She nearly whipped her head back to look at her brother. Toris mouth opened just a bit as Kasen slid a single sheet of paper across the table.
He just straight up went and ordered him to do it. Kasey...you are amazing.
She ntally praised her brother as Montans face paled. His wide eyes looked across at Kasen with a mixture of panic and surprise.
How did you know...? He turned his head towards Tori.
My sister was curious about the charms you made for His Highness Prince Gideon and sought counsel with , Kasen replied smoothly. He was well prepared for this. She ntioned that youd made such charms for others, and the day the ovens for the baking club broke during the Spring Festival, there was a faint trace of your energy signature coming from her. At first, she wasnt using it, then the senior admonished her, and the charm was activated.
Montans wide eyes couldnt be taken from Kasen. His mouth dropped and he gaped. You felt my charm?
Kasen raised a brow. Did you think that the only thing a master charm user can do is write complex charms? He looked at Tori. Tori, do crystal users feel crystal energy?
Tori nodded. If you are familiar enough with another user, you can also single out and trace the energy of that other user. She looked at Montan and her eyes narrowed a bit. That was how we found you and the others last sumr.
Kasen looked back at Montan with a serious expression. He extended his hand and quietly tapped the paper between them. Make the charm exactly as you made it for the Baroness.
Montan hesitated, but he reached out for so ink and a brush. Tori took a step closer and craned her neck to watch him write.
There was a general thod that charms users followed when making a charm. It was almost a ritual to prepare the paper and write. Montan was quick with light, but ticulous brushwork. Tori could see a thin sheen of sweat across his forehead and considering that the operations tent had air conditioning, it wasnt because he was hot.
Kasen watched him carefully. When Kasen wrote a charm, it was also written quickly, but it reminded Tori of a doctor writing a prescription.
After a few minutes, Montan lifted his brush of the paper and studied the charm, as if looking for any mistakes. Then he put the brush down and pushed the paper forward.
Kasen reached for it and turned it towards him. Tori watched Montan watch her brother and seed to grip the table with is fingers in anticipation of what Kasen would say.
Do you write reusable charms often? The ones with the condition to charge when not in use? Kasen asked without looking up from the charm.
Montan shook his head. No, this was the first ti I wrote it. Kasens blue eyes lifted and looked over the paper. Montan sat up straight and leaned forward. Its true! My mother said never to use conditionals to recharge and reuse the charm because then the custor wont buy more!
Tori squinted as Montan blurted it out. Kasen lowered the paper on to the table. So, youve never used it on any other charms?
Montan shook his head. No.
Then why did you use it for this one?
Montan lowered his eyes and flushed. I wanted to help Alessa, and this made the most sense. Alessa isnt from Horizon. What if she needs to use it if Im not there? She doesnt know anyone else who can make charms. And if she did, she cannot afford more.
Kasens unsettling gaze never left him. Charms that have conditions to recharge and be reused are extrely rare for the main reason that they are illegal.
Montans head snapped up. The color seed to drain from his face. Even Toris eyes widened a bit. Shed never considered it because it was drilled into her head that charms were one ti use.
Why are they illegal? she asked, looking at her brother.
Charms deteriorate over ti, even if they were never used. A new charm that is exactly the sa as an older one will work smoother than the older one. Just like anything that is reused, it can get worn and when a charm is worn, it eventually breaks down and malfunctions. Charms that are recharged for reuse can eventually either stop recharging, burn itself out, or beco unable to stop uncontrolled charging.
Kasens words made Toris blood cold. Charms that recharge regain their energy from the person using it. Kasen nodded. Then...if its not controlled and the charm is constantly taking out energy from the user, is it possible to weaken the user?
It very much weakens the user. Their body is unable to create enough energy fast enough and so, it starts to cannibalize itself.
Toris arms fell to her sides, and she stared at her brother. It...starves?
A scraping sound filled the tent room as Montan shot up from his seat and scraped the chair legs against the ground. His shaken body took a step back. Alessa still wears-
Sit down, Kasen told him in a firm voice. His eyes were a bit narrow and the playful look in them that Tori was familiar with was gone.
