While her brother was playing the gallant hero, Tori turned her attention to Ilyana, interested in seeing her reaction. Sonia seed to have the sa curiosity and the two of them looked at their friend between them.
Ilyanas eyes were wide and her mouth slightly open as she looked up, staring with a dazed expression at Kasens back. For a mont, Tori could almost hear the breathy romcom background music as her eyes crinkled up and she wavered between cringing and disgust. Sonia seed to have been engulfed with secondhand embarrassnt.
Tori lifted her hand and waved it in front of Ilyana to try to draw her out of her daze. Ilyana gasped and blinked. Her cheeks flushed and she gave her head a gentle shake. Her brows furrowed and she took a deep breath.
My lord, there is no need. I can deal with this. Her voice was steady as she took a step forward and put her hand on Kasens bicep.
Tori couldve sworn she squeezed Kasens arm at least once before Kasen gave Ilyana a questioning look, as if asking if, she was sure.
Ilyana gave him another nod and he stepped to the side to make way for her. In front of them, the trio of young teenage girls appeared intimidated by Kasens appearance and shrank back.
When Ilyana took his place, there was a mont of hesitancy, as if they werent sure how to react. Tori couldnt help but be a bit insulted. When it was three versus three, they were so arrogant and even dared to publicly besmirch Ilyana, but now they were scared?
She took a deep breath and leaned towards her brother. Can you cancel the charm?
His low voice whispered back. Itll only last for a minute. Dont worry. Tori nodded in understanding. She looked back at Ilyana and waited for her to speak.
Young lady, I will repeat myself once more: I do not know who this Alex person is, nor do I have any interest in them. If you dont believe and continue to wrongly accuse , I will not hesitate to take matters into my own hands, Ilyana said, standing up straight.
The girl in the center opened her mouth, but nothing ca out. The silence charm hadnt run out yet.
Flustered, the girl beside her stepped in. You dare hit us? Dont you know that we can report you? Nobles who attack commoners without reason can be reported! She puffed out her chest, but even as she said it, she didnt seem completely convinced it would work.
Sonia sneered. She lifted her hands and cracked her fists. Well, its a good thing Im not a noble.
Tori winced. Sonia-
This doesnt have anything to do with you! The other girl next to the silenced one took a step forward and shielded her friend.
Sonia scoffed. Whats wrong? Afraid to get hurt?
Tori grabbed Sonias arm and pulled her back, putting herself between them. She looked at the trio with disapproval. We can also report you for malicious behavior and harassnt, Tori told them. She narrowed her eyes. If you really want the law involved, Im happy to acquiesce your request.
Tori, dont bother. Theres a better way, Ilyana said. She took out her comcry, but kept her hardened brown eyes on the girl. You said that hes part of the tabletop gaming club at La Garda?
The three younger girls looked hesitant to answer, but one daringly nodded. The girl who claid to have been dumped opened her mouth once more and this ti was able to speak. What are you going to do? Call him? I knew you knew-
I dont know who he is. In what world can I call him? Ilyana retorted. Im going to call our friend and have him bring your boyfriend here. Her eyes widened and looked at them with cold determination. We will clear this up right now.
Tori watched the girl in the center pale. Who...who is your friend?
Ive already called Ewan, a voice said behind them. Tori looked over her shoulder and up the stairs. Piers was kneeling on the top step, petting Alexander whod jumped out of his basket. He will bring the troublemaker soon.
Ilyana let out a small breath of relief and Tori noticed her shoulders relax. Tori patted her back gently and gave her a comforting look. Ilyana nodded and gathered herself once more. She stood up straight, appearing to try to look as imposing as possible.
Since your Alex Cos-sothing is coming, we can ask him what he ans by breaking up with you and implicating , Ilyana said as she lifted her chin.
Tori noticed the girls eyes dart to the side and raised her free arm in the air, making a subtle gesture. Dont even think about leaving before he arrives, either. We will not have you wrongly accusing my friend like this and then run off.
