I said I have no plans to marry, Tori told Dimitri. Anyone. Not specifically Piers.
He blinked and didnt seem to know what to say. Then that ans you wont marry him?
Tori looked back at the guildmasters walking around in front of them. My plans after I finish school are to travel and work with crystals, in addition to my responsibilities with my county and Lions Gate. Outside of those, Im not making any plans. However, no matter what happens, I will support Piers. Whether I am in Soleil or abroad, whether I marry him or not, he will always have my backing.
Dimitris eyes crinkled up and he looked at her with curiosity. Even if he marries another?
Tori chuckled and shook her head. Despite how it may appear, I do not control what the first prince does or does not do. If he wants to do it, he will do it. She paused for a mont. And Ill do what I want to do. He knows that, and we have a good relationship because of it. Even if he doesnt want to be my sidekick. Tsk. Hes missing out.
The young man beside her nodded his head slowly and turned back towards the room. Youre being ambiguous on purpose.
Oh, now you decide to be perceptive? We are considering all our options and enabling flexibility in our decisions. You should consider focusing on your project instead of my marriage. She made it sound as if the conversation on the subject was over.
The only person she talked about this in detail with was Piers himself.
She thought of it as their dirty little secret.
She doubted even Axton knew that she and Piers had already discussed a possible partnership in a political marriage after she finished all her schooling.
After all, they were both planners who took their responsibilities seriously. This shouldnt have been surprising to anyone.
It was just that she knew herself well enough to know that despite all her claims that shed do what she wanted, when it was important, she would put her responsibilities to others above her own wants. If she went the Princess to Crown Princess to Empress route that Alessa had in the ga; the route that original Victoria was portrayed to have wanted, she would put all her focus on it and neglect her desire to see the world and do crystal experints.
Tori would have many regrets, though Piers had once told her that he would never let her have any. She cracked a smile to herself.
Thats such a domineering CEO thing to say.... She had been right about him the first ti they t.
Your Highness! She heard one of the knights speak up behind her and she turned her head back to the entrance of the facility. The guildmasters and their mbers also turned around at once and imdiately bowed.
Well...speak of the devil.... Tori said to herself as she tilted her head to the side and gave a small nod of her head to the tall man in dark blues and blacks. Piers was in his usual casual wear. Behind him, Axton was in grays and khaki, appearing more an adventurer than one of the empires five dukes.
Dimitri seed to tense up beside her before quickly bowing. His face had paled, as if hed been caught saying sothing he shouldnt have. Tori almost wanted to snort at him.
How is the review of the facility? Piers asked as he reached her.
This isnt nearly as bad as I heard it was, Axton added as he furrowed his brows and looked around.
Were you expecting a dilapidated hovel? Tori raised her brow and sent him a questioning look. Axton pursed his lips and gave a small nod.
Honestly? Yes.
Your Highness, Your Grace, Dimitri said from behind her. Good day.
Guthry. Axton gave him a small nod. Piers' eyes flickered to the top of Dimitris bowed head, but he didnt say anything in greeting.
He turned his attention back to Tori. Are you going to be here the entire day?
Most of the afternoon. We want to discuss what else is needed and what plans can be made with the guildmasters and their mbers, Tori said, motioning to the older n across the room. They still remained with their heads bowed.
Rise. Piers gave a clear order and they imdiately stood back up. He lifted his hand and gave them a dismissing wave. Continue.
Yes, Your Highness.
Did you need to talk to about sothing? Tori asked as she narrowed her eyes. He gave her a nod. Tori looked back at Dimitri. You should accompany the guildmasters and take note of what theyre saying. Dimitri gave her a nod and rushed off. Tori looked back at Piers. Walk with .
She swept past him, and he followed behind her, exiting the building and out into the open area around the building. Distanced guard. Piers gave a quiet order and Axton and the two knights who escorted her slowed until they were several paces behind.
Whats wrong? Tori asked. Is it an issue with Pargath?
He glanced at her and looked down at her wrist. She followed her gaze to her bracelet. Without a word, she slid her fingers across a light bluestone and activated it. A subtle glow ca from the crystal, and she looked back at him, silently asking if he was satisfied with the effect of what she called a private conversation bubble.
