Why are you crying? JP asked his sister with crinkled eyes.
Sonia sucked in a breath and shook her head as her eyes watched Tori trot around the corral on a pure black horse.
Im just so happy for her, Sonia said. Shes such a beautiful horse.
Henrik squinted and gave her a questioning look. Are you happy for Tori or are you happy for her horse?
Both.
Tori listened to the conversations around the corral praising the beauty of Layla and how lucky Tori was to get her. She didnt usually like to listen to such ridiculous praise, but she would make an exception.
She had been riding Layla for so ti; as soon as Lady Bettencourt brought out a saddle for her. Unfortunately, Toris heavenly ride had to co to an end. Not because she wanted to or because they had to go, but because she wasnt used to riding on a horse and was getting saddle sore.
She led Layla to the side of the corral and Sebastian pushed forward so boxy wooden steps. Do you want to use the mounting block?
No! I want to get down by myself. She was well aware she sounded like a child, but she wanted to get used to getting on and off by herself. She handed the reins to a stable hand and carefully grabbed on to the saddle.
Her movents to dismount were slow and awkward, and she could hear Sonia and JP snickering because for a while she dangled above the ground due to her height and inexperienced assessnt of how far she was from the ground. She landed neatly on the ground, though Sebastian was hovering behind her in case she fell, and stretched.
No bad! JP shouted. Take your ti walking. You were sitting on her for so long and arent used to it!
I know!
Theres no sha in waddling!
Shut up! Knowing that she would just waddle off if she went too fast, Tori took her ti taking one small step after another to get towards them.
I cant believe that Alexander picked out your horse, Albert said, looking at the fluffy gray cat sitting on the fence post and wearing a little black hat with a wide brim. And where did he get that hat?
Fifi had Nanny Rey make it for him, Ilyana said. I think it looks good on him.
Alexander is fastable! Fiona said as she threw her arms up.
Fashionable, Tori said as she reached them.
Fashionable. Yes. Fiona bead.
Can we bring Layla to the villa? Tori asked Sebastian. He and Idunn werent going, as they were still playing hosts to various guests, but they had helped arrange it.
I dont see why not, Idunn replied. The villa has proper stables.
Great! I can do so more riding when we get there.
Finally, Sonia said. We can go around so trails with you and you can experience the joy of being an equestrian.
I hardly think with my level of ability, I can qualify.
You qualify. Dont diminish your passion due to inexperience, JP told her as Sonia nodded in agreent.
Thats a very profound statent, Henrik said as he passed them on the way back to the main building. Its surprising it ca from you.
JP shot him a glare as the others laughed.
As Tori entered the back gates, they rounded the area past the main entrance courtyard. There were usually a few horses, as soone was almost always coming or going, but she didnt expect to see a carriage already parked in front of the steps. They didnt leave for another few hours and the carriages usually had the majority of their preparation and stocking done before they were brought to the courtyard.
It was likely a visitor. Tori craned her neck to see if she could make out any symbols or words on the carriage doors that gave away the owner. There was nothing telling, no heraldry, no crest, no family seal or motto.
It was unusual considering how gaudy the carriage was. As the thought occurred to her she felt a slight weight on her shoulders. She narrowed her eyes and craned her neck. Such a flamboyant carriage would usually belong to wealthy lower nobility or new money aristocracy to show off their wealth as opposed to the subdued symbols from the powerful and settled families.
And there was only one woman Tori could think of at the mont who would parade into the Fortress and fit as the carriage owner.
Sothing wrong? Ilyana asked as she saw Toris scrunched face.
Disturbance in the force.
What?
I said I think my aunt is here.
The group followed her gaze towards the carriage. Considering that Auntie Lucia was staying at the Fortress and Auntie Maria was a nun who didnt have a private carriage, they had an idea which of Toris aunts had appeared.
If your aunt is here...does that an Hart is here? Albert asked as his lips turned down.
Tori clenched her jaw. Fifi, why dont you take the others to check on your chickens. Alexander hasnt gone to see his friends yet. I have to go and greet so people, so I will et you there later.
Idunn put Fiona down and the little girl nodded. She took Ilyanas hand and pulled her forward. Co with . Nugget is starting to grow big chicken feathers. Hes ugly now, but I still love him.
Toris friends followed her niece without question. No one wanted to deal with her aunt or Hart. Sebastian held Idunns hand as they walked with a neutral look on his face. Those who had to went to the dining hall. Knowing that it was likely that Gideon had woken up late and went to eat, Tori had a sense of urgency to intercept Alessa. There was also a good chance Fabian had finished his forced morning training with the knights and went to eat breakfast with Gideon, as well.