Two imperial knights who had escorted them moved and stood a few steps behind the girls. Piers raised his hand, as well, and two more imperial knights appeared to block the three girls from the back. The young ladies moved closer together and looked at the knights with wide, shaken eyes.
If you dare to run off and spread these lies, I wont let you get away with it, Sonia said in a low, foreboding voice. Her eyes seed to darken. No one slanders my friends.
Ilyana grabbed on to Sonias arm and gave her a thankful squeeze.
Why are there imperial knights? one of the girls asked, her voice trembling just a bit. She whirled forward to look at Ilyana with dismay. Why are they surrounding us? You cant arrest us! We havent done anything!
Theyre not arresting you. Theyre stopping you from running off before we can clear the matter, Ilyana said. I want to know exactly what was said that made you accuse today!
As Tori watched the three girls, she noticed the discomfort and fear on their faces. They were pale, shaken, and Tori wasnt sure if it was because they realized how serious things had gotten or if it was because the boy, they were talking about was coming and everything was about to co out.
Ilyana held Sonias arm and kept trying to calm her. They seed to be trying to calm each other down. Tori knit her brows and crossed her arms, her eyes never leaving the three girls.
Did you see us coming? Tori asked her brother, who stood beside her.
Piers noticed. I was having a eting with him here and he saw you three being accosted from the rooftop, Kasen replied. He glanced at his sister and put a hand on her head. I know it is difficult for you to stand by when your friend is being harassed like this.
Ilyana did nothing wrong, Tori said in a low voice. But if they tried to fight her, I wouldve stepped in.
Kasen nodded. As expected of my little sister.
She raised a brow. But you still got involved. Dont you trust to handle it?
Dont you trust to be there when problems arise? her brother said with a knowing grin. Lady Ilyana is tied to Lions Gate, which ties to you, as well as to Henrik. If this negatively affects Lions Gate, it will negatively affect all three of you. Its best to stop it imdiately. I was going to tell you to call Ewan to bring the young man who is the cause of all this, but Lady Ilyana knew to do that already.
Tori lifted her chin, puffing out her chest a bit. Our Ilyana is first in our class for a reason.
Kasen chuckled. Yes, she fully deserves that rank.
Tori looked towards Piers as he walked down the steps towards them. Thank you for calling Ewan.
It sounded strange. Lady Ilyana is not such a person to beco involved with soone already in a relationship, Piers said. He tilted his head to the side and glanced at Kasen. And she is inter-
Interested in school, yes! Thats where all her focus is going! Tori bore her eyes into Piers, willing him to shut up. He closed his mouth and looked down.
Itll be a few minutes until they arrive, Sonia said. She looked towards Piers. Your Highness, was Ewan at La Garda?
Yes. Piers looked towards one of the plazas entrances, as if expecting Ewan to arrive soon. He knows where Alex Cosgrove is and will bring him.
Tori saw the girls in front of them flinch. She narrowed her eyes and cocked her head. They looked more afraid of the Alex person than they did facing Kasen. Her eyes grew large, and she suppressed her smirk. Those girls likely ca to accuse Ilyana without the boy expecting them to, and now their folly would be revealed.
Sonia was still glaring at the girls. Ill have JP take care of any such malicious rumors, she said in a quiet voice. Dont worry, Ilyana.
Thanks, Sonia.
And I have half a mind to poml that Alex kid.
Hes a La Garda student, Tori said in a dull voice.
Then have Ewan poml him.
Lets not get Ewan in trouble for beating up another student, Tori said with a sigh.
If the altercation is outside of school and argued as just, such as in defense, at most, Ewan will get a small punishnt, Kasens calm voice was suspiciously encouraging. Tori looked over her shoulder and narrowed her eyes.
Dont encourage her.
I just wanted to warn you! The girl in the center of the trio spoke out in a bold voice. It isnt unnecessary for you to detain us like this!