I have to tell her to take it off-
Shes not going to die. Its likely to be caught and stopped by a healthy adult. The process will take longer as the body is healthy. All theyd need to do is rip the charm and recover like one would from any other temporary illness, Kasen told them. But for small children, the sick, and elderly, depending on the charm, it could take as little as a few days. Well, the reason it beca illegal in the first place was that people were using them to kill elders for inheritance under the guise of a health charm.
Tori shut her eyes and drew her lips inward to bite them. Montans trembling hand grasped the back of the seat to steady himself before slowly returning.
I...I didnt know that.
There are many laws regarding charms and while the production and sales do not seem heavily regulated, it is because they have long been forced into a specific format that has been approved for sales and use, Kasen told them. He leaned back against his seat. Soleil is a several thousand-year-old empire. Things have been shaped for its benefit and survival, but as a consequence, things have been lost that may have been useful.
Tori lowered her eyes. The combination of crystals and charms, which she was so fascinated with and often teased about, was a lost art according to Master Ramos. If less and less people practiced it, of course it would die out one day.
Why havent you gone over these laws on charms with ? Tori asked her brother.
Kasen smiled softly at her. You dont need to worry about them.
Toris eyes crinkled up. She wasnt sure if he ant it was because she wouldnt break any laws with what she was doing or if ant that even if she did break the law, it would be fine. She honestly couldnt tell and was worried it was the latter. Kasey, I know you love , but I, too, need boundaries.
Kasen reached up and squeezed her chin affectionately. I am going to have a talk with young Mr. Alvere here. It may take so ti.
Youre not hungry? she asked. She was hesitant to leave despite her brothers obvious hint. The talk just started, and she was already engaged in the topic.
We will be done by lunch, Kasen told her. He glanced towards the exit. Go and check on Fifi. Robi is very asured, but Fifi.... His smile seed to warm up. Fifi was like you when you were little.
The brief image of Fiona wildly swinging a dagger to hit pinecones flashed in her mind. It was cute when it was Fiona, but when she thought of little Victoria doing that, it was embarrassing. Her cheeks reddened and she gave him a nod.
Ill co get you for lunch if youre not out by then, she said as she turned around and slipped out.
She took two steps when a sharp pain sliced through her head. She grabbed on to the nearest table and leaned forward, pressing her lips together to keep from crying out. She recognized the quick pain imdiately and it faded quickly, leaving her with a mory.
A tween Kasen was trying to calm her down as she held a stick in her hand. She swung it around at a target dummy, but it wasnt a cut that she was used to. She was beating the target dummy like a piata and in the background, teenage Sebastian was laughing with tears in his eyes as he proclaid she was so cute.
Victoria, calm down! Youre putting too much energy into it-ow! Be careful! In the mory, Kasen had tried to grab her stick to stop her.
Sebastian had eventually walked out from under the tree and swiped her stick from her hands, almost lifting her off her feet if she didnt let go. Victoria, its okay to take it slowly. Not everyone is good at sword imdiately.
No, I can do it! Victorias childish little voice had piped.
But in the end, little Victoria had hated that she was not good imdiately like she heard her brothers had been, grew impatient, and quit. She had run to her room, cried for two days, and announced that she didnt want to learn any weapons.
So as not to embarrass herself, she had said she wanted to do noble lady things, like dancing, for which she actually had a slight gift. She then made a point to disdain anything related to the martial arts.
Huh... Tori said to herself as she left the operations tent. She learned sothing new. The ga made her believe that Victoria just wanted to be a lady who was worthy of standing with her prince, but she simply gave up and pretended she didnt want to learn the sword because she was bad at it. Her reason for wanting to learn was to be like her brothers. Wait, did Victoria have a sort of brother idolization thing going, as well? Then again, they are pretty great.
Tori. Piers was waiting for her outside the tent.
I thought you went to rest?
I slept on the way here.
...to ignore your brother? Piers eyes shifted to the side. Tori shook her head. Im going to the beach. Change into your swim outfit and co with .
