Tori and Ilyana were up early on their first official class day of school. They picked up their breakfast from Cafe Fortuna and then rushed to their horoom to ensure that they arrived well before the expected entertainnt started. They took their seats at the back of the class, spread out their breakfast on the table along with extra for Gideon and Fabian, and waited.
You look too happy. Dont look too happy, Tori told her in a quiet voice.
Its hard, Ilyana whispered back. She caused so many problems and tried to turn so many people against you.
She never actually admitted to that.
But still, she did it!
They heard a click behind them and one of the doors opened. The two sank back in their seats and pretended to go through their things.
Oh...I see you two already brought breakfast.... The shadow of Gideon moved over their seats. He put his bag on the desk. Cafe Fortuna?
It is tradition for Ilyana and to get our breakfasts there at the beginning of each sester, Tori said. She and Ilyana liked their little rituals. She looked over at Gideon and the young man awkwardly looming behind him. Von Dorn.
He gave her a small nod. Gideon took his seat, but looked back at Fabian, who remained standing. He moved one hand over the desk next to him, in front of Ilyana. Take a seat.
Fabian hesitated. He looked towards Tori, as if asking for approval.
Tori raised a brow, silently asking what he was doing just standing there. She motioned to the empty seat in front of Ilyana. Are you going to stand the entire class?
Fabian drew his head back. Youll let sit there?
I dont own the desks and chairs in the school, von Dorn. You can sit wherever you like. Tori was aloof and didnt invite him to sit.
Gideon gave Fabian a smile. I told you shed be fine with you sitting here.
Fabians eyes drifted to Ilyana. Lady Agafonova? he asked.
Ilyana swallowed the bite of her pastry that she was chewing. She looked at him with a dull expression. The sooner you sit, the sooner you can eat breakfast. We brought a lot, so eat up.
He was taken back and for a mont didnt appear to know what to say. Ilyana offering food was a sign of peace. He knew all about Ilyana punching Dimitri in the face, so Tori wasnt surprised that he looked as if he didnt expect Ilyana to agree.
Fabian swallowed hard. Thank you, Lady Agafonova.
Ilyana took a bite of her pastry and looked to the side, as if uncaring. Fabian rounded the desks and took a seat in front of her. There was a slight smile on his face as he turned around to look at the pastries on Tori and Ilyanas desks to pick up a piece.
Gideon had already taken what was prepared for him. Fabian cocked his head to the side and looked at him. Is this why you didnt go to the commons for breakfast?
Mama J packs breakfast for sotis and gives it to them, Gideon said. He gave Tori and Ilyana a small nod. My thanks.
No trouble, Ilyana replied. His Highness Prince Piers is generous and doesnt allow us to pay.
Yes, my brother is the most generous.... Gideon said with a proud look. His voice trailed off and he paused. He doesn't allow you to pay?
Ilyana nodded. Yes. He doesnt let any of us pay. Ewan even cos all the way from La Garda to get snacks there.
Gideon stared at her. He doesnt let...what about Skuldsen and the Vissage twins?
No.
Martin?
No. Alvere, too.
Tori held back a laugh. When Piers allowed Montan to eat for free at Cafe Fortuna, a series of conflicted expressions had filled Axtons face. On one hand, he was quite happy that his best friend was making such an allowance for his younger brother. On the other hand, his best friend had not made such an allowance for him.
He had called Tori to rant about it for an hour and then dragged Ewan to spar.
Gideon looked struck. I have to pay.
Ilyana and Tori exchanged looks. Axton has to pay, too. Its not just you, Tori said. In fact, even the knights have to pay.
But Im his brother....He lets his best friends brother eat.... This was quite a blow to him, and Tori wasnt sure if it was funny or pitiful.
Im going to tell you a secret, Tori said. You know how you ate for free at the delta this sumr with the al cards? Gideon looked up and nodded. You didnt. Piers paid for you. Piers pays for his food, Axtons, and his knights when they stay at the delta. They dont know that.
