knight, and then reaffirm his duty.

She didnt think he would do the opposite.

What does he an by requested dismissal? She heard Axtons low voice beside her. She looked up at him and saw his lips tightened into a thin line as his eyes narrowed. Such a thing is unheard of.

Oh, crap this is my fault.... Tori looked away.

Gideon, Piers said as his arms pulled back. He took a step back, but Gideons arms were still around him. Thats enough.

She heard a choked breath co from the second prince as he reluctantly lowered his arms. His head was down as Piers took another step back to distance himself from his brother.

We should go inside, Axton said, moving past them to get to the door. Its inappropriate to stand out here to talk about this.

Gideon nodded his head slightly as he wiped at his eyes. Tori put Alexander on the floor.

Then, I should get going-

No! Gideon shouted and Tori jerked her head back. His red eyes were glaring at her. This is your fault! Dont act as if you had nothing to do with this!

Gideon. Piers voice dropped as his lips tugged into a frown. His eyes narrowed and he took a step to the side to shield Tori from Gideons view.

This is her fault, Piers! She cant run away!

Piers pursed his lips and hesitated. Tori, stay.

Lets take this inside, Axton said as he held the door open.

Let tell the knights to tell Mr. Novak to wait for , Tori said. She heard Gideon snort with distaste as she turned around and headed down the stairs. After telling the knight guarding the door to inform her driver, she climbed back up the stairs and found Axton waiting for her by the door to their flat.

For a mont, Tori hesitated. Shed never actually been inside Piers and Axtons flat before. Shed co to the door to drop off Alexander, but made a point not to enter. Soleil wasnt strict about what n and won could do. If anything, it was quite lax and n and won interact freely, especially in a group or gathering.

Shed also been alone with Piers in a bedroom before, so being a lone, single woman entering his apartnt shouldnt have made her hesitant. However, she still couldnt help but think about Kasens insistence that there was no need for her to ever co, even after he told them to take care of her when she first arrived in Horizon.

In fact, she hadnt told Kasen that shed been to Piers building at all. All Kasen knew was that Piers was housing Alexander while she was on campus and would bring him to her.

Nyaow! Alexander beckoned her from within and Tori took a deep breath and stepped inside.

She didnt know what to expect from the interior. Perhaps a relatively bare flat with just the necessities? Piers and Axton were essentially two single guys going to school, and the outside of the building was very plain. It was a large, multi-storied house, but there werent any extravagant decorations. The stairwell had plain wooden steps with black iron balusters and wood railings. The hallways werent adorned, aside from the exposed wooden beams and columns. It was also bare and rather dark.

Appearances were deceiving. Piers was the first prince of Soleil and Axton was Duke Alvere. She was naive to think their actual ho wouldnt reflect that.

She entered into a rotunda-like foyer, and it was almost as if light flooded out of the flat compared to the hallway. The foyer floor had a tile mosaic of a map of Soleil. The rest of the floor was a pale marble tile and led into a large sitting room. An expensive looking narrow rug was laid over the floor. The ceiling was surprisingly high and crystal fixtures illuminated the white walls with pale gray stone trim. The windows were frad with dark gray and gold brocade drapes and sheer curtains. An elegant hearth was across the room with busts of Piers and Axton on the mantle.

A brass figure of a fluffy cat was placed in the center. Tori cocked her head. When did they get a figurine of Alexander done? And why didnt they give her one?

The rest of the furniture waslacquered wood and gilded, in a French Louis style that seed out of place from the exterior of the building, but fit in perfectly inside. They were no doubt taken from the imperial palace to furnish the first princes flat. The paintings were scenic oil landscapes in thick fras and well-placed mirrors seed to enlarge the room further.

Amongst the elegant brocade sofas and chairs was a large, purple velvet cushion covered with gray fur, various cat toys on the floor, including a crocheted fish stuffed with dried catnip, and not one, but three different cat trees. Two were connected across the room by a narrow, carpeted bridge.

Near the dining area, she could make out a gilded tray that was raised off the ground with two ceramic bowls, one of which had an aquamarine crystal cycling water. The sign above the bowls said Alexander.

Tori crinkled her eyes and slowly turned her head towards Piers. And you said I spoil him?

These were brought over from the palace. Theyre used, Piers said, offhandedly.

His na over his food bowl is gold-plated, Piers.

Mother had it made. It was part of his reward for the hunt.

Tori looked down at her cat who had walked to his food bowls and patted the gilded tray proudly, as if to show off. Youre living the life in your little bachelor pad, arent you? Better than when youre with ....

Nyaow!? He shot forward and started rubbing his head against her leg, as if to reassure her that she was number one.

Axton let out a small cough as he walked out of the foyer. He motioned his head towards the sitting area, where Gideon had sat on the largest sofa and was hunched over despondently. Tori took a deep breath. She picked up Alexander and carried him to the smaller sofa, where the fur-covered pillow was, and placed him on it before she sat next to him.

Axton sat on a chair to one side and Piers sat across from Gideon, next to Tori. She looked at Piers. He seed hesitant to start.

What happened?