Piers nodded and followed her to where their tents were located. When she ca out in a custom made cover up robe and holding so towels, Piers stepped forward to carry them for her. She was a bit hesitant. Half-dressed Piers was always a treat, and she wasnt ashad to think it.
Still, she handed over the towels and discussed what shed just learned from Kasen with him. He also told her the sa thing her brother did: she didnt need to worry about the laws on charms.
When she got to the beach, she found that the children had congregated at the deck for snacks. They were wet and wrapped in towels with hoods that Tori had made for the children of guests. The canvas-colored poncho-like towels had the Lions Gate logo embroidered over the left chest.
After Tori joined them for a snack, she joined them in the water. As ti passed, she began to notice that Axton hadnt co out to join them. Gideon and Fabian had co out to swim to the cedar platform, but Axton remained missing.
Piers seed to notice her constantly turning back to the beach and looking towards the path. Are you looking for your brothers? He was lying on a lounge chair under an umbrella. Sir Dobcheck was adjusting the crystals above him to cool him.
Axton, Tori said as she knelt beside Fiona, who was digging up sand and putting it into a bucket. Hed usually follow you.
He wanted to wait for Montan, Piers replied. Fiona dumped another small bucket of sand over her brother, who was making a sandcastle at one point, but then ended up becoming the sandcastle. Fiona, the walls cant be too sloped, or the enemies will be able to overtake them easily.
Im still working on the bottom, Uncle Piers, Fiona said with a hint of annoyance. Its not done.
When will it be done? Her brother asked from under the pile of sand.
How long does it take to make a castle? Fiona looked at Tori.
From a few years to a few hundred years. Piers answered before Tori could. Robert made a face and Fiona looked at him with pity.
Dont worry, Robi. I will feed you. Fiona then dumped another bucket of sand on her brothers stomach.
Im hungry now.... Robert said with a frown. Tori glanced at the sky.
It is almost lunch ti, Tori said. She put her hands on Fionas shoulders and brought her in a hug. Co on. You should eat so you have energy to play more.
What about Robi?
Robis coming with us.
But my castle!
Do you want your castle, or do you want your brother?
The child scrunched her face. Her head dropped and she spoke with so reluctance. Brother.
Tori heard Robert let out a relieved breath, as if hed been worried that his sister wouldnt say it. Tori helped dig him out as Nanny Rey wiped the sand from Fiona. Tori then picked Robi up and put him on the wheelchair she used when she was at the delta. He brushed off the sand as Tori called for everyone to eat at the restaurant.
She left the children with Ilyana and Nanny Rey before making a detour from the Pronade to go back to the encampnt with Piers. Standing just outside the entrance to the side of the eting room in the operations tent was Axton with his arms crossed.
Tori furrowed her brows and cocked her head a little to the side. Youve been waiting the whole ti? Is everything all right?
Axton looked towards them with a tired smile. I cant hear anything.
Then the silence crystals Ive put up are working fantastically, Tori said with a grin. She lifted her hand and patted his shoulder. She passed him and knocked on the wooden fra around the entrance. Im sure everything is fine.
The flap swept open, and Kasen held it open for a puffy, red-eyed Montan who had clearly been crying. Tori pursed her lips and Axtons eyes went wide as his arms dropped to his sides.
What happened!?
Dammit, Kasey. You had one job. Tori stepped to the side and looked at her brother.
Its fine, Kasen said. He had a lot to get off his chest.
Lord Kasen has provided guidance and will send so reference texts to , Montan said as he looked at Axton with so hope. Lord Kasen is as you say he is, Your Grace. Im glad to have spoken to him.
Axton seed to hold his breath a bit before looking from Montan to Kasen and nodding. Then, if everything is settled, lets go have lunch.
One mont, Kasen said. He remained at the entrance of the eting room. I want to talk to you, too.
Axton drew his head back, unable to hide his surprise. , too? Kasen gave him an affirmative nod and slipped back into the eting room without another word. Axton looked towards Tori and Piers, then at Montan.
Go out and get sothing to eat first. You didnt have much for breakfast. Ill co find you later, Axton told him with so reassurance.