Their tests on the island showed that it had the ability to contain noise originating from within about a ter of the wearer, even if the wearer moved. She was hoping to be able to adjust the range using an adjustable ring in order to sell it to the imperial family.
Piers looked ahead of them.
The third princes mothers family have been ordered to remain in their ho and, aside from servants sent out for necessities, they are not allowed to leave.
Tori jerked her head back. Theyre under house arrest?
There has been no news from the third princes mother, the second queen. It is suspected that she has also been placed under house arrest, Piers replied as he looked straight ahead of them. His expression didnt waver as he spoke, as if they were just discussing the weather. The third prince wishes to return, but his uncle, the Ambassador from Pargath, refuses to let him for fear that he will be imprisoned.
What about the King of Pargath?
They are unsure if he is dead or alive.
Tori took a deep breath. For a mont, she was relieved that she ended up in an exceptionally stable and peaceful position in Soleil instead of a kingdom where half-brothers were destined to fight for the throne. Her situation wasnt ideal, but she'd take it over fighting for the crown any day.
She couldnt even imagine Gideon trying to fight for the crown against Piers. The only way the prince of brother-complexes would get to be the emperor was if Piers let him.
Shouldnt there be an announcent if he died?
News can be blocked, Piers said. I have arranged for people to investigate. The third prince has asked for assistance in gathering information as it seems that his resources have been cut.
Only gathering information?
Until we know what is happening, it is difficult for him to make arrangents.
Difficult for him, but what about for you? Tori asked. His eyes were clear, and he seed unrushed.
I have several offers available. If he is willing to limit trade with the Duraga Federation and lower import and export taxes from Soleil, Varsha, and Hong for twenty years, then Soleil will support his claim to the throne and Varsha and Hong will lower tariffs.
By support you an support his faction in a war of succession?
I an invading the Duraga strongholds in the south through Pargath.
Toris eyes widened. Piers, thats war. And Soleil hasnt invaded another country in several hundred years.
Do you think we are unable to? He gave her a questioning look and Tori went quiet.
She lowered her eyes. It isnt that were unable, she said in a quiet voice. But war is not a small matter.
Piers looked ahead of them. Did Dede, Miss Sonia and JPs grandfather, tell you about his tribe?
Tori nodded. Dede talked a lot and told her a lot about his people.
He said along the south and the steppes, there were once many tribes that had long settled to be sedentary. This was especially true along waterways and places with suitable land for farming. They were also part of the Duraga tribal system. There were conflicts amongst the nomadic tribes and a need for land, and they began to demand it from the sedentary tribes. Of course, the sedentary tribes refused; they had nowhere else to go. They were coerced into supporting the nomadic tribes in fighting for land from the surrounding nations, Soleil included. Many of the smaller tribes, both sedentary and nomadic, couldnt refuse and those that did were.... Tori didnt know how to put it nicely. She lowered her head. There were a lot of refugee tribes seeking asylum in the neighboring countries. Dedes tribe ca to Soleil and were resettled.
The aggressive and powerful tribes consolidated themselves into a centralized power and began to attack the border regions, taking small plots of land for themselves. The larger empires werent as affected, but many of the smaller kingdoms have been. A few no longer exist. The more land and resources the Duraga Federation gets, the stronger they beco and the more they will challenge us for more land and resources, Piers said. He glanced at her. You know this.
She closed her eyes and let out a low breath. What is important about the Duraga strongholds in the south? If that was his target, there must be a good reason.
It is where they store resources theyve taken from caravans, where they have land that is being fard, and where they keep their feed, as the weather is suitable for keeping animal feed dry.
Tori turned her head towards him and narrowed her eyes. Youre going to try to cripple their armies by cutting off their food? That was quite a classic tactic.
The ensuing chaos would distract them from Pargath, allowing the third prince an opportunity to regain power. He needs to free his supporters and secure his position.
You think the Duraga Federation will abandon the first prince in the chaos?
Yes.
What about afterwards? Theyll know of Soleils involvent and could beco hostile.
I have made preparations.
She narrowed her eyes and gave him a suspicious look.
Then, what do you need to do? Tori asked.
Piers was quiet for a mont. Nothing. You should concentrate on Lyce and the delta.