She was trying to wean the two love interests from her and Alessa appearing over their planned Alessa-free sumr threatened to derail her plans. Since Alessa appeared, Toris mind had been coming up with all sorts of counterasures.
Shed written down a few while she was preparing for the wedding yesterday morning and wished she had a chance to review her counterasures more. Unfortunately, Alessa and her aunt appeared sooner than she expected.
Still, so counterasures were better than no counterasures.
Tori followed behind her brother and sister-in-law with Piers beside her. Are you sure you dont want to go see Fifis chickens?
I am the first prince of Soleil, Piers said, as if reminding her that it was more proper for him to greet people than check on Nugget.
You dont like my aunt.
I dont like many people.
Fair enough. They reached the dining hall and Tori put on a pleasant smile as she walked in.
Auntie Fabiana, good morning! Sebastian greeted them with an upbeat smile and Idunn gave their aunt a small nod of her head along with her smile.
I see you brought Baroness Hart, Idunn said. We missed you at the reception here last night.
Tori turned her head away and held back a laugh. Shed only found out when they were spending ti together on the battlents, but Piers had prohibited Fabiana, her husband, and Alessa from coming. He allowed for Fabianas two children and their families, as he felt they had a sense of sha and decency.
It was strange that our invitations were rejected, Fabiana said with a huff. She looked at her sister with a haughty look. Antonia, you must see your knights and find out whats wrong. To refuse entry to the heirs aunt? Theyre crossing a line!
Antonia didnt answer. She only took a deep breath and remained seated next to her husband. Closer to the far end of the table, Gideon and Fabian seed focused on their als, cutting through the ham with concentration or carefully asuring out sugar to put in coffee. They were quiet and neither said anything about inviting Alessa to join them.
Either they knew to wait for the hosts to do so or they didnt want to offer for fear of indirectly inviting her aunt to sit.
At least you were able to co this morning, Sebastian said before motioning towards the table. Have you eaten yet?
It was well past mid-morning. If they were there, they shouldve already eaten breakfast.
No, not yet! Thank you for the offer! Fabiana took a seat and motioned for Alessa to take a seat beside her. This surprised no one. Antonia didnt say anything, only lifted her hand as a signal to bring food for the two. I couldnt not co and greet you after the wedding, so we made a point to co today. We havent spent much ti with you since we arrived so late.
Sebastian took his seat across from their mother with Idunn beside him. Tori quietly made her way to a knight and whispered sothing before leading Piers to sit at the far end of the table, away from her parents and aunt, but closer to where Gideon and Fabian were seated.
Auntie, what are your plans for the rest of your stay? Tori asked as she took a seat on Piers right.
I was going to ask you, Fabiana said with a bright smile. You know, Alessa isnt familiar with the city and being dragged around by so old lady isnt very fun-
Godmother, dont say that. I enjoy accompanying you, Alessa said as she reached over and touched Fabianas arm. Fabiana looked satisfied with her reaction and cupped her hand over Alessas.
And I enjoy your company, as well, but Im sure youd have more fun with people your own age. Fabianas eyes drifted to Tori and Tori readied herself. Tori, why dont you take Alessa with you?
I knew this mont would co. I heard that since she just arrived a day or two before the wedding, she hasnt had ti to explore Presidio. Unfortunately, I and the others have prior engagents scheduled for the rest of our ti here. She saw her aunt start to open her mouth and Tori cut her off. But I didnt want to simply leave Baroness Hart without a guide, so I prepared a suitable list of places of interest and food recomndations for her for the next few days.
She lifted her hand and a knight stepped forward with so papers that Tori had asked to be retrieved from her room. She pretended she didnt see her aunts face freeze up as she shifted through the sheets.
Guevera, that was very thoughtful of you, Gideon said. He looked across the table and gave Alessa a smile. Guevera planned out our activities when we arrived as well. Youll be satisfied with the board array shes selected. Presidio is an old city and there is much to see historically and culturally.
Oh...nice assist, Gideon. You earned yourself a al. Tori gave him a satisfied nod. She stood up and went to sit next to Alessa. Ive separated it into three lists and there is a lot in each, so I dont recomnd you try to do them all at once. The first list is historical and culturally important places in the city. Start from the Plaza Mayor and work your way out into the city. There are churches, museums and galleries, and artisan quarters. The second list has the best recomnded restaurants for particular Sur specialties. A few are so popular, it is difficult to walk in and get a seat, so I had so knights book tables for you throughout the next few days. Dont worry, theyre done according to altis best suited for their signature dishes.
