I didnt do anything! Tori shot Piers a glare. Shed throw her arms in the air if Instructor Ignatius death grip didnt keep them pinned at her sides. She looked at Axton and cocked her head. A little help? Hes skinny, but strong.
Axton seed to shake himself out of his stupor. He moved forward. What happened to him?
We ran into his ex-girlfriend when we arrived, and she was here with another man. Adrien Rosiek.
Axton stopped where he was, about to pry the drunken man off her. His brows furrowed. What happened?
She accused of seducing Instructor Ignatius, called a whore, and then tried to get us removed from the premises, Tori told him.
Axton narrowed his eyes. And what about Rosiek?
He didnt know that you owned the company that owns the Three Queens, so he tried to convince to leave. Manager Sassure then had them escorted out. Tori let out a tired breath. I didnt know he ca often.
He does, weve been monitoring his conversations here, Axton said. He rubbed his chin. If he knows that I own it, he may be reluctant to return. Not that hed discuss anything too sensitive here.
Tori grimaced. Im sorry. It didnt occur to at the ti that you were using the place to gather information.
Axton shook his head and gave her a dismissive wave. We have other places. Dont worry about it.
Just help pry him off and bring him downstairs. Im worried hell throw up.
Piers appeared beside her and tilted his head, looking at Instructor Ignatius curiously before frowning. He extended his hand and hesitantly picked up Instructor Ignatius arm. He seed to weigh it in his hand before he shifted his weight and moved forward, easily twisting the other mans arm behind his back.
Ah!
Tori grit her teeth as Instructor Ignatius scread.
Piers! Axton yelled as Instructor Ignatiuss head shot up, his red eyes wide. He straightened up and his other arm fell from Toris waist. She quickly stepped back.
Piers, gently! Tori grasped his arm and gave him a little shake to release Instructor Ignatius arm from his grip. Hes a frail man!
Master Ramos stood to the side, shaking his head slightly as he watched the three try to either wake Instructor Ignatius or keep him from injury. Axton helped keep Instructor Ignatius upright as Tori held Piers back with disapproval.
He was holding you tight. What if you couldnt breathe? Piers asked in a deadpan voice. Tori crinkled her eyes.
We were about to pull him away.
Piers turned his head away and didnt answer.
Senior Benedict, are you all right? Axton asked as the older man cradled the arm that Piers had twisted.
What happened? he asked, his eyes still red and filled with tears. Tori felt her heart clench as she looked at her pitiful instructor and then gave Piers a scolding glare.
We were trying to wake you up. Youve drunk a lot, Instructor. Axton will help you downstairs and into the carriage, she told him gently.
Instructor Ignatius nodded and allowed Axton to help him to his feet. Put your weight against if your legs are unsteady, Senior. Dont worry. I wont drop you. He moved Instructor Ignatius unhard arm around his shoulders and then held him towards the door. Master Ramos headed downstairs ahead of them.
I will go make sure the paynt has gone through, he told them. Duke Alvere, put him in the carriage and make sure he doesnt fall off the seat bench. I will join him in a bit to make sure he doesnt fall.
We rode here, so Ill join you, Axton said. Ill make sure he doesnt fall.
Tori lifted a hand and rubbed her forehead before following behind them. Piers trailed behind her and when they exited the street entrance of the restaurant, two carriages were waiting along with Blue River, Ice Queen, and a half dozen escort knights.
Tori stood to the side as she made sure her instructor got into the carriage. He was stumbling and could barely keep himself up. A knight had to help Axton bring Instructor Ignatius in. The drunken man was in a bit of a daze. Tori looked into the spare imperial carriage that had brought her masters to the restaurant.
Axton, sit next to Instructor. If there are any sudden stops, make sure he doesnt fly off the seat. She looked over her shoulder and back at the entrance. Can you ask the host or Manager Sassure for so sort of bag? It should be thick, and well throw it away.
One of the n at the doorway furrowed his brows, a bit confused, but nodded. He rushed in and quickly returned with a waxed canvas bag. Tori almost grimaced; it was too nice to use as a barf bag, but better in a bag than all over the inside of a moving carriage and possibly Axton. She gave Axton instructions on what to do if it looked like Instructor Ignatius would vomit.
Axton nodded and took a seat next to Instructor Ignatius. The drunk in question leaned heavily against the opposite side of the carriage, muttering sothing to himself in between sniffles. Before Tori could step away from the carriage, a pair of arms trapped her in place.
Piers grasped the sides of the door fra and leaned over the top of her head. I will escort Tori to Lyce and then take SIG One back to the house. Two escorts will accompany us from behind.
Understood, Axton said. Granger! Dobchek! Follow His Highness!
Yes, Your Grace! Two n chorused from either side of the carriage before they rode their horses to the designated area behind SIG One.
Lets go, Tori. Piers pushed himself off from the side of the carriage and headed towards hers parked in front of it.
