You sent her an imperial carriage? Toris glare bore into Gideon as he shrank back. They stood on the upper floor of the restaurant. Eventually, it would be turned into rooftop seating that overlooked the plaza and the water past the Pronade, but at the mont, it was where employees often went to have lunch.
Tori had no qualms with climbing up to use the rooftop as a perch from which to watch the ships pass, or in this special case, safely observe the transport ship ant to take her aunt and Alessa upriver. Since the ship was going upriver, it had both sails and oarsn. The current flowing downstream usually wasnt too strong to paddle up against.
Tori had started experinting with crystals to move vessels in water because she wanted to make the job of going upriver easier. After all, the Cosora River ran through her territory. Unfortunately, all she could do was get her water hammock to move. At the very least, Master Ramos had gone with Andy back to Kings Harbor to discuss with the OTuagh Naval Engineering Corps in hopes of improving the system.
Until then, a group of twelve oarsn and sailors would take Auntie Fabiana, Alessa, four guards, and a transport overseer upriver to be banished from the delta.
Its not an imperial carriage; its a regular rental carriage, Gideon said, a bit defensive. It just didnt sit well with that the boat would leave them on the border.
Its at a village at the South Cosora river crossing, Tori told him with a sneer. Were not forcing them off the boat in the middle of nowhere. As long as they have money, which Im sure they do because all the money on their person had to be recorded when they went into holding, they can hire a rental carriage there. In fact, there is an unofficial carriage station there for that purpose.
Well, I didnt know that! Gideon scowled, ignoring the judging looks from Dimitri and Montan, as well as the slight crease of exasperation on Fabians brown. Toris glare only hardened.
Every day you disappoint further. Tori narrowed her eyes and turned back to the water. She held up the spyglass she borrowed from Eili and closed one eye. She could see the transport ship at the transportation hub dock on the island. All county workers that interacted with the public wore specific uniforms, including the oarsn and crew of the transport ship.
A dozen n and won were in gray pants, black boots, and thin long-sleeved shirts with the deltas seal embroidered on their left and right sleeves, and over their left breast along with the na of the departnt. They were waiting for Fabiana and Alessa to be escorted out from holding.
Tori lowered the spyglass and wrinkled her nose.
Did they co out yet? Montan asked.
No. Mr. Farkas is supposed to call when they leave. The transport crew is waiting, Tori replied. She took out her comcry and held it in her hand, waiting for the call. It should be any ti now.
Why didnt you go to the island to watch them leave, Countess? Fabian asked. Tori supposed it was strange that shed instead watch them from the top of the restaurant when she had full authority to go directly to the embarkation island.
It is not necessary for the Countess of Cosora to have to oversee a trivial matter such as this. My presence isnt mandatory. The embarkation island staff, and the transport crew can take care of it, and theyve done it before, Tori said. Second, I dont want to deal with my aunt. You saw her in Presidio. If I show up, shell yell at , demand so sort of compensation, or complain until my ears bleed. At worst, shell cause a scene and delay workers. I really dont want to waste my ti with that this morning.
Her mother and uncle werent going to see off her aunt, either. Uncle Dominico was on Rois with so colleagues while her mother was so irritated with Fabiana that if she went to the embarkation island, violence would likely ensue. Thus, Antonia took her sister-in-law horseback riding.
Do you think your aunt will try to raise an issue about this so other ti? Dimitri asked.
Raise an issue where? Tori asked in return as she gave him a deadpan expression. And even if she did, on what ground does she have to stand on? Shes the one who forcefully entered a close settlent.
In the last few days, the four love interests were spotted hanging around each other and Tori didnt know what theyd have in common outside of Alessa. She could make the strongest case for Montan joining Gideon and Fabian, as Montan was Axtons brother, so it was a sort of younger brother hang out, if that made sense.
However, Dimitri had almost punched Gideon once and she had no idea how their personal relationship was. She thought there would be so tension, but it didnt seem to be the case. Perhaps the whole debacle with Alessas favoring charm and realizing what it made them do brought them together.
