Her birthday was approaching and since it wasnt considered an important milestone birthday, as she was already an adult, Tori didnt put much effort into planning her celebration. She thought shed have a nice private dinner on Reina, dance around with her friends, and watch fireworks.
Her mother wanted to stay for her birthday, but knowing that Antonia hadnt planned to co to Viclya at all and had essentially disappeared from her work in Sur, Tori encouraged her mother to go back. She was faced with a surprising refusal.
I can return after your birthday. Its only a few more days, after all.
But Papa will be so lonely, Tori said as she walked along the pronade arm-in-arm with her mother in the evening. If work didnt work, then perhaps reminding her mother of her father.
Your father is a grown man. He can survive a few days without , Antonia replied in a firm voice. Toris lips pulled into a line. Every night, her father called her mother and if he couldnt reach Antonia, as sotis, she would be out with the Empress and the duchesses, then he would call Tori to ask where her mother was.
Mama, Im half expecting him to appear on Sur Oro at any mont. It wasnt that her father was irrational or irresponsible, it was just that he loved his wife a lot. He didnt announce it to others or complain when he missed her to anyone but Antonia, but it was blatantly obvious to anyone with eyes.
I will wait until Dom cos with your aunt and cousin, Antonia told her. Her eyes crinkled up with a devious smile. I want to hear my brother praise my daughters ability.
Mama, Im not a genius. I just know how to organize things and am competent. Tori let out a tired sigh. I had a lot of help, too.
Coordinating said help and properly utilizing all your resources is a skill, her mother told her. Do not discount yourself.
Tori nodded a bit. I still have much to do.
Do you still plan to study crystals at Universit? her mother asked.
Tori nodded. I need to get access to the resources that students and alumni have. I cant always con the Emperor into forcing them to let in. Also, Ilyana, Henrik, Albert, and Constantine may all attend.
Universit doesnt have a dorm. Lunar Pavilion is a bit far from the campus. It will be inconvenient to travel back and forth, her mother said. She narrowed her eyes. Both your brothers had roommates and lived near campus. Do you wish to do the sa? If you are uncomfortable, we can buy you a flat.
Ive already discussed this with Ilyana and Piers, Tori said. Piers owns that big house across the street and since he and Axton will move out after they graduate, Ilyana and I can rent out the floors. Also, Alexander has all his things there already.
It would be convenient for Alexander, but are you sure that house is suitable?
Tori nodded. It has places for the horses, the carriages, for guards. It has multiple rooms on the lower floors, so Albert and Henrik can have a room if they need to stay overnight. If Constantine cant find a place to live, there is a spare room he can rent.
Youve considered all your friends, too. Her mother chuckled. She leaned against her daughters head. There were many large hos in the Academic Quarter that acted as apartnts for students. Single n and won had separate floors and sotis, there were specific floors for couples or small families. Are you not considering returning to Presidio? Universidad del Sur Presidio is just as promising as Universit.
Tori shook her head. Universidad del Sur Presidio was a good school, but it didnt have the crystal resources Universit had. No other school in the empire had what Univsersit could offer her in terms of resources for both crystals and networking. She was also now a countess and had those responsibilities to her fledgling county. I cant be too far from the delta while its being developed.
Her mother snorted in an unladylike fashion. That wretched Matthieu-Philippe....
Mama, dont curse the Emperor.
I can curse him all I want. What is he going to do? Cry to Monica? Antonia sneered. Tori couldnt help but picture her mother as the domineering student on campus when she attended Lyce. No wonder it was said that the Emperor had a tough ti courting the Empress; it was likely due to both the Marquis General and her mother, who didnt think he was good enough.
Tori squeezed her mothers arm and moved closer to show her affection. Mama, Ill still visit. Or you and Papa can visit.
Your Papa is working very hard to finalize the transfer of the title to your brother within the next five years. Then, both he and I will be free to visit more, Antonia told her. Unfortunately, the five years is still a bit away. Sebastian is so slow.
Tori wanted to snort as well. There werent any set requirents that an heir needed to et in order for the position to be passed to them upon the retirent of the current marquis. It was up to the current marquis discretion. Gramps had passed the position down to her father as soon as Sebastian was born. He wanted to accompany Grammie on her research trips.
