Maybe she was being too cautious, but rather than sit at one of the tables close to the window, where anyone outside could see them, Tori bypassed the front of the cafe alltogether to sit in a small, corner table in the back, past the counter. Alessa looked frantic when she grabbed Toris arm and Tori was willing to bet the entire Guevera hereditary fortune that sowhere in their upcoming conversation, Alessa would cry.
How would that look to any potential clients outside?
Alessa had followed her into La Lumiere, which had a dark wood interior. Sitting in the back would allow them to blend in. Alessa had tried to take a seat at a vacant table by the window, but Tori walked past her, without a glance, and sat in the back corner. She lifted her hand and ordered a coffee.
This is what you call a power move. Tori shifted her eyes towards Alessa, who was still sitting by the window, and tilted her head. She then looked at the seat in front of her and back. It wasnt until Toris coffee was brought to her and she thanked the server that Alessa and Adrien, who was resigned to sit at the counter and wait for them to finish their conversation, realized that Tori wasnt going to move.
Like near every instance of them crossing paths in this world, Alessa had to co to her.
Shifting awkwardly from foot to foot, Alessa crossed the room, avoiding the eyes of any other custors before sitting down in front of Tori.
What do you want to drink? Tori asked as she stirred her coffee aimlessly. Her eyes went up and down Alessas small, nervous figure. Tea, perhaps? Alessa nodded, as if shed nod at anything Tori said. Miss Dejeau, may we have a cup of your breakfast tea? Thank you. She looked back at Alessa. Their breakfast tea has a nice hint of sweetness and its light.
Alessa nodded her head once more and Tori couldnt help but compare her to a shivering chihuahua. She held back her amusent as a small cup was placed in front of the blonde across from her.
Alessa stirred the tea with a small spoon once before she stopped and placed the teaspoon on the saucer. Lady Guevera, Im sorry. I was the one who gave Adrien the vest you lent .
Yeah, bitch. I know. I see.
I didnt know you were also planning to sell it. Its an amazing design! Michelle, Zofia, and I...none of us got sick, but two of the boys in Gideons group got hypothermia.
I know that, too. Their dumbasses didnt think to make a second fire. Uh-huh....
Alessa squinted her eyes and looked unsure of what to say. Because the vest was so useful, I thought it would help a lot of people, so I went to show Adrien. Hes a friend of mine, you see. We t when I was coming to Horizon. When all the supplies for the excursion were sold out, he provided with the items I needed.
That mustve been an encounter. Is that so....
Faced with Toris calm, unfazed deanor, Alessas pale face reddened. She swallowed hard. It was who suggested that he try to sell the vests and sleeping mats, Lady Guevera. As you said, the quilt has been around for a long ti and this is just a wearable alternation.
There was the confession. Tori continued to stir her drink, the light clink of the spoon against the cup filled the silence between them. She squinted and stopped. I looked into the source of most of Mr. Rosieks rchandise. They ca from Chetterwickshire. She pinched the small handle of her mug and brought the coffee to her lips. She took a sip and lifted her eyes to et Alessas. He contracted several artists in your hotown, Miss Hart.
Alessa sat up straight. Yes! I know! Chetterswickshire is a very poor village. Were just farrs. He wanted to help by bringing so work to my village.
Tori gave a singular nod and lowered her cup. Thats very good of him.
Alessa appeared uncertain and drew her head back. You arent angry about this, are you?
Tori raised a brow and let out a low breath as she leaned back against her chair. He didnt co up with the design. He stole mine. Then, he had the gall to accuse of stealing the design. She cocked her head and narrowed her eyes. Should I be happy?
At once, Alessas eyes reddened. They began to glisten with tears.
Tori almost rolled her eyes. Oh, fuck no. Dont cry to . I feed off enemy tears.
Alessa sniffled. He only wanted to help ....
And thats fine. A friend should help a friend in need. However, would stealing my design and accusing help you?
Alessa shook her head wildly from side to side. No! Its just that he knew I ca from a poor village and wanted to bring inco to my people!
This girl just wasnt listening.
Which is acceptable, but was copying my design and accusing his only option?
Tears began to slide down Alessas face as she gasped for air, speechless. I...I....
Lady Guevera, I think thats enough. A stern voice said ahead of her. Tori looked from Alessa to the man approaching.