Gideons face imdiately softened. My brother is so generous....
Ilyana leaned over to Tori and whispered. His adoration for his brother is concerning.
Tori leaned towards her and whispered back. I know. It scares Piers, too.
A few more students arrived as Ilyana arrived in mid-explanation about how her final report for her Lyce project was almost complete. Henriks was also complete, and both wanted to go to their instructors to review the report before it was officially submitted.
Tori wasnt going to bother. She was going to follow the past notes given and submit it before winter break. Then she was done with it and could take so ti to relax without worrying about schoolwork.
Are you going to join the Naval Academy? Tori asked as she looked at the two young n in front of her.
I want to do at least one tour, Gideon replied. I am unable to stay away from Soleil for too long, as I have responsibilities to the empire, but my parents have approved for up to a year.
Toris brows rose. You really thought this through. Im happy that you have found a path to follow.
Gideon smiled. My brother is capable. I only want to support him.
Ive gathered....
Fabian? The confused voice spoke up from the aisle. Ilyanas face imdiately lit up and watched with gusto as Alessa stood stiffly on the aisle and looked at the desk next to Gideons. Fabians things were unpacked and on the table, along with a crumpled-up napkin from his breakfast.
Good morning, Alessa. Gideon greeted her first and Fabian nodded.
Good morning, he said, following Gideons lead.
Tori wouldve greeted her as well, but at the mont, Alessa didnt seem to have anyone else in her eyes except the two love interests. This left her and Ilyana free to watch with gusto.
Alessa seed paler than normal as her hand gripped the strap of her school bag. Why are you sitting here?
Fabians rank dropped last sester and I told him to co here, as Agafonova is particularly good at explaining concepts and lecture points. He was covering for Fabian as the other young man didnt seem willing to say much more.
Did your rank drop that badly? Alessa looked past Gideon with a hint of pain on her face. Her eyes seed to redden. You couldve told .
A small crunch was heard, and Tori glanced towards Ilyana, who quietly moved a potato chip to her mouth. Tori closed her eyes and held back a heavy sigh. Why did her friends have such an interest in drama? A small bag of potato chips slid towards her in silence and Tori picked one out.
All right, we all like drama....
It was an embarrassing matter. I wanted to improve on my own, Fabian said, looking down at his desk. After giving Alessa a constrained greeting, he hadnt looked back.
Then, you will sit here from now on?
Yes.
Alessa swallowed hard and lowered her damp eyes. I see.... Her hand clenching her bag was white. She took a deep breath. Fabian, have I upset you? Before he could answer, she continued on. If I have, Im sorry.
Fabian gave a small shake of his head. There are personal matters I need to focus on. I appreciate the help youve offered, but after so consideration, Ive decided on the Naval Academy. Although I am no longer Prince Gideons personal knight, I am still his friend and want to be at his side.
Gideon turned his head towards him. His pupils dilated a bit, and he seed moved by Fabians words.
I see. Alessa seed to force a smile on her face. Supporting your friends is important. You and he have been together since you were children. Youre very lucky.
Fabians jaw clenched for a mont. I was able to have another chance. I will not give it up for any reason.
Including Alessa. Tori bit into the potato chip and watched Alessas face freeze.
Thank you for your concern, Alessa. I will also try to support Fabian. Gideon spoke up once more and put on a masking smile.
Alessa nodded her head. Without a word, she turned back to the aisle and walked down to her desk in the front row.
That went better than expected.... Ilyana whispered. Tori raised a brow.
They wouldnt cause a scene in class.
It wouldnt be the first ti.
A scene that will trouble them. Not .
Ilyana thought for a mont and then nodded. She looked back at Fabian and reached over to her desk with a small paper bag in her hands. Von Dorn. Have a chip. Fabian hesitated, but reached for a chip. Once he plucked one out, Ilyanas eyes narrowed. Since you are here to improve your ranking, I hope you are prepared, she said in a cold voice. I do not go easy on my pupils.
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