Gideon lifted his head. Instead of answering his brother imdiately, he gave Tori a hateful glare. Why dont you ask her?

Tori? Axton asked as he knit his brows. What does Fabian requesting dismissal from his post have anything to do with her?

Shes the one who told him to!

Both Piers and Axton seed taken aback by Gideons exclamation, but Tori didnt shrink back.

I didnt tell him to quit, I told him to figure out what was more important: his duty to you or Hart.

Gideon scoffed, a vicious sneer still on his lips. You questioned his loyalty to ?

I did, Tori said, sitting up straight. Because there were two things he knew that night you left Horizon for Viclya. The first was that you were supposed to report travel outside the city to the palace, and that not doing so would break protocol and cause problems. The second was that Hart needed you to go with her to Viclya. He could either report your travel plans, which are for your own safety, but would likely prohibit you from leaving the city, or do nothing in order to sneak out at Harts request, thus knowingly putting you in danger because the imperial family would not know where you are. He had a choice: your safety or Harts request.

Gideons face reddened and he looked flustered. Youre oversimplifying it-

He picked Harts request, Piers said with a frown. He knew it would get you in trouble and put you in danger, but he still decided to help Baroness Hart.

Axton was leaning back against the chair and let out a heavy sigh as he closed his eyes. Does he not understand that your safety is paramount?

Gideon scooted to the edge of the sofa. But Alessa is his friend, too!

What does that matter? Axton asked sharply as his head snapped to Gideon. He is your personal knight. Your safety is paramount.

He is not simply your friend, Gideon, Piers said. He is your personal knight. He has been so for many years. He should know what he should and should not do at this point.

Tori nodded in agreent.

Axton uncrossed his legs and leaned forward, looking at Gideon critically. Tell , what did he say? Did he tell your father?

Gideon swallowed hard and his head dropped once more. He nodded, telling them exactly what happened. He told father first.

Axton took a deep breath and tilted his head back, as if restraining himself.

Has Father agreed to his dismissal? Piers asked.

Gideon shook his head. He wants to give Fabian more ti to reconsider it, but Fabian told he isnt fit to be my knight. He believes hes failed and is undeserving of the position.

Tori bit her lips to keep from agreeing out loud. She lowered her eyes and petted Alexander beside her.

Is this because of his master? Axton asked with a frown. He has already refused to go to La Garda and was making strides to strengthen his position by going with you to the naval academy. Why would he suddenly request dismissal? Is it because of what happened recently?

Gideon shut his eyes. His hands clasped each other in front of him and they turned white with how hard he gripped them.

Fabian says he doesnt deserve his position if he cannot put his duty first. He opened his eyes and shot a venomous look at Tori. He said she told him that.

My intention was for him to reassess his priorities, not to quit.

Gideon sneered. And what makes you think that his duty is in question?

Are you really asking that? Toris brows shot up and she leaned forward. After what happened in Viclya and that night in the courtyard?

Axton sat up straight. Piers turned his head towards her. What night in the courtyard?

Nothing, Gideon said, drawing his head back. Nothing happened.

Tori. Piers gave her a firm look.

She gritted her teeth and inhaled deeply. Guthry called him out one night and all but accused him not only of avoiding Hart, but insisted that her punishnt for her part in instigating their trip to Viclya was revenge driven. The argunt escalated and Guthry tried to punch him.

He what? Axton was now sitting at the edge of his seat, his eyes wide. The Pri Ministers son hit the second prince-

He didnt hit ! Gideon shouted.

Only because I stopped him! Tori glared. She looked at Piers and Axton. Ilyana and I saw them and heard the noise. I saw Guthry start to lift his arm with a clenched fist and move forward, so I ran out and shoved him before he could throw the punch.

Piers eyes narrowed. His face darkened. Where was von Dorn?

He was there, Tori replied, cold. A few steps away, closer to them than we were.

Then why didnt he intercept and stop the punch? Axton asked in a dangerous voice. He was closer, and he didnt do anything?

Gideon seed to sit up straighter, and a look of panic filled his face. It was between and Dimitri-

It doesnt matter! Axton cut him off imdiately. He is your knight!

Did you tell Father?

No, of course not! Gideon looked horrified at the thought. He just didnt get to fast enough. Guevera got there first.

His back had been to Fabian and so he couldnt see that Fabian hadnt moved. He wouldnt believe Tori if she told him.

She took a deep breath and let out a huff. I seem to have crossed a line. I apologize for that. I was angry. I didnt an for him to want to quit. I only expected more from him as a personal knight and thought he would focus on his duty.

Is this all because of Baroness Hart? Axton asked.

No! Gideon vehently shook his head.

Von Dorn just seems so unwilling to see her wronged that hed neglect his duty. Gideon shot her another glare, but Tori shrugged it off.

Fabian is a loyal knight! Its not your place to question his loyalty to !

Its not, but we should be able to, Axton said, referring to himself and Piers. Gideon shrank back against the chair.

His eyes shrank, wounded. Do you believe what shes saying?

Axton clenched his jaw, but Piers kept a cold look on his face. I believe what I have seen. Gideon slumped back.