Oh great, another one is here today. Tori lifted her cup and made a little toasting motion to the newcor before taking a sip. Good morning, Mr. Guthry. Youre a bit late. You missed all the action. I really do sound like a villain. But it sounds pretty cool, I can see why people like this.
Dimitri knelt beside Alessa and lifted a handkerchief to wipe her eyes. Dont cry. Lady Guevera cant do anything to you.
Tori nearly choked on her coffee. She snapped her head back and looked at him with wide eyes. Excuse ? Do you think I hurt her?
Shes crying, isnt she? Another voice filled the room and startled custors, earning them a disapproving look from the workers. Adrien didnt pay attention to them and instead lood behind Alessa, as if ready to grab her and shield her from Toris attack. Ive been watching the whole ti.
Then did you hear us talking? Tori looked at him as if he had just gotten stupider before her eyes. She asked if I was angry about this and I asked her why I should be happy if soone stole from and then accused of theft.
Adrien slamd his hand on the small wooden table and Tori lifted her almost finished coffee to keep it from spilling.
I know youre blaming her for this! She has nothing to do with it. Im the one who wanted to make the vests and decided to hire artisans in her village! Adrien gave her a challenging look.
Toris unimpressed expression remained. Then why.
He jerked his head back. What?
Why? Tori repeated. You know that soone else made the design. Why did you decide to copy, sell it, and then accuse ? What does any of that have to do with Miss Hart?
The look on his face, and on Alessas, was confusion. As if the conversation they were expecting to have suddenly changed direction and they werent prepared.
Lady Guevera, Dimitri said, trying to be rational. Very few people knew that you designed and commissioned the products yourself. Mr. Rosiek likely didnt know you were the original designer.
Oh, now thats a reach.... So, he decided to claim the credit. Tori took another sip of her coffee and then placed the cup down. Miss Hart, if you wanted to bring attention to the vests and sleeping bags so that they could help people, why didnt you just co to and tell ? The night I lent you the vest, I told you I designed them to keep you warm. Was it necessary to get Mr. Rosiek involved?
Alessas head was downcast as she wiped her crying eyes. Her shoulders heaved and her voice trembled. Im sorry...Im sorry. I didnt an to....
Lady Guevera. Dimitri frowned. Alessa has acknowledged her mistake. Shes very sorry.
This wasnt her fault to begin with, Adrien said as he looked at Alessa helplessly. Like I said, I made all those decisions. She shouldnt have to apologize to you.
Then you apologize. Tori lifted her gaze and looked at him with an awaiting expression. You stole my designs and claid them as yours, then you accused in public, slandering my na. Apologize.
His face reddened and his hands turned white as he gripped the back of Alessas chair. He grit his teeth. I...Im sorry.
Well, that has no sincerity. Do you plan to continue selling the products?
Adrien scoffed. Dont go too far. Theyre just clothes.
They are, but I hope that I wont see another cheap imitation of my designs in your cow store again, Mr. Rosiek. I have patents for the designs and thodology by which they are made. If you try to sell fakes, you are infringing on my right and there will be legal action. Costly, ti-consuming legal action. Tori lifted her cup and finished her coffee. She placed it on the table and looked across at the uneasy Alessa seated across from her. She softened the expression on her face and spoke in a placating voice. Miss Hart, lets just put this behind us. Im sure that this ti it was an accident. Not fucking likely, but whatever. And that you didnt an any harm.
Alessa sniffled and looked up with hopeful eyes. Really?
Tori smiled graciously. Yes. Dont trouble yourself further with this. She rose to her feet. I should get back to my grand opening. Dont worry about the tea, all right? Its on .
She went to the counter to pay and apologize for any scene they mustve caused. The owner assured her it was fine and thanked Tori for buying them out this morning. After a bit of friendly chatter, Tori headed outside and made her way towards her store.
Lady Guevera. She was almost to the store front when she turned and almost wondered if she heard wrong. However, the man was looking at her and approaching.
Your Highness Prince Emil. Tori lowered her head and gave him a small, respectful nod. Thank you for all your help today. It was unexpected to see you here, but Im glad you were able to co. You and the committee really helped us.
He gave a slight shake of his head. We deal with claims like that all the ti. Sadly, it takes up a large part of our staffs ti. Your case was quite clear. He smiled and chuckled. It was as if you were prepared for an audit.
Tori gave him a weak smile. Audits were always such a pain. If procurent and finance wanted answers, they would hound you until they got their answers. Did you co to see the store opened by Lyce students, Your Highness?
