Fifi, were going to eat! Tori raised her arm and waved at the ice rink she had created parallel to the creek, near the resort tents. Nurous children and a few adults were skating around the large rink as laughing and screaming filled the air.
The little girl bundled up with a yellow chick-shaped knit cap topped with a red pom-pom kept her eyes on her feet and the skates attached to them as she made little pushes to propel herself forward. She almost looked like a ball in her tan puffy jacket. Five more minutes!
Fiona, you said that ten minutes ago, Tori shouted, this ti her voice was more serious. Co here and get sothing warm to eat.
Im not hungry!
Ilyana, bring her in!
Okay!
The young woman skating backwards and holding on to Fionas small, gloved hands suddenly picked her up and held her in one arm before gliding across the ice.
No! Auntie, let go! Im not done! Fiona shrieked, but both Ilyana and Tori ignored her protests with amused smiles. Auntie! She looked at Ilyana with pleading eyes. Why have you betrayed ?
On his wheelchair, Robert covered his hand with his face, embarrassed with his little sisters dramatics. Im sorry about this, Auntie Tori.
Its fine, Tori assured him with a pat on his shoulder. The two knights with them held back their smiles. Shes just enjoying herself....Ewan! Tori let out a heavy breath. Ewan, were going to eat!
Just one more round!
Stop racing with the children or we wont save you food! Like magic, Ewan diverted off his path and made a turn, skating to the corner where Tori was with Robert. He let out a sigh of disappointnt, but ca to a smooth stop and hopped on to the wooden path around the rink. He held on to the side as he removed the skates from his boots.
Kids learn fast. Theyve never iced skated before and theyre already beating , Ewan wrinkled his nose and Tori rolled her eyes.
Ewan, you said you only ice skated three tis in Horizon, Ilyana said as she got off the ice with a pouty Fiona that dramatically laid across her shoulder, as if she were a sack of rice. To be that fast after only skating three tis is quite good.
Ewans face filled with a bright smile. I have good body control!
Ilyana, youve bested us all, Tori said as Ilyana put the pouting child in her arms on the ground. Fiona crossed her arms over her chest and puffed out her cheeks. Shes only hung out with you for a day and shes already picking up your mannerisms.
I dont do that! Ilyana puffed out her cheeks and froze upon realizing how she was pouting. Her eyes dropped and her face reddened.
Ewan laughed and slung his skates over his back. Ilyanas the one who suggested a skating rink.
Its a very popular activity in Gorask, Ilyana said. Tori coaxed Fiona into her arms and picked her up as Ewan pushed Roberts wheelchair. Hed been rolled out into the ice and Ewan pushed him around for a bit. I know its not cold enough for a river or lake to freeze over here, so I didnt think Id be able to skate.
Robert perked up, looking proud. Auntie Tori is amazing! She diverted creek water and then froze that entire area!
I didnt do it by myself. I had it prepared by the villagers and so workers to be flooded and frozen for this, Tori said. Itll last for about a month with the ice crystals I planted. I think its nice for the villagers to have sothing fun to do when its cold out.
The villagers are very active in the water when its warm, Ewan told Robert.
Are you going to open the ice rink to the workers? Ilyana asked.
No, but after we set this up last night, so knights have asked one to be made on the other side of the river for workers. I told them how to set it up and it should be ready to freeze by tonight, Tori said.
Auntie, can I go back and skate after we eat? Fiona asked in a coy voice.
Yes, but you must rest a bit after you eat. Then well co back, Tori said. They crossed over the bridge to get to the pronade. Now, due to the cooler weather, only Henriks restaurant was open.
With the tourist season off for the winter, most of the people who frequented it were workers and knights. Occasionally, so villagers would co. At a large section outdoors, but under an awning and surrounded by heat lamps, were several tables clustered together. Most of her friends had already taken their seats.
When they reached the restaurant, Nanny stood up and smiled. Robert, Fiona, co, I will help you with your al.
Nanny Rey! Fiona reached for the old woman who had knit her the chick hat and bead. She clung to Nanny Reys neck like a koala as a knight pushed Roberts wheelchair to their table.
Tori watched them settle in for their als and smiled, relieved they were having fun. She knew they were in a bit of a limbo being sponsored, but still living at the orphanage. Their living situation wasnt as good as she or her brother would like, but after so talk, Robert wanted to live as normal as possible at the orphanage so as not to upset the other children.
Kasen was right that he was a smart boy. Luckily, with a steady influx of donations and compensation, there were new clothes, new bedding, more food, and school supplies. Two more additional teachers had also been hired and Robert had a private tutor to teach him Old Sulfae. Tori also tried to visit when she had ti to spare.
She turned around and went to join her friends once the two children were settled with Nanny Rey.
I didnt expect you to bring out the entire orphanage, Axton said as he tore a piece of bread and dipped it in so chowder.
Its Roberts birthday and he didnt want anyone at the orphanage to be left out, Tori said as she took her seat. Children and nuns were coming and going all over the resort tents. Thankfully, the weather was chilly, but the sky was blue with no signs of bad weather. Kasey gave money to rent out the resort tents and bring over the children and so nuns. We were going to bring him here with Fiona, but Robert wanted to bring everyone.
He has a big heart, Ilyana said with a nod of approval. As expected of a future Guevera. Tori nodded in agreent.
So, your brother really plans to adopt them? Sonia asked.
Hopefully, in the future. At the very least they will have the backing of our family, Tori said.
Marquis families adopt children more often than other nobility, Axton said. They dont have the right to inherit titles, but depending on their age, they are taught like any other child of a march. The General said it was because the descendants of marches will often raise the child of a fallen comrade if the child is orphaned with no family able to take them in.
Piers nodded. I have distant relatives on my mothers side who are adopted for such a reason.
We do? Gideon perked his head up from the chowder he was eating. Tori looked over at him and wondered why he was there again, but she supposed hanging around with them was better than him mindlessly following Alessa.
Piers stirred his hot drink. Great Aunt Greta.
Great Aunt Greta is adopted? Gideon furrowed his brows.
Axton also looked surprised. She wouldnt happen to be Commander Greta von Schwert, would she?
Piers nodded. She has the sa last na.
Commander Greta von Schwert who led the Osten army along the northern border for the Holstein Surrender, which successfully retook two mountain fortresses and forced two Duraga tribes south? Ewan asked with wide eyes filled with awe.
Piers nodded again.
The only person she says can outmaneuver her strategy is Toris uncle, Romulo de Guevera, Axton said. I suppose only a march can compete with another march.
Speaking of marches, Albert said after swallowing a mouth full of battered fried cod. Is Prince Gideon going to join the naval academy again this sumr?
Gideon nodded earnestly, looking a bit happy that he was being spoken to. Its already been arranged, but Im only going to the latter half.
Why only half? Ewan asked.
Gideon sat up, proud. Ill be going with my brother to Presidio to attend Lord Sebastians wedding.
If this life had sound effects, Tori wouldve heard a record scratch. She brought a spoonful of the chowder to her lips as her friends all froze and looked towards Gideon seated at one end of the table. She knew that he would be coming because her brother already told her. However, none of her friends knew.
Youre going to Masters wedding? Ewans face sank. I want to go to Masters wedding.... His voice trailed off, disappointed.
What are you talking about, Ewan? Hes your master. Of course, youll be invited to his wedding, Axton told him with confidence. He looked at Tori. Isnt that right?
Tori quietly relished the warmth of the chowder as she swallowed it. She lowered her spoon and looked towards them.
Most people know about the wedding and the high-ranking nobles have already inford my brother and Idunn of when to expect them, but the actual formal invitations wont arrive for another month, Tori told them. Ewan, you are of course getting one.
Lucky, Ilyana said. I want to go to Presidio.
Good, Tori said after eating another spoonful of chowder. Because Ive already reserved spots for all of you as my guests. Sebby and Idunn said I could. The rooms by mine will be prepared. Ilyana and Sonia, youll room with and Alexander, of course.
We get to go to Presidio? Alberts face lit up.
I didnt want to tell you without the invitation, but since you asked. Its up to you if you want to co or not, and, of course, you should clear it with your families, but after Lyce ends this year, Sur Bronce, one of the military ships, will co to pick us up here. Well stop at Karap, then disembark at Tres Arcos, where carriages will take us inland to Presidio, Tori told them, as if reviewing a set schedule.
Your family is really letting us co? Sonia asked with wide eyes. All of us?
Tori nodded. Sebby and Idunn told I could bring my friends. Besides, they know who you all are. Well be there for about two weeks; a week and a half before the wedding and a few days after. There will be activities for guests to keep you occupied.
Will the ship be enough to hold us all? Henrik asked. He looked around and seed to take a ntal count.
Sur Bronce is a carrier transport ship and has been used in the past to transport supplies and soldiers, as well as evacuate an island, Tori said. Shed seen it once from a distance. Itll be more than large enough to hold us, Auntie Lucia and her family, Piers, Axton, Prince Gideon, Master Ramos, Nanny Rey, and Robert and Fifi. Ah, but dont tell the kids yet. Kasey wants to tell them closer to the date. He doesnt want to make them too nervous about eting our parents.
Your parents are really nice, Ewan said as he finished off his bowl of chowder. He beckoned a server to ask for another small bowl. Theyll like the kids.
They like all of you, a mans voice said behind them. Tori turned around and her face lit up.
Kasey! She shot up from her seat to greet him and he smiled. He approached them and held out his arms to hug her. I didnt think youd make it.
How can I miss my kids celebration? Kasen said with a smile. He hugged his sister and looked at the group who had stood up to greet him. The three people that outranked him also stood up. As I was saying, they like all of you. His eyes moved to Piers. With so exception.
Kasey. Tori pulled away and gave him a deadpan look. Her brother smirked and released her.
He hopped over the low wall separating the outdoor dining area from the plaza and made his way further inside. A mont later, Fionas high pitch scream of daddy filled the restaurant and she almost rolled out of her booster chair. Kasen had to rush forward to catch her before she tumbled off.
He picked her up and ruffled her hair affectionately. He then knelt beside Robert and put his arm around him. Tori smiled as Roberts eyes filled with awe and joy seeing her brother.
Now that hes here, I can leave the kids to him, Tori said. I can go to Anahata Island.
Are you working on sothing new? Albert asked as the group returned to their chairs.
Im always working on sothing, Tori replied as she took her seat. But at this ti, I wanted to talk to Instructor Ignatius about the whole debacle with his ex-girlfriend.
Ilyana grimaced. Do you think hell be mad?
Sonia rolled her eyes. Why would he be mad? She dumped him.
You never know, Ilyana said seriously. What if he still has feelings?
Then hes a fool, Henrik replied ruthlessly. A woman like her isnt worth feelings.
Henrik, we cant control the emotions of others, Tori said in a calm, placating voice. Instructor Ignatius is free to still have feelings, even if only nostalgic, for a gold-digging, conniving, insecure shrew.
Axton cringed. When you say it like that....
Great Uncle Emil has requested a formal investigation on all the docunts shes filed since she started, Piers told them. This is to see if any more paperwork has been tampered with. This includes your inns, as well.
My inns? Axton frowned. But my inns arent in Horizon and the paperwork for the Lunar Palace isnt done yet. Didnt she only work on businesses within the city?
She has contacts in other departnts, which should also be investigated, Piers replied.
Its better to do extra work and be cautious about this, Henrik said, agreeing. We dont know how far shes reached.
We dont know how far the Cowman has reached either, Sonia said.
Id be more worried about him, JP added.
Who is the Cowman? The group went quiet and turned their heads towards Gideon. Tori let out a heavy breath. Hed been quiet and they forgot he was there.
Ewan opened his mouth to tell him, but Henriks hand shot out and covered his mouth while giving him a silencing look. Ewan shrank back and nodded.
It is none of your concern, Gideon. Piers answered for them. Just a minor business rival. This does not leave the table. He glanced at Gideon, who nodded obediently.
Of course, Piers. I wont say a word. Gideon turned his focus back on his food.
Tori frowned as her dishes were changed from a small bowl of chowder to a braised fish dish. Gideon was slowly integrating into her extended circle and while it was much preferred over clinging to Alessa and being at her disposal, there were still many things Tori didnt want him involved in.
She was certain that Gideon had not only t Adrien at so point, but had a favorable opinion of him. This couldve also been in part to his Alessa-colored glasses that made him see those around Alessa as good people and not bastards who exploited others. If Gideon were deep in her circle, like Constantine was, Tori would have ranted about Adrien in front of him.
But Gideon didnt have her trust and she doubted he ever would.
She deed it best to keep him in the dark about Adrien. At least, the depth of their conflict. She was sure Gideon knew very well about their current animosity from experience.
If you are going to the island, bring the knights. Piers spoke up across from her and Tori nodded.
Ever since he found out what happened in the bookstore, he not only assigned her two more knights, but had them follow her everywhere except Lyce. They were now required to follow her into a building and remain at close guard, whereas before, they would wait outside a shop.
While Tori was used to having imperial knights with her, she also liked a reasonable amount of freedom and had them maintain their distance. For so reason, she didnt think that shed be harassed in a bookstore. She always thought it would be out in the street, like in the past. She was irritated that she lowered her guard, but knew it wasnt her fault.
However, after the incident, she had no qualms with two knights following her around so closely. Unfortunately, circumstances had made her appreciate the detail. The two knights who had been guarding her that night had been dismissed for a year of training. Tori didnt know until Sir Lloyd let it slip during one of their conversations about Alexander roaming around the neighborhood.
Piers assured her that the two knights didnt lose their rank, they just needed to retrain once more and then co back. Where had they been sent to retrain? Sur...under her Uncle Lorenzo, whom Piers had inford in detail about why the knights were being sent.
Her family knew about what happened as well, as Tori reported the incident to Sebastian. Surprisingly, while they were upset, there was no extre reaction. Tori was a bit relieved; she didnt want this to turn into a witch hunt, as Adrien still had close ties to Alessa, and Tori had no idea how that connection would impact her further.
Dont eat too much, Tori said as she picked at her braised fish. Dinner will have several big dishes, as well as cake.
Ewan and Albert both looked excited. Gideon did, too. Are there going to be fireworks? he asked.
Tori nodded. Yes, we just got restocked for the year. She was also bringing fireworks with them to Presidio on an escort vessel.
After the group finished lunch, Tori, two knights, and Piers who quietly joined them on the boat to Anahata Island, set out.
Tori had the most awkward conversation shed ever had with Instructor Ignatius regarding his ex-girlfriend, and what Tori had implied about what she told Miss Moore.
It was a vague remark to anger her, Tori told him with a guilty bow of her head. I apologize for using your na as a weapon to trigger her into making a mistake. Im not apologizing for the thod, just for using your na.
Instructor Ignatius was seated with his head bowed and his hair falling over his bright red face. Tori could see the tips of his ears peeking between his haphazardly tied hair were just as red as his face.
I...understand, Instructor Ignatius voice was quiet. This is in part my fault.
Tori nodded. Yeah, it is. Behind her, a knight barely held back his muffled laughter and Piers and Sir Granger with him cast him an annoyed look. But it isnt as if you wanted this to happen.
Instructor Ignatiuss slender fingers clawed into his lap. I tried to explain to her over and over that you were only my student and Kasens sister, but she didnt believe .
I know. Otherwise, she wouldnt have had such a visceral reaction when she t , Tori said, recounting their eting in the waiting room of the Three Queens. I still wanted to tell you, as it was said in the heat of the mont. I had said it quietly and it was an ambiguous remark, but we dont know if shell spread it around. If she does, you should know.
Instructor Ignatius nodded and carefully raised his head. What do I say if soone asks?
Tori raised a brow. That I am only your most gifted pupil, and that Miss Moore was jealous. You wanted to move here to do crystal research with Soleils premier crystal master and Miss Moore didnt agree, so she broke up with you. That has nothing to do with , but more that she was jealous that you were teaching .
Instructor Ignatius lowered his eyes and nodded quietly. I am sorry that my past caused you such trouble, Countess.
Tori shook her head. And I apologize for using you to get her fired. But to make it clear, I dont regret it. Tori frowned and her face darkened. If she causes trouble again, I wont hold back. Her actions had affected not only , but my friends and business. Do you have a problem with this, Instructor?
His head snapped up and he opened his mouth. No words ca out and he lowered his eyes once more. He seed unsure of how he felt.
Benedict. Master Ramos, who had been working outside in the courtyard, stood at the entrance to Instructor Ignatius small living room where they sat. The old man had a stern look on his face. They are not asking for your permission. They are asking you to make a choice.
Instructor Ignatius lifted his head once more and looked at Master Ramos and then at Tori. Tori held his gaze with a firm, awaiting look. She knew her instructor had lingering feelings and needed to know where he stood.
A choice? he asked in a tight voice. He looked at Tori, confused.
I hate to put you in such a position, Instructor Ignatius, but she is a risk, Tori told him. If your feelings for Miss Moore cloud your judgnt.... She trailed off, not wanting to say it. Master Ramos had no such reservations.
If your feelings for her cloud your judgnt, then there is no place for you here.
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