Perhaps it was the lull after her first real mission in collaboration with Piers and his intelligence team, but Tori felt as if a weight was lifted off her shoulders. While she knew that the mission was still in progress, it was no longer her responsibility. Piers had insisted that he would oversee it, and would not tell her any updates unless she asked.
Even when she did, his answers had been short.
Usually, hed tell her a location where the tracking crystals were leading his n. Tori had expected all the tracking crystals to go in one direction and for a week, they had.
Then, they split.
Did one stop? Tori asked as she rummaged through the samples of invitations for Axtons birthday party.
Piers was reviewing a guest list. The wagon and horse stopped for a day, but the barrels remained for three days before moving, but they werent on the sa wagon.
Tori narrowed her eyes. Where did they go?
Piers gaze lifted over the edge of the guest list and t her eyes for just a mont. I thought you were going to focus on the party planning?
She wrinkled her nose and wiggled down in her seat. Im just curious. She separated three of her top picks for the invitation. I know that gold looks good with hunter green, but I want to go with this white marbled gray and the gold foil.
Okay.
What do you think?
Its fine.
Do you think Axton will like it?
Axton wont see the invitations.
I an the color the, Tori said with a frown. Ilyana is waiting for to settle on a color the so she can get the table linens and decorations ready.
Piers squinted his eyes a bit. What decorations are you ordering?
The usual. Banners, garlands, so seasonal flowers, or plants, she said, counting off her fingers. And then we have to program the lights.
Axton will care about food the most, Piers said in a dull voice.
Piers, Im having a whole roasted pig prepared by the chefs from the Hong Empires embassy, Tori said in an exasperated voice. Have you ever had Hong-style roasted pig? Its amazing.
In addition to that, she was having nurous noodle soups prepared, as Axtons birthday was at the beginning of winter. It was a sort of buffet style, but there were pre-set soups to pick from if one wasnt sure. She was sure Axton would love it.
Piers seed to think for a mont and nod. Axton will like that.
Tori lifted her chin, proud of herself. There will be fresh oysters to go with the hors devours to start off with and then everyone will be free to pick their own food.
Piers nodded once more. Axton likes choices. What about dessert?
Since its winter, I am considering pastries over cold treats. Of course, along with this, Im also going to be serving an after-dinner coffee, and for those daring, a drink from the Tona Empire. Its a warm milk-based beverage, sweet with a hint of cinnamon, thickened with corn, and a touch of sugar and a seed of a plant.... As she explained, she could see the doubt creep in Piers otherwise stoic face. This is my fault. I dont know how to explain chocolate or champurrado. Itll be good, I promise.
He let out a small hum and continued to look over the guest list. What about his cake?
Salted caral over chiffon, Tori said. Mr. Jaeger is taking care of it. She put aside the white and gray invitation and decided to go with it. What are you getting him for his birthday?
I am paying for this party.
Piers.
I am throwing it. Is that not enough? Piers asked.
Well...I suppose it is, she said. You ordered fireworks and musicians, too. Piers gave her a satisfied nod.
Are you giving him a present?
Tori nodded. Its a sword.
He has many swords.
She gave him an irritated look. It has engravings and crystals embedded around the guard, hilt, and beneath the grip. Sebby helped get it done.
Swords used for battle will be damaged.
Thats why I didnt put any on the blade. Its very subtle. Theyre hardly noticeable. Dont worry, Sebby knows what hes doing. Tori puffed out her chest with pride.
Piers was quiet for a mont and nodded. Should I get him sothing?
I thought you were just paying for the party and helping arrange it? she asked with a raised brow.
His eyes were on the table. Axton is my closest friend. This will be his first celebration at Nassaun House. I must make it special.
A warm smile filled her face and she reached towards him to touch his head. She stroked the side of his head and he leaned towards her hand. You love teasing him, but you love him even more.
Dont tell him.
Tori laughed. I dont need to.
