The top of the southern battlents had been an original part of the Fortress, but in the past centuries, it had been renovated and expanded to beco less a defensive position to observe territory and fire arrows from, and more a rooftop garden. When Grammie was the ruling Marchioness, that was what she used it for: growing plants.
On one side, it overlooked an inner courtyard of the original Fortress structure and on the other, the more recent outer courtyards before the newer outer walls. It was still high enough to peer over the outer walls and down into the city, which was currently lit up and celebrating her brothers wedding.
There were flowerpots and elevated planters with so plants Idunn was growing, but that night, it also had daybeds with cushions, several comfortable chairs, a large hammock, and nurous tables filled with food and drink beneath a large pergola.
Light crystals had been strung across the space and music from the inner courtyard, where the majority of the reception was happening, drifted up to the battlent that Tori personally had decorated to give the relaxed feeling of a sumr night bar-be-que with friends. A few crystals to circulate cooled air also hung around the pergola, as Presidios sumr nights were still quite warm.
Knights were stationed just outside the entrance to the stairwell that led up to the battlent and one could only co up if soone already there ca down to personally escort them up. Even then, there was a strict guest list.
Sohow, Fiona still ended up on the southern battlent with red eyes and sniffling as she held Avas hand. Avas curly hair, while usually wild, had been carefully braided in a lovely Anlar style that morning, but now, it was tousled once again. Her clothes were a bit dirty and loose, and her face was frowning.
What happened? Tori carried both of them on to the large daybed with the pillows where she, Ilyana, and Sonia were seated. Sonia wiped their faces with a handkerchief she took from her brother while Ilyana got up to get them so water.
So kid downstairs said that Fifi isnt a real daughter of the family because shes adopted! Ava raged at once and one of her fists pounded a pillow.
Auntie.... Fifi held up her arms and Tori gathered her against her. They said...they said Im not Daddys real daughter....
The entire party on the battlent seed to freeze as they heard the childs complaints. Toris face darkened at once and her voice dropped. Who said this?
I dont know. So boy! Ava scowled.
Did you tell your Dad? Ilyana asked as she knelt down on the side of the day bed and handed Ava a cup before bringing another to Fiona.
Fiona shook her head. I cant find Daddy....
Aiden went to find him, Ava said as she patted Fionas head. Dont worry. We dont let outsiders pick on the family.
Tori smiled a bit and stroked Avas disheveled hair back. Did you find Aiden to tell him?
Aiden found , Ava said. If he hadnt stopped , I wouldve hit that kid more!
Tori stopped in the middle of stroking her hair. ...You hit another child?
He picked on my little cousin! Ava defended herself. I cant let him get away with that!
Fiona nodded. She looked at Tori and tugged at her arm. Its okay. Cousin Ava won. Tori stared at the two little girls. Ava looked proud of this fact.
Youre going to allow them to beat up another child? Gideon sounded as if he couldnt believe it.
Ava, Fiona, are you sure you dont know who that child was? It wasnt that Tori was afraid they would insult another family, but she wanted to know who exactly said such a hurtful thing to a three-year-old child and then deal with it properly.
Fiona shook her head and Ava snorted and crossed her arms over her chest, turning her head away. She didnt seem to care who the other child was, as long as they learned a lesson.
You will find out soon, Piers said from the hammock. He shifted to the edge and swung his legs down. If you are upset, sit on the hammock. You can eat here.
The two little girls climbed off the daybed and Tori helped them get on the hammock as Piers stood to the side and held it steady. They were given so sweets as they swung back and forth.
You know, Auntie Tori, Cousin Ava is my hero. She stopped the bad kids from making fun of , Fiona said.
Ava was looking away, but her face was red. I didnt do anything special. I just wanted to remind them that youre my cousin.
Fiona giggled and rubbed her face against Avas arm. Cousin Ava is strong!
Ava seed to pretend not to care. Naturally.... Tori sighed and gave them a small bowl of potato chips to eat before calling her brother.
Are they with you? Kasen sounded annoyed.
I take it Aiden found you?
Ive spoken to Count Benicia about his grandsons actions, and he has sent his grandson and sons family out, Kasen told her. Keep them there, Ill be upstairs in a mont.
All right. Tori ended the call and looked at the two little girls. Ava was now feeding Fiona chips. At least theyre getting along....
Children can be cruel, Henrik said as he shook his head. But they mustve learned it from sowhere.
Agreed, Albert said. Noble and aristocratic children are often exposed to their parents prejudices and jealousies. They place a lot of importance on lineage legitimacy. I had hoped that it wouldnt affect Fifi and Robi, but it looks like the odds were against them.
I heard that Lord Kasen is a sought-after bachelor, JP said from one of the chairs. Im sure there are families who didnt like the idea of him adopting two children.
Doesnt it happen all the ti in marches? Ewan asked as he looked around. He was standing by the side of the battlent and admiring the citys night view while sipping on a sparkling wine infused fruit slush. The knights here told that sotis soldiers and knights in marches will adopt the orphans of their fallen compatriots.