Tori raised a brow and turned to look at him with dismay. Then why did you co all the way here if you dont need to do anything?
He lowered his eyes a bit and a quiet voice replied. Ask you to dinner....
Tori stared at him for a mont. I cant, Im busy. I dont know how long this will take. She saw him flinch just a bit at her straightforward words. She almost didnt notice his lips tremble.
She took a deep breath. Most people thought Piers was unapproachable and cold, but sotis, to her, he was a big puppy that required a lot of attention. Im free tomorrow. Why dont we go riding tomorrow? I need to take Layla out.
The corners of his lips rose, and he lifted his head a bit. All right.
Ill ask Sonia and Ilyana if they want to go out, too. I havent been riding with them in a while.
Piers smile fell once more. He seed to want to ask why she wanted to bring them, but held back. All right.... This ti, he was more hesitant to agree.
Then, how about Ill go riding with them in the morning and we can et up for lunch by Lions Gate, at the plaza. Tell Axton well have lunch at the Three Queens.
Axton cant co, Piers said in a firm voice. Tori frowned.
Why not?
His birthday is coming, and I want to plan it. Tori resisted the urge to look over her shoulder and see if Axton heard. It seed that Piers wanted to keep it as a surprise.
A wide smile filled her face and she put her hand on his arm. Okay, well keep it from him. Do you have any ideas?
He turned his head from side to side, but paused. Mother suggested having it at Nassaun House.
Tori wrinkled her nose. Isnt it still being repaired? What if its not done by then?
We can call Mr. rced, Piers said.
Tori thought for a mont. Hmm...wed have to make it a weekend event.
We can postpone it until winter break.
Tori shook her head. No, I have to go ho for winter break. She saw Piers knit his brows together. Ho as in Presidio.
Youre going this year?
Tori nodded and cocked her head to the side. Didnt Sebby tell you? Piers still carried a look of confusion. Idunn is pregnant. Shes due before winter break. We will have the babys trifecta ceremony during the twelfth month so I can be present.
His eyes dilated just a bit. Master is going to be a father? For a mont, he didnt seem to be able to match the title to Sebastian. He frowned once more. They were only married a few months ago. To have a baby so soon....
Tori slowly squinted her eyes. Piers...babies arent made when a couple gets married....
His face remained unmoved, but she could see a hint of color heat up his pale cheeks. His lips tightened into a line. Master...got started early.
Tori bit her lips to keep from laughing. Yeah, my entire family is made up of overachievers, she said with a lopsided grin. He told was going to tell you ahead of ti so when the invitations are sent, you will have made arrangents already.
Is he considering for a godparent?
No, Tori said in a smooth voice as they reached the front of the building, where they had started their walk. Idunn suggested it, but Sebby wants soone a bit more accessible.
I am accessible.
Youre busy.
I am responsible. I will be a good godparent.
Then you bring it up to Sebby, Tori said with a chuckle. Godparents couldnt be too closely blood related, but oftentis, a godparent was the spouse of one of the parents siblings. Uncle Rom was both her uncles husband and her godfather. Idunn was both Sebastians wife and Fionas godmother. I suggested Ewan.
Piers frowned a bit and narrowed his eyes. Ewan is too young.
Im already a godparent and Ewan is older than . Tori reminded him as she held back a smile. Her goddaughter, Sophia, was adorable and surprisingly sturdy for a baby. Architect Ebbadottir said she got it from her side.
Piers didnt defend himself. I will call Master today. He looked determined and Tori shook her head.
Then go back and call him. Ill finish here and call you when I get back to the dorms to confirm tomorrows plans, Tori said. She looked at him carefully and lowered her voice. How are you going to distract Axton tomorrow? Wont he follow?
Montan, Piers said this as a matter of fact and Tori didnt question him.
Axton is very attentive to him. Hes a good big brother, Tori said. Piers nodded in agreent. That being said, your brother is a bit pitiful.
That is how Gideon is.
Tori bit her lips and closed her eyes. RIP, Gideon.... I know you love your brother.
Love does not make him less annoying.
She was quiet for a mont. Thats true. She conceded as she rembered that they told her that Gideon used to stalk his brother from outside the library windows.