Dimitri furrowed his brows, contemplating her answer and then nodding. Thats true.
From what Ive seen of your aunt, shell complain in personal circles, Gideon told her.
I can only imagine what kind of personal circles my aunt is in, and I doubt theyre going to be truthfully supportive of her. Tori caught the crystal around her comcry glow, and she slid her finger across. What is the situation?
My lady, Madam Lombardi and Baroness Hart have been released from holding. Their belongings have been returned to them and they are being escorted to the transport ship, Mr. Farkas reported.
Did they cause any trouble during their stay?
Madam Lombardi complained and yelled, often demanding to speak to you, but she quieted down on the second day after the Marquess visited.
Mama visited? Tori jerked her head back. Her mother didnt tell her, and Tori could only wonder what had transpired between the two sisters to shut her aunt up. Never mind, have they been inford that they will be taken to the South Cosora river crossing upriver?
They will be notified when they get to the transportation hub, my lady, Mr. Farkas replied.
Inform them to let them know that a rental carriage will be waiting at the river crossing village to take them back to the delta. Its already been paid for, and this is courtesy of His Highness Prince Gideon, Tori said. Also be sure to inform them of their permanent ban.
Yes, my lady.
What about Baroness Hart? Has she said anything or asked any questions?
She also wished to speak to you and claid to want to apologize. She was told that she was in no place to request an audience with you. The Baroness has been quiet as of the last two days.
Has she been eating?
Yes, my lady. Both Madam Lombardi and Baroness Hart ate their als, and they did not cause trouble at night. The Baroness seed very withdrawn and didnt seem to understand that she was being detained. Whenever she asked for sothing and was rejected, she seed confused.
Toris eyes flickered over to Montan. He was close enough to hear Mr. Farkas and seed to have mixed feelings. Mr. Farkas and the others on the island didnt know much about the charm; when they ca, Tori hadnt inford them of their real reason. She only said her brother wanted to see the building. Mr. Farkas wouldnt know if Alessa was acting strange or why she would be.
However, Alessas confusion that her words were having no effect hinted that she realized sothing was different.
Tell the transportation crew to keep a close eye on them and to report if there was anything out of the ordinary. Tori ended the call and turned back to the love interests. Its unnecessary to bring up trespassing and holding to the Baroness later. Montan and Guthry, she doesnt know that you two are here, so there is no need to tell her you witnessed it as it isnt a situation to be proud of. Both young n nodded, and Tori looked back towards the embarkation island in the distance.
After so ti, she noticed the small transport ship depart from the island. Tori kept her eyes on it, as there was a specific route that boats took around the islands to avoid blocking narrower waterways. The transport ship would go around most of the islands and directly to the mouth of the river, passing the corner of the Pronade on one shore and the construction yard on the other.
You really held your own relative for trespassing.... Dimitri said in a quiet voice, as if he still couldnt believe it.
I always hear about how close the marches are to their families, Gideon said as he squinted out at the water. I admit, I didnt expect you to be so strict.
Then you should also know that if a family mber breaks laws, the consequences are dire as we expect them to act accordingly, Tori said. She gave him a silencing look. For instance, you know what happens if a mber of a marquis family rebels.
Gideon shrank his head back and the other love interests looked at him
What happens? Dimitri asked.
Gideon looked down at his feet. Theyre killed by the family. A marchs loyalty must be absolute, and they do not compromise.
As the saying goes: play stupid gas, win stupid prizes. Tori held up the spyglass as she made out the tiny vessel in the distance getting closer. As expected, her aunt and Alessa were surrounded by frowning guards. Alessa kept her head down, appearing embarrassed, while her aunt silently seethed beside her. She lowered the spyglass and held it out.
Gideon took it from her hand and peered through. She looks upset.
Of course, shes upset. Theyre not going to get the chance to tear through my delta, Tori said in a firm voice. Are you four going to remain up here? Im going back to the encampnt; I have work to do.
Do you require any assistance, Countess? Dimitri asked.
Tori shook her head and took the spyglass back from Gideon. No. Also, youre here to rest, Guthry. Go and relax on the beach or rent a boat to take a round around the islands. Why dont you join your parents? What are they doing?