They do, but its still fairly rare when a high noble does it, Axton said from the opposite daybed where he was stretched out with his arms behind his head and his eyes closed. And Fifi and Robi arent war orphans of a fallen comrade, but orphans from Horizon.
It shouldnt matter, Tori said in a firm voice as she fixed Avas hair with her fingers. If we say they are Gueveras, then they are Gueveras.
Theyre jealous, Ava said with cheeks stuffed with chips. My mom said that a lot of people are jealous of us. It is a burden of our station.
Toris eyes crinkled up. That wasnt what shed call it, but she let the child rant. Soon, Kasen arrived, and Fiona called for him to hug her. Kasen picked her up and held her against him, asking if they were hurt and reassuring them that Count Benicias grandson would no longer be welcod in the Fortress.
Has Robi encountered any unpleasantness? Tori asked.
Kasen shook his head. Hes in his room with Maeve and the twins discussing their plans for Viclya for next month. Tori was relieved. As he was older, Robert had a better understanding of his position and was sensitive to it. She didnt want soones bitter words to put a shadow over him.
Cousin Kasen, did the boys family get mad because I beat him up? Ava asked as she moved to the edge of the hammock. He seed weak, so I didnt hit him too hard.
No, they were very embarrassed and apologetic, Kasen replied. He paused. But, Ava, next ti if a child says sothing of the sort to hurt you or your cousins, you should tell an adult.
But there were no adults there. Ava frowned. She clenched her hands. I took matters into my own hands.
Tori ran a hand down her face. You can find out who they are, then seek soone with more power to stop them with a more severe punishnt than you can give. Their retribution doesnt need to be physical. There are other ways to make people regret what theyve done. Other, more effective ways and you wont be hurt if they try to fight back.
Ava nodded and furrowed her brows. I shouldve thought of that. Uncle Andy says its important to wear down the enemys head. When their minds are weak, they are easier to destroy.
Ava is a smart girl. Piers gave her a nod of approval before Kasen took the two little girls away.
The battlent was quiet, and several eyes were on Piers and Tori. Henrik squinted. Did you just tell your cousin and niece to break an enemys concentration so they can beat them in battle?
Tori nodded. A confused, disoriented, and emotionally and ntally unstable opponent is a weakened opponent.
Less manpower is wasted, and collateral damage can be minimized greatly if their lack of focus is leveraged, Piers added.
Work smarter, not harder. Tori saw that the only ones who seed to nod in agreent were Axton, Ewan, and Fabian.
It is important to get to know your enemies, Ilyana said after rubbing her chin.
Sonia sat up straight and glanced at her brother, who seed to understand her thoughts and nodded. By the way, did you know that Hart was your aunts goddaughter?
Tori deflated on the daybed. If I had known, I wouldnt have been so surprised. If she had known, she would've been more wary and even expected such a convoluted event. Mama didnt know. She doesnt pay much attention to Auntie Fabiana. I had to ask Auntie Maria. Apparently, Harts mother went to the sa secondary school in Horizon as Auntie Fabiana.
Did they go to a private institution? Gideon asked. Toris aunt was from Presidio and the Harts, including Alessas mother, were from Chetterswickshire. That ant that they could not have attended one of the district schools, which were only for locals.
Lyce du Soleil is not the only secondary school in Horizon that accepts students from other parts of the empire after a test, Axton said. Acadmie dHorizon is in the Second District.
Albert furrowed his brows. Isnt that the school that also instructs students from other countries? The children of longer-term visiting diplomats and such?
It also accepts students who didnt make it to Lyce du Soleil, Axton said as he rolled over on his side. Though, its not sothing they brag about. There are a lot of students who score well, but dont score high enough to beco an academic student at Lyce, but for many, coming to Horizon could offer opportunities, so they apply to Acadmie.
Its also the secondary school Auntie Fabiana attended, Tori said. She applied for Lyce, but she didnt get in. It was just one of the many resentnts her aunt seed to have against her mother, as if her aunts failure to enter was sohow her mothers fault.
Then, Alessas mother was classmates with your aunt? Gideon asked.
Tori let out a heavy breath. It seems like it. Auntie Maria didnt ask for many details.
But if your aunt is Harts godmother, why are we only finding out about this now? Ilyana asked. A godparent in Horizon could be priceless for guidance and protection for a non-local student. If it were , I wouldve reached out to my goddaughter imdiately to help her get used to the city.
Tori let out a small tch and sneered. Auntie Maria said it best. Does Auntie Fabiana seem like the type of woman who would stay in contact with a poor, rural, motherless girl from a derelict barony?
The silence of the group was telling. Theyd heard and seen enough to draw their own conclusions about the character of her aunt.
Ive never heard of the Lombardi family, Albert said. And my grandmother knows nearly every aristocratic family in the city.
The Lombardi family cos from Sur, but the branch in Horizon makes their living as landlords. I dont think theyre very settled, Tori said. Thats why Auntie Fabiana was particularly upset about Auntie Maria selling the Lunar Pavilion to . The rent shed get from it would last her two generations and owning a forr imperial residence would give her a massive ego boost.