Isnt it, though? Ilyana replied. You ca here accusing of sothing that you have no proof of, and I want to find out why. The only person who can answer this is that La Garda student. I am certain this is a misunderstanding and I want to make that clear before you try to ruin my reputation.
Did he tell you our Ilyana was his girlfriend or only that he was interested in her? Tori asked with crossed arms and a furrowed brow. Because the latter is one-sided and aside from existing, Ilyana did nothing wrong.
Ilyana nodded her head. The girls opened their mouths, but Sonia cut them off.
Save your excuses for when the other party arrives, she said before they could speak out.
Tori caught her brother giving an approving nod. He reached into his pocket and took out a watch. Tori tilted her head to the side as she moved closer to him. Do you have to leave?
I only ca to et with Piers regarding work, he said, as if his work was a regular desk job and he only needed clarification on a docunt. Ill be busy for several days. Call the kids for .
Tori felt her chest tighten. Her brothers words and tone were very casual, but she knew enough to understand that he would be unreachable and likely on a dangerous mission, so she should call his children to comfort and distract them from his absence.
She clenched her jaw and nodded. Of course. How else am I going to keep up with Fifis chicken growth reports or Robis charms advancents. It hasnt been a year and hes almost as good as I am.
Her brothers face softened. My children are brilliant and passionate about what they love. His hand tightened around his watch, and he let it slide back into his pocket. He looked at her with a thoughtful expression. I know you will take care of them.
She didnt like the underlying aning of that sentence, but she kept a smile on her face Yes, but I wont need to.
He chuckled. Nothing is certain.
There was defiance in her voice as she t his gaze. I am certain enough.
Kasen let out a low, amused laugh. Then, care to give a safety charm?
Tori wrinkled her nose. Since she was primarily a crystal user, she didnt carry around suitable paper to write charms with. Even if she did, she didnt carry around bulky ink and pens for writing charms. She didnt even carry around pencils unless she was at school or working.
She glanced at her wrist. Her velare crystal was always with her, but that still needed paper. Maybe I should start carrying around so supplies....
Then, write a charm on my hand. Kasen held out his two hands, palms up, in front of her. Fifi wanted to give a charm, like her brother, but she doesnt know how, so she scribbled on my hands with her wax sticks.
The corners of Toris lips curled up. She could see Fiona being eager to give her beloved father a parting gift like Robert could. Fiona was just learning to write, so Tori wasnt sure what shed tried to write on Kasen.
She wrote on your hand?
She wanted to write on my forehead, like the archbishop did at her trifecta ceremony blessing, but I was worried her hand would slip and shed poke my eye, Kasen said. Once more, it was another highly likely thing for Fiona to do when she was excited. The last thing they needed was for the four-year-old to get so excited, that shed stab her father in the eye with a wax coloring stick. So, I had her write on my hand.
Tori closed her eyes and shook her head. Im not a child, you know.
You are my baby sister, Kasens warm voice replied. Always.
She drew her lips in and nodded. She went through her bracelet, reaching for the velare, but paused before her fingers could remove it. Instead, her hand rose to her neck.
Lets use my birthday crystal, she said as she carefully unlatched it from the chain. She still wasnt sure how she wanted it set, if she wanted it carved and set at all, so while the chain was higher quality, the water moon crystal itself was still wrapped with wire. She took her brothers right hand first and properly grounded.
She wanted to take the charm seriously. Even if it did nothing, she was sincere in wishing for her brothers safety. Kasen watched her as she used the crystals point as a small pencil, writing out invisible Old Sulfae for enhanced senses, quick reflexes, clarity of mind, speed, and increased energy gathering, which she figured would put more energy into any charms he made.
After she finished with his left hand, she looked down at his pale palms that had so faint, pinkish-red marks on them from where she had dragged the point of the crystal.
Dont press too hard next ti, Kasen said as he lifted his hands and looked at them. My palms itch a bit.