Piers walked towards the main entrance of the operations tent and lifted up the flap. Dobchek, escort Montan to the Pronade. Let him see what food is offered there.
Yes, Your Highness.
Do you have your snack card? Tori asked as Montan passed her to exit. It was with your welco folio.
Montan reached into the pocket of his worn brown vest and took out the leather folio hed been given when he arrived. He opened it up and saw the tal card with an embossed Lions Gate logo and a thumbnail sized embedded purple crystal that was almost flush with the card. There was a number stamped into it.
The snack card is connected to a number. Just touch the athyst embedded in it on to the crystal paynt crystal at any of the food shops and restaurants on the pronade. It has a set amount, Axton said, proud, as if he were the one who created it.
Montan looked at the card and then turned towards Axton. How much is the set amount?
Its enough for you to buy one of the most expensive thing at each food shop and restaurant on the Pronade every day for a week, Tori told him. She watched his eyes widen as he looked back down at the card.
He swallowed hard and bowed his head. Thank you, Countess. Thank you, Your Grace.
He quickly left the tent and Tori caught a glimpse of Sir Dobchek motioning for him to follow. Tori turned back towards the eting room. The flap was partially left open, and Axton went inside. Tori was about to reach for the flap to give them privacy, but Kasen shook his head.
You can listen, he said.
Tori lowered her arm. Are you sure?
Youll find out anyway, Kasen told her. Axton took a seat across from him, and Tori and Piers slipped inside and stood by the door.
Is he all right? Axtons voice was tense and unsure.
Kasen first nodded. Yes...and no. He made so mistakes with so charms, but it isnt anything major, and since its done and over with, Im not going to punish him. Axton closed his eyes and let out a relieved breath. Except that I forced him to negate the charm he gave to Hart.
Toris brows shot up. You an forced him to negate it the next ti he sees her?
Kasen nodded. Hes wearing a charm right now. When he is within a few paces of Hart, even just passing in in the hall, it will react to any charm he created and charged in that vicinity and neutralize it. Hed need to take it back to recharge it.
What if she has soone else charge it? Axton asked with a frown.
Tori and Kasen shook their heads. Only the creator and the initial user can do any sort of charging, Tori replied.
Montans charms work is advanced, but unrefined. He follows the style he has learned from.... Kasen trailed off and seed to try to find the words as he glanced at Axton. What he learned from that woman.
Tori looked towards Axton and saw his face darken. I see....
They are complex Old Sulfae, but easy to break down. The format is mid-level at best. Tori has written more complex things on crystals, Kasen said. Hes not as sensitive to energies as myself or Robi, but then again, my son and I are quite talented and have natural gifts. I am fairly sure the gods sent him to -
Thats true, but youre getting off topic. Tori gave her brother a look and Kasen smirked a bit.
As I was saying, Montan is a good charms creator and user because he learned early, but lacks a solid foundation and a firm grasp of the art form. Not to ntion, he knows nothing about the rules and regulations surrounding crystals, Kasen told them. He leaned back against his seat. If Im being honest, Axton, he couldve been reported and arrested at any ti selling charms. Axton sucked in a sharp breath and Kasen held up his hand to calm him. Dont panic. Ive told him that he should continue practicing, but not give away or sell any until I approve such a thing.
Axton sat up straight. Then, you want him to continue? Can he?
Kasen nodded. Anyone can if theyre able to ground sufficiently and are willing to learn and practice. He looked at Tori. Im going to send a few books to you to give to him. Two basic theory books that you have and two on laws and regulations. The first is simplified to give him a basic understanding, the other is a compilation of actual laws and codes as written.
Should I take a look at those, too? she asked.
Kasen shook his head. There is no need. She pursed her lips. Kasen then looked back at Axton. As far as charms go, there is no problem at all. What I am concerned about is his emotional and ntal state. Axton, Kasen began with a serious look as he clasped his hands together and leaned forward. Montan really needs you right now. After the Duchess passed, he has been alone in Sun Garden with his lunatic, abusive father, and his birth mother, who not only is obsessed with his father, but lost even more of what remaining reason and sanity she had after the Duchess broke her grounding.