Unfortunately, Gramps was a massive hindrance, so he was sent back.
Tori suspected that her parents wanted to pass the title down so they could have more free ti. Of course, it wasnt as if theyd be completely free of march work. Gramps still did work for the march, but it was in a limited capacity, and it was up to him to decide how much he took on.
Considering Kasen was also doing work for Soleil in whatever super-secret position Tori was afraid to ask about, and Idunn still worked on agriculture, a lot of the marchs managent would go to Sebastian. Had Tori moved back to Presidio, as his younger unwed sister, shed also have so work ready for her.
But now she had her own territory to deal with. In retrospect, of my siblings, Im the first one with an actual landed peerage. My brothers are much more capable, how did this happen? Tori frowned. Stupid Emperor.
Godmother! A voice cut through Toris thoughts, and she turned and saw Montan seemingly speed walking towards them.
Her mother slowed to a stop and turned towards the blue-haired young man. In the past few days, Montan had been staying with them in Viclya on leave from Duel. Tori had spoken to Mr. Somrset about it and decided to start training Montan in the escape rooms. After her birthday, theyd go back to Horizon to et with the carpentry and masonry guilds to plan out the rooms in the new building.
The new building had already been gutted and Tori had sent the prospective blueprints and sketches of the rooms to Guild master Blomgard to review.
Montan. Her mothers voice was still sowhat stern when speaking to Montan, but her actions were gentle. She raised her hand and touched Montans head as he reached her. Did you finish your review with Kasen?
Montan nodded, eager to please. Yes, Godmother. I am going to see my brother, but saw you and wanted to greet you.
Antonia gave him a small nod. Do not overwork yourself. Your godbrother is a demanding instructor. If it is difficult, tell him and he will adjust it.
Tori drew her lips inward. With how experienced Montan was in charms, he should be able to remain on track with Kasens reviews. In addition, Kasen was instructing Robert at the sa ti and Robert had no problem keeping up. Kasen was always smirking with pride when soone brought up Roberts ability. The boy was like a sponge. A sponge who had ti to play with his cousins as if he didnt spend hours a day practicing Old Sulfae and building his charms foundation.
Montans eyes were bright, and he smiled. I will pace myself, Godmother! He looked at Tori with undisguised earnestness. Countess, do you know where my brother is?
He went sowhere with Piers-
Tori!
And here they are. Tori let out a tired breath and sighed. Axton and Piers were approaching from the steps that led down to the dock. She furrowed her brows. Did you go to another island?
I wanted to show Piers how Reina de la Lunas pools are coming along, Axton said. He gave the man beside him a sidelong glare. He says theyre just holes. Of course, theyre just holes right now. They just started working on them!
It was not as impressive as you made it sound, Piers said in a dull voice.
It will be impressive later!
Then you shouldve taken later. Piers turned his attention to Tori and her mother and gave them a small, polite nod of his head. Marquess, Tori. Good evening.
Antonia looked him up and down and then responded with a small nod. She looked back at Montan and touched his head once more. You were looking for your brother?
Yes! Montan had been quiet when they were talking and looked towards Axton with excited eyes. I have been invited to play the new card ga by His Highness Prince Gideon and would like to invite you.
Axton let out a sharp laugh and narrowed his eyes. So, he wants a rematch, but isnt brave enough to challenge himself, is he? Ill be glad to disappoint him once more.
He ushered Montan back towards the encampnt, as it was where the teenagers played their tabletop gas. The resort area where theyd usually play was taken up by older guests playing cards and tiles.
Once they were several paces away, Piers glanced towards Tori and her mother. He turned towards them with a cautious expression. My lady Marquess, my mother was asking about you earlier. Will you not be joining her to play tiles tonight?
Antonia raised a brow and her look hardened. I am walking with my daughter.
I will walk with Tori, he seed to offer.
Antonia stared at Piers, who couldnt hold her gaze and looked down. Her lips tightened into a frown and Tori felt her arm holding hers tighten. Are you trying to steal my daughter?
Tori barely held back a small hiss. Piers shook his head. He looked up, his eyes trying to et her mothers.