Next ti, Ill give you an actual paper charm, Tori said as she hooked her crystal back onto the chain.
Kasen stepped forward and embraced her tightly. I will visit when I return.
Her arms squeezed him as she shut her eyes. Safe mission, Kasey. He stepped back and gave Piers a small nod.
Kasen looked towards Ilyana and Sonia. Lady Ilyana, Miss Vissage, dont make my sister worry too much. Proceed with your safety in mind, he said with an amused smile.
Thank you for your help, my lord, Ilyana said as she gave him a bow of her head.
Thank you, Lord Kasen. We will be careful. Sonia bowed her head as well.
Kasen walked off to the side and a valet had his horse ready. He thanked the valet and took the reins, easily mounting the saddle. He gave them one more nod before riding off.
Tori looked back at her friends and found Ilyana staring in the direction Kasen had gone with glassy eyes.
Sonia rolled her eyes. Youre almost as bad as Tori when it cos to a pretty face.
Hey! Tori snapped her head towards her.
Ilyana flushed and shook her head. Lord Kasen is simply a kind man. Without any hesitation, he stepped into his arms - I an, help us! Ilyana clenched her hands at her side. Lord Kasen stepped in to help us!
Sonia and Tori looked at her, unbelieving. Ilyana looked to the side. Tori looked at Sonia with a frown.
My criterion for pretty faces is very high, she said, unashad as Sonia grinned. Look at the people Im surrounded by. She pointed to Ilyana first, then Piers, who was standing by the steps, watching Alexander be served food from the most expensive restaurant in the city. Tori squinted. How did Alexander get food so quickly?
I knew you were coming with Alexander, so I had the chefs prepare, Piers replied. It is stead chicken breast topped with dried and shredded fish, over a crab broth reduction.
Ilyana furrowed her brows. Was that on the nu?
Tori ran a hand down her face. No, its sothing that Alexander eats when hes at the palace.
Tori, your cat eats better than , Sonia told her in a dull voice.
Alexander eats better than all of us.... Tori muttered.
My lady, Sir Ewan has arrived. One of the knights notified them behind them. They looked towards the plaza and saw a regular rental carriage with a placard hanging that said it wasnt vacant, reached them.
Good, Sonia said, sending the three girls glares. The trio looked as if their souls had left them. Well get this cleared up.
The door to the carriage opened and Ewan jumped out. He looked towards them and waved an arm before bowing his head to Piers.
Your Highness, I brought Alex Cosgrove, Ewan said before standing up straight.
Piers gave him a nod and raised an arm towards Tori. Ewan looked at them and let his confusion show.
Jillian!? A horrified voice ca from the side of the carriage. A young man had shoulder length, straight dark hair, and gray eyes. He was about average height for his age and was still wearing a training uniform for La Garda.
Ewan was dressed in a training uniform, as well. They were required to be in uniform whenever they were on campus.
Sonia and Tori both drew their heads back as they looked over the knight Ewan brought with him.
Sonia pursed her lips. Maybe Ive also been around too many good-looking people recently that my perspective has skewed.
No.... Tori said as she squinted. Its not you....
Why did Prince Piers order to bring Alex? Ewan asked as he approached Tori and the others.
Sonia crossed her arms over her chest as she answered, but kept her eyes on the girls who shrank back upon the sight of the knight-in-training.
These three young ladies ca here to accuse Ilyana of stealing the girl nad Jillians boyfriend from her, causing him to break up with her. The boyfriend in question is this Alex Cosgrove.
Sonias look was withering, and Tori also frowned. Ilyana maintained a firm, disapproving expression as Ewan knit his brows and crinkled his eyes.
Ilyana doesnt have a boyfriend. Shes in love with Lord Ka-
That part doesnt matter! Ilyana nearly yelled as her face turned red. Lets focus on the fact that I dont have a boyfriend and thus did not steal one from soone else!