Piers humd once more and turned his face towards her hand. A knock ca from the door, and he snapped back in its direction with an annoyed scowl that reminded her of the look on Avas face when she was annoyed. Tori lowered her hand and looked towards the door, barely holding back a chuckle.
Go away. Piers had no qualms about sending off the visitor.
Tori sighed. Who is it?
Axton.
Tori sucked in a sharp breath and nearly threw her body across the table to hastily collect all the papers that hinted at his birthday party. Axton wasnt supposed to co. Give a minute! She did her best to put them into a pile under Piers' frowning gaze and shoved them into her bag. She just knew the uneven, unorganized pile bothered him. Co in!
The door didnt open for another few counts. Finally, it creaked open, but only for about an inch. Are you decent?
What are you talking about? Tori glared at him. Were not in here alone.
Axton pushed the door open the rest of the way and looked from her to Piers and back. There are only two of you.
Alexander. Piers pointed to the daybed and the massive gray cat sprawled on his back, his belly exposed to the sunlight coming through the windows. His whiskers moved and one of his feet twitched, but he didnt get up from his comfortable position.
Axton took a deep breath. I ca to get sothing to eat after training and saw the knights, so I figured you were here, he said, looking at Piers. Mama J said not to bother you.
Piers looked away. You disobeyed Mama J.
Thats not the point, Axton said, slamming a hand on the table. Youve been busy with your information gathering, so I havent bothered you, but I want to start discussing sothing important since the date is getting closer.
Tori furrowed her brows. Do you need a mont with him?
Axton shook his head. He closed the door and took a seat across from her. No, actually, its better to talk to you about this. She nodded and gave him a concerned, but encouraging look. Axton took a deep breath. I want to have my birthday party at Nassaun House.
Goddammit, Axton. Tori blinked and kept a calm expression on her face. Her voice, however, was forced and robotic. Thats nice.
Axton squinted at her and shook his head. He looked back at Piers. What do you think? I talked to Mr. rcer, and he didnt seem sure if we could accommodate such a party since the renovations are still being done. Construction does slow down when the weather drops.
Rather than rush it, there are other options, Piers replied. What about the Lunar Pavilion?
Youre going to have your new year party there and the third-tier knights are having their party there next month. Axton crossed his arms and leaned back against the chair with a sowhat annoyed look. I considered Viclya, but we go there so often.
Are you saying its boring? Tori narrowed her eyes and he tensed.
No, of course not. Its just that we always have parties there. I was thinking we should do soplace...new?
Then where?
Thats what I want to discuss with you.
Piers also narrowed his eyes. With ?
No, Tori. Why would I ask you? You hate parties. Tori drew her lips inward and bit them. Axton looked back at Tori, unperturbed. I did have a second option. Do you think reserving the Three Queens is too much?
No, not at all. She was on good terms with Mr. Sassure, and hed be able to help with acting as the decoy for Axtons party. Thats a good idea. Youd have to reserve the entire building, since not everyone will fit on the roof.
Axton rubbed his chin and looked down thoughtfully at the table. Id need to check to see if there is a weekend available. If there are existing reservations, theyd need to be notified of rescheduling.
You should also compensate them, at the very least, Tori added. He nodded once more. She glanced at Piers, who had a dark look on his face. He was still likely irritated that Axton would doubt him.
Another knock ca from the door and before they could answer, it swung open. Ilyana walked in with Albert behind her, carrying a wooden box of fabric.
Tori, I got so samples for the table clothes, napkins, and banners for the- Tori saw Ilyanas eyes widen as she saw Axton sitting there. She imdiately looked towards Piers. New Year party at the Lunar Pavilion. Its good His Highness is here, too. We can get his opinion.
Good save! Tori silently gave Ilyana thumbs up.
Axton craned his neck to look into the box. He raised a brow. Green for winter, though?
Grandma says that its good luck to have so green for the new year! Alberts voice was abnormally high, but it was a good excuse. Its to...uh...hope for a good spring and planting.