Tori is not an object to steal, he said with a surprising amount of conviction in his voice. He dared to hold her mothers scrutinizing gaze. She makes her own decisions.
She knew he was a prince and that his rank was higher than her mothers, but for a mont Tori wondered where he got the guts to counter her mother with such confidence. She looked towards her mother, ready to calm her.
Antonias sharp eyes narrowed a bit more, but she drew her head back. She lifted her chin and seed to look satisfied. Good answer, Your Highness. She slipped her arm off of Toris and looked at her. I have been invited to play sun tiles with the duchesses and Monica. Do not overwork yourself.
Mama, its already evening. Im done with work for the day.
Her mother smirked a bit before leaning down to kiss the top of her head. My dear, as long as you are awake, you will think of sothing to do. She stepped back and cast one more unreadable look at Piers before turning towards the resort tents. Four Guevera knights followed dutifully behind her, leaving Tori with Piers and a few distanced knights.
Youre getting more and more daring, Your Highness, Tori said as she raised a brow.
If I am not, your hard work will be for naught and you will be disappointed, Piers said in a quiet voice as he offered her his arm. Tori sighed and placed her hand where she usually put it in the crook of his arm.
I told you not to improve yourself for others, but for yourself, she said as they continued in the direction opposite the plaza.
It is also for , Piers asserted. It is your birthday soon. Is there anything you need?
I can always use more mon- Tori snapped her mouth shut. Her eyes narrowed and she glanced at him with accusing eyes. This was a trap. I dont need anything.
Piers was quiet and she could almost see the gears turning in his head. During the Harvest Festival, I would like to throw a ball inviting various diplomats and nobles.
Toris eyes widened and she snapped her head towards him. You want to throw a ball? Piers nodded. A ball with people? His lips turned down a bit and he glanced at her.
Am I not allowed?
No, its just...surprising, she said. She furrowed her brows and looked down. I didnt expect that youd want to throw a...a ball. Did your parents tell you to?
It is my idea. I have not yet brought it up to my parents.
What brought this on? Tori asked. Are you trying to be more accessible and bolster your reputation as the first prince?
It is necessary. He put his hand over hers and she felt him shake a bit. I have never planned such an event.
She knew where this was going. Tori gave him an affirmative nod. Say no more, she said as she covered her hand with hers. I will help you. If its for the Harvest Festival, we need to start planning it soon. Have you considered where to have it? Tori gasped and leaned closer. Have you considered the Lunar Pavilion? The courtyard and ground floor will be suitable for guests by then. Axtons people were very efficient.
Piers tilted his head to the side and thought for a mont. It would be good to advertise the Lunar Pavilion. We can have it there.
Tori trembled a bit with excitent. I cant wait to tell Axton. Should we have a the? Of course, well have a the, its the Harvest Festival. Should I make mooncakes?
Piers chuckled a bit beside her, though he didnt know what mooncakes were. You can make whatever you want.
It will be the first ball youve thrown, Tori said, squeezing his arm. It cant be lacking. You have to carefully consider the guest list and then we have to plan the security details. Ill set up a eting with Sir Dobcheck and the captain and do a walkthrough of the Lunar Pavilion with them.
Tori rambled on, more to herself than to Piers. He only nodded and quietly agreed with whatever suggestion she made. Before she knew it, theyd made a turn around the pronade and had returned to the plaza.
I will require assistance in hosting the ball. If it were in the palace, my mother would assist , and Chamberlain Thorpson would be at my disposal. However, outside the palace, I would need a separate staff. At the mont, I only have Axton.
You can hire Albert again.
I will inquire. Perhaps Lady Ilyana and Henrik can assist as well?
It would be good practice for both of them, yes. Thats a promising idea.
I will need soone at my side to welco guests.
Your brother can...oh. Toris shoulders fell . You want to escort you. Piers gave her a small nod. She stopped walking and narrowed her eyes. Piers, I have to work behind the scenes to make sure everything is running smoothly. I cant be at your side the entire ti.
Most of the ti.
Piers.
Half the ti. He tried to compromise. Axton can stay by my side when you are busy. Tori sighed and released his arm.
All right, half the ti.
Piers smiled a bit. I look forward to the ball.
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