Wait, Master-
Master Ramos and the others will be escorted back safely, Piers said as a nervous footman held the carriage door open for him. He glanced at Tori and then lowered his head before motioning for her to enter. Its getting late. We should go.
Tori sighed and grabbed hold of the hand railing on the side of the carriage before climbing inside. She took her seat, and the carriage shook a bit as Piers climbed in. Rather than taking the seat across from her as usual, he sat down beside her. Tori raised a brow.
The footman closed the door and Piers leaned towards the window. He lifted his hand and tentatively touched the glass. Can they see inside?
No, I had the windows tinted the last ti we went to the delta, Tori said. Are you interested? If you want, it can be arranged.
She watched his head nod lightly. Id like my main carriage tinted.
Bring it to the delta with us next ti.
Piers nodded and lowered his hand as the carriage began to move. As Tori settled back against the soft cushions, Piers turned his body towards her. I havent seen you for weeks.
She turned her head towards him and saw his outstretched arms. She held back a smile and a chuckle. She raised her own arms and made a beckoning motion with her hands. Ive called you.
Its not the sa. Piers slid his arms against hers and moved closer. When his arms were firmly around her, he pulled her against him and put his head on her shoulder. Is your experint complete?
Yes and just in ti, Tori said as her hand rose and stroked the back of his head. His hair was quite thick and had a slight wave to it, though it looked straight. A few strands wrapped around her fingers, and she narrowed her eyes. What shampoo do you use?
Goat milk bar Mother has imported from Nazaria. He nuzzled her shoulder. I will bring you so.
Bring two. Ilyana might like it.
Tori?
Hmm?
I dont want to go to the eting with Lady Modelli this week.
Tori pursed her lips. No wonder he seed a bit needy for comfort. His first introduction to noble ladies was scheduled for this week. It was one of the reasons Tori rushed to get her experint completed so she could have ti. She took a deep breath and tilted her head, so it rested against his and stroked his back. Ive already contacted Lady Modelli.
I dont want to marry her.
Then you dont have to marry her, Tori told him, confident. Itll be fine. I believe shell want to talk business. In Lady Modellis case, Tori hoped to discuss the planning for future dical needs of her county. Lady Modellis professional title was Dr. Patricia Modelli. She was from a long line of doctors, with her father assisting in the plague that had swept through Constantines village.
Tori glanced out the window, able to make out the passing streetlights as the carriage moved along. Piers hot breath moved across her nape, and she struggled to keep from shoving him away as it tickled.
Did he hurt you?
Who?
Senior Benedict. He held you tightly and you looked pale.
He knocked the wind out of , Tori said with a slight, annoyed snort. I didnt think hed grab on...I guess seeing his ex-girlfriend really stunned him. Poor Instructor. He seed to have really liked her.
Senior Benedict has poor judgnt with won, Piers said.
Tori looked down at him and grinned. How long are you going to hold on to ?
Until Lyce.
Tori chuckled and played with his hair. Are you comforting for what that woman said?
You would not seduce soone already in a relationship, Piers said, his embrace tightening. There is no trust in doing so.
Tori pursed her lips once more and nodded. Her arms wrapped around his back. You know best.
The carriage ride back to Lyce seed shorter than usual. When they made the turn into the oval driveway, Piers slowly lifted his flushed face from her shoulder and looked out the window. His lips were drawn in a tight line as he kept her close, as if shielding her from the outside world.
Tori yawned and rubbed her eyes. She wouldve fallen asleep if a human heater wasnt hugging her.
Youre sweating, Piers said. His hand hovered over her forehead as he frowned.
We didnt turn on the cooling crystals and you wouldnt let go, Tori replied with a dull look. I told you before, youre very hot.
Is it uncomfortable? Piers lowered his head, as if scolded.
A bit, yes. Next ti, you dont have to hug-
I will turn on the cooling crystals. Then you will not get too hot.
She drew in her lips. Youre getting very comfortable with hugging.
Only you, Axton, and Alexander, Piers said. The carriage rolled to a stop in front of Lyces gates. He moved back to his original position further away on the seat bench and looked down at his hands on top of his lap. Next ti, you can kiss .
Tori jerked her head back. Before she could answer, the door opened. She shook her head out of her stupor and rose from her seat. I think its still too early for that. Good night, Piers.
She hopped out of the carriage and heard him whisper. I will wait.
The door closed behind her as she reached the curb before she could look back at him. She turned around and the footman and driver gave her small bows of their heads. Tori gave them a nod in return and turned around once more, walking on to campus.
Is this world sure that Piers isnt a love interest? Its bad enough that he looks like that, but then he breaks out with you can kiss and I will wait. What the hell. Seduce the villainess, why dont you?
She made it back to her room and distracted herself with her awaiting laundry, finishing hanging the clothes to dry just as Ilyana returned, smiling proudly while holding her take out from the Three Queens.
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