The last list are my personal recomndations in the artisan and craft quarters. You ntioned the Golden Cow and as I know that with a transition of ownership, there are often so suppliers who are hesitant to work with the new owner, so for your consideration, these are so suppliers of common goods usually made in Sur and sold across the empire. I think it would be beneficial for you to see what items are available, if only for later purchase for resale in Horizon. It is unfortunate that I cant personally take you, but I wanted to give you useful information to make the most out of your trip.
For a mont, the table was quiet. Tori had an inviting smile as she spread out the three sheets in front of Alessa.
Alessa looked surprised at first. She blinked at Tori and then looked down at the sheets presented to her. Countess Guevera...I-
Victoria, a list? Fabiana scoffed and sat up straight with her lips drawn into a frown. Alessa is visiting and rather than be a proper host and take her-
Baroness Hart is your guest. Piers spoke up, making the woman snap her mouth shut. Not Toris. She is not obliged to care for the guests of others.
His Highness is correct. Antonia lowered the paper she was reading and looked across the table at her sister. Tori has prior engagents that cannot be changed. She is hosting the first prince, the second prince, Duke Alvere, and good friends from Horizon, including Sebastians pupil. Fabiana, are you suggesting that Tori abandon her plans to host the first prince to host your guest?
Her sister looked affronted. Of course not! Cant Tori simply bring Alessa with her? Theyre the sa age.
What makes you think there is room to bring Baroness Hart? Sebastian said as he cocked his head to the side. Auntie, everything has been prepared for a set number of guests, including several children and our OTuagh cousins, since before they arrived. Due to the importance of the guests, there are strict logistical issues.
No doubt Tori wishes she could bring the Baroness with her, but as she cant, shes spent hours putting together these lists and making reservations to try to give the Baroness a good experience in her hotown, Idunn said, giving Alessa a knowing look. Shes even noted possible suppliers to help with the Baroness business.
When did you have ti, Guevera? Gideon added, appearing to look impressed. You spent most of your ti before the wedding practicing.
Yes, the Countess was unable to join us in the tours of the city as she had to practice the blessing dance, Fabian said as he poked at his food.
Alessa, Gideon looked across the table at Alessa with a thoughtful look. Although we cant join you as we are accompanying my brother, and Piers hates it when plans dont go as scheduled, youll find that there is plenty to do. Gueveras list will be exceptionally useful.
What do you think, Baroness? Tori asked. I have so ti before we leave. If you want to go through this list further, we can.
Alessa seed unsure whether she should accept or not. She looked towards her godmother, who was still frowning, and then at Gideons expectant face. Piers sat at the far end of the table with a cold, unmoving look. No one dared to change his plans. With no other better choice, Alessa seed to force a smile as she looked at Tori.
If you have a mont, Id like help narrowing down my choices.
Good idea! Tori nodded with satisfaction. Dont tire or overwhelm yourself. When youre done with breakfast, co out to the terrace and well discuss. Ill ask for a map of the city for you.
Tori jumped up and went to speak to a knight before wandering out of the terrace outside. Piers rose from his seat and called for Gideon to accompany him. If Gideon went, then Fabian went, too, and the three of them walked out through the terrace, thus fleeing the dining room.
Axton said hed join Ewan to eat breakfast at Fionas courtyard after their training, Piers said. We will see you later.
Tori gave him a nod and looked at the other two. Good job. Think about what youd like to eat when we return to Viclya. Ill make it.
Gideons eyes widened and he and Fabian exchanged surprised looks. Youll make it?
I appreciate your assistance inside, Tori said, motioning her head towards the doors leading to the dining hall.
Gideon looked pleased. I didnt speak for a reward, but Ill accept it. I dont think Ive tried the jambalaya Conner spoke of.
Tori nodded. I will have the ingredients prepared. Gideon followed Piers and von Dorn paused a bit behind him.
Guevera, Alessa may still have that charm, he said in a quiet, hesitant voice. Tori drew her head back, surprised he brought it up. She rembered that Fabian had been with Gideon when Montan gave him the charm. She narrowed her eyes a bit.
Did von Dorn understand the problem? Better yet, did he know it was being used on him? That strangely made him smarter than Gideon in her eyes.
She didnt ask, but nodded instead. She lifted her bracelet and tapped on the purple crystal. Im well prepared. Thanks, von Dorn.
He gave her a small nod and quickly caught up with Gideon. Just after the map arrived, Alessa ca out. Tori didnt ramble on with pleasantries. She enthusiastically dove right into her list, as if excited to show off her hotown, in order to lull Alessa into a sense of comfort, and then she could ask so questions that had been on her mind since Alessa appeared with her aunt.
...if youd like to take a horseback tour of the scenic hills around the city, Tori said. My godfather says that sunset is the best ti and the guides there will take you back safely.