Yes, my wife and I both ca. I heard this is where to buy those down jackets.
Toris brows shot up. Its an honor that youve heard of them. Have you been inside already? Youre an important guest, I should show you around our showroom floor.
The old man chuckled once. Oh, its fine. My wife loves to shop. Leaned a bit closer and whispered. Shes probably in there, trying to get one of everything.
Tori cracked a smile and laughed. As long as she likes what she sees, Im more than satisfied. She paused and looked at him, quizzical. But Your Highness, dont you want to go inside, as well? Its a bit cold out here.
Actually, I was waiting for you.
? A surge of panic swept through her as she wondered if shed done anything wrong recently.
Yes, a young entrepreneur who just started at Lyce is opening two stores and selling at Daybreak Garden. Thats rather unheard of.
Well, I do have the best resource of all. Money.
The old man let out another bellowing laugh. His eyes narrowed into amused crescents. Yes, Im sure! Ha-ha, but money doesnt just design vests and jackets and whatnot alone. Its very clever. The first ti I held it, I was amazed by how light it was.
Tori tilted her head and furrowed her brows. Were you able to see one of my jackets previously?
Prince Emil raised a brow. Did you not gift one to my great nephew?
I most certainly did not-wait.... Tori jerked her head back. Piers? I an...His Highness Prince Piers? She grimaced a bit. She really should pay attention to how she addressed him, but since her brother was so casual about it, she seed to have picked it up.
Prince Emil nodded thoughtfully. He ca by my office and was wearing his. We went for a walk and it began to get cold, so that boy took off his own jacket to give to wear. I forgot I was wearing it and ended up taking it ho. Vivian, my wife, saw it and asked about it. I called Piers and he said you made it and that you had several designs. He even told us to look out for your aunt and uncles versions. The elder prince chuckled to himself. The next day, Vivian crossed Universits campus first thing in the morning to find Professor Biancci at the greenhouse.
Tori took in a sharp breath. She went all the way to Universit?
You didnt know? My wife is the Dean of the School of Mathematics. Professor Biancci told her that there was a wons version of his that you were selling, and so Vivian accosted your aunt when she saw her this morning.
Tori grinned. Had I known, I wouldve brought so samples to show you and let her choose ahead of ti instead of having her co all the way here, to wait in the cold. Dammit, Piers, why didnt you tell ? Now I feel bad for giving you whatever random jacket I thought would fit.
And rob her of her shopping? Prince Emil snorted and shook his head. But its good we ca today. It seems I was of use.
Your Highness, thats an understatent-
Emil! Emil, what are you still doing out there? A woman was standing in the doorway of the store. It was the sa lovely old woman who entered the shop first once the ribbon was cut. While there was still so lingering excitent on her face, she was looking towards the elder prince with impatience.
Prince Emil gave her a helpless smile. My heart, I was just talking to-
Yes, yes, but theyre going to run out of your size for that Biancci style.... Her voice trailed off as her brown eyes squinted at Tori. Suddenly, her face filled with surprise. Is that her?
Tori gave her a small nod of her head. Good day, Your Highness.
The woman was faster than she appeared. In a mont, she was in front of Tori, studying her face and reaching for her hands. Oh...oh, shes pretty. Princess Vivians eyes twinkled as Tori smiled, embarrassed by such a straightforward complint, and looked away. My dear girl, are you done speaking with my husband? Hes just a boring old man who knows nothing about fashion.
Prince Emil looked a bit aggrieved. Im stylish....
Because I picked out your clothes, Princess Vivian said with so pride. She looked back at Tori and smiled warmly. You are the designer, my dear. Tell : which one would you recomnd for ? The only good taste Emil has is in his wife.
Toris smile was broad and amused as she gently took the princess arm and led her back into the store. Lets take a look. Well settle on the design first, then select the colors and take your asurents. If we can finalize all of that today, it should be ready by the end of the coming week.
Princess Vivian looked taken aback. End of the week?
Tori nodded, as if it were obvious. Yes, arent we custom making one for you? After all, todays friends and family discount applies to custom orders, as well. Might as well get a ready to wear one now and a customized one, yes? She gave the old woman a wink and watched as the princess eyes lit up.
She got closer to Tori, holding on to her arm as they entered the store. In that case, I like light purples and violets. She leaned towards the young woman and blushed. Like my Emils eyes.
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