She decided not to press Piers further about Gideon. Piers and Axton remained a bit longer, observing Tori talk to the guildmasters and Dimitri about the craft school. In the midafternoon, Axton was able to convince Piers they had to leave as he had to return for the imperial familys family dinner.
Piers reminded Tori to call him later once more before they left. Tori had nodded, but kept most of her focus on the schedule the craftsn were talking about.
Not much needed to be changed. There was plenty of room to work and the supplies were enough to get started. The next step was to try to recruit students and the guild gave their permission to use them as advertisents to promote the school and lure prospective students.
A few spots to apprentice and learn the crafts of carpentry and masonry were opened at the school by the master craftsn who were registered with their respective guilds. Prospective students could submit applications and the craftsn who would be the masters would review them before accepting students.
The spots were limited, and Tori hoped that would increase demand.
After so further arrangents and dates to et at a later ti, the group returned to Horizon. Dimitri and Tori invited the two master craftsn to ride back in SIG One and took the opportunity to discuss the craft school further.
From what Tori observed, it really wasnt that difficult to set up the school with skilled and trustworthy people. She didnt understand why Dimitri didnt work with the guilds in the first place. After they dropped off the craftsn, Tori turned her sharp eyes towards Dimitri.
How difficult was that? She couldnt hold back the annoyance in her voice. If he had worked with the guilds properly in the beginning, the orphanage would likely never have had that ceiling collapse and her nephew wouldnt be missing a leg.
Dimitri lowered his eyes. They didnt want to work with before.
And why do you think that was? Toris sharp voice didnt soften. Instead, her glare hardened.
Dimitri swallowed hard. I felt that they were too rude to Alessa, and I was unreasonable in dealing with them. He grit his teeth. I shouldve been calr. Alessas project and mine werent connected. I should not have angered the guilds.
Its good youve learned. She looked back at the window and Dimitri sank back into his seat and went through the notes hed taken. Tori was only there to guide him and ask questions to assist with planning, but he had to do the execution of what was necessary himself.
Can we stop at Duel so I can speak to the printers? Dimitri asked. I want to make the advertisents to attract students.
Tori nodded and touched a crystal on the wall. Mr. Novak, please take us to Duel.
Yes, my lady. The carriage turned towards the Fourth District.
While Dimitri went to speak to the printer about signs, Tori went to get a snack with the knights and brought sothing for her driver and footn. She finished her coffee when Dimitri returned.
I can pick up the signs at the end of the week. I will post them next weekend and send a few to the guilds, Dimitri told her, as if reporting. She gave him a small nod and they headed back to the carriage.
SIG One was parked just outside the cafe, on the cross street. As they approached, a voice called out to them. Dimitri stiffened and Tori let out a heavy sigh.
Good evening, Baroness, Tori said with a curt nod of her head. Are you coming back from the Golden Cow?
Yes, I was reviewing the orders expected for next week! Alessa bead, as if happy that soone asked. She looked at the two of them standing beside each other and the smile on her face almost faltered. Are you two coming from Duel?
Fosse Village, Tori replied. Were trying to get his project back in working order.
Alessas eyes looked at Dimitri, as if asking him to confirm. He put on a small smile and nodded. I have about another year and a half to make it successful, but its almost as if Im starting from the beginning. As the Countess has experience and knows guild mbers, Ive asked her for assistance.
The Countess has been helping you? Alessas eyes were wide as she drew her head back and looked from Dimitri to Tori and back. Tori wasnt sure if Alessa believed shed do such a thing.
Toris brows rose and she nodded once. I want to assist where I can. After all, we dont want another incident like at the orphanage to repeat itself. She caught Dimitri flinch at the reminder. His eyes lowered, but he said nothing.
Alessa seed eager to agree. Then, can the Countess spare ti to visit the orphanage with and look over the project details? I will arrange for transport and als on the day of.
Dimitri jerked his head back and looked towards Tori.
Her gaze was calm as she kept it on Alessas slender figure looking at her with hope in her eyes. Toris lips curled up a bit and gave the other young woman a nod.
All right, she replied in a smooth voice. I will accompany you to the orphanage and take a look at the progress of your project.
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