Sir Cosgrove, Tori said as she looked at the young man who was standing beside the young ladies with a red-faced scowl. Did you tell this young lady that you were in love with Lady Ilyana Agafonova?
The young mans face sohow turned even redder. I...I didnt an.... His panicked eyes looked at Ilyana and Jillian and then back at Ilyana. He imdiately bowed his head. My apologies, Lady Agafonova. My fellow villagers have bothered you today!
Youre not answering the question. Tori frowned.
Your girlfriend has openly accused our friend of seducing you and causing you to break up with her, Sonia said. Our friend has been wrongly accused. Did you tell your girlfriend that the reason you were breaking up with her was to be with Ilyana?
With several pairs of predatory eyes on him, Alex opened his mouth, but no words ca out. His jaw flapped around as he looked at the expectant faces.
Ewan stepped forward and let out a tired sigh. Alex, just answer the question. Did you break up with your girlfriend for Ilyana?
The other young knight hesitated, but then dropped his head. I admire Lady Agafonova greatly, but I know she doesnt know who I am.
I told you! Ilyana said, almost pointing at the other girls. Tori held her back to try to calm her.
Then explain this properly to your girlfriend, as she believes Ilyana tried to steal you from her. Tori stopped herself from adding the or else.
The young knight looked at a loss. I didnt tell her that I was seeing Lady Agafonova.
You told that you wanted to break up because of her! Jillian gasped as she stepped forward, her friends still holding on to her arms on either side of her. Isnt it because she seduced you?
No! Alex nearly choked out as he turned to look at her. Ive never spoken to Lady Agafonova! I only said I admire her! And I didnt break up with you because of her. I broke up with you because you are constantly doing things like this!
Like what?
You are always jealous whenever there is another girl near . The server at the restaurant, my distant cousin who ca to visit in the winter. You even cornered Sir Seger last year when you found out she was assigned to work with for the tactical retreat! Alex almost cried out. She is a knight! And likes won!
She likes n, too, Ewan said. Alex gave him a helpless look. Well, she does.
Not central to the conversation, Tori cut in. Miss Jillian, Sir Cosgrove had made things clear. The reason he broke up with you has nothing to do with Ilyana. Please apologize to her and refrain from such accusations again.
The girl had a resentful look, and it was obvious that she didnt want to.
Jillian, Alex said in a trembling voice. Please apologize. The girl kept her mouth shut and turned her head away. Jillian! Do you know who they are? She is Countess Guevera and the man who called us here is His Highness Prince Piers!
It wasnt as if they were going to eat them. He didn't need to sound so terrified. Tori sighed and lifted her hand to rub her forehead.
I dont need an apology, Ilyana said with an icy glare. However, such accusations should never happen again and if I hear of such a rumor, I will attribute it to you. Her eyes were fixed on the girl with a look of warning.
Jillian couldnt et her eyes, and neither could her friends. All three of them looked shaken. Unable to get an apology from them, Alex stepped forward and bowed his head. Please accept our sincerest apologies, my lady.
I suggest you deal with this properly, Sir Cosgrove. Ilyana glared and turned around. Ewan, Im sorry we had to bother you today.
He shook his head. Its fine. I was watering the dicinal plant garden.
Bring the al Ive requested for him, Piers told one of the valets. He looked at Ewan and gave him a small nod. You acted quickly. Take the al back.
Ewans face lit up. Thank you, Your Highness!
Tori followed Ilyana into the Three Queens. Manager Sassure t them in the foyer and gave them a gentle smile, asking if Ilyana was all right.
Ilyanas strong deanor fell, and she frowned. Im fine, sir, she said, sounding like her regular self. She gave Manager Sassure a forced smile. This isnt the first ti this has happened to .
Tori bit her lips and put her arm around Ilyanas shoulder, bringing her closer to hug her as Sonia patted her shoulder.
Its not your fault, Sonia told her.
And you handled it very well, Tori added. And even if you didnt, we would stand by you.
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