Alessa nodded and wrote so notes on the edge of the paper. That does sound lovely. I used to ride.
I rember. Mr. Mulligan ntioned it when we ca to Chetterswickshire, Tori said. I thought he said that both your parents were from Chetterswickshire. How did my aunt beco your godmother? She loves living in Horizon. I dont think shed leave unless it was for an event like this.
Oh! Godmother and Mumsy were classmates at Acadmie dHorizon. Mumsy was two years younger than my godmother, but they were assigned as ntor and ntee, Alessa replied with a bright smile. Its often done at Acadmie, but unfortunately, such a system isnt done at Lyce.
Tori nodded her head, not really caring. They mustve been close.
Yes, my godmother said that it was because of her that Mumsy was able to marry Daddy. You see, he was coming to Horizon to represent himself at the Chamber and since Mumsy was also from Chetterswickshire, she ca to see him. My mothers side was considered well off before; my grandfather owned a lot of land, but there was that drought, and the land didnt bring in as much.
Tori nodded. We are all at the rcy of nature.
Yes! Alessa looked enthusiastic that soone understood. Godmother said she encouraged my mother to talk to Daddy to discuss the plight of Chetterswickshire. When Mumsy graduated and returned to Chetterswickshire, she lost touch with my godmother since they were so busy trying to fix the state of the barony. When I was born, Mumsy reached out to my godmother. Unfortunately, Godmother wasnt feeling well and could not make it to my trifecta ceremony, but she did choose the god.
Oh, which one? Tori asked.
Njael, god of luck and wealth. Tori tried not to cringe as Alessa giggled. Her eyes saddened a bit. I supposed Godmother wanted to be lucky and bring wealth back to the barony.
It does take a lot of money to run a territory, Tori agreed. She didnt want to judge what other people selected to bless their godchildren, but the god of luck and wealth was a bit tacky. Most people choose positive virtues or strengths. There were multiple gods of luck, too. Did you see your godmother when you arrived in Horizon? I know its been difficult considering how busy weve all been. Lyce lives up to its reputation as being a demanding school.
I sent her a ssage, but she told to focus on school, as shes aware of how demanding it is, Alessa replied. Luckily, I ran into her at the Golden Cow. She heard I suddenly had such a responsibility and offered help. Your uncle has various properties around the city, so if needed, they can rent to for cheap.
Thats good. Connections are important, especially in a city where were not native. Tori felt so pity for Alessa. Fabiana clearly did not want to aid her in any way until Alessa beca the owner of the Golden Cow. Even now, the Golden Cow was better known in the city than Lions Gate due to its longer history in the city.
Countess, thank you for this list. I want to focus on the suppliers you suggested. Are you sure it wont compete with your company if I buy from them? Alessa asked.
Tori shook her head. Our sales are different. For now, I recomnd building a steady supplier base. Youre in Sur, so you should take advantage of your ti here and find suppliers that can help your business.
I understand. Thank you, my lady.
Have you not heard from Mr. Rosiek? Tori asked. Hed disappeared into the boonies the last shed heard, but their intelligence hadnt reported any activity. However, since he was still a love interest, Tori doubted hed cut ties with Alessa completely when he left. Standard love interests plots would have him leave for a period of ti, but still secretly watch her, which Tori felt was the case. Im assuming he worked on all the previous contracts and when they end, you may have questions. So suppliers may not wish to renew if theyre no longer working with him.
Alessa let out a disappointed sigh. He is concentrating on a new endeavor in Anlar. I think he was driven by the sudden improvents of the Lunar Inns. He ntioned them a lot before he left.
Tori tried not to look too interested. Is that so? I thought he was working with another to connect his stores along the trade routes to inns.
He is, but he said it is a slow and gradual process. He also wants to work on improving business opportunities in Chetteswickshire. Alessa frowned. Its just that the Viscount is very strict and refuses to make concessions.
Then, what else can Mr. Rosiek do?
Alessa perked up once more. My mother left so property that used to belong to her father. My mother was the only heir and so it ca down to . Father was having the land rented before I ca of age, but now, since farming isnt bringing in my inco, weve decided to develop it as an inn and marketplace to cater to the caravan traffic from the lakes to Anlar.
Tori tilted her head to the side. An inn and a marketplace? Will he be able to hire people from Chetterswickshire?
Yes. There will be a dorm, as its a few days' travel from the barony, Alessa said. When its ready, I will invite you to see it. Alessas face reddened a bit, and she looked almost shy. I trust the Countess opinions on the like.
Tori gave her a small nod of her head. Then when its ready, let know. Id love to see it.
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