Theyre taking sailing classes, Dimitri replied. The couples class.
Tori drew her lips inward. She thought selling specific activities just for couples would be a good way to lure guests into spending money, as it was an upsell from the general activities. Shed evaluated it out with various couples she knew to see if people would be interested during the Spring Festival. Senior Southard had gone on a carriage ride with a romantic sunset picnic dinner on a cliff with Hadley Voss, and she liked it so much, she asked if there were any more to do.
Hadley had assured Tori that they were willing to test any of her couple activities for her, to which Tori had asked him if the empire simply didnt pay him enough.
Tori shook her head to refocus her thoughts on Dimitri and felt a little pity for him, as it seed his parents abandoned him.
God sister, I am going to NE12 to go fishing and grill with the children today. Mr. Guthry is welco to join us, Montan said.
Gideon and Fabian turned to him with confusion. Youre going to NE12?
Montan nodded. Robi said he was going with his cousins, and Commander OTuagh and her wife have purchased so seafood from the fishern yesterday to ensure that there is enough. Mr. Conner and Mr. Martin will also be there.
Wait, why are you going to NE12? Tori asked. There is nothing on that island except a swing. And why didnt anyone tell ? Thats my island.
The northwest corner has a cove suitable for fishing and there are no other guests, so Commander OTuagh likes it, Montan replied. Alexander is coming, too.
Tori lifted her hand to her forehead as she heard Gideon exclaim that he wanted to co, too. Dimitri also agreed and asked if he needed to bring anything, as he was a guest. Tori hadnt made it clear that NE12 could only be visited one ti to camp. The boat reserved for family mbers and friends would simply take them there upon request.
Shed let them do it this ti, but once construction started, shed have to limit their trips to the island, if only for safety reasons.
Listen, you four are free to move around Viclya, but going to NE12 is a privilege that cos with accompanying a family mber. It is the personal property of the Countess, Tori told them. So, if sothing happens to you there, the resorts are not liable, and you are wholly at fault. She took the spyglass from Gideon and tucked it under her arm. Enjoy your ti here and dont wreck my island.
She headed towards the stairwell that led to the lower level, where Piers had been standing in the shade.
It is done? he asked as he opened the door leading to the stairwell.
Its done, she replied. Are you coming with to Horizon tomorrow?
Piers nodded his head as they walked down the steps. We will be escorting Mother back.
Mama is also going back, so well go with her to Horizon.
Mother says that you and the Marquess will stay at the palace overnight, Piers told her as they reached the ground floor. You can have breakfast with your mother before you go to the Lunar Pavilion.
I want to bring Alexander, but hes been following around the children.
They give him food.
They give him.... Tori choked back so frustration. I told them not to give him extra food because hes so big!
It is mostly fur. Piers thought for a mont. And Declian Temple cats can grow to be four tis as large as an average cat.
Four tis? Tori tried to imagine Alexander, who was already quite large compared to the cat who gave birth to him. The only other cat she could compare him to that shed seen recently was Master Ramos cat, who was cat-sat by the crystal masters on the island while Master Ramos was away. He was normal-sized. Benedict isnt that large.
Senior Benedict isnt-oh. Benedict the cat. Piers furrowed his brows. Perhaps he takes after the mother cat. The cats at Lyce are not large.
Im still worried that Im overfeeding him.
If you did not feed him, Alexander can still hunt on his own. He is a master hunter.
Tori sighed and ran a hand down her face. Im going to have a talk with him tonight. She said it as if her cat could comprehend impending health concerns.
She dove into her work the rest of the day, including an hour-long eting with Ilyana regarding the invitations to her birthday party at the Lunar Pavilion. In the end, they decided that Ilyana would go with her to Horizon and finalize the invitations at Duels print shop.
Unexpectedly, when Tori woke up the next morning, not only was Alexander seemingly waiting for her, but so was Fiona standing next to him, looming over her side of the bed. For a mont, Tori froze as she struggled to identify her tiny niece waiting for her in the dark room, and confirm she was not so bedside gremlin in a nightmare.