Hes not...hes not betraying . Hes worried that hes not good enough, but he is. He is and he deserves to be my knight. He looked at his brother beseechingly. Cant you talk to Father?

I do not manage imperial knights that are not mine, Piers replied.

Gideon turned to Axton in desperation. Cant you talk to him? Youre also a personal knight. Tell him that hes questioning his ability needlessly. He never did before. It wasnt until Guevera put it in his head!

Axton shook his head. There is no guarantee that my words would have any effect.

Gideon looked as if hed had the life swept out of him. He trembled in his seat as his eyes glistened over. I dont want him to leave...hes...hes my friend. You have to talk to him.

What if I do and assess that he is prioritizing soone else over you? Axton asked.

Gideons face turned sour. You an, if Guevera is right? He shook his head. No...no, Fabians been by my side since we were children! Everything hes ever done is for my sake! Hes always been dutiful to . Hes loyal! He wouldnt abandon his duty for nothing!

It may be that to him this is not an act of disloyalty, Axton said carefully. Gideons face twisted with confusion, and Axton held up his hand. If he, as your knight, notices that he has begun to put soone else over his duty to you, he has likely realized that he cannot protect you the way that is expected of him. Requesting dismissal from his post would eliminate the chances of him putting you in potential danger and allow you the opportunity for a better personal knight.

I dont doubt that he is loyal to you, Gideon, Piers said, his voice a bit gentler. I dont doubt that he sees you not only as his liege, but his friend. If he knows he is putting you in danger, then he will remove himself for your safety at such a cost. In a way, it is admirable that he would put your safety over such personal honor.

Gideon sniffled and covered his face with a hand as he shook his head. I dont want another knight. Tori remained quiet and didnt expect him to question her. Why did you criticize him as you did? Why did you question his duty? His voice was filled with resentnt.

Tori licked her lips and tried to reply calmly. He is your personal knight, your closest guard and confidant. Your life is in his hands. If there ca a day where he had to choose either his duty to you or his friendship with Hart, we need to be assured that he will choose you. Whether you agree with this or not, from the perspective of the people charged with protecting you and your family, without question, von Dorn should choose you. She t his eyes and shook her head quietly. You are not a regular student, Your Highness. You are a prince.

Gideon's puffy eyes shut once more. Piers tapped his fingers on the arm rest. How long did Father give him to reconsider?

A week, Gideon said, swallowing hard.

What will happen if he leaves? Tori asked quietly as she looked at Piers. Piers was looking ahead, past his brother.

He will be stripped of his title as a knight and forced to leave the palace. His living expenses and pay will stop. His tuition has already been paid; my parents will not force him out of Lyce, at least this year. However, as they are currently roommates, Fabian will transfer to another room.

Why does he have to be transferred to another room? Gideon frowned.

As a security asure, Axton said. Gideon seed to want to protest, but Axton shook his head. It isnt anything personal. It is protocol in itself that only a personal knight can be your roommate at Lyce due to the level of trust required. As it seems that no one is likely to replace him, then you will have the room to yourself.

Gideons shoulders sank.

Father cannot force him to stay, Piers said in a steady voice. A knight who is resistant to what the position entails should not be a knight.

This isnt to say that your friendship will end. Axton tried to offer so consolation. He is only giving up his position because he feels he is lacking. That is not to say that he dislikes you. You can still be friends.

Gideon didnt answer. He remained staring at his hands clenched over his knees. I can barely rember a ti without him. I dont understand...he is not lacking. I dont believe hes lacking. He made a small mistake....

No one seed to want to correct him. Tori shifted in her seat and then pushed herself up. Piers did as well. I should leave. Ilyana and Henrik are still waiting for at Cafe Fortuna.

Piers nodded. I will walk you out. He headed to the foyer.

Ill see you next weekend, Axton, Tori said. He gave her a nod from where he rose next to his seat. Gideon was still sitting on the sofa, in a daze. She turned around and followed Piers.

I am sorry for my brothers attitude towards you. He was rude, Piers said in a quiet voice as they stood by the door. Tori shook her head.

I said so rude things, as well.

But you were right to question Fabian. He gave her a small bow of his head. Thank you for troubling yourself with my brother.

Will he be all right?

No. Fabian is his only close friend, Piers said, looking down. Without Fabian at his side, Gideon will be upset for so ti. I would be upset without Axton.

She lifted her hand and rubbed his arm supportively. You did a good job tonight, Piers. You are a good older brother. She cracked a smile. I would know. I have so of my own.

She caught the slight smile on his face as he nodded. Axton and I will speak to him further. He unlocked the door to the hallway and pulled it open. Tori stepped forward to walk out and felt her heart stop as she nearly ran into another person. Her eyes went wide as she locked on to similar blue ones.

The corner of her brothers lip twitched.

Tori, Kasen said in a low, asured voice. So...is this why you werent answering your comcry?

Her mouth was open, but no words were coming out.

Senior Kasen. Piers greeted with a small nod as he stood behind her. Im sorry. She was busy with .

Tori shut her eyes and whimpered.