All right, but what changed with her and Hart? JP asked as he leaned back against his chair. Hart is still poor. Wouldnt she be afraid that Hart would ask her for money?
Even Gideon seed to nod in acknowledgent.
Henrik narrowed his eyes. But she is now Baroness Hart and the owner of the Golden Cow.
Tori heard Ewan and Albert let out small ohs. Axton sneered. Suddenly, the estranged goddaughter has a little noble power and owns a famous store. Thats sothing to brag about.
I almost feel pity for Hart, Sonia said. Almost.
Tori furrowed her brows. I am a bit concerned about how my aunt will try to use Hart. Hart has enough going on as is and I dont want her distracted when the orphanage still needs educational facilities.
Will your aunt try to use her? She looked up and across the table in the center of the group, where their plates of half-eaten food and glasses were placed. She, and everyone else, looked towards Fabian.
Hed been silent the entire ti and he rarely spoke when he was with the group. It was only when he was asked a question directly or talking about sword and training regins with Ewan that they heard his voice.
I dont think my aunt is really capable of using Hart, or anyone, as a chess piece to make significant changes. At most, shell be an annoyance, Tori told him in a dull voice. Dont worry so much, von Dorn. Hart will be fine.
Im not worried about her. His words ca out rather quickly and Tori almost didnt hear him.
What did you say? It was JP who sat up straight and narrowed his eyes at Fabian.
Fabian, is sothing wrong? Gideon asked as he looked at his friend. Fabian shook his head and averted his eyes.
I was only thinking that Hart is not foolish and will not allow her godmother to interfere with her project or studies.
Everyone else seed to accept his answer, except Tori. Hed said it so fast, and his words were particular. Still, it wasnt the place to ask him to clarify his stance. Gideon was there, after all. Tori made a ntal note to ask von Dorn in private.
She wasnt completely convinced that he had rejected Alessas invitation to explore the city with her because he had already made plans.
Tori sighed and shook her head. All right lets change the topic to sothing more interesting. Downstairs, I left my brother and Idunn with so gas especially for engaged and newly married couples to be played at parties to test how well they know each other. I think these would be fun to sell at Duel for engagent parties and the like. I brought so to try them out.
All right, but none of us are engaged or married, Henrik said.
We can get into random pairs and see who knows their teammate best. Whoever answers the most questions about their teammate will win a prize-
What prize? Albert perked up.
Tori chuckled and looked smug. You will be the first to try out the escape room.
Escape room? Gideon.
Ill explain in detail later, but its a room where you have to solve a puzzle and answer questions to escape. Its a new activity Im planning for Duel.
Toris parents bought her the building on the other side of the exhibition room for her birthday this year, Henrik said. They told her when we arrived.
They wanted to give us as much ti to get it ready as possible, Tori said. And of course, I told my business partners.
Ilyana let out a low, devious giggle. Its a fairly large lot. We can have multiple ga rooms.
Im still doing the math on whether its better to charge by person or by room rental, Henrik said.
Okay, lets forget about that for now, Tori said, raising her hands. If youre not satisfied with the honor of first play, then we can figure sothing out. She stood up and walked to a box in the corner, then dragged it to the table. Clear out the table, but leave the alcohol. Ilyana, get the small cups from under the dessert table.
Several people worked to clear the table; von Dorn included. Ilyana took out a small tray with several small glasses as tall as her thumb and put it on the table.
Are these part of the ga? Gideon asked.
Yes, but first. Everyone picks a teammate youd know a lot about, Tori told them. Ilyana gasped and Tori stopped her. After the second round, Ilyana. I need to guide the ga first.
Ilyana pouted. Then, Ill wait until youll play.
Piers- Axton and Gideon spoke up at the sa ti, only to be coldly rejected with a single look.
Gideon turned to Fabian. Partner? Fabian nodded. Axton grumbled and seed to want to ask Ewan, but Ewan had partnered up with Henrik, as they had known each other since they were babies. The final pairs were JP and Sonia, Ewan and Henrik, Gideon and Fabian, and Axton and Albert. Ilyana insisted on waiting for Tori, and Piers was laying on the hammock, ignoring them.
All right, Tori said. Im going to ask you ten questions each and you are to write your answers for your teammate on this numbered paper. Keep it hidden and dont show it to each other. When all ten questions are answered, we will go through one by one, and your answer must match up with our teammates answer. If you get it right, you get a point. She pointed to Ilyana who held up a large board with paper pinned to it and an ink pen. If you dont get it right, you take a shot. That is, you fill one cup with a drink of choice and drink it all.
Ilyana gleefully gave a cup to each person playing.
So, this is a punishnt? Sonia asked, lifting the cup.
Tori nodded. The more you get wrong, the more youll drink, and the drunker youll get the more difficult the ga.
Henrik cracked a smile. Well, thats challenging.
All right! Ready? Tori asked. The pairs held on to their papers and pencils. First question! What is their favorite food?
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