Axton pursed his lips and nodded, buying the excuse completely.
Great, put the box over here and well check it later. Tori smiled and motioned her hand towards the corner of the room. As Albert put the box down, Tori gave Ilyana a aningful look. Can you check on Henrik-
Tori, Ive found a suitable pig farm as a source. I reserved three. Henriks voice ca from the door. He adjusted his glasses as he walked in and ca to an abrupt stop as soon as he saw Axton. Sets of piglets to be purchased for the pig farm at the delta thats supposed to supply the restaurants there.
Three sets are more than enough, Tori said with an approving nod. She couldnt help but glare at Piers from the corner of her eye. He swore to her that Axton was supposed to be busy that afternoon, which was why they scheduled a party planning eting.
Albert, Ilyana, and Henrik had forced smiles on their faces. They were told the celebrant wasnt going to be there, as well.
Axton looked at them thoughtfully. What do you three think if I have my birthday party at the Three Queens?
Ilyana clenched her jaw and Albert and Henrik didnt seem to know what to say. Behind Axton, Tori nodded her head vigorously, ordering them to agree.
Yeah! That sounds great!
The food will be top notch for sure.
Will we have to dress in accordance with the usual dress code? The other three students replied at once, appearing interested. Axton looked relieved.
Im still considering it, but I think thats my best choice, Axton said. If I could have it at Naussan House we could make a weekend of it, but the renovations are still being made.
Thats a sha.... Albert said.
Tori ran her hand down her face Piers and I still have to go over the choices for the New Year party. Can you three go with Axton to look over the Three Queens? We need asurents, approximate capacity, see if they have a set nu.
We should go over now. Henrik did not hesitate. We have a good amount of ti before the sunsets.
We can pick up food on the way back, Albert agreed. His comnt sohow made the entire request appear normal.
SIG One is still parked in the alley after they took us to pick up fabric, Ilyana said. We can take that.
Great plan! Tori stood up and circled the table. She grabbed Axtons arm and pulled him up. She leaned closer to him. Axton, dont forget to set a budget. I know youre willing to spend a lot, but we need actual numbers to work with.
Distracted by her orders, he nodded. Of course. Im not a fool. I know how to make a budget.
Ilyana and Henrik know what to ask for, so if you have any questions, ask them. Tori ushered them outside and Axton nodded once more before following the other three downstairs without questioning anything.. Tori waited until they disappeared down the stairwell before whirling around and slamming the door shut.
Piers handed Tori her comcry and she quickly flipped it open and slid her finger across. Call Anton Sassure!
As she waited for the call to connect, Piers put down a silence charm and waited. When the manager of the Three Queens didnt answer, Tori called again.
He may be busy and doesnt notice his comcry, Piers told her.
Tori hated it when this happened. I need to make this thing ring or vibrate or sothing! She called him three tis and was sure that Axton was already on his way. Piers, do you know anyone else at the Three Queens? He shook his head and Tori groaned. The comcry did not connect. Dammit! She tossed her comcry onto the table and threw open the door. Sir yer! She shouted out the door. Soone rushed up the stairs.
My lady?
I need you to rush to the Three Queens and get there before Axton and the others. Tell manager Sassure to call at once. If he asks why, tell him I need him to stall Axton for his birthday.
Sir yer bowed his head. At once, my lady! He whirled around and rushed back down the stairs.
Tori let out a heavy breath and lifted a hand to rub her forehead. Of all the tis that Axton wants to plan his own birthday....
I told you he is troubleso, Piers said with a nod.
Tori opened her mouth as she glared at him, but caught her comcry flashing. Thinking it was Mr. Sassure, she snatched the device from the table and answered it at once without looking at the na.
Hello?
My lady, its urgent! A womans frantic voice filled her ears. Toris eyes focused on the na and her brows furrowed.
Master Hansen? Whats wrong?
Lord Kasen has arrived and he's badly injured
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