Auntie, Fiona asked as her big brown eyes blinked. Are you awake now? Im ready to go.
Fifi, baby, why are you up so early? Tori asked as she sat up and stretched. She gave the little girl, who had clearly dressed herself in a mismatched apron dress over a tunic top that reached her ankles, a warm smile.
Im going with you to Horizon.
You are?
Uh-huh, Daddy's taking us, too.
Tori furrowed her brows. Are you going to escort grandma?
Yes, and then go to the orphanage to visit our friends, Fiona told her dutifully. Grandma Monica says were staying at the palace tonight.
Grandma Monica? Tori squinted. She still referred to the Empress as Her Majesty. Perhaps it was because Fiona was so little that the Empress told her to address her with such familiarity.
Fiona nodded. Isnt that where Uncle Piers lives? I wanted to bring Istvan so he can study to be a good sidekick, but he has to go ho.
The corner of Toris eye twitched. I see...well, perhaps next ti. She got out of bed and quickly washed her face and changed into suitable traveling clothing. When she ca out of the back room of her tent, her mother, brother, nephew, and Piers were with Fiona and Alexander.
Give your bag. Piers stepped forward at once to take the canvas drawstring bag Tori had packed with her overnight things. Why did you pack so much? You have clothes and overnight things at the palace.
Tori crinkled her eyes and tried to send him a silencing glare at Kasen and her mother looked at her with question.
I dont have clothes suitable for work tomorrow.
I can have so made. Your asurents are with the palace tailors. You grew, so they will need to be called again.
Tori, she heard her mother call out to her. How often do you stay at the palace?
Rarely! Tori said as she turned around. Only when there is a big event or Im coordinating. Or recovering from crystal shock. The usual.
Fiona, do you want to stay in your Aunties room at the palace overnight? Piers asked the little girl petting the cat.
Auntie has a room at the palace? Fiona asked with wide eyes. She turned to Tori, impressed.
Its a guest room! Tori cried out, but she already caught her brothers judging eyes.
Uncle Piers, Fiona said as she stood up to look at him, appreciative. Youre a very good sidekick.
The corner of Piers eye twitched. You will stay with your father.
No!
Lets go. Tori scooped Fiona up in her arms. We have a long ride to Horizon. She led everyone and her cat out of her tent. Several carriages were waiting for them next to the encampnt and Tori narrowed her eyes. Why are there so many people?
The Empress was standing, speaking to Axton, while Gideon and the love interests gathered in the corner, discussing sothing. Ilyana was already seated in SIG One with Riri, their mother, and Ava.
Ilyana and her family are staying at my house, Henrik said. My parents said to have them stay there since there are extra rooms and well be going to Duel anyway.
Explain Ewan, Albert, and the twins, Tori said in a dull voice.
Visiting their family. Also, Madam Martin called Albert and said that if were all going, then to have dinner with her.
I already made plans for our dinner at the Three Queens, Tori said. Her mother hadnt been since she graduated Lyce and left Horizon. Back then, it was only part way built and had yet to establish itself as one of the most exclusive restaurants in the city.
I know, so she said shell et us there. Henrik drew his lips into a line and Tori gave him a tired look.
She took a deep breath. Axton! He ca at once and upon finding out that they had another guest, laughed, and said it was fine, as the rooftop dining room was prepared for all of them. Tori narrowed her eyes. Did you know everyone was coming?
Axton nodded. You were busy, so we coordinated it. Henrik said to tell you, but I didnt want to bother you. Axton seed proud of this, and Tori took another deep breath.
She pursed her lips and passed him, patting Henriks shoulder as she climbed into SIG One. You tried, Henrik. Thats all I can ask of you.
Its hard being the responsible one, he said with a heavy sigh.
Tori sat back on the seat bench and Fiona climbed onto her lap. You look tired, Auntie. Take a nap. We have a long ride, she said, repeating what Kasen often told her.
Tori gave her a wry smile and caressed her hair back. Thanks, Fifi, but I can rest when we get to Horizon.
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