Axtons eyes reddened and lowered them. I know Im too late.
Youre late, but youre not too late, Kasen said in a firm voice. Axton, do you have any idea how much Montan admires you and wants your approval and affection? In nearly every sentence, he would ntion you. Sothing you said, sothing he thinks youd want him to do, and how much he doesnt want to disappoint you. Hes terrified that youll hate him and abandon him. Especially now, after hes had a taste of your attention and affection.
Axton furrowed his brows and shook his head. Im not going to abandon him.
He isnt confident of that, Kasen said. You need to talk to him more. Give him more reassurance. Listen to him and let him see that what he says matters. Its not going to happen imdiately. It is a long and tedious process. There may be a part of him that will never let go of the fear that youll despise him, but you must try.
Axton clenched his hands on top of the table and nodded. I know, Senior.
Kasens expression softened. Axton, youve always been a good man.
Axton lifted his head, his damp eyes seemingly unable to contain his surprise. Thats the first ti I think youve complinted .
And now it will be the last, Kasen said in a dull voice. Just keep working hard to have a relationship with your brother. Ask yourself: what would Kasen de Guevera do?
Tori gave her brother a strange look. He had every right to be confident, but to this extent?
I understand, Senior.
Good. Kasen finally nodded with approval. He push his chair back and stood up. Tori, you may need to be the one to be firm with Montan. He is too fragile and anything negative from Axton could break him.
Tori nodded. Okay.
Kasen stood in front of Piers. And you....
I will also show Axton how to be an older brother, Senior, Piers said. Kasen sneered.
No. Just give Axton ti off every now and then for his brother. Kasen took his sisters hand and led her out of the eting room. Ive seen you and the second prince. There is no need for a second version of that.
Piers looked at Axton as Axton stood up. Gideon is not Montan. Montan will be more asured.
Gideon used to watch you study in the library from outside a window, Axton said with a pained expression. I dont want that, either.
The four of them walked out of the operations tent and headed back to the Pronade. As they reached the restaurant, Tori noticed that Montan wasnt amongst the many guests or their party in one corner. She was about to follow Kasen in, when she noticed Axton had lingered at the entrance and seed to scan the crowd again.
Piers remained with him. I told Dobchek to let him see what food was there. He is likely wandering the Pronade. He looked at Axton for a second. I will go with you to look for him.
Axton looked at him with surprise, but Tori felt her heart warm up. No matter how much Piers dragged Axton, no one knew Axton better and would step in to help him imdiately like Piers.
Lets go, then. Axton didnt reject him at all. There was no need; he knew Piers sincerity. The two turned around and headed across the plaza. Tori thought for a mont, then decided to follow. She trailed behind them a few steps and noticed they slowed to wait for her. As she found her space between them, Axton ruffled her head. You dont have to co. Go and eat with the others.
What are you talking about? Im here for market research. I just want to see what newcors to my village like to eat, Tori said in as arrogant a voice as she could manage. Axton smiled softly.
Thank you, Tori.
They headed down one side of the Pronade, as a row in the center, past the plaza divided the walkway. One side faced the shops, the other faced the water. They walked closest to the shops first and would turn around at the end to walk back on the side facing the water.
There were plenty of guests there, as it was open to all for the Spring Festival. Once the festival was over, it was once more a closed settlent. So guest had already extended their stays and got their reservations, as Tori found out when she arrived.
It was loud between the chattering people, the water against the embanknt, and the sound of staff as they worked.
They neared the part of the Pronade that turned, and Tori caught a glimpse of a movent in one of the gaps between snack shops. She turned her head instinctively and caught a glimpse of blue.
Wait. She stopped and turned around, walking closer to the entrance of the alley. She heard the yelling almost at once.
She wasnt paying attention to Piers.
Nor was she paying attention to Axton. Her mind barely had ti to grasp the situation as she watched the grown man knock a small, paper plate of funnel cake from a young mans hand, then raise his fist towards the young man as the young man lifted his arms to cover his head.
She felt a breeze sweep by her and heard a furious voice.
Axton filled her sights at once. Dont